In the most beautiful corners of our planet, 251 countries are located. About 2.5 million cities, large and small, provincial and developed, tourist and unknown, live their full lives for many centuries and even millennia.
Each city is unique and interesting in its own way, but today we want to introduce you to the largest cities of our planet.
We begin our story with the largest cities by area, and, of course, we mention the megacities with the largest population in the world.
1
Chongqing (PRC)
Area: 82,400 km²
Chongqing is a city in China that covers an area of 82,400 km². It is not only the largest and most populous, but also the oldest city in China. Life in Chongqing has been boiling for about 3 thousand years. Almost 40 million people live in the city, but there are much fewer registered residents.
The metropolis combines the historical value of ancient architecture with the latest technology. This is one of the largest industrial centers in China, there are 5 automobile factories here, which causes the city’s environment to suffer and air pollution. If you want to see the ancient city, then you need to hurry, because in a couple of years it may not be. Old quarters disappear every year, being replaced by new buildings.
2
Hangzhou (PRC)
Area: 16,840 km²
Due to the warm and humid climate, the city is simply surrounded by greenery and flowers all year round. Hangzhou city has existed for 2 thousand years. It was from this city that the sea silk road began for many years. Hangzhou was also China's only seaport for a very long time. Today, this metropolis specializes in light industry. Here you can also buy handmade souvenirs.
The main attraction of the city is the Chen Ancestral Temple. This amazing monument of nineteenth-century Chinese architecture. It was built in 1890 during the reign of the Qing Dynasty. Walking through the ancient complex of buildings, you can enjoy Chinese art and architecture. Believe me, here you will have something to see. Hangzhou also has the Huaisheng Mosque, one of the oldest in China.
3
Beijing (PRC)
Area: 16 410km²
Beijing is the capital of China, which is quite a bit inferior to Hangzhou in the territory it occupies. Beijing is in third place in terms of population living in the city (21.5 million people). It is noteworthy that this city is the largest cultural and technologically developed center of the country. Despite the rapid development of the construction industry, a large number of monuments of ancient architecture have been preserved in Beijing.
The Forbidden City, the most famous palace complex in China, is most popular with tourists.
It was the Chinese capital in 2008 that had the honor of hosting the Summer Olympic Games. Yes, and the Winter Olympic Games did not. They will be held in Beijing in 2022.
By the way, there is an interesting article about the largest cities in China on our site thebiggest.ru.
4
Kinshasa (Congo)
Area: 9 965 km²
Kinshasa is the capital of the Republic of Congo. This is one of the African cities, where almost 60% of the city's territory is sparsely populated rural areas. Kinshasa is a city of contrasts, here glaring poverty coexists with the luxury of fashionable areas.
Kinshasa is not the safest place for tourists, but if you still decide to visit it, then it will be interesting for you to look at the Catholic Cathedral of Notre Dame. Of course, it cannot be compared with the Paris Cathedral, but this is the best that this country can offer you. The architectural sights of Kinshasa end there, but there are a lot of natural sights in Kinshasa, these are Livingston waterfalls, numerous wildlife parks and the Congo river itself.
5
Brisbane (Australia)
Area: 5,950 km²
Picturesque Brisbane is the capital of one of Australia's most prosperous states - Queensland. This city is considered one of the most important in Australia.
Brisbane has the country's third most important airport. Brisbane is a very warm and comfortable city, summer lasts almost all year round, and many fragrant parks and golden beaches attract tourists from all over the continent. Nature lovers will certainly be interested in visiting Fraser Park or taking a stroll through the evergreen forests of Lamington National Park. Both of these sites are protected by UNESCO.
6
Istanbul, Turkey)
Area: 5,461 km²
Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, located on the shores of the Bosphorus.
This magnificent city is located simultaneously on two continents - in Europe and Asia. Istanbul is amazing for its wealth and grandeur. Every year up to 10 million tourists come here to see all the beauty with their own eyes.
There are so many attractions in Istanbul that it is simply impossible to see them in one day. The undoubted decoration of Istanbul - mosques, the luxury of which will not leave anyone indifferent. Saint Sophia Cathedral, Blue Mosque, Dolmabahce Palace, Topkapi Sultan Palace, Museum of Palace Mosaics and this is not the whole list of what you must see in Istanbul.
On our site thebiggest.ru you can read about the largest mosques in the world.
7
Anchorage (USA, Alaska)
Area: 5,099 km²
Anchorage is the largest settlement in Alaska. But he appeared completely by accident. In 1914, this territory was chosen for the construction of the railway, and this determined its fate.
