Cape Town is the best city on the planet, no argument.
In the Mother City (as it’s fondly called in South Africa) they’ve known it all along, and now the rest of the world knows it, too.
The Telegraph named Cape Town the Best City on Earth this month in its Travel Awards 2025, after the votes of more than 20,000 readers around the world were tallied. In the past 11 years, Cape Town has come out on top every single time (seven times in total) readers have been asked.
“In truth, this unswerving consistency is easy to unpick. Few places can match South Africa’s most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope,” the British newspaper wrote.
“Then there are the winelands to the east; the promise of fine vintages in Stellenbosch and Franschhoek.”
They’re not the only ones: six months earlier, in January, Time Out named Cape Town the Best City in the World in its annual best cities awards.
More than 18,500 people worldwide took part. Time Out said the survey’s questions “covered everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and overall city vibe”.
You can “hang out with a colony of African penguins, taste world-class wines, stroll Blue Flag beaches, enjoy views from one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature and visit one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, East City”.
Yes, Cape Town came out at 19 in Time Out’s world’s coolest neighbourhoods list towards the end of last year.
“Throw into the mix historic sites and cultural hubs, and you have a city worthy of the title of World’s Best.”
Time Out had 44 criteria in its survey, with Cape Town scoring highly across all. And 82% of Capetonians described their city as beautiful, while 97% said it made them happy.
Cape Town Main Attractions: Beaches and Mountains
There are so many attractions to tick off your list, you could fill days and days with fun things to do.
Take the cable car up Table Mountain for fantastic views and to orient yourself, and then stroll along the Sea Point Promenade for ice creams and public art. Visit the V&A Waterfront for shopping, restaurants, the Two Oceans Aquarium, Time Out Market and the vibe, and then take the ferry to Robben Island for a glimpse into South Africa’s past.
Feeling energetic? Stroll through the world-renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens, or hike up Lion’s Head. The night-time full moon hikes are fabulous.
Go to Cape Point to take the funicular to the tip of the Cape of Good Hope or hike to the lighthouse, swim in the ocean. Stop at Boulders Beach to see the penguins. You can swim with them, too.
Talking beaches, Clifton has four, Camps Bay has a long one, fringed with restaurants and bars. From Hout Bay Harbour, take a boat to Seal Island; you can even snorkel with seals.
The Perfect Pairing: Cape Town & Safari
Cape Town pairs beautifully with BIG 5 safaris, whale watching, or a journey through the Cape Winelands.
A Taste of the Wild: Cape Town to Safari on the Ultimate Short Escape
If you’re on the clock, there is a handful of BIG 5 reserves near the city. Our 3-Day BIG 5 Safari Near Cape Town includes time at Sanbona Wildlife Reserve.
Urban Glam to Untamed Wild: City and Bush in One Epic Journey
You can’t beat Greater Kruger for animal sightings. In Kruger National Park itself, our 7-day Iconic Kruger-Cape Town safari takes you to Imbali Safari Lodge, and our 8-Day Journey: Safari, Cellars & City Lights includes Arathusa Safari Lodge in Sabi Sand Nature Reserve and Rickety Bridge Estate in Franschhoek.
Sip, Savor, and Soak It In: South Africa’s Wine Country & Coastal Beauty
Got more time? Our 10-Day Luxury Cape Town, Winelands & Beach Full Circle Cape Experience will give you a taste of everything, including a 14-course dinner at Gold Restaurant in the Mother City.
Three Icons: From Cape Town to Kruger to Victoria Falls
Three’s a charm on our 11-Day Luxury Kruger, Victoria Falls and Cape Town adventure.
Road Trips and Coastal Views: Scenic Drive Meets Safari Magic
The whales are in South Africa’s coastal waters from June to November, making for a perfect vacay on our Follow the Whales 14-Day Journey or our 15-Day Cape Winelands, Whales & Garden Route safari.
You can’t argue, Cape Town belongs on your safari bucket list. And to give you peace of mind on your travels, we offer complimentary travel insurance, too.
Start Planning Your Safari with Confidence
There’s always something unexpected to discover in Africa, and at SAFARI.COM, we’re here to help you go on the adventure of a lifetime.
Let our expert team craft something extraordinary. We’ll guide you with heart, insight, and insider knowledge every step of the way—before, during, and long after your journey.
Ready to explore? Email us at helpmeplan@safari.com, hit the WhatsApp button above, or call us toll-free on 1-888-SAFARIS (US & Canada).
Written by Lorraine Kearney
