The Largest Cities in the World

Do you want to know which are the largest cities in the world? I've set out to explore and now present to you the most impressive metropolitan areas globally. Germany is included!

What is the largest city in the world?

The largest city in the world by population is currently Tokyo in Japan. Tokyo is part of a massive metropolitan area known as Tokyo-Yokohama, which has an estimated population of over 37 million people.

Our cities continue to grow, especially in Asian countries where the population of metropolises seems to be exploding. When we think of megacities like Tokyo, Beijing, or Mexico City, which have well over 20 million residents, it's hard to imagine what life must be like in such a huge city.

In this article, I would like to introduce you to 20 of the largest metropolitan regions in our world. I believe each one is worth a visit!

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, ranks 20th among the largest cities in the world, boasting over 15.3 million residents. I've already shown you why this South American city is a must-visit in my detailed report on Buenos Aires. With my insider tips, you can navigate the urban hustle and discover the best highlights of the city from La Boca to Palermo. And believe me: there's so much to explore!

At rank 19 is the City of Angels in California, with around 15.5 million residents. Whether it's Hollywood, Downtown L.A., or Malibu - everyone knows this metropolis. Want to get to know the City of Stars better? My Los Angeles tips will help you. By the way: I don't want to give too much away, but Los Angeles isn't the only American city on my list of the largest cities in the world.

No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without mentioning the next world metropolis: The capital of Thailand, Bangkok, currently has about 15.6 million residents, which is especially evident in the bustling traffic filled with thousands of motorcycles, tuk-tuks, and cars. To help you navigate the urban jungle and get acquainted with the legendary Bangkok attractions around the Grand Palace, Khaosan Road, and Chinatown, I'll share useful tips in my Bangkok tips for your city trip to one of the largest cities in the world.

The next megacity I want to introduce is known to many as a hub of the Arab world: Cairo, the capital of Egypt, is estimated to have at least 16.2 million residents. If you find yourself in Egypt, you must visit this megacity, as Cairo's old town has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its beautiful Islamic architecture. You can find more tips and current information for your Egypt vacation right here with me.

Of course, Europe also has some megacities. The largest metropolitan area on our continent is located in the European part of Russia, specifically in Moscow. The capital of the largest country on Earth now has 16.7 million residents, which is 4.5 times the population of Berlin. The standard of living in the metropolis has risen so much that Moscow is now also one of the most expensive cities in Europe. In my Moscow tips in my travel magazine, you'll find all the information about the city that straddles tradition and modernity and ranks among the largest cities in the world.

Ranked 15th among the largest cities in the world is a metropolis that, despite its 16.8 million residents, remains one of the great unknowns: Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. Traffic congestion, high pollution levels, and a neighborhood that has made the list of the most polluted places in the world - Dhaka is definitely not a classic beauty. Due to the bureaucratic hurdles when entering the country and the challenges of traveling around, Bangladesh is still more of a niche destination and is anything but ordinary.

The next region that belongs to the largest cities in the world is much more inviting. In the Kinki region, which includes the cities of Osaka, Kyoto, and Kōbe, there are approximately 17.5 million residents. But here you won't only find megacities with modern architecture - particularly the city of Kyoto is known for its beautiful architecture that offers a glimpse into ancient Japan. In my travel magazine, you will learn more about the mysterious city with its traditional heart.

When it comes to the largest cities in the world, one nation cannot be omitted: China. With three metropolitan areas represented on this list, Guangzhou, located in southern China, ranks 13th with 19.1 million residents. Thanks to its proximity to Hong Kong, the metropolis has seen significant economic growth in recent years and is now one of the country's key financial and economic centers.

The city in 12th place has much to offer culturally, as it was founded by the Aztecs in 1325 under the name Tenochtitlan. Even back then, the city had a population of 100,000, making it one of the largest cities in the world. The living conditions of today's 20 million residents could not be more different, as wealthy politicians and aristocrats live in the south, while the poorest community in all of Mexico can be found in the east of the metropolitan area. Such stark contrasts can only exist in a megacity.

