Articles > Geography
Think you know the North America Largest Cities or want to try a challenge like the North America City Random Grid? Here are the 25 largest cities to get you started.
Mexico City – 8,843,706
Mexico City, the capital of Mexico, is not only the largest city in North America by population but also one of the most dynamic and historically rich cities in the world. This metropolis serves as the cultural, political, and economic hub of Mexico, with iconic landmarks like the Zócalo, Chapultepec Park, and the National Museum of Anthropology.
Interesting Fact:
Mexico City is built on what was once a massive lakebed, causing the city to gradually sink each year due to groundwater extraction.
New York, NY – 8,804,190
New York City, often referred to as “The Big Apple,” is one of the most iconic cities globally. Known for its bustling streets, towering skyscrapers, and world-renowned landmarks like Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park, NYC is a cultural melting pot with a rich history in the arts, finance, and innovation.
Interesting Fact:
New York City is home to over 800 languages, making it one of the most linguistically diverse cities in the world.
Los Angeles, CA – 3,898,747
Los Angeles is the entertainment capital of the world, where Hollywood has shaped global pop culture for decades. The city is known for its diverse population, beautiful beaches, and neighborhoods like Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, and downtown LA, blending a vibrant urban lifestyle with natural beauty.
Interesting Fact:
Los Angeles is one of the few cities worldwide to have hosted the Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1984, and will host them again in 2028.
Toronto – 3,110,984
Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a multicultural hub known for its thriving arts scene, finance industry, and beautiful waterfront along Lake Ontario. Home to iconic landmarks like the CN Tower and vibrant neighborhoods like Kensington Market, Toronto attracts millions of visitors each year.
Interesting Fact:
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with over half of its population born outside Canada.
Santo Domingo – 2,752,784
Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, is the oldest European settlement in the Americas. Its historic Zona Colonial is a UNESCO World Heritage site, featuring cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture that trace back to the city’s founding by Christopher Columbus’s brother, Bartholomew.
Interesting Fact:
Santo Domingo was the site of the first cathedral and university in the Americas.
Chicago, IL – 2,746,388
Chicago, known as “The Windy City,” is famous for its striking architecture, vibrant arts scene, and diverse neighborhoods. Located along Lake Michigan, Chicago boasts landmarks such as Millennium Park, the Art Institute, and Willis Tower, offering both natural and urban beauty.
Interesting Fact:
Chicago is the birthplace of the skyscraper, with the Home Insurance Building being the world’s first in 1885.
Houston, TX – 2,304,580
Houston, Texas, is a sprawling city known for its energy industry, particularly oil and gas, as well as its contributions to space exploration with NASA’s Johnson Space Center. Houston’s diverse culinary scene, arts, and cultural festivals reflect its multicultural population.
Interesting Fact:
Houston has no formal zoning laws, allowing for a unique mix of building types and neighborhood designs.
Havana – 2,137,847
Havana, the capital of Cuba, is famous for its colorful architecture, classic cars, and vibrant music and dance culture. The city’s Old Havana district is a UNESCO World Heritage site, capturing the essence of Cuba’s colonial history and charm.
Interesting Fact:
Havana was once the Caribbean’s wealthiest city and a major trading hub for Spanish colonial goods.
Montreal – 1,874,560
Montreal, the cultural capital of Quebec, is known for its European charm, bilingualism, and vibrant festivals, including the Montreal International Jazz Festival. With a beautiful old town and bustling markets, the city is a mix of history, art, and modern living.
Interesting Fact:
Montreal has the highest number of restaurants per capita in Canada, reflecting its diverse food culture.
Tijuana – 1,810,645
Tijuana, located just across the border from San Diego, is a bustling Mexican city known for its vibrant nightlife, art scene, and culinary experiences. The city attracts many tourists and is a major hub for cross-border culture and commerce.
Interesting Fact:
Tijuana is known as the birthplace of the Caesar salad, which was invented in a local restaurant in the 1920s.
Ecatepec de Morelos – 1,643,623
Ecatepec de Morelos, a large suburban city near Mexico City, is known for its growing industrial sector and role as a residential area for commuters to the capital. The city is a blend of traditional and modern Mexican lifestyles.
Interesting Fact:
Ecatepec is home to the Cerro Gordo archaeological site, offering insights into pre-Hispanic Mexican cultures.
Phoenix, AZ – 1,608,139
Phoenix, the capital of Arizona, is known for its desert landscape, hot climate, and modern amenities. The city is a hub for tech industries and offers plenty of outdoor recreational activities, with nearby mountains and desert preserves.
