Moscow is the capital of Russia and one of the most significant cities in the world. It has a population of over 12 million people, making it the largest city in Europe. Moscow is a city of extremes where centuries-old cathedrals stand next to ultra-modern skyscrapers. The city was founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky. Since then Moscow has survived invasions, fires, revolutions, and the collapse of empires. It is home to the Kremlin, the official residence of the Russian President. Moscow has over 400 museums and 100 theatres. The Moscow Metro is one of the most impressive public transport systems in the world with stations decorated in marble, mosaics, and chandeliers. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the most famous opera and ballet venues in the world. Moscow can be intimidating for first-time visitors but the city rewards those who take the time to explore it.

Getting to Moscow

Moscow is served by several airports. Sheremetyevo Airport is the largest handling over 45 million passengers annually. Domodedovo and Vnukovo airports also serve the city. An express train connects Sheremetyevo to Belorussky Station in 35 minutes for approximately RUB 500. A taxi costs approximately RUB 1,500 to RUB 2,500. Moscow has nine major railway stations. Leningradsky Station serves St. Petersburg with the high-speed Sapsan train completing the journey in four hours. A ticket costs approximately RUB 3,000 to RUB 8,000. International visitors require a valid visa with the application process typically taking two to four weeks. Check the latest entry requirements before planning your trip.

Top Attractions in Moscow

The Kremlin is the most famous landmark in Russia. It is a fortified complex covering 28 hectares. The Kremlin walls were built in the 15th century and stretch for 2.2 kilometers. Inside you will find cathedrals, palaces, and government buildings. The Armoury Chamber houses Faberge eggs, coronation robes, and jewel-encrusted weapons. Admission costs approximately RUB 1,000. Red Square is located just outside the Kremlin walls covering 23,100 square meters. Saint Basil’s Cathedral was built between 1555 and 1561 on the orders of Ivan the Terrible. The cathedral has nine chapels each with its own colourful onion dome. Lenin’s Mausoleum contains the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin and is open to visitors free of charge. GUM is a historic department store on Red Square dating back to 1893, now a luxury shopping centre.

The Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro is a tourist attraction in its own right. It opened in 1935 with 11 stations. Today it has over 250 stations and more than 400 kilometers of track carrying approximately 7 million passengers daily. Many stations are decorated like underground palaces with marble columns, mosaic ceilings, and stained glass windows. Komsomolskaya Station features yellow mosaic panels depicting Russian military heroes. Mayakovskaya Station has stainless steel pillars and mosaic panels depicting Soviet aviation. Ploshchad Revolyutsii Station is decorated with 76 bronze sculptures of Soviet citizens. Rubbing the nose of a bronze dog at this station is believed to bring good luck. A single metro ticket costs approximately RUB 60. The system operates from approximately 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM with trains running every one to two minutes during peak hours.

Russian Cuisine

Russian cuisine is hearty and filling reflecting the country’s cold climate. Borscht is the most famous Russian soup made with beetroot, cabbage, potatoes, and meat. A bowl costs approximately RUB 300 to RUB 500. Pelmeni are dumplings filled with minced meat served with butter or sour cream for RUB 250 to RUB 400. Blini are thin pancakes served with sweet or savoury fillings. Caviar is a Russian delicacy. Red caviar from salmon is the most common. Beef Stroganoff consists of sautéed beef strips in a sour cream sauce. Russian salads like Olivye are popular starters. Vodka is the national drink typically consumed neat in one gulp accompanied by food. A bottle of decent vodka costs approximately RUB 500 to RUB 1,500. Non-alcoholic options include kvass, a fermented rye bread drink, and kompot, a fruit compote.

Practical Tips for Moscow

Moscow can be challenging for tourists. The language barrier is significant with few people speaking English outside tourist areas. Learn the Cyrillic alphabet before your trip. The currency is the Russian ruble. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. Tipping of 10 to 15 percent is expected in restaurants. Moscow is a safe city but pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Winters are extremely cold with temperatures dropping to minus 20 degrees Celsius or lower. Summers are warm around 25 degrees Celsius. The best time to visit is late spring from May to June or early autumn from September to October. Always carry your passport and migration card as police may ask to see your documents.

What aspect of Moscow intrigues you most, the historic grandeur of the Kremlin and Red Square, or the underground art of the metro system?

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