Waterfront Cities of the World

Lisbon has been transformed over the past 20 years into Europe's most cosmopolitan city.

The people of Buenos Aires, known as the Paris of the Americas, live life to the fullest.

The oldest city in France is a city of contradictions.

Moscow is located between five rivers and seven seas and is known as the global capital of the outrageous.

Frozen in time, Havana reveals some of its secrets; meet the photographers of the Cuban revolution and learn about the reality and role of socialism, baseball and salsa dancing, and visit the rooftop gardens that feed 90 percent of the local population.

Hot water geysers dominate Reykjavik's landscape.

Having been defined by NASA, petroleum and cowboy ways, Houston is surprisingly liberal.

More than 80 languages are spoken on the streets of the Australian city of Melbourne.

Helsinki, a leader in social policy, innovator in telecommunications and the sauna capital of the world, is composed of 150 islands.

Bangkok is a city in motion; traffic is impossibly dense: cars, boats, overcrowded streets; beneath the culture of chaos, this Buddhist city possesses a deep and permanent respect for well-being.

Tel Aviv is the international capital of Bauhaus architecture and an example of tolerant co-existence.

With more than 50 percent of its population under the age of 24, change is being ushered in by Cape Town's youth; optimism, hope and resilience pit themselves against the lingering wounds of apartheid.

A city with a history of the trend and counter trend, San Francisco is home to living a greener and simpler life.

Tokyo Bay is the largest agglomeration in the world, comprised of 26 cities, 23 wards, 5 sub-prefectures, 8 villages and several islands; its 34-million population increases by 2.5-million people during the day.

Discover the beauty and complexity of Hong Kong through the lens of renowned photographer Heidi Hollinger as she explores the essence of this vibrant city to capture its spirit and soul.

After rebuilding itself, Panama City is becoming a popular retirement destination.

Salvador de Bahia's culture including street parties and capoeira.

Boston has a high concentration of higher education and research institutes.

The symbol of new Russia, St. Petersburg is a link between a large inaccessible country and the world.

Valletta, the capital of Malta, is undoubtedly the smallest city to be explored by the series…but it’s definitely worth the trip. Officially recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1980, Valletta was founded in 1565 and provided a safe haven for just about anyone.

It is said that Copenhagen is primarily designed for its people: it’s very practical and very down to earth. In the Danish capital, everything works extremely well. In terms of energy, the city has done its homework and now ranks among the world leaders in generating clean energy and sustainable development. In the port of Copenhagen, 27 windmills adorn the landscape. But the port here isn’t an industrial mess – between the ships, the water is clean, and the docks are used by locals for casual family swimming.

Nestled between the sea and mountains, Vancouver is both a city of water as well as an outdoor haven, which explains its citizens’ obsession with sports. Just 125 years ago, this city was virgin forest and Heidi finds out how such a young city managed to develop in population, size and importance in such a short time.

Land of oranges, Valencia is a critical city of importance for Spain. Its strategic location on the Mediterranean attracted Greeks, Romans and Moors - who have all taken turns at its control. During the Roman Empire, Valencia was a supply restocking city for ships, and a major trading hub. Today, with its parks and long beaches, Valencia has no car congestion, just the sea and the perfect climate.

In a city that keeps growing, the question for Istanbul is "where to put all the people?" Due to the high density and historical importance of its buildings, creating or renovating structures is an issue. But the city continues to welcome an eclectic group of cultures - booming economically and socially - and becoming one of the most dynamic cities in the world.

For several years, Singapore has been neck and neck with Shanghai as the largest port in the world. Made of 64 islands on a territory about the size of Toronto, Singapore is also a country. Fifty years ago, the archipelago of tropical forests was covered in tiny wooden houses - it is now one of the world's most eccentric and vibrant cities, host to some of today's most ambitious architectural projects.

Known for its gondolas, its sunsets and amazing light, Venice is the world's only medieval city still standing today. For 1000 years, Venice was a trading capital, an economic power linked to the sea. It was the centre of activity and the warehouse for tradesmen, seamen and artisans. But annual floods and 21-million tourists a year are compromising the city on stilts, and Venitians struggle to find a solution.

A look at the transformation of Doha, the capital of Qatar, from a quiet fishing village to a bustling city.

The Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg truly is a metropolis, but with an abundance of green areas and countless canals Hamburg also ranks as one of Germany’s greenest and most attractive cities. Water dominates the landscape in Hamburg.

New York is constantly changing; Harlem and 125th Street have been redefined; Brooklyn, the working class suburb, has become a destination in its own right; High Line Park, now stretching above 16 city blocks of the West Village, continues to grow.

