Cape Town has once again claimed a major international accolade, this time earning the title of the world’s most beautiful city after thousands of people across the globe voted on the places they find most visually captivating.
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The latest rankings, which were published by Time Out, saw the Mother City top its 2026 list after 86% of surveyed Capetonians described their city as beautiful, placing it ahead of renowned destinations such as Edinburgh, Sydney, Chicago and Paris.
As highlighted by The South African, the city continues to attract global attention for its blend of dramatic landscapes, rich heritage and distinctive architecture that stretches from the colourful streets of Bo-Kaap to the vineyards and historic wine estates of the Cape Winelands.
Unlike many travel rankings compiled solely by tourism experts, this survey drew on the opinions of more than 24 000 people worldwide, offering insight into how residents themselves view the cities they call home.
“We’d argue a city’s beauty comes down to its unique, one-of-a-kind appeal. On Time Out’s list of the world’s most beautiful cities right now, each destination serves up something different, from the cascading buildings of Porto to the beach-lined fringes of Cape Town and the towering skyscrapers of Chicago,” noted Time Out Travel Editor Grace Beard.
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For locals, the result is likely to come as little surprise. Whether it’s the silhouette of Table Mountain greeting commuters each morning, surfers catching the first swell along the Atlantic Seaboard, or visitors winding through the colourful lanes of Bo-Kaap, Cape Town’s scenery forms part of everyday life while continuing to leave a lasting impression on travellers.
The accolade also reflects the city’s remarkable diversity, as within a relatively short drive, residents and visitors can move from mountain trails and indigenous fynbos to world-renowned beaches, working harbours, bustling markets and centuries-old architecture, a combination that few destinations can offer in a single day.
Cape Town finished first with a beauty score of 86%, followed by Edinburgh (84%), Sydney (78%), Chicago (77%) and Lisbon (74%), with Paris, Stockholm, Porto, Medellín and Riga rounding out the top ten.
Originally published by Cape{town}etc.
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