Can you name these cities?

No matter where you cruise, the places you discover can be recognised by unique defining features. Seasoned travellers take great pride in knowing the little things that make a city, a city and a country, a country. If you think you’ve got what it takes, take our quiz and see if you can tell your Rio de Janeiro from your Hong Kong: 

Australia has a reputation for being a melting pot of cultures and Melbourne is no exception to that rule. This incredibly dynamic city can offer all kinds of experiences, from beautiful outdoor spaces like the Royal Botanic Gardens to a more urban metropolitan undertone in its city laneways and arcades. It regularly tops the most liveable city list and we can certainly see why. 

As the capital of Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is often very recognisable thanks to its feature statue, Christ the Redeemer. Take that out of the picture and suddenly the city is a little harder to pinpoint. This incredible city is a tropical paradise, where you can while away your time on shore drinking rum in various bars or enjoying the beach. 

We chatted with Mark from Wolters World and he told us: “I have been to Rio de Janeiro four times and each time it was outstanding. The locals combined with the beaches make Rio Rio. Walking through town with the locals knowing they want to hit the beach just as much as you do really gives the city a great vibe. Whether it is heading up to Christ the Redeemer or Sugarloaf Mountain or taking in some of the historic sites around the city, you really do fall in love with Rio de Janeiro.” 

The colourful capital of Greenland isn’t a place that many people consider when planning their next trip. Just below the Arctic Circle, Nuuk is the world’s most northerly capital and can be recognised by its gorgeous coloured buildings. Jeff from What Doesn’t Suck told us, “We really loved Nuuk as it is easily one of the most interesting, unique and remote cities in the world. There is a mystery about this little arctic nation nestled on an 85,000 km2 ice sheet dotted with colourful houses and we’d always wanted to see it for ourselves. 

“I think what makes Nuuk so notable is the huge importance it plays in understanding the fascinating history, culture and harsh conditions of the people who call it home and have for thousands of years. The little Nuuk Museum is absolutely packed full of both the settler and local culture and anyone going on a cruise to Greenland owes it to themselves, and the country, to learn as much as they can while in Nuuk before heading to other areas of the country. 

“Sure, Nuuk is tiny, not much seems to be going on during parts of the year but there is a lot of heart, an unending group of people with fascinating stories and a silence you’ll simply hear nowhere else on earth.”  

Although at a quick glance, this skyline may appear to be Paris, it is actually Tokyo. Situated in the Shibakoen district of the city, you can find Tokyo Tower, an Eiffel Tower-inspired communications and observation tower. The tower is the second tallest structure in Japan and its bright orange paint job makes sure it stands out next to the skyscrapers around it. 

Tiffy from Asia Travel Bug told us more about Japan’s futuristic capital, “Amazing food, excellent transportation and very helpful people - these are the top three reasons I visit Tokyo over and over again. Often labelled as an expensive place, not many people know that Tokyo is actually a very reasonably priced city. You can have a filling beef rice bowl for just $4 and a flavourful bowl of ramen can be had for just $10. 

“Getting around Tokyo for sightseeing is always a breeze with its excellent transport network. In fact, you’ll rarely find the need to take a taxi. Sometimes, you can even see locals in their kimonos taking the subway to head to their parties which is a very interesting sight. And last but not least, the locals in Tokyo and all throughout Japan are very hospitable, nice, friendly and polite. In case I feel lost when navigating the train stations in Tokyo, locals would often approach me to direct me to the right way to go, even without me asking for help. That’s the true spirit of Japanese hospitality. So, come to Tokyo and experience it for yourself.” 

Defined by the iconic Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia is buzzing with frenetic energy. As an incredibly forward-thinking city, it is right on the pinnacle of technology but still retains many more traditional features of Malaysian culture. 

Melissa from A Broken Backpack has spent a lot of time in Kuala Lumpur, she told us: “I have travelled to Kuala Lumpur many times, it even became my home for a few weeks a couple of years ago. Kuala Lumpur is a safe destination where you can enjoy delicious food, and appreciate a mix of cultures while being surrounded by modernity and beautiful buildings. 

“Kuala Lumpur is very modern. I know I can find anything I could possibly need in Southeast Asia in this big city, which isn’t the case everywhere. While I’m there, I normally take another sneak peek at the famous Petronas Towers, walk across Chinatown and go for a foodie adventure in Bukit Bintang.” 

As one of the more obscure cities in this quiz, Casablanca’s name far outranks its popularity as a tourist destination. However, this beautiful city on the northwest African coast is an oasis in its own right, blending French and Moroccan styles to create its own original and distinctive culture. Beautiful buildings are carefully crafted with a fascinating history lining every street, so whichever road you choose to follow, there will be something to get lost in. 

When most people think of Panama, they think of the Panama Canal. This means Panama City is often a second or third thought. However, it shouldn’t be overlooked so easily. With booming Central American American weather and a great split of built-up city and outdoor areas, there’s plenty to do here. Within only a short walk of the city to Parque Natural Metropolitano, you can be within the jungle itself watching monkeys and other wildlife. 

