Cape Town has emerged as the world’s best city outside of Europe, according to a recent Which? survey. The survey, involving 1,500 respondents and analyzing 2,500 city visits outside Europe, evaluated cities based on seven key factors: food and drink, tourist attractions, shopping, accommodation, crowd levels, value for money, and ease of getting around. Cape Town excelled, receiving top marks for its food and drink and shopping offerings, while also being hailed as the best value long-haul destination. This affirms its reputation for affordability, with previous reports also highlighting its exceptional value. Visitors have praised the city’s low cost of dining and the high quality of its cuisine, while officials have emphasized the affordability of its five-star hotels, some priced remarkably lower than their counterparts in London. Direct flights from the UK, with competitive fares, further enhance Cape Town’s accessibility.
Kyoto secured the second spot in the ranking, outshining Cape Town in terms of tourist attractions and ease of navigation. Japan’s anticipated prominence as a travel destination in 2025 adds to Kyoto’s appeal. Sydney, Chicago, and Tokyo rounded out the top five, highlighting a diversity of global destinations. Marrakech also featured on the list, representing a relatively closer option for UK travelers. The survey underscores the diverse strengths of these cities, offering a range of cultural experiences, culinary delights, and scenic beauty, often coupled with exceptional value.
The survey’s findings are further supported by anecdotal accounts and expert recommendations. One visitor to Cape Town marvelled at the affordability and quality of the city’s dining scene, comparing favorably to London and New York. South Africa’s tourism minister has also extolled the value offered by Cape Town’s high-end accommodation options. Travel advice echoes these sentiments, suggesting exploring the region’s renowned wineries using convenient hop-on-hop-off tram services, savoring fresh seafood at acclaimed restaurants, and visiting iconic attractions like Boulders Bay and Robben Island. Celebrity sightings in Camps Bay add a touch of glamour to the city’s appeal.
The Which? survey emphasizes the multifaceted appeal of these top-ranked cities, offering something for everyone. The editor of Which? Travel noted that these destinations stand out for their unique cultural attractions, high-quality food and drink, and stunning scenery, often at bargain prices. The favorable exchange rate between the British pound and the Japanese yen makes Japan particularly attractive for UK travelers. The survey also highlighted some poorly ranked US cities, including Miami and Las Vegas, which received low scores for attractions and value for money.
Cape Town’s accolades extend beyond the Which? survey, with Time Out also naming it the best city to visit in 2025. This further solidifies its position as a top travel destination. Several UK cities also featured in Time Out’s list, emphasizing the diverse range of attractive destinations within the UK itself. Bath, in particular, has been recognized as a must-visit destination. These accolades highlight the dynamic landscape of global travel destinations, offering a wealth of experiences to suit various tastes and budgets.
In conclusion, the Which? survey reveals a diverse array of exceptional cities outside of Europe, with Cape Town leading the pack due to its exceptional value, vibrant culinary scene, and diverse attractions. Kyoto, Sydney, Chicago, and Tokyo also earned high rankings, showcasing a range of cultural experiences and scenic beauty. The affordability of many of these destinations, coupled with convenient travel options, further enhances their appeal. The survey highlights the importance of considering factors beyond traditional European destinations when planning travel, opening up a world of exciting possibilities for global exploration.
