Megacities of the World
What Counts as a Megacity, and Which to Visit
Here is the list of 9 Megacities of the World
1. Mumbai, India
Known For : Gateway of India Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Film City (Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari)
The population of Mumbai: 23,900,000 Mumbai is a paradox of chaos and hope, glamour and squalor, modernity and tradition, old and new. Famously known as the City of Dreams, Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, has a long colonial history, starting from Gandhi's visits to the city to the intense protests against the Simon Commission in 1928, the city has stood witness to many important events in the country's freedom struggle.
Best Time: October to February
2. Tokyo, Japan
Known For : Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa) Shibuya Tokyo Sky Tree
Population of Tokyo: 38,140,000 Tokyo, the capital of Japan, is in every sense- a mix. This megacity is known for its technological prowess, its quirky pop culture, and its simultaneous attachment to tradition. With every area having something different to offer, it is truly the best place to live seeking variety and adventure.
Best Time: March to May, October to November
3. Shanghai, China
Known For : The Bund People's Square Yuyuan Garden
Population of Shanghai: 34,000,000 Shanghai is among China's most important cities. It is the most populous city in China and also the most populous megacity in the world. Due to its wide array of tourist attractions, Shanghai serves as one of China's best tourist destinations. Shanghai has been a major part of China's meteoric rise in the modern world. It is a very important global financial centre and also the busiest container port in the world.
Best Time: March to May
4. Jakarta, Indonesia
Known For : National Monument of Indonesia (MONAS) Kota Tua Merdeka Square
The population of Jakarta: 31,500,000 The capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is its cultural, economic and political centre. Established in the 14th century, it has a rich, varied history, and is a city of exciting metamorphosis- with its bustling traffic, its strong affiliations to its own historical roots, and a hub of development in Indonesia.
Best Time: May - September
5. Delhi, India
Known For : India Gate Red Fort Akshardham Temple
Population of Delhi: 27,200,000 From historical monuments to crowded shopping malls, from Mughal gardens to Delhi University campus, the capital city has multiple personalities making it 'The good, the bad and the ugly'. The Capital city of India and the base location to explore North India, Delhi is considered to be the city with a heart.
Best Time: October to March
6. New York City, USA
Known For : Statue of Liberty Times Square Empire State Building
The population of New York: 23,876,155 An iconic global megacity of the world that has inspired the world with its brilliant architecture, movies, and art. Also known as the Big Apple, New York is well-known for its skyscrapers, Broadway shows and beautiful landmarks, making it the perfect destination for travellers from all over the world. People from all around the world have made New York their home making a truly international city.
Best Time: Throughout the year
7. London, England
Known For : Tower of London British Museum London Eye
Standing on the Thames River, London is the capital of England as well as the most populous city in Great Britain. The city is a confluence of the old and the new and is one of the most important tourist destinations in the entire world. London is made of two ancient cities which are now merged together to form the capital. The two cities are The city of London and the City of Westminster. Together, they are known as Greater London. 3 million international tourists in a year.
Best Time: April to September
8. Bangkok, Thailand
Known For : Grand Palace Wat Pho Bangkok Wat Arun
Population of Bangkok: 15,931,300 Glittering with lights, a lot of hustle bustle and a little bit of chaos, Bangkok is the capital city of Thailand and is packed with tourist attractions - historical, religious or natural. A haven for shoppers, this megacity of the world attracts people from all over the world to its markets. It is often touted as the party capital of South East Asia.
Best Time: November to February
9. Paris, France
Known For : Eiffel Tower Jardin du Luxembourg Montmartre
Population of Paris: 12,405,426 Bonjour Mon Ami! Paris needs no formal introduction - synonymous with culture, architecture, food and fashion. That je ne sais quoi of the French capital makes it the dream destination for many. Paris offers exquisite French cuisine, patisseries and bakeries, luscious fromageries (cheese shops), fragrant wine and cheese shops. Bohemian Montmartre, trendy Marais, Tree-lined boulevards, prolific green parks and of course the grand Seine.
Best Time: April - early October
The term has a definition behind it. The United Nations counts a megacity as an urban agglomeration of ten million people or more, a threshold only two cities crossed in 1950 and more than thirty have crossed since, most of them in Asia. Tokyo has topped the list for decades with a metropolitan population above thirty million, and Delhi, Shanghai and Jakarta are the ones climbing fastest. What that means for a visitor is less about the number and more about the shape: these are cities where a single district can hold more people than a European capital, where crossing town at the wrong hour costs two hours, and where the sensible approach is to pick two or three neighbourhoods and stay in them rather than trying to see everything. Book accommodation near a metro line rather than near a sight, and treat published travel times as optimistic. London and Paris sit on this list on the strength of their wider metropolitan areas rather than their city limits. See also cities in Turkey and best destinations for winter sun.
This post was published by Vrinda Movva
FAQs on Megacities of the World
What is a megacity?
An urban agglomeration with a population above ten million, as defined by the United Nations. The measure covers the continuous built-up area rather than the administrative city limits, which is why a city can qualify even when its council area holds far fewer people.
Which is the largest city in the world?
Tokyo, by metropolitan population, and it has held the position for decades with a figure above thirty million across the greater Tokyo area. Delhi is generally ranked second and is growing faster, and Shanghai, Dhaka and Sao Paulo follow closely.
How many megacities are there?
More than thirty and rising. There were two in 1950, New York and Tokyo. Most of the growth since has been in Asia and Africa, and the UN projects the count to keep climbing as urbanisation continues in India, China, Nigeria and Indonesia.
Are megacities difficult to visit?
They ask for a different approach rather than being difficult. Distances are large, traffic is heavy and public transport is usually the only sensible way to move, so pick two or three areas and explore them properly instead of criss-crossing the city.
Which megacities are easiest for a first visit?
Tokyo, for the reliability of its transport and its signage in English, and London and Paris for the same reason. Bangkok is straightforward once you use the BTS and the river boats. Jakarta and Delhi are the most demanding of the group for a first-time visitor.
Which are the newest megacities?
The list keeps changing, with cities in Africa and South Asia crossing the threshold most recently, including Lagos, Dhaka, Karachi and Kinshasa. The UN revises its rankings every few years, so any published list is a snapshot rather than a fixed order.