Interesting Fact:
Phoenix has more sunny days per year than any other major U.S. city, with an average of over 300 days of sunshine annually.
Philadelphia, PA – 1,603,797
Philadelphia, one of America’s oldest cities, is rich in historical significance as the birthplace of American independence. Known for its iconic Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and Philly cheesesteak, Philadelphia has a vibrant arts and sports scene.
Interesting Fact:
Philadelphia has more public art than any other U.S. city, including over 4,000 murals through the city’s Mural Arts Program.
Leon – 1,579,803
Leon, located in central Mexico, is a key city for leather production and manufacturing, giving it the nickname “Shoe Capital of the World.” Known for its economic growth and high quality of life, Leon is also rich in history and Mexican culture.
Interesting Fact:
Leon hosts an annual International Balloon Festival, one of the largest balloon events in Latin America.
Puebla – 1,542,232
Puebla, a city in central Mexico, is renowned for its colonial architecture and culinary traditions, particularly the famous mole poblano sauce. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular tourist destination.
Interesting Fact:
Puebla is home to the largest pyramid in the world by volume, the Great Pyramid of Cholula.
Ciudad Juarez – 1,501,551
Ciudad Juarez, located across the border from El Paso, Texas, is a major Mexican industrial city known for its maquiladora factories. The city plays a key role in cross-border trade and is a cultural and economic hub in northern Mexico.
Interesting Fact:
Ciudad Juarez is the birthplace of the burrito, a beloved Mexican food staple worldwide.
Calgary – 1,481,466
Calgary, located in Alberta, Canada, is famous for its oil industry, the Calgary Stampede, and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains. Known for its friendly locals and outdoor lifestyle, Calgary is a popular destination for winter sports and nature enthusiasts.
Interesting Fact:
Calgary was the first Canadian city to host the Winter Olympics in 1988.
San Antonio, TX – 1,434,625
San Antonio is famous for its rich colonial heritage, with the Alamo being one of the most notable landmarks. The city’s vibrant culture and annual Fiesta festival highlight its historical significance and blend of Mexican and Texan heritage.
Interesting Fact:
The San Antonio River Walk, lined with shops and restaurants, attracts millions of visitors each year.
San Diego, CA – 1,386,932
San Diego, located on the coast of California, is known for its beautiful beaches, ideal climate, and family-friendly attractions like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park. The city is a major hub for biotech research and tourism.
Interesting Fact:
San Diego is home to the largest naval fleet in the world.
Guadalajara – 1,385,621
Guadalajara, the capital of Jalisco, is known as the cultural heart of Mexico, famous for mariachi music and tequila. The city combines colonial architecture with a modern economy, hosting the largest book fair in Latin America.
Interesting Fact:
Guadalajara is the birthplace of mariachi music, a genre now recognized worldwide as a symbol of Mexican culture.
Dallas, TX – 1,304,379
Dallas is a major city in Texas known for its historical significance, modern architecture, and thriving arts scene. It’s a hub for technology, finance, and culture, with landmarks like the Dallas Arts District and Dealey Plaza.
Interesting Fact:
The Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has more shopping centers per capita than any other major U.S. city.
Zapopan – 1,257,547
Zapopan, a city in the Mexican state of Jalisco, is known for its major religious site, the Basilica of Our Lady of Zapopan. It is a key player in the region’s economy and a center for both traditional and modern Mexican culture.
Interesting Fact:
Zapopan hosts an annual pilgrimage where hundreds of thousands of people visit the Basilica to honor the Virgin of Zapopan.
Monterrey – 1,142,952
Monterrey, located in northeastern Mexico, is one of the country’s major industrial centers. Known for its mountainous backdrop and economic prosperity, Monterrey is often regarded as the most modern city in Mexico, with a vibrant business and cultural scene.
Interesting Fact:
Monterrey’s Cerro de la Silla, a mountain resembling a saddle, is a symbol of the city and a popular hiking spot for locals and tourists alike.
Panama City – 1,132,969
Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a key financial and trade center in Central America, famously home to the Panama Canal. The city combines modern skyscrapers with a well-preserved colonial district, showcasing the country’s rich history and global importance.
Interesting Fact:
Panama City is the only capital city in the world with a rainforest within its city limits.
Tegucigalpa – 1,132,000
Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, is set in a valley surrounded by mountains and is known for its colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and friendly people. As the political and cultural heart of Honduras, it has a mix of modern urban life and traditional charm.
Interesting Fact:
Tegucigalpa is nicknamed “Tegus” by locals and is one of Central America’s highest capital cities, sitting at over 3,200 feet above sea level.
