(bold instrumental music) - [Narrator] Global cities are not necessarily the biggest in the world, but they are the most economically and politically powerful.

This is where multinational corporations are headquartered.

Where stock exchanges trade trillions in the course of a day.

Where information and services run 24/7, and the lights dim, but never go out.

These are cities that work for a living.

Cities like London... New York... Paris... And Dubai.

There is madness to them, yes.

But a certain beauty as well, embracing and inspiring those who live within their influential realm and those who simply visit.

Without doubt, they are the greatest cities in the world.

(bold instrumental music) (auspicious instrumental music) - [Man] 1, 2, 3!

(upbeat acoustic music) At its height, the British Empire was one of the greatest powers the world had ever known.

At its heart, the city of London.

Today, this historical capital is considered one of the world's truly great global cities.

Despite the empire's decline, London remains an influential player on the world stage.

A globally connected center of culture, politics, and finance.

Perhaps nothing better symbolizes the city's enduring strength than the enigmatically named "Gherkin."

Towering above London's historical low rise architecture, this iconic structure is home to one third of Europe's fortune 500 companies.

An economic powerhouse, more foreign currency is exchanged in the surrounding financial district than New York and Tokyo combined.

Despite its modern standing, London's rise was not without challenges.

Plaguing the city throughout its history... The Great Famine... The Black Death... And the fire of London, an inferno that once destroyed over 60% of the city.

But in the aftermath of each catastrophe, London rose, like a phoenix from the ashes, to continue on its journey to greatness.

Today, the city's colonial past is reflected within its ethnic diversity.

With more than a third of its population born outside the UK, London is considered the world's most multicultural city.

And yet it retains a decidedly British character, upholding its traditions with a remarkably stiff upper lip.

Architecturally, the cityscape is renowned the world over.

Historic landmarks like Tower Bridge, The British Houses of Parliament, and Big Ben are offset by newer, but no less dramatic structures, like the London Eye, which affords one of the best views of the capital.

(mid-tempo instrumental music) Dating back to the 13th century, Trafalgar Square immortalizes Admiral Nelson's heroic sacrifice during the Battle of Trafalgar, a naval conflict during the Napoleonic wars.

(mid-tempo instrumental music) Over the years, the four stone lions guarding Nelson's Column have born witness to countless celebrations, and a number of fiery protests.

The Mall, which runs off the square, leads straight to Buckingham Palace.

Once home to Queen Victoria, the palace has been the working headquarters and official residence of the reigning monarchy since 1837.

It's the best place to see the changing of the guard.

Epitomizing the British Empire, this daily ceremonial display is more than pomp and pageantry.

These senior infantry foot-guards are in fact elite soldiers, charged with protecting the royal family.

While not as obvious, there is another changing of the guard occurring in this ancient capital.

As a sign of the times, new global wealth is replacing old English money.

Once a British protectorate, the oil-rich nation of Qatar has been heavily investing in London's infrastructure.

And as foreign investment pours into the city, many well-known landmarks are changing hands.

Huge sections of the Canary Wharf financial district, The Olympic Village and Harrods, the lavish and decidedly English department store, are all held by Qatari stakeholders, vying to expand their global influence.

With over 8 million people now living in the city, Londoners are well-served by public transport.

'The Tube' is the oldest underground railway in the world.

The first line was opened in 1863.

Today it is central to life in this city, carrying more than a billion commuters a year.

With iconic red double-decker buses and black cabs picking up the shortfall.

A political and financial powerhouse, London is also famed for its culture.

The setting of Charles Dickens novels, where Shakespeare still draws a crowd.

And the launching pad of world-famous contemporary musicians.

Today it remains a thriving hub of creativity, from the bustling city streets, to the glitz and glamour of London's West End.

Centuries in the making, London's fortunes have risen and fallen with the tides of the River Thames.

Standing the test of time, it remains a truly 'global' city in every sense of the meaning.

Rich in culture and diversity, economically powerful and politically influential, the City of London continues to enjoy the legacy of a once-great empire.

(pensive instrumental music) (ritzy instrumental music) - [Narrator] When it comes to global cities, few are as instantly recognizable as this one.

Otherwise known as the city that never sleeps, the energy of New York is palpable.

