Articles > Geography
Among the most popular quizzes on hugequiz are World Largest Cities and World 50K+ City Coverage. Knowing these cities will get you off to a good start for each. Here are the 25 largest cities in the world.
1. Shanghai – 21,909,814
Shanghai, the largest city in China, is an international metropolis that blends modernity with tradition. With its iconic skyline at the Bund, bustling financial district, and vibrant neighborhoods, Shanghai is a city that never sleeps. Known for its extensive port operations, it plays a major role in global trade. Shanghai is also famous for its cultural landmarks such as the Yu Garden, a classical garden from the Ming Dynasty, and the Oriental Pearl Tower, which offers panoramic views of the city.
Interesting Fact:
Shanghai is home to the world’s longest metro system, stretching over 800 kilometers.
2. Beijing – 18,960,744
As the capital of China, Beijing is a city of great historical significance and modern importance. It houses world-famous landmarks such as the Forbidden City, an ancient palace complex, and Tiananmen Square, one of the largest public squares in the world. The city serves as China’s political, cultural, and educational center and has experienced rapid growth in recent decades, blending historical architecture with skyscrapers.
Interesting Fact:
Beijing hosted the 2008 Summer Olympics and will be the first city to host both the Summer and Winter Olympics (in 2022).
3. Karachi – 18,868,021
Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, is the financial and industrial hub of the country. Located along the Arabian Sea, it is a port city with diverse neighborhoods and a vibrant culture. Karachi’s cultural scene is thriving, with museums, theaters, and a strong tradition of music and arts. The city is known for its beaches, bustling markets, and significant historical sites that draw tourists and residents alike.
Interesting Fact:
Karachi’s Port of Karachi and Port Qasim handle the majority of Pakistan’s cargo traffic.
4. Shenzhen – 17,444,609
Shenzhen, located near Hong Kong, is one of China’s most advanced and economically dynamic cities. Once a small fishing village, it became a Special Economic Zone in 1980, sparking rapid urbanization and growth. Today, Shenzhen is known for its technology industry, skyscrapers, and creative hubs. The city attracts global talent in fields such as tech and design and is home to major companies like Huawei and Tencent.
Interesting Fact:
Shenzhen has one of the highest concentrations of millionaires in China.
5. Guangzhou – 16,096,724
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is a major port city in southern China and a key center for trade and commerce. It is famous for its Cantonese culture, vibrant food scene, and beautiful Pearl River skyline. Guangzhou is a modern city that hosts the Canton Fair, one of the largest trade fairs in the world, drawing business people and traders from around the globe.
Interesting Fact:
Guangzhou is considered the birthplace of Cantonese cuisine, which is popular worldwide.
6. Istanbul – 15,244,936
Istanbul, a city straddling Europe and Asia, is Turkey’s cultural and historical heart. Known for its historic sites, such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul has been the capital of three empires: the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. It is a vibrant, bustling metropolis that bridges ancient history with modernity.
Interesting Fact:
Istanbul is the only major city in the world located on two continents.
7. Chengdu – 13,568,357
Chengdu, located in southwest China, is famous for its relaxed lifestyle, spicy Sichuan cuisine, and as the home of the giant panda. Known as the “Land of Abundance,” Chengdu has a rich agricultural history and is a major economic hub in western China. The city is also a key site for Chinese culture and art, with historic temples and museums dedicated to its heritage.
Interesting Fact:
Chengdu is known as the “Hometown of the Giant Panda” and is home to several panda research bases.
8. Moscow – 13,010,112
As Russia’s capital, Moscow is a city of political, economic, and cultural importance. It is famous for its distinctive architecture, such as the Kremlin, Red Square, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful domes. Moscow has a vibrant arts scene, with renowned theaters like the Bolshoi, and is the center of Russia’s economy and politics.
Interesting Fact:
Moscow’s Metro system is famous for its stunning station architecture, resembling art galleries.
9. Lahore – 13,004,135
Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital, is known for its rich history, Mughal architecture, and lively arts and food scene. Famous landmarks like the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore Fort, and Shalimar Gardens reflect its historical significance. Lahore is also a hub for education and is home to some of Pakistan’s oldest universities and cultural institutions.
Interesting Fact:
Lahore is known as the “Heart of Pakistan” for its cultural and historical influence.
10. Mumbai – 12,442,373
Mumbai, India’s financial and entertainment capital, is a city of contrasts, blending skyscrapers with historic architecture. It is home to Bollywood, the world’s largest film industry by production, and is known for landmarks like the Gateway of India and Marine Drive. Mumbai’s diverse culture is reflected in its cuisine, festivals, and vibrant street life.
Interesting Fact:
Mumbai’s local train system is one of the busiest commuter rail systems in the world.
11. Sao Paulo – 12,284,940
Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, is the financial and cultural heart of the country. Known for its towering skyline and vibrant cultural scene, it is a hub for arts, music, and cuisine. Sao Paulo is also home to numerous museums, theaters, and parks, making it a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
Interesting Fact:
Sao Paulo hosts the largest Pride Parade in the world, attracting millions of participants each year.
12. Lima – 11,166,200
Lima, the capital of Peru, is a city rich in history, blending Spanish colonial architecture with indigenous traditions. It is famous for its vibrant food scene, museums, and historical sites such as the Plaza Mayor and the ancient Incan city of Pachacamac nearby. Lima is also a coastal city, offering beautiful ocean views and beaches.
Interesting Fact:
Lima is known as the “Gastronomic Capital of the Americas” due to its world-renowned cuisine.
13. Tianjin – 11,052,404
Tianjin, a major port city in northern China, is known for its modern skyline and well-preserved colonial architecture from its days as a treaty port. Situated near Beijing, Tianjin has both traditional and modern influences, with sites like the Five Great Avenues area and the ancient Culture Street, lined with Qing Dynasty-style buildings. Tianjin is an economic and industrial center, contributing to China’s rapid urban growth.
