all european capitals
Welcome to Quiz questions on Europe's capitals, created for those who like quick but tricky questions. Here you'll find two rounds of quiz questions and answers that mix geography with history, language and culture. It's suitable both for those who want to brush up on their knowledge and for those who just want a fun online quiz to play alone or with friends.
The questions are not just memory questions, but include clues about rivers, regions, old names, political changes and local features. You will practice connecting facts and recognising details that are often missed in standard quizzes. Each question is accompanied by a short answer and a neutral explanation, making it easy to learn something new, even when you guess wrong.
The layout is designed to be easy to get started with: you can play a quick round on your mobile phone on the sofa, on the bus or during a break, or take both rounds in succession when you want to give your brain a little more resistance. The level of difficulty increases gradually, from more obvious capitals to those that are often mixed up or located in smaller countries. This gives both beginners and experienced quiz players something to chew on without feeling unfair.
The questions cover the whole of Europe - from Nordic capitals with similar names to the political centres of small states and historical centres of power that have changed status over the years. You might come across anything from "Which capital is divided by two continents?" to "Which European capital is located on the river that also gave its name to a famous wine region?". This allows you to gradually build a deeper understanding of how geography relates to history, language and culture.
The quiz works equally well as a warm-up for a major geography exam or as light-hearted entertainment on a quiz night. You can use it to rehearse for travelling, as a classroom activity or just to test who in your group of friends really knows Europe's capitals best - and most importantly, each round gives you concrete, memory-friendly hints that make it easier to remember the capitals the next time they come up.
The capital - the heart and brain of a country
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Round 1
Which city is the seat of the European Commission and is located in Belgium?
Answer: Brussels
The city is the centre of the EU institutions and serves as the political hub of the Union. It is also Belgium's largest international meeting place, with many government departments and embassies located here.
Which capital is divided by the river locally known as the Dâmbovița?
Answer: Bucharest
The Dâmbovița flows through the city centre and has been channelled to reduce flooding. The watercourse is a clear geographical marker in Romania's largest urban area.
Which capital city is located on the Vistula River and is the largest city in Poland?
Answer: Warsaw
The city grew rapidly after the Second World War and was rebuilt on a large scale. The Vistula is the dominant river running through the cityscape, influencing transport and urban planning.
Which capital city is closest to the equator among European countries?
Answer: Valletta
Malta is the southernmost EU country and enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. Valletta is small in size but dense with historic fortifications and administrative buildings.
Which capital city is located on the Danube and is often called the 'Twin City' with a neighbour?
Answer: Bratislava
The city is close to another capital and has short travel between the centre areas. The Danube passes through the city and has been important for trade and strategic defence.
What is the capital of the Kadıköy neighbourhood on the Asian side?
Answer: Istanbul
The city straddles two continents and is divided by the Bosphorus. It has been a historical centre of power under several empires and is Turkey's largest city and economic engine.
Which capital city is located on the Tagus River and has the Belém neighbourhood?
Answer: Lisbon
Belém is linked to Portugal's maritime history and voyages of discovery. The Tagus flows into the Atlantic Ocean, giving the city a large harbour and sweeping river views.
Which capital is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North' because of its waterways?
Answer: Stockholm
The city is built on islands and connected by bridges over several rivers. Its proximity to Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea has shaped defence, trade and urban development.
Which capital city is located on an island and has a parliament called Alþingi?
Answer: Reykjavik
The Alþingi is recognised as one of the world's oldest parliaments in continuous tradition. Located on the south-west coast of Iceland, it is the cultural and administrative centre of the country.
Which capital city is located on the River Liffey and has an area called Temple Bar?
Answer: Dublin
Temple Bar is known for its vibrant cultural and entertainment scene and many historic pubs. The River Liffey divides the city and has long been central to port activity and trade.
Which capital city is located on the Sava River and is known for its East-West cultural mix?
Answer: Zagreb
The Sava River marks an important geographical axis through Croatia and influences the spread of the city. Zagreb has grown as an administrative centre and has historic quarters from several eras.
Which capital city is located on the Tiber River and surrounds an independent microstate enclave?
Answer: Rome
The enclave is a separate state with a religious and administrative centre. The Tiber River flows through the city and has been crucial to settlement, trade and development since ancient times.
Which capital city changed its name from a form with 'Frunze' during Soviet times?
Answer: Bishkek
The name was changed after independence to link to national identity. The city is an administrative centre in Central Asia and is located near mountain ranges and major valleys.
