Cape Town may no longer hold the top position in the world’s most talked-about city rankings, but the Mother City is still firmly among the global elite.
The latest results from Time Out place Cape Town sixth on its 2026 list of the World’s Best Cities, a shift from last year when the South African destination secured the coveted number one spot.
Even with the slight drop, the ranking keeps the Mother City in distinguished company alongside some of the world’s most influential urban hubs.
Melbourne leads this year’s list, followed by Shanghai, Edinburgh, London and New York, with Cape Town rounding out the top six ahead of cities including Mexico City, Bangkok, Seoul and Tokyo.
Over 24,000 residents from 150 cities submitted their thoughts on what makes their hometowns unique, while Time Out editors and local journalists helped interpret what visitors may anticipate from each place right now.
Explaining the methodology, Time Out travel editor Grace Beard noted that the ranking blends public opinion with expert insight.
‘We combined their thousands of responses with the votes of more than 100 Time Out city experts. Then we tapped up our network of local writers to tell us exactly what makes their city worth a visit right now,’ Beard said.
Despite the shift in ranking, Cape Town continues to command international attention for its blend of landscape, culture and lifestyle.
Local tourism leaders say the continued recognition reflects the city’s broad appeal beyond postcard views, as visitors may arrive for the scenery, but many leave remembering the atmosphere of its neighbourhoods, its food culture and the people who bring the city to life.
‘Cape Town’s continued recognition among the world’s best cities speaks to its enduring global appeal,’ highlighted Enver Duminy, who is the CEO of Cape Town Tourism.
He adds: ‘Visitors come for the natural beauty, but what stays with them is the depth of the experience, from our neighbourhoods and culture to the creativity, food and people that give this city its soul.’
The everyday rhythm of the city, from bustling markets and seaside fishing communities to creative hospitality ventures, plays a major role in shaping its reputation.
The ranking also strengthens Cape Town’s position as the top African city on the list. Marrakesh is ranked number 24, followed by Cairo at 42 and Lagos at 48.
Momentum around the city’s tourism scene shows little sign of slowing, as new events, major sporting moments and hospitality investments continue to shape the city’s travel calendar.
Among the highlights this year is the debut of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Franschhoek, while marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge is expected to include the Sanlam Cape Town Marathon as part of his ambitious seven-continent race tour.
A wave of restaurant openings and new hospitality developments, including a Marriott EDITION hotel planned for the V&A Waterfront, are also set to add to the city’s evolving tourism offering.
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