Discovering the Charm of Suzhou, China - The Venice of the East

Long before modern marketing, people understood a simple trick: link something new to a familiar name. This method makes its meaning instantly clear. Cities were among the first to use this strategy. A nickname often serves as the first mental shortcut we use to decide whether we might want to visit or live in a new country. Call a canal town “the Venice of the North” or a bustling city “the Paris of the East,” and travelers know what to expect before they arrive.

Here’s how cities around the world borrowed famous nicknames to tell you who they are. A good nickname is only the beginning of a successful move.

The Gold Standard

Some names travel better than others. “Paris” and “Athens” have been borrowed more than almost any city name in the world. The reason is simple: each one comes with a full picture attached. Say “Paris,” and you imagine boulevards, cafés, style, and romance. Say “Athens,” and you think of ideas, learning, and civilization. Nobody needs a footnote. A borrowed name works best when it saves the listener the explanation while hinting at something you'd want to get to know.

The “Paris of…”

Buenos Aires, Argentina, became the “Paris of South America” for its grand boulevards and café culture. Beirut, Lebanon, earned the title “Paris of the Middle East” for its French-influenced arts scene. Budapest and Shanghai have both been called the “Paris of the East” as well.

The “Athens of…”

Athens itself was famously called the “City of the Violet Crown," by the ancient poet Pindar, often interpreted as a nod to the glow of its sunsets. Centuries later, Bogotá, Colombia, became known as the “Athens of South America” for its universities, libraries, and reputation for scholarship and refined Spanish.

Nature and Atmosphere

Not every nickname points to another city. Some describe what it feels like to live there. Call a country green, peaceful, or calm, and someone weighing a move can already picture what their new life will be like.

The Green Cities

Nairobi, Kenya, is nicknamed the “Green City in the Sun” for its greenery and mild climate. Islamabad, Pakistan, is also known as a green capital, with planned parks and tree-lined avenues set against the Margalla Hills.

The Cities of Peace

Baghdad’s original name, Madinat al-Salam, literally means “City of Peace.” Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, carries the same idea in its name, which is commonly translated as “Haven of Peace.”

Water and Topography

Water and hills are the most reliable things a city can borrow because you can see them. A canal, a river, or a steep skyline is a shape people recognize before they know anything else about the place. These comparisons often start as an outsider’s first impression.

The “Venice of the East”

Suzhou, China, is often compared to Venice for its canals, bridges, and water towns. This comparison traces back to Marco Polo's admiring descriptions of the city. Bangkok, Thailand, earned the same title because it grew around a web of canals (khlongs) and floating markets.

The “City of Seven Hills”

If Rome got the nickname first because it was built on seven hills east of the Tiber River, Lisbon, Portugal, also got the nickname because it is spread across seven hills (As Sete Colinas) overlooking the Tagus River.

The “Pearls” of the World

Cities that call themselves the pearl of something usually tell prospective visitors they’re hidden gems worth the trip. Unlike “Paris of” or “Venice of,” a pearl doesn’t borrow another city’s fame. It appeals to the concept of being found, which can attract anyone looking for privacy.

The “Pearl of the Orient”

Manila, Philippines, was long called “Perla del Oriente” as a trade hub linking Asia and the Americas. Hong Kong and Shanghai later earned similar titles as Asia's vibrant city centers.

The “Pearl of the Pacific”

Mazatlán, Mexico, is known as “La Perla del Pacífico” for its sweeping coastal boardwalk, historic port, and sunsets. Guayaquil, Ecuador, shares the title as South America's bustling Pacific port.

The “Pearl of the Sea”

The Portuguese Island of Madeira is called the “Pearl of the Atlantic” for its volcanic cliffs, lush vegetation, and mild climate. Sri Lanka is the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” thanks to its teardrop shape and rich biodiversity.

When you're choosing a new country to move to, a nickname might make you fall for the place. However, it can’t tell you what daily life is like. Neighborhoods, routines, rent, paperwork, language, and community are the details that decide whether a move works. So, whether you choose to live in the “Pearl of the Pacific” or the “Venice of the East,” it’s what you build after you arrive that will matter in the long term.

Alphonsine Pelletier is an expatriate author living in Los Angeles who writes about the emotional journey of moving abroad. Her latest book, "Starting a New Life Abroad: From Honeymoon Phase to Commitment," uses the language of romantic relationships to guide readers through the stages of the expat journey. Learn more at* www.alphonsinepelletier.com.*