Discover the 11 Most Futuristic Cities in the World

TOKYO, JAPAN - AUGUST 1, 2015: Crowds pass below colorful signs in Akihabara. The historic electronics district has evolved into a shopping area for video games, anime, manga, and computer goods.
© ESB Professional/Shutterstock.com

Written by Patrick MacFarland

Updated: October 3, 2023

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Don’t you wish you were living in a world like the Jetsons? Or maybe when Marty McFly goes to the future and sees a world unknown to him. It would be awesome to have gadgets like those in Back to the Future. As technological advancements get more advanced at a much faster rate, it won’t be surprising to see some new gizmo that will revolutionize life — just like the Industrial Revolution did in the mid-1800s or the computer did in the 1970s — soon.

11 Most Futuristic Cities in the World
These futuristic cities are some of the most technologically advanced in the world.

But what if we told you there are already cities out there that are pretty futuristic? If you travel to certain Asian countries, you may feel like you’ve time-traveled to the future. Get someone to pinch you to realize you are in the present. Let’s take a look at the 11 most futuristic cities in the world. These cities are so technologically advanced, that they are living life like the year 3000.

Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong city view from The Peak at twilight

The city of Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers and high-rise buildings in the world.

©EarnestTse/Shutterstock.com

Hong Kong’s skyline looks out of this world. It has hundreds of skyscrapers and it’s the international trade and financial center of the region and even the whole of China. The president of China has envisioned a plan for Hong Kong to be a technological and innovative hub of the country. The technological advances happening in the city are a way to spur economic growth, ensure better lives for its citizens, and create a more sustainable region in today’s society.

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Aerial view of Burj Khalifa in Dubai Downtown skyline and fountain, United Arab Emirates or UAE. Financial district and business area in smart urban city. Skyscraper and high-rise buildings at sunset.

Dubai is home to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa.

©Tavarius/Shutterstock.com

It was just a fishing village 200 years ago, but it has turned into a giant in innovation. It boasts the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa. The city has an artificial island and is building an underwater restaurant. It also is heading in the direction of becoming a smart city with sustainable growth and eco-friendliness throughout the city. This vision includes the construction of an electric sky pod network and driverless taxis.

Singapore

Singapore skyline at night

Singapore is a country with 64 islands.

©leungchopan/ via Getty Images

The city-state is known for its pristineness throughout the city. In fact, it’s illegal to throw chewing gum on the street. The government is very strict and there is hardly any crime. But besides that, it is technologically advanced. The tech center in Marina City has skyscrapers and driverless cars. Singapore is also extremely eco-friendly, being one of the world leaders in sustainable growth. 

Tokyo, Japan

Tokyo city in Japan

The city of Tokyo was founded in 1603 and was originally a fishing village called Edo.

©StockByM/iStock via Getty Images

Tokyo is world famous for having a futuristic city. Everything in the city is a mix of the old with the new, but embracing robust technological change. It has capsule hotels, robot hotels, vending machines where you can buy almost anything, and an abundance of neon signs. Its metros have anti-suicide lights. The city’s futuristic skyline is unique with its towering skyscrapers. Tokyo is just a paradise for modernity and the future.

Songdo, South Korea

Songdo International City and Central Park in Yeonsu-gu, Incheon city

The city of Songdo was created after the President of South Korea wanted to promote green spaces for the future.

©cstrike/Shutterstock.com

Songdo is a smart city. It’s a piece of land specifically to ensure sustainable eco-friendly growth in the future. There are computers built into every building, house, and street to ensure communication capability. There are universities in the city and the city is home to one of the tallest structures in South Korea. The city offers direct transportation links with Incheon International Airport, as well. Songdo’s carbon footprint is low, as the garbage is sucked through pipes to a garbage facility instead of using garbage trucks.

Seoul, South Korea

Cityscap of seoul city from top of mountain, South korea

There are four UNESCO sites located in Seoul.

