Four African destinations — Cape Town, Marrakech, Cairo and Lagos — have earned places on Time Out’s list of the world’s best cities for 2026, following a global survey of 24,000 residents and assessments by more than 100 city experts.
According to timeout.com, the annual ranking highlights urban hubs that excel in culture, nightlife, affordability and livability, placing Africa firmly on the global travel map.
Based on 24,000 responses from local urbanites, and insight from more than 100 Time Out city experts, this year’s Best Cities have been ranked based on everything from their culture and nightlife to their affordability and walkability, with Melbourne claiming the number one spot.
Nineteen cities in Europe were included, too, as were 12 different metropolises across Asia. And in Africa, four cities from all corners of the continent claimed a spot in our 2026 ranking, the first of those being Cape Town, which sits at number six.
Time Out Cape Town’s city editor Selene Brophy writes: ‘Cape Town wows you from the minute you land at its award-winning airport. This city has it all: pristine beaches, character-filled neighbourhoods and genuinely friendly locals, from the city centre flower sellers and the fishermen hauling in the daily catch in Kalk Bay to the creative excellence of its hospitality entrepreneurs.’
According to our research, Cape Town ranked as this year’s most beautiful city, with 86 percent of locals describing it as such (a higher proportion than any other place on our list). Paired with the same approval rating for the city’s green spaces and nature, it’s no surprise 85 percent of people have a positive perception of their quality of life.
Marrakech claimed 24th place on the list, and it fared particularly well thanks to a strong sense of community. Cairo ranked in position number 42, and 72 percent of locals commended the city’s food scene, surprisingly describing it as more ‘lively’ than it is ‘historic’. Fourth in Africa (and 47th overall) is Lagos, which writer Vivienne Dovi describes as ‘overwhelming, but completely electric’.
