An isthmus is defined as, “a narrow strip of land linking two larger masses of land” (or a land bridge). Due to their unique geography of being bounded by water features on two opposite sides, isthmian cities are often very scenic.

Probably the best known example of an isthmian city in the United States is Seattle, Washington, which is bounded by Elliott Bay and the Puget Sound on the west and Lake Washington on the east. What a lot of people may not realize is one of Seattle’s largest suburbs, Bellevue, Washington is technically an isthmian city as well, as it is bounded by Lake Washington on the west and Lake Sammamish on the east.

Below is a list of some representative isthmian cities of various sizes from around the globe presented in alphabetical order. The list does not include those cities situated on a larger isthmus, like Panama City or Port Said, because the isthmus does not have a significant impact the city’s spatial form or development pattern. A weblink is provided to a satellite map of each city. If the name of the isthmus is known, it is provided for reference.

Cities that are built on a narrow isthmus have unique land use and planning issues associated with them. These include, but are not limited to: