Why Cape Town is one of the Best Tourist and Expat destinations in the world

There are some questions we always get asked: Why Cape Town? What do you like about the city? What were your reasons for choosing to live in South Africa?

Now that the world has noticed that South Africa is capable of hosting spectacular world events very successfully, more and more people are considering to travel or even live in one of the world's most beautiful cities: Cape Town.

And you might wonder: Why is South Africa's Mother City one of the firm favorites with tourists and expats?

Well, Cape Town has a big draw: Stunning scenery and great lifestyle. The easy pace of life and cosmopolitan mix of own culture attracts many people from around the world. The stunning scenery with the table mountain range, the white sandy beaches and not to forget the adjoining winelands also come up first when you ask anybody about what makes Cape Town so attractive.

• In November 2008 the currently biggest survey of travel habits among 25,000 readers of the UK Daily and Sunday Telegraph voted Cape Town as one of the favorite cities in the world.

• In 2010 Cape Town was again the Winner in the category Africa's Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards with the Westin Grand Cape Town was voted the best meetings and conference hotel in Africa in 2010.

• In 2010 the luxurious Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Resort in nearby Clanwilliam (3hrs drive from Cape Town) was voted the Best Hotel in the World by US Travel and Leisure Magazine, while three year back in 2007 the Mother City was named to be the 10th Best City in the World.

• In 2009 UK travelers voted Cape Town as the 8th best city in the world in the Condé Nast Traveler magazine with South Africa being in 2010 the 8th most popular country with the greatest variety of attractions and coming even before Spain (9th) and Morocco (10th).

• In 2010 Cape Town’s International Conference Center (CTICC) was again a finalist in the category: world's best overseas conference centers in the M&IT (meetings & incentive travel) Industry Awards 2010 and is considered to be one of the top destinations for business travelers.

• National Geographic even added the Mother City to their listing of the "places of a lifetime" in 2008. What more you can ask for?

Really good reasons to consider Cape Town not only for your travel, but certainly also for your next move or expat assignment

So many questions regarding the quality of live of your expat destination will pop up.

If you are comforted by figures let me give you these convincing facts:

• In 2009 the newest Mercer Study put Cape Town on 87th place regarding the quality of life for expatriates and their families put and so the Mother City lies ahead of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

• In 2006 Cape Town was even voted one of the top 20 expat destinations worldwide by fDi (Foreign Direct Investment).

My 10 best reasons why Cape Town is a great place for expat living

1. Beautiful scenery and attractions : mountains, winelands and great sandy beaches

2. Lifestyle is outdoors oriented, exciting expats lifestyle , great for walkers, hikers, surfers…and the whole family loves it

3. Mild Mediterranean climate with blue skies and lots of sunshine

4. Going out is affordable again, even for the big family. There is the most delicious food available in the amazing Cape Town restaurants.

5. Low cost of living compared to many other expat destinations with great housing options (swimming pool, big gardens, sea view etc.) also at affordable prices

6. Big potential for business expansions in the emerging markets

7. Due to European influence the business customs and etiquette are similar

8. First class health care in the private sector

9. Good school options for the kids

10. Last but not least, the South African people are open and very caring and welcoming

Cape Town with kids?

Do you want to know what to do with kids when in Cape Town?

Then find out what my top 10 activities for children in Cape Town and what cool activities await the teenagers in the Mother City. Go to teenager activities in Cape Town here.

And there are many more great free activities in Cape Town you should check out too.

Have fun exploring!

Then simply subscribe to the monthly free ExpatCapeTown Newsletter here:

Return from Why Cape Town to ExpatCapeTown Homepage