Which capital city is located on the Neva River and was the capital of Russia during the Tsarist era?
Answer: St Petersburg
Founded as a 'window on Europe', the city became the political centre of the empire. The Neva connects lakes to the Baltic Sea and provides the city with many canals and bridges.
Which capital city has a famous castle on a hill that often appears on the city's profile?
Answer: Ljubljana
The castle stands high and has played a role in defence and administration for centuries. The city is the political centre of Slovenia and has a compact historic centre.
Which capital city is located on the Arno River and is known for being the centre of Renaissance art?
Answer: Florence
The Arno divides the city and has influenced trade, bridge building and urban planning. Florence was an important political and cultural centre during the Renaissance with strong patronage families.
Which capital city is located on the Dnipro River and has a famous monastery complex with caves?
Answer: Kyiv
The monastery area is significant for East Slavic Christian history and cultural heritage. The Dnipro is one of Europe's great rivers and creates a clear barrier between the parts of the city.
Which capital city is located on the Neris River and has a TV tower silhouette visible from afar?
Answer: Vilnius
The Neris flows through the city and meets another river in the area, shaping the settlement. Vilnius has a large old city centre with mixed architecture from several periods.
Which capital city is located on the Morava River near borders with several Balkan countries?
Answer: Belgrade
Strategically located at the confluence of rivers, the city has been at the centre of many conflicts. Its location has made it an important hub for transport, trade and military control.
Which capital city has a famous square where an astronomical clock is displayed on the town hall?
Answer: Prague
The Astronomical Clock is a medieval technological and cultural landmark. Located on the Vltava River, the city has preserved neighbourhoods that reflect royal history and older urban planning.
Which capital city is located on the river Spree and has a gate that became a symbol of reunification?
Answer: Berlin
The gate has been used as a political symbol for several eras and became particularly charged after the Cold War. The Spree flows through the city, linking several central neighbourhoods.
Which capital city has an opera house called La Monnaie in French?
Answer: Brussels
The Opera House is an important cultural institution and has historical links to political events in the country. The city is bilingual in public and has many international organisations.
Which capital city sits on seven hills and has the Tagus River nearby?
Answer: Lisbon
The city's topography creates steep streets and vantage points over the water. Its proximity to the wide estuary has made it important for shipping, defence and trade.
Which capital is known for its medieval city walls surrounding the old town?
Answer: Tallinn
The city walls and towers are well preserved and demonstrate the city's role as a trading centre in northern Europe. The Old Town is a coherent historical area with clear defence structures.
Which capital city is located on the Isar river and is known for a great beer tradition?
Answer: Munich
Ice flows through the city, affecting parks and urban spaces along the waterfront. The city is a regional centre in southern Germany and has a strong tradition of culture and festivals.
Let's test your maths knowledge
If you've read the article on the front page of Quizfragor, you know the answer.
Round 2
Which capital city has an ancient city named Stari Grad and is located on the Adriatic Sea?
Answer: Podgorica
The country's historic neighbourhoods have varied in importance following conflict and redevelopment. The city is the administrative centre and is located inland, while the coastal region is important for tourism and trade.
Which capital city has a fortress called Kale, located in a valley by a river?
Answer: Skopje
The Kale fortress is located on a hill and has had military importance for several periods. It is located on the Vardar River and was rebuilt after a major earthquake in the 20th century.
Which capital city has a bridge, often called the Stone Bridge, crossing a large river?
Answer: Skopje
The stone bridge connects older and newer parts of the city across Vardar. It is a local landmark and has been restored several times after damage and changes in urban planning.
Which capital is located where the Sava and Danube rivers meet?
Answer: Belgrade
The confluence has made it strategically important for trade and defence. Its location has meant that it has often been at the centre of regional conflicts and political changes.
Which capital is famous for a large park and lake called Tiergarten and Landwehrkanal?
Answer: Berlin
Tiergarten is a central green space that has evolved from hunting ground to urban park. Canals and rivers have played a major role in the city's infrastructure, transport and recreational areas.
Which capital city has a large bridge called Széchenyi crossing a large river?
Answer: Budapest
The bridge connects two historic neighbourhoods on either side of the Danube. The city was formed by amalgamation and has many bathhouses linked to underground thermal springs.
Which capital is known for an old university centre in the area of Kampa and a large river?
