The world’s true city centres

When we talk about visiting a city, we almost always mention the “city centre”, the place that’s said to have it all. It’s where visitors expect to find the biggest attractions, bustling restaurants, historic landmarks, and, of course, the best hotels.

But what actually is the city centre? In some cases, it’s obvious, a famous square or central district. In others, it’s less clear. Take London, for example: is the city’s heart the City of London itself? Westminster? Covent Garden? Or does the answer lie somewhere in between..

To find out, we calculated the geometric centre of cities across the globe, based on the overall area of the city, revealing where each one’s true centre lies. Using mapping software and precise coordinate data, we’ve pinpointed the exact heart of each location – and some of them are definitely not what you may expect.

Show less

In our study, we’ll be revealing:

Show less

The UK’s true city centres

When it comes to the UK’s cities, we often think we know exactly where the centre lies, from Liverpool’s Albert Dock to London’s Trafalgar Square. But our research reveals that the true geometric heart of many cities can be surprisingly different. In some cases, it’s just a short stroll from the areas we’d expect; in others, it’s miles away in the most unexpected spots. The seaside town of Dover tops the list, with its true centre found nearly 10 kilometres from the bustling port at the Plough and Harrow pub, while others like Belfast and York sit almost exactly where locals would guess. From city streets to suburban corners, here’s how the UK’s most iconic destinations measure up when we map their hearts.

Show less

Liverpool

Liverpool: Not the Albert Dock, but a road junction on the edge of town

In Liverpool, the true geometric centre is found at the junction of Northern Perimeter Road and Brickwall Lane, Litherland, L30 0RD, a suburban stretch on the city’s northern edge. It’s a surprising discovery, about a 25-minute drive from the Albert Dock, but it perfectly illustrates how far Liverpool’s boundaries extend inland.

The spot itself is surrounded by quiet residential streets, a reminder that this lively port city has a heart that beats well beyond its waterfront landmarks.

Show less

Edinburgh

Edinburgh: Not the Castle or Royal Mile, but a church in Wester Hailes

Scotland’s capital finds its geometric centre near Wester Hailes Baptist Church, 1 Clovenstone Park, City of Edinburgh, EH14 3BG.

This location, on the western edge of the city, sits between open parkland and residential streets, a midpoint between Edinburgh’s historic Old Town and its Georgian New Town. From the peaceful surroundings of Clovenstone Park, visitors can look east toward the skyline crowned by Edinburgh Castle.

Show less

Manchester

Manchester: A school that once found TV fame

Manchester’s true geometric centre is found at the former St Ambrose Barlow School, M27 5SZ, a site that will be instantly recognisable to fans of the BBC drama Waterloo Road, which was filmed here during seasons 11 to 13.

Set in the suburb of Swinton, this location sits between the city’s regenerated Salford Quays and its historic heart, reflecting how Manchester has grown and evolved in every direction. Just a short 15-minute drive from Deansgate’s buzzing bars and shops, the area captures a different side of the city, one rooted in community spirit, creativity, and a touch of television fame.

Show less

London

London: The exact centre of the nation’s capital? A quiet corner of Pimlico, once home to Laura Ashley

While many imagine the capital’s heart to be Trafalgar Square or the City of London, our data reveals that geometrically speaking the centre of London actually rests in the elegant neighbourhood of Pimlico. London’s true geometric centre sits beside the Laura Ashley Green Plaque, SW1V 4PS, on Cambridge Street, a peaceful, tree-lined road lined with classic Georgian terraces.

The plaque marks the former home of the celebrated designer Laura Ashley, whose timeless British style continues to influence fashion and interiors today. Just a short walk from Victoria Station and Westminster Cathedral, this spot perfectly bridges London’s historic government quarter and its leafy residential streets.

Show less

Glasgow

Glasgow: Head to Bellgrove Street if you want to visit the real heart of Glasgow

In Glasgow, the data pinpoints the city’s true centre along Bellgrove Street and Gallowgate, 11 Bellgrove Street, Glasgow, G31 1AF.

Just east of the Merchant City district, this area is steeped in local character, with independent bars and street art at every turn.

Show less

Cardiff

Cardiff: The peaceful Alexandra Gardens is the centre of the Welsh capital

In the Welsh capital, the geometric centre sits within Alexandra Gardens, CF10 3NB, a peaceful green square at the heart of Cardiff’s historic civic centre.

