Timeout has just named Cape Town the best city in the world 2025, and honestly, who’s surprised? This isn’t just another ‘oh look, we won something’ moment. Cape Town’s got it all: views for days, food that makes your taste buds cry happy tears, and all-round cool vibes. Let’s dive into why the Mother City left every other contender in the dust – and why you’ll want to book a trip as soon as possible. 

3 Reasons why Cape Town is the Best City in the World

1. Cape Town: Beauty, Brains, and Beachfronts

Cape Town isn’t just a city; it’s a mood. Timeout’s global survey looked at nightlife, culture, food, and liveability. Cape Town crushed it on every front.

• Table Mountain Glory: Start your morning hiking or ride a cable car up Table Mountain. The views? So good you might cry. 

• Beach Babe Energy: Cape Town’s beaches aren’t just for show-offs, from the white sands of Clifton to the Instagrammable sunsets at Camps Bay. Okay, maybe a little.

• Neighbourhood Nirvana: The Bo-Kaap’s got colours so bright you’ll need your sunglasses, while Woodstock is basically Pinterest in real life.

Thinking about it? Start with our cheap flights to Cape Town and thank us later.

2. Foodies Assemble: Cape Town’s a Flavour Fiesta

Calling all snack enthusiasts (that’s all of us, right?). Cape Town’s dining scene is the kind that ruins you for every other city.

• Wine Not?: Less than an hour away, the Cape Winelands are where wine dreams come true. 

• All the Eats: From Cape Malay curries to biltong and Michelin-star vibes, Cape Town’s restaurants are basically edible bucket lists.  The best part is that there are so many budget bites to choose from, so no need to sell your car for a good meal. 

3. Adventure + Culture = Cape Town’s DNA

Where else can you paraglide off a mountain, shop at craft markets, and explore world-class museums all in a single day? Cape Town’s basically the overachiever of cities.

• Adrenaline junkies, strap in: Think shark cage diving, surfing, or hiking trails that leave you breathless (both figuratively and literally). 

• Artsy types, rejoice: The V&A Waterfront is your playground for galleries, live music, and street performers who can out-dance you any day.

Don’t miss our roundup of the best places to visit in South Africa to keep the vibes going.

The Other Top 10 Best Cities in the World? 

Here’s the list of the best cities in the world 2025:

1. Cape Town, South Africa
2. Bangkok, Thailand 
3. New York, USA
4. Melbourne, Australia
5. London, United Kingdom
6. New Orleans, USA
7. Mexico City, Mexico 
8. Porto, Portugal
9. Shanghai, China
10. Copenhagen, Denmark 

Impressive list, but let’s be real—Cape Town’s blend of beaches, mountains, and culture is unmatched. Thinking of ticking off these other cities? Scope out our cheap flights to make it happen.

The Best City in the World 2025 Without the Drama (or the Big Bucks)

Living it up in the best city in the world doesn’t mean you need to remortgage your house. With Travelstart+, you can snag R500 off your next trip to Cape Town and enjoy perks like 10 days of global unlimited data. Basically, we’re here to make you look like the savviest traveller in the group chat.

Cape Town: The best city in the world 2025

It’s Got That X-Factor

What’s Cape Town’s secret sauce? It’s the only city that makes every moment feel like a highlight reel. Timeout’s judges didn’t just fall for the views—they fell for the spirit of the place. From the local hospitality to the buzzing creativity, Cape Town’s got that “can’t-put-my-finger-on-it” magic.

What Are You Waiting For?

Cape Town isn’t just a destination; it’s a declaration. Whether you’re chasing sun, sea, or a plate of the freshest seafood you’ll ever eat, the Mother City’s got your back. Grab your bag, dust off your sandals, and head to Cape Town today.