Happy Capetonians propel the Mother City to World’s Best City status – Time Out’s Andrew Hallett

Each year, Time Out surveys thousands of city dwellers across the globe to compile their annual ranking of the world’s best cities. For 2025, Cape Town, South Africa, has been crowned the world’s best city. While many might assume this accolade is due solely to its natural beauty and the attractions nestled in the shadow of Table Mountain, Andrew Hallett, the Content Editor of Time Out South Africa, shared with Biznews in an interview that the top spot was secured largely due to the remarkable sense of contentment among Capetonians. It was the overall level of happiness among Capetonians that bumped New York from the top spot. For those concerned about locals being priced out of enjoying the city to the fullest, Hallett assures that Time Out offers plenty of tips for experiencing the city without breaking the bank. And what could Cape Town do to make it more attractive to tourists? He suggests improvements to public transport.