Locals praised the city for its beauty, food scene and incredible nightlife and dozens of travel experts agreed
The world’s best cities to live in and visit have been crowned by Time Out. One African city was lauded by the publication for its history and vibrant nightlife
Time Out said Cape Town came out on top for its historic sites and cultural hubs. Responding to a survey, locals praised the city for its beauty and said they felt happy there.
The guide named the South African city – one of the country’s three official capitals – top among its 50 Best Cities in the World for 2025 list. It asked thousands of locals all over the world for their views on their hometowns.
Time Out travel editor Grace Beard said: “Every year, we take the pulse of city living by quizzing thousands of locals across the planet about life in their hometowns. This year, more than 18,500 city-dwellers shared their insights on everything from food, nightlife and culture to affordability, happiness and the overall city vibe.”
The website’s Andrew Hallett described Cape Town’s appeal, saying: “Where else in the world can you hang out with a colony of African penguins, taste some of the world’s finest wines, stroll along Blue Flag beaches, enjoy stunning views from atop one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, and sample some of the most eclectic nightlife and vibes in the world… all in one day? That’s our Cape Town.
“Steeped in history and cultural significance, Cape Town provides visitors with a plethora of options to learn, explore, and have fun, all without breaking the bank.”
According to the publication, 95% of Capetonians gave the city’s food scene a high rating. Meanwhile, 82% said they would describe Cape Town as beautiful and a mammoth 97% of locals said the city makes them happy.
Those visiting the city can indulge in a safari through the Durbanville Wine Valley or head to the V&A Waterfront. The quayside leisure hub is the most visited attraction in all of South Africa.
The list also took in the views of 100 travel experts, whose scores were tallied up with the survey of locals. Asked to name some of the world’s most exciting cities right now they picked out some of the world’s most popular destinations and some less-travelled gems.
Second place on the list was the Thai city of Bangkok, followed by New York in third. Melbourne and London made up the rest of the top five.
Praising the UK capital, Time Out said: “Whatever you’re into, London can provide. What’s that I can hear? ‘What about nightlife?’ you’re saying, ‘Everyone knows everything in London shuts at midnight and all the clubs shut down forever in 2016!’
“Wrong! London’s nightlife scene has seen some serious investment in the last year or so, meaning now is exactly the right time to come if you want fun.”
