Surprising facts about famous cities around the world can educate us about our world’s various landmarks, cultures, and festivals. It is a great way for students to learn about unique traditions and hidden gems and use this information as basic general knowledge for competitive exams and quizzes. From the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris to the bustling streets of Tokyo, famous cities around the world are full of fascinating surprises waiting to be discovered. Here are some surprising facts about famous cities around the world for students to explore this world.
Table of Contents
- 0.1 1. Berlin has more museums than rainy days
- 0.2 2. Tokyo employs “pushers” during rush hour
- 0.3 3. Mongolia Has the World’s Sparsest Population
- 0.4 4. China has built a replica of Paris
- 0.5 5. Granada is Europe’s “Capital of Caves”
- 0.6 6. Oymyakon in Russia is the coldest inhabited place on Earth
- 0.7 7. The Bahamas hosts the world’s largest underwater sculpture
- 0.8 8. Galesnjak, Croatia, is the most perfect heart-shaped island
- 0.9 9. New York’s Central Park is the most filmed location in the world
- 0.10 10. You can walk across Liechtenstein in less than a day
- 0.11 11. Denmark is the cleanest country in the world
- 0.12 11. Turkey’s Kuskoy village still uses “bird language” to communicate
- 0.13 12. May 1st used to be the official Moving Day in New York City
- 0.14 13. London cabbies must pass “The Knowledge” to drive a black taxi
- 1 FAQs
1. Berlin has more museums than rainy days
Interestingly, Berlin, the capital of Germany, houses at least 170 museums, which is more than the number of rainy days it encounters.
2. Tokyo employs “pushers” during rush hour
Everyone knows about Tokyo’s busy train networks. But what makes them interesting? Well, considering its hectic rush hours, Tokyo’s train stations hire pushers, also known as Oshiya, to pack commuters into crowded trains.
3. Mongolia Has the World’s Sparsest Population
Mongolia, a country in East Asia, has a population density so low that it has the world’s sparsest population. Interestingly, its land is so wide and remote that you can go days without encountering another person. Doesn’t it sound so strange? Well, it is surely an ideal destination for introverts or those seeking to reconnect with nature.
4. China has built a replica of Paris
Hangzhou is the capital of Zhejiang, China. This tourist city is famous for something unique. It features a replica of Paris, complete with a smaller Eiffel Tower and iconic French landmarks. Known as Little Paris, this city perfectly captures the essence of the French capital with a taste of its architecture and culture.
5. Granada is Europe’s “Capital of Caves”
Did you know that in Spain, Granada’s Sacromonte and Guadix caves are home to over 2,000 underground houses? Yes, you read it correctly! This one-of-a-kind cave-dwelling tradition dates back thousands of years around the 15th century. It provides international tourists with a glimpse of Spain’s rich history of refuge and survival.
6. Oymyakon in Russia is the coldest inhabited place on Earth
Located in the depths of Siberia, Oymyakon holds the title of “Pole of Cold.” it is the coldest inhabited place on Earth where the average temperature in winter is generally around -50°C. It is so cold that even alcohol turns solid. Despite the harsh conditions, around 500 residents continue to live in this remote village.
7. The Bahamas hosts the world’s largest underwater sculpture
When it comes to Carribean’s Bahamas, there is more than what meets the eye. Its crystal clear water hides the world’s largest underwater sculpture weighing 60 tons and measuring 16 feet tall. This masterpiece was created by artist Jason deCaires Taylor and enhances the underwater ecosystem by attracting marine life.
8. Galesnjak, Croatia, is the most perfect heart-shaped island
Recognised for its flawless heart shape, Galesnjak is an Island in Croatia, known as the “Island of Love,”. It is still being developed as a romantic destination, set to host weddings and honeymooners.
9. New York’s Central Park is the most filmed location in the world
Central Park, also called America’s first public park, provides solace amidst Manhattan’s hustle. It is beautifully adorned with grassy lawns, bridges, sculptures, and monuments. Moreover, it has made appearances in countless films such as Romeo and Juliet (1908).
10. You can walk across Liechtenstein in less than a day
Are you finding it hard to believe the heading? Well, it is absolutely true. Liechtenstein is one of the smallest countries in the world. It is so compact that you can cross it on foot in just a day. But do not take it lightly as you might encounter steep inclines along your journey.
11. Denmark is the cleanest country in the world
When it comes to maintaining cleanliness and ensuring environmental conservation, Denmark takes it to another level. In 2021, it was ranked as the world’s cleanest nation. Landmarks like the CopenHill waste-to-energy plant showcase innovative solutions while providing unique experiences, such as skiing on its roof. It has a waste energy plant that turns garbage into heat and power.
Source: CIRT/ Picture of Denmark
11. Turkey’s Kuskoy village still uses “bird language” to communicate
In Kuşköy, Turkey, netizens still rely on a unique whistling language called bird language. Despite its obvious name, this language is commonly used to send messages using high-pitched whistles and melodies across the steep terrain. This unique tradition made it to the UNESCO 2017 list of Intangible Cultural Heritage.
12. May 1st used to be the official Moving Day in New York City
Until the 1920s, May 1st was officially known as Moving Day in New York City. in other words, if you were planning to move into an apartment that year, you would have to wait until May 1st. However, as the city and its population expanded, this years-old tradition had to bid farewell.
13. London cabbies must pass “The Knowledge” to drive a black taxi
In London, cab drivers are expected to memorize over 25,000 streets and 20,000 landmarks to earn their licenses. Isn’t it too much work? This rigorous process has earned the name of “The Knowledge,”. It can take years to complete and navigate London map-free and is a point of pride for cabbies.
FAQs
Cities around the world are full of wonderful surprises! For instance, Tokyo has vending machines for almost everything, including hot ramen, bread, and ice cream. Similarly, Venice has a car-free zone with streets made entirely of water with people using Vaporetto (Water bus) to travel.
New York City is one of the most famous cities in the world. It has earned the nickname, the Big Apple. NYU has numerous famous tourist attractions including Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park.
Venice is one of the most unique cities in the world. Rather than roads and cars, Venice has canals, water bodies, and boats for commuting. Apart from this, Venice features stunning buildings and gondola rides that make it more magical.
Many people say that Paris is the most beautiful city. It has several iconic landmarks such as the Louvre Museum, the Eiffel Tower, and the Palace of Versailles.
Miles City, Montana, is known for its cowboy culture! It hosts the famous Bucking Horse Sale, a huge rodeo event every year. It’s a lively celebration of the Wild West spirit that’s totally worth seeing.
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