Formal:
* Conurbation: This term refers to a group of cities that have grown together to form a single, continuous urban area.
* Metropolis: While this usually refers to a large city, it can also be used to refer to a group of significant cities.
* Urban agglomeration: A technical term used to describe a concentrated urban area.
Informal:
* Collection: This is a general term that can be used for any group of things.
* Cluster: This suggests a group of cities that are close together.
* Network: This term emphasizes the connections between cities.
Ultimately, the best collective noun to use will depend on the specific context and the effect you want to achieve.