They came, they voted, we conquered. Cape Town has officially been named Best City in the World by readers of The Telegraph in its 2025 Telegraph Travel Awards, proving once again that the Mother City doesn’t just show up, it shows off.
More than 20 000 UK travellers cast their votes, placing Cape Town ahead of global heavyweights like Seville and Sydney.
It’s the seventh time the city has claimed this coveted title, and the second time this year it has been crowned the world’s best.
Hot streak
Back in January, Time Out kicked things off by naming Cape Town the Best City in the world.
Coincidence? Hot streak? We’re just calling it Cape Town being Cape Town.
According to The Telegraph, it’s easy to see why Cape Town keeps topping the list.
“Few places can match South Africa’s most feted metropolis for photogenic power: the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront fringing the Atlantic, Table Mountain rearing as an epic backdrop, the land ebbing down to the beaches of Camps Bay and the flicked tail of the Cape of Good Hope.”
James Vos, Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth, says: “This kind of recognition doesn’t just happen. It’s the result of serious graft, smart thinking, and a whole lot of local passion.
“From our neighbourhood entrepreneurs to the people welcoming visitors with a smile, Cape Town’s tourism scene is powered by its people.
“Behind the scenes, our focused destination marketing and management efforts, led in partnership with Cape Town Tourism, ensure that our city’s unique experiences are promoted to the world in a way that drives demand and delivers benefits for locals.
“Being named the best city in the world by The Telegraph readers is proof that our strategy is working, and we’re going to keep raising the bar, because the world is watching.”
Something to celebrate
Briony Brookes, CMO of Cape Town Tourism, says this back-to-back recognition is something to celebrate.
“Being named the world’s best city again isn’t just about bragging rights… okay, maybe just a little,” says Brookes.
“More than anything, it’s a celebration of what makes this place unforgettable: the people, the energy, the views, and the stories that connect us with visitors from around the world.
“Cape Town continues to outshine global destinations year after year, and locals have every reason to be proud of how the city mixes bold creativity, stunning nature, and a culture that’s full of heart.”
Two global Best City titles in less than six months? Not too shabby. Cape Town is having more than a moment; it’s having a movement.
What’s the best city that you’ve visited in the world?
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