‘The Big Apple’ New York and ‘Athens of the North’ Edinburgh

Cities carry their own unique soul and history. And perhaps nothing encapsulates a city’s identity more concisely than its nickname.

 

Sometimes born from historical events, other times from landscapes or the temperament of its people, these nicknames are more than affectionate labels—they play an important role in shaping a city’s character.

 

This time, let’s explore fascinating nicknames of famous cities around the world and their origins.

 

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1. New York (USA) – The Big Apple

 

The most famous nickname for New York.

 

In the 1920s, sportswriter John J. Fitz Gerald referred to New York’s horse racing scene as “the biggest apple”—the ultimate prize. At the time, New York was the “land of greatest opportunity” for dreamers, and “The Big Apple” captured that perfectly.

 

Jazz musicians later adopted it to mean “the best stage,” and in the 1970s, the city’s tourism campaign cemented it as an enduring symbol.

 

 

 

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2. Paris (France) – La Ville Lumière (The City of Light)

 

This nickname holds two meanings.

 

First, the literal light : Paris was one of the first major European cities to install large-scale gas street lighting in the 19th century.

 

Second, the figurative light: during the 18th century Enlightenment, Paris was the intellectual and cultural beacon of Europe.

 

 

 

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3. Chicago (USA) – The Windy City

 

Many assume it’s due to strong winds from Lake Michigan, but the origin is more satirical.

 

In the late 1800s, while competing with New York to host the 1893 World’s Fair, New York media mocked Chicago’s politicians and citizens as being “full of hot air,” coining the nickname.

 

Of course, Chicago’s breezy climate didn’t hurt the association.

 

 

 

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4. Rome (Italy) – The Eternal City

 

Used since ancient Rome, this grand nickname comes from poet Tibullus in the 1st century BCE, who called it Urbs Aeterna. It reflects the Romans’ belief that their empire would never fall.

 

Even though the empire is gone, its legacy remains eternal.

 

 

 

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5. Prague (Czech Republic) – City of a Hundred Spires

 

Inspired by the fairy-tale skyline of countless spires rising above the red rooftops of the Old Town.

 

Philosopher Bernard Bolzano coined it in the 19th century after counting around 100 spires. Today, there are over 500, but the charm of “100” has kept the nickname alive.

 

 

 

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6. Edinburgh (Scotland) – Athens of the North

 

Edinburgh has two contrasting nicknames.

 

“Auld Reekie” (“Old Smoky”) refers to its once coal-smogged skyline.

 

“Athens of the North” honors its role as the center of the Scottish Enlightenment in the 18th century, with architecture and culture reminiscent of ancient Athens.

 

 

 

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7. Venice (Italy) – Bride of the Sea

 

Beyond being “The City of Water,” Venice is also called “Bride of the Sea,” a name stemming from the ancient ceremony where the Doge would toss a ring into the Adriatic, declaring, “We wed thee, O Sea.” The title La Serenissima (“The Most Serene Republic”) also reflects Venice’s long history of peace and prosperity.