Surrounded by grand Edwardian landmarks such as City Hall and the National Museum Cardiff, the gardens form a serene midpoint between the city’s busy shopping streets and the leafy paths of Bute Park.

Show less

Belfast

Belfast: One for the shopaholics – Anthropologie lies at the city’s centre

In Belfast, the central point falls just steps from Anthropologie, BT1 4GF, in the city’s lively Cathedral Quarter. Cobblestone lanes lead to a mix of independent shops, bars, and galleries, with St Anne’s Cathedral providing a striking backdrop.

Show less

From pubs to palaces – where the UK’s true city centres really lie

Rank	City	Distance From Perceived 'City Centre' (miles)	True City Centre
1	Dover	6 miles	Plough and Harrow pub, CT14 0HX
2	Liverpool	6 miles	Northern Perimeter Road/Brickwall Lane, L30 0RD
3	Edinburgh	4.5 miles	Wester Hailes Baptist Church, EH14 3BG
4	Manchester	4.3 miles	Former St Ambrose Barlow School (Waterloo Road filming site, seasons 11-13), M27 5SZ
5	Leeds	2.2 miles	Roundhay Pub, LS8 4AR
6	Brighton	1.7 miles	Westwood Rest Home, BN1 6RB
7	London	1.4 miles	Laura Ashley Green Plaque, SW1V 4PS
8	Glasgow	1.3 miles	The Drover Bar, G40 2DX
9	Bristol	0.9 miles	28 William Street, BS3 4TT
10	Oxford	0.6 miles	Addison's Walk, Water Meadow, OX4 1DW
11	Cardiff	0.6 miles	Alexandra Gardens, CF10 3NB
12	Cambridge	0.4 miles	Devonshire Arms, CB1 2BH
13	Bath	0.3 miles	Alkmaar Gardens, BA1 1LP
14	York	0.2 miles	Monkbridge Landing, YO31 7PA
15	Belfast	0.1 miles	Anthropologie, BT1 4GF

Show less

Europe’s true city centres

From Parisian boulevards to the cobbled lanes of Dubrovnik, Europe’s cities are steeped in history, but when it comes to finding their true centre, the results aren’t always what you’d expect. Our research shows that while some cities, like Amsterdam and Paris, have kept their hearts close to the places we know and love, others stretch much further afield.

In Helsinki, for example, the midpoint lies on the banks of a quiet lake fringed by forest, over 25 kilometres away from what tourists and locals would consider ‘Central Helsinki’. Naples’ geometric heart meanwhile, sits among rolling vineyards at a family-run winery, far from the clamour of its Old Town. From the vineyards of Italy to the lakes of Scandinavia, Europe’s true centres reveal a continent full of surprises, where even the most familiar destinations still have hidden depths waiting to be explored.

Show less

Paris

Paris: The middle of the map? Rue de l’Université

The geometric heart of Paris sits on 81 Rue de l'Université, 75007 Paris, just a short stroll from Place du Palais Bourbon and the French National Assembly. Nestled between the Seine and the Musée d’Orsay, this elegant street captures the timeless charm of the Left Bank, lined with Haussmann architecture, bookshops, and hidden cafés.

Many may see the Eiffel Tower as Paris’s heart, but the data shows its true centre lies a 25-minute walk away, in a refined enclave of political and cultural life.

Show less

Barcelona

Barcelona: The city’s centre sits on Calle de Pi i Margall

Barcelona’s true centre lies along Calle de Pi i Margall, 20, 08025 Barcelona, near Art Modul, Muebles a Medida, in the Gràcia district.

Just north of the bustling Eixample, this location is a 15 minute walk away from Gaudí’s Sagrada Família. It’s a perfect reflection of Barcelona itself, a balance of artistry, architecture and authentic Catalan charm.

Show less

Amsterdam

Amsterdam: Exactly where you’d expect, at the city’s oldest church

In Amsterdam, the geometric centre lands fittingly at The Old Church, Oudekerksplein 23, 1012 GX Amsterdam, right in the historic heart of the city. Dating back to the 13th Century, De Oude Kerk is surrounded by narrow canals and cobbled lanes that perfectly embody Amsterdam’s character.

