10 most beautiful cities in Africa

With a population exceeding 1.3 billion, Africa stands as the second-most populous continent in the world.

It spans more than 30 million square kilometers, making it larger than the U.S., China, and most of Europe combined. Within its borders lie over 2,000 languages, countless ethnic groups, and an unmatched wealth of biodiversity and natural beauty.

The continent is rich in history and home to 54 countries with different languages, traditions, and heritage. In this article, we spotlight ten of the most beautiful cities across the continent, that deserve a place on every traveller’s bucket list.

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Cape Town is a major city in South Africa, a country that is also regarded as one of the most dangerous countries for women.

• Metro population (2025): 5.06 million

• 2022 census: 4.77 million; Others - 1.5%, Indian or Asian - 1.6%, Coloured, 35.1%, Black African - 45.7%, White -16.2%

• Languages: Afrikaans, Xhosa, English; South Africa has 11 official languages.

• Mayor: Geordin Hill‑Lewis (Democratic Alliance), elected 2021.

• Initiatives include: “Vision 2050”, major clean-energy, affordable housing, transport, and infrastructure upgrades.

• Geography & climate: It's located between Table Mountain, Atlantic and Indian Oceans; Mediterranean climate.

• Architecture & design: Cape Dutch, Victorian homes, vibrant Bo-Kaap, modern waterfronts.

• Culture & scenic variety: Renowned food, wine, art; sustainable tourism focus.

Table Mountain, Kirstenbosch Gardens, Robben Island, V&A Waterfront, Boulders Penguin Beach, Chapman’s Peak.

• Summer (Dec–Feb): dry, beach-friendly.

• Shoulder seasons (Oct–Nov, Mar–Apr): mild weather, fewer tourists.

Cape Town is a mix of colonial heritage. There is the apartheid struggle (Robben Island), multicultural communities in Bo-Kaap and cutting-edge arts in Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa.

Cairo is the capital of Egypt. It is also known as the largest city in the Arab world. Cairo has a population of 21.3 million people and is located on the banks of the Nile River.

• population (2025): 23.07 million, Africa's most populous 

• Growth trend: Continues expanding rapidly.

• Ethnic/language: Predominantly Egyptian Arab; Arabic is their official language.

• As of 4 April 2025, Ibrahim Saber Khalil is the governor of Cairo Governorate.

• Geography: Historic Nile River, fertile valley.

• Architecture: Blend of Pharaonic, Islamic, Coptic, and colonial-era buildings.

• Cultural vibrancy: Bustling bazaars (Khan el-Khalili), street life, mosques, churches.

• Pyramids of Giza & Sphinx, Egyptian Museum, Coptic Cairo, Muhammad Ali Mosque, Islamic Cairo district, Nile cruises.

• Winter (Nov–Feb): Pleasant weather (15–22 °C), ideal for sightseeing.

• Avoid scorching summer months (May–Aug).

• Hub of Pharaonic civilisation, Islamic culture, Coptic heritage, colonial and modern Arab identity; epicentre of Egyptian history.

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Marrakech is a major city in western Morocco, renowned for its historic medina, vibrant souks, and cultural significance.

• City population: 1,085,000.

• Growth: Steady urban development.

• Languages: Arabic (Moroccan dialect), Berber (Amazigh), widespread French in tourism/business.

• Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri is a Moroccan lawyer and politician of the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), and currently the mayor of Marrakesh.

• Setting: Foothills of the Atlas Mountains; semi-arid climate.

• Architecture: “Red City” walls, intricate Saadian and Almoravid palaces, riads in medina.

• Culturally rich: Alive with souks, street performances, festivals like the Marrakech International Film Festival.

• Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, medina souks.

• Spring (Mar–May) & fall (Sept–Oct): Lush landscapes, comfortable days.

• Summer is very hot; winter is cooler, but still manageable.

• UNESCO World Heritage medina, long history as an Almoravid/Almohad capital; fusion of Islamic scholarship, Berber roots, and colonial influences.

Zanzibar City is the capital and largest city of Zanzibar, an autonomous region of Tanzania. In the event that you travel to Tanzania, you will use the Tanzania shillings as the government has outlawed the use of foreign currencies for domestic transactions.

• City population (2025): ~219,007 residents in Zanzibar City district.

• Ethnic mix & languages: Primarily Swahili-speaking, with settler Swahili and Arab communities alongside native Hadimu groups. English and Arabic are also widely understood.

• Mayor: Khatib Abdulrahman Khatib, term through 2021–2025

• Structure: Governed by a three‑tier municipal system under Zanzibar City Council, focused on waste conversion and positioning the city as a “Blue Economy” hub by 2025.

• Geography & climate: Historic port on Unguja island, tropical maritime climate, idyllic ocean views.

• Architectural heritage: UNESCO-listed Stone Town with coral-stone buildings, carved wooden doors, narrow maze-like streets, and Arabic‑Portuguese architectural influences.

• Historic Stone Town (UNESCO), Sultan’s Palace, Forodhani Gardens waterfront, the Old Fort, spice markets, and nearby pristine beaches (e.g. Nungwi, Kendwa).

• Timing: July–October is dry and sunny; January–February is also excellent. Ramadan and festival periods offer cultural vibrancy.

It combines historic character in Stone Town with turquoise waters, dhow cruises, diving, spice plantations, relaxed island pace, seafood, and Swahili Isles charm.

Kigali is the capital city of Rwanda. It is the economic and commercial hub of Rwanda.

• Metro population (2025 est.): 1.33 million

• Ethnic/language diversity: Predominantly Rwandan Banyarwanda, linguistic mix includes Kinyarwanda (local), with French, English and Swahili widely used in commerce and tourism.

• The mayor is elected locally; Samuel Dusengiyumva was elected recently as the new Mayor of the city.

• Geography & climate: Rolling green hills, clean streets, mild tropical highland climate.

• Urban design: Consistently ranked among Africa's cleanest and safest cities; pedestrian-friendly, modern architecture, tree-lined boulevards.

• Kigali Genocide Memorial, Inema Arts Centre, Nyamirambo Women’s Centre, local markets (e.g. Kimironko), Mount Kigali viewpoints, culture-trail walks/drive.

• Best months: June–September (dry season) or December–February; rainy seasons (Mar–May, Oct–Nov) see heavy showers.

Kigali is known for progressive urban resettlement, strict zoning, and devastation recovery; Kigali combines modernity with cultural pride, low pollution, and low crime.

Lagos is the economic hub of Nigeria and the largest city in Nigeria, with a population of about 25.3 million. Lagos is gradually becoming a major tourist destination and a global city.

• Metro population (2025 est.): 17.16 million.

• Ethnic/language mix: Dominantly Yoruba language, other languages spoken include Yoruba, English, Pidgin, Hausa and Igbo.

• The state is governed by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who is the Lagos State Governor.

• Geography & environment: Coastal Atlantic city built across islands and lagoons, iconic sunset skyline, lush waterfront zones.

• Vibrancy: Dynamic arts scene, fashion lifestyle and energetic nightlife.

• Lekki Conservation Centre, Nike Art Gallery, Tarkwa Bay Beach, National Theatre, Freedom Park, Terra Kulture and the Lagos waterfront skyline at Victoria Island/Foreshore.

• Season: November–March dry season is ideal; rainy months (April–October) bring heavy rainfall, flooding risk.

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Johannesburg is regarded as South Africa’s financial capital. It has a population of about 5.6 million, is one of the largest urban areas in the world and the friendliest city to live in Africa.

• Metro population (2025 est.): 6.445 million

• Ethnic/language mix: Black African - 64.21%, White - 13.93%, Coloured - 13.89%, Asian - 6.68%, Others - 1.29%. Home languages include Nguni (32%), Sotho (24%), English (18%), Afrikaans (7%).

• Mayor: The current mayor of Johannesburg is Sello Enoch Dada Morero, who assumed office on August 16, 2024. He is also the regional chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Johannesburg.