©anek.soowannaphoom/Shutterstock.com

Another South Korean city on the list, Seoul rivals Tokyo with its advanced technologies throughout the city. Everything in the city is high-tech, from its streets to its subways. You can even be on the city’s hi-tech WiFi on buses, subways, and walking down the street. Houses can have the option of having the latest tech devices. Its buildings are green spaces with intricate and avant-garde designs. It’s a city of the future that focuses on sustainable growth and technological advancements.

Shanghai, China

Shanghai, China city skyline on the Huangpu River.

The metro in Shanghai is the longest in the world.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock.com

The city of Shanghai has a stunning skyline with its skyscrapers lined up perfectly. Shanghai Tower is the second tallest building in the world. The city is home to the country’s economic hub and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. Shanghai is truly a futuristic paradise with hi-tech advancements and gadgets throughout the city. The city attracts millions in the finance sector, but also university students from all over the world.

Masdar, United Arab Emirates

Personal transit in Masdar City, Abu Dhabi

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Masdar City is in Abu Dhabi.

©Joshua Raif/Shutterstock.com

Masdar is a planned, smart city in the United Arab Emirates. This city had a vision of being a revolutionary eco-friendly city. Its visionaries wanted the city’s carbon footprint to be close to zero, it wanted to have zero waste and have no cars anywhere in the city. The city has a solar plant that provides clean energy and water to all its residents. Even though it is located in the Middle East with its hot temperatures, the entire city is cooler than other surrounding areas because of the city’s design but also its wind tower that pushes wind around the city.

Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki cityscape with Helsinki Cathedral, South Harbor and Market Square Kauppatori , Finland

Helsinki has some of the cleanest tap water in the entire world.

©elina/Shutterstock.com

People consider Europe to be a continent of culture, history, and good food. But there’s one thing clear, most people do not think Europe is a beacon of modernity and futurism. Helsinki has made it loud and clear they want to be a city of the future. You can access free WiFi throughout the city, they aim to be car-free by 2025, and you can access your public transit needs with an app on your phone. Most importantly, Helsinki is a leader in sustainable growth and eco-friendly measures.

Brasilia, Brazil

Brasilia, Tower, Aerial View, Brazil, Downtown District

There are more than 80 caves in Brasilia.

©iStock.com/Breno Fortes

Brasilia is home to futuristic and modern buildings and it has dedicated itself to ensuring good urban planning. The city’s buildings have a unique design, its open spaces are detailed and purposefully placed, and the city layout is also unique. This plan was designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer. And now, Brasilia has become a leader in ecotourism, sustainable growth, and eco-friendly urban planning. Most importantly, the city is the capital of Brazil and houses all of the country’s important governmental buildings.

Bangalore, India

Bangalore Cityscape Night Aerial - Bengaluru City Drone

Bangalore has more than 1,000 clubs in the city, making it a haven for those who like to party.

©Ashwin pk/Shutterstock.com

The city of Bangalore is known as the Silicon Valley of India because of its immense tech hub. Because it’s the country’s tech hub, it has attracted a flock of techies from all over the world to the city. The city’s landscape is completely different from other Indian cities, as it is home to many skyscrapers and modern buildings. Urban planning is fast-paced as new buildings are constantly being constructed.

Conclusion

And there you have it, these are the 11 most futuristic cities in the world. They are smart cities that are built in a way that we’re not used to. There are high-rise buildings that can fit thousands of people and have all your necessities. Artificial intelligence can be a dominant force that makes communication much easier. The latest gadgets in the world are in use. Their landscapes are also cognizant that they should be eco-friendly.

These cities are way ahead of their counterparts, but this is the way of the future. Soon in the future, all cities will move toward a smart city policy — eco-friendly landscapes, smart buildings, and ones that can stand the test of time.


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About the Author

Patrick Macfarland is a writer at A-Z Animals primarily covering travel, geography, and history. Patrick has been writing for more than 10 years. In the past, he has been a teacher and a political candidate. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from SDSU and a Master's Degree in European Union Studies from CIFE. From San Diego, California, Patrick loves to travel and try new recipes to cook.

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