Cape Town has been ranked the sixth-best city in the world for 2026 by Time Out, making it the highest-ranked city on the African continent and one of only two African cities to appear on the list of 50.
The ranking was compiled by Time Out in partnership with Intrepid Travel. It drew on a broad survey of more than 24 000 locals across roughly 150 cities, combined with the views of more than 100 Time Out city experts and local writers. Residents were asked about everything from food and night life to parks, affordability and quality of life.
The Mother City beat global heavyweights including New York (fifth), Mexico City (seventh), Bangkok (eighth) and Berlin (28th), placing it firmly among the world’s most desirable destinations. The top spot went to Melbourne, Australia, which the list noted continues to break records; the Australian Open drew its biggest-ever crowds in 2026.
Most beautiful city in the world
Cape Town’s standout achievement was its beauty. A remarkable 86% of locals, the highest share of any city surveyed, described Cape Town as the most beautiful city in the world. The same percentage rated the city highly for its green spaces and nature, and 85% of residents said their well being and quality of life was “good” or “amazing”.
Time Out described Cape Town as a city that “wows you from the minute you land at its award-winning airport,” adding that it has “pristine beaches, character-filled neighbourhoods and genuinely friendly locals, from the city-centre flower sellers and the fishermen hauling the daily catch in, in Kalk Bay to the creative excellence of its hospitality entrepreneurs.”
All of this, the publication noted, “plays out beneath Table Mountain, framed by the extraordinary Cape Floral Kingdom and the Cape Winelands.”
A city on the rise
Time Out pointed to what it called a “tourism reinvention boom” as a key reason to visit Cape Town now.
The city hosted the Knox MMA fight series in February, headlined by former world champion Dricus du Plessis, and launched the brand-new Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek. A wave of restaurant openings and new investment is also under way, with a Marriott Edition hotel set to open at the V&A Waterfront later this year.
The food scene received special praise. Time Out highlighted Michelin-rated partnerships at Belmond Mount Nelson’s Amura, inventive cooking at the Hyatt’s Urchin restaurant, and Time Out Market Cape Town, which showcases pop-ups from the city’s best chefs.
“And if there’s one thing Cape Town does exceptionally well, it’s offer outstanding value for a world-class experience,” the publication said.
How Cape Town compares
While Cape Town leads the continent and ranks sixth globally, fellow African city Lagos came in at number 47. Time Out described Nigeria’s entertainment capital as “chaotic, overwhelming, but completely electric”, noting that 75% of Lagos residents said it was one of the easiest cities in the world in which to make friends.
By contrast, Cape Town’s survey results leaned heavily on beauty, nature and well-being, categories in which it led all 50 cities on the list.
New York, which came in just one place above Cape Town at fifth, posted the highest excitement score of any city, with 78% of locals calling it “the most exciting place to be in the world”. Its art and culture scene received a 93% approval rating and 91% of New Yorkers rated its restaurants highly.
Mexico City at seventh was praised for its blend of Aztec heritage, modern art and a world-class food scene, while Bangkok at eighth rounded out the top tier. San Francisco appeared near the bottom at 46th, with Buenos Aires at 43rd and Auckland at 48th also making the cut.
A must-visit for 2026
The Time Out list covers 50 cities and was compiled by Grace Beard, with Cape Town’s entry written by city editor Selene Brophy. What sets the Mother City apart, the publication suggests, is a rare combination of natural beauty, warm hospitality, a buzzing food and culture scene, and exceptional value for money.
For South African travellers and the tourism industry alike, the ranking confirms what many already know: Cape Town is not just the best city on the continent; it is one of the finest cities on earth.
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