Have you ever wondered how many cities in the world start with the letter H?
Well, okay, it’s not the existential question of the century. But whether it’s for a game, a general knowledge quiz, or planning your next getaway, you’ll see that there are some real gems to discover. So hang on tight, we’re off on a world tour… in H!
French cities starting with H: a little tour of the Hexagon
Because sometimes, you don’t need to go far to marvel. Here are French cities and villages starting with H to (re)discover.
Major cities to remember
- Le Havre: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is one of the largest port cities in France, known for its concrete architecture by Auguste Perret and its modern atmosphere set against the English Channel.
- Hyères: Sun, palm trees, beaches, and access to the Golden Islands (Porquerolles, Port-Cros…). The Mediterranean dream in chill mode.
Small communes that are often forgotten
- Héricourt (Haute-Saône): Perfect for a green getaway with hiking, heritage, and tranquility.
- Hédé-Bazouges (Ille-et-Vilaine): Pure Breton charm with its granite houses and romantic canal.
- Hazebrouck (Nord): A Flanders city with unique Flemish architecture, close to the Belgian border.
- Houilles (Yvelines): Just steps from Paris, but with a true village spirit.
What if we left France? International cities starting with H to discover
Prefer to fly far away? Here are some cities around the world that start with H and are definitely worth the detour.
In Europe: culture, design, and history
- Helsinki (Finland): Minimalism, design, nature. The Finnish capital ticks all the boxes. In summer, take the chance to hop from island to island and discover its stilt cafes.
- Hamburg (Germany): Huge port, modern art museums, and an electric nightlife. Don’t confuse it with just a “logistics hub.”
- Heidelberg (Germany): A picturesque university town with a romantic castle and an old town that takes you into a fairy tale.
In America: from urban madness to colonial charm
- Houston (United States): A Texas city, both a space center, the capital of Tex-Mex culture, and a paradise for XXL BBQ lovers.
- Havana (Cuba): Old cars, colorful facades, salsa in the streets. The atmosphere is unique, vibrant, and totally offbeat.
- Hamilton (Canada): An industrial city in transformation, with waterfalls, art galleries, and hiking trails.
In Asia: tradition and modernity
- Hanoi (Vietnam): A concentrated dose of Vietnamese culture, between temples, scooters, and fragrant broths. A must-try is egg coffee.
- Hyderabad (India): A high-tech city but also the capital of spicy gastronomy. An explosive mix of old palaces and glass towers.
Some fun facts about cities starting with H
Just to shine at the next quiz or dinner with friends:
- Helsinki is often ranked among the happiest cities in the world.
- Houston has a perimeter of over 135 km (yes, longer than a marathon… multiplied by 3).
- Havana is an open-air museum city. Its historic center is a UNESCO site.
- Hyères is home to the oldest fashion and photography festival in France.
Table of cities starting with H – Classified by continent
| Continent | City starting with H | Specificity |
|---|---|---|
| Europe | Helsinki | Nordic design and well-being |
| Europe | Heidelberg | Castle and historic university |
| North America | Houston | Technology, Texan cuisine |
| Central America | Havana | Colonial architecture, music |
| Asia | Hanoi | Street food, temples, and lively markets |
| Asia | Hyderabad | High-tech city and spicy cuisine |
| Oceania | Hobart (Australia) | Capital of Tasmania, wild nature |
| Africa | Harare (Zimbabwe) | Political and economic capital |
And for fun: the H cities game
Small challenge: how many cities starting with H can you name in 1 minute? Write them down or have a battle with a friend. You’ll see, it’s harder than it seems. Bonus if you come up with names like Hadera (Israel) or Herat (Afghanistan).
How to use this article to shine (and travel)
- Petit Bac or Scrabble: over 20 cities to remember
- Cultural knowledge: one anecdote per continent, it always comes in handy at parties
- Travel: Looking for an original destination? Draw from here!
FAQ – Cities starting with H
What are the main French cities starting with H?
Le Havre, Hyères, Héricourt, Houilles, Hazebrouck…
Which city starting with H to visit in Europe?
Helsinki for nature and design lovers, Heidelberg for history buffs.
Are there capitals that start with H?
Yes: Hanoi (Vietnam), Helsinki (Finland), Harare (Zimbabwe), Havana (Cuba).
What is the most populous city starting with H?
Houston, with over 2 million inhabitants.
In summary: cities starting with H deserve more attention
They can be discreet, sometimes famous, but always interesting. Whether you’re a player, a curious person, or a traveler at heart, remember these names well. And the next time someone asks you for a city starting with H, you will know how to respond (and you might even be able to tell the story!).
💬 Do you know others? Share them in the comments!
📲 And if you enjoyed it, share this article with your traveling friends or avid gamers.
Céline, a passionate blogger about news and travel, I decode the trends that make the world buzz. Whether it’s exploring hidden corners of the planet or analyzing the hottest topics in the news, I share my discoveries here with a curious and authentic perspective. Join me to travel through words and ideas!