The fact that the data points directly to this landmark shows that the city’s true heart hasn’t strayed far from its medieval beginnings.

Show less

From Parisian boulevards to Nordic lakes – Europe’s true city centres revealed

Rank	City	Country	Distance From Perceived 'City Centre' (miles)	True City Centre
1	Helsinki	Finland	15.8 miles	Pikku Pöksynhaara Lake, 03300
2	Naples	Italy	11 miles	Azienda Vinicola Sorrentino Wine Experience, 80042 Boscotrecase
3	Reykjavik	Iceland	8.5 miles	Dyrafoss, 803
4	Madrid	Spain	8.3 miles	Monte de El Pardo, 28071
5	Rome	Italy	8.3 miles	Università degli Studi di Roma Tor Vergata, 00173
6	Florence	Italy	7.8 miles	La Sorgente di Francesca, 50065
7	Budapest	Hungary	5.1 miles	Óhegy Park, 1103
8	Dubrovnik	Croatia	4.5 miles	Restoran Babilon, 20235
9	Oslo	Norway	4.1miles	Brekkedammen, 0884
10	Luxembourg	Luxembourg	4 miles	Hôtel Martha Mersch Luxembourg, 7593
11	Milan	Italy	3.6 miles	Teatro Puntozero Beccaria, 20152
12	Venice	Italy	3.4 miles	Venezia Heritage Tower, 30100
13	Krakow	Poland	2.7 miles	Due Italiani Pizzeria Salumeria, 30-718
14	Riga	Latvia	2.3 miles	Bistro Puncis, LV-1039
15	Hamburg	Germany	2.2 miles	Doktor Hermann-Schnell-Sportplatz, 22769
16	Vilnius	Lithuania	1.9 miles	Antakalnis Cemetery, LT-10216
17	Lisbon	Portugal	1.7 miles	Potzalia, 1600-007
18	Copenhagen	Denmark	1.6 miles	Yoga Amager, 2300
19	Paris	France	1.4 miles	Place du Palais Bourbon, 75007
20	Cologne	Germany	1.4 miles	Lohserampe (Skate Park), 50733
21	Stockholm	Sweden	1.4 miles	Kungsholmens Kulturhus, 112 45
22	Barcelona	Spain	2.2 miles	Art Modul - Muebles a medida, 08025
23	Frankfurt	Germany	1.1 miles	Stolperstein für Clara Louise Dondorf, 60323
24	Dusseldorf	Germany	1.1 miles	Heilig Geist, 40477
25	Nice	France	1.1 miles	Saint-Philippe Station, 06000
26	Berlin	Germany	0.9 miles	Volkspark Hasenheide, 10967
27	Dublin	Ireland	0.9 miles	Technological University Dublin, D07 EWV4
28	Brussels	Belgium	0.9 miles	Place du Luxembourg, 1050
29	Athens	Greece	0.9 miles	Finopoulou Hill, 11400
30	Vienna	Austria	0.9 miles	Vienna Business School Augarten, 1020
31	Zurich	Switzerland	0.6 miles	Kasernenareal, 8004
32	Amsterdam	Netherlands	0.5 miles	Old Church, 1012 GX
33	Rotterdam	Netherlands	0.5 miles	Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam, 3011 MA
34	Stuttgart	Germany	0.5 miles	Heidehofstraße, 70184
35	Warsaw	Poland	0.4 miles	Rotberg House - Art Nouveau, 00-544
36	Munich	Germany	0.4 miles	Marienplatz, 80331
37	Geneva	Switzerland	0.1 miles	Tour de l'Île, 1814

Show less

North America’s true city centres

From the skyscrapers of New York to the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles, North America’s cities are famous for their scale, but when you look for their true centres, the results are often full of surprises. In some cases, the midpoint sits right where you’d expect, like Seattle’s waterfront or Boston’s historic neighbourhoods.

In others, it lies far from the familiar skyline, Los Angeles’s heart, for example, is tucked away in the Angeles National Forest, more than 20 kilometres from Hollywood’s star-studded streets. North America’s true city centres reveal a continent of contrasts: places where sprawling urban life meets wilderness, coastline and quiet community corners that few visitors ever think to explore.

