I am the director of the Happiness Lab<\/a> at Drexel University, where I also teach a course on happiness. The Happiness Lab is a think tank that investigates the ingredients that contribute to people\u2019s happiness.<\/p>\n Often, my students ask me something along the lines of, \u201cDr. Z, tell us one thing that will make us happier.\u201d<\/p>\n As a first step, I advise them to spend more time outside.<\/p>\n Achieving lasting and sustainable happiness is more complicated. Research on the happiest countries in the world<\/a> and the places where people live the longest, known as Blue Zones<\/a>, shows a common thread: Residents feel they are part of something larger than themselves, such as a community or a city.<\/p>\n So if you\u2019re living in a metropolis like Philadelphia<\/a>, where, incidentally, the iconic pursuit of happiness<\/a> charge was ratified in the Declaration of Independence, I believe urban citizenship<\/a> \u2013 that is, forming an identity with your urban surroundings \u2013 should also be on your list.<\/p>\n Safety, social connection, beauty<\/b><\/p>\n Carl Jung, the renowned Swiss psychoanalyst, wrote extensively about the relationship between our internal world and our external environment<\/a>.<\/p>\n He believed that this relationship was crucial to our psychological well-being.<\/p>\n More recent research in neuroscience and functional imaging has revealed a vast, intricate and complex neurological architecture underlying our psychological perception of a place. Numerous neurological pathways and functional loops<\/a> transform a complex neuropsychological process into a simple realization: I am happy here!<\/p>\n For example, a happy place should feel safe.<\/p>\n The country of Croatia, a tourist haven for its beauty and culinary delights, is also one of the top 20 safest countries globally<\/a>, according to the 2025 Global Peace Index.<\/p>\n The U.S. ranks 128th.<\/p>\n The availability of good food and drink<\/a> can also be a significant factor in creating a happy place.<\/p>\n However, according to American psychologist Abraham Maslow<\/a>, a pioneer in the field of positive psychology, the opportunity for social connectivity, experiencing something meaningful and having a sense of belonging is more crucial.<\/p>\n Furthermore, research on happy places suggests that they are beautiful<\/a>. It should not come as a surprise that the happiest places in the world are also drop-dead gorgeous, such as the Indian Ocean archipelago of Mauritius, which is the happiest country in Africa<\/a>, according to the 2025 World Happiness Report from the University of Oxford and others.<\/p>\n Happy places often provide access to nature and promote active lifestyles, which can help relieve stress. The residents of the island of Ikaria in Greece, for example, one of the original Blue Zones<\/a>, demonstrate high levels of physical activity and social interaction<\/a>.<\/p>\n I asked my undergraduate psychology students at Drexel, many of whom come from other cities, states and countries, to pick one place in Philadelphia where they feel happy.<\/p>\n From the 243 student responses, the Happiness Lab curated 28 Philly happy places, based on how frequently the places were endorsed and their accessibility.<\/p>\n Philadelphia\u2019s founder, William Penn, would likely approve that Rittenhouse Square Park<\/a> and three other public squares \u2013 Logan, Franklin and Washington \u2013 were included. These squares were vital to Penn\u2019s vision of landscaped public parks to promote the health of the mind and body by providing \u201csalubrious spaces similar to the private garden<\/a>.\u201d They are beautiful and approachable, serving as \u201cplaces to rest, take a pause, work, or read a book,\u201d one student told us.<\/p>\n Places such as the Philadelphia Zoo<\/a>, Penn\u2019s Landing<\/a> and the Philadelphia Museum of Art<\/a> are \u201cjoyful spots that are fun to explore, and one can also take your parents along if need be,\u201d as another student described.<\/p>\n The Athenaeum of Philadelphia<\/a>, a historic library with eclectic programming, feels to one student like \u201ccoming home, a perfect third place.\u201d<\/p>\n Some students mentioned happy places that are less known. These include tucked-away gardens such as the John F. Collings Park<\/a> at 1707 Chestnut St., the rooftop Cira Green<\/a> at 129 S. 30th St. and the James G. Kaskey Memorial Park<\/a> and BioPond<\/a> at 433 S. University Ave.<\/p>\n My students said these are small, unexpected spots that provide an excellent opportunity for a quiet, peaceful break, to be present, whether enjoyed alone or with a friend. I checked them out and I agree.<\/p>\n The students also mentioned places I had never heard of even though I\u2019ve lived in the city for over 30 years.<\/p>\n The \u201ccat park<\/a>\u201d at 526 N. Natrona St. in Mantua is a quiet little park with an eclectic personality and lots of friendly cats.<\/p>\n Mango Mango Dessert<\/a> at 1013 Cherry St. in Chinatown, which is a frequently endorsed happiness spot among the students because of its \u201cbustling streets, lively atmosphere and delicious food,\u201d is a perfect pit stop for mango lovers. And Maison Sweet<\/a>, at 2930 Chestnut St. in University City, is a casual bakery and cafe \u201cwhere you may end up staying longer than planned,\u201d one student shared.<\/p>\n I find that Philly\u2019s happy places, as seen through the eyes of college students, tend to offer a space for residents to take time out from their day to pause, reset, relax and feel more connected and in touch with the city.<\/p>\n Happiness principals are universal, yet our own journeys are very personal. Philadelphians across the city may have their own list of happy places. There are really no right or wrong answers. If you don\u2019t have a personal happy space, just start exploring and you may be surprised what you will find, including a new sense of happiness.<\/p>\n See the full Philly Happiness Map list here<\/a>, and visit the exhibit<\/a> at the W.W. Hagerty Library at Drexel University to learn more.<\/p>\n Eric Zillner is a professor of neuroscience at Drexel University. This piece also ran in The Conversation<\/a>.<\/p>\n The James G. Kaskey Memorial Park and BioPond in West Philadelphia is an urban oasis. M. Fischetti for Visit Philadelphia
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A map of 28 happy places in Philadelphia, based on 243 survey responses from Drexel students. The Happiness Lab at Drexel University<\/a>
\nPhilly Happiness Map<\/b><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/nl_bolt600-copy.jpg\")
MORE CULTURE AND LIFESTYLE FROM THE CITIZEN<\/strong><\/p>\n
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