In a landmark achievement, Cape Town has been named the world’s best city for 2025 by Time Out, a global authority on urban culture and lifestyle.
Cape Town takes the crown for World’s Best City for 2025
The announcement follows the results of Time Out’s annual survey, which saw over 18,500 city-dwellers worldwide weigh in on food, culture, nightlife, affordability, and overall happiness in their cities.
This is not the first time Cape Town has received global acclaim, but being crowned as the best city on the planet stamps its status as a destination that combines natural beauty with unmatched cultural vibrancy.
Why Cape Town stood out
Cape Town excelled across all 44 survey categories, earning admiration for its stunning landscapes, diverse cultural experiences, and unique attractions.
The Mother City offers an irresistible mix of pristine beaches, iconic landmarks like Table Mountain, and world-renowned wine estates.
In the survey, an impressive 82% of local respondents described Cape Town as breathtakingly beautiful, while 97% expressed happiness living there.
The city also shone in categories like nightlife, where hotspots such as Long Street and vibrant local markets were celebrated.
One of the standout features mentioned was the Time Out Market Cape Town, which has quickly become a cultural hub, offering everything from cutting-edge cuisine to live performances.
Cities Cape Town surpassed
Cape Town’s top ranking saw it outshine several international heavyweights, including:
- New York City (#3), which boasts a bustling cultural and economic hub.
- Bangkok (#4), a favourite for its dynamic street food and nightlife.
- Melbourne (#5), known for its artsy vibe and coffee culture.
London, which ranked #2 in 2024, was also dethroned by Cape Town this year.
Cape Town was not the only African city to make the list, with Marrakech securing the #32 spot and Lagos at #41.
However, notable cities like Accra, which featured in the Top 50 last year, did not make the 2025 rankings.
Cape Town’s triumph in the 2025 Time Out rankings affirms its place as a leading global destination.
For locals and tourists alike, the Mother City offers a unique blend of natural wonders and urban charm, setting a high standard for cities worldwide.