17 Amazing Island Cities around the World

Island cities bring together the buzz of city life and the magic of being surrounded by water. There’s something about these places. Maybe it’s the mix of old fishing villages and brand-new metropolises, or the way city lights reflect on the waves at night. The islands on this list were once uninhabited but after being settled became so heavily urbanized that the built-up areas eventually took over the entire island, forming island cities.

These destinations let you wander medieval lanes, snap photos of wild-colored houses, browse floating markets, and get lost in neighborhoods pressed right up to the water’s edge. You’ll stumble across everything from rocky European strongholds to Asian skylines that look like they’re floating. Every island city has its own flavor—different food, different people, and a vibe you just can’t find anywhere else.

17. Burano

Burano floats in the Venice Lagoon, about seven kilometers from Venice itself. It’s small—just 3,000 people call it home—but it’s got a big personality. The rainbow-colored houses are what most folks remember. Every canal is lined with wild blues, yellows, pinks, and greens, making it feel like you’re walking through a painting.

Hop on a ferry from Venice, and in no time, you’ll be in what’s probably Italy’s most colorful town. Lace-making put Burano on the map. If you’re curious, the Lace Museum on Piazza Galuppi has live demos and sits in the old lace school from 1872.

Life on Burano moves slow. You can meander through the tight streets, snap photos, and just soak it all in. It’s a perfect day trip if you’re in Venice and want a break from the crowds.

16. Vranjic

Vranjic sits just off Split’s coast in Croatia, connected to the mainland by a slim causeway. It’s more village than city, really—a tiny island spot you can cross on foot in minutes. Families have lived here for generations, many still working as fishers or boat builders.

The stone houses cluster around the little harbor, showing off classic Dalmatian style. You get fantastic views of Split’s coastline and can spot Diocletian’s Palace across the water.

People come here to escape Split’s hustle. Local restaurants serve up fresh seafood, and you can swim from the rocky shore or hop on a boat to explore nearby islands. The water? Always clear and inviting.

15. Key West

Key West anchors the end of the Florida Keys, and honestly, it feels like its own little world. If you’re after paradise without leaving the States, this is probably as close as you’ll get. The beaches are gorgeous—white sand, turquoise water, and enough palm trees to make you forget your worries. You can swim, snorkel, or just sprawl in the sun. Families dig the historic sites and quirky museums, while night owls chase the wild bar scene.

Weather’s warm pretty much year-round. No need to overthink when to go. Water sports are a way of life here—fishing, diving, kayaking, sailing. The coral reefs are some of the best in the country for underwater adventures.

Key West has its own thing going on culturally, too. Art galleries, museums, street performers, and live music keep the nights lively. There’s always something a little unexpected happening.

14. Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island sits in the southern chunk of Hong Kong, packed with over 1.2 million people. It’s a small island, but wow—the skyline is just wild. Some of the world’s tallest buildings shoot up between mountains and Victoria Harbor. It’s the main business hub, so banks and giant companies fill the glass towers.

Hop on a ferry across the harbor for those classic city views. Trust me, it’s worth it. Victoria Peak is the best place for a lookout. From up there, the city looks endless.

Old meets new at every turn. Traditional temples sit next to shiny skyscrapers, and elevated walkways connect buildings so you barely have to hit street level if you don’t want to. It’s honestly amazing how much fits in such a tight space. Hong Kong Island is crowded—sometimes a little too crowded—but that’s part of the experience.

13. Sveti Stefan

Off Montenegro’s coast sits one of the world’s most unusual island cities. Sveti Stefan is a tiny, fortified island linked to the mainland by a slim sandbar. These days, it’s a luxury resort. Aman Sveti Stefan took over the old village and turned it into an exclusive hotel. Only guests get to wander the stone streets and medieval buildings up close.

But you don’t have to stay there to enjoy it. The mainland beaches offer killer views—perfect for snapping photos of the red rooftops against the Adriatic blue. Sveti Stefan’s story is wild: a fishing village, a celebrity getaway, a forgotten relic, and now a five-star destination again.

