Why New York Is Called "The Big Apple" and How 8 Other Famous Cities Got Their Nicknames

“Muddy York” sounds like a nickname that would be better suited for New York when it’s raining. But it’s actually a nickname for the city of Toronto in Canada.

“Muddy York” is now not as popular a moniker as it used to be, but the name refers to a time in Toronto’s history when there was no drainage system or sewers—meaning the “muddy” part of the name was quite literal.

If you travel south, you’ll eventually hit Antarctica, home to the South Pole (and little else). 

However, before you get there, you may reach Ushuaia, a city in the Patagonia region of Argentina that is commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the world, earning it the nickname “El Fin del Mundo” (“the End of the World”). 

Las Vegas is a city known for its robust nightlife scene and its casinos. 

• Over 40 million people visit each year to indulge in its gambling, drinking, and dazzling shows. 
• Las Vegas is also a top wedding destination, both for preplanned weddings and more on-the-fly affairs. 
• It’s no surprise that this city, where many vices can be indulged, is called “Sin City”—because “what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas.”

With an estimated population of 18.4 million people, Mumbai is one of the most populous cities in India. 

Mumbai is not only the financial hub of India but also the home of Bollywood, one of the most popular Indian movie industries, making this city a particularly appealing place to move to. 

The opportunities here are endless, which is why Mumbai is often referred to as “the City of Dreams.”

Located on the southeastern coast of Australia, Sydney is a city that takes advantage of its location. 

Once a major port city, Sydney is sometimes called “Harbour City” in honor of this prime real estate. 

People enjoy hitting the beach to go surfing or snorkeling, and one of the most recognizable buildings, the Sydney Opera House, is right on the harbor!

Cairo is not only the largest city in Egypt but also one of the largest in the Middle East. 

• It is known for its rich history and serves as a center for the film and music industries in the area. 
• Cairo also is known for having a wealth of Islamic architecture, which is why you might hear it being called “the City of a Thousand Minarets.”

Whether it’s because French is considered the “language of love” or because of the romantic walks along the Seine River, Paris has distinguished itself as the “City of Love.” 

Paris has long attracted those with labors of love, such as writers and artists. Love can be found everywhere, from its cozy cafés to the Arts bridge, to which couples in the early 2000s attached padlocks to demonstrate their commitment to one another.