Stockholm, a city made up of 14 islands connected by some 50 bridges, is highlighted in the third-season opener, which examines how Europe's first green capital tackles environmental problems and is an ideal destination for walkers and cyclists

A guide to the metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, with its white-sand beaches, lush rain forests and green mountains.

The varied landscape throughout Los Angeles is explored.

A look at what Auckland, New Zealand, has to offer.

Shanghai's transformation over the years is highlighted.

Mumbai, the financial and commercial capital of India, is explored.

A look at the culture and society of Seoul.

Exploring the history of the city of Cartagena in Columbia and the changes it is going through.

An overview of Shanghai, one of China's most populated cities, is also known as a leading port and major center for industry, commerce and finance.

The history, culture and traditions of Oslo are explored.

Dublin's past and future are explored.

The culture and economy of Amsterdam are explored during a tour of the city, which also examines life on the water.

Exploring the Moroccan city of Tangier's culture and diversity.

Season 4 begins by examining the impact of water and rail on the economy of Chicago. Also: a look at the gourmet delights of the city, as well as its architectural wonders.

Portland never set out to be a flashy fast-growing city. Instead, this city in the state of Oregon, USA has managed to cultivate and maintain an exceptional quality of life. Here residents protect their natural surroundings (and they get out and enjoy them!), they get around on bikes and they buy locally grown products making Portland a unique livable city.

The birthplace of Western philosophy and the Olympic Games, Athens is an ancient city that has always been at the heart of the action. Partly due to its strategic entry point into Europe, the city is a revolving door for immigration. And thanks to the legacy of its 7000 years of history, the city has been able to hold its head above water in spite of the financial crisis.

With 46 km of lakefront along Lake Ontario (138 km if you count its many bays and islands), the biggest city in Canada is more of a waterfront city than most people give it credit for. Toronto is often thought of as the main economic engine of the country but it's also fast becoming a vibrant cultural capital. This mega- city whose suburbs reach as far as the eye can see.

The decline of its naval base could have meant the demise of this small city on the Loire River. However in some ways, this is exactly why Nantes was able to bounce back and reinvent itself as a creative capital. By revamping 3 urban forests, 100 family gardens and a handful of islands on the Loire, the city's young residents (2/3 are under 40 years old!).

A well-kept secret located a few 225 km across the bay from its sister city Buenos Aires, the capital of Uruguay is both discreet and bustling. Its Rambla on the Rio de Plata is teeming with people and yet still manages not to be overwhelming. Even though Montevideo remains divided between the haves and the have-nots, the city is united by its progressive vision about the future.

The industrial, cultural and financial heart of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur was built at the confluence of two muddy rivers which is how the city got its name. This culturally rich urban centre has experienced incredible growth allowing it to foster an original and innovative array of architecture. In spite of an excellent public transit system, the city continues to deal with traffic.

The Clyde River is a character unto itself separate from this Scottish metropolis. Its riverside has flowed throughout the different periods of prosperity of the city leaving vestiges that have been completely integrated into the renewal of the riverfront. Glasgow defies its reputation as an obscure down-and-out city. Its transition into a modern city has had an un expected effect.

A large industrial port city located between two rivers, Philadelphia has developed in the shadow of its neighbouring cities, Washington, DC and New York. In fact, some say that Philly is the 6th borough of New York City! However its one hundred diverse neighbourhoods easily prove that Philadelphia isn't just a simple manufacturing town.

Straddling both sides of the Danube River, the elegant Hungarian capital is an architectural paradise. What's more, Budapest is one of the most important capitals of Jewish culture in the world. It's also an eclectic metropolis where thermal baths can be found throughout the city and play an integral part of daily life.

Founded on precarious ledges of land on Chile's west coast, Valpo's urban life revolves largely around its 42 hills facing the Pacific Ocean. For many years a compulsory stop for passing marine traffic, the city suffered greatly with the opening of the Panama Canal. But for the past few years, Valpo has been experiencing an urban renewal, a liveliness that can be felt all over the city.

Rome is undeniably charming, but it's also a city that has developed very quickly into what some would call dizzying disorganization. However traveling through Rome's underground makes one realize that this chaotic city was built on an exceptional past. Tourism is everywhere but you can still find quaint little neighbourhoods located off the beaten path that will make you want to stay!

The capital of Senegal is known as the metropolis of West Africa. And with good reason! Dakar is a lively city and a magnet for youth from all over the African continent. In order to truly appreciate the city, you have to unlock its various codes. Whether you're talking about urban planning, the local economy or public transportation

The political, economic and cultural capital of Taiwan is growing and modernizing at an exorbitant rate. But it's the small traditional neighborhoods that reveal more about the soul of the city. Surrounded by forests, Taipei is also a very green city committed to fiercely protecting its natural beauty.