The largest city in the world by population in 2026 is Guangzhou, China, with an estimated 73.6 million people in its wider urban area, according to Britannica. The full top 10 includes major urban areas in China, Japan, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Mexico, South Korea, and Bangladesh.
Population rankings can change depending on how a city is counted. This list uses Britannica’s 2026 urban-area ranking, which looks beyond strict city-proper boundaries and reflects how large each city feels as a connected urban region.
Guangzhou, China
Guangzhou ranks first, with an estimated 73.6 million people. Britannica’s urban area includes nearby cities such as Dongguan, Foshan, Huizhou, Jiangmen, Shenzhen, and Zhongshan.
Shanghai, China
Shanghai ranks second, with an estimated 42.3 million people. It is one of China’s biggest financial and cultural centers, known for the Bund, Pudong skyline, museums, shopping, and riverfront views.
Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo ranks third, with an estimated 41.3 million people. The city is known for efficient transport, dense neighborhoods, food culture, temples, shopping, and quiet local pockets.
Delhi, India
Delhi ranks fourth, with an estimated 36.9 million people. India’s capital region is known for monuments, markets, food streets, government districts, and heavy traffic.
Jakarta, Indonesia
Jakarta ranks fifth, with an estimated 29.8 million people. Indonesia’s capital region is known for business districts, malls, museums, traffic, and local food.
For broader planning, read Indonesia Travel Guide: Local Food, Culture, And Best Places.
Mumbai, India
Mumbai ranks sixth, with an estimated 28.1 million people. The city is known for finance, film, coastal promenades, colonial-era architecture, markets, and busy local train routes.
Manila, Philippines
Manila ranks seventh, with an estimated 27.1 million people. The wider urban area includes business districts, historic Intramuros, malls, food spots, and airport-linked neighborhoods.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City ranks eighth, with an estimated 25.6 million people. It is known for museums, food, art, parks, markets, and historic neighborhoods.
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Seoul, South Korea
Seoul ranks ninth, with an estimated 25.4 million people. The city is known for palaces, shopping streets, cafés, river parks, nightlife, food markets, and modern transport.
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Dhaka ranks tenth, with an estimated 23.7 million people. It is known for markets, river life, rickshaws, food, textiles, and dense street energy.
Plan Big-City Travel With Room To Breathe
The most populated cities in the world can be exciting, but they also need practical planning. Book accommodation near your main stops, use public transport where it is reliable, and avoid building every day around long cross-city transfers.
For history-focused city inspiration, read Oldest Cities in the World That Still Exist Today.
Make Megacity Travel Easier
Large cities depend on live information. Maps, ride-hailing, metro routes, translations, mobile tickets, and hotel messages are easier when your phone works from arrival. Eskimo offers a Global eSIM plan, useful for trips across Asia, North America, and other major city destinations.
Personal hotspot support is helpful when sharing data with a laptop, tablet, or another phone. New Eskimo users can also get free 500MB of Global Data.
FAQ
What Is The Most Populated City In The World In 2026?
According to Britannica’s 2026 urban-area ranking, Guangzhou, China is the most populated city in the world, with an estimated 73.6 million people in its wider urban area.
Why Do City Population Rankings Differ?
City rankings differ because some sources count city proper, while others count metro areas, urban areas, agglomerations, or wider connected regions. The results can change a lot depending on the method.
What Are The Top 10 Largest Cities In The World By Population?
Based on Britannica’s 2026 urban-area estimates, the top 10 are Guangzhou, Shanghai, Tokyo, Delhi, Jakarta, Mumbai, Manila, Mexico City, Seoul, and Dhaka.
Is Tokyo Still The Largest City In The World?
Tokyo still ranks among the world’s largest cities, but Britannica’s 2026 urban-area list places Guangzhou first and Tokyo third. Other sources may rank cities differently depending on the definition used.
Which Country Has The Most Cities In The Top 10?
China has two cities in this top 10: Guangzhou and Shanghai. India also has two: Delhi and Mumbai.
