Futures studies are not just research about the future, but also the identification of human resources and capabilities to build better futures. In a word, futures studies are a set of knowledge, planning, and management of the future. A future that is not linear, but deals with conscious choices and thoughtful human actions. Urban futures studies, as a new approach in urban planning and design, attempt to map the development path of cities in the face of future challenges by utilizing scenario writing methods, analyzing trends, and identifying uncertainties. This article, by reviewing domestic and foreign scientific sources, analyzes the concepts, characteristics, principles, goals, benefits, and perspectives, methods, and applications of futures studies, and examines its role in promoting the sustainability of cities. The research findings showed that futures studies in urban planning are not only a tool for predicting the future, but also a platform for creating a desirable future. By using this approach, we can design more resilient, intelligent, and humane cities that meet the needs of future generations.