Residing on the shores of one of the world's largest natural harbors... With nearly 10 million residents, New York is the most populated city in the United States, and is often regarded as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world.

Home to billionaires, celebrities, and New Yorkers from all walks of life, The Big Apple, reputedly, has something for everyone.

(ritzy instrumental music) (pensive instrumental music) Reinforcing its stature as a city of global importance, following the Second World War, New York became the new home of the United Nations, an institution in which world leaders congregate to discuss issues of international significance, such as climate change, poverty, and food security.

And as power shifted from the old world to the new, so did the money.

With the meteoric rise of Wall Street, the Nasdaq and the New York Stock Exchange, New York quickly took London's place as the economic capital of the world.

Today if this city were a country, it would have the world's 11th highest GDP.

But with great power comes great responsibility.

The global financial crisis of 2007, a stark reminder of the trust invested in these few city blocks.

(upbeat instrumental music) Of the five districts, or boroughs, that make up New York City, three are located on islands, which are connected by a series of bridges.

Collectively, they are crossed by well over two and a half million vehicles a day.

The Brooklyn Bridge is by far the best known, stretching between Brooklyn and Manhattan, the city's economic and administrative centers.

Providing respite from the onslaught of yellow cabs, Central Park cuts a giant swathe through the center of Manhattan Island.

Roughly four and half kilometers long, and half a kilometer wide, it's an open-air oasis where New Yorkers go to relax, unwind, and just breathe.

Located on the east side of the park are two of the most well regarded galleries in the country, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Guggenheim.

The Guggenheim building itself is a work of art, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, who believed its spiraling gallery and curved walls would create harmony between the building, and the works on display.

But the most famous landmark in Manhattan is without doubt, The Empire State Building.

(ritzy instrumental music) Attracting over three million visitors a year, this 102 story, art-deco skyscraper was notably the world's tallest building from the time of its opening in 1931, until the 1970s.

During the 20th century it served as a symbol of America's increasing economic strength and prosperity.

Of course, it takes more than power and money to make a city truly global.

Like London, New York is one of the world's most multicultural urban centers.

With a large percentage of New Yorkers born outside the United States.

In all, over 200 languages are spoken in this most eclectic of cities.

In a city so accepting of newcomers, it's difficult to reconcile the events of 9/11, 2001.

Targeting the World Trade Center, America's newest symbol of economic might, terrorists attacked the city.

As the twin towers collapsed, nearly three thousand lives were lost: fire fighters, law enforcement officers, and civilians alike.

Standing in their wake, the resilience of New York's spirit is immortalized at the 9/11 memorial.

(solemn instrumental music) But perhaps nothing better personifies the American spirit than this, the Statue of Liberty.

Herself an immigrant, she was gifted by the French in celebration of the friendship forged between the two nations during the American Revolution.

Holding her "Torch of Enlightenment" aloft, for over a century this 93-meter colossus has greeted those who have entered New York Bay with a sense of hope.

Recognized as a universal symbol of liberty and freedom, the tablet in her hand is inscribed with the date the United States signed its Declaration of Independence.

Famous for its people as much as its architecture, New York City was built upon the backs of migrants, both foreign and domestic.

Today this global city stands as a multinational hub of wealth and power.

But perhaps its greatest strength lies within the unshakable solidarity of its citizens.

(calm piano music) (pensive instrumental music) - [Narrator] It's hard to believe that a small rock jutting out of the South China Sea could play host to one of Asia's, and indeed the world's, greatest global cities.

Straddling the frontier where east meets west, is Hong Kong.

China's primary gateway to the world of international finance and trade.

(pensive instrumental music) Credited as one of the most competitive financial centers on Earth, each and every day an overwhelming tide of money flows through the city's infrastructure... As do commodities.

Hong Kong Harbor is the world's second busiest shipping port.

And its airport, the globe's primary hub for international cargo.

Given its geographic location, connectivity, and thriving industry, many would argue that Hong Kong is the center of the world.

And with its stunning skyline and magnificent harbor, it certainly feels like it.

But Hong Kong hasn't always been the glistening jewel in China's crown that it is today.

The largest remaining colony of the United Kingdom, Hong Kong was only handed back to the Chinese in 1997.

After a century and a half of foreign rule.

