Cape Town has claimed the top spot on Time Out’s annual list of the Best Cities in the World, announced on January 15, 2025.
This is the latest in a string of accolades for the Mother City, which triumphed with high scores for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and thriving food scene, moving up from its second-place ranking last year.
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Time Out, a global authority on city living, released the rankings following its extensive survey of residents and city experts.
Cape Town: A City of Happiness and Adventure
The City was lauded for offering an unparalleled mix of historical significance, cultural richness, and breathtaking landscapes.
Andrew Hallett, Content Director for Time Out South Africa, expressed pride in the city’s top ranking, attributing the achievement to the efforts of Capetonians.
“Cape Town provides not only an amazing playground for food lovers, adventurers, and sightseers but is also a place where locals are living their best lives.”
From Table Mountain to the bustling East City food scene and Cape Point’s natural beauty, Cape Town’s diverse attractions continue to captivate visitors and residents alike. Notably, 97% of locals reported feeling happy in the city, and 82% described it as stunningly beautiful.
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Global Survey Highlights Liveability
This year’s rankings were shaped by insights from more than 18,500 city-dwellers worldwide, coupled with input from Time Out’s panel of over 100 city experts. The survey assessed cities on 44 criteria, including nightlife, affordability, public transport, and overall vibe, with a particular focus on liveability.
Time Out’s Travel Editor, Grace Beard, emphasized the importance of residents’ perspectives in crafting the rankings. “Our list not only highlights the most exciting cities to visit but also showcases the places where locals feel most at home,” Beard explained.
A Word from the Mayor
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis expressed his delight at the recognition, calling it “a tribute to the city’s residents.”
He noted that while Cape Town is a perennial favourite on travel lists, this accolade is particularly meaningful because it reflects the happiness of its people.
“All our efforts are aimed at making Cape Town the best city to live in, where residents can build meaningful lives and feel a sense of ownership.”
The World’s Top 10 Cities
Following Cape Town, Bangkok, New York, Melbourne, and London rounded out the top five cities. Bangkok earned praise for its affordability and food scene, while New York topped the list for excitement and cultural offerings.
Melbourne stood out for its culinary and cultural contributions, and London was recognized for its inclusivity and vibrant nightlife. Other cities in the top 10 included New Orleans, Mexico City, Porto, Shanghai, and Copenhagen.
A Definitive Guide to City Greatness
The 2025 Best Cities list reflects the evolving priorities of urban life, balancing world-class attractions with factors like accessibility to nature and resident happiness. For travellers and locals alike, Cape Town’s victory reinforces its reputation as a dynamic and enriching global destination.
For the complete list of Time Out’s Best Cities in the World for 2025, visit timeout.com/bestcities.
