Cape Town is world’s best city, says travel survey

Time Out, a global online travel magazine, has named Cape Town the best city in the world for 2025.

Cape Town has been named Time Out’s Best City in the World for 2025 – receiving a “huge high five” from the global online travel magazine.

Last year, Cape Town ranked second on the list with New York taking the top spot. New York has now dropped to third place with Bangkok in second.

Time Out said Cape Town scored highly across the board in its seventh global survey for its beauty, overall happiness and top-notch food scene. It praised Cape Town’s food, culture, nightlife, green spaces and access to nature.

According to Time Out, more than 18 500 people around the world participated in the global survey. Sampling opinions from locals, the survey says 95% gave the city’s food scene a high rating, 82% said they would describe Cape Town as beautiful and 97% said their city made them happy.

Survey questions covered everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and overall city vibe.

A panel of more than 100 city experts, drawn from Time Out’s global network was also asked to name the most exciting cities in the world right now. Time Out then combined all the data – a total of 44 criteria – to rank the best cities in the world for 2025.

Andrew Hallett, Time Out South Africa’s content director, said that to be to be recognised as Time Out’s Best City in the World is a “huge high five to the Capetonians who work so hard to create a city which can be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike”.

Time Out travel editor Grace Beard said the annual ranking proved that if you wanted to know what made a city truly great, ask a local.

“From affordability to access to nature, liveability was a key factor in our survey this year. This list not only showcases the world’s most exciting cities to visit in 2025, where world-class culture, great food and exciting nightlife can be found on every corner, but also reflects the places where locals feel most at home.”

Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the City was delighted with Cape Town’s top spot on the list.

“In addition to all the things that make Cape Town a must-visit tourism destination – our unmatched natural beauty, blue flag beaches, wonderful cuisine, nightlife and cultural diversity – it is the overall happiness of residents that perhaps means the most in this extensive survey,” he said.

James Vos, mayoral committee member for economic growth, said the ranking was sure to boost the local tourism industry and Cape Town’s economic growth.

Enver Duminy, CEO of Cape Town Tourism, said: “Cape Town is a city built on its people and passion, resilience, and creativity. From bustling markets to serene beaches, every corner of our city tells a story of community and connection. This win celebrates who we are and what we stand for. Starting the year with this amazing accolade is the perfect way to kick off what’s sure to be an epic 2025.”

Time Out’s top-10 best cities in the world for 2025 are: