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Cape Town - "If Cape Town was a person, it would be that Hollywood starlet we all secretly envy..."



Agree or disagree - this is how US News & World Report describes the Mother City in their new Best Places to Visit list, released on Tuesday, 28 June. A list on which Cape Town ranked in the number 11 spot.



"The Mother City is unlike any other destination in Africa," the report states. "Separated from the rest of the continent by a ring of mountains, Cape Town stands as a glittering, metropolis juxtaposed with one of the world's most breathtaking natural landscapes.



"But good looks aren't the only thing Cape Town has going for it. You'll fall in love with this city's khaki-colored beaches, rolling vineyards, sizzling cuisine, thriving nightlife, and, of course, the spectacular Table Mountain."





A photo posted by Ade_l13 (@ade_l13) on Jun 29, 2016 at 11:33pm PDT





Cape Town narrowly misses the Top 10, ousted by big names like the Great Barrier Reef, Paris and Bora Bora, which places in first, second and third spots respectively.



The Great Barrier Reef is the largest coral reef ecosystem in the world, and, alongside Table Mountain, is named one of seven natural wonders of the world.



Erin Shields, travel editor for US News says the Great Barrier Reef is a once in a lifetime vacation, and it's been in the news recently because of coral bleaching. "Travellers need to see it soon, because there might not be as much left."



Researchers who conducted months of aerial and underwater surveys of the 2 300 km reef off Australia's east coast, recently found that around 35% of the coral in the northern and central sections of the reef are dead or dying.



Some parts of the reef had lost more than half of the coral to bleaching.



SEE: #ShockWildlifeTruths: One third of Great Barrier Reef coral killed by bleaching



We agree that the Great Barrier Reef should be ranked as 2016's must-see destinations on the globe.



Check out the Top 10 here:



1. The Great Barrier Reef



A photo posted by The Luxe Nomad (@theluxenomad) on May 6, 2016 at 3:12am PDT





2. Paris



A photo posted by Europe.Vacations (@europe.vacations) on Jun 29, 2016 at 11:50pm PDT





3. Bora Bora



A photo posted by The Luxury Lifestyle Magazine (@luxurylifestylemagazine) on Jun 29, 2016 at 5:27pm PDT





4. Florence



A photo posted by Travel Noire (@travelnoire) on Jun 29, 2016 at 7:48pm PDT





5. Tokyo



A photo posted by jo yeo. (@j0oce) on Jun 30, 2016 at 3:30am PDT





6. Cusco



A photo posted by K E V I N E A S S A (@youngandfreetravels) on Jun 29, 2016 at 9:14pm PDT





7. London



A photo posted by Sina (@sina_opalka) on Jun 30, 2016 at 3:30am PDT





8. Rome



A photo posted by ITALIA ???? (@ig_italia) on Jun 29, 2016 at 1:18pm PDT





9. New York City



A photo posted by Paola Franqui (@monaris_) on Jun 29, 2016 at 7:56pm PDT





10. Maui



A photo posted by Cyrus Perry (@hawaii_aquaholic) on Jun 29, 2016 at 8:05pm PDT







Despite placing in the number 11 position, Cape Town is still the number one destination on the African continent, and number one in our hearts. Mostly, because of its diversity, culture, food and people.



The US Rankings report agrees. "Cape Town is by far the most cosmopolitan city in South Africa, as it hosts a hodgepodge of cultures that contributes to the city's eclectic music, food, and festival scenes."



Oh, and did we mention the myriad of adventure offerings the City has in stall? If you're after a heart-racing activity to ease the winter cold, check out:





City resort unlocks Cape Town cool with new urban adventure offering









A photo posted by S E T H | C A P E T O W N (@seth_shezi) on May 25, 2016 at 6:09am PDT







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