History's Greatest Cities

Beijing’s history stretches back many centuries, so how has it survived and become the rapidly changing capital of one of the world's fastest-growing economies? Travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield joins writer and broadcaster Jonathan Clements on a journey through Beijing’s extraordinarily lengthy history, exploring its walls, palaces, bridges, and historic neighbourhoods. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the figures who played pivotal roles in Beijing’s story and discover lesser-known places to visit for insights into its heritage. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast. For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/. This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Buenos Aires is a diverse and multinational city with a short but vibrant history. In this episode, academic Jason Wilson leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield through the barrios of the Argentine capital to uncover what makes it so fascinating. Together they revisit the founding of the settlement by European colonisers and discuss the waves of development and further immigration that created the great polyglot metropolis we know today. They'll also meet some of the characters who came, saw and conquered the city, discover places to visit for insights into Buenos Aires’ past, and offer some insider travel tips. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast. For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/. This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Pye roams the streets of the Belgian city dominated by a medieval fortress and graced by Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance monuments Renowned for its busy port and leading role in the diamond trade, Antwerp's story has plenty of booms and busts that shaped both its physical form and its psyche. Historian and author Michael Pye leads travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield around Flanders’ leading city, virtually exploring its old centre, market squares and stately thoroughfares. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the figures who played key roles in the development of Antwerp, and seek out spots to enjoy typical food and drink. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast. For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/. This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the world’s greatest cities become just that – great? Was it location, determination or simple serendipity? This is the question behind History’s Greatest Cities, from HistoryExtra. Join travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield for the latest series, as he ventures to great cities in Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia and the Americas – all in the company of expert guides with rich local and historical knowledge. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters who played key roles in shaping these cities and take in the most captivating historical sites – from temples and palaces to markets and museums. They’ll also sample the cultural delights of each place and share insider tips to help visitors discover little-known facets of these extraordinary destinations. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. Listen to our other podcasts History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories, History’s Greatest Scandals, History’s Greatest Battles, HistoryExtra Long Reads and the HistoryExtra podcast at historyextra.com/podcast. For more fascinating stories from the past, check out BBC History Magazine or head to HistoryExtra.com. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d Anywhere Else: https://historyextra.supportingcast.fm/ This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How was Edinburgh transformed from an ancient defensive site on top of a volcanic crag into a major centre of power, faith, commerce, and learning? In this second of our two festive bonus episodes, travel writer and history buff Paul Bloomfield is joined by historian Rosemary Goring to visit a city that really lights up at New Year: Scotland’s magnificent capital, Edinburgh. Along the way, they’ll meet some of the colourful characters that shaped the city, and lead listeners through the most captivating historic sites and moments. As well as touching on the colours and sounds of Hogmanay, they’ll sample Edinburgh’s cultural delights, sharing top insider travel tips. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine and HistoryExtra. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including the HistoryExtra Podcast, History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra Long Reads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast. We'd love to know what you think about the podcast, so leave us a review and let us know the topics you think we should be covering. Or, follow us on Facebook, X, Instagram or YouTube to keep in touch. You can listen ad-free to this episode and more by subscribing to HistoryExtra Plus here: https://apple.co/4fgRA1d. This episode was hosted by Paul Bloomfield and produced by Jack Bateman. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The festive period is upon us, so we’re bringing you two special bonus episodes of History’s Greatest Cities to mark the season, visiting cities with particularly vibrant festive traditions. First, we’re heading to Munich – a city with a long, rich and colourful history, as well as being home to Germany’s largest Nativity Market, redolent with aromas of glühwein and wurst. We’ll also be enjoying the sparkling celebration of Hogmanay in Edinburgh, exploring how the New Year is welcomed in with fireworks, music and a torchlit procession, as well as sharing stories from the Scottish capital’s past. Episodes will be released on 10 December and 24 December. HistoryExtra Plus subscribers on Apple Podcasts can listen to both episodes ad-free immediately from the 10 December. History’s Greatest Cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. For more fascinating stories from the past, head to HistoryExtra, the home of ‘History’s Greatest’ podcasts. There you can find other feeds including History’s Greatest Conspiracy Theories and HistoryExtra LongReads. Find out more at historyextra.com/podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In episode eight of our series exploring the great historical cities of Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas, travel writer Paul Bloomfield is joined by Professor Chandrika Kaul as they guide us through the bustling streets, markets, temples, mosques, and forts of Delhi. Together they explore the city's mythical origins, its conquests, as well as rise to cultural and political prominence. They’ll roam the historic sites and monuments that speak of this long and turbulent past, and meet some of the key characters who played important roles in the development of Delhi. Along the way, Chandrika also shares some insider tips to help travelers make the most of their visit to this fascinating city. History's greatest cities is produced by the team behind BBC History Magazine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices