Here’s a list of the 100 most popular cities in the world, with a one-sentence description for each city and why it’s popular, in descending order from #100 to #1.
Who’s #1?
Let’s take a look.
Table of Contents
#100 Surabaya, Indonesia
Surabaya, the second-largest city in Indonesia, is a bustling commercial and industrial hub known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant street food scene.
#99 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Riyadh, the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, is a rapidly growing metropolis that blends modernity with its deep-rooted cultural traditions.
#98 Curitiba, Brazil
Curitiba, the capital of Paraná state in Brazil, is renowned for its innovative urban planning, impressive public transportation system, and beautiful parks.
#97 Baku, Azerbaijan
Baku, the capital and largest city of Azerbaijan, is a unique blend of ancient and modern architecture, with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving oil industry.
#96 Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a charming and historic city that boasts stunning architecture, delicious cuisine, and a vibrant street life.
#95 Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi, the capital and largest city of Kenya, is a dynamic and cosmopolitan hub known for its diverse cultures, wildlife conservation efforts, and growing tech scene.
#94 Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Jeddah, a significant port city in Saudi Arabia, is a bustling commercial center with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a thriving tourism industry.
#93 Medellín, Colombia
Medellín, the second-largest city in Colombia, is a vibrant and innovative metropolis known for its impressive urban transformation, cultural events, and stunning natural surroundings.
#92 Khartoum, Sudan
Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is a historic city situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Nile, known for its rich cultural heritage and ancient monuments.
#91 Shenzhen, China
Shenzhen, a major city in Guangdong Province, China, is a rapidly growing technology and innovation hub, often referred to as the “Silicon Valley of China.”
#90 Lahore, Pakistan
Lahore, the cultural capital of Pakistan, is a historic city known for its stunning Mughal architecture, vibrant food scene, and rich literary and artistic traditions.
#89 Casablanca, Morocco
Casablanca, the largest city and economic capital of Morocco, is a cosmopolitan hub with a blend of traditional Moroccan and modern French influences.
#88 Hyderabad, India
Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state in India, is a rapidly growing city known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving IT industry, and delicious Hyderabadi cuisine.
#87 Fukuoka, Japan
Fukuoka, a vibrant city on the island of Kyushu, Japan, is known for its modern architecture, lively nightlife, and proximity to beautiful natural landscapes.
#86 Surat, India
Surat, a major industrial and commercial hub in Gujarat, India, is renowned for its thriving textile industry, diamond cutting and polishing, and historic monuments.
#85 Hamburg, Germany
Hamburg, a major port city in northern Germany, is known for its rich maritime history, stunning Baroque architecture, and vibrant cultural scene.
#84 Luanda, Angola
Luanda, the capital and largest city of Angola, is a rapidly growing metropolis with a rich cultural heritage, stunning beaches, and a thriving oil industry.
#83 Chengdu, China
Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan Province in China, is famous for its laid-back lifestyle, delicious Sichuan cuisine, and giant panda conservation efforts.
#82 Accra, Ghana
Accra, the capital and largest city of Ghana, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan hub known for its rich cultural heritage, buzzing nightlife, and thriving business scene.
#81 Incheon, South Korea
Incheon, a major port city in South Korea, is known for its modern infrastructure, thriving industrial sector, and its role as the gateway to Seoul. Home to one of the world’s busiest airports.
#80 Chongqing, China
Chongqing, a major city in southwestern China, is known for its stunning mountain scenery, spicy hot pot cuisine, and rapidly growing economy.
#79 Dalian, China
Dalian, a coastal city in Liaoning Province, China, is renowned for its beautiful beaches, modern architecture, and thriving software and technology industries.
#78 Milan, Italy
Milan, the fashion and design capital of Italy, is a vibrant city known for its historic architecture, world-class shopping, and rich cultural heritage.
#77 Nagoya, Japan
Nagoya, a major industrial and manufacturing hub in central Japan, is known for its automotive and aerospace industries, as well as its unique cuisine and stunning castles.
#76 Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, is a bustling metropolis known for its rich history, delicious street food, and thriving business environment.
#75 Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kaohsiung, a major port city in southern Taiwan, is known for its stunning natural landscapes, vibrant night markets, and thriving industries.
#74 Warsaw, Poland
Warsaw, the capital and largest city of Poland, is a vibrant and historic city known for its resilience, stunning architecture, and rich cultural heritage.
#73 Almaty, Kazakhstan
Almaty, the former capital and largest city of Kazakhstan, is a modern and cosmopolitan hub known for its stunning mountain landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and thriving business scene.
#72 Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town, a stunning coastal city in South Africa, is renowned for its natural beauty, rich cultural diversity, and world-class cuisine and wine.
#71 Busan, South Korea
Busan, the second-largest city in South Korea, is a major port and a popular tourist destination known for its stunning beaches, delicious seafood, and vibrant festivals.
#70 Guadalajara, Mexico
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco state in Mexico, is a vibrant and culturally rich city known for its mariachi music, tequila production, and thriving technology industries.
