Cape Town has once again proven that it’s more than just a postcard-perfect destination, as the Mother City has officially been named the third-happiest city in the world in Time Out’s 2025 Happiest Cities Index, a recognition that places it firmly on the global stage as Africa’s most joyful urban hub.
The annual Time Out survey, which polled over 18,000 residents across major cities worldwide, set out to discover where people feel the happiest about where they live. From the beaches to the mountains and vibrant streets in between, it seems Capetonians have plenty of reasons to smile.
The ranking places Cape Town just behind Abu Dhabi and Medellín in the global happiness standings, while making it the highest-ranked African city and the continent’s standout representative in quality of life measurements.
Data confirms that the city’s stunning scenery, vibrant cultural scene, and overall living experience resonate deeply with those who call it home.
The study explored five key indicators of urban happiness:
- how happy locals feel living in their city,
- whether they feel happier there than elsewhere,
- the visible happiness of people around them,
- joy in everyday urban experiences, and
- whether happiness levels have grown over time.
- This resulted in Cape Town standing out as a rare blend of natural splendor and urban vitality. As Time Out put it, the city offers ‘a rare balance of natural beauty and urban buzz,’ where locals can go for a hike up the mountain and a swim in the sea, all before sitting down for a mid-morning meal.
The Mother City’s ranking reflects more than scenery; it signals a growing confidence in Cape Town’s cultural identity. With thriving local markets, world-class restaurants, and a creative pulse that rivals international hotspots, residents say the happiness comes not just from the view but from a shared sense of community.
As Business Insider Africa further observed, this global recognition highlighted that urban residents derive happiness from their routine engagements and encounters within the city, from the aroma of freshly brewed coffee in Bree Street cafés to sunsets over Signal Hill.
Marrakech joined Cape Town as the only other African city in the top 20, securing fifteenth place in the global rankings.
Written by Lulama Klaasen
First published by Cape {Town} etc
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