Anchorage has one of the busiest airports in the world in terms of cargo volume - Ted Stevens International Airport.
Due to a major earthquake in 1964, there were almost no architectural sights in the city, but in these places nature is just magical and, if you go to Kunai island, you can go fishing and enjoy the mountain scenery. There are several museums in the city, a zoo and Lake Hood Hydroairport, but still tourists prefer the wildlife of Alaska.
What's next?
The largest cities in the world are divided into two categories - by area and by population. We introduced you to the first category, and now it's time to talk about the cities with the largest population.
1
Shanghai (PRC)
population: 26,317,000
Shanghai is the largest city in China and the world by population, the number of which is growing every year. For 2019, about 26,317,800 people live in Shanghai. This fastest growing city in China is the heart of the country's trading industry and a leader in the transportation of goods.
East Paris - this is what Shanghai tourists call it for its hospitality and comfort, its streets are amazed by the abundance of all kinds of shops, cafes and restaurants.
Of the many attractions of Shanghai, you should definitely see the Jade Buddha Temple, take a walk in the Garden of Joy, visit the Shanghai TV Tower, walk along Nanjing Street and climb Mount Sheshan (She).
2
Karachi (Pakistan)
population: 23,500,000
Karachi is one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population. An area of 3,527 km² is home to over 23 million inhabitants. Karachi is the main economic center and seaport of Pakistan.
In the port of Karachi is one of the main attractions of the city - the fountain, which releases one of the highest jets of water in the world with a height of 189 m.
Here you will find a great many cultural and historical sights. The National Museum of Pakistan will surprise you with its color and traditions, the old city and the Haradar quarter will be enveloped in its tranquility, and if you want to touch religion, you must visit the Quaidi Azam Mausoleum, the tomb of Abdullah Shah-Ghazi and the tomb of Chaukondi.
3
Dhaka (Bangladesh)
population: 16.6 million people.
Sunny Dhaka - is the capital of the people's republic of Bangladesh and one of the largest Asian cities in terms of population. But how could it be otherwise if this beautiful city accommodates 16.6 million people.
This exotic Asian oasis is a center of water tourism, as it is located on the banks of a large river called the Burigans. The most famous and popular attraction of Dhaka is Dakeshwari - a Hindu temple that gathers Hindu fans from all over the world.
4
Delhi
population: 16,350,000
The largest city in India, the beautiful Delhi conquers with its architectural structures, among which there are many temples and mosques, because the city is the junction between Islamic and Hindu culture.
Delhi even has a special style of architecture like Islamic Hindu. The largest example of this combined style is the largest mosque called the Cathedral Mosque of Jama Masjid.
And the Lotus Temple is one of the most famous and visited places in the capital of India, see for yourself this architectural masterpiece similar to the opening lotus flower.
5
Tianjin (PRC)
population: 14,425,000
Tianjin is located along the river with the beautiful name of Haihe, and from the east the city is washed by the Gulf of Bohai. Traditions and vibrant culture like a decoy attract tourists from all over the world.
After all, it is a very beautiful and modern Chinese metropolis with high-speed trains and the latest highways, at the same time preserving and observing centuries-old traditions.
6
Lagos (Nigeria)
population: 14,000,000
The hottest and most populated place in sultry Africa is the port city in southwestern Nigeria and its former capital, Lagos. Its number is more than 14 million people. Lagos - translates as "lake" on which the city stands.
The biggest pride and attraction of Lagos is the handsome bridge connecting the mainland and the island of Lagos. The hot climate and vibrant representatives of flora and fauna attract tourists from all over the world.
By the way, on thebiggest.ru you will find an article about the longest bridges in the world.
7
Mumbai (India)
population: 13,700,000
The most populated metropolis in the divine and colorful India is Mumbai. It is located on the coast of the Arabian Sea and accommodates almost 13 million people. This is a city of great opportunities and contrasts, where the mansions of billionaires border on the slums of fishermen.
Mumbai is the most modern and advanced Indian city. It is here that all Indian youth strives, because only here it can fulfill its potential and achieve success in career growth. The famous English writer and poet Rudyard Kipling was born and lived in Mumbai until he was five years old.
8
Guangzhou, PRC
population: 13,080,000
Guangzhou is the cultural and economic capital of the country of the rising sun. The city itself is very beautiful and culturally rich.
Among the historical sights of Guangzhou that you should definitely visit are the Mausoleum of Nanyue Kings, Yuexiu Park, Qingping Market. And many beautiful landscapes and nature reserves will not leave you indifferent.
