Cape Town is South Africa’s crown jewel and the most European city you’ll find on the African continent.
Founded by the Dutch East India Company in 1652, it was South Africa’s first attempt at a modern metropolis on the southwestern tip of Africa, earning it the nickname “The Mother City.”
The city’s setting, a dramatic coastline in the shadow of Table Mountain National Park, is as picturesque as its history is complex.
Cape Town remains such a wildly popular destination with international travellers that it’s just been voted the Number One City in the Middle East and Africa.
Travel + Leisure is one of the biggest travel magazines in the world with a reach of more than 35 million people worldwide.
As part of its annual World’s Best Awards, it relies on its readers to vote across 11 categories.
Cape Town was ranked as the 20th best city in the world – out of 25 – and shone in the regional rankings.
In the Africa rankings, Cape Town came first, followed by Marrakesh in Morocco.
Fez and Essaouira, both in Morocco, also featured in the top ten, while Cape Town represented the only city in South Africa.
Cape Town’s accolades extended to T+L’s Best Hotel Category, claiming four out of the five spots in Africa.
The Cape Grace at the V&A Waterfront clinched first prize, a position it last held in 2016.
The Silo Hotel, also at the V&A Waterfront, came in second. Built into the historic grain silo complex it occupies six floors above the Zeitz MOCAA Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.
Ellerman House in Bantry Bay ranked at number three, while The One & Only ranked fifth place but came in as the third hotel on the list situated within the V&A Waterfront district.
In Johannesburg The Saxon Hotel made the list of Best Hotels in Africa, ranked at number four. 
Cape Town’s iconic Table Mountain has been voted as Africa’s leading tourist attraction by the 2021 World Travel Awards (WTA). It’s held this top spot since 2019.
Established in 1993, the World Travel Awards recognises, rewards, and celebrates excellence across all key sectors of travel, tourism, and hospitality.
Despite global challenges, travel appetites have reached unprecedented levels, with a 17% increase in voting numbers from the previous year. A whopping two million votes were cast, representing a huge vote of confidence in the travel and tourism industry.
Cape Town is worth visiting year-round, according to Katie Jackson of T+L’s Cape Town Travel Guide.
”It looks different each season. Late December through March is South Africa’s summer.
It’s when Cape Town is alive with tourists escaping their own winters back home and locals enjoying the gorgeous weather. It’s sunny, dry, and warm enough to warrant a dip in the ocean.
The city’s social calendar is packed with events, and while prices might be higher during this peak season, at least everything is open.
If you’re looking for lower prices and fewer people, visit during the winter, late June through late September. Pack a raincoat because winter means wet – but not freezing because with a Mediterranean climate, there’s no frost or snow.
If your goal is to see whales, check out the Hermanus Whale Festival usually held in late September. However, July and August are also considered great months for whale watching.
Finally, the shoulder seasons can be just as unforgettable.
Spring, September through early December, is when the wildflowers are in full bloom.
Autumn, late March through early June, is thought to be the best time to go cage diving with great white sharks.”
Cape Town is Africa’s leading tourist attraction irrespective of season. So why not try it out for yourself.