Answer: Prague
Located on the Vltava River, the city has a long tradition of higher education and culture. Areas near the water have historic buildings, bridges and urban spaces shaped by the river.
Which capital city has a neighbourhood called Kazimierz and a strong Jewish history?
Answer: Kraków
Kazimierz was long a centre of Jewish life and culture in the region. The city survived relatively well from war damage and has a large preserved medieval and Renaissance environment.
Which capital city is located on the Manzanares River and has a royal palace dominating the centre?
Answer: Madrid
The Manzanares is smaller than many major European rivers but affects the urban landscape and parks. The palace area reflects the historical role of the monarchy and the city's status as an administrative centre.
Which capital city has a famous square called Syntagma, located near a hill with ancient ruins?
Answer: Athens
Syntagma is a central political and social area of the city. Its proximity to ancient remains shows continuity from classical times to the modern capital, with dense development around historic sites.
Which capital city is located on the River Clyde and became famous for shipbuilding?
Answer: Glasgow
Clyde was crucial to shipbuilding and industrial development in the 19th and 20th centuries. The city is a major cultural centre and has several universities and museums of international repute.
Which European capital has a ring motorway called the M25 nearby?
Answer: London
The M25 surrounds the metropolitan area and is one of Europe's busiest ring roads. The city is a global financial and cultural centre with a long history as the political seat of the United Kingdom.
Which capital city is located on the Moscow River and has a famous fortification in its centre?
Answer: Moscow
The central fortification has served as a political and ceremonial centre for a long time. The Moskva River flows through the city and has influenced both defence lines and older urban development.
Which capital city has a large fortress that is often linked to the city's old harbour?
Response: Helsinki
The fortress was built to protect the area and is an important cultural heritage in an archipelago setting. The city has grown around port functions and is strongly characterised by its proximity to the Baltic Sea.
Which capital city has a famous museum area on an island accessible by bridges and ferries?
Answer: Stockholm
Islands and waterways mean that museums and neighbourhoods are often close to ports and bridgeheads. The geography of the city has influenced defence, shipping and the development of public transport over time.
Which capital city is located on the river Seine and has a large triumphal arch in a roundabout?
Answer: Paris
The Arc de Triomphe stands at a crossroads where several major avenues meet. The Seine divides the city and has been central to commerce and urban development, with bridges linking key neighbourhoods.
Which capital city is located on the Tisza River in a country bordering the Carpathian Mountains?
Answer: Budapest
The Tisza is an important river in the country, although the city's most famous river is another. The capital is a political centre, with older districts reflecting both imperial times and modernisation.
Which capital city has a famous landmark called the Atomium in a large park setting?
Answer: Brussels
The landmark was built for a world exhibition and has become a symbol of modernist design. The surrounding area is used for events and museums, close to major roads and residential neighbourhoods.
Which capital city is located on the Limmat River and has a large lake as an important part of the city?
Answer: Zurich
The Limmat flows out from the lake and divides the city centre. The lake influences climate, recreation and transport, and the city is an important economic centre with international institutions.
Which capital city is located in the Rhone Valley near the confluence with the Saône?
Answer: Lyon
The confluence creates a clear geographical hub and has long favoured trade and logistics. The city is known for its historic district and its role as a regional centre in eastern France.
Which capital city is located on the river Scheldt and is known for diamond and harbour trade?
Answer: Antwerp
The harbour is one of the largest in Europe and has given the city great economic importance. The diamond trade has historically been concentrated in specific neighbourhoods, with international networks and specialised professions.
Which capital city has an old bridge called Ponte Vecchio over a river?
Answer: Florence
The bridge is known for its shops and its historical continuity through several eras. The Arno River has shaped the city's commerce and cityscape, with bridges linking central neighbourhoods.
Which capital city is located on the Amstel River and has many canals as World Heritage Sites?
Answer: Amsterdam
The city's ring of canals was built for trade, housing and water management. The Amstel gave the city its name and has played an important role in its development as a port and trading centre in the Netherlands.
Which capital city is located on the Vltava River and has a castle dominating the heights of the city?
Answer: Prague
The castle sits on a hill and is visible from many bridges and quays along the river. The Vltava creates distinct neighbourhoods and has influenced defence, trade and tourism in the city centre.
Which capital city is located on a lagoon and is known for a canal called the Grand Canal?
Answer: Venice
Built on islands and piles, the city has developed a unique waterway transport system. The Grand Canal is the largest canal and serves as the main route through the historic city centre.
