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Allahabad (/əˈlɑːhəbɑːd/), also known as Prayag (/prəˈjɑːɡ/), is a city in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh and the administrative headquarters of the Allahabad District. As of 2011, Allahabad is the seventh most-populous city in the state and the thirty-sixth most-populous city in India, with an estimated population of 1.11 million in the city and 1.21 million in its metropolitan region. In 2011, it was ranked the world's 130th fastest-growing city.

The city's original name – Prayaga, or "place of offerings" – comes from its position at the union of the Ganges, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati Rivers. It is the second-oldest city in India, and plays a central role in Hindu scriptures. Allahabad was originally called Kaushambi (now a separate district) by the Kuru rulers of Hastinapur, who developed it as their capital. Since then, Allahabad has been a political, cultural and administrative centre of the Doab region. The Mughal emperor Akbar renamed Prayag Allahabad. In 1833 it became the seat of the Ceded and Conquered Provinces region before its capital was moved to Agra in 1835. Allahabad became the capital of the North-Western Provinces in 1858, and was the capital of India for a day. Allahabad was the capital of the United Provinces from 1902 to 1920.

Located in southern Uttar Pradesh, the city's metropolitan area covers 63.07 km2 (24.35 sq mi). Although the city and its surrounding area are governed by several municipalities, a large portion of Allahabad District is governed by the Allahabad City Council. The city is home to colleges, research institutions and central and state government offices. Allahabad has hosted cultural and sporting events, including Kumbh Mela and the Indira Marathon. Although the city's economy was built on tourism, most of its income now derives from real estate and financial services.