Top 20 Smallest Cities In The World In 2023 | With Photos

The world is constantly changing and evolving. In any given year, there are new cities popping up all over the globe. 

And while some of these cities are large metropolises, others are quite small. In this blog post, we will take a look at 20 of the smallest cities in the world in 2023. 

From St Asaph to Vatican City and beyond, these cities may be small in size, but they certainly pack a punch when it comes to culture and charm.

Why Are These Cities Called The Smallest Cities In The World?

There are many reasons certain cities are called the smallest cities in the world. In some cases, it is simply because they are very small in terms of population. 

Other times, it is because they have a very low population density. And in other cases, it is because they occupy a very small land area.

The population is the most obvious reason why a city might be considered small. Vatican City, for example, is the smallest city in the world by population, with just under 1,000 residents. 

But Vatican City is actually an independent city-state that covers just over 100 acres, so it’s also one of the smallest cities in terms of land area.

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What Are The Smallest Cities In The World?

Below are the 20 Smallest Cities in the world:

1. St Asaph, UK

St Asaph is a city in Wales, UK. It has a population of 3,377 and is the smallest city in the UK by population. The city is situated on the River Elwy, on the border with England.

The history of St Asaph can be traced back to the 6th century when Saint Asaph founded a monastery here. In 1284, the city was granted a charter by Edward I, making it a borough. 

Today, the city is a popular tourist destination, with its medieval cathedral and picturesque setting attracting visitors from all over the world.

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2. Vatican City, Rome

Vatican City, Rome is the smallest city in the world by population. With a population of just over 850, it is also the smallest city in terms of land area. 

Vatican City is located within the city of Rome and is an independent sovereign state. The Pope is the head of state and the Vatican City has its own currency, postal system, army, and media outlets. 

Visitors to Vatican City can tour some of the most famous museums in the world, including the Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica.

3. Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands

Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands is the smallest city in the world with a population of just 42 people. This small city is located on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean and is only accessible by boat. 

Despite its small size, Adamstown has all the amenities of a larger city including a school, church, post office, and store. 

The main industry on the island is fishing and tourism. Visitors to Adamstown can enjoy stunning views of the ocean, hiking, and picnicking.

4. Lausanne, Switzerland

Lausanne is the smallest city in Switzerland and is located in the French-speaking part of the country. 

The city has a population of just over 122,000 people. Lausanne is situated on the shores of Lake Geneva and is known for its Olympic history as it was the host city of the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics. 

Lausanne is also home to many international organizations such as the International Olympic Committee and the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

5. Boulder, Colorado

Boulder, Colorado is the smallest city in the world in terms of population. The city has a population of just over 100,000 people, making it smaller than many towns and villages around the world. 

Boulder is located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains and is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as its vibrant arts and culture scene. 

The city is home to the University of Colorado Boulder, which adds to its lively atmosphere.

6. Bergen, Norway

Bergen, Norway is a beautiful coastal city with a population of just over 250,000 people. The city is located on the west coast of Norway and is known for its stunning scenery and vibrant culture. 

Bergen is home to a number of historical landmarks and museums, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. 

The city also has a lively nightlife scene, with a number of bars and clubs to choose from.

7. Hobart, Australia

Hobart, Australia is the smallest city in the world in terms of population. The city has a population of just over 1,000 people. 

The city is located on the island of Tasmania, which is off the coast of Australia. Also, the city is the capital of Tasmania. Hobart is a beautiful city with a lot to offer tourists. 

There are many things to see and do in Hobart, such as visiting the Salamanca Market, hiking up Mount Wellington, and taking a ride on the Port Arthur ferry. There are also many great restaurants and cafes in Hobart.

8. Chigasaki, Japan

Chigasaki, Japan is a small city located on the Shonan coast in Kanagawa Prefecture. The city has a population of just over 200,000 people and covers an area of 37 square kilometers. 

Chigasaki is known for its beaches and surfing culture, as well as its annual Cherry Blossom Festival.

The city has two main beaches, Yuigahama Beach and Shirahama Beach. Yuigahama Beach is the more popular of the two and is where most of the city’s surfers can be found. 

Shirahama Beach is a little more relaxed and is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking.

9. Bolzano, Italy

Bolzano is a city in the Trentino-Alto Adige/Südtirol region of Italy. It is the capital of the province of South Tyrol and with a population of 105,713, it is also by far the largest city in the region. 

Bolzano is located in a wide valley at the foot of the Alps and is surrounded by high mountains on all sides. 

This makes for a very picturesque setting and some excellent hiking and skiing opportunities nearby.

The historic center of Bolzano is quite small and can easily be explored on foot. Highlights include the Gothic Cathedral of St. Nicholas, which dates back to the 13th century, as well as the lively Piazza Walther, which is the main square and a great place for people to watch.

Despite its small size, Bolzano has a lot to offer visitors in terms of sights and activities. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some outdoor adventures or simply take in some culture, this charming Italian city is sure to please.

10. Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, France, is one of the smallest cities in the world. The city has a population of only 1,500 people. 

Bordeaux is located in the southwest of France and is known for its wine production. The city is also home to a number of historical buildings and monuments.

11. Innsbruck, Austria

Innsbruck is the capital city of Tyrol in western Austria. It is in the Inn valley, at its junction with the Wipp valley, which provides access to the Brenner Pass 30 km (19 mi) to the south. 

