What makes a city truly joyful? For Dr. Eric Zillmer, professor of neuroscience and director of the Happiness Lab At Drexel University, the answer lies in both science and soul. In his recent research project, Dr. Zillmer set out to discover the happiest places in Philadelphia—and the results are both surprising and heartwarming.
😊 The pursuit of Philly happiness
“I often get asked, ‘Dr Z, tell us one thing that will make us happier.’ My answer always begins with: spend more time outside,” Zillmer explained.
As the leader of Drexel’s Happiness Lab, he’s devoted to studying the ingredients that boost our well-being.
Those ingredients, he says, include safety, social connection, and beauty—the same themes echoed in his students’ favorite Philly spots.
Using responses from 243 undergraduate psychology students, the Happiness Lab curated 28 official “happy places” in Philadelphia, creating a unique map of joy across the city.
Unsurprisingly, Rittenhouse Square topped the list, along with Logan, Franklin, and Washington squares—all core to William Penn’s original vision for public green space.
“They are beautiful and approachable, serving ‘places to rest, take a pause, work, or read a book'”, one student shared.
😊 The happiest places in Philadelphia
Other well-loved destinations include the Philadelphia Zoo, Penn’s Landing, and the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which students described as “joyful spots that are fun to explore, and once can also take your parents along if need be.”
But some hidden gems also made the cut.
The Athenaeum of Philadelphia, a historic library, was called “a perfect third place.”
The rooftop oasis Cira Green, the serene BioPond at Penn, and even the quirky ‘cat park‘ in Mantua (a community green space with roaming friendly cats), showed that happiness in Philly often thrives in unexpected corners.
Food, of course, played its part too.
Students highlighted Mango Mango Dessert in Chinatown for its “lively atmosphere and delicious food.”
Also named was Maison Sweet in University City, a cozy bakery where “you may end up staying longer than planned.”
“Happiness principles are universal,” Zillmer noted, “yet our own journeys are very personal.”
Indeed, by mapping out these spots, his research underscores how Philadelphians find joy in connection, beauty, and belonging.
From a bustling dessert shop to a quiet park bench under the trees, happiness is all around us!
See the full map below: