Up You, Cape Town! But Let’s Stop Being So Judgerag
We could spend all day talking about what’s wrong with a city like Cape Town. But what about looking at this as a chance to appreciate what’s right?
Cape Town being named Time Out’s Best City in the World for 2025 is a big deal. Out of all the cities tourists could have voted for, this one outperformed Bangkok, New York, and Melbourne.
Tourists didn’t just enjoy the incredible food or the views that make you stop and stare. They felt the energy of a city that’s alive in ways that are hard to describe. A city that knows how to welcome its visitors.
Of course, not everyone is celebrating.
On social media, mense are quick to point out the problems: crime, poverty, and housing. The same points that get raised whenever something good about the country makes headlines. Some are skeeming these challenges make Cape Town unworthy of such accolades.
And sure, these are real issues. They affect people daily and deserve attention. But rêrig, let’s not act like Cape Town is the only city with challenges. New York has neighbourhoods where poverty runs deep. Bangkok has areas that struggle with overcrowding and poor infrastructure.
The world’s most celebrated cities all have their problems. None of them are flawless, yet they still make these rankings. Cape Town isn’t an exception. It’s part of that global story.
Time Out readers didn’t vote based on statistics or policies. They vote based on how a place makes them feel. And Cape Town clearly makes people feel something unforgettable. That matters. These rankings reflect the stories visitors take home. They’re not about brushing aside the challenges locals face. They’re about acknowledging what’s already working and what makes the city stand out.
Recognition like this doesn’t happen every day for an African city. It’s rare. And it’s something to take pride in. Beyond the honour, there’s real potential for Cape Town to benefit. It isn’t just about patting the city on the back. It could mean more tourists packing their bags and heading here.
And with them comes an economic boost that can change lives. Tourism is a lifeline for so many people. It means jobs in hotels, restaurants, transport, and tours. It means more local businesses flourishing and more families supported. When people visit Cape Town, they’re not just snapping photos. They’re contributing to an economy that directly benefits its residents.
Let’s take the recognition and run with it—because it’s not every day you get to say that your city is the best in the world.
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