20 Ugliest Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos

What are the world’s ugliest cities? This is a tough question to answer because beauty is in the eye of the beholder. However, when it comes to cities, certain objective factors can make a city ugly.

For example, if a city is filled with pollution and garbage, most people would likely consider it ugly. 

Also, It is no secret that some cities are just plain ugly. But in a world where we are constantly inundated with images of stunning architecture and picturesque landscapes, it can be easy to forget that not all urban areas are created equal.

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 20 ugliest cities in the world in 2023. From Detroit to Mumbai and beyond, these are the places that leave something to be desired in terms of aesthetics. So read on!

How To Determine An Ugly City?

There are a few ways to determine if a city is ugly. One way is to simply look at the architecture and design of the buildings. If the buildings are old and outdated, or if they are just plain ugly, then the city is likely to be considered ugly. Another way to determine if a city is ugly is to look at the people who live there. 

If the people are unkempt and unfriendly, then that can make a city seem ugly. Finally, another way to determine if a city is ugly is to look at the overall atmosphere of the city. If it is dirty and polluted, or if it just has a generally negative feeling, then it is probably an ugly city.

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What Are The Ugliest Cities In The World?

Many cities around the world can be considered ugly. Some are due to their architecture, others because of the pollution and overcrowding. Whatever the reason, these cities certainly are not winning any beauty contests. Below are some of the ugliest cities in the world:

About Kangbashi, China ugliness

Kangbashi, China is an ugly city. It is full of abandoned buildings, many of which are still under construction. The city was built to house one million people, but only 30,000 people live there. This has created a ghost town effect and makes the city look even more eerier.

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1. Kangbashi, China 

Kangbashi, China is an ugly city. It is a city that was built in just three years, from 2004 to 2007, and it is a city that has been called a “ghost town.” The city is full of empty apartment buildings, unfinished construction projects, and wide roads that lead to nowhere. This city was designed to be a modern, affluent city, but the economic downturn meant that the city was never completed. As a result, Kangbashi has become a symbol of China’s excesses and its wasteful investment practices.

Some people have compared Kangbashi to the dystopian city of Pripyat in Ukraine, which was abandoned after the Chernobyl disaster. But while Pripyat was at least livable before it was evacuated, Kangbashi is an empty shell of a city.

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2. Guatemala City, Guatemala 

Guatemala City is the capital and largest city of Guatemala, and the most populous in Central America. With a population of around 3 million people, it is also the most densely populated city in the region. The city is located in the south-central part of the country, at an altitude of 1,500 meters above sea level. Surrounded by volcanoes and mountains, Guatemala City has a subtropical climate with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 25 degrees Celsius.

Guatemala City is often referred to as one of the ugliest and most crime-ridden cities in Central America. In 2015, it was ranked as the third most dangerous city in the world by the Mexican think tank Seguridad, Justicia y Paz (Security, Justice, and Peace). In 2016, it was also named one of the world’s 50 worst cities to live in by Business Insider. Due to its high crime rate and lack of public safety, Guatemala City has been nicknamed “the city of eternal spring break.”

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3. Caracas, Venezuela 

Caracas, Venezuela is a city of contrasts. The capital of Venezuela is home to some of the most beautiful people in the world, but it is also one of the ugliest and crime-ridden cities. High-rise apartments and office buildings dominate the city’s skyline, but many of these are in disrepair and have been abandoned. They fill the streets with trash, and the air is thick with smog.

Despite all of this, Caracas remains a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors. The people are friendly and there is a lively nightlife scene. If you can look past the ugliness, Caracas is worth a visit.

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4. Bosaso, Somalia 

Bosaso, Somalia is one of the ugliest cities in the world. The city is dirty, rundown, and full of trash. There is very little green space, and the buildings are all either falling apart or covered in graffiti. crime is rampant, and there is a general feeling of insecurity throughout the city. Even the few businesses that are open seem to be struggling.

If you are looking for a place to visit that will make you appreciate your city more, Bosaso is worth a visit. Just don’t expect to find anything beautiful here.

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5. Pripyat, Ukraine 

Pripyat is a city in northern Ukraine, near the Belarus border. The city was founded in 1970 to serve as a nuclear power plant workers’ town.

It was evacuated following the 1986 Chornobyl disaster. Today, it is a ghost town and an eerie reminder of the dangers of nuclear energy.

Pripyat is a sad and scary place. The abandoned buildings are overgrown with vegetation, and the streets are strewn with debris. The city feels like a deathtrap, and it is easy to see why the residents were evacuated. There is an eerie feeling of abandonment in Pripyat.

