It is often believed that things like success, money and a prestigious career can make us happy. However professor Abraham Goldberg and his team of researchers set out to uncover the main driving factors of happiness in five major cities.

Using statistical analysis on data gathered by Gallup happiness surveys, as well as data they collected on their own, they discovered that people’s happiness can be contributed to living in an aesthetically beautiful city.

The things they are surrounded by in their daily environment had the greatest effect on their happiness including history, green spaces, beautiful architecture, and cobblestone streets to name a few.

They also concluded that our perception of beauty produces feelings we associate with happiness like calmness, appreciation, reflection and hope. So in essence, experiencing beauty alters our emotions and makes us feel happier.