‘Best Cities in the World’: Magnificent Cape Town named No 1 in Time Out list
Annually, Time Out magazine releases their list of the ‘Best Cities in the World’ and it saw Cape Town come out victorious in their list released in January of this year.
After a census was conducted of over 18 500 people including locals and tourists, voting on Time Out’s online platforms, recognised the ‘Mother City’ as ‘the place to be’ for tourists and adventurers worldwide.
Writing for Travel News Blitz, Cape Town local and Film News Blitz writer Aidan Leo reflects on the conducted survey and provides further insight as to why the iconic city reigns supreme for 2025.
What exactly was the Time Out survey?
This survey was the seventh annual survey conducted for Time Out.
The conditions to which the results were based upon were the typical enjoyment factors you seek as a local and when on vacation as a tourist.
These factors included the culture; affordability; food; nightlife; and the general enjoyment factor and ‘city vibe’.
The responses of the surveyees reflected their experiences in glowing and admirable terms in the iconic tourist destination.
What makes Cape Town so special?
Sublime beaches and beach life.
Cape Town beaches have such natural nuances and subtle trademark characteristics that highlight its aesthetic qualities and pure beauty for tourists and locals alike.
Adding to its unmatched and undeniable allure are the striking and scenic on-shore views.
Views of the famed Table Mountain, a stunning sequence of coastal mountains known as The Twelve Apostles range, followed by the never-ending glorious sight that is the Atlantic Ocean.
All are located seaside of Table Mountain, with views spreading across Seapoint, into Camps Bay, and finally, everyone’s favourite ‘instagrammable location’, Clifton.
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The beach variety is almost mythical
The beach variance is considered astounding, but the very nature of its existence suits the likes, interests, and ‘vibe’ of each individual or group interested in a Cape Town beach day or evening out-and-about in the city.
Camps Bay and Clifton are renowned specifically for the lovely weather that exists in these parts, the Godly gold sand, and refreshingly cold waters.
But the surrounding cafes, restaurants, and nightlife culture is really what sets them apart.
If that is the energy you are looking for, that environment is perfect for you.
The other more non-commercial beaches so to speak such as Llandudno, Bakoven, and Noordhoek beach provide a more relaxing, undisturbed and intimate experience for you, your friends, and loved ones.
‘Surfer central’, on the other end of the city, stretching from Muizenberg beach into St James, to Kalk Bay, into Fish Hoek are the best hubs for those that enjoy a more vivid experience with the ocean, boards beneath them with intense, crashing waves on the way towards them.
These beaches also exist as a combination of ‘chilled’ and vibrant as for the most part they are relaxing and laid-back, but have hosted beach events and the nearby restaurants are similar to that of Clifton and Camps Bay.
The intertwinement of nature and wildlife alongside the shore’s wonders
It would not be a Cape Town specific article without mentioning the wondrous and noteworthy Boulders Beach.
The beach is home to a colony of dazzling penguins who exist effortlessly in their homely, natural environment.
Bestowed alongside is the awe-inspiring whale-watching activity for all to enjoy.
It is definitely a day out worthy of the camera-binoculars combination.
The allure of a Cape Town sunset
The ‘Mother City’ is well-renowned for its beyond-belief sunset sightings prevalent all along the west coast, but specifically is not to be missed at Sunset Beach and Signal Hill.
Illustrious and unimaginable red, orange, pink, and purple tones and hues activate in an almost ethereal cliffhanger experience as the sunset falls along the heavenly-induced horizon.
Cape Town has an unrivalled mountain and nature diversity
Whether it be the unmatched views of the truly iconic Table Mountain, to which a panoramic view of the coastline and paramount cityscape exists below.
Or the unfathomable divergence of wildlife and nature, whereby the notable indigenous baboons, birds, and mammals can be observed on nature reserve walks.
Cape Town truly situated itself in a world of its own.
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The tremendous nature reserves and hiking trails
Lovers of adrenaline, biology and serenity will find themselves head-over-heels for Cape Town’s nature reserves and hiking trails.
