Paris is one of the most iconic and beautiful cities on the planet. The Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Louvre Museum are some of its many popular sights, but any visitor to Paris will tell you that the atmosphere of Paris itself is just as memorable. Paris’ boulevards, designed by Georges Haussmann in the era of Napoleon III, helped make Paris what it is today. This video tells the story of the city’s great renovation, from start to finish.

How Boulevards Changed Paris Forever

After the federation of the Australian colonies in 1901, the new nation decided it needed a new capital city. The government launched an international urban design competition, and what followed was a bold design, intrigue, and a plan unfulfilled.

The Contest to Design Australia’s Capital

Shanghai has the world’s longest metro system, carrying more passengers than systems in New York, Tokyo, London, and Paris. Unbelievably, It achieved this feat in less than 30 years. This video tells the story of how Shanghai built its metro system and how the metro system helped build modern Shanghai.

How Shanghai Built the World’s Largest Metro System

Central Park is an 850-acre rectangle at the center of Manhattan, an oasis of green perfectly contrasted with the dense buildings around it. But that location and brilliant design were not foregone conclusions, and this video tells the story of the design of America’s most famous park.

The Brilliant Design of New York’s Central Park

Venice is an iconic city, known for its network of canals. How did such an extraordinary city come to be? How were the canals built? And how do they work today?

Why Does Venice Have So Many Canals?

Cairo is more than just pyramids — in fact, the city was founded thousands of years later. Cairo’s history is one of conquest and construction, mosques and madrasas.

Cairo’s History: Roman Fortress to Modern Megacity

Revisit the biggest moments in the greatest cities on Earth. Great Cities tells the fascinating backstories of Paris, Shanghai, New York, and more.

All Episodes of Great Cities

Season 1