It is as if the world has forgotten about this place. But Pripyat is a powerful reminder that we must be careful with nuclear energy. It is a stark warning against complacency and negligence.

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6. Calcutta, India 

Calcutta, India is often considered one of the ugliest cities in the world. It is a city of contrast, with both wealthy and poverty-stricken areas.

The streets are often dirty and crowded, and air pollution is high. There are also many slums in Calcutta.

However, the city does have some redeeming qualities. The people are friendly and there are a lot of cultures to be experienced.

7. Tijuana, Mexico 

The Mexican city of Tijuana is one of the ugliest cities in the world, according to a new poll. Tijuana was beaten only by the Indian city of Mumbai (which was voted the second ugliest city) and the Pakistani city of Karachi (which was voted the ugliest city).

So why is Tijuana so ugly? Well, for starters, it is incredibly dirty. The streets are littered with trash and graffiti is everywhere. The buildings are also in a state of disrepair – many are falling apart or have been abandoned altogether. And then there is the crime.

Tijuana is one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico and has been plagued by drug-related violence for years. This has made it a very scary place to visit and has no doubt contributed to its ugly reputation.

8. Brisbane, Australia 

Brisbane, Australia is often cited as one of the world’s ugliest cities. And it is not hard to see why. The city is plagued by several ugly features, including an abundance of concrete and asphalt, an overabundance of cars and traffic, a lack of green space, a dearth of interesting architecture

These are just a few of the things that make Brisbane an ugly city. But it doesn’t have to be this way. With a little bit of effort, Brisbane could be transformed into a truly beautiful place.

9. Mexico City, Mexico 

Mexico City is one of the most populous cities in the world, with a population of over 21 million people.

It is also one of the most polluted and congested cities, with a pollution index of 173 (compared to Los Angeles’ pollution index of 100).

The city also has a high crime rate, with a murder rate of 24 per 100,000 people (compared to New York City’s murder rate of 4 per 100,000 people).

10. Luanda, Angola 

According to many travelers, Luanda, Angola is one of the ugliest cities in the world. The city is dirty, dangerous, and has poor infrastructure.

Luanda is also the most expensive city in Africa which doesn’t help its case. Travelers have reported being mugged, carjacked, and even kidnapped while visiting Luanda.

If you do decide to visit this city, be sure to take extra safety precautions and don’t carry any valuables with you.

11. Chisinau, Moldova 

Chisinau, Moldova is often considered to be one of the ugliest cities in the world. It is a city that is gray and drab, with little to no color or life. The streets are often dirty and full of trash, and there is very little green space. Buildings are falling apart, and many of them are covered in graffiti.

There is a general feeling of neglect and decay throughout the city. Some people do find some beauty in the city, however. They see the crumbling buildings as romantic, and the lack of color as peaceful. They appreciate the simplicity of the city and find it to be charming in its way. 

Others simply enjoy exploring all of the different nooks and crannies that Chisinau has to offer. Whether you find Chisinau to be beautiful or ugly, there is no denying that it is an interesting place to visit. It is a city with a lot of history, and there is always something new to explore.

12. Houston, USA 

In Texas, Houston is the most populous city and also the fourth largest city in the United States. Often called “Space City” due to its historic role as a center for the aerospace industry, Houston is also known for its sprawling suburbs, hot summers, and humid climate.

Unfortunately, Houston also has a reputation for being one of the ugliest cities in the world. This is largely due to its industrial feel, lack of green space, and cookie-cutter suburban development. However, some argue that Houston’s ugly features are what make it unique and interesting.

13. Detroit, USA 

With its abandoned buildings, boarded-up windows, and pervasive blight, Detroit has been called one of the ugliest cities in the world. And it is not hard to see why. The city has been in decline for decades, hit hard by the loss of manufacturing jobs and population flight to the suburbs. 

Today, Detroit is estimated to have just over 700,000 residents, down from a peak of 1.8 million in 1950. While there are pockets of redevelopment and revitalization in Detroit, the city’s vast expanses of vacant and dilapidated properties often overshadow them.

14. São Paulo, Brazil 

São Paulo, Brazil is an ugly city. It is a dirty, smelly, and dangerous place. The streets are full of trash, and the buildings are falling apart.

There is crime everywhere, and it is hard to find a safe place to walk around. The air is full of pollution, and the traffic is terrible. Even the people here are ugly!

They are often rude and aggressive, and they don’t seem to care about anyone but themselves. If you are looking for a beautiful city to visit, Sao Paulo is not the place for you.

