So you're wondering what is the smallest city in the world? Honestly, I used to think it was some hidden medieval village until I actually visited Vatican City last spring. Picture this: I'm standing near St. Peter's Square, finishing my espresso, and I realize I've walked across an entire country in 15 minutes. That's when it hit me how absurdly tiny this place is.
Funny story – my friend got lost here once. Took him 20 minutes to realize he'd circled the nation twice. That's the reality of the world's smallest city.
Defining "City" – It's More Complicated Than You Think
When we ask "what is the smallest city in the world", we need to clarify what makes a city. Is it population? Physical size? Political status? See, there's no universal rulebook. Italy says a city needs 50,000+ residents. Meanwhile, South Dakota calls places with 100 people "cities". Messy, right?
Through my travels, I've noticed three main ways places claim city status:
- Political independence (microstates like Vatican)
- Historical city charters (medieval towns that never grew)
- Administrative designation (government says it's a city)
The Population Vs. Area Dilemma
Here's where it gets juicy. Some "cities" have microscopic populations but huge territories (looking at you, Australia). Others cram thousands into a few blocks. When researching what is the smallest city in the world, you MUST specify:
| Measurement Type | Contender Examples | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| By Population | Hum (Croatia), Adamstown (Pitcairn) | Shows human scale of city life |
| By Land Area | Vatican City, Monaco | Reveals physical footprint |
| By Density | Manila, Mumbai | Measures how packed people are |
Personally, I think area measurements are more dramatic. You haven't lived until you've seen national guards patrolling borders visible from your hotel window.
Vatican City: The Undisputed Champion (Mostly)
Let's cut to the chase – Vatican City is the smallest city in the world by both area and population among sovereign states. At just 0.17 square miles (44 hectares), it's smaller than most university campuses. Population? Around 800 residents. You'd find bigger crowds at a Taylor Swift concert.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable shoes when visiting. Sounds silly for such a small place, but you'll stand in line for hours at museums. My feet were killing me last visit.
Why Vatican Counts as a City
Skeptics ask: "Is Vatican really a city?" Absolutely. It has:
- Own government (the Holy See)
- Independent postal system (their stamps are gorgeous)
- Bank with ATMs dispensing euros
- Railway station (one track, barely used)
- Supermarket (only for residents)
I mailed postcards from there last year – took 3 weeks to reach New York. Efficiency isn't their strength.
Must-See Spots in the World's Smallest City
For such a tiny footprint, Vatican punches above its weight culturally. Here's what you can't miss:
| Attraction | Practical Info | Visitor Tips |
|---|---|---|
| St. Peter's Basilica | Free entry (8am-6pm Apr-Sep). Dome climb: €8 stairs, €10 elevator | Arrive before 8am to avoid 2hr queues. Dress code strictly enforced (no shorts) |
| Vatican Museums | €17-€21. Open Mon-Sat 9am-6pm (last entry 4pm) | Book MONTHS ahead online. Friday nights less crowded. Sistine Chapel gets claustrophobic |
| Vatican Gardens | €16 guided tour only. Must reserve at museums | Only way to see 60% of country's land area. Surprisingly peaceful |
The museums overwhelmed me – 9 miles of exhibits in a microstate! Felt like cultural whiplash.
Controversial Challengers to the Throne
Now, some places challenge Vatican's title on technicalities. Let's examine:
Hum, Croatia: The "Smallest City" Tourist Trap
Hum bills itself as the world's smallest city. With just 30 residents in a walled medieval hilltop town, it's quaint. But is it truly a city? Dubiously.
Pros:
- Historical city charter since 1102
- Mayor elected annually (last winner got 19 votes)
- Own currency (not accepted anywhere)
Cons:
- No governance beyond tourism
- No hospitals/schools
- Feels like a Disneyfied village
I bought their "city coin" souvenir. Cute, but worthless. The local honey liquor (biska) is fantastic though.
Other Tiny Claimants
These spots occasionally make "smallest city" lists:
| Place | Population | Area | The Catch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adamstown, Pitcairn Islands | 40 | 1.8 sq miles | Only settlement on island territory |
| St. Asaph, Wales | 3,355 | 1.3 sq miles | UK's smallest cathedral city |
| City of London | 9,400 (daytime 500k+) | 1.12 sq miles | Historic city within London metropolis |
Ultimate Comparison: Who Really Wins?