You can swim at nearby beaches or eat at coastal restaurants. The Budva area nearby is packed with things to do while you admire this floating city.

12. Gamla Stan (Stockholm)

Visiting Gamla Stan, Stockholm’s historic old town, feels a bit like stepping into a storybook. This charming district sits on Stadsholmen island, right in the middle of Sweden’s capital. Cobblestone streets twist between medieval buildings—some dating back to the 1200s. It’s one of Europe’s best-preserved old towns, and you can feel the history everywhere.

Walk through narrow alleys, past the Royal Palace (it’s massive), and into Stortorget Square, Stockholm’s oldest public square. Grab a coffee, browse quirky shops, and just take it all in. Water surrounds the old town, connecting it to the rest of Stockholm by old bridges. You’re literally exploring where the city began.

11. Singapore

Singapore’s a city, a country, and an island all at once—one of the world’s most unique island cities. It’s tiny (just over 730 square kilometers), but don’t let that fool you. It’s packed—one of the densest places on Earth. Still, Singapore somehow blends skyscrapers, green parks, and seaside escapes better than almost anywhere else.

You can wander bustling streets full of food stalls and luxury malls, then hop over to a quiet island for a break. The city buzzes with energy, but there’s always a spot to chill. Beyond the main island, you’ll find hidden island gems—each with a different personality. Some are wild and green, others are sleepy and slow. There’s a lot more to Singapore than just the skyline.

It’s proof that you don’t need a lot of space to pack in world-class food, shopping, and culture—all with the sea never far away.

10. Lindau

Lindau sits on Lake Constance in southern Germany, right where Germany, Austria, and Switzerland almost meet. Only about 3,000 people live on this small island city. A bridge and railway link Lindau to the mainland, so it’s easy to reach from three countries.

Walking around feels like time travel. Medieval buildings, half-timbered houses, and narrow lanes are everywhere. Lake Constance wraps around the island completely. You can hop on a boat and see three countries from the water—how many places can say that?

Tourists flock here for the old-world charm and lakeside views. It’s not the biggest spot, but it’s definitely memorable.

9. Santa Cruz del Islote

This tiny island sits off Colombia’s Caribbean coast, part of the San Bernardo Archipelago near Tolú and Coveñas. It’s manmade and only about a hectare—roughly the size of a football field.

Somewhere between 800 and 1,200 people squeeze onto this little patch, making it one of the densest islands anywhere. About 90 colorful houses fill every bit of space. There’s no cemetery—there just isn’t room. People bury their loved ones on a neighboring island.

Tourists can visit now, and it’s become pretty popular. Life here takes a lot of creativity and teamwork, and folks make the most of what little space they’ve got.

8. Isola dei Pescatori

Isola dei Pescatori (Fishermen’s Island) is the most northerly of the three principal Borromean Islands in Lago Maggiore. With a population of about 50, it is the only one island to be inhabited all year round. A narrow street running along its spine is joined by cobbled alleys to the promenade which encircles the island.

The promenade is frequently flooded and the houses built against it are constructed to allow for this. While the traditional occupation of fishing still exists, its picturesque charms has made tourism the most important source of income for the islanders.

7. Mexcaltitan

Mexcaltitán is a small man-made island city off the Pacific coast of Mexico. The town sits low in the marshy, mangrove-lined channels that surround it, and during the June to October rainy season, water floods the streets and everyone rows from place to place in boats.

Some experts believe that Mexcaltitán may actually be the legendary Aztlán, the ancestral homeland of the Aztec people. Today it’s foremost a shrimping town, with shrimps spread out to dry on any available surface throughout the town.

6. Trogir

Trogir perches on a tiny island between Croatia’s mainland and Čiovo island, connected to both by simple bridges. Narrow stone streets wind through a town that hasn’t changed much in centuries. The whole old town is a UNESCO World Heritage site because of its jaw-dropping architecture.

