The South African city named best in the world for the seventh time in a row

Cape Town has been named the best city in the world by the Telegraph Travel Awards, claiming the title for the seventh time in a row.

Over 20,000 readers voted in the Telegraph Travel Awards, which named Cape Town the best city in the world ahead of Seville in Spain, Sydney in Australia, and Tokyo in Japan. 

Cape Town has taken the top spot in Telegraph readers’ votes for the seventh time in the past eleven years. The rankings are compiled every two years.

The Telegraph said that Cape Town’s consistency makes it an easy pick, adding that very few places on earth can match the city’s photogenic qualities. 

This includes the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the beaches of Camps Bay and the Cape of Good Hope. 

The British publication also highlighted the winelands to the east of the city, with fine vintages in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek. 

“This kind of recognition doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion,” said James Vos, Cape Town’s MMC for economic growth.

“Behind the scenes, our focused destination marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, ensure that our city’s unique experiences are promoted to the world.” 

“Being named the best city in the world by The Telegraph readers is proof that our strategy is working, and we’re going to keep raising the bar, because the world is watching.”

Second time this year 

This is the second time Cape Town has been named the best city in the world this year, after claiming the same title from Time Out magazine readers.

In the Time Out rankings, Cape Town rose from second place in 2024 to claiming the number-one spot for 2025 in the British-based company’s rankings.

Time Out’s rankings were based on the opinions of 18,500 people worldwide, with survey questions based on food, culture, affordability, happiness and overall city vibe.

Time Out said that Cape Town’s rank was no surprise as locals and visitors enjoy the city’s African penguins, world-class wines and the cool neighbourhood of East City. 

The city is also renowned for its beaches, historic sites, and cultural hubs. Time Out operates in the city via its market in the V&A Waterfront.

Cape Town was a strong performer in 44 areas in the survey, with 82% of Capetonians describing their city as beautiful, and 97% of locals saying it makes them happy.

Briony Brookes, CMO of Cape Town Tourism, said the back-to-back recognition is something to commemorate.

“It’s a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world.” 

“Cape Town continues to outshine global destinations year after year, and locals have every reason to be proud of how the city mixes bold creativity, stunning nature, and a culture that’s full of heart.”

The TimeOut Rankings were as follows: 

1. Cape Town, South Africa
2. Bangkok, Thailand
3. New York, USA
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. London, England
6. New Orleans, USA
7. Mexico City, Mexico
8. Porto, Portugal
9. Shanghai, China
10. Copenhagen, Denmark

Pictures of Cape Town’s beauty