Cape Town was named the most beautiful city in the world in a 2026 survey of 24,000 residents, with 86% approval. The survey, conducted by Time Out, placed the city ahead of Edinburgh (84%) and Sydney (79%).
Survey Results
The international survey included 24,000 residents from 24 different cities. Cape Town topped the list with 86% affirmative responses, followed by Edinburgh (84%) and Sydney (79%). Chicago ranked fourth with 77%, while Lisbon and Paris trailed, each with 68%.
Global Reaction
Social media comments were varied. Users highlighted the city's natural beauty but also raised concerns such as safety. Some questioned the inclusion of other cities, like Barcelona and Islamabad, which were not on the list.
Context and Implications
The ranking reinforces the perception that Cape Town, situated between mountains and sea, has a unique aesthetic. The survey also highlighted that local opinion can differ from international perception, as cities like Chicago, which leads in the U.S., achieved higher scores among their residents.
Next Steps
The data visualization was shared by @visualcap in collaboration with @voronoiapp, allowing users to explore each city's position on a global map. The discussion continues on social platforms, with users debating the inclusion of other cities and the survey methodology.
