This study provides a literature review of the evolution of urban metabolism, the circular economy and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The relationship between economic growth, increasing wealth and the resulting increase in consumption patterns can have a significant impact on resource demand and waste generation in urban environments. Therefore, understanding urban metabolism becomes essential to address the challenges associated with sustainable development and efficient resource management in cities. The study shows that the topic has become increasingly important especially since 2013, as there has been an increase with at least 1000 publications per year or so on topics related to urban metabolism. In addition, there was also an increase in research focused on sustainable development in the urban environment from 2015 with the adoption of the 2030 Agenda by the UN and it is possible to identify the best methodologies to apply to urban environments for future case studies.