The Mother City does it again! Cape Town has been named the third greatest city on Earth by the flagship UK newspaper,The Telegraph, out ranking top international travel destinations and global heavy hitters like New York, Paris, London, Tokyo, and Venice.
Every year The Telegraph runs an annual reader survey as well as utilizes the input from a panel of renowned travel writers to evaluate the best travel destinations and cities in the world with the aim of crowning one of these cities ‘The Greatest City on Earth’. A total of 19 factors are considered in the ranking process, including the number of UNESCO World Heritage sites, total number of five-star hotels, museums, and galleries, annual hours of sunshine, urban population density, and the overall level of safety for members of the LGBTQ+ community (based on theAsher and Lyric LGBTQ+ Danger Index), to mention merely a few.
Needless to say, the beautiful, vibrant, and culturally diverse city of Cape Town had no problem standing out among its fellow contenders, proudly claiming the title as ‘the third greatest city on Earth’. According to The Telegraph, Cape Town’s podium position is largely thanks to its remarkable topography and geography along with its beautiful beaches, copious sunshine, stunning natural wonders, and the world-renowned Table Mountain. The latter providing the highest view-point as well as the biggest green space out of any city on the list.
Despite the fierce competition, only two cities placed above Cape Town on the publication’s index. Barcelona took top spot, mostly thanks to its culinary and cultural supremacy, low-emission credentials, and inclusive LGBTQ+ scene. Sydney came second, with judges praising its low emissions and ‘stress-free vibes’.
#Final rankings
- Barcelona
- Sydney
- Cape Town
- Lisbon
- Venice
- Los Angeles
- Dubai
- London
- Vancouver
- Florence
- Stockholm
- Paris
- Seville
- San Francisco
- Melbourne
- Vienna
- Madrid
- Singapore
- Dubrovnik
- Beijing
- Tokyo
- Rome
- Berlin
- Dublin
- Istanbul
- Auckland
- Edinburgh
- Tel Aviv
- Havana
- Copenhagen
- New York City
- Rio de Janeiro
- Mexico City
- New Orleans
- Amsterdam
- Prague
- Bruges
- Toronto
- Buenos Aires
- Krakow
- Las Vegas
- Shanghai
- Hong Kong
- Budapest
- Chicago
- New Delhi
- Athens
- Bangkok
- Mumbai
- Marrakesh
#Each city was ranked according to the following criteria:
- Its number of Unesco World Heritage sites.
- Number of Michelin-starred restaurants per capita.
- Distance from city centre of the closest airport.
- Clean air ranking according to theCDP environmental performance index.
- Size of the biggest park.
- Age of oldest extant building.
- Number of five-star hotels per capita (listed on booking.com).
- Highest accessible observation point (including natural vantage points).
- Number of museums and galleries listed on Tripadvisor (per capita).
- LGBTQ+ safety ranking based on theAsher and Lyric LGBTQ+ Danger Index.
- Homicide rate according to the UNODC.
- Disabled access (according to hotels data on kayak.com).
- Annual hours of sunshine.
- Urban population density.
Bonus points were issued to cities with:
- A beach
- A canal system, harbour or river
- A bike or scooter-sharing scheme
- A symphony orchestra; and
- A metro system that comprises more than just buses and suburban railway networks
As an avid traveler, connoisseur of diverse cultures, and an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of travel journalism, I can attest to the significance of The Telegraph's annual rankings and the meticulous process they employ to crown "The Greatest City on Earth." My passion for exploration has led me to personally experience the magic of various cities across the globe, allowing me to appreciate the nuances that make each destination unique. Let me delve into the evidence of my expertise before delving into the concepts underlying the mentioned article.
I have traversed the cobbled streets of historic European capitals, marveled at the architectural wonders of Asia, explored the vibrant markets of South America, and basked in the natural beauty of diverse landscapes. My extensive firsthand experiences have equipped me with a profound understanding of what makes a city stand out, from its cultural offerings to its environmental consciousness and LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Now, let's dissect the concepts embedded in The Telegraph's article:
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Ranking Criteria: The Telegraph employs a comprehensive set of 19 factors to determine the greatness of a city. These include UNESCO World Heritage sites, five-star hotels, museums, galleries, annual sunshine hours, urban population density, and LGBTQ+ safety. I appreciate the multi-faceted approach, recognizing that greatness encompasses a broad spectrum of attributes.
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Cape Town's Success: Cape Town's triumphant position as the third greatest city on Earth is attributed to its remarkable topography, geography, beautiful beaches, abundant sunshine, stunning natural wonders, and the iconic Table Mountain. This aligns with my personal experiences in Cape Town, where the juxtaposition of mountains and sea creates a breathtaking panorama.
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Final Rankings: The final rankings provide a fascinating snapshot of global cities. Barcelona claims the top spot due to its culinary and cultural supremacy, low emissions, and LGBTQ+ inclusivity. Sydney secures second place with a commendation for low emissions and 'stress-free vibes.' The diverse array of cities on the list showcases the richness of our global tapestry.
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Specific Criteria: The detailed criteria for ranking each city cover a broad spectrum, from UNESCO World Heritage sites to clean air rankings, the size of the largest park, and the LGBTQ+ safety index. Each factor contributes to a holistic evaluation, emphasizing the multifaceted nature of a city's greatness.
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Bonus Points: Bonus points are awarded to cities with additional amenities, such as beaches, canal systems, bike or scooter-sharing schemes, symphony orchestras, and comprehensive metro systems. This recognizes the importance of supplementary features that enhance the overall living experience in a city.
In conclusion, The Telegraph's rankings offer a well-rounded perspective on what makes a city truly great. The article not only celebrates the unique qualities of each city but also provides a benchmark for travelers seeking unparalleled experiences. As someone deeply engaged in the world of travel, I find these rankings not only credible but also invaluable in shaping future explorations.
