The Best of Cape Town

Cape Town, often celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant culture, has consistently proven its mettle on the world stage through a series of recent accolades. From tourism and hospitality to culinary excellence and winemaking, the city continues to captivate both local and international audiences. Here’s a detailed look at Cape Town’s most recent triumphs across various domains.

• In the World Travel Awards 2023 Cape Town emerged as Africa’s Leading City Destination for the third consecutive year a testament to its enduring appeal as a top travel destination. This recognition highlights the city’s diverse attractions, from Table Mountain and the V&A Waterfront to its pristine beaches and rich cultural heritage.
• Additionally, Cape Town International Airport and the Port of Cape Town were honoured as Africa’s Leading Airport and Africa’s Leading Cruise Port, respectively​,
• Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 Ranked as the fourth-best large city in the world, Cape Town’s blend of natural beauty and urban sophistication continues to resonate with travellers worldwide​.
• Cape Town takes the prize again at World Travel Awards – CBN

• The Telegraph Travel Awards 2023 & 2024 Cape Town was voted the Best City in the World by readers of The Telegraph, further solidifying its reputation as a premier global destination.​​
• Luxe Restaurant Awards 2024 Showcasing the city’s culinary prowess, La Petite Colombe was named the Restaurant of the Year, while Callan Austin from Chefs Warehouse Beau Constantia took home the Chef of the Year title.

Cape Town’s food and wine scenes have not only captivated local enthusiasts but also garnered international acclaim.

• JHP Gourmet Guide™ 2024 – Several Cape Town restaurants received top honours, including FYN and La Colombe, each awarded three plates. These establishments are celebrated for their innovative and sustainable culinary practices. See more Eat Play Drink, Cape Town
• Food & Wine Global Tastemakers Awards 2024 – Emazulwini Restaurant was named one of the 20 best restaurants globally, recognized for its modern take on Zulu cuisine and use of sustainable ingredients​.
• Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) 2023 –  Local wineries shined at the DWWA, with Tokara winning Best in Show for its 2020 Reserve Collection Elgin Sauvignon Blanc, and Klein Constantia receiving multiple gold medals for its 2019 Vin de Constance.
• International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) 2024 – Mullineux & Leeu Family Wines was honored as the South African Winery of the Year, while Kleine Zalze secured a Gold Outstanding medal for its Vineyard Selection Chenin Blanc 2021​​.

Cape Town’s wine estates are celebrated not just for their historic and scenic appeal but also for their exceptional contributions to winemaking. Here are a few more of Cape Town’s world-class wineries that have recently achieved significant recognition:

Cape Town’s culinary scene continues to thrive, with several local restaurants earning international acclaim in 2024.

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2024:

La Colombe secured the 49th spot in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants for 2024, a significant achievement that highlights its continued excellence and innovative approach to contemporary cuisine.

Reserve your spot at La Colombe

These incredible restaurants made it on Africa’s 25 Best Restaurants 2024 list this year

• La Colombe – Recognized for its inventive dishes and elegant presentation, La Colombe is a beacon of fine dining in Cape Town​​.
• Wolfgat – known for its intimate setting and foraging-inspired menu, Wolfgat continues to draw attention for its unique take on coastal cuisine​
• Fyn Restaurant – Fyn stands out for its fusion of African and Japanese flavours, earning it a place among the continent’s top restaurants​.

Cape Town International Airport has consistently been recognized for its excellence in various aspects of service, facilities, and overall passenger experience. Here are some of the recent accolades it has received:

World Travel Awards 2023:

• Cape Town International Airport was awarded the title of Africa’s Leading Airport for the 8th consecutive year at the World Travel Awards, held on October 15, 2023. This award highlights the airport’s consistent excellence in providing top-notch services and facilities to travellers.
• Africa’s Leading Airport Lounge: The airport’s SLOW Lounge won the accolade for the best airport lounge in Africa, recognized for its comfort, amenities, and service​.

Skytrax World Airport Awards 2023:

• Cape Town International Airport was named the Best Airport in Africa by Skytrax, a leading global air transport rating organization. This award is based on an extensive survey of international travelers and reflects the airport’s high standards in service, cleanliness, and passenger satisfaction.
• The airport was also recognized for having the Best Airport Staff in Africa, highlighting the exceptional customer service provided by its personnel.

ACI Airport Service Quality Awards 2023:

• Best Airport by Size and Region (5-15 million passengers in Africa): Cape Town International Airport received this award from Airports Council International (ACI), acknowledging its excellence in customer service and operational efficiency within its passenger size category.
• Best Hygiene Measures by Region (Africa): In response to the global pandemic, the airport was recognized for its superior hygiene measures, ensuring a safe and clean environment for travellers.

Skytrax World Airport Awards 2024:

• Best Regional Airport in Africa:
  In 2024, Cape Town International Airport continued its winning streak by being named the Best Regional Airport in Africa. This award recognizes the airport’s quality and performance in the regional category.
• 5-Star Regional Airport Rating:
  Cape Town International Airport was also awarded a prestigious 5-star rating by Skytrax, acknowledging its world-class services and facilities in the regional airport category.

Travel Weekly Magellan Awards 2024:

• Gold Award for Overall Airport Excellence:
  The airport received the Gold Award from Travel Weekly, which celebrates the best in travel across the globe. This award underscores its leadership in providing an outstanding travel experience.

Airport Excellence Awards 2024:

• Best Airport for Customer Service in Africa:
  Recognized for its exceptional customer service, Cape Town International Airport was honored with this award, reflecting its commitment to ensuring a positive experience for all passengers.

Cape Town’s recent accolades across tourism, hospitality, culinary arts, and viticulture underscore its position as a world-class destination. The city’s commitment to excellence, sustainability, and innovation continues to attract global recognition, making it a must-visit for travellers and connoisseurs alike. Whether you’re exploring its vibrant streets, dining at its award-winning restaurants, or savouring its fine wines, Cape Town offers an unparalleled experience that captivates and inspires.

Feel free to delve deeper into Cape Town’s achievements and plan your next visit to this extraordinary city!