Below is the template I use when creating a fantasy city during world building. Feel free to adapt it your purposes. You can read Part 1 here.
Download the PDF or Word template.
City/Town Name
General
Alliances
Independent city or part of a kingdom? Allies?
Identification
Symbol and Banner:
City Colors:
Slogans:
Famous For
What comes to mind when people think of this place?
Location
What continent? Nearby land features? How accessible?
Setting
Terrain? Forests, mountainous, desert, plain, sea/river port?
Relations with Other Settlements and Places
Town 1
Town 2
Elven Forest 1
Important Features in Town
Is there a distinctive land feature? City layout?
Notable Religious or Magic Sites
Other Special Sites
Fortifications
Walls/Gates
Is there a wall around it? How many gates? Well guarded? Ever breached?
Castle
Where is it and what condition is it in? Ruined or intact? What’s it made of? How many towers? Mote? Ever been destroyed?
Local Lore
Any legends or mysteries about the place?
Products
This depends on geography. Very useful when writing stories as you can refer to wine, for example, from a certain city or region.
History
Year Founded:
What events are important in the formation of this settlement?
Wars
Battles
Outcome? Who attacked them? Or did they attack?
The Inhabitants
Attitude toward magic? Gods? Supernatural? Races? Strangers?
Leaders
What sort of government is there and who is currently running it?
Who’s Really in Control
Is some organization really in control of the city?
Population
The overall population count and which races live here. How do they get along? Are they segregated? What are they afraid/proud of?
Humans
Race 1
Race 2
Religion
What religions are taught/tolerated/shunned here?
Armed Forces
Is there an army? Garrison? Just local guards? Militia? Knights?
The Local Guards
How many? Well trained? Well equipped? Who’s in charge?
Knights
Important People
Priests
Magic-Users
Are they in town or nearby in a tower? Is magic tolerated? Feared? Can wizards cast spells in public or only in secret? Are they a rare/common sight?
Heroes
Villains
Nearby Monsters/Creatures
Good or bad? How many of what kind? What is the effect on the inhabitants and fortifications?
Public Places and Occasions
Religious Temples and Sites
Festivals and Holidays
Taverns and Inns
Are there any? Curfews? Are they friendly/hostile to strangers?
Guilds
Equipment Shops
What kinds of items are available for purchase or trade here? Is this place famous for making anything? Two-handed swords? Full plate armor? Silk tunics? Strong ropes?
Weapons
Armor
Clothing
General Gear
Special Considerations
Supernatural Phenomenon
Unknown
Are there are any secrets about this place, whether known to a few or not?
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Related articles
- How to Create Fantasy Races or Species, Part 1 (randyellefson.wordpress.com)
- How to Create Fantasy Races or Species, Part 2 (randyellefson.wordpress.com)
- How to Create Fantasy Races or Species, Part 3 (randyellefson.wordpress.com)
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Randy Ellefson's Blog 
Uh, very cool. I started to build a city but got stuck at a point and you’re pulling me right out! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Cool! Glad to help.
Pingback: Creating a Fantasy City, Part 1 | Randy Ellefson's Blog
Could you make a fantasy template for a Kingdom as a whole? Your templates are always useful in helping me organize my thoughts and I would love your take on creating a fantasy Kingdom.
Great idea! I’ll include one in the book I’m writing and post an article at some point.
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This is great, I’m just about to start my first fantasy novel, so really useful advice. Thanks!
Thanks Rob! I’ve got a book series that goes into far more details. Info is at http://www.artofworldbuilding.com