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Cities are the beating hearts of our civilizations, each with its own unique character and charm. However, beneath the surface, there are often striking similarities that define cities within the same country or region. Let’s explore the common features of American cities, European cities, cities in post-Soviet countries, and Chinese cities, highlighting the essence of urban life across borders.
When considering cities in developed countries around the world, clear distinctions emerge between European and American urban planning.
European cities have typically evolved organically, expanding over time to incorporate surrounding villages. This natural growth has resulted in cities with diverse and intricate layouts.
In contrast, many American cities, especially those developed after the colonial era, have been meticulously planned. This approach aimed to address issues such as road traffic and urban development, resulting in more organized layouts.
Below, you will find stereotypical maps of cities in Europe and America, created by the ItchyFeetComic team. Additionally, we have included maps of cities from other regions, such as China and post-Soviet countries, for comparison.
Map of every American city
American cities are known for their grid-based street layouts, which provide a sense of order and navigation. Downtown areas are characterized by towering skyscrapers, bustling with business activity. Suburban areas often feature spacious residential neighborhoods with single-family homes and tree-lined streets.
A typical American city has a car-centric design. The United States is a car enthusiast’s paradise.
Map of every European city
European cities are renowned for their historic city centers, filled with centuries-old architecture and charming cobblestone streets. These cities are typically compact, with a focus on pedestrian-friendly urban design. Public transportation networks, including trams and metros, are prevalent, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.
Historical places, small comfortable streets, and infrastructure comfortable to move on foot or by bike make European cities popular among tourists.
Map of every Russian city and post-Soviet city
The cities of the former post-Soviet countries are in some ways similar to European cities. But during communism, many cities began to have wide streets, avenues, boulevards, and squares, the main of which invariably bore the name of Vladimir Lenin. On this square stood a sculpture of Vladimir Lenin. Along the avenues in the central part of the cities, monumental buildings of various government agencies and residential houses were built. The urban planning of the Soviet cities was part of the state propaganda.
Cities in post-Soviet countries often bear the architectural legacy of the Soviet era, such as wide boulevards and imposing communist-era buildings. Communal housing blocks are a common sight, reflecting the emphasis on collective living during the Soviet period. These cities also feature vibrant public spaces and parks, providing residents with recreational opportunities.
Map of Every Chinese City
On average, Chinese cities are much more expansive and compact than European ones. The Chinese copy American cities in many ways. Complex road junctions and non-stop construction works are the constant attributes of large Chinese cities.
Chinese cities, due to rapid urbanization, are dominated by high-rise apartment complexes and commercial towers. The bustling commercial districts are filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The streets are often teeming with activity, showcasing the vibrant urban life of China.
Map of Every City
Nevertheless, urban areas around the world have a lot in common. Below is a stereotypical map of every city in the world created by @chazhutton.
Cities worldwide share common elements such as central squares, rivers or bodies of water, popular tourist destinations, and surrounding bedroom communities. According to this map, every city in the world includes areas:
1. The city/downtown has lots of tall buildings and people in suits walking fast. 2. The area that used to be cool but is now full of cheesy bars. Friday night is horrible here. 3. An area that tourists love but locals hate. You will still take visiting friends here. 4. Former industrial area which has since been turned into a sea of poorly designed apartments with no soul. 5. Road renowned for having awful traffic. I hate this road. 6. Iconic bridge that everyone loves 7. Ugly bridge that everyone loves to hate. 8. Area that describes south of the river types as boring twats. 9. Cool area that your parents would have avoided in the 80s and still do now. 10. Area with a vast concentration of the same kind of cuisine. White people love it here. 11. Area that friends who want to buy a house move to. There is no good coffee out here. 12. Area with that amazing park that’s just a little too far away to bother going to. 13. The area you only bother going to because that’s where IKEA is. 14. An area that your friends move to, and then you never catch up because it’s ages away, and their kids are kind of annoying. 15. Area with that really beautiful park, but no cool bars or life at all. 16. Area that describes north of the river types as boring hipsters 17. Area with that massive development that never really took off. 18. An area with that massive shopping center that you hate to go but it’s where the only Apple store is. 19. The area is full of designer shops that you should avoid on weekends. 20. Area with lots of nice houses but also utterly devoid of people. 21. An area that seems to be made up of 90% railway tracks, infrastructure, and some stray cats. 22. Swampy area where you’re pretty sure the mafia uses to dump bodies. 23. Area with an old amusement park that was a lot cooler when you were a kid. 24. Area full of shipping containers and more cats. 25. Area full of artists until their warehouses get converted into super expensive high-end apartments. 26. The zoo, which we always say we’ll go to, but we never do. 27. Area that everyone claims was ruined by the people who most recently moved there. 28. Road that locals know is the best way even though it doesn’t look it. 29. Bridge nicknamed after a cooking utensil. 30. Road that annoyingly blocks access to the river. 31. Area where that actor from that TV show supposedly lives. 32. An area with that iconic abandoned building that everyone likes to Instagram. 33. Road that every new mayor promises to fix.
Are you interested in urban planning? If so, you’ll find these books quite useful!
New Map of every Russian city