Interesting Fact:
Tianjin is home to the world’s largest circular building, the Tianjin Eye, a giant Ferris wheel built over a bridge.
14. Delhi – 11,034,555
Delhi, the capital territory of India, is a sprawling metropolis with a mix of old and new. It includes historic Old Delhi, with landmarks like the Red Fort and Jama Masjid, alongside the planned modern area of New Delhi. Known for its vibrant markets, cuisine, and cultural heritage, Delhi also houses the iconic India Gate and Lotus Temple, attracting millions of visitors annually.
Interesting Fact:
Delhi has the second-largest network of metro trains in India and the largest in terms of daily ridership.
15. Wuhan – 10,494,879
Wuhan, located in central China, is a major industrial and commercial center and the capital of Hubei Province. Known for its role as a transportation hub, Wuhan connects several of China’s most important regions. The city features beautiful riverfronts along the Yangtze River and the Yellow Crane Tower, a historic pagoda offering panoramic views. Wuhan is also known for its universities and research institutions.
Interesting Fact:
Wuhan is one of China’s oldest cities, dating back more than 3,500 years.
16. Dhaka – 10,295,407
Dhaka, the bustling capital of Bangladesh, is a vibrant city known for its colorful rickshaws, diverse architecture, and rich history. With ancient mosques, colonial buildings, and modern skyscrapers, Dhaka reflects Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and rapid urbanization. It’s an important center for the textile industry and has a thriving economy despite challenges related to density and infrastructure.
Interesting Fact:
Dhaka is known as the “Rickshaw Capital of the World” with over 400,000 rickshaws operating daily.
17. Lagos – 9,968,455
Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city, is an energetic coastal metropolis and the economic hub of West Africa. Known for its music scene, bustling markets, and vibrant nightlife, Lagos is also home to beautiful beaches along the Atlantic. The city has become a center for Nigerian arts and culture, with a growing influence across Africa.
Interesting Fact:
Lagos has Africa’s largest film industry, Nollywood, producing thousands of movies annually.
18. Cairo – 9,801,536
Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is a city of immense historical and cultural significance, located near the Nile River. Home to iconic landmarks such as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, Cairo has been a center of civilization for millennia. The city offers a mix of ancient mosques, modern skyscrapers, and bustling bazaars, making it a unique blend of old and new.
Interesting Fact:
The Cairo Metro is one of only two metro systems in Africa, serving millions of passengers each day.
19. Tokyo – 9,733,276
Tokyo, Japan’s capital, is a sprawling metropolis known for its blend of tradition and cutting-edge technology. From the historic temples of Asakusa to the neon-lit streets of Shibuya, Tokyo offers a unique mix of cultural experiences. The city is also a global economic powerhouse and is known for its cuisine, shopping, and entertainment districts, making it one of the world’s most popular travel destinations.
Interesting Fact:
Tokyo is home to more Michelin-starred restaurants than any other city in the world.
20. Dongguan – 9,644,871
Dongguan, located in Guangdong Province, China, is an important manufacturing hub, known for its industrial economy. The city is strategically located near Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong, making it a significant part of the Pearl River Delta’s economy. Dongguan is known for its cultural heritage and parks, balancing its industrial character with green spaces and traditional sites.
Interesting Fact:
Dongguan has one of the highest numbers of migrant workers in China, who come for its booming manufacturing jobs.
21. Jakarta – 9,607,787
Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, is a bustling, diverse city located on the island of Java. Known for its vibrant street markets, historic sites, and modern skyscrapers, Jakarta is Indonesia’s cultural, political, and economic center. The city has a blend of cultures, including Javanese, Chinese, and Dutch influences, which is reflected in its architecture and cuisine.
Interesting Fact:
Jakarta is one of the fastest-sinking cities in the world due to extensive groundwater extraction and coastal flooding.
22. Seoul – 9,586,195
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is a vibrant city known for its mix of modern skyscrapers and ancient palaces. With landmarks like Gyeongbokgung Palace, the futuristic Dongdaemun Design Plaza, and bustling neighborhoods like Gangnam, Seoul is a global tech and cultural hub. The city also has a unique K-pop culture and is one of Asia’s major shopping and fashion centers.
Interesting Fact:
Seoul’s subway system is one of the most extensive and heavily used in the world.
23. Chongqing – 9,580,819
Chongqing, located in southwest China, is a major port city along the Yangtze River and one of China’s largest municipalities. Known for its steep terrain and scenic river views, Chongqing is famous for its spicy hotpot cuisine and vibrant nightlife. The city has experienced rapid growth and is now a central player in China’s development plan for the western regions.
Interesting Fact:
Chongqing is often referred to as the “Mountain City” due to its hilly landscape.
24. Xi’an – 9,392,938
Xi’an, one of China’s oldest cities, is best known for being the starting point of the ancient Silk Road and the home of the famous Terracotta Army. It served as the capital of several Chinese dynasties and retains a wealth of historical landmarks, including ancient city walls, temples, and palaces. Xi’an’s history and archaeological significance make it a cultural treasure.
Interesting Fact:
Xi’an is home to the Terracotta Army, an incredible collection of 8,000 life-sized statues guarding Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s tomb.
25. Hangzhou – 9,236,032
Hangzhou, located in eastern China, is renowned for its natural beauty, particularly the scenic West Lake, which has inspired poets and artists for centuries. The city is a blend of ancient cultural heritage and modern technology, with companies like Alibaba headquartered there. Hangzhou’s tea culture, traditional gardens, and temples attract visitors from all over the world.
Interesting Fact:
Hangzhou’s West Lake is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of China’s most famous scenic areas.
