A year after being crowned the best city in the world, Cape Town still holds its own on the global stage. The Mother City has claimed sixth place in Time Out’s 2026 rankings, keeping it firmly among the world’s elite destinations.
In terms of this year’s rankings, it no longer holds the top spot it claimed the previous year; its continued presence in the top 10 reinforces its status as one of the most desirable cities on the planet.
Global recognition continues
Cape Town finds itself in strong company this year, with Melbourne taking the number one position, followed by Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York.
Despite dropping a few places Cape Town still ranks ahead of major global destinations such as Mexico City, Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo.
Notably, it remains the only African city to feature in the top 10.
How the rankings are decided
According to Time Out, the annual list draws on insights from more than 24 000 people across 150 cities worldwide. These public responses are combined with input from more than 100 city experts as well as contributions from local writers who highlight what makes each destination stand out. The ranking evaluates a range of factors, including food, culture, affordability, happiness and overall quality of life.
Beauty and lifestyle stand out
Cape Town’s natural setting continues to be one of its strongest draws. In the survey 86% of locals rated the city’s beauty and green spaces highly, earning it the title of the most beautiful city in the world.
From the iconic slopes of Table Mountain to its beaches, neighbourhoods and surrounding Winelands the city offers a mix of experiences that few destinations can match.
An impressive 85% of residents also described their quality of life as “good” or “amazing”, further boosting its global standing.
Tourism and local pride
The recognition reflects sustained international interest in the city, with strong passenger numbers at Cape Town International Airport pointing to continued global demand.
Cape Town Tourism CEO Enver Duminy said the city’s appeal goes beyond its scenery. Visitors may arrive for the views, but it is the culture, creativity, food and people that leave a lasting impression.
Similarly, Time Out’s Cape Town editor Selene Brophy highlighted the city’s welcoming atmosphere, diverse communities and vibrant hospitality scene as key elements of its charm.
Balancing success with challenges
While the ranking is a point of pride, it also comes at a time when concerns around affordability and the pressures of growing tourism continue to be raised.
The City’s Mayco member for Economic Growth James Vos welcomed the accolade, noting it reflected the collective effort of residents, businesses and the City to keep Cape Town vibrant, clean and attractive.
He added that although positions on global lists may shift, Cape Town’s consistent performance across international tourism rankings shows its enduring appeal.
