Cape Town - Best City Award

Cape Town edged out some big hitters to take the title of Best City in the World in this year’s Time Out global survey, which polls more than 18,500 city-dwellers and 100 city experts on food, nightlife, affordability, happiness and overall city vibe.

Livability was a key factor in the rankings. “This year we wanted to get a sense of what, exactly, makes a city feel like home,” says Time Out travel editor Grace Beard. “Sure, the nightlife is great, but is the city safe and walkable? Is good quality food and art available at a reasonable price? Is it easy to make friends, find love, and access nature?”

After losing out to New York in 2024, Cape Town came out on top, beating rivals Bangkok (#2), New York (#3), Melbourne (#4) and London (#5).

Cape Town scored highly across the 44 different criteria used in the survey, with 82% of Capetonians describing their city as beautiful, and 97% of locals saying it makes them happy. Ninety-five percent of Capetonians gave the city’s food scene a high rating, while 82% rated the cultural scene highly.

African cities Marrakech in Morocco (#32) and Lagos in Nigeria (#41) also made it into the Top 50.

James Vos, City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, said the award recognises Cape Town’s incredible spirit: “From our stunning landscapes to our awesome communities, it’s no wonder we’re considered the best. This is a shared achievement and we’re excited to continue growing and attracting visitors from around the globe to experience everything we have to offer.”

The city’s unique combination of natural beauty, diverse culture and rich history, along with its world-class cuisine and wine, make it a top destination for international travellers. Just over 1.4 million foreign visitors flew in to Cape Town International in 2024, according to the Airports Company SA.

Popular City Destinations

• Table Mountain, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers breathtaking views of the city.
• Groot Constantia, the country’s oldest wine estate, produces some of South Africa’s finest wines.
• Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, on the Atlantic Ocean, features stunning views, shops, arts and crafts, restaurants and the Time Out Market.
• Swim with penguins at Boulders Beach or kayak in the Atlantic Ocean alongside seals and dolphins.
• Explore the city’s oldest streets in the picturesque Bo-Kaap, take a graffiti tour in Woodstock, or socialise in the East City, a vibrant hub for culture, food and design.

Other Accolades

• Cape Town was named the World’s Best Food City in the 2024 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, beating culinary destinations such as Tokyo, Rome and Porto.
• Cape Town was recognised as Africa’s Leading City Destination for 2024 at the World Travel Awards, marking the fourth consecutive year it has earned this title.
• Cape Town International Airport is the most punctual airport in the world, with 86% of flights arriving on time, according to a study by AirHelp.