Show less

Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Not Hollywood Boulevard, but deep in the Angeles National Forest

Los Angeles’s geometric centre sits deep in the Angeles National Forest, near Little Bear Canyon, Los Angeles County, CA, close to Switzer Falls. While many think of Downtown LA or Hollywood as the city’s focal point, the true centre lies among rugged canyons and pine-covered slopes in the San Gabriel Mountains.

Show less

New York City

New York City: The core of the Big Apple can be found on Madison Avenue

New York’s true geometric centre clocks in at 1260 Madison Avenue, New York, NY 10128, right in the heart of the Upper East Side. Just steps away, visitors can indulge at Glace, the neighbourhood’s famed ice cream shop known for its viral hot chocolate or unwind with a glass of wine at Eli’s Essentials and Wine Bar, only a short stroll down the avenue. This location sits between Central Park and the Museum Mile, an area known for its art galleries, classic brownstones and leafy avenues.

It’s fascinating to discover that the city that never sleeps has its true centre in one of its calmest, most cultured neighbourhoods, surrounded by world-famous landmarks like the Guggenheim Museum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Show less

Chicago

Chicago: A gas station marks the centre of the Windy City

Chicago’s true geometric centre is found at the BP Gas Station, 3269 S Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608, in the city’s McKinley Park neighbourhood. This spot, southwest of the downtown Loop, perfectly represents Chicago’s balance between industry and community.

Once home to historic stockyards and now a vibrant residential area, the midpoint highlights how the city’s strength and character spread well beyond its skyline along Lake Michigan.

Show less

Miami

Miami: Though South Beach may steal the show, Allapattah is the heart of Miami

Miami’s geometric centre is found near 1650 NW 9th Street, Miami, FL 33125, close to Grove Mini Park in the city’s Allapattah district. Set between the shimmering beaches to the east and the inland Everglades beyond.

While South Beach might steal the spotlight, the true heart of the city beats in this authentic neighbourhood.

Show less

Seattle

Seattle: Head to The Edgewater Hotel to find the heart of Seattle

Seattle’s true centre is located by The Edgewater Hotel, 2411 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98121, perched along the city’s famous waterfront. Overlooking Elliott Bay, this midpoint feels perfectly placed, connecting the buzz of Pike Place Market with the tranquillity of Puget Sound.

Known for hosting rock legends in the 1960s, The Edgewater captures the spirit of Seattle itself: creative, coastal, and effortlessly cool.

Show less

From skyscrapers to forest trails – North America’s true city centres uncovered

Rank	City	Country	Distance From Perceived 'City Centre' (miles)	True City Centre
1	Los Angeles	United States	14.7 miles	Switzer Falls, 91001
2	Ottawa	Canada	12.8 miles	Elevation Park, K2J 6H4
3	Las Vegas	United States	9.9 miles	8420 West Fisher Avenue, NV 89149
4	New Orleans	United States	8.2 miles	Goodwill East, LA 70127
5	Cancún	Mexico	7.8 miles	El Refugio Country Club, 77573
6	San Diego	United States	7.5 miles	Mossy Corporation, CA 92109
7	Québec	Canada	7.2 miles	85 Durand Rue, QC G2B 2A8
8	Houston	United States	6.4 miles	2026 Chippendale Road, TX 77018
9	Orlando	United States	5.8 miles	Cypress Fairway Condominium Association, FL 32811
10	New York	United States	5.5 miles	1260 Madison Avenue, NY 10128
11	Toronto	Canada	5.2 miles	Da Venezia Pizza Restaurant, M5M 3X6
12	Chicago	United States	3.9 miles	BP Gas Station, IL 60608
13	Montreal	Canada	3.8 miles	Parc Gabriel-Sagard, H2E 2S4
14	Dallas	United States	3.7 miles	Wonderview Park, TX 75216
15	Philadelphia	United States	3.5 miles	El Tripletazo, PA 19133
16	Vancouver	Canada	3.4 miles	Callister Park, V5K 1N6
17	Boston	United States	3 miles	Hancock Market, MA 02125
18	Washington D.C.	United States	2.8 miles	Tried Stone FBH Church, DC 20002
19	Denver	United States	2.5 miles	Big Raven Bread, CO 80205
20	Miami	United States	2.3 miles	Grove Mini Park, FL 33125
21	Atlanta	United States	2.1 miles	477 Joseph E. Lowery Boulevard, GA 30314
22	Seattle	United States	1.1 miles	The Edgewater Hotel, WA 98121
23	Mexico City	Mexico	1.1 miles	Parque de la Ciudadela, 06000

Show less

South America’s true city centres

Vibrant, diverse and full of rhythm, South America’s cities are as varied as the landscapes that surround them, yet their true centres often lie far from where you might expect.