Venetian palaces, medieval churches, and hidden courtyards fill the island. You can see it all in a few hours—it’s compact, but there’s a lot packed in. Trogir strikes a nice balance between history and relaxation. The Adriatic views are gorgeous, and it’s way less crowded than other Croatian hotspots.

The waterfront promenade is perfect for watching boats drift by, and local restaurants serve up fresh seafood right on the water. Trogir works great as a day trip from Split or as a quieter base to explore the Dalmatian coast.

5. Nesebar

You’ll find this ancient city tucked along Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast, perched on a tiny island that’s barely clinging to the mainland by a skinny causeway. Nesebar packs in over 3,000 years of history. People from all over—Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans—have wandered these streets and left bits of themselves behind.

Wandering the old town feels like slipping into another era. Stone alleys twist between weathered buildings and some churches that look like they’ve seen everything. You can circle the whole old town in about an hour, give or take. Nearly everywhere you look, the Black Sea stretches out in dramatic blue.

Come summer, crowds really pick up. Folks flock here for the beaches, but also for the medieval streets and that slightly faded seaside charm. The city earned the nickname “Pearl of the Black Sea” for good reason. Its mix of history and coastal beauty makes it special.

Hungry? Plenty of spots serve up fresh seafood and classic Bulgarian dishes. Shops tucked along the cobblestones sell crafts and souvenirs—some a little kitschy, some genuinely lovely. It’s easy to lose track of time just poking around.

4. Flores

Flores is a located on Lake Petén Itzá and connected to land by a causeway, on the other side of which lie the twin towns Santa Elena and San Benito. It was here, on the island of Flores, that the last independent Maya state held out against the Spanish conquerors. Their city, Noh Petén (literally “City Island”) was eventually destroyed in 1697 when the Spanish attacked by boats.

For many tourist, the main reason to visit Flores is its proximity to the famous Maya ruins of Tikal. But the island city itself is a great destination, filled with colonial, red-roofed buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, a historic church and many hotels and restaurants. Most will find that this island city is more than just a take-off point, but a memorable attraction in itself.

3. Malé

You’ll find Malé packed into just 2.2 square miles in the Maldives. This tiny capital city holds over 200,000 people. The entire island’s covered with buildings, and there’s hardly any open space left. Untouched nature? Not really here.

Malé ranks among the world’s most crowded places. Buildings cram together, filling every inch of land. You might expect quiet beaches in the Maldives. But Malé buzzes with urban energy—it’s a concrete jungle surrounded by ocean.

Half the country’s population squeezes onto this small island. The city has taken over the whole landmass. You’ll get something totally different from the resort islands nearby. Malé gives you a glimpse of real Maldivian city life in a space that’s honestly a bit overwhelming.

2. Manhattan

Manhattan is one of New York’s five boroughs and is what people most often think of when they picture New York City. Manhattan is actually a city island and includes most of the best known attractions in New York. The word “Manhattan” comes from the Lenape who inhabited the area before the Europeans and is translated as “island of many hills”.

In 1625 the Dutch built a Fort on Manhattan Island, which marked the birth of New York City. Today Manhattan is one of the most densely populated island cities in the world, with a 2008 population of 1,634,795 people living in a land area of 59.47 km² (22.96 square miles).

1. Venice

World famous for its canals, Venice is built on an archipelago of 117 islands which are connected by 455 bridges. In the old center, the canals serve the function of roads, and almost every form of transport is on water or on foot.

The island city is slowly sinking however and during the high tides in autumn and winter, the Piazza San Marco, the lowest area of the island, becomes totally flooded with water. Over the last 1,000 years, it has sunk by around 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) for every century, while recent reports have stated that in the last century alone, the city of Venice has lowered by around 24 centimeters (9.4 inches).

This may have more to do with the rising of the sea levels in the Adriatic than with Venice sinking into its own foundations. One proposed solution is to lift the city to a greater height above sea level by pumping water into the soil underneath the island city.