TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The busiest cities in the world adapt to unimaginable hustling environments. While millions of people are sleeping and relaxing, residents in these urban boundaries redefine what it means to live without regrets, exceeding both the expectations and sleeping patterns of many.
The Busiest Cities in the World
Preply and AD Middle East determine the busiest cities in the world based on the comparison of each city’s population, working hours, hours of sleep, and traffic time. Some Asian countries notably make their presence known on the list below.
1. Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City is the busiest city in the world that supports relatively high average working hours of 2,511 per year. Surrounded by insane traffic whose score reached 9 points, the city’s activities are deemed exceptionally packed.
For this, some districts have been showcasing signs of sinking issues, with an annual status of 20 centimeters annually.
2. New Delhi, India
New Delhi keeps a strong grip on India’s business matters, housing more than 19,000 entrepreneurs throughout the city. Yet, its traffic retains a rather faulty reputation of averaging 57.37 minutes status.
Despite having 8 hours of sleep per night, the population of New Delhi reportedly suffers from land scarcity with 80,000 people occupying a single square kilometer.
3. London, United Kingdom
Among the busiest cities in the world, London knows the value of work-life balance. With 28 days of paid annual leave, its workers are given ample time to recharge. And when it comes to unwinding or staying active, London boasts over 8,000 attractions and more than 330 fitness centers, making it easy for residents to maintain a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle amid the urban hustle.
4. Jakarta, Indonesia
Assuming peak velocity at 26 mm per year, Indonesia’s metropolis city, Jakarta, has faced the threat of sinking issues for the past decade.
This concerning phenomenon is a reflection of the city’s strenuous habit which demands its people to work relentlessly throughout the year, resulting in the presence of countless office buildings
Recently, the rising sea levels have reportedly begun to inundate some coastal areas.
5. Bogotá, Colombia
Much like many American capitals, Bogotá battles with packed roads every day as its over 8 million inhabitants commute their ways to work. Located at an altitude of 2600 meters, this busy city is as multifaceted as it’s vibrant, with trendy neighborhoods, business centers, universities, historic and culture scene taking much of its landscapes.
6. Beijing, China
Beijing, one of China’s colossal megacities, is home to a staggering population of over 11 million residents, creating a vibrant yet densely packed urban landscape.
Despite the city's fast-paced rhythm, workers clock in an average of 2,096 hours annually, one of the highest workloads globally. Yet, when it comes to paid time off, they’re left with only a handful of paid leave days to rest and recharge.
7. Moscow, Russia
Moscow, Russia’s bustling capital and most populous city, grapples with intense traffic congestion and persistent air pollution.
Navigating the city streets can be a daily struggle, with commuters spending a staggering 34% of their travel time trapped in traffic. It's a vivid reflection of urban life under pressure in one of the world’s largest metropolises.
8.Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo, Japan’s dazzling capital, is a seamless fusion of timeless tradition and cutting-edge modernity. Crowned as the world’s most populous metropolitan area, Greater Tokyo-Kanto is home to nearly 37 million people. Nestled on the southeastern coast of Honshu, the city impresses with its abundance of Michelin-starred dining and a vibrant, cosmopolitan nightlife that never sleeps.
In a world that never hits pause, the busiest cities stand as testaments to human resilience, ambition, and adaptation. But, if you need some respite amidst the hustle, fly to the world’s smallest islands here.
Editor's Choice: 10 Cheapest Cities for Vacation in Europe
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Home Affairs Minister Reveals 300 Regional Enterprises Suffer Rp5.5tn Losses
1 hari lalu
Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian said that one of the reasons for the losses was weak governance.
Indonesia's Most Congested Cities: Bandung, Jakarta on Top
1 hari lalu
Bandung tops as the most congested city in Indonesia and ranks 12th for the longest average travel time in the world.
Pramono Anung Taps Diaspora Support During New York Visit, Explores Sister City Plan
2 hari lalu
Pramono Anung visited the Indonesian Consulate in New York, meeting with diaspora members who voiced support for a sister city plan.
Pramono Anung at UN Forum: Jakarta No Longer Just Administrative City
2 hari lalu
During the UN forum, Pramono Anung underscored the need for collaboration among cities and countries to tackle urbanization, climate crisis, and more.
France Marks Bastille Day in Jakarta, Highlights Military and Cultural Relations
3 hari lalu
The Bastille Day 2025 celebration not only took place in Paris, but also was celebrated with great enthusiasm in Jakarta. One such celebration was hosted by the French Embassy.
Pramono Anung Pursues Global Cooperation Opportunities for Jakarta at the UN
3 hari lalu
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung attended the UN Forum in New York to promote city diplomacy and accelerate the achievement of the SDGs in Jakarta.
Jakarta Fair 2025 Records Rp7.3 Trillion Turnover with 5.9 Million Visitors
4 hari lalu
The Jakarta Fair 2025 event claims to have reached a turnover of Rp7.3 trillion with a total of 5.9 million visitors.
Donald Trump Imposes 30% Import Tariffs on EU and Mexico
4 hari lalu
U.S. President Donald Trump has imposed a 30% import tariff on all goods from the European Union and Mexico.
Anies Baswedan Addresses Issue of Term Changes in Indonesia's Democratic Practices
5 hari lalu
Former Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan addresses the issue of term changes in democratic practices in Indonesia.
12 Most Congested Cities in the World
5 hari lalu
Here are the 12 most congested cities with the longest travel time per 10 kilometers according to the TomTom Traffic Index.
