The most thickly settled country in North America ( the United States ) is also home to some of thelargest city in North America , but the No . 1 spot go to Mexico City .
The third - largest continent in terms of land area , North America ’s population is about 600 million . The continent is frame in by the Pacific Ocean to the west , the Atlantic Ocean to the due east , and the Arctic Ocean to the magnetic north . Below it is Central America ( with a population of about 50 million ) and South America ( the fourthly - largest continent with about 430 million people ) .
Out of the 23 countries on the continent ofNorth America , the United States is the most populous , play along by Mexico and Canada . Canada is the largest by land sphere , but its city have comparatively small populations . Let ’s dive into the 15 largest cities in North America , order bypopulation .
1. Mexico City, Mexico (12.29 million)
The largest metropolis in North America isMexico City . Its vivacious food scene , ancient ruins and hustle festivals draw in billion of visitors each year .
A ethnical epicenter , Ciudad de México boasts landmarks like the Zócalo ( one of the large city squares in the world ) , Chapultepec Park ( with a historic castling at its ingress ) and the National Museum of Anthropology ( make out for its extensive collection of pre - Columbian artefact , including the Aztec Sun Stone ) .
2. New York City, NY (8.18 million)
The largest city in the United States , New York Cityis a ball-shaped icon of finance , refinement and amusement .
Nicknamed the City That Never Sleeps , it offers landmarks like Times Square , Central Park , Wall Street and the Statue of Liberty . It ’s also bed for its five borough — Manhattan , Brooklyn , Harlem , Queens and the Bronx — and its Broadway ( and off - Broadway ) shows .
3. Los Angeles, CA (3.97 million)
The entertainment capital of the world , Los Angelesis bed for being a tourist destination , home to Hollywood hopefuls and having an abundance of cheery beach . The city boasts cultural landmarks like the Getty Center , Dodgers Stadium and Griffith Observatory . Its various neighborhoods and global culinary art add to its unique ingathering .
4. Chicago, IL (2.72 million)
locate along Lake Michigan , Chicago is a city cognise for its spectacular computer architecture , bass - dish pizza pie and rich cultural history . The Willis Tower ( formerly the Sears Tower ) , Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago are standout attracter .
5. Toronto, Canada (2.60 million)
Toronto is Canada ’s largest city and known for its iconic CN Tower and waterfront apparent horizon . The metropolis also boasts vivacious neighborhoods like Kensington Market and the Distillery District .
6. Houston, TX (2.29 million)
Houston is a globose hub for the energy industry . Also known as Space City , Houston is home to NASA ’s Mission Control , where astronauts are train and blank space missionary post are managed . Its culinary offerings , from barbecue to Tex - Mex to outside offer , reflect its diversity .
7. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (2.20 million)
The capital of the Dominican Republic , Santo Domingo is the quondam unendingly inhabited urban center in the Americas . Its Colonial Zone , a UNESCO World Heritage Site , features historic landmarks like the Catedral Primada de América and Alcázar de Colón .
make out for its lively music , vivacious nightlife , and strong cordial reception , the city combine copious history with modern urban flair .
8. Havana, Cuba (2.16 million)
Havana , Cuba ’s capital , is a city of old - world charm . Its streets are lined with colourful colonial buildings and iconic fifties American car , like Chevrolets and Cadillacs . Landmarks like the Malecón , the Capitolio and Old Havana ( a UNESCO World Heritage Site with cobblestone streets , colonial plazas and historic buildings ) showcase the city ’s rich inheritance .
9. Ecatepec de Morelos, Mexico (1.66 million)
Ecatepec de Morelos , often referred to only as Ecatepec , is identify after José María Morelos , a key flesh in Mexico ’s War of Independence .
Part of the Greater Mexico City area , Ecatepec ’s law of proximity to the capital makes it an important urban center for the region . It ’s home to El Tepeyac Hill , believed to be the site of the Virgin of Guadalupe ’s apparition , and neighbour the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe .
10. Montréal, Canada (1.60 million)
Montréal is a city of European appeal and Canadian fondness . It ’s the turgid French - speaking city in North America , as well as a hub of humanities and finish , with a reputation of being the City of Festivals .
Visitors also revalue sightseeing at the historic Old Port and Mount Royal . Food - wise to , it ’s illustrious for poutine , slender bagels and smoked center .
11. Philadelphia, PA (1.57 million)
Philadelphia is known as the City of Brotherly Love because its name is derived from the Greek words " philos " ( " love " or " friendly relationship " ) and " adelphos " ( " pal " ) .
landmark like Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell reflect its significance in the nation ’s creation . It ’s also known for its vibrant humanistic discipline scene and far-famed Philly cheesesteaks .
12. Phoenix, AZ (1.56 million)
Phoenix is the big city in the Southwest and a hub for outdoor enthusiast . Known for its desert landscapes , it offers attraction like Camelback Mountain and the Desert Botanical Garden . The city ’s growing tech industry adds to its modern prayer .
13. Guadalajara, Mexico (1.50 million)
Guadalajara , known as the provenance of mariachi music and tequila , is a ethnic gem of Mexico . It ’s the uppercase of the state of Jalisco , and its historic plazas , cathedrals and the Hospicio Cabañas are pop attractions .
14. San Antonio, TX (1.47 million)
San Antonio , perhaps well have it off for the Alamo , the most iconic symbol of Texas ' conflict for independency from Mexico . The River Walk is also a popular tourer attraction , and it ’s a urban center with a dedicated sports fandom , rallying behind the San Antonio spur basketball team .
15. San Diego, CA (1.39 million)
San Diego , known for its temperate weather year - round and stunning coastline , is a laid - back city with plenty to explore . The San Diego Zoo , Balboa Park , and mile of beaches attract visitors during every season . Its military presence and biotech industries also play a vital role in its saving .
We created this clause in conjunction with AI applied science , then made sure it was fact - checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor .
