The article presents the results of comparative analysis of the main geourbanistic processes in the North-Eastern Caucasus. Modern concepts and approaches in the works of Russian and foreign researchers to the functional zoning of urban areas as the most important tool for their regulation and management are revealed. The period 1986–2023 reveals a significant increase in the area of built-up territories in large cities. The most active rates of construction occurred in Makhachkala and Grozny. In the larger cities considered in the article, the last decade has seen an increase in the area of residential and public-business zones. The current structure of land funds in Makhachkala and Nazran is dominated by agricultural land, while Grozny also has a high share of residential area. It is shown that the areas of recreational zones in the cities under study are insufficient both to meet the recreational needs of residents and for the development of tourism. It is proved that it is necessary to increase the area of recreational zones at the expense of agricultural land, and in Grozny also by reducing the industrial-engineering zone. Assessment of the areas of urban forested territories and their cartographic visualization revealed an insufficient level of greening and uneven distribution of forest areas. Very low level of greening was found in Nazran (less than 1%) and Makhachkala (6%). Taking into account the identified features and trends in the ratio of functional zones in large cities of the North-Eastern Caucasus, recommendations are given to optimize functional zoning by regulating the ratio of functional zones, green spaces, including vertical landscaping, introduction of elements of creative linguistic landscapes. Special attention is paid to providing a diversity of recreational areas.