What Makes Cape Town the Best City in Africa and the Middle East?

For the 16th time in World’s Best Awards history, Cape Town has been voted the No. 1 city in this region by discerning Travel + Leisure readers.

Travelers love Cape Town’s beautiful coastal setting, which allows for up-close views of golden beaches and sapphire waters.

It’s also home to a number of charming boutique hotels, like Ellerman House, voted this year the No. 1 City Hotel in Africa. Check in here for exceptional service, magnificent ocean vistas, and a wine cellar that showcases 7,500 South African bottles. 

Indeed, Cape Town is incredibly popular with oenophiles because of its proximity to the Cape Winelands. In this beautiful region, just a short drive from the city, there are more than 300 vineyards, many of which produce the country’s signature grape, Pinotage.

Cape Town’s mountainous terrain is ideal for hikers, too. The city’s most famous silhouette is flat-topped Table Mountain. You can reach the summit by either an aerial gondola or a pleasant two-hour hike.

After a day exploring Cape Town, visitors can experience the city’s buzzy culinary and nightlife scenes. Bree Street, for example, is home to popular spots like Chefs Warehouse & Canteen, or Mother’s Ruin Gin Bar, with a menu of more than 150 gins.