Cape Town has been named the 10th friendliest City in the World for 2026, according to UK readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine.

The magazine received almost 800 000 survey responses from readers, in which they were asked to rate their travel experiences.

The Mother City’s tenth spot on the World’s Friendliest is, however, a bit of a tumble from its third-place spot in 2025.

Readers also put Cape Town in 15th place (out of 20) on the Best Cities in the World list, with Brits especially enjoying it as a UK winter escape.

“There are few cities as culturally rich as Cape Town, where you can lounge on spectacular beaches frequented by penguins before heading to gorgeous vineyards and chic rooftop bars. It’s a winter sun favourite among Brits for plenty of reasons, but the minimal time difference from the UK is undoubtedly a draw for remote workers and sunseekers eager to avoid the perils of jet lag.”

Cape Town is the only African City on both lists.

What’s more, South Africa also makes the Top 10 for Best Country in the World for Food. The magazine says that, as a culinary destination, South Africa excels through its diversity, fusing cooking from indigenous populations, as well as Indian, Malay, and European communities.

“Succulent meats are the cornerstone of all meals, so tuck into a traditional “braai”, or South African barbecue, to really get under the skin of the foodie culture.”

The City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, James Vos, says the rankings are worth celebrating.

“For those of us who know the Mother City well, it’s no surprise that travellers rate us as one of the friendliest and best. In fact, I would say the one speaks to the other. Yes, the beaches and mountains are beautiful beyond compare, but it’s Capetonians who are so welcoming to visitors. That’s what makes this place unmatched.”

The Readers’ Choice Awards findings come as Cape Town enters its peak visitor period, with direct tourism spend totalling R24,5 billion in 2025, and the industry sustaining over 100,000 jobs.

Vos says they are working to increase those figures to R35 billion in tourism spend and 234 041 tourism jobs by 2030.