The new Shanghai Tower is now over 500 meters tall, and currently stands 1, 643 feet into the Shanghai sky, making it taller than the World Financial Tower next door.

FORBES: China's Tallest Building Gets Even Bigger

Walking to a meeting in the financial district past the Freedom Tower built on the site of the World Trade Centre, New York seemed quieter than usual.

FORBES: A walk down Wall Street

Sailing boats that were too tall to pass under the 14 bridges along the river pageant route lined the river from London Bridge to Wapping, in the east, creating an avenue of sails set against the Tower of London and the city's financial center.

CNN: Eyes of world on spectacular Thames royal pageant

Tower Hamlets is home to London's second financial centre, Canary Wharf, which paid for half the council's bid.

ECONOMIST: Two peculiar candidates for city status

Tower Hamlets LibDem Councillor Stephanie Eaton said it made more financial sense to spend money on recycling facilities than on land fill tax.

BBC: NEWS | UK | England | London | Council faces recycling hit squad

"Even though you're being welcomed in, it sill feels a little bit naughty" said 29 year-old Londoner Becky Stevens, on her way to catch a glimpse from the top of the iconic "Gherkin" tower -- Norman Foster's elliptical skyscaper in London's financial district.

CNN: Thousands flock to London's Open House festival