Innsbruck is an internationally renowned winter sports center and hosted the 1964 and 1976 Winter Olympics as well as the 1984 and 1988 Winter Paralympics.

The word bruck comes from the German word for bridge, representing one of Innsbruck’s historic bridges over the Inn River. 

The city’s coat-of-arms displays a black eagle on a golden background, referring to this heraldic symbol of Austria’s former ruling house, the Habsburgs.

12. Porto, Portugal

With a population of only 190,000 people, the Portuguese city of Porto is the smallest city on this list. 

The city is located in the north of Portugal and is known for its port wine production. The city also has a number of historical landmarks including the Clerigos Church and Tower and the Palacio da Bolsa.

13. Aachen, Germany

If you’re looking for a small city with a big heart, look no further than Aachen! This German city has a population of just over 200,000 people, making it one of the smallest cities in the world. But don’t let its size fool you – Aachen is full of charm and character.

Aachen is located in the west of Germany, close to the border with Belgium and the Netherlands. 

The city is steeped in history – it was founded by the Romans in the year 16 BC and was later the capital of Charlemagne’s empire. 

Today, Aachen is known for its beautiful architecture, thermal springs, and medieval Christmas market (one of the oldest in Europe!).

Despite its small size, there’s plenty to see and do in Aachen. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Aachen – you won’t be disappointed!

14. Reykjavik, Iceland

Reykjavik, Iceland is the smallest city in the world with a population of just over 120,000 people. 

The city is located on the southern coast of Iceland and is the capital of the country. 

Reykjavik is known for its beautiful scenery, including the snow-capped mountains that surround it. The city is also home to many museums, art galleries, and cultural events.

15. Savannah, USA

The first city on our list is Savannah, USA. This small city has a population of just over 140,000 people. 

It’s located in the southeastern United States and is known for its historic buildings and charming squares.

Savannah was founded in 1733 and was one of the original thirteen colonies. It’s home to many beautiful old buildings, including the Georgia State Capitol building which was built in 1733. The city also has 22 historic squares, which are perfect for taking a stroll or enjoying a picnic lunch.

If you’re looking for a small city with plenty of charm and history, then Savannah is definitely worth a visit!

16. Potsdam, Germany

Potsdam is a pretty small city located in the German state of Brandenburg. It has a population of about 145,000 people, which makes it the 7th-largest city in the state and the 36th-largest in Germany. 

However, when compared to other world cities, Potsdam is quite tiny. In fact, it is one of the smallest cities in the world when you take into account its land area.

Potsdam is situated on the Havel River and is known for its beautiful parks and palaces. The city has a long history dating back to the 18th century when it was founded by Frederick II of Prussia. 

Potsdam was actually once the capital of Prussia and played an important role during the times of both World Wars.

If you’re looking for a small city to visit that packs a big punch, then be sure to add Potsdam to your list!

17. Basel, Switzerland

Basel, Switzerland is one of the smallest cities in the world with a population of just over 180,000 people. 

The city is located in northwest Switzerland on the Rhine River and is known for its arts and culture scene. 

Basel is home to many museums, including the Kunstmuseum Basel, which houses one of the world’s largest collections of art. 

The city is also home to the annual Art Basel festival, which attracts artists and art lovers from all over the world.

18. Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai is the largest city in northern Thailand and the capital of Chiang Mai Province. It is situated on the banks of the Ping River, a major tributary of the Chao Phraya River. 

The city has a population of over 200,000 people and is a major tourist destination in Thailand.

Chiang Mai was founded in 1296 by King Mengrai, the ruler of the Lanna Kingdom. It served as the capital of the kingdom until 1558 when it was conquered by Burmese invaders. 

The city subsequently fell into decline but was revived in the early 19th century by King Mongkut (Rama IV). Today, Chiang Mai is a thriving metropolis with a vibrant economy and a rich cultural heritage.

19. Victoria, Canada

Victoria, Canada is the smallest city in the world with a population of only 3,033. The city is located on Vancouver Island and was founded in 1843 as a Hudson’s Bay Company fort. 

Victoria is the capital of British Columbia and is a popular tourist destination due to its mild climate and beautiful scenery. 

The city is home to many historical sites, including the Royal British Columbia Museum and the Butchart Gardens.

20. San Sebastián, Spain

San Sebastián, Spain, is one of the smallest cities in the world. With a population of just over 18,000 people, it’s no wonder that this Basque city is often overlooked. 

However, San Sebastián has a lot to offer visitors. From its beautiful beaches to its delicious food, there’s something for everyone in this small city.

If you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, San Sebastián is the perfect destination. 

The city’s two main beaches, La Concha and Ondarreta Beach are both located within walking distance of the center of town. 

La Concha is one of the most popular beaches in Spain and is known for its stunning views. Ondarreta Beach is a bit more low-key but no less beautiful. It’s the perfect place to take a swim or sunbathe on a sunny day.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So there you have it — the 20 smallest cities in the world in 2023. Although these cities might be small in size, they certainly don’t lack personality or charm. 

If you’re looking for a more intimate travel experience, then one of these cities might be perfect for your next vacation. 

Have you ever been to any of these cities? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

References

• Smartcitiesdive.com– Microcities: Five of the World’s ‘Smallest’ Cities
• Housebeautiful.com– 25 of the best small cities in the world to live in