Not only is Cape Town one of the friendliest cities in the world, it’s also one of the all-round best, according to the annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards.

The magazine received almost 800 000 survey responses from readers based in the United Kingdom, who were asked to rate their travel experiences. The readers ranked Cape Town 15th on the best cities in the world list and at 10th for the friendliest cities across the globe. It is also the only African city on both lists.

“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,” said James Vos, the City’s Mayco member for economic growth. “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.”

Bangkok, Thailand, which did not feature in the magazine’s best cities list last year, came out on top, followed by Paris, France, in second and Istanbul, Turkey, in third.

Colourful

Although Cape Town fell from third spot on the world’s friendliest cities list in 2025 to 10th, the magazine noted: “The colourful port city sits on the cusp between ocean shores and mountain ranges, so drift up by gentle cable car to the flat-topped peak of Table Mountain, or marvel at the penguin colonies on Boulders Beach. A traditional South African barbecue, or ‘braai’, is also essential to understanding the social culture here, where loved ones gather to share stories, laughter, and plenty of flame-grilled food.”

Melbourne, Australia, was named the friendliest city, followed by Porto, Portugal, and Seoul, South Korea.

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Cape Town is also well represented in the best hotels in Africa (Eastern and Southern Africa) category, with the Mount Nelson ranked first, Cape Grace second, Babylonstoren in Franschhoek in third, the Silo Hotel in fourth and Pod Camps Bay in fifth.

South Africa (11th) and Kenya (9th) are the only two African countries on the best countries list. The country is also listed 10th on the best countries for food in the world list, noted as “a culinary destination which excels through its diversity.”

“Cuisine is one of the most remarkable aspects of Cape Town and South Africa. Our food reveals our history and the spread of cultures that make us unique and memorable,” said Vos.

This year’s awards marked the magazine’s 29th edition.

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Tourism key to Cape Town’s growth

The Readers’ Choice Awards findings come as Cape Town enters its peak visitor period.

“Tourism is one of the key pillars of economic growth in Cape Town and the country,” said Vos. “There was R24,5 billion in direct tourism spend in 2025, while the industry also sustained more than 106 000 jobs that year.

“We are working to increase those figures and are aiming for R35 billion in tourism spend and 234 041 tourism jobs in 2030.

“We will keep pushing to get there by doubling down on our place marketing campaigns, strengthening airline partnerships to bring more visitors directly to Cape Town, and working with our tourism partners to convert that demand into more bookings, longer stays and greater visitor spend.”

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