#69 Tianjin, China
Tianjin, a major coastal city in northern China, is known for its rich history, stunning UNESCO World Heritage sites, and thriving industries.
#68 Munich, Germany
Munich, the capital of Bavaria in Germany, is a cosmopolitan city renowned for its stunning architecture, world-famous Oktoberfest celebrations, and thriving technology and automotive industries.
#67 Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka, the capital and largest city of Bangladesh, is a bustling metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant street life, and thriving textile industry.
#66 Tashkent, Uzbekistan
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a historic city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural traditions, and its role as a major regional hub for trade and commerce.
#65 Monterrey, Mexico
Monterrey, a major industrial and business hub in northern Mexico, is known for its modern skyline, thriving manufacturing industries, and stunning natural surroundings.
#64 Detroit, United States
Detroit, the largest city in Michigan, is famous for its rich automotive heritage, vibrant music scene, and ongoing urban renewal efforts.
#63 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro, a stunning coastal city in Brazil, is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, iconic landmarks like Christ the Redeemer, and vibrant carnival celebrations.
#62 Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is renowned for its stunning landscapes, Table Mountain backdrop, and rich cultural history.
#61 Doha, Qatar
Doha, the capital of Qatar, is a rapidly growing and modern city known for its stunning architecture, world-class museums, and thriving economy.
#60 Houston, United States
Houston, the largest city in Texas, is a diverse and dynamic metropolis known for its thriving energy and aerospace industries, world-class medical facilities, and diverse culinary scene.
#59 Lima, Peru
Lima, the capital of Peru, is a vibrant coastal city known for its rich colonial history, stunning architecture, and delicious Peruvian cuisine.
#58 Shanghai, China
Shanghai, the largest city in China, is a global financial and business hub known for its towering skyline, rich history, and vibrant nightlife.
#57 Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is an ancient and historic city known for its stunning classical architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife.
#56 Brussels, Belgium
Brussels, the capital of Belgium, is a cosmopolitan city known for its stunning architecture, delicious chocolate and beer, and its role as the administrative center of the European Union.
#55 Vancouver, Canada
Vancouver, a stunning coastal city in British Columbia, Canada, is renowned for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and vibrant cultural scene.
#54 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital and largest city of Malaysia, is a modern and cosmopolitan hub known for its stunning architecture, delicious street food, and thriving business environment.
#53 Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, is a charming and historic city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife.
#52 Johannesburg, South Africa
Johannesburg, the largest city in South Africa, is a dynamic and cosmopolitan metropolis known for its rich history, thriving business scene, and stunning natural surroundings.
#51 Singapore, Singapore
Singapore, a modern and vibrant city-state, is renowned for its stunning skyline, efficient infrastructure, diverse culinary scene, and thriving business environment.
#50 Seattle, United States
Seattle, a major city in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, is known for its stunning natural beauty, thriving tech industry, and vibrant cultural scene.
#49 Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City, the capital and largest city of Mexico, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine.
#48 Toronto, Canada
Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is a diverse and multicultural hub known for its stunning skyline, world-class entertainment, and thriving business environment.
#47 Osaka, Japan
Osaka, a major city in Japan’s Kansai region, is known for its vibrant food culture, historic landmarks, and thriving manufacturing industries.
#46 Berlin, Germany
Berlin, the capital of Germany, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city known for its rich history, cutting-edge art and music scenes, and thriving tech industry.
#45 Bogotá, Colombia
Bogotá, the capital and largest city of Colombia, is a vibrant and modern metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning colonial architecture, and thriving business environment.
#44 Tel Aviv, Israel
Tel Aviv, a modern and cosmopolitan city in Israel, is known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and thriving technology and startup scene.
#42 Yangon, Myanmar
Yangon, the former capital of Myanmar, is a vibrant city known for its stunning colonial architecture, serene lakes, and vibrant street life.
#41 Madrid, Spain
Madrid, the capital and largest city of Spain, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and world-class museums.
#40 Portland, United States
Portland, a charming city in Oregon, is known for its thriving food and craft beer scenes, beautiful parks, and eco-friendly culture.
#39 Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou, a major city in southern China, is known for its rich history, thriving manufacturing industries, and delicious Cantonese cuisine.
#38 Rome, Italy
Rome, the capital of Italy, is an ancient and historic city known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and world-famous landmarks like the Colosseum and the Vatican City.
#37 Montréal, Canada
Montréal, a vibrant city in the province of Quebec, Canada, is known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and thriving arts and music scenes.
#36 Kyiv, Ukraine
Kyiv, the capital and largest city of Ukraine, is a historic and vibrant metropolis known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and thriving business environment.
#35 Paris, France
Paris, the capital and largest city of France, is a global cultural and fashion hub known for its stunning architecture, world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, and rich artistic heritage.
#34 Delhi, India
Delhi, the capital territory of India, is a historic and bustling metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and thriving business environment.
#33 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires, the capital and largest city of Argentina, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and thriving art and music scenes.
