Moscow

A sizzling hotpot of wealth, history and influential people have made Moscow the incredible city it is today.

Listed by Forbes in 2011 as having nearly 80 billionaires, more than any other city in the world, the Russian capital pulsates to the sound of flexing plastic. Money really does talk in this capital. Stylish shops, a wild night scene and plenty of architectural sights create a city worthy of elite travelers. Founded more than 1000 years ago and named for the river it rests next to, Moscow has enjoyed a rich and varied history. Stripped of its title as the capital of Russia in 1712 by Peter the Great and decimated by subsequent invasions from Napoleon and Hitler, it’s impressive enough that the city is still standing. Yet despite its setbacks, the city has continued to flourish, and since the end of the Soviet era Moscow has opened its doors to welcome visitors, trade and capitalism. It was reinstated as the nation’s capital in 1918 and is now seen by many as a hedonistic paradise where money will buy you whatever you want. Indeed, there are few places in the world that intrigue and fascinate like the Russian capital.