World's Tiniest Cities: These Are The Smallest Cities In The World (2024)

When thinking about a city, many people often associate these areas with large geographical areas, towering skyscrapers, and busy streets filled with people and traffic. However, some cities with the smallest populations defy this rule, along with having a literally tiny size in terms of square miles and kilometers. In fact, some cities are so small that they may seem more like towns or villages.

Despite their size, these cities still hold a unique charm and significant characteristics that make them worth exploring. The following are some of the tiniest cities around the globe with low resident numbers and minute square mileage for tourists looking for unique and off-the-beaten-path experiences on their travels, far away from the world's biggest cities with huge populations and sprawling landmasses.

14 Nessebar, Bulgaria

Population: 11,044

The old town of Nessebar, Bulgaria

Nessebar is a town located on the Black Sea coast of Southern Bulgaria and boasts many beaches and scenic views of the sea and nearby cliffside forests and mountains. It is one of the smallest towns in the world and is known for its unique architecture, with many beautiful stone buildings, churches, and landmarks.

Visitors who are interested in history can explore the ancient ruins of Thracian tombs dating back to the 2nd century BC or take a walk along the Tsarevets Fortress to admire its elaborate floral patterns and ancient architecture.

• Location: Bulgaria
• Size: 31.85 km²

13 Durbuy, Belgium

Population: 10,522

Aerial view of Durbuy, surrounded by trees that turn into magnificent fall colors, Belgium

Durbuy is a small city located in Wallonia, Belgium. The city's regional economic industry may not be as renowned as other cities in the region, but it still remains a popular tourist destination due to its strategic location at the crossroads of Europe.

The area has many non-stop attractions, including vibrant forests and valleys, old medieval castles, and picturesque alleys with historic architecture. Visitors to the city can also enjoy the scenery of nearby communities like La Roche-en-Ardenne, which is regarded as one of Europe's picture-perfect destinations in spring.

• Location: Belgium
• Size: 156.6 km²

12 Villa La Angostura, Argentina

Population: 7,912

Resort in Villa La Angostura, Argentina

Argentina's Neuquén province is home to the little city of Villa La Angostura. The city's natural surroundings, closeness to a sizable lake, and several rivers make it a well-liked tourist attraction. Both the city's enormous "cloud forest" trees and the numerous waterfalls that dot the adjacent mountains are well-known features.

Villa La Angostura is also known for its clear lakes and snow-capped mountains. The town's many hiking paths, ski slopes, and hot springs can be explored by visitors, or they can take a boat tour to view the nearby glaciers.

• Location: Argentina
• Size: 79.6 km²

11 Oia, Greece

Population: 3,376

Oia, Village in Santorini, Greece

On the southern tip of the Greek island of Santorini sits Oia. The city attracts visitors because of its stunning surroundings and unique architecture. Most people associate Oia with its gorgeous whitewashed structures, winding streets, and breathtaking vistas of the Aegean Sea.

A trip along the adjacent cliffs will allow visitors to take in the island's natural beauty as well as the town's numerous stores, cafés, and galleries. Santorini has a wide variety of things to do, which also makes the area a popular destination for honeymooners and couples looking for a romantic getaway.

• Location: Greece
• Size: 19.4 km²

10 Oberwesel, Germany

Population: 2,834

Oberwesel, Upper middle Rhine Valley, Germany

Oberwesel is a town located south of the Rhine River between Mainz and Wiesbaden, Germany. The town draws visitors due to its cultural and architectural heritage, including its long series of 500-year-old buildings that date back to medieval times.

The town is also known for its many festivals and events, including the annual "Ritterturnier" in May. Oberwesel is a popular destination for tourists, mainly those seeking historical architecture and cultural events.

• Location: Germany
• Size: 18.11 km²

9 Èze, France

Population: 2,566

The hilltop village of Èze, France

Èze is one of the many beautiful towns on the French Riviera that has been listed as an official historical monument since July 1971. The city is known for being the home to medieval ramparts and a castle.

Visitors can explore the village and admire its historical architecture, including the ornate Place du Palais. The area's numerous festivals that take place all year round add to the city's reputation for having a dynamic culture.

• Location: France
• Size: 9.47 km²

8 Tasiilaq, Greenland

Population: 1,930

Tasiilaq, Greenland

Tasiilaq is a small city located in southwestern Greenland. The area is thought to have been inhabited since the early centuries by the Norse, and it remained a settlement until 1953. Today, Tasiilaq has a population of nearly 2,000 people and is recognized as one of the most important cultural sites in Greenland.

The city has a rich history, with many traditional wooden houses, a church, and fort ruins. In recent years, the city has expanded to include a museum, several shops and cafés, and more.

