There are thousands of towns, villages, and cities around the world. But just how many of these places can you say are the smallest in the world? We guess this depends on how small you define ‘smallest’ in the first place.
You could spend a week in New York City, Paris, or Barcelona and still not see all there is to see. Instead of catching subway after subway or taxi after taxi, make your next vacation somewhere a bit more compact. Here are the top smallest cities in the world has to offer.
Vatican City
With a permanent population of only 826, this city-state located entirely within Rome is a delight to explore. Vatican City issues currency, runs a separate postal service, and even has its security force in the form of the Swiss Guard. Inside the walls, you’ll find the enchanting Vatican museums, which include the Sistine Chapel. The main sight, however, is St. Peter’s Basilica, the largest church in the world. Come at Easter, when St. Peter’s Square is packed with visitors from around the globe.
Hum, Croatia
Hum, Croatia is the smallest city in the world by population and also the newest municipality in Croatia. It is also recorded in the Guinness World Record Book as the smallest city in terms of population. Many come to Hum for its various festivals held throughout the year. It is known as a welcoming city where you can take a break from the world’s hustle and bustle.
Hum is surrounded by picturesque scenery which makes it an ideal destination for those looking to get away from it all or to see beautiful natural wonders. It has a church dating back to the 19th century and a picturesque village Kotli, known for its watermills and waterfalls.
St. Georges, Grenada
The capital of the Caribbean island of Grenada is a beauty. The city lies on the slopes of an ancient volcano framing a horseshoe-shaped bay, and its setting is nothing short of spectacular. Climb up to Fort George, the oldest of the city’s fortifications, or the well-preserved Fort Frederick. From your chosen vantage point, you’ll have the perfect view to watch boats coming and going in the harbor below, as well as the action on the waterfront promenade known as the Carenage.
Durbuy, Belgium
Durbuy is a municipality located in the Belgian province of Luxembourg. While the title of “smallest city” is always up for debate, it can certainly be considered one of the smallest. This small town has many things to offer tourists even though there is no tourist office. In 1331, the town was elevated to the rank of city by John I, Count of Luxemburg, and King of Bohemia.
San Marino
Home to fewer than 5,000 people, San Marino is a charming capital. Occupying a commanding position overlooking Italy, the Republic of San Marino is one of just three countries in the world to be surrounded by another.
Explore the Guaita, an 11th-century tower that stands on one of Monte Titano’s three peaks, and the Cesta, which occupies the tallest. The whole city is laid out before you. Don’t miss the Palazzo Pubblico, which is home to parliament in the world’s oldest continually operating democracy.
Roseau, Dominica
With a population of almost 15,000, Roseau deserves more than a hurried excursion from a cruise ship. Stay a while longer and learn about the place in the Dominica Museum. Browse the produce at the market, admire the pastel-colored homes, and chill out with a cool drink at a bar or café. Come in October, and you can expect the pace to pick up a bit thanks to the annual World Creole Music Festival. Let your hair down at this energizing and addictive, rum-fueled party thumping to the beat of soca, calypso, and reggae.
Valletta, Malta
Valletta, Malta, is the smallest capital city in the world. It’s also known as a historical city and one of the oldest cities in Europe. The city was founded by Jean de Parisot Valette in almost 1566s and has been the capital since 1571. Valletta stands out because it’s the smallest capital in the world, with a population of 5,827 people. The Maltese capital’s stunning Baroque architecture makes it a major tourist draw, and the entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
St. John’s, Antigua
The colorful capital of Antigua is one of the Caribbean’s most enchanting cities. Brightly painted shops and businesses illustrate a mix of British colonial and contemporary architectural styles. The oldest, on Long Street, dates from 1750 and was once the courthouse. It’s now the base of the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda. Don’t miss the vibrant market as well as the duty-free souvenir shops that can be found near the cruise ship dock at Heritage Quay and Redcliffe Quay.
Castries, Saint Lucia
Castries is the capital city of Saint Lucia and the largest urban center. It happens to be one of the smallest capital cities in the world. This small island country is located in the Caribbean Sea between Barbados and the Lesser Antilles and near Martinique. The country of Saint Lucia is a great place to live, with beautiful views, friendly people, and fine weather. The capital city of the island, Castries, is home to the majority of the 20,000 residents. It is considered to be the oldest city in the Caribbean.
Vaduz, Liechtenstein
Sandwiched between Austria and Switzerland, the tiny country of Liechtenstein is often forgotten, and its capital Vaduz even more so. The city lies in the shadow of a 12th-century castle — the royal family residence. The pedestrianized town center can be easily explored on foot, and a must-see attraction is the contemporary Kunstmuseum Liechtenstein with a focus on modern art. Housed in a medieval building, the National Museum is also worth a visit.
Big cities have so much attention that we often forget about the small cities. In this article, we have told you that there are many smallest cities in the world that need exposure. As this information was new and beautiful to us, we thought it might be the same for you too. So, travel to these smallest cities and enjoy your journey!
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