When you land in a new country, the capital city is usually the first place you visit. It’s like the first chapter of a book about your travels.
There are a total of 20 capital cities that start with the letter “M”. You can visit these places, learn about new ways of life, and see amazing things.
Before you go, it’s good to learn some basics about these cities, like how many people live there, what the city is known for, and other fun facts. This helps make your trip even better.
Here we list these 20 capital cities with the population from large to small.
- Mexico City, Mexico – 21.7 million
- Manila, Philippines – 13.9 million
- Moscow, Russia – 12.5 million
- Madrid, Spain – 6.7 million
- Mogadishu, Somalia – 2.1 million
- Minsk, Belarus – 2 million
- Montevideo, Uruguay – 1.9 million
- Muscat, Oman – 1.4 million
- Monrovia, Liberia – 1.2 million
- Maputo, Mozambique – 1.1 million
- Managua, Nicaragua – 1 million
- Maseru, Lesotho – 330,000
- Malabo, Equatorial Guinea – 297,000
- Manama, Bahrain – 157,000
- Male, Maldives – 133,000
- Mbabane, Eswatini – 94,000
- Moroni, Comoros – 54,000
- Monaco, Monaco – 38,300
- Majuro, Marshall Islands – 28,000
- Melekeok, Palau – Less than 400
1. Mexico City – Mexico
Mexico City is always busy and is the oldest city in the Americas. It’s the capital of Mexico and one of the biggest cities in the world with around 21.7 million people living around it.
When you’re there, you can see the city’s long history, going back to the Aztecs, at places like the Templo Mayor and the Plaza de las Tres Culturas.
Mexico City is famous for its food, from tacos on the street to fancy restaurants. The historic center, Zocalo, is a special place with the Palacio Nacional and the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral close by.
You can also enjoy the arts at the Palacio de Bellas Artes or go for a boat ride through the Xochimilco canals. Every part of this huge city has something new for you to see.
2. Manila – Philippines
Manila is an exciting mix of history and warmth. It’s a busy place with around 13.9 million people.
You can visit the old walled area of Intramuros and the big Rizal Park. Chinatown is full of good food, and the National Museum has the country’s history.
For shoppers, the Mall of Asia is a must-see. And don’t miss the Baywalk for relaxing by the water.
3. Moscow – Russia
Visiting Moscow is like walking into a big storybook. The capital of Russia is full of history and art.
With about 12.5 million people, it’s a huge city at the heart of Russian power. The famous Red Square has Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the historic Kremlin, and Lenin’s Mausoleum.
You’ll want to ride the Moscow Metro, with its pretty stations, and see shows at the Bolshoi Theatre. And don’t miss the Tretyakov Gallery for Russian art.
In winter, the city is like a wonderland. You can ice skate at Gorky Park or just enjoy the snowy streets.
4. Madrid – Spain
Madrid is a lively city, the biggest in Spain, and full of European culture. Nearly 6.7 million people live there, and the city is full of life and art.
Madrid has big plazas, important museums like the Prado, and Retiro Park for a quiet break. The nightlife is famous, and you can’t miss the food, from tapas to fancy eats.
For shopping, try the big Mall of Asia, or take a walk along Manila Bay for a beautiful sunset.
5. Mogadishu – Somalia
Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, might make you think of trouble, but it’s actually a city that’s getting better and shows hope.
With approximately 2.1 million people, it’s busy and has a rich history as a trading place. You can see old buildings like the Arba’a Rukun Mosque and the Mogadishu Cathedral.
There’s also Lido Beach, where people go to relax by the water. The city is getting safer, but travelers should still be careful and up-to-date on local news.
Mogadishu is full of life and is a good place to meet some of the world’s strongest people.
6. Minsk – Belarus
Next stop, Eastern Europe, where Minsk welcomes you with big streets and old buildings. It’s the capital of Belarus and a mix of the past and the present. Almost 2 million people live there, making it a big city, but not too hard for visitors to get around.
Important places like Victory Square and Independence Square teach you about the city’s history. The National Library of Belarus is famous for its cool design.
Minsk is also known for its exciting culture, with lots of theaters and clubs. You can take it easy at the big Gorky Park. And if you like history, don’t miss the Great Patriotic War Museum.
7. Montevideo – Uruguay
Montevideo is cozy and modern, by the Rio de la Plata. With about 1.9 million people, it’s Uruguay’s capital.
Montevideo has beautiful buildings and a creative energy. The Old City is full of history, and the Rambla is great for walks by the water.
Try the local food like chivitos and beef, and listen to the candombe music that’s part of the culture.
8. Muscat – Oman
Next to the Gulf of Oman, you’ll find Muscat, a city shining under the Arabian sun. It’s quieter than its neighbors but full of tradition and beauty.
With almost 1.4 million people, it feels old but is also modern. There are old forts and the stunning Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, with beautiful designs and a giant chandelier.
The Royal Opera House shows how much the city loves culture. And places like the Muttrah Souq and Qurum Beach give you a mix of Arabian history and calmness that’s great for newcomers.
9. Monrovia – Liberia
Monrovia, named after a U.S. President, is a city with a lot of history, first settled by freed American and Caribbean slaves.
It’s the capital of Liberia, with about 1.2 million friendly people. Even after going through wars and a recent illness outbreak, the city shows the strength of its people.