#32 Nanjing, China
Nanjing, an ancient capital of China, is renowned for its rich history, stunning gardens, and thriving art and cultural scenes.
#31 Sydney, Australia
Sydney, the largest city in Australia, is known for its stunning natural harbor, iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House, and vibrant cultural and entertainment scenes.
#30 Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok, a vibrant metropolis known for its ornate shrines, vibrant street life, and the sprawling Grand Palace.
#29 Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong, a cosmopolitan and densely populated city, is known for its towering skyscrapers, vibrant finance and business sectors, and unique blend of Eastern and Western cultures.
#28 Taipei, Taiwan
Taipei, the capital and largest city of Taiwan, is a modern and vibrant metropolis known for its stunning architecture, delicious street food, and rich cultural heritage.
#27 Chicago, United States
Chicago, the third-largest city in the United States, is known for its iconic architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and thriving business environment.
#26 Austin, United States
Austin, the lively capital of Texas, is renowned for its live music venues, outdoor recreation, and innovative tech and cultural scenes.
#25 Philadelphia, United States
Philadelphia, a historic city in Pennsylvania, United States, is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and its role in the founding of the United States.
#24 Boston, United States
Boston, a historic city in Massachusetts, United States, is known for its world-class educational institutions, rich cultural heritage, and thriving healthcare and technology industries.
#23 Washington D.C., United States
Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is known for its iconic monuments and memorials, rich political history, and thriving cultural and arts scene.
#22 Moscow, Russia
Moscow, the capital and largest city of Russia, is a historic and vibrant metropolis known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and thriving business environment.
#21 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai, a modern and cosmopolitan city in the United Arab Emirates, is known for its stunning architecture, luxury shopping and entertainment, and thriving tourism industry.
#20 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur, the capital and largest city of Malaysia, is a modern and cosmopolitan hub known for its stunning architecture, delicious street food, and thriving business environment.
#19 Seoul, South Korea
Seoul, the capital and largest city of South Korea, is a modern and dynamic metropolis known for its rich cultural heritage, thriving technology and entertainment industries, and delicious cuisine.
#18 Toronto, Canada
Toronto, the largest city in Canada, is a diverse and multicultural hub known for its stunning skyline, world-class entertainment, and thriving business environment.
#17 Mumbai, India
Mumbai, the largest city in India, is a vibrant and cosmopolitan metropolis known for its thriving finance and entertainment industries, rich cultural heritage, and stunning architecture.
#16 Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta, the capital and largest city of Indonesia, is a bustling and dynamic metropolis known for its rich cultural diversity, thriving business environment, and vibrant nightlife.
#15 Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Catalonia, Spain, is a popular tourist destination known for its stunning architecture, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant nightlife.
#14 Los Angeles, United States
Los Angeles, the second-largest city in the United States, is a global entertainment and cultural hub known for its thriving film and music industries, stunning beaches, and diverse culinary scene.
#13 Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, the capital and largest city of Japan, is a modern and densely populated metropolis known for its cutting-edge technology, unique blend of traditional and modern cultures, and vibrant nightlife.
#12 Miami, United States
Miami sizzles with an irresistible mix of sun-soaked beaches, art deco architecture, pulsating nightlife, and a melting pot of Hispanic and Caribbean influences.
#11 Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, straddling Europe and Asia, is an ancient yet modern metropolis renowned for its stunning architecture, rich history, vibrant culture and breathtaking natural beauty.
#10 Beijing, China
Beijing, the capital of China, is a global powerhouse combining ancient wonders like the Forbidden City with modern marvels and a rapidly growing economy.
#9 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro dazzles with its iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, world-famous Carnival festivities, stunning beaches and vibrant culture.
#8 Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas, the entertainment capital of the world, is famed for its vibrant nightlife, dazzling casino resorts, and spectacular live shows, embodying the spirit of glamour and endless possibility.
#7 San Francisco, United States
San Francisco charms with its hilly landscapes, iconic Golden Gate Bridge, free-spirited culture, and position as a global hub for technology and innovation.
#6 Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Dubai astounds with audacious feats of engineering and architecture, from the towering Burj Khalifa to Palm Jumeirah’s palm-tree shaped archipelago of islands.
#5 Singapore
Singapore’s gleaming skyline, ultra-modern infrastructure, diverse cultural fabric and reputation as a global finance center make it one of the world’s most fascinating cities.
#4 Sydney, Australia
Sydney’s iconic Opera House, harbor side beaches, vibrant arts scene and laidback outdoor lifestyle create an alluring blend of urban sophistication and natural splendor.
#3 Paris, France
The “City of Light” enchants with its remarkable architecture, unrivaled museums, chic fashion districts, cozy cafes and quintessential cosmopolitan French flair.
#2 London, England
London’s royal palaces, historic landmarks, world-class theater, cutting-edge art galleries and global financial prowess solidify its status as a trailblazing world capital.
#1 New York City, United States
The “Big Apple” reigns as the world’s most iconic, dynamic city – a global finance and cultural juggernaut whose unique buzz, towering skyline and boundless energy are unmatched.
