Cape Town has been named Africa’s best city for Gen Z, securing 12th place in Time Out’s global 2026 ranking. The Mother City is the only African destination to rank in this year's list, placing alongside major cultural capitals including Tokyo, Melbourne, New York, Berlin, Seoul and Paris.
The ranking draws on responses from under-30s in Time Out’s annual Best Cities survey. Only the highest-scoring city from each country was included.
Cape Town performed particularly well for its outdoor lifestyle. An impressive 93 percent of young respondents praised its green spaces and access to nature, while the same proportion said they find joy in everyday experiences in the city.
From hiking and beach days to independent bars, creative spaces and wine-farm escapes, Cape Town offers the balance of culture, community and access to nature that younger generations increasingly value.
"Cape Town is a city that never seems to slow down – no matter the weather, time or day, it’s a place always brimming with energy. However, tucked away between pockets of buzz are spaces primed for the tranquillity that Gen Z often craves," says Time Out South Africa's Amy Fraser.
"Whether ending a Sea Point promenade stroll with a Ceremony Matcha, grabbing a drink with friends in the city at AKJP, (which sits on one of the planet’s coolest streets), spending the day at one of our many wine farms, immersing in the arts and culture, or heading out on one of the many, many day hikes from Cape Town, there is something for everyone. While living in this city isn’t without its challenges, Gen Z is creating community and carving out spaces that make the city feel their own."
Africa is home to the world's youngest population
The continental win is especially significant given Africa’s rapidly expanding youth population. Around 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30, making it the youngest region in the World, according to the United Nations.
As more of the World’s young people live, work and travel from Africa, cities able to offer community, culture, opportunity and an accessible lifestyle will become increasingly influential.
This ranking, based specifically on the wants and needs of Gen Z, suggests that Cape Town is well placed to help shape what the next generation expects from a city, as affordability, transport and economic inclusion remain important challenges.
The World’s 15 best cities for Gen Z in 2026 - Click here to see the full list.
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Tokyo
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Porto
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Melbourne
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Edinburgh
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Shanghai
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New York
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Copenhagen
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Berlin
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Valencia
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Bangkok
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Naples
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Cape Town
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Kraków
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Seoul
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Paris
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