Best City-Building Block Sets
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City-building block sets differ from single-landmark architecture sets in an important way: they're designed to be combined. Instead of one large model, you're building a collection of smaller structures — shops, streets, transit — that work together as a connected scene. Here's how to approach building one out.
How city sets differ from single-landmark architecture sets
If you want one impressive centerpiece model, our architecture building block set guide covers that category directly. City sets are a different approach: multiple smaller, modular structures meant to sit side by side and expand over time, rather than one large standalone build.
Starting points for a city collection
- Downtown City Square – 1,683 PCS
- Iconic City Street – 1,367 PCS
- Classic StreetView Modular Buildings Collection
- Classic Airport Collection – City Airport Building Block Sets
Filling out the scene
Once you have a street or square as an anchor, individual storefronts and service buildings let you expand the scene incrementally rather than needing to plan the whole layout up front:
Practical layout tips
Plan for a base or platform
Modular city pieces are much easier to arrange and rearrange when built on a common flat surface rather than directly on a shelf, since it lets you adjust street layout without disturbing finished buildings.
Build outward from one anchor piece
Starting with a single street or square and adding buildings over time is generally more manageable than trying to plan and buy an entire city scene at once.
Mix building sizes for visual variety
A row of identically-sized buildings reads as repetitive. Combining a large anchor piece (like a square or shopping street) with smaller individual shops creates a more realistic-looking scene.
If you're also interested in adding transit to your city scene, our brick train sets and stations guide covers train and station options that pair naturally with a modular city layout.
