World Cities Trivia Quiz

Answer: Sydney

Sydney is the capital city of the state of New South Wales and the largest city in Australia. Sydney's harbor is famous for its natural beauty and is home to iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. The city is blessed with some amazing beaches: Bondi Beach, Coogee Beach, Manly Beach, and Bronte Beach are just a few examples.

These beaches are not only great for swimming and sunbathing but also for surfing, snorkeling, and other water sports. Finally, it's a major economic and financial hub in Australia, with a strong economy and a wide range of industries, including finance, technology, tourism, and education.

The Sydney central business district (CBD) is the largest in the country, while the South Sydney CBD is the third-largest.

Answer: Moscow

Moscow is the capital city of Russia and one of the most iconic and historically significant cities in the world. It is located in the western (European) part of the country and has a vibrant history and a significant importance to the Russian people. The city was founded in the 12th century and played a crucial role in the formation of the Russian identity and state. Throughout its history, Moscow has been a witness to numerous historical events, including invasions, revolutions, and significant cultural developments.

Moscow has stunning architectural landmarks that blend traditional Russian designs with more modern influences. The Kremlin is a fortified complex in the heart of the city and is home to important government buildings, cathedrals, and museums. The iconic St. Basil's Cathedral with its colorful onion domes is another famous symbol of Moscow as well as the Red Square they both sit on. It is a very cultural city whose Bolshoi Theatre is renowned for its ballet and opera performances, while the Tretyakov Gallery houses an extensive collection of Russian art.

Answer: Paris

Paris is the capital city of France and one of the most iconic and romantic cities in the world. Known for its rich history, artistic heritage, and cultural significance, Paris is a major global center for art, fashion, gastronomy, and intellectual thought. Thus, it is often referred to as the "City of Light". Also known for its exquisite architecture and iconic landmarks, some highly recognizable landmarks can be found in this city.

The Eiffel Tower, one of the most recognizable structures globally, stands as a symbol of the city. The Notre-Dame Cathedral is a masterpiece of French Gothic architecture. The Louvre Museum houses an extensive collection of art, including the famous Mona Lisa. Other landmarks include the Arc de Triomphe, the shopping district on the Champs-Élysées, and the Sacré-Coeur Basilica.

Answer: Yes

Copenhagen is the capital and largest city of Denmark, located on the eastern coast of the island of Zealand. It is a vibrant and historic city known for the famous Little Mermaid statue, inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale. Rosenborg Castle, Amalienborg Palace (the royal residence), and Christiansborg Palace (home to the Danish Parliament) are also prominent landmarks.

Tivoli Gardens is a historic amusement park in the heart of Copenhagen. It's one of the world's oldest amusement parks and features a mix of classic rides, live entertainment, gardens, and restaurants. The Nyhavn district of Copenhagen is particularly notable for colorful buildings, restaurants, and boats lining the canals.

Answer: Berlin

Berlin is the capital and largest city of Germany, located in the northeastern part of the country. Berlin has played a significant role in European history. It was the capital of the Kingdom of Prussia, the German Empire, the Weimar Republic, and the Third Reich. After WWII, the city was split by the Berlin Wall. This was a physical symbol of the Cold War between the East and the West. When the wall fell in 1989, reunification of East and West Germany symbolized the end of the enmity between the two sides.

In Berlin, many visit the Brandenburg Gate, the Berlin Cathedral, Reichstag building (seat of the German Parliament), the Holocaust memorial, and Checkpoint Charlie. The city also has many nice green spaces like the Tiergarten or Tempelhofer Feld.

Answer: Toronto

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the capital of the province of Ontario. Before European colonization, the area that is now Toronto was inhabited by various Indigenous peoples since its location made it an important hub for trade and transportation. The city was originally established by the French but the British took it over in 1759. After the war of 1812, when the Americans burned the city, the town was rebuilt and named Toronto. This is after the Mohawk word "tkaronto," which means "where there are trees standing in water."

While Canada strives to maintain its individuality from American culture, the city of Toronto boasts a MLB baseball team (the Blue Jays), an NBA basketball team (the Raptors), and an NHL hockey team (the Maple Leafs). It also boasts the CN Tower, once the tallest building in the world, Yonge Street, once the longest road in the world, and the Rogers Centre (formerly the SkyDome), the first stadium with a fully retractable roof.

Answer: Andorra la Vella

Andorra la Vella is the capital of the Principality of Andorra, and is located in the Pyrenees at the height of 1,023 meters (3,360ft). Andorra is a small country lying between Spain and France in the Pyrenees. It is a picturesque city of 23 thousand people at the 2015 census (40 thousand approximately if the suburbs are included - approximately half of the country's population).

Some of the sights of Andorra la Vella are the Casa de la Vall, the historic seat of government, the Església de Sant Esteve, a restored 12th century church which is one of the oldest buildings in the country, "La Noblesse du Temps", a massive sculpture done by Salvador Dali, and many other things. It's also a gateway city to the great skiing that can be done in the area.

Answer: Venice

Venice is a unique and enchanting city located in northeastern Italy. It is renowned for its intricate network of canals, historic architecture, and artistic heritage. Often referred to as the "City of Canals" or the "Floating City," Venice is one of the most iconic and visited destinations in the world. Venice is situated on a group of 118 small islands that are separated by a network of canals and connected by numerous bridges. The city is located within the Venetian Lagoon, along the northeastern coast of Italy. The lagoon itself is protected by a long barrier island known as the Lido.

During the Middle Ages, Venice emerged as a strong maritime city-state in the Italian peninsula, boasting both a capable navy and as an important commerce center for Europe. It was eventually conquered by Napoleon in 1797 and in 1866 became a part of the Kingdom of Italy. Due to the many canals, gondolas became a popular mode of transportation. Over time, the novelty of them became more romantic and more and more tourism began to flow into the city, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.

Answer: Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant and iconic city located in Brazil, capital of the province that shares its name. It is on the country's southeastern coast, right on the Atlantic Ocean. Historically, it dates back to 1565 when Portuguese explorers founded the settlement. It served as the capital of Brazil until 1960 when the capital moved to Brasilia.

Above the city, atop Sugarloaf Mountain, is the iconic statue of Christ the Redeemer, spreading his arms over the entire city. The Maracanã Stadium is one of the biggest stadiums in the world and can be found here. The iconic Copacabana and Ipanema beaches are world famous. However, the highlight of the city has to be the Carnaval. It is a celebration of life, joy, and creativity. It captures the essence of Brazilian culture, emphasizing the importance of community, music, and dance.

Answer: Beijing

Beijing, also known as Peking, is the capital city of the People's Republic of China. It's one of the most populous cities in the world at 21.5 million in 2018. Beijing is situated in the northern part of China, in the northeastern part of the North China Plain. It is surrounded by mountains to the north, west, and northwest, which help shield the city from harsh winter winds. The city's location has historically made it an important center for trade, culture, and governance, a history that stretches back three millennia!

When in Beijing, one should visit the Forbidden City, the sections of the Great Wall of China that are very near the city, the Summer Palace, Tiananmen Square, and the Temple of Heaven. One should also see the Bird's Nest, the stadium which hosted many of the 2008 Olympic events.