9
Moscow, Russia)
population: 12,330,000
Moscow is a Russian beauty and the pride of its country - the Russian Federation. This is not just one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but it is rightfully considered one of the largest European megacities, because it is among the top ten in the world in terms of numbers, namely 12,326,126 Muscovites.
The capital of Russia is one continuous attraction that tourists around the world adore. Red Square, Kuznetsk Bridge, Gorky Park, Tverskaya Boulevard and this is not a complete list of places to visit when you come to this amazing and wonderful city.
10
Sao paulo
population: 11,900,000
Hot, vibrant and cheerful, Brazil represents its largest city in terms of population, São Paulo. The city is a fairy tale, the city is a dream. Here's how to characterize this colorful and carnival metropolis.
São Paulo is more like a museum, which mixed many countries, eras and architectural styles. So it is unusual to walk past a huge modern skyscraper to see a church nearby, which is more than 100 years old. Although it’s hard to imagine, it all looks pretty harmonious and pretty. São Paulo is not only the largest Brazilian city, but also the most beautiful.
11
Lahore
population: 11,320,000
Colorful Pakistan also boasts its largest city called Lahore. The city is an industrial, cultural and economical zone of the whole country.
The territory of Lahore operates the country's international airport. And in Lahore you will find many museums, architectural monuments and other cultural places.
Have you ever heard that Pakistan has its own Hollywood? Yes, yes, Lahore is also the center of the film industry called Lollywood. There is a saying, “He who did not see Lahore was not born,” it’s hard not to agree.
12
Shenzhen
population: 10,470,000
This luxurious and expensive metropolis just a few decades ago was an inconspicuous provincial town. Now it is one of the best entertainment centers in China. Shenzhen has a large selection of attractions, but first of all they go to Shenzhen in order to enjoy shopping, massage and spa treatments.
Happy Valley and Theme Park amusement parks are perfect for family vacations, and lovers of the beautiful just need to visit the Hong Fa Buddhist Temple, the ancient Fort Dapan and other historical sights.
To fill yourself with vivid emotions and memories, do not forget to walk around the Ancient City and take a dip in the Shiyan Lake hot springs, believe me you will not remain indifferent to such beauty.
13
Seoul
population: 10,400,000
The pride of all of Korea is a city of special status called Seoul. The fact is that this is the largest city in the whole country in all respects. Seoul is divided into 25 self-governing districts.
The inhabitants of Korea are very concerned about their health and therefore there are many parks throughout the city and the most famous of them is the Seoul Forest. A large number in Seoul and various historical and modern museums.
Lovers of outdoor activities and sports are expected to ride bicycles along the riverbank, and the most sophisticated foodies will like restaurants on the water in the form of ships. There will be something to do, because the choice is not only huge, but also very diverse.
14
Jakarta, Indonesia
population: 10,075,000
The capital of Indonesia, Jakarta, is also the largest city in the country. Among the many museums of this city, another bright attraction has been lost, and this is the Ragunan Zoo. This is where it’s fun, it’s so fun, because with bright animals it doesn’t happen differently.
The history of Jakarta is also very interesting, so we recommend that you visit at least one tour. Indonesia's most populated city is not only the largest, but also the country's most modern and beautiful city.
15
Cairo
population: 9,280,000
The largest city of sunken Egypt and part of its capital is a city that emerged from the sand - His Majesty Cairo.
It is impossible to visit Cairo and not see the famous pyramids, but you should not limit yourself to the world-famous wonder of the world, because this huge city is full of many architectural and cultural attractions, for example, many mosques, temples and cathedrals.
16
Asmara (Eritrea)
Asmara, the capital of the African country of Eritrea, is the country's largest population center. According to the latest data, Asmara covers an area of 45 km². Almost 1 million people live in this territory. Why did we write in this article about a city with a population of 1 million people? Let's keep it a secret.
The interweaving of Italian and African cultures can be seen in the architecture of Asmara, in the names of streets and restaurants. Here you can easily order pizza and a cup of fragrant cappuccino.
The first brewery in Eritrea was opened in the city - Asmara Brewery, which still operates today. Asmara is more like an Italian city than an African.
Here is the ancient Cathedral of St. Joseph in the Romanesque-Lombard style and the abandoned Opera, Al-Hulaf Al-Rashidun Mosque and even a monument to the Russian writer and poet Alexander Sergeyevich Pushkin.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I want to say that the largest cities in terms of area and population of the world are not in the developed USA or Europe, but in Asia and in some countries of the Third World.
Article author: Lidia Rudia