Let's settle the "what is the smallest city in the world" debate once and for all:
| Metric | Vatican City | Hum | Monaco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Land Area | 0.17 sq miles | 0.035 sq miles | 0.78 sq miles |
| Population | 800 | 30 | 36,000 |
| Sovereignty | Independent state | Part of Croatia | Sovereign principality |
| Functional City Traits | Full government, currency, postal service | Tourist designation only | Full city administration |
Vatican wins on sovereignty, Hum on tiny size, Monaco on density. But if you ask me? Vatican's combo of full nationhood and minuscule size remains unmatched.
Planning Your Visit: Practical Survival Guide
From my three visits to Vatican City, here's what I wish I'd known:
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
Transport options:
- Rome Metro: Line A to Ottaviano (5-min walk). Costs €1.50. Crowded during commute hours
- Taxis: €15-€20 from Rome center. Often stuck in traffic
- Walking: 25 minutes from Piazza Navona. Pleasant but tiring in summer heat
Border control? Just walk right in. No passport checks. Feels anticlimactic.
Money-Saving Hacks
Vatican tourism is expensive. Here's how I saved:
| Tactic | Savings | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Free basilica entry | €21 saved vs museums | Miss Sistine Chapel |
| Wednesday papal audience | Free tickets | Requires advance request |
| Bring water/snacks | €5-€10 per item | Fewer dining options |
Food tip: Eat across the border in Rome. Vatican restaurants charge €25 for mediocre pasta.
Why This Matters Beyond Trivia
When we explore what is the smallest city in the world, we uncover fascinating geopolitical quirks:
- Diplomatic oddities: Vatican has embassies in 180 countries despite its size
- Economic power: Generates €300M+ annual tourism revenue
- Cultural impact: Home to world's largest church (St. Peter's)
It challenges what "country" means. I mean, their military has 135 men. Switzerland Guards look fancy but couldn't defend against a soccer hooligan invasion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you live permanently in Vatican City?
Only if you're clergy, Swiss Guard, or Vatican diplomat. Citizenship requires Holy See appointment. No births occur there – zero hospitals. Residents technically live in extraterritorial properties.
What is the smallest city in the world by population?
Adamstown (Pitcairn Islands) has 40 permanent residents. But Vatican remains smallest sovereign city with 800 people.
Does the smallest city have its own laws?
Vatican has unique legal codes. Their court handles about 30 cases yearly – mostly pickpocketing. Fun fact: Canon law prohibits coffee during communion. Seriously.
Is there any city smaller than Vatican?
Hum claims the title at 0.035 sq miles versus Vatican's 0.17. But without sovereignty, most experts dismiss it. Monaco (0.78 sq miles) is physically larger but more densely populated.
Can anyone become Pope and rule Vatican?
Theoretically yes if you're Catholic male. Practically? Cardinals elect Popes from their ranks. Residency requires papal appointment. Sadly, no Airbnbs in the Apostolic Palace.
The Dirty Secrets No One Tells You
Having visited both contenders, here's my unfiltered take:
- Vatican Downsides: Overwhelming crowds, aggressive souvenir hawkers near entrance, no public restrooms (€2 at museums)
- Hum Downsides: Feels manufactured for tourists, nothing authentic beyond architecture, terrible road access
Honestly? Dubrovnik's old town gives similar medieval vibes without the "smallest city" hype.
Verifying the Claim Yourself
Want to settle "what is the smallest city in the world" in person? Follow these steps:
- Fly to Rome FCO airport
- Take Leonardo Express train to Termini (€14)
- Transfer to Metro Line A toward Battistini
- Exit at Ottaviano station
- Walk 10 minutes northwest to St. Peter's Square
Total time from airport to country-crossing: 90 minutes. Bring Euros – ATMs charge €5 fees.
So there you have it. Vatican City wins the smallest city crown through undeniable sovereignty. But exploring this question reveals deeper truths about how we define place and power. Next time someone asks "what is the smallest city in the world", you'll have better answers than most travel guides. Just watch out for those museum queues.