Winter sun holiday destination crowned No.1 for Brits has very cheap 5-star hotels and flights… plus no jet lag

THE world’s best cities outside of Europe have been revealed in a new study.

Speaking to 1,500 people, Which analysed 2,500 city visits which were outside of Europe.

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The research looked at seven key criteria – food and drink, tourist attractions, shopping, accommodation, lack of crowds, value for money and how easy it was to get around.

Taking the top spot was Cape Town, which recently welcomed new direct flights from the UK.

Last October, Norse Airways launched the new London Gatwick-Cape Town route, with return fares around £499.

The three-weekly flight joins both British Airways – who launched two more daily routes earlier this month – and Virgin Atlantic who offer seasonal routes.

And the African city received top marks with five out of five for its food and drink, and shopping.

It was also named the best value, long-haul destination – something echoed last year by the Post Office’s annual report who also named it top for value.

One person said: “I was amazed by the low cost of eating out in Cape Town versus London or New York. The food was exceptional.”

Last year, the city’s tourism minister raved about how cheap the five-star hotels were as well.

South Africa Tourism Minister Patricia de Lille said at a trade show earlier this year: “When you come here you are really getting value for money and British visitors are able to afford our five-star hotels.”

Some of the most affordable top end resorts can be found for around £230 a night – a fraction of London’s average of £400.

Non-stop flights take around 11hr20 from London Gatwick and London Heathrow but there is no time difference so you won’t have to worry about let lag.

Also making the Which? top 10 list was Kyoto, with Japan set to be a big travel destination in 2025.

The city beat Cape Town when it came to tourist attractions and ease of getting around.

In third place was Sydney, followed by Chicago and Tokyo.

Some of the nearest destinations to Brits on the list was Marrakech, although came in 25th place.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Some cities are one-trick ponies, but the standout destinations in this year’s survey have it all – each offering unique cultural sights, top-class food and drink, and even sublime scenery.

“In many cases, they are bargains too.

“Cape Town is probably the world holiday destination where your pound will go furthest, while the cost of a holiday in Japan for British travellers has tumbled in recent years thanks to a weaker yen against the pound – there has never been a better time to go.”

A number of US cities ranked poorly, with Miami and Las Vegas at the bottom, with one star for attractions and value for money.

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Earlier this year, Time Out revealed their best cities to visit in 2025 which also named Cape Town as the very best.

However, six in the UK made the list with London (5th), Edinburgh (13th), Brighton (34th), Glasgow (36th), Belfast (47th) and Bristol (48th).

Bath was even named a top spot to visit this year by New York Times – here’s how to spend a weekend there.

And here are seven holiday destinations to watch this year, according to Abta.

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