Top Ten Most Influential Cities of All Time

The Top Ten
1 Rome, Italy Rome is the capital city and a special comune of Italy, as well as the capital of the Lazio region. The city has been a major human settlement for almost three millennia. With 2,860,009 residents in 1,285 km2 (496.1 sq mi), it is also the country's most populated comune. It is the third most populous city in the European Union by population within city limits. It is the centre of the Metropolitan City of Rome, which has a population of 4,355,725 residents, thus making it the most populous metropolitan city in Italy. Its metropolitan area is the third-most populous within Italy. Rome is located in the central-western portion of the Italian Peninsula, within Lazio (Latium), along the shores of ...read more.
2 Athens, Greece
3 London, United Kingdom
4 Istanbul, Turkey Istanbul, formerly known as Byzantium and Constantinople, is the most populous city in Turkey and the country's economic, cultural and historic center. The city straddles the Bosphorus strait, and lies in both Europe and Asia, with a population of over 15 million residents, comprising 19% of the population ...read more.
5 Paris, France
6 Jerusalem, Israel Jerusalem is a city in the Middle East, located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.
7 Alexandria, Egypt
8 New York City, United States The City of New York, often called New York City or simply New York, is the most populous city in the United States. New York City is also the most densely populated major city in the United States.
9 Mecca, Saudi Arabia
10 Tokyo, Japan Tokyo, officially Tokyo Metropolis, one of the 47 prefectures of Japan, has served as the Japanese capital since 1869. Located at the head of Tokyo Bay, the prefecture forms part of the Kantō region on the central Pacific coast of Japan's main island of Honshu. Tokyo is the political and economic center ...read more.
The Contenders
11 Baghdad, Iraq Baghdad is the capital of Iraq and is situated along the Tigris River. As one of the largest cities in the Arab world, it has historically been a center of learning and culture. Today, it serves as Iraq's administrative, economic, and political hub. Despite the challenges of recent conflicts, the city is home to several universities, museums, and monuments that reflect its rich history, such as the Baghdad Museum and the Monument of the Unknown Soldier.
12 Philadelphia, United States Philadelphia is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the sixth-most populous city in the United States, with an estimated population of 1,567,872 and more than 6 million in the seventh-largest metropolitan statistical area, as of 2016. Philadelphia is the economic and cultural anchor ...read more.
13 Beijing, China
14 Oslo, Norway Oslo is the capital and most populous city of Norway. It constitutes both a county and a municipality.
15 Copenhagen, Denmark Copenhagen is the capital of the Kingdom of Denmark. At a population of 591,481 inhabitants as of January 2016, it is also the largest city in the country. It is located in the Hovedstaden region of Denmark and is home to the world famous Tivoli Gardens, one of the oldest operating amusement parks in the world.
16 Bern, Switzerland Bern, the capital of Switzerland, boasts a well-preserved medieval old town that is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Zytglogge clock tower is a notable landmark. The Aare River runs through the city, offering picturesque views and opportunities for swimming and relaxation. The Federal Palace, seat of the Swiss government, overlooks the city. Bern's cultural offerings include theaters, museums, and galleries.
17 Kyiv, Ukraine
18 Chisinau, Moldova Chișinău, also known as Kishinev, also referred to as Kishineu, is the capital and largest city of the Republic of Moldova.
19 Ljubljana, Slovenia Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, nestled along the Ljubljanica River. The city features a blend of Baroque, Renaissance, and modern architectures, symbolized by landmarks such as the Triple Bridge and Ljubljana Castle. It's known for its environmental initiatives, including a focus on sustainable public transport and green spaces. Ljubljana is a lively city with numerous festivals, a bustling food scene, and a growing reputation as a startup hub. The city's University of Ljubljana is one of the largest in Europe, contributing to a youthful and dynamic atmosphere.
20 Belgrade, Serbia Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, lies at the confluence of the Sava and Danube rivers. The city has a rich history reflected in its architecture, including the Belgrade Fortress and St. Sava Temple. Belgrade's bustling nightlife and vibrant music scene contribute to its dynamic atmosphere. Kalemegdan Park offers green spaces and historical monuments, while the Ada Ciganlija island on the Sava River provides recreational opportunities.
21 Dublin, Ireland
22 Ankara, Turkey
23 Amsterdam, Netherlands
24 Budapest, Hungary Budapest, the capital of Hungary, is often referred to as the "City of Spas" due to its numerous thermal baths and springs. The city straddles the Danube River and is characterized by its stunning architecture that blends Gothic, Baroque, and Art Nouveau styles. The Buda Castle, a historic palace complex, offers panoramic views of the city. Budapest's vibrant cultural scene includes renowned music festivals, theaters, and museums. The Chain Bridge, connecting Buda and Pest, is an iconic symbol of the city's unity.
25 Vienna, Austria Vienna is the federal capital and largest city of Austria, and one of the nine states of Austria. ...read more.
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