Cape Town – Cape Town has been named the world’s most beautiful city in 2026, adding to a growing list of international accolades recognising the South African city’s tourism, hospitality and lifestyle attractions.
According to Newsday, the Mother City has collected several prestigious international awards between 2023 and 2026, distinguishing itself in tourism, culinary arts, lifestyle and environmental achievements.
The latest recognition comes from international publication Time Out, which ranked Cape Town first in its 2026 World’s Most Beautiful Cities list.
The ranking was based on a survey of more than 24,000 people worldwide, with 86% of Capetonians describing their city as beautiful. Cape Town finished ahead of Edinburgh in Scotland, Sydney in Australia and Paris in France.
Time Out’s 2026 World’s Best Cities ranking also placed Cape Town sixth globally, following its first-place finish in 2025.
Natural attractions
The publication praised the city’s beaches, natural landscapes, neighbourhoods and hospitality, with its Travel Editor, Grace Beard, saying: “On Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful cities right now, each destination serves up something different.”
Cape Town has also maintained a strong position in the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards, securing 15th place among the world’s best cities in 2026.
The city was also ranked the 10th friendliest in the world, making it the only African destination to feature on both lists.
The City of Cape Town welcomed the recognition, with Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Growth James Vos attributing the city’s appeal to its people and natural attractions.
“Yes, the beaches and mountains are beautiful beyond compare, but it’s Capetonians who are so welcoming to visitors. That’s what makes this place unmatched,” Vos said, according to the city’s statement published on 8 October.
Important contributor
The accolades add to Cape Town’s record at the World Travel Awards, where it was recognised as Africa’s Leading City Destination for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2025, according to Newsday.
The city’s tourism sector also remains an important contributor to the local economy. Vos said Cape Town recorded R24.5 billion in direct tourism spending in 2025, while the industry supported more than 106,000 jobs.
The city aims to increase tourism spending to R35 billion and create 234,041 tourism jobs by 2030.
Vos said the city would continue strengthening its destination marketing campaigns and airline partnerships to attract more international visitors and convert growing interest into bookings and longer stays.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