15. Los Angeles, USA 

With a population of over 3.9 million people, Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States and the largest in California. Although it is known for its beautiful weather and beaches, LA also has its fair share of ugly parts. Here are some of the most unsightly spots in LA:

Skid Row: As one of the largest homeless populations in the US, Skid Row is an embarrassment to the city. The area is full of tents and makeshift shelters, and it is not uncommon to see people urinating or defecating in public.

The Fashion District: This area of downtown LA is known for its cheap knock-off clothing and accessories. The stores are often overcrowded and chaotic, and the sidewalks are littered with trash.

Hollywood Boulevard: One of LA’s most iconic streets, Hollywood Boulevard is also one of its dirtiest and most run-down. The sidewalks are cracked and covered in graffiti, and the street is lined with seedy businesses and rundown hotels.

Pershing Square: This downtown park is often crowded with homeless people, making it an unpleasant place to visit. The park benches are covered in graffiti, and there is often a strong smell of urine in the air.

MacArthur Park: Another downtown park that has been taken over by homelessness, MacArthur Park is also rife with crime. In addition to being unsafe, the park is dirty and full.

16. Guayaquil, Ecuador 

Guayaquil, Ecuador is not a pretty city. It is dirty, it is crowded, and it is full of graffiti. But it is also full of life.

The streets are full of people selling everything from fruits and vegetables to clothes and shoes. And there is always something going on, whether it is a festival or a parade.

Sure, Guayaquil is not going to win any beauty contests. But if you are looking for a city with personality, Guayaquil is worth a visit.

17. Amman, Jordan 

Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, and the country’s economic, political and cultural center. The city is located in the north-central part of the country on the east bank of the Jordan River.

Amman is considered to be among the most modern and westernized Arab cities. It is a major tourist destination in the region, particularly among Arab and European tourists.

The city has a population of 4,007,526 (1,001,352 are immigrants from Palestine), making it Jordan’s largest city as well as the country’s economic and cultural center. Amman has a relatively young population with an age median of 28 years old which is considerably lower than most Middle Eastern capitals.

However, it still ranks high on global liveability rankings. In 2010, Amman was ranked as the world’s 74th most liveable city by Mercer Consulting.

Despite its many modern amenities, Amman is still an ugly city. It suffers from pollution, traffic congestion, and overpopulation. The streets are dirty and littered with trash. The buildings are often rundown and in disrepair. There is little green space or public parks.

18. Huaxi Village, China 

Huaxi Village is located in Jiangsu Province, China. It is an ugly village that has been turned into a city. The government has forced the villagers to live in high-rise buildings and work in factories.

There are no trees or green spaces in the village. The only thing that is beautiful about Huaxi Village is the view from the top of the skyscrapers.

19. Jakarta, Indonesia 

Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and it is also one of the most populous cities in the world. It is also one of the most polluted and congested cities in the world.

The city is situated on the northwest coast of Java, at the mouth of the Ciliwung River. Jakarta was founded by the Dutch in 1619 as a trading post on the spice route. It became a colony of the Netherlands in 1821. 

The city was occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945 during World War II. After Indonesia declared independence in 1945, Jakarta became its capital. Jakarta has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct wet and dry seasons. 

The wet season, which runs from October to April, is characterized by high humidity and heavy rains. The dry season, from May to September, is hot and sunny. Despite its tropical climate, Jakarta is a very polluted city due to its heavy traffic and industrialization making it an Ugly place to be.

20. Tegucigalpa, Honduras 

Tegucigalpa is the capital of Honduras and one of the most dangerous cities in the world. The city is plagued by gang violence, drug trafficking, and poverty. Tegucigalpa is a city of contrasts.

The rich live in gated communities with armed guards while the poor live in makeshift homes made of corrugated metal and scraps of wood. The streets are full of trash and sewage, and crime is rampant.

Despite its problems, Tegucigalpa is a beautiful city with a rich history. The colonial-style architecture, lush green parks, and friendly people make it worth visiting despite the dangers.

Are These Cities Still Worth Visiting?

Yes, these cities are still worth visiting! They may not be the most beautiful places in the world, but they each have unique charms that make them well worth a visit.

From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the historic buildings of Prague, there is something for everyone in these cities.

So don’t write them off just because they are not traditionally pretty – you might just be surprised by how much you enjoy your time in them!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Other cities that made our list include Detroit, Michigan; Gary, Indiana; Camden, New Jersey; and Birmingham, Alabama. These cities are all struggling with high levels of poverty and crime.

They also have a lot of abandoned buildings and are generally not very attractive places to live. If you are looking for a beautiful city to visit, you might want to steer clear of these places!

References

• www.ucityguides.com – TOP 10 UGLIEST CITIES IN THE WORLD
• www.fortraveladvicelovers.com – THE 20 UGLIEST CITIES IN THE WORLD