most powerful cities on earth

The worlds fifth most financially powerful city, Paris boasts the largest business district in Europe, La Dfense. While the Parisian metro focuses mostly on services, its also a leader in manufacturing for hightech industries such as aerospace and electronics.

Located on the southern coast of China, Hong Kong is the largest centre for IPOs (initial public offerings, when a company goes public), pulling in 22% of IPO capital in 2009.

Japans massive capital, Tokyo, is the most populous urban metro in the world and plays host to 51 companies on the Fortune Global 500, more than any other city.

With a total economic output of $836 billion, London is the largest economic powerhouse in Europe, much to Parisians chagrin, and has more overseas banks (480) than any other global city.

It may come as no surprise that the Big Apple, New York City, tops our list as the worlds most financially powerful city. Wall Street and the rest of the major financial institutions bring NYCs total economic output to $1.4 trillion.

Delhi, Indias capital territory, is a massive metropolitan area in the countrys north. In Old Delhi, a neighborhood dating to the 1600s, stands the imposing Mughalera Red Fort, a symbol of India, and the sprawling Jama Masjid mosque, whose courtyard accommodates 25,000. Nearby is Chandni Chowk, a vibrant bazaar filled with food carts, sweets shops and spice stalls.

Berlin, Germanys capital and cultural center, dates to the 13th century. Divided during the Cold War, today its known for its art scene, nightlife and modern architecture, such as Mies van der Rohes landmark Neue Nationalgalerie. Reminders of the citys turbulent 20thcentury history include its Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Walls graffitied remains. Its 18thcentury Brandenburg Gate has become an iconic symbol of reunification.

Manchester is a major city in the northwest of England with a rich industrial heritage. The Castlefield Conservation Areas 18thcentury canal system harks back to the citys days as a textile powerhouse, and you can trace this history at the interactive Museum of Science & Industry. The revitalised Salford Quays dockyards now houses the Daniel Libeskinddesigned Imperial War Museum North and The Lowry cultural centre.

Manila, the capital of the Philippines, is a densely populated bayside city on the island of Luzon, which mixes Spanish colonial architecture with modern skyscrapers. Intramuros, a walled city in colonial times, is the heart of Old Manila. Its home to the baroque 16thcentury San Agustin Church as well as Fort Santiago, a storied citadel and military prison.

Istanbul is a city in Turkey that straddles Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait. The Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here. In the Sultanahmet district, the openair, Romanera Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races, and Egyptian obelisks remain. The iconic Byzantine Hagia Sophia features a soaring dome and Christian mosaics.