When discussing the largest cities in the world, the Chinese capital, Beijing, is in a league of its own. The metropolitan area surrounding the capital has a total of over 20.4 million residents. However, that's not enough for the Chinese, who seem to love superlatives: In the future, Beijing is set to form the massive metropolis of Jing-Jin-Ji, which will encompass around 130 million residents, by removing administrative boundaries. JJJ, as the metropolis is abbreviated, will thus be counted as the largest metropolis in the world.

Another continent, another megacity: The metropolitan area of São Paulo currently has 20.8 million residents, which constitutes about 10% of the total Brazilian population. A total of 39 cities belong to this metropolitan region, each worth a visit. In the city of São Paulo itself, roughly 12 million people live. What you can experience in São Paulo and this diverse country is summarized in my articles on the most beautiful vacation spots in Brazil and a guide to São Paulo.

A very well-known megacity is New York. This popular travel destination ranks among the ten largest cities in the world, with a population of 21.4 million. If you've ever been to the tri-state area, you surely know the massive dimensions that await you in the Big Apple. New York is a true center of economic power, and the city radiates that. If you want to explore this megacity, I recommend my New York tips, so you won't miss any attractions.

With 22.8 million residents, the coastal city of Mumbai in India ranks 8th in the list of the largest cities in the world. Blessed with numerous attractions, some even listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, Mumbai is a popular destination for travelers to India. Maybe for you too?

In the modern metropolis of Shanghai, around 23.4 million people live, making it a city of contrasts. Wealth meets poverty, modern meets traditional, extremes meet the familiar. The best part: Shanghai is a popular stopover destination during an Asian trip. While you usually need a visa to enter China, you can visit this metropolis visa-free if you're traveling to a third country within 144 hours. Enjoy your city trip.

23.5 million residents live in the region of the former capital of Pakistan, Karachi. Like Mumbai, Karachi lies by the Arabian Sea, with numerous museums, impressive buildings, and even beaches making the metropolis an intriguing travel destination best explored with a local guide or resident. Exotic!

When it comes to the largest cities in the world, the Asians simply can't be outdone: In South Korea's Seoul and surrounding satellite cities, there are 24.1 million residents, representing almost 50% of the entire South Korean population. Thus, Seoul, or better known as Sudogwon, is the most densely populated urban area in the world. In my Seoul tips, you will learn even more about this South Korean megacity that is definitely worth a visit.

The next metropolitan region is also in Asia, specifically in the island nation of the Philippines, a popular vacation destination for Southeast Asia travelers. The capital Manila has 24.2 million residents and lies on the island group of Luzon. It's often overlooked during vacations, but should not be underestimated.

When we think of crowded cities and streets, many people think of India - and not without reason. In the Delhi region, which also includes the Indian capital of New Delhi, there are approximately 26.5 million residents. 19% of Delhi's inhabitants live in the impoverished slums, which may seem chaotic to many tourists. The constant honking of cars on the streets is part of daily life here, as drivers regularly spend hours in traffic jams. The traffic here is indeed deadly: statistics show that in Delhi, there is almost one traffic death every four minutes.

31.7 million people live in the metropolitan region of the capital of the island nation of Indonesia, Jakarta. The metropolitan area is located on the island of Java, which can be easily reached from Bali. Various religions and ethnicities coexist here, and traditions blend together, making Jakarta a melting pot of cultures and architectural styles - a genuine highlight on any Southeast Asia trip. You can find out more about Indonesia in my travel magazine; it's worth a look!

The capital of Japan is certainly known to many of you. But did you know that Tokyo-Yokohama is the largest metropolitan area in the world? In the actual city, there are 'only' about 10 million residents, but when you consider that Tokyo, Yokohama, Kawasaki, and Saitama are all part of this nearly 14,000 square kilometer region, almost 38 million people are reported in the cities along the Pacific coast as of this year. For comparison: The Lusatia region, located in Germany and Poland, is nearly the same size at 13,000 square meters but houses just 1.3 million residents. Space in this megacity is definitely at a premium. Want to know more about the largest city in the world? In my travel magazine, you'll find interesting Tokyo tips. Here you'll also find out how to avoid getting lost in this vast city.