An auspicious occasion that effectively marked the end of the British Empire.

So as to not upset the free market economy, and the wealth it generates, today, Hong Kong maintains separate political and economic systems to mainland China.

Culturally, it's a different story.

95% of the seven million people living here are of Chinese descent, and their tastes and customs permeate all facets of life in the city.

From business, to pleasure, and of course, the food.

Hong Kong's signature yum-cha and dumplings are famous the world over.

The culmination of a 5000-year culinary tradition.

The city boasts over 11,000 restaurants.

That's the highest per capita of anywhere on Earth.

Many are no more than hole-in-the-wall canteens, but don't let the size, lack of service, or even the low prices fool you.

This humble 20-seat restaurant has been honored with a Michelin Star.

For nearly 2,000 years, ocean-going vessels have been ferrying highly prized commodities, like silk, tea, and opium to markets around the globe.

But more recently, Hong Kong has found success with an unexpected export.

Made famous by home-grown heroes like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Jet Li, the Hong Kong film industry caters to the niche market of the martial arts world.

For over a century, Kung Fu films have kicked and punched their way into the global box-office, winning fans the world over.

Many local films feature Hong Kong's stunning skyline as a backdrop.

With 8,000 buildings over 14 stories high, there are more skyscrapers here than anywhere on Earth.

Stacked one on top of each other, they would extend several hundred kilometers into space.

Eclipsing the light of the stars, at night these buildings combine in dazzling fashion, to create the largest manmade light show on Earth.

Housed within these structures is a heaving mass of humanity.

With five times as many people per square kilometer as New York, the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong, is the most crowded place on the planet.

Helping to move the masses around the city is the Star ferry.

Since commencing operations in the late 1800s, the company has carried an estimated three billion passengers between the island and the mainland.

When things get a little too claustrophobic, locals and visitors alike escape the hustle and bustle of the CBD by heading to one of Hong Kong's many natural sanctuaries.

Lantau Island is a long established religious retreat.

Housed within its Po Lin Monastery, this giant bronze buddha measures 26 meters high, and weighs over 225,000 kilograms.

Although a grand structure, it's dwarfed by other local landmarks.

Rising above the chaos of the streets below, "Victoria Peak" offers an unbeatable vista of the skyline that dominates this incredible city.

Since returning to Chinese rule, Hong Kong has continued to flourish as a global city.

Driven by surging industry and a thriving economy, this conduit between east and west, has well earned the title, "Asian Tiger."

(pensive instrumental music) (mid-tempo world music) Sitting on a small tropical island off the coast of Malaysia, Singapore has enjoyed a meteoric rise to global-city stardom.

Fifty years ago, its economic prospects were uncertain, but today, nothing could be further from the truth.

Lacking growing room, Singapore reached out beyond its immediate surroundings, and made the world its hinterland, quickly establishing itself as a global player in the investment, commerce, and transport industries.

Although "Singha Pura" is Sanskrit for "Lion City," today along with the economic powerhouses, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea, Singapore is considered one of the four Asian tigers.

Founded as an outpost for the East India Trading Company in the early 1800s, Singapore has been ruled by the British, occupied by the Japanese, and absorbed into the fabric of Malaysia.

But today, it is fiercely independent.

The world's only autonomous city-state, Singapore is home to nearly six million citizens.

Including many foreign nationals set on making their fortune.

For migrants, the attraction is clear.

Over the last 50 years, Singapore's per capita income has risen from $500 to $55,000 a year.

Affording residents access to, among other things, quality education, healthcare, and one of the highest home ownerships in the world.

Far from being a concrete jungle, Singapore is often referred to as the "City in the Garden."

In a conscious effort to invest in the health and well-being of its people, vertical gardens have become a common sight amongst its many high rises.

Amongst the greenest, Singapore is also one of the cleanest cities in the world.

There are harsh penalties for spitting, or discarding cigarette butts, and to avoid any unnecessary sticky situations, the importation of chewing gum is heavily restricted.

- [Narrator] True to its name, the "Lion City" boasts a world class zoo.

Spread over 26 hectares, the wildlife park is home to over 300 species of animals, displayed in open environments representing eleven of the world's most distinctive habitats.

Annually attracting tourist numbers as high as three times its own population, another of the city's draw cards is the impressive Marina Bay Sands.

