Cape Town and Marrakech named among the happiest cities in the world in 2025, according to locals

Two African cities, Cape Town and Marrakech, have earned global recognition for something priceless: happiness.

According to Timeout’s new 2025 survey measuring how content people feel in their cities, Cape Town ranks third in the world, while Marrakech joins at a proud fifteenth, making them the only African cities to feature in the global top 20 list.

The study, which polled residents across major cities worldwide, measured happiness using five key indicators: how happy locals feel living in their city; whether they feel happier there than in other places they’ve lived or visited; if the people around them seem happy; the joy they find in everyday urban experiences; and whether happiness in their city has grown in recent years.

The results crowned Abu Dhabi as the world’s happiest city in 2025, but Cape Town’s and Marrakech’s high rankings tell a powerful story about Africa’s vibrant urban spirit.

Cape Town’s third-place finish makes it not only one of the happiest cities on Earth but also the happiest in Africa. It’s not hard to see why. With its Blue Flag beaches, the majestic Table Mountain, and a cultural scene that blends global sophistication with local creativity, Cape Town offers residents a rare balance of natural beauty and urban buzz.

97% of locals said their city makes them happy, a figure that reflects both the city’s charm and its growing confidence as a cultural capital.

Further north, Marrakech continues to enchant both locals and visitors alike. Ranked as one of the top 20 happiest cities globally, Morocco’s famed “Red City” offers an intoxicating mix of ancient medinas, lively souks, and breathtaking desert vistas.

From the dramatic Atlas Mountains to the silent expanse of the Sahara, Morocco embodies the diversity and magic that bring joy to those who call it home.

The recognition builds on Morocco’s growing global appeal. In September, the country ranked sixth on the list of the world’s best places to visit, cementing its status as a must-see destination.