The main and widely-known reserve is Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, located at the feet of Table Mountain and home to our most culturally celebrated flora and operates as the most calming and explorative atmosphere in the city.
It is perfect for a long, introspective gaze at the mountains and nature that lie within and around its surroundings.
The hiking trails are never-ending in options.
The Plateau and India Vester Trails on Table Mountain are popular among thrill-seeking climbers and enthusiasts.
Lions Head offers a more mild, carefree and communal experience for everyone of all ages to enjoy.
With famous sunset and sunrise views which lie awaiting you upon reaching the mountain’s peak.
Then there is the more neutral-footing grounded experience of Constantia Nek, Tokai Forest, and Newlands Forest whereby an entrenched and cultivated nature experience hovers above and alongside you.
This is truly a surreal and tranquil venture.
The historic and incomparable winelands
Cape Town’s vineyards reap their prominence due to their breathtaking landscapes, distinct favourable wine-producing environment, and of course, their fabulous world-class wines.
Popular winelands include Stellenbosch, located outside of Cape Town, celebrated for their sensational red wines, such as the Sauvignon and Pinotage.
Stellenbosch is home to Spier Wine Farm and The Stellenbosch Wine Estate just to name a few, which have become notable wine farms in the region.
Located in the city, are the Constantia winelands such as Groot Constantia and Klein Constantia; Steenberg Vineyard, and Buitenverwachting.
They have grown in immense popularity for locals and situated themselves as a hub for exceptional wine and a serene and accessible day out for those not looking to venture outside of Cape Town.
What makes Cape Town’s food scene so special is its blend of culture, history, and locations
Due to the city’s rich history and diverse cultural dynamics, the combinations and influences of Dutch, British, African, Malaysian, and Indian culture is astounding and tracks back generations before us.
With a multitude of flavours, cooking techniques and array of ingredients, you cannot go wrong with the cuisines that are prevalent in the city.
Invest yourself in Cape Town’s food scene. It is well worth the time.
There are a myriad of contemporary interpretations and cultivations of worldwide dishes and cuisines that will make you feel like you are living in a ‘home away from home’ existence.
The nightlife is vibrant diversity at its core
The nightlife variety relates to location and vibe.
With plenty of rooftop bars, ‘chilled’ beachside clubs or the booming in-city nightclubs, Cape Town has whatever diverse atmosphere that suits your vibe.
Sky Lounge and The Silo Rooftop Bar are popular for their luxurious cocktail-champagne feel with 360-degree views of the city.
The mix of cultures all over the city offer various places roaring anything from hip-hop, jazz, blues, to electronic music.
Renowned vibrant nightclub spots include Cafe Caprice, La Parada, and House of Machines.
Due to Cape Town’s incredible in-season weather conditions, the outdoor parties make for a strong communal and energetic feel.
Which is why there is a growing affliction for live music, as live performances have integrated itself firmly into the core of the city for everyone to enjoy.
Places such as Cafe Roux, The Blue Room, and The Waiting Room are notable spots for live events.
Overall, the city has diverse cultural and ambient, atmospheric energy for all to enjoy
This article could do with part two, three, four and five but the main elements are ones I made sure to touch on.
However, this is just the tip of the iceberg.
The iceberg itself, well, lets just say that holds an even deeper and extensive array of things to do and experience.
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The full list of Time Out’s ‘Best Cities in the World’ (in order 1-50):
Cape Town
Bangkok
New York
Melbourne
London
New Orleans
Mexico City
Porto
Shanghai
Copenhagen
Chicago
Lisbon
Edinburgh
Hong Kong
Sydney
Amsterdam
Barcelona
Seville
Paris
Medellin
Hanoi
Madrid
Berlin
Dubai
Singapore
Rio de Janeiro
Beijing
Chiang Mai
Jakarta
Vienna
Tokyo
Marrakech
Perth
Brighton
Prague
Glasgow
Brisbane
Marseille
Budapest
Los Angeles
Lagos
Seoul
Valencia
Montreal
Bilbao
Abu Dhabi
Belfast
Bristol
Mumbai
Warsaw
