Eight Reasons Why Cape Town Has Been Voted ‘The Best City In The World’ 10 Years In A Row

There are many good reasons why Cape Town has been voted ‘the best city in the world’ by The Telegraph readers over the past 10 years. Here, we explore just a few of them – and remember, if you’re looking to migrate while making an income, you can always take a look at our Digital Nomad list to see if you’re eligible. Otherwise, here are all the reasons why Cape Town remains one of the best in the world.

• The mountains

Top reason to visit Cape Town? Its stunning skyline, defined by a series of mountain heads that form a natural amphitheater around the ‘City Bowl’ (aka the central business district).

Perhaps the most distinct of these is the flat-topped Table Mountain, with a layer of clouds drifting over its top and sides, called ‘the tablecloth’ by residents.

Table Mountain is the most iconic symbol of this seaside town. Formed 500 million years ago (it’s older than The Alps), its flat top is the result of millennia of erosion on its sandstone layers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – but in case you think you can’t get close to it, think again. There are plenty of activities on offer, including picnic sites, hiking through the unique flora and fauna, and a cableway that provides rotating cabins for a spectacular view of the city.

While you are in the area, you might also want to visit Lion’s Head – more so on a full moon night; Devil’s Peak, against which sits the Rhodes Memorial and the University of Cape Town, and The Twelve Apostles, which overlooks the upmarket Camps Bay.

• The beaches

Cape Town is literally the only city in the world to host both mountains and beaches right next to each other – which brings us to the second reason why this city is so glorious. Its beaches range from secluded stretches of nothing but sand and sea, to more bustling, touristy spots with promenades and expensive eateries. If you fancy some alone-time, head out to Llandudno or Muizenberg for unrivalled expanses of beach. Fancy having a cocktail by the beach while watching fellow tourists walk by? Camps Bay is for you. Want to see where The Atlantic Ocean (cold water) and The Indian Ocean (warm water) meet? Visit the Cape of Good Hope to see these two competing currents face each other off. Are you a surfer looking for a scene? Muizenberg and Fish Hoek beaches are perfect for that. In other words, whatever your beach style and fit, Cape Town has it.

• Vibrant food culture

Besides a bustling modern food scene with all sorts of cuisines – from Indian to Japanese, Italian and Middle-Eastern with everything in between, Cape Town brings together the best of South African food culture. If you’re looking for a typical ‘braai’ (the South African word for ‘barbeque’) nothing beats Teez Lounge (formerly known as Mzoli’s) in Gugulethu on a Sunday afternoon; so good, Mzoli’s even got their own episode on a Netflix show.

If you’re looking for traditional Cape Malay cooking, there are restaurants all over Cape Town, but Muizenberg is your best bet. Bon apetit!

• Vibrant wine culture

Cape Town is perhaps most famous for its variety of vineyards in the area called Stellenbosch. Founded in 1679 by Simon van der Stel, this quaint little town is renowned for its oak trees, which lend a particular flavour to their oaked wines. Stellenbosch is the second-oldest European settlement in South Africa after Cape Town (which is mostly Dutch), and a visual feast for visitors. Check it out for its famous wine route, and be sure to stop by a vineyard or two for some delectable wine-tasting combinations.

• Modern living combined with tradition

Cape Town combines both traditional and historical aspects of its culture with some uniquely forward modern architecture and living. If you are interested in history, you can visit Robben Island where the global peace ambassador Nelson Mandela was held for 18 years. Do you prefer the comforts of modern living? There’s a range of hotels for you to choose from that offer all the luxuries of modernity without losing the unique aspects that make this city one of the best to visit and live in. You might want to try The Silo Hotel, built in the grain elevator of a historic grain silo, directly above the iconic Zeitz Museum of Contemporary African Art. As expected, the interior is suitably artsy. You can also try the Hotel Verde Cape Town Airport; this hotel is built around sustainability, with water recycling systems, efficient air conditioning, and eco-friendly furniture. Their in-house currency (verdinos) are used to reward guests for making eco-friendly choices during their stay, and can be redeemed to offset their bills.

The Gorgeous George is a boutique hotel that blends two historic buildings in the CBD into industrial-chic design. Its rooftop bar and pool are a hot gathering spot, and while there, you can benefit from viewing their collection of local South African art.

• The art scene

Cape Town is great for artsy types; its hotels and streets make a point to showcase the visuals that lend the country – and indeed, the continent – its history and way of life. Check out The Zeitz Museum for its collection of modern African art, and head towards the streets of the city suburb called Woodstock for murals and a laid-back party scene. Also be sure to check out  Bo-Kaap, which celebrates Cape Malay heritage; District Six, which is famous for its unfortunate role in apartheid history, and The Old Biscuit Mill, which has transformed into a shopping complex.

• The hospitality

Cape Town relies heavily on its tourism industry – and not just from non-South Africans looking to enjoy quality country, beach, wine and food at the same time. Johannesburg residents have made this city a pilgrimage site in December every year, indicating that Cape Town is not just great for international tourists, it’s superb for domestic ones too. Part of the reason for this is the hospitality, with the well-considered accommodation options, variety of activities, and personability of the town’s hosts. Safety, while a concern, is not as big of an issue as in Johannesburg, and cleanliness and road safety are high on the ranks of what makes this city tick.

• Club life

Last but not least (and maybe the most important) is the club scene. Cape Town offers a range of clubs for people who love to party – starting with Camps Bay, which is the city’s most popular hangout spot. This beachside promenade offers the best in premium entertainment, with everything from bottle-service bars to casual dining street-side restaurants – and, of course, endless opportunities to people-watch.

Not feeling that beach-side vibe? Try Long Street in the CBD. Although Long Street is known for its historical Dutch architecture, it is still the scene if you want a modern-style, Amapiano-fueled bar hop. Being in the CBD, it is easily accessible to all, and its geographical layout makes it easy to find your way home should you feel lost. Safety is of utmost concern, though, so stay vigilant. If you’re feeling a lot more introverted, Woodstock is the place for you. Try it for its laid-back, artsy scene, with lots of interesting people to meet and deep conversations to have.

So there we are: All the reasons why we love Cape Town – and all the reasons you should, too. Give this city a visit and see for yourself. We promise, it will be worth it.