In Rio de Janeiro, for instance, the geometric heart isn’t on Copacabana’s sands but high in the mountains near Cachoeira do Campo, where waterfalls tumble through the forest. Santiago’s midpoint sits in the leafy district of Lo Barnechea, framed by the snow-tipped Andes, while Buenos Aires keeps its centre close to the Casa Rosada, at the very core of Argentina’s political and cultural life.

Show less

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro: High above the beaches, Rio’s true heart hides among mountain waterfalls

Rio’s true heart sits at Garganta da Casa Amarela, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, 22785-085, near Cachoeira do Campo, on the city’s western side. This lush, mountainous area contrasts sharply with the beaches and cityscape that define Rio’s global image.

Nestled between tropical forests and waterfalls, the midpoint shows that even in a city known for samba and sun, nature remains at its very core.

Show less

Santiago

Santiago: A park framed by the Andes offers the perfect balance of city and sky

Framed by the snow-capped Andes, Santiago’s city centre is in the leafy district of Lo Barnechea, at Calistenia A-KUN in Lo Barnechea Park. Set around 18 kilometres from the city’s perceived bustling centre, this peaceful green space is a favourite among locals for outdoor workouts, picnics and panoramic mountain views.

The park’s backdrop of rugged peaks and fresh air contrasts beautifully with the energy of downtown Santiago, highlighting the city’s unique connection to nature.

Show less

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires: Not the Obelisco, but steps from the Casa Rosada

In Buenos Aires, the geometric centre is at Sarmiento 156, San Nicolás, C1043 AAO Buenos Aires, close to the Monumento a Juana Azurduy. Located near the Casa Rosada and the city’s main cultural corridors.

It’s no surprise the city’s true heart beats within walking distance of its most historic landmarks.

Show less

From Samba streets to mountain peaks – South America’s true city centres mapped

Rank	City	Country	Distance From Perceived 'City Centre' (miles)	True City Centre
1	Rio de Janeiro	Brazil	18.7 miles	Cachoeira do Campo, 22723-497
2	Sao Paulo	Brazil	17.3 miles	Encontro com Deus Chacara Peniel - Comunidade Avivamento em Cristo church, 08676-000
3	Santiago	Chile	11.4 miles	Lo Barnechea Park, 7690000
4	Lima	Peru	10.7 miles	Parque "PQ", Lima, 15487
5	Bogotá	Colombia	4.2 miles	Amure Park, Cra 69 #47-34
6	Quito	Ecuador	3.7 miles	Andean View Bed & Breakfast, 170135
7	Cusco	Peru	1 mile	Puente Grau (Bridge), 08001
8	Buenos Aires	Argentina	0.7 miles	Monumento a Juana Azurduy, C1038 Cdad

Show less

Asia’s true city centres

Nowhere blends tradition and transformation quite like Asia, and that balance extends right to the heart of its cities. Our research reveals that while some midpoints sit amid temples and historic gardens, others are found in the most unexpected places: on islands, in deserts, or even beneath glittering skyscrapers.

Tokyo’s centre lies over 160 kilometres from its neon skyline, on the tranquil island of Kozushima, while Dubai’s sits at a bustling racecourse where sand meets skyline. In Bangkok, the geometric heart rests in a quiet canal-side village far from the tourist trail, and Shanghai’s stretches out to Hengsha Island, where fields and wetlands replace the city’s glass towers. These surprising locations show that in Asia, a city’s true centre isn’t always where life feels busiest, but often where its deeper rhythm quietly unfolds.

Show less

Tokyo

Tokyo: An island of turquoise waters marks the unlikely midpoint of Japan’s megacity

Tokyo’s true geometric centre lies within Kozushima Village, a small island that forms part of the Izu Archipelago, around 160 kilometres south Tokyo’s famed neon-lit streets. Though it may seem far removed, this remote volcanic island is officially within Tokyo’s metropolitan boundary meaning the capital’s true geometric heart lies surrounded by turquoise waters and forested cliffs.