The capital of the Philippines, Manila is a hub of fantastic culture. Located on the bay, this is one of the only cities that can offer visitors both beach vistas and an urban metropolis. Although not the most popular tourist destination, it has a lot to offer in the way of sights and attractions. 

Carolin from Breathing Travel told us about her time in Manila, “I was very surprised by the city of Manila and actually quite enjoyed staying there for a few days. I stayed in Makati, which is a very safe part with lots of shopping malls. I also made the trip to visit Intramuros, the historic part of Manila which is filled with amazing historic discoveries and Spanish heritage which I wasn’t aware existed. I also discovered some amazing restaurants and cafés in Manila and I met some beautiful locals who I’m still friends with to this day. 

“Manila is different. From the moment I arrived in thick traffic, chatting with a very friendly Uber driver, I could feel that Filipinos are incredibly hospitable. I had heard that most of the people in the Philippines speak English well but indeed, I was shocked at how well everyone communicated. Manila, in fact, has more things to do than most travellers imagine but it is often overlooked.” 

The burnt orange rooftops and sun-bleached building exteriors here mean Porto is always shining bright on the banks of the Douro River. A great location to visit on a river cruise, the city is filled with passion and life. The home of Port, you should be sure to stop for a tipple whilst you’re here. Although it might not seem possible, Lisbon has an edgier, younger rival and this is it. Porto is a historic city with charisma and it’s a fantastic stop on any cruise. 

The historical elegance of Stockholm is something that is truly unrivalled elsewhere. As with many Scandinavian cities, it has preserved its traditional architecture and feel, particularly in its core, you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time. As well as that, throughout the year, as the seasons change, so does the city, with a baking hot sun in the summertime and blankets of snow in the winter. 

The design of Erasmusbrug, the iconic white bridge in Rotterdam, is reminiscent of bridges in Dublin, Buenos Aires, California, Mexico, Seville and Valencia so Rotterdam may feel familiar to you even if you’ve never cruised here. But the Erasmusbrug bridge is the only part of Rotterdam that’s comparable to other cities around the world. Its eclectic architecture and innovative vibe make it an exciting city to visit and one that you won’t forget any time soon. 

Even without the Burj Khalifa in sight, Dubai is easily recognised by its towering architecture. This city truly exudes opulence, and it’s certainly one of the most memorable in the world. 

We chatted with Steve and Sabina from Sunset Travellers, who told us a bit more about Dubai, “Dubai was an experience on its own! We have travelled to many places around the world but this certainly stood out from the rest. From the sheer scale of the buildings to the overwhelming wealth that is bursting from every corner, Dubai is breathtaking. We have never seen so much gold on display. We have seen many big cities over the years on our travels, but Dubai just takes it to another level. It’s going to be extremely interesting to go back there again in 5 or 10 years and see how much more expansive the city has become.” 

Situated on the south coast of England, Southampton is a vibrant trading hub with a diverse population and rich maritime heritage that dates back over 150 years. As one of the UK’s busiest cruise ports, it’s somewhere many of you would have been, although how many of you would have recognised Southampton’s skyline? We’re not sure! 

Situated on Alaska’s Inside Passage, Juneau is unlike any other state capital we know. Surrounded by rich forests and glaciers, some of the best things to do in this city are to get out of it and go exploring.

A Jaunt with Joy has visited Juneau a few times, she told us more: “My experiences in Juneau have all been so fun and memorable. It’s a charming city on the water, surrounded by mountains and fishing boats. Some of my best memories include hiking the Mendenhall Glacier ice caves and eating crab bisque at Tracy’s King Crab Shack. 

“What makes Juneau so notable is its access to stunning outdoor locations, like the Mendenhall Glacier and Tongass National Forest. It also has plenty of mouth-watering restaurants with fresh seafood and phenomenal wildlife-viewing opportunities.” 

With the Space Needle towering high above the city and the shadow of Mount Rainer in the background, there are a few distinctive features in this image that should give Seattle away. 

Valerie from Valise Mag told us, “Seattle is a vibrant town, especially in the summer months when most people who take cruises are visiting. The city’s nickname, The Emerald City, is apt because of the green trees that add life to the streets and contrast beautifully with the blue skies and deeper blue waters of Puget Sound, Lake Washington and Lake Union.

“Seattle is notable for many reasons but its culture is probably the biggest aspect people notice. Seattle is somewhat isolated in the upper left corner of the country and this comes across in politics, culture and society. From the grunge era in the 1990s to the tech boom and west coast casual style and food, Seattle has a very distinct vibe.”

We also chatted with Janice from Travel with Janice. She lives in Seattle and told us, “As a native, I love Seattle and all it has to offer; the city itself, in addition to the surrounding waterways and mountains. The climate is mild, even in the winter, due to the Sound’s warming effect. In the summer, the Sound has a cooling effect. Snow is also rare. 

“Gorgeous mountains can be seen from Seattle, in every direction, on a clear day. Mount Rainer, or The Mountain as referred to by locals, towers over the city and Lake Washington, at over 14,000 feet. The Rugged Olympic Mountains can be seen to the west, and the iconic Cascade Mountains dominate the skyline across Lake Washington and past Bellevue to the east.”