The concept of smart city is considered as the new engine for economic and social growths since it is supported by the rapid development of information and communication technologies. However, each technology not only brings its advantages, but also the challenges that cities have to face in order to implement it. So, this paper addresses two research questions : « What are the most important technologies that drive the development of smart cities ?» and « what are the challenges that cities will face when adopting these technologies ? » Relying on a literature review of studies published between 1990 and 2017, the ensuing results show that Artificial Intelligence and Internet of Things represent the most used technologies for smart cities. So, the focus of this paper will be on these two technologies by showing their advantages and their challenges.