Home to natural hot springs, scenic hiking trails, and stunning coastal views, Kozushima perfectly captures the surprising diversity of Tokyo, a city that extends from soaring skyscrapers to serene island shores.

Show less

Bangkok

Bangkok: Beyond the bustle, the city’s true centre rests beside quiet canals.

Bangkok’s geometric midpoint is found within Khunalai Village. Situated in the city’s southwestern suburbs, this area feels a world away from the skyscrapers and street markets of central Bangkok.

Surrounded by waterways and palm-lined streets, it’s a fitting reminder that the Thai capital’s soul extends far beyond its neon-lit heart.

Show less

Dubai

Dubai: This city’s heart beats at a racecourse built for speed

Set between the shimmering skyscrapers of Downtown and the golden expanse of the desert, Jebel Ali Racecourse marks the true heart of Dubai. Known for its sweeping grandstands and lively weekend meets, the racecourse sits at the crossroads of old and new, a fitting centre for a city defined by contrast.

From here, it’s just a short drive to the coastline’s luxury resorts or the souks of Deira, capturing the essence of a destination where modern ambition meets enduring tradition. Amid the city’s constant evolution, this long-standing landmark remains a symbol of Dubai’s spirit, dynamic, daring and always in motion.

Show less

From neon skylines to sacred temples – Asia’s true city centres revealed

Rank	City	Country	Distance From Perceived 'City Centre' (miles)	True City Centre
1	Tokyo	Japan	102 miles	Kozushima Village, 100-0601
2	Shanghai	China	28.1 miles	Hengsha Island, 202150
3	Bangkok	Thailand	13 miles	Khunalai Village, 10150
4	Abu Dhabi	United Arab Emirates	10.6 miles	Samaliyah Island
5	Dubai	United Arab Emirates	10.4 miles	Jebel Ali Racecourse, 53135
6	Kyoto	Japan	6.4 miles	Himuro Shrine, 630-8212
7	Singapore	Singapore	2.7 miles	GRUB Stevens Road, 257840
8	Osaka	Japan	1.7 miles	Nichiren Shoshu Seikyo-ji Temple, 550-0021
9	Istanbul	Turkey	1.3 miles	Directorate of Zoning, 34134
10	Mumbai	India	1.1 miles	Shree Mahalaxmi Mandir, 400011
11	Seoul	South Korea	1 mile	Namsangol Park, 04626
12	Beijing	China	0.9 miles	St. Joseph's Church, 100006
13	Hong Kong	China	0.7 miles	Civil Aid Service Headquarters, 8號八號
14	Kuala Lumpur	Malaysia	0.5 miles	Persatuan Pencinta Alam Malaysia, 59000
15	New Delhi	India	0.1 miles	Vijay Chowk Park, 110011

Show less

Oceania’s true city centres

In Oceania, city life and nature exist side by side, and that harmony extends right to the heart of its urban centres. Our research found that while some cities, like Melbourne and Sydney, keep their midpoints close to familiar landmarks and parklands, others stretch further afield into surprisingly tranquil settings. Auckland’s true centre lies in the leafy neighbourhood beneath One Tree Hill, while Brisbane’s midpoint is tucked among quiet suburban streets shaded by jacarandas.

Even Perth’s geometric heart sits on Heirisson Island, home to a sanctuary of kangaroos between the city and the sea. Across Australia and New Zealand, these findings reveal that the cities’ true centres are as relaxed and open as the landscapes that surround them, places where community, calm and connection define the core.

Show less

Auckland

Auckland: Beneath One Tree Hill, the city’s true centre sits in peaceful suburbia

Auckland’s midpoint is found at Oranga Primary School, 21 Rangipawa Road, One Tree Hill, Maungakiekie-Tāmaki 1061, near the local Solora coffee shop.

Set within a leafy residential area beneath the volcanic slopes of One Tree Hill, this location symbolises Auckland’s balance between urban energy and natural serenity. It’s a quiet, community-centred place that perfectly mirrors New Zealand’s relaxed pace of life.

