Cape Town has once again earned international recognition, securing a place among the world’s most sought-after travel destinations at the 2026 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, Cape {town} Etc reports.
The Mother City was named the third most desirable city in the world, taking home bronze at the prestigious awards ceremony held in London on 4 November.
The achievement marks an improvement from 2025, when Cape Town finished fourth in the same category.
This year, the city climbed into the top three, finishing behind Japan’s capital, Tokyo, which claimed gold, and Argentina’s Buenos Aires, which secured silver.
The awards, organised by British travel magazine Wanderlust, celebrated their 25th anniversary this year, with 251 461 readers casting more than 8.2 million votes across various travel categories.
Why Cape Town continues to impress international travellers
From Table Mountain and its spectacular coastline to its diverse communities and rich history, Cape Town offers visitors an experience that extends well beyond its famous scenery.
The city received recognition for its combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage and the variety of experiences available to travellers.
Among the attractions highlighted by Wanderlust were Robben Island and District Six, both of which offer visitors an opportunity to learn about South Africa’s apartheid history.
The colourful streets of Bo-Kaap and the cultural heritage of Langa were also recognised as part of the city’s appeal.
Beyond its historical attractions, Cape Town offers everything from hiking trails and beaches to world-renowned wine experiences in the nearby Cape Winelands.
Its latest ranking places the Mother City ahead of several internationally recognised destinations, including Sydney, Vancouver, Hong Kong and Marrakech.
South Africa celebrates two more major awards
Cape Town was not the only South African destination to receive recognition at the ceremony.
The country secured third place in the Most Desirable Country (World) category, finishing behind Costa Rica and Japan.
South Africa also claimed the gold award for Most Desirable Destination for Nature and Wildlife, beating Brazil and Australia to the top spot.
The recognition highlighted the country’s diverse wildlife experiences, from the famous Kruger National Park to the landscapes of the Kalahari and the wetlands of iSimangaliso.
The wildlife award was particularly significant as Kruger National Park marked its centenary in 2026.
Together, the three accolades provided another international boost for South Africa’s tourism industry.
A major moment for South African tourism
The awards were hosted at the historic Maritime Greenwich UNESCO World Heritage Site in London, bringing together representatives from the international travel industry.
The ceremony also featured Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, who delivered a keynote address focusing on responsible tourism.
South Africa’s success came during the same week as World Travel Market London, a major international tourism event where industry representatives meet to develop partnerships and promote destinations.
For Cape Town, moving into the world’s top three is another encouraging sign of its appeal among international travellers.
And with South Africa also earning recognition for its wildlife and overall desirability, the results have given the country plenty to celebrate on the global tourism stage.
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Picture: Nicklas Eichler / Pexels