• Policies: Promises to improve basic service delivery amid infrastructure decay.

• Geography & setting: Highveld plateau, tree-lined streets, man-made urban forest; rich seasons.

• Cultural fusion: A melting pot city with historic buildings, township culture, arts venues, street scenes.

• Apartheid Museum, Maboneng arts precinct, Constitution Hill, Soweto (Vilakazi Street), Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, Gold Reef City.

• Season: Spring (Sept–Nov) and autumn (Mar–May) have mild dry weather, ideal outdoor touring. Summers (Dec–Feb) bring afternoon thunderstorms; winters (Jun–Aug) can be chilly at night.

• Born from the gold rush in 1896, industrial and financial powerhouse, richly significant in apartheid and post‑apartheid history.

• Vibrant cultural resurgence, and arts/civic transformation momentum.

Windhoek is the capital of Namibia. It serves as the social and economic centre of the country.

• City population (2023 census): 486,169

• Ethnic & language: Diverse mix including Oshiwambo, Herero, Nama/Damara, German‑Namibians, Afrikaners; languages include English (official), Afrikaans, German and local languages.

• Mayor: Ndeshihafela Larandja is a Namibian politician currently serving as the mayor of Windhoek.

• Setting: Central Namibian highland ~1,655 m elevation; semi-arid climate, scenic savannah backdrop.

• Architecture: Unique colonial blend: German-style buildings, wide avenues, United Nations Plaza, Christuskirche.

It houses the National Art Gallery, the National Museum, and the National Theatre. It has contemporary buildings and is regarded as one of Africa's safest cities. Tourist attractions in Windhoek include the Alte Feste Museum, Independence Museum, Avis Dam Nature Reserve, and the Daan Viljoen Game Reserve.

• Best months: April–October dry season with cool nights; November–March green season when landscapes turn lush after rains.

Windhoek is one of Africa’s safest capitals; stable governance; well-planned roads, utilities, modern amenities; seat of Namibia’s key institutions.

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Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia, serving as the country’s political, cultural, and economic centre.

• Metro population (2021): The population of Tunis, Tunisia, is estimated to be around 2,545,030 in 2025, according to World Population Review. This figure represents the urban area population, not the entire population of the country. Tunis is the capital and largest city of Tunisia.

• Ethnic/language: Primarily Tunisian Arabs and Amazigh; Arabic official, French widely used in business and education.

• Mayor: Souad Abderrahim (Ennahda Movement), first woman mayor of Tunis since 2018.

• Geography & charm: Mediterranean coastal location with mild climate, flowering suburbs, and sea breeze.

• Blend of styles: Ancient medina architecture, Ottoman palaces, French colonial avenues, Belle Époque buildings.

Medina of Tunis (UNESCO), Bardo Museum, Zitouna Mosque, Carthage ruins, Sidi Bou Said (clifftop village), ancient amphitheatre of El Jem nearby.

• Spring (April–June) and fall (Sept–Oct) offer mild weather. Summers can be hot & dry; winters are mild but with occasional rainfall.

Accra is the largest city in Ghana and serves as the capital.

• Metro population (2025 est.): The current population of Accra, Ghana is estimated to be around 2.721 million people. with its population continuing to grow.

• Ethnic/language: Ethnic groups include Akan, Ga‑Dangme, Ewe; predominant language English, alongside Twi, Ga-Dangme, Ewe and other local languages.

• Mayor of Accra: Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey is the current Mayor of Accra.

• Coastal setting: Atlantic coast beaches, sun-drenched shorelines, warm tropical vibes.

• Urban mix: Colonial architecture, modern business districts (e.g. Osu Ridge), historic neighbourhoods, vibrant arts, nightlife, and cultural festivals.

• Independence Square, Kwame Nkrumah Mausoleum, Jamestown Lighthouse, Osu Castle, Makola Market, National Museum, Labadi Beach.

• Season: Oct–March dry season is ideal. Rainfall peaks in June–July and again in Sept.–Oct.

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