Condé Nast Traveller’s 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards drew nearly 800,000 responses from readers across the United Kingdom. Cape Town scored 88.33 in the best-cities list. It is the only African city to appear on either the best-cities or friendliest-cities rankings this year.
On the friendliest-cities list, Cape Town scored 96.00. That placed it tenth globally, behind Melbourne in first and Porto in second. The result marks a shift from third place on the 2025 friendliest-cities list — though the score itself remains strong.
A Clear Signal for Destination Demand
Rankings of this kind reflect visitor perception rather than hard infrastructure metrics. However, they carry real weight with operators who depend on destination appeal. Hotels, restaurants, tour companies and premium retail businesses all benefit when a city commands strong international recognition.
Property investors may also read the result as support for demand in accommodation and lifestyle districts. Meanwhile, the UK readership of Condé Nast Traveller provides a direct market signal. British travellers remain a core audience for Cape Town’s international tourism proposition. The ranking also supports marketing efforts across other source markets.
For policymakers, the result reinforces the value of maintaining public spaces, transport links and visitor services. Those assets shape the experience that global surveys measure.
What Does the Ranking Mean for Investors?
Brand strength and operating performance are different things. Investors should hold both in view. Visitor growth, hotel room supply, transport capacity and municipal service delivery will determine how much value businesses actually capture.
The award does strengthen Cape Town’s position within global tourism competition. That matters as cities compete for international visitors, major events, skilled workers and inbound capital. Tourism demand feeds activity across hospitality, transport, food services, retail and commercial property.
For developers, location and operating quality remain decisive. Properties that combine reliable services, good access and distinctive local experiences are best placed to convert brand recognition into revenue.
Cape Town has held a position in Condé Nast Traveller’s top rankings for four consecutive years. That consistency signals durable appeal — not a one-off result driven by a single season or event.
The next signal for investors is whether Cape Town converts this stronger global profile into sustained visitor arrivals, improved hotel performance and new tourism infrastructure investment.
Quick answers
Cape Town ranked 15th in the world, scoring 88.33 out of 100 in the 2026 Readers’ Choice Awards.
Cape Town ranked 10th on the friendliest-cities list with a score of 96.00, behind Melbourne in first and Porto in second.
Yes. Cape Town was the only African city to appear on either the best-cities or friendliest-cities lists in the 2026 Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice Awards.
