Moscow-World's Most Expensive City

Along with unmatched views of the Kremlin from its rooftop bar, the Ritz Carlton offers a world-class sushi bar and fine-dining restaurant. The latter is run by three-star Michelin chef Heinz Winkler, inventor of the culinary concept known as "cuisine vitale." Next year the Four Seasons will open up across the street, giving the Ritz a run for its money. Other luxury hotels are planned as part of Moscow's recent construction boom, including a new corporate headquarters for Gazprom, which when completed will be the tallest building in Europe.

This is where oligarchs and their wives search for the few things they don't already own. One of the world's leading luxury fairs, held annually at the Crocus Expo center. The 2007 fair saw 40,000 luxury shoppers visiting 250 vendors. Its organizers claim it to be "the most long-awaited social party of the year." Last year saw the auction of a solid-gold Italian coffee maker.

Moscow's famous shopping arcade, opened in 1893 but closed after the Bolshevik Revolution and used for offices during Stalin's reign. Today more than 150 shops and stores sit behind GUM's distinct modern-meets-medieval façade, including Estee Lauder, Christian Dior, Kristi, Steilmann's, Bosco di Ciliegi, and Krasny Oktyobr (Red October) Chocolates, Russia's most famous confection. A string of chic outdoor cafes line the side of the GUM building-perfect for people watching on Red Square.

Russia's hottest designer finds inspiration for his a luxury prêt-a-porter brand in Russia's socialist past. The "commissar of Soviet kitsch" last year opened a boutique and club/café in downtown Moscow, which quickly become a trendy hangout for the city's fashion elite. "Face control" at the club is relatively light, so well-dressed tourists stand a decent chance of getting inside at night.

The first Russian member of the global alliance of Small Elegant Hotels, Golden Apple offers a diminutive alternative for those seeking ultra-modern Moscow luxury. Executive services and facilities include two deluxe penthouse apartments with state-of-the-art audio and visual systems and a private board meeting room.

The legendary theater troupe currently has a repertoire of more than 40 works, including classics such as "Swan Lake" and "Nutcracker." The Bolshoi's outgoing artistic director, Alexei Ratmansky, brought back Soviet-era ballets such as "The Flames of Paris." Renovations of the main hall are ongoing.

Moscow's most fashionable outdoor shopping district is Bolshaya Dmitrovka. If a luxury brand isn't represented here, it will be soon. Located in Moscow's historical Tverskoy District, the area also houses many of the capital's centers of culture, including the Bolshoi Theatre and the Pillar Hall.

Now in its fourth year, the Moscow Yacht Show is held each June at the Gorky Park moorage in Neskuchny Sad. This year, the four-day festival will be held in Moscow as well as a number of major European cities. As the economy booms, boat ownership in Russia, a land of lakes and rivers, is keeping pace.

Gargoyles, sci-fi cabaret, go-go dancing galore and top international DJ's. If you can get in, you'll understand why Moscow clubs are famously shameless and over-the-top with $50 drinks and waterfalls.

Last year saw the launch of the first luxury train operator offering travelers a new way to experience the epic journey from Moscow to Vladivostok. Highlights include stopovers in Kazan, Novosibirsk, and the Mongolian capital Ulaan Baatar. There is also a barbeque on the beach at the world's largest freshwater lake, Lake Baikal. The Golden Eagle train offers Gold and Silver Class cabins. Package prices start at around $10,000.

What is the most expensive iPod in the world?

The most expensive iPod in the world is the iDiamond. The device was created by Thomas Heyerdahl, who is a Norwegian jeweler. The world's most expensive MP3 player is comprised of solid eighteen karat white and pink gold and is also covered with over 430 diamonds. The earplugs are also made from the same gold that the device is made from. Heyerdahl was inspired by the Apple iPod Shuffle to make the iDiamond and he does not have any plans for making another. As he says, "It's a special thing, just making one."

The iDiamond was auctioned away at an elite fundraiser on Thursday, March 13, 2008, The Feast of Albion. The machine was only one part of the auction prize. The prize also included a Jaguar XJ, complete with chauffeur, and VIP tickets to see Roger Waters, member of the band Pink Floyd, perform "Dark Side of the Moon," along with many other once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and treats.

The iDiamond is said to be worth approximately twenty thousand pounds, which is approximately $40,500 USD.