Cape Town has been named Time Out’s Best City in the World for 2025, rising to the top spot from its second-place ranking last year, highlighting its appeal as a world-class destination for both tourists and cruise travelers.

The accolade is based on a global survey of more than 18,500 participants in 50 cities around the world, and is judged according to 44 key criteria, including dining, nightlife, cultural vibrancy, affordability, happiness, and atmosphere.

Competing against major global cities like Bangkok (2nd), New York (3rd), Melbourne (4th), and London (5th), Cape Town excelled in all criteria. Time Out praised the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and ease of travel, reaffirming its position as a must-visit destination for travelers seeking diverse and enriching experiences.

The recognition underscores Cape Town’s mix of urban attractions and natural wonders from landmarks like Table Mountain and the Cape Winelands, to its vibrant food and nightlife scenes, and rich cultural diversity. 

Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the recognition is particularly meaningful because it reflects the views of the city’s own residents. 

“In addition to all the things that make Cape Town a must-visit tourism destination—our unmatched natural beauty, blue flag beaches, wonderful cuisine, nightlife, and cultural diversity—it is the overall happiness of residents that perhaps means the most,” he said.

He highlighted that the survey captured the city’s unique sense of community and the ability of its residents to build fulfilling lives, saying: “We could not be prouder that this came across so strongly in the responses of our residents.”

The recognition for Cape Town comes amid an unprecedented boom in the cruise sector, with more than 80 cruise ship calls scheduled for the current cruise season, bringing more than 120,000 cruise tourists to the city.

Cape Town has outlined a strategy for further growth in the cruise sector, with an overall plan to cement the city’s place as a global cruise destination and not just the premier cruise port in Africa.

This latest achievement enhances its status as a global travel hotspot but also strengthens its position as a premier destination for cruise travelers. The city’s seamless integration of urban sophistication and natural splendor makes it an essential stop on any itinerary, reinforcing its reputation as a gateway to unforgettable experiences.