Show less

Brisbane

Brisbane: Among jacarandas and quiet streets, Brisbane’s centre feels refreshingly relaxed

Tucked away in the leafy suburb of Silky Oak, just a few kilometres from the city’s riverside core, lies the true heart of Brisbane. Surrounded by parks, winding streets and Queenslander-style homes, this peaceful pocket captures the relaxed charm that defines the city.

From here, it’s an easy trip to the cafés of West End, the galleries of South Bank, or the skyline views atop Mount Coot-tha.

Show less

Melbourne

Melbourne: Between parkland and coffee culture, Melbourne’s centre feels right at home

Melbourne’s geometric centre sits at Australian Red Cross Blood Bank, 100–154 Batman Street, West Melbourne VIC 3003, close to Flagstaff Gardens. Just minutes from the CBD, this spot blends Melbourne’s cosmopolitan buzz with its green, open spaces.

It’s an ideal representation of the city, where heritage buildings, coffee culture, and parkland meet in perfect harmony.

Show less

From surf beaches to chilled city streets – Oceania’s true city centres mapped

Rank	City	Country	Distance From Perceived 'City Centre' (miles)	True City Centre
1	Auckland	New Zealand	4.3 miles	Solora Coffee Shop, 1061
2	Wellington	New Zealand	4.2 miles	Makara Recreation Reserve, 6972
3	Brisbane	Australia	3.5 miles	Silky Oak Picnic Area, QLD 4066
4	Perth	Australia	1.6 miles	Heirisson Island Kangaroo Sanctuary, WA 6004
5	Sydney	Australia	1 mile	Prince Alfred Park, NSW 2010
6	Adelaide	Australia	0.9 miles	Adelaide Oval, SA 5006
7	Melbourne	Australia	0.8 miles	Flagstaff Gardens, VIC 3003
8	Canberra	Australia	0.6 miles	Acton Beach, ACT 2601

Show less

Africa’s true city centres

Across Africa, cities blend deep history with rapid modern growth, and their true centres reveal just how much they’ve evolved. In Cairo, the geometric heart isn’t by the Nile or the shadow of the Pyramids, but more than 30 kilometres east, in the tree-lined community of Madinaty, where new neighbourhoods rise from the desert.

Marrakesh’s centre, by contrast, sits within the historic Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam, a centuries-old royal garden reborn as a digital-age oasis. Together, these locations capture the continent’s dynamic contrasts, where ancient heritage, innovation, and everyday life meet at the very core.

Show less

Cairo

Cairo: A new suburb east of the Nile shows just how far the city has grown

Cairo’s true centre lies near Madinaty Central Park on the city’s eastern edge.

While many associate Egypt’s capital with the ancient Pyramids or the banks of the Nile, this midpoint is actually over an hour’s drive away, highlighting the city’s modern expansion, surrounded by tree-lined boulevards and new developments.

Show less

Marrakesh

Marrakesh: Not the medina, but a peaceful park lies in the middle of Marrakesh

Just a short stroll from the bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam marks the true heart of Marrakesh. Once part of a royal garden, this lush park blends centuries of history with modern innovation, featuring shaded walkways, fountains and even interactive digital installations.

It’s a peaceful oasis in the middle of Morocco’s “Red City”, where palm trees and technology coexist beneath the Atlas Mountain sun. A fitting centre for Marrakesh, it mirrors the city’s unique rhythm: a seamless mix of heritage, creativity, and everyday life.

Show less

From desert dunes to garden oases – Africa’s true city centres uncovered

Rank	City	Country	Distance From Perceived 'City Centre' (miles)	True City Centre
1	Cairo	Egypt	19.6 miles	Madinaty Central Park, 4771070
2	Marrakesh	Morrocco	0.8 miles	Cyber Parc Arsat Muolay Abde Lam, 40000

Show less

Feeling inn-spired to try exploring these true city centres for yourself? Check out our handy travel guides to help you plan your next short break for the perfect city getaway and discover Premier Inn hotels near airports so you’re one step away from the best spots.

Show less

Methodology:

A list of global cities was compiled based on destinations known for tourism. To determine the “true” city centre, we used geometric mapping software to calculate the centroid of each city’s official boundaries. Each city’s geographic midpoint (latitude and longitude) was identified and plotted, revealing the true central coordinate.