Visitors can learn more about the area's significance and traditional culture by visiting Tasiilaq's museums or enjoying the environment as they explore the many sites of interest in this unique city.

• Location: Greenland
• Size: 243,000 km²

7 St. David's, Wales

Population: 1,348

Cathedral in St. David's, Wales

St. David's is a tiny spot situated in the Beacons area of Wales in the United Kingdom. It's home to the church of St. David, where the legendary Saint David was said to be born. The town is known for its beautiful landscape, including its historic cobblestone roads and views of the surrounding valleys.

The area has a diverse climate, as it is located near sea/sea level and mountains, which results in a temperate climate year-round. Visitors can explore the city's rich architecture or take a walk along the nearby coastal cliffs, which offer stunning views of the rugged Welsh coastline.

• Location: Wales
• Size: 46.4 km²

6 Hamilton, Bermuda

Population: 854

An aerial view of Hamilton, Bermuda

There are just 854 residents in Hamilton, Bermuda, due to its strictly delineated limits. It is therefore among the world's least populous capital cities. Founded in 1790, the city was established in 1793, became the capital in 1815, and wasn't officially recognized as a city until 1897.

The population of Bermuda is 63,000. Bermuda's capital, Hamilton, is a great destination to visit with friends and family. It is crammed with exciting interactive museums, pastel-colored buildings, and historical places.

• Location: Bermuda
• Size: 0.73 km²

5 Vatican City

Population: 521

Aerial view of the Vatican City, Rome

The smallest country in the world, Vatican City, is an independent city-state inside of Rome (technically, it counts as the smallest city in the world based on the fact it's a city-state and also a country in its own right). Despite its tiny size, this region is home to notable religious sites, each with a rich history, making it a sought-after travel destination.

The beautiful St. Peter's Basilica, which is the main attraction in Vatican City, is open to the public, as well as the renowned Sistine Chapel, where visitors can see Michelangelo's famous ceiling frescos. The city also has a distinctive political structure that is founded on an absolute monarchy and Catholic Church regulations.

• Location: Rome, Italy
• Size: 0.49 km²

4 Ngerulmud, Palau

Population: 203

Capitol building in Ngerulmud, Palau

Ngerulmud, which was designated as the capital of Palau in 2006, is one of the least populated cities in the world. Since the city's population is not included in the country's census statistics, it is actually plausible that nobody lives there.

Ngerulmud is situated in the state of Melekeok, which is home to around 318 people. The Island of Ngercheuang Ngerulmud is a stunning island in Palau. The island is well-known for its breathtaking beaches, verdant jungle, and diverse array of aquatic life. It's the ideal location for a tranquil beach holiday or a tropical escape.

• Location: Island of Ngercheuang Ngerulmud, Palau
• Size: Data not found, but the Palau Islands are a group of 350, which range from a few hundred square feet in size to the 153-square-mile island of Babelthuap

3 Bronkhorst, The Netherlands

Population: 150

Old Dutch stone house in Bronkhorst, Netherlands

Bronkhorst is a city in the Netherlands' Gelderland. It is worth a visit because of its numerous well-known attractions, which include the Charles Dickens Museum at Bronkhorst and the adorable chapel named Kapel Van Bronkhorst.

For everyone who loves cobblestones, historic farmhouses, and lots of wildlife, this charming city in the Netherlands is a true dream come true. The community is one of the smallest in the world yet incredibly artistic.

• Location: Netherlands
• Size: 0.13 km²

2 Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands

Population: 48

Stunning panorama of Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands

There are less than 50 people living in the Pitcairn Islands, a British overseas territory in the Southern Pacific Ocean. The vast majority of the island's citizens dwell in one of the world's least populated capital cities: Adamstown, the hub of life on the Pitcairns.

The majority of the inhabitants are descended from the British merchant ship crew of HMS Bounty, which arrived on the islands in 1790. With a range of attractions and activities, Pitcairn is a relaxed tourist destination.

• Location: Pitcairn Islands
• Size: 4.6 km²

1 Hum, Croatia

Population: 16

Colorful old stone street in Hum, Croatia, the world's smallest city

What is the smallest city in the world? It's Hum! Hum is a small city located in Western Croatia. The city limits of Hum are rather small, with a population density of only 0.36 people per square kilometer, making it the smallest city on Earth.

It might be the world's smallest city, but the area boasts many natural and architectural attractions, such as the Kaštel Stari, which is an ancient ruin of a castle perched on the side of a cliff near the coast.

Hum is also a picturesque city, with small whitewashed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and the green hills of Kamenjak Island. Visitors can stroll through the town and enjoy traditional Croatian cuisine at local cafés and shops in the area.

• Location: Split-Dalmatia County, Croatia
• Size: 12.95 km²