Towering 200 meters above the ground, the Sands Skypark building boasts more than two and half thousand rooms across 55 floors.

And not for the faint-hearted, the observation deck's 1.4 million-liter swimming pool is the longest elevated pool in the world.

The award-winning design of this eight billion dollar waterfront "resort" is indicative of the city's forward thinking attitude.

By thinking outside the box, and reaching beyond its limitations, a clean, green money-making machine, Singapore is a city that has rapidly established itself on the global stage.

(pensive instrumental music) (slow oriental music) There are few capital cities in the world as inextricably linked to their nation's history, as Beijing.

This political powerhouse in the north east of China has frequently provided a stage for the theater of war.

A scene in which emperors have conquered, and been conquered.

Where entire dynasties have lived and died by the sword and from where the Communists rule today.

Home to 22 million people, Beijing is the 2nd largest city on the planet, marginally smaller than its regional counterpart, Shanghai.

Unapologetically Chinese, Beijing is a global city in its own right.

Thanks to China's rapid ascendancy, decisions made in its capital are felt around the world.

Defined by its rich history, the Chinese capital is imbued with an air of order, austerity, and grandeur.

At its core stands the Forbidden City.

Serving as the imperial palace for almost 500 years, this huge complex is twice the size of the Vatican.

Housed within its 980 buildings, are over one million artifacts of cultural significance.

The Forbidden City is widely regarded as one of the best and most visited museums on Earth.

(gentle oriental music) Directly opposite the forbidden city is Tiananmen Square.

Modern history in the making, the square has played host to a slew of landmark events.

Including the 1949 proclamation of the People's Republic of China.

And more recently, as the backdrop of one of the 20th century's most iconic images in which a brave solitary protester, defies the might of the Communist military, by blocking the movement of its tanks.

If the Forbidden City and Tiananmen form the heart of Beijing, then the hutongs are surely its veins.

A network of 7000 sinuous streets and alleys pumping life through this remarkable city.

Too narrow for cars, rickshaws and bicycles are the best way to navigate these ancient thoroughfares.

As a sign of the times, many of Beijing's historic hutongs were demolished in the mid 2000s to make way for an event of global significance.

There is great symbolic power in becoming an Olympic host.

It's an opportunity to showcase one's city to the world, and in doing so, benefit from the ensuing economic windfall.

(buzzer ringing) (cheering and clapping) Constructed for the 2008 summer Olympics, the Beijing national stadium is widely known as the "Bird's Nest."

Its organic form stands in stark contrast to the symmetry of the city's more traditional architecture.

But this modern structure isn't the only recent arrival to profoundly impact upon the face of the city.

With 1,200 new cars rolling off the factory floor every day, Beijing's chaotic roads are becoming increasingly congested.

(calm oriental music) To combat the problem, local authorities have implemented a unique lottery system to limit new registrations.

On a bad day, experts warn the city's infamous smog is as harmful as smoking a packet of cigarettes.

Just on the outskirts of Beijing, and on most days free from pollution, is the Great Wall of China.

Dating back to 700 BC, it was originally built to keep invaders at bay.

Now, it welcomes over ten million visitors a year.

Spanning 21,000 kilometers, at its peak, the wall was more than three and a half times the length of the mighty Amazon, a river that snakes its way through seven countries.

Contrary to popular belief however, it cannot be seen from space.

Today, dilapidated sections of the wall are being restored, honoring the past, and adding billions to the future of the capital's economy.

A global city with a difference, as an emerging superpower in the Asian century, Beijing is doing things its own way.

(pensive instrumental music) With upwards of 37 million people living in the greater Tokyo area, it is the most populous metropolitan area on Earth.

The seat of the Japanese Government and the Emperor of Japan, Tokyo is the nation's capital, and increasingly capitalist in its thinking.

There are more fortune global 500 companies here than any other city on Earth.

And with a GDP of over two trillion dollars, it's also amongst the most expensive in which to live.

Not to mention, one of the most crowded.

Swarming pedestrians, race like baitfish through a sea of skyscrapers lit by bright neon lights.

The visible epicenter of Tokyo's hustle and bustle is Shibuya Crossing.

A staggering two and half thousand people cross the street here every time the lights change color.

