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Cape Town – A city where the ocean meets the mountains, offering breathtaking landscapes and a rich tapestry of cultural experiences.
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Tokyo – A bustling metropolis known for its cutting-edge technology, historical temples, and exquisite cuisine.
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Vancouver – Nestled between mountains and the sea, this Canadian gem is renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor activities.
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Seville – A Spanish city that radiates charm with its flamenco music, Moorish architecture, and lively festivals.
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Sydney – Famous for its iconic Opera House, beautiful beaches, and cosmopolitan vibe.
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New York – The city that never sleeps, offering endless entertainment, world-class dining, and iconic landmarks.
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Venice – A romantic city built on water, known for its canals, gondolas, and historic architecture.
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Florence – The cradle of the Renaissance, filled with artistic treasures, magnificent churches, and gourmet food.
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Rome – A city steeped in history, home to ancient ruins, vibrant piazzas, and the Vatican.
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San Francisco – Known for its Golden Gate Bridge, eclectic neighborhoods, and innovative spirit.
Updated July 2026.
Cape Town has been recognised as one of the world’s greatest cities by leading travel publications for over a decade and in 2025 and 2026, the accolades show no sign of stopping. From Condé Nast Traveller’s annual reader rankings to Time Out’s World’s Best Cities index, South Africa’s most celebrated destination continues to top the lists that matter most to international travellers.
What makes this remarkable is the breadth of what Cape Town offers. Most cities excel in one category — food, culture, nightlife, or nature. Cape Town excels in all of them simultaneously. You can hike Table Mountain in the morning, lunch at a Michelin-level restaurant in Camps Bay at noon, spend the afternoon at a Clifton beach with no wind and no crowds, and be at a Constantia wine estate by sunset. For luxury travellers, this variety within a single destination is exceptionally rare.
Cape Town: The Greatest City on Earth
Cape Town voted best city in the world, again! Cape Town, affectionately known as the Mother City, has been voted the greatest city on earth in 2025 by Time Out Magazine. This accolade, has traditionally also been awarded by the readers of the Telegraph, which has gained six consecutive years that Cape Town has achieved the prime position, showcasing its enduring appeal and unmatched allure.
Cape Town’s continuous recognition as the world’s best city speaks volumes about its captivating charm and diverse offerings. The Telegraph Travel Readers Awards have consistently celebrated the city’s unique blend of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant lifestyle.
The Top 10 Cities in the World as voted by the Telegraph Travel Readers (UK)
Why Cape Town Keeps on Winning
Cape Town’s appeal lies in its ability to offer something for everyone. Here are a few reasons why the Mother City stands out:
The Natural Setting
Table Mountain — one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature — frames the city from every direction. The mountain’s presence is constant: from the deck of a Clifton villa, from the rooftop of a Camps Bay restaurant, from the winding coastal road to Hout Bay. No other major city in the world has this scale of natural landmark at its centre.
The Beaches
The Cape Peninsula has over 70 beaches, ranging from the white-sand coves of Clifton (sheltered from the famous Cape Doctor wind and facing the evening sun) to the wild and dramatic Noordhoek. For villa guests, having a private pool a few metres from the sea is one of Cape Town’s great pleasures.
The Food Scene
Cape Town’s restaurant scene has matured dramatically. Chefs such as Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen (the first South African chef to earn a Michelin star, in Nice) have raised the profile of South African cuisine internationally. The local wine industry, centred in Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, and Constantia — all within 45 minutes of the city — produces world-class Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pinotage.
The Value for International Visitors
With the South African rand remaining favourable against the pound, euro, and US dollar, Cape Town offers five-star experiences at three or four-star price points for international visitors. A private villa with a chef and pool that would cost £3,000+ per night in the south of France can be found in Clifton or Camps Bay for a fraction of that price. For luxury travellers, this makes Cape Town one of the highest-value destinations in the world.
The Legacy of Excellence
The consistent recognition of Cape Town by the Telegraph Travel Awards is a testament to the city’s enduring allure and the love it garners from visitors worldwide. The Mother City’s unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and vibrant lifestyle continues to captivate hearts and minds.
Discover Your Next Destination
While Cape Town remains the pinnacle of travel destinations, the other cities in the top 10 also offer unique experiences and unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re drawn to the futuristic allure of Tokyo, the historic charm of Seville, or the vibrant energy of New York, there’s a perfect city waiting for you.
Explore Cape Town’s Majesty
If you’re planning your next getaway, Cape Town should be at the top of your list. Experience the magic of the Mother City and see for yourself why it has been crowned the greatest city on earth for six consecutive years.
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Cape Town’s reign as the world’s greatest city is a celebration of its unparalleled beauty, cultural depth, and vibrant spirit. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first adventure, the Mother City promises an experience that will leave you enchanted and eager for more.