This Mexican City Was Named One of the World’s Happiest Places to Visit—and Travelers Can’t Stop Talking About the Food

There are endless reasons to plan a trip—to celebrate a big moment, discover new cultures, try new foods, or meet up with lifelong friends—and finding a bit of happiness is certainly up there. After all, few experiences have the power to boost your mood quite like travel. While you can certainly feel joy wherever you choose to go, a new study identified the places that make people feel the happiest. And Oaxaca , which was recently named the No. 5 city in the world in the 2026 World's Best Awards , earned one of the top spots on the list. (Not to be confused with the surrounding state of the same name, Oaxaca de Juárez is the capital and largest city of Oaxaca.)

Irish insurance company JustCover reviewed more than one million traveler comments about attractions, venues, national parks, resorts, and other popular sights across 155 vacation destinations to determine where visitors reported feeling the most happiness and satisfaction. The analysis focused on phrases that conveyed genuine joy, including sentiments such as "this place made me so happy" and "I felt genuine happiness here," according to the report.

The Essential Guide to Oaxaca City

To rank each destination, JustCover assigned a "Happy Place Score" based on the percentage of reviews containing expressions of happiness compared with the total number of reviews analyzed. These results were then standardized on a 0-to-100 scale, with 100 representing the highest level of reported happiness. Oaxaca , with a Happy Place Score of 88 out of 100, came in at No. 3 on the list, making it the second-happiest place to travel in Mexico (just two spots down from Tulum, the overall winner ).

But what is it about Oaxaca that makes it stand out from other destinations? Why do travelers experience above-average happiness here? According to JustCover, it's all about the food, the markets, and the "deep Indigenous culture."

"It has some of the most recognized food scenes in Mexico and is known as the land of the seven moles, distinct varieties of sauces integral to Mexican cuisine," the study stated. "Beyond the food, the city's well-preserved colonial center and its role as the heartland of Día de los Muertos celebrations give it a cultural weight that stays with people long after they leave."

Other things in Oaxaca that may bring you happiness? The city's famous walking food tours, its mezcal experiences, and its thoughtfully designed hotels— Otro Oaxaca , in particular, has received the T+L stamp of approval.

Already visited Oaxaca and looking to travel somewhere with similar happiness-inducing offerings? Check out the full JustCover.ie report for inspiration.

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