You can walk by the ocean at Providence Island or visit the Liberian National Museum to learn more. The Waterside Market is full of life and things to buy.
Monrovia might not be as fancy as other capitals, but it has a real charm that many travelers love.
It has rainforests and beaches like Silver and CeCe, giving you a true Liberian experience. It’s a place to see how a city and its people can come back stronger.
10. Maputo – Mozambique
In southeast Africa, there’s Maputo, the capital of Mozambique. About 1.1 million people live there, and it has a mix of Portuguese buildings, African culture, and a lively arts scene.
You should see the Maputo Railway Station and FEIMA, the city’s craft market, for local art.
Try the peri-peri chicken and fresh seafood. Maputo’s seaside promenade, called the Marginal, is a great place to relax.
Don’t forget to visit the big Maputo Cathedral and the Natural History Museum to learn about the city’s history. And with music like marrabenta to jazz, your visit will be as fun as it is memorable.
11. Managua – Nicaragua
Managua, the capital of Nicaragua, is a city of history and new beginnings, with about 1.1 million people.
The city has old and revolutionary sights, like the old cathedral and the Plaza de la Revolucion. Enjoy local food by the water and explore the markets.
12. Maseru – Lesotho
Maseru, surrounded by South Africa, stands strong in a mountain landscape. The city of nearly 330,000 people mixes African style with growth.
Check out the Royal Palace and local markets, and don’t miss the nearby historic plateau. Try local dishes like “papa” or porridge, and enjoy the view.
13. Malabo – Equatorial Guinea
Now, let’s go to Central Africa, where Malabo is a mix of African friendliness and Spanish history. It’s the capital of Equatorial Guinea, on the island of Bioko. It feels different from the African mainland.
Around 297,000 people live in Malabo, so it feels like a small town but as a capital city. It has rainforests and volcanoes, and buildings that show both Spanish and African styles.
When you’re there, try the local food like grilled fish and plantains. The city might be rich because of oil, but you’ll find real treasures in the smiling people and the beautiful nature around you.
14. Manama – Bahrain
Manama is like an exciting city in the middle of the Arabian Desert. It’s not just the capital of Bahrain but also the biggest city there.
About 157,000 people live there, and it’s where the country’s money and culture come from. In Manama, you can see tall buildings next to old markets, like the famous Bab el-Bahrain souk. There, you can try local food and buy handmade things.
Manama has a beautiful seaside walk called the Corniche, and the city is known for making guests feel at home with fancy hotels and a mix of yummy foods from all over.
Visitors like that Manama isn’t too big and that you can easily get to historical places like the old Bahrain Fort or the Bahrain National Museum.
15. Male – Maldives
Male is the busy capital of the Maldives, different from the quiet resorts the country is known for. It’s packed with people on an island that’s just 2 km².
With lots of colors, narrow streets, and over 133,000 people living in a tiny area, it’s full of life. The markets are great for seeing what life is like for the people who live there.
Visit the Islamic Centre with its big mosque, or go see old mosques like Hukuru Miskiy and Sultan Park where the royal palace used to be.
Even though it’s small, Male has amazing views of the sea and is a great place to start exploring the islands.
16. Mbabane – Eswatini
Mbabane is charming and has a royal feel, with around 94,000 inhabitants. The city is in a beautiful setting with hills and a fresh climate.
Visit the wildlife sanctuary and local markets, and maybe catch the Reed Dance Festival. The Ngwenya Glass Factory shows off the local handcrafts.
17. Moroni – Comoros
Moroni is a beautiful city by the ocean with around 54,000 people. It has a mix of Arab, French, and African influences.
You can see historic mosques and hike to a volcano. The local food, like lobster with vanilla, is a unique treat.
18. Monaco – Monaco
Monaco is a very small and fancy place on the French Riviera. It’s known for being luxurious and having famous people live there.
Even though it’s the second smallest country, it has a lot of people packed into the city – obout 38,300.
As you walk around, you’ll see fancy boats, the Monte Carlo Casino, and great views from the Prince’s Palace.
If you like car racing, you know Monaco for the Formula One Grand Prix. It also has events like the Yacht Show and the Monte-Carlo Ballet.
Monaco offers lovely gardens and museums for a calmer visit. It’s a place where fancy meets history, and everywhere you look, you see a mix of old and new.
19. Majuro – Marshall Islands
Majuro, the door to the Marshall Islands, is more like a long chain of islands than a normal city. Its land isn’t more than 10 km², and about 28,000 people live there.
Travelers looking for peace and quiet will like this place. Laura Beach at the end of the islands has perfect sandy beaches and blue waters.
Majuro is also important for its role in history, and you can learn about this at the Alele Museum. Here, life is relaxed and seafood is a must-try.
20. Melekeok – Palau
Melekeok may be small and new, with less than 400 people, but it’s the capital of beautiful Palau.
It’s an isolated place where you can find peace and nature. You can explore the jungle, see old stone monuments, and dive in clear waters with jellyfish that don’t sting.
Melekeok is perfect if you want to get away from it all and enjoy the natural beauty.
Conclusion
Visiting these “M” cities gives you a chance to discover new places that might not be famous but are full of stories and experiences. As a traveler, you’ll see the world differently with each new capital you explore.
Each city has its own tale, with unique scene, waiting for you to visit and write the next chapter of your adventure.