It defies belief, but there are even more people underground than there are on the streets.

Close to four million pass through Shinjuku Station each day, making it the busiest rail system in the world.

But in true Japanese fashion, it's also considered to be the most efficient.

It goes without saying that real estate in this town comes at a premium.

Catering to the hordes of international businessmen that visit Tokyo each year, many of the hotels in the city center are made up of tiny sleeping capsules no bigger than coffins.

Most come equipped with a TV and Powerpoint.

And while rooms don't have a shower, the hotel's vending machines do offer many of life's other essentials.

From eggs, to neck ties, to canned bread, sake, tea, and even underpants.

But this is not the future that Japan had always envisioned.

(blasting) Emerging from a dark past in which its imperialistic expansions were thwarted, Tokyo had to reinvent itself.

Rapidly changing with the times, this historic city is now racing towards tomorrow.

For decades, Japan has been at the forefront of all things electronic, blurring the line between science fiction and reality.

Today, Tokyo strives to be the world capital of robotics.

- [Narrator] Exposed to a collision of eastern and western trends, younger generations of Tokyoites have embraced modernity with both hands, giving rise to a uniquely Japanese sub-culture.

Shunning the rigid constraints of their conservative forbears, elaborately adorned youths take to the streets to express themselves through fashion.

For these avant garde fashionistas, it appears nothing is too outlandish or extreme.

As passionate about their food as they are their fashion, many consider Tokyo to be the culinary capital of the world.

Indeed, the restaurants here have more Michelin Stars between them than any other city on the planet.

(mid-tempo oriental music) Tokyo, a city that not long ago over-reached with its aspirations of expansion, has rebuilt itself on the back of industry, technology, and ingenuity.

Today, it's a thriving global city with sights set firmly on the future.

(pensive instrumental music) For centuries, Paris has been one of the most influential cities in Europe.

A powerful center of finance and commerce, today the French capital boasts the third highest GDP in the world.

But this city is perhaps most famous for another of its attributes.

Otherwise known as the "City of Love," the culture of Paris has been handcrafted by some of the world's finest artists, writers, and entrepreneurs.

(mid-tempo acoustic music) The heart of Paris is also its birthplace, a tiny island in the middle of the River Seine, the Isle de la Cite.

Around 250 BC, a tribe of gauls known as the "Parisii" founded a small fishing village on its banks.

Little did they know what the future held for this exquisite piece of Parisian real estate.

Famed today for its beautiful bridges, and "Church of our Lady", Notre Dame.

Not far from the Isle de la Cite, is the Place de la Bastille, another cherished landmark that links modern day Paris to its past.

The July Column commemorates the revolution of 1830, and many Parisians view it as a symbol of unity.

One of the most recognizable monuments in Paris is the Arc de Triomphe, which honors those who fell during the French Revolution and Napoleonic wars of the late 18th century.

Regarded as one of the greatest events in human history, the French Revolution triggered a global decline in the absolute rule of monarchs, and gave rise to modern day democracy.

Today this globally significant monument, sits amidst the world's busiest intersection.

Originally intended as a temporary structure for the 1889 World Fair, the Eiffel Tower, is amongst the most universally recognized symbols the world over.

Considered an eyesore by Parisians in the early 20th century, the monument survived social pressure for its demolition.

Today, it's considered a national treasure, and attracts almost seven million visitors each year.

Just as spectacular at night as it is during the day.

A profoundly beautiful city, modern day Paris owes much of its aesthetic to one man, Baron Haussmann.

Commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III, Haussmann dramatically altered the face of the city during the mid 19th century.

Boulevards were widened, gardens were planted, and dilapidated neighborhoods were replaced with rows of uniform apartment buildings, transforming the city into the Paris we know and love today.

Widely regarded as the most romantic place on Earth, Paris lives up to its reputation as "The City of Love."

But romance here extends well beyond the bounds of lovers.

Many of the ideals that Parisians hold dear, lend a certain romantic, nostalgic quality to the city.

Throughout history, it's a sentiment that has been embraced by the local artistic community.

Once frequented by artists such as Renoir, Picasso, and Van Gogh, the area known as Montmartre, epitomizes the enchantment of Paris, and continues to inspire today.

