Cape Town ranked among world’s top hiking cities in new global study!

Cape Town in South Africa has been named the 4th best city in the world for hiking city breaks, according to a recent global study by Sportsshoes.com. The ranking, which evaluated over 180 major tourist destinations worldwide, highlights Cape Town's world-class appeal to hiking enthusiasts and adventure travelers.
Thanks to its unique geography, combining mountains, coastline, and urban charm, Cape Town offers an unmatched experience for those looking to explore the outdoors without leaving the city.

Cape Town's impressive 4th place ranking is based on several key factors:

• The city offers 281 hiking trails within a 30 km radius, catering to all levels—from beginners to seasoned trekkers.
• Cape Town's trails score an impressive average rating of 4.7 out of 5, showcasing consistently high satisfaction among hikers.
• With 478 reviews for the most popular trails, Cape Town's hiking culture is thriving and widely appreciated.
• Cape Town earned an outstanding hikeability score of 96 out of 100, placing it just behind cities like Rio de Janeiro, Mexico City, and San Francisco.

Cape Town's diverse landscape, framed by Table Mountain and the dramatic Cape Peninsula, makes it one of the most scenic urban hiking destinations in the world. Popular trails include:

• Table Mountain: As one of the New7Wonders of Nature, Table Mountain offers several routes—such as Platteklip Gorge, Skeleton Gorge, and India Venster—each with spectacular views over the city, ocean, and mountains.
• Lion’s Head: Perfect for sunrise or sunset hikes, this spiraling trail provides 360-degree panoramic views of Cape Town and the Atlantic coastline.
• Cape Point: Located in the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve, these coastal trails offer rugged terrain, dramatic sea cliffs, and encounters with local wildlife.
•  Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens: A haven for nature lovers, the gardens feature gentle paths through indigenous flora and link to more challenging routes up Table Mountain’s eastern slopes.

Few cities in the world offer such a rich mix of natural beauty, urban access, and hiking variety. Whether you’re staying near the City Bowl, the Southern Suburbs, or the Atlantic Seaboard, a world-class hiking trail is always nearby. The proximity of mountains, forests, beaches, and botanical gardens creates a dynamic outdoor environment that appeals to both casual walkers and hardcore adventurers.

About the Study:
The study by Sportsshoes.com used data from AllTrails.com, analyzing the number of trails, their average user ratings, and popularity. The hikeability score was calculated using weighted factors:

• Trail Quality (60%)
• Popularity (30%)
• Trail Quantity (10%)

This balanced methodology ensured each city was fairly evaluated in terms of both experience quality and accessibility for hikers. Data correct as of May 2025.