Some of the biggest cities in the world are so enormous that even a single photo can only capture a tiny piece of what makes them fascinating. From neon-lit skylines and crowded streets to ancient landmarks tucked between modern towers, these Reddit travelers photographed the moments that stood out most during their visits to some of the planet’s most remarkable cities.
Shanghai, China
Reddit user EpiWin shared a photo their dad took in Shanghai, showing the Bund from an angle they said they had never seen before. The poster later explained that the shot was taken from the top of the Shanghai Broadway Mansion, just north of Waibaidu Bridge. One commenter summed up the reaction simply: “Me neither. Great shot!”
Delhi, India
Reddit user sushixxxxx shared photos from a Golden Triangle trip through Delhi, Jaipur, and Agra, saying some of their favorite moments came from simply exploring Old Delhi. They described the region as intense but memorable, with everything from busy streets and historic landmarks to the Taj Mahal. Reddit user hot_chili_pepper_ had a much harsher take on Delhi, calling it “so ugly and polluted,” which shows how strongly travelers can react to the city’s crowds, air quality, and overall intensity.
Sao Paulo, Brazil
Reddit user MrHurIey shared photos from an 18-day trip through Brazil, including a stop in Sao Paulo and a shot from Ibirapuera Park. The trip also took them through Rio, Paraty, Florianopolis, Curitiba, and several coastal destinations, but Sao Paulo stood out as the place where they felt they needed to be most cautious. Reddit user wisco____disco had a warmer overall impression after a similar trip, writing, “An absolutely beautiful place.”
Lahore, Pakistan
Reddit user yezoob spent three days exploring Lahore after crossing into Pakistan from India, and said the city’s winding alleyways were especially enjoyable in the early mornings and evenings. The extreme heat – around 113 degrees Fahrenheit during the visit – meant much of the daytime was spent indoors, but the photos still left commenters impressed. Reddit user nowhereman136 admitted the post changed their mind about the city, saying, “But you may have just sparked an interest into checking out Lahore.”
Moscow, Russia
Reddit user aeliustehman captured Red Square at dusk on an iPhone after making a four-hour trip into Moscow, saying the excursion was “well worth it.” The photo caught Saint Basil’s Cathedral, GUM, and the evening lights lining the square, giving the city one of those instantly recognizable postcard moments. Reddit user jojewels92 kept their reaction simple: “I miss Moscow. So beautiful.”
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Mexico City, Mexico
Reddit user KaosKittyMaw shared photos from two weeks in Mexico City and said they made more friends there than in any other city they had visited. They praised the mix of walkable neighborhoods, museums, food, architecture, and social energy, especially around Roma Norte and La Condesa. Reddit user Straight_Parking_336 summed up the appeal nicely: “Spectacular city, rich in culture and filled with good people.”
Cairo, Egypt
Cairo may be famous as the gateway to the Pyramids of Giza, but it is also the largest city in Egypt and one of Africa’s biggest urban centers. Reddit user wasservilla shared photos from a 10-day journey through Egypt, describing the country as crowded and chaotic at times but ultimately beautiful and worth visiting. Another traveler, QuarterCold1973, spent a week in Cairo and said, “Honestly, everything was mind-blowing.”
Tokyo, Japan
Reddit user off-season-explorer shared photos from a two-week trip through Japan that included Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo, and several other stops. Tokyo stood out for its sheer scale and variety, with everything from crowded crossings and neon-lit districts to quieter temples and neighborhood streets packed into one enormous city. A commenter in a similar Japan travel thread put it well: “Tokyo is a huge city with a bazzillion things to do and see.”
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Dhaka, Bangladesh
Reddit user heyheybooboo spent seven weeks traveling around Bangladesh and said Dhaka was one of the places where they spent the most time because they enjoy bustling cities. They described Old Dhaka as intensely crowded but said street hassle was surprisingly low, while locals were friendly, curious, and eager to interact. Reddit user onelittleworld praised the photos, writing, “Those images are simply outstanding.”
Athens, Greece
The Reddit poster said that out of every city they had visited, Athens was the one they would choose to see again if they could return to just one. They spent four nights there but felt they could easily have stayed a week, praising places such as the Acropolis, Ancient Agora, Mount Lycabettus, and Plaka. Reddit user holdit captured the city’s appeal for history lovers especially well: “Athens gets a bad rap, but for any history buff it’s like stepping into the past.”
Istanbul, Turkey
Reddit user NullEchoo spent seven days exploring Istanbul and said the city’s sheer size was one of the biggest surprises. Their photos covered landmarks such as Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Galata Tower, the Grand Bazaar, and views across the Bosphorus, while they praised the mix of history, architecture, lively streets, and food. Reddit user eirinn1975 summed up their own feelings by saying, “Istanbul is such an incredible place, probably among my favourite cities overall.”
Beijing, China
Reddit user LiquidTitan spent more than four months traveling around China and included Beijing’s Great Wall among 20 favorite stops from the trip. They said China became one of their top three countries to travel in, thanks in part to the contrast between enormous modern cities, ancient sites, and dramatic landscapes. Reddit user faroff12 had a similar reaction after visiting during the 2008 Olympics, writing, “I loved my short visit to china … and your pictures are wonderful.”
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Reddit user Tonu876 shared a photo from Ho Chi Minh City, one of Vietnam’s largest and busiest urban centers. The city is known for its nonstop traffic, street-food culture, French colonial architecture, and dense neighborhoods, giving travelers plenty to photograph beyond the usual landmarks.
Guangzhou, China
The Reddit traveler spent two days exploring Guangzhou, a massive southern Chinese city where historic neighborhoods sit alongside a skyline dominated by modern towers. The photos capture that contrast, from older streets and traditional architecture to the city’s brightly lit urban core. Another recent traveler asking about Guangzhou was encouraged to explore its older neighborhoods, with one Reddit user recommending “Yongqingfang and Shamian Island.”
Chongqing, China
Reddit user kahkimonkey shared a series of photos from Chongqing, a sprawling Chinese metropolis known for its steep hills, layered roads, dense high-rises, and dramatic nighttime skyline. The city has become especially recognizable for its almost futuristic “3D city” appearance, where streets, plazas, trains, and buildings can sit at dramatically different elevations. Reddit user mcwobby described it perfectly: “It is truly a 3D city in terms of topography – with buildings on top of buildings on top of hills.”
Lima, Peru
Reddit user Meph616 shared highlights from a trip through Peru, including a striking look inside the catacombs beneath Lima’s Basilica of San Francisco. They stayed in the Barranco district and praised the city’s food before heading across Lima to see the basilica’s art, architecture, and underground burial chambers. Reddit user Noble_Vagabond singled out the Lima image, writing, “They all are, but the catacombs photo in particular is absolutely sublime.”