Paris reached its artistic prime in the late 19th and early 20th century.

Home to the collective works of its famed masters, the Louvre is amongst the world's greatest galleries.

In addition to exquisite pieces by Parisian artists, such as Henry Toulouse-Lautrec, and Claude Monet, the Louvre is home to the single most famous artwork of all time, Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa."

The iconic pyramid, which was added to the historic Louvre in 1989, was at the time controversial.

Today, it's a Paris landmark.

"Haute couture" or "high fashion" was a concept born in Paris.

Today, Parisian designers like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, and Christian Dior, continue to weave the cultural fabric of the world's multi-billion dollar fashion industry.

Home to many flagship stores, the Champs Elysees, attracts millions of shoppers every year.

Contributing healthily to the city's already booming economy.

Shaping world history through economics, art, culture, and revolution, the city of Paris may be one of the oldest of global cities, but it remains one of the most influential.

It's the "City of Love."

And the city the world loves to love.

(pensive instrumental music) - [Narrator] Rising from the Arabian Desert, on the northern coast of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is the jewel in the middle-east's crown.

A monument to Arab-enterprise and Western capitalism.

By opening its doors to the world, tax free, the city was transformed in a single generation.

Today, the vast majority of the city's 9.2 million residents are foreigners, riding on the coat tails of this ascending global power.

From humble beginnings, the spoils of its oil rich surrounds paved the road for Dubai's rapid expansion.

But it was the city's forward thinking Head of State, Sheikh Rashid, who looked beyond the oil boom, developing the desert oasis into a major transport hub for passengers and cargo, and driving the city's economy towards construction, real estate, finance, and tourism... Industries that form the backbone of this global city today.

Incredibly, Dubai's first concrete building was only erected in 1955.

And as recently as 1990, the city boasted just one hotel.

Since then, Dubai has laid claim to one quarter of the world's cranes, which have been hard at work.

Today, Dubai is home to over 400 hotels, including the world's first seven-star establishment.

Located on one of three man-made palm-shaped islands, the Burj al Arab is extraordinary in every sense of the word.

Designed to resemble the sail of a dhow, an Arab sailing vessel, the building is an architectural marvel.

Marketed to the discerning traveler, no expense has been spared.

Competing for attention on a neighboring island is Hotel Atlantis.

Named for the famed lost city, it's more akin to a paradise found.

Built in a thousand days, for a cool one and a half billion dollars.

In this extravagant establishment, even the hand soap is flecked with gold.

This opulence flows out from the ritzy hotels and permeates throughout the city streets.

In the 1960s, there were only 13 cars cruising Dubai's largely unpaved roads.

Today, there are one and a half million.

Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Bentleys, even the police drive luxury vehicles here, if only to keep pace with traffic offenders.

A telling indicator of a city's economic wealth and power, consumerism.

20 billion dollars in the making, Dubai Mall, the biggest in the world, houses more than 1,200 retail stores.

One of the most visited buildings on the planet, it attracts close to 100 million shoppers each year, and that number is growing.

By far the most popular item for sale here is gold.

With a combined weight of just under 10 tonnes, the precious metal sold in these markets accounts for 40% of the world's gold trade.

Earning Dubai the rather lofty mantle, "City of Gold."

But perhaps, this city is better known for a different treasure.

(mid-tempo world music) There is symbolic power in claiming the world's tallest building.

An honor for which global cities are in perpetual competition.

But as of 2010, Dubai has no rival.

A dizzying 828 meters tall, the Burj al Khalifa is nearly 200 meters higher than its nearest competitor, Tokyo's Skytree.

To put it in perspective, Dubai's prized monolith is twice the height of the Empire State Building, and three times taller than the Eiffel Tower.

It's a landmark that can be seen from almost 100 kilometers away, but is admired by envious eyes much further afield than that.

From across the desert and over the oceans, people flock to Dubai from all corners of the globe.

The youngest of global cities, it's unlike any other.

A desert oasis, a marvel of modern day engineering, and stepping stone to the world.

Shaping the next phase of civilization, global cities have made the world their backyard.

Centers of wealth, power, industry, and innovation, they wield unparalleled influence within the world we live.

Leading and uniting the global community, they are amongst the world's greatest cities.

(bold instrumental music)