This is a list of the most populous cities of the world defined according to the concept of city proper. The list ranks the world's urban municipal units according to population.These are approximate figures so data on other sites can be different according to the different methods of measuring.

1. Tokyo

Country: Japan
Population: 33,800,000
Its history begins in 1457, but it was completely rebuilt after the Second World War.
Tokyo is a gorgeous city, that is very cultural and welcoming. The scenery is amazing, and I know that I’ve always wanted to go and check out this amazing place. Tokyo is a world commanding ‘finance center’ and is miles ahead with technology, so there will be plenty to see. The locals are welcoming, and the whole place is like a paradise, at least that’s what I’ve heard from my friends who’ve been there last summer!

2. Mexico City

Country: Mexico
Population: 22,900,000
Mexico gained independence in 1821, and since then Mexico City has been growing and expanding throughout the centuries.
Mexico City is the capital of Mexico, but it has been influenced by many cultures. The buildings have a Paris look to them, and the floating gardens are certainly a landmark that everybody should see. The city has 160 museums, over 100 art galleries and a constant cultural activity that means everyone should visit it!

3. Mumbai

Country: India
Population: 18,042,000
While the city has existed since 250BC, its history is plagued with riots and lobbies. The current Mumbai became established in 1950, but riots in 1992 and the bombing of the underground have meant that a lot of buildings have been rebuilt, and Mumbai has a new look once again.
With a huge cultural influence, a mix of spicy yet rich foods and several big landmarks, Mumbai is a brilliant place to go sight seeing. From the famous Chowpatty beach to the Elephant Caves, there is something for everybody, and I know that I will definitely be visiting in the future. For the ultimate Mumbai experience, try and time your trip to include one of the popular festivals.

4. Sao Paulo

Country: Brazil
Population: 17, 711, 00
Sao Paulo officially became a city in 1711, and has flourished since then. However, since the twentieth century, it has been under pressure to out perform Brazils other major city, Rio De Janeiro. This has lead to an increase in policing, and a tidy up of the city.
Sao Paula is another very cultural place, and it also hosts many big events. These include the Sao Paulo fashion week, which is attended by huge fashion names such as Gucci, and the March for Jesus. There are also more controversial events, such as the gay march. The temperatures are high, and there is a site here for everyone, from the famous Museum of Art to the Interlagos grand prix track. I find the culture here fascinating, and the locals are really welcoming too, offering tasters of local food and showing tourists the way of life there.

5. New York City

Country: USA
Population: 16,626,000
It took New York City a long time to become the version we know and love. Before that, back in 1624 it was called New Amsterdam and it had been inhabited by Native Americans. Later on it was owned by the British who then changed it’s name to New York. But it became America’s largest city in 1790 and held that position ever since!
New York City is the cultural center of America, buzzing with films, art and music. 47 million tourists visit each year, to see Broadway, Central Park, the Bronx zoo and all of the other amazing attractions on offer. The food there is diverse, with bagels, kebabs, cheesecakes and pizza’s being the most common choices. The New York City Hall is worth a viewing, and many of the Universities are housed in very old, gorgeous buildings. I’d definitely recommend visiting this brilliant city!

6. Shanghai

Country: China
Population: 14,173,000
Shanghai didn’t start its reforms until 1991, and these are still going on today. Before this, Shanghai had a mixed history, including a period of heavy communism.
Shanghai is the cultural leader of East Asia, and hosted the first motor car, sewer and train track. These days, Shanghai has a more advanced transport system then most of Europe, and the mix of picturesque villages and 20th Century architecture means that Shanghai is one of the most gorgeous cities in the World. I’d recommend taking as much camera film as you can carry, and make sure you travel round to enjoy the different sites each area has to offer!

7. Lagos

Country: Nigeria
Population: 13,488,000
Lagos has a mixed history, which begins in 1742, and travels through British ownership and several wars to establish itself as a large, functioning city today.
The biggest city in West Africa, Lagos has sights that more modern cities just can’t contend with. Lagos also homes the “Nollywood” of Africa, so called because it is the center of the African film industry, and has two football stadiums. There are several sandy beaches, and a fast paced way of life, but Lagos is still a quiet holiday destination, getting most of its tourism via business.

8. Los Angeles

Country: USA
Population: 13,129,000
Los Angeles reformed into the city we know now in the 1920’s, although it was plagued with crime and gang warfare up until 1994.
Los Angeles has so many landmarks, you’d be crazy not to visit it. These include the Hollywood sign, the Walt Disney concert hall, Graumans Chinese theatre, the Griffith Observatory, Hollywood Bowl, the Kodak Theatre, Capitol Records and the Los Angeles memorial coliseum. Los Angeles has a great nightlife, and some brilliant shopping areas, so it’ll be a brilliant holiday for everyone!

9. Calcutta

Country: India
Population: 12,900,000
In 1960, Calcutta had two main areas. One was British owned, named the White Town, and one Indian, named the Black town. Since then it has survived striking, bombing in WW2 and the name change to KolKata, and is currently experiencing major reforms.
Kolkata has a massive literary, artistic and revolutionary heritage, and is the former capital of India. Its buildings are heavily influenced by Gothic, Baroque, Roman, Oriental and Indo-Islamic revolutions, leaving the town looking beautifully mismatched, and now that it has a working public transport and a reformed tourist base, it is a better time than ever to visit. The locals are welcoming, and there is a perfect mix between Indian and Western culture. I can’t wait to visit this newly reformed city myself.

10. Buenos Aires

Country: Argentina
Population: 12,413,000
The city was reformed after the Falkland Wars, but is constantly evolving.
If you haven’t visited Argentina, definitely go now. The culture is amazing, and the sights simply breathtaking. Famous for the tango, make sure you check out a dance establishment, and look at all of the architecture too. It’s a mix of Madrid, Paris and Barcelona, and is truly unique. This has to be one of my favourite cities.