Introducing Moscow
Moscow is a city of superlatives. It boasts the most billionaires, the most expensive cups of coffee and – coming soon – the most colossal building in the world.
Advertisement
It is also the most expensive and, according to one poll, the most unfriendly city in the world. Is it any wonder that a popular nightclub is called simply The Most?
Moscow may occupy the number one spot, but these lists hardly capture the reality – the vitality – of the capital. Free (relatively) from the strictures of censorship and hardship, Russia’s capital city is experiencing a burst of creative energy, evident in all aspects of contemporary culture. Former factories and deserted warehouses have been converted into edgy art galleries and intriguing underground clubs. World-class venues such as the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum are experimenting and expanding. Tchaikovsky and Chekhov are well represented at Moscow theatres but you can also see world premieres by up-and-coming composers, choreographers and playwrights. Foodies flock to wine bars, coffee bars, sushi bars and even beer bars, while night owls enjoy a dynamic scene of exclusive nightclubs, bohemian art cafés, underground blues bars and drink-up dives.
The ancient city has always been a haven for history buffs. The red-brick towers of the Kremlin occupy the founding site of Moscow; churches and monuments remember fallen heroes and victorious battles; and remains of the Soviet state are scattered all around the city. Even history is being examined in innovative ways, as new museums broach subjects long brushed under the carpet.
The capital is even experiencing an unprecedented growth in birth rates (Muscovites are really getting busy). From artistry and history to recreation and procreation, Moscow is a cauldron of creativity. Dare we say that it is so much more than The Most?
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- See the highlights of Russia in 8 days
- Explore the Kremlin grounds, cathedrals and palaces
- Journey by rail from Bejing to St Petersburg via Moscow
- Stop in Moscow on your trip from St Petersburg to Budapest
Last updated: Apr 2, 2012
Tips & articles
-
Riding the rails: classic train journeys of the world
20 March 2012
Hand the porter your luggage, climb aboard and relive the golden days of railroading on these spectacular journeys.Copper Canyon Railway, MexicoThe...
-
The most annoying habits of tourists
13 December 2011
Are you embarrassed by the antics of your fellow tourists, or guilty of some travel sins yourself? It’s hard to...
-
The world’s hottest cool places
10 November 2011
The rewards for braving the cold are many. The northern hemisphere offers wonderful winter travel, with fewer crowds than in...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
-
RE: Any events on Russian Independence Day?
by DmitRUR 27 May 2012
Aviator Hello. I'm from Moscow. 1) You can look at pirotechnics show on Red Square but I'm not sure that show will be good. And you can…
-
RE: Any events on Russian Independence Day?
by michaeldunha 27 May 2012
I've been in Russia on this day, but not in Moscow. There was singing and dancing along with games being played, fireworks in the evening.…
-
RE: Russian Visa - South Africans
by everbrite 27 May 2012
Just give RealRussia.co.uk an approximate travel schedule and preferred accommodations. It doesn't need to be exact. It isn't written…
Moscow
Things to do
- All things to do (579)
- Activities (32)
- Entertainment (98)
- Restaurants (203)
- Shopping (88)
- Sights (157)
- Tours (1)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Moscow
-
1 Annunciation Cathedral
Admire the amazing artistry of Russia's greatest icon painters
-
2 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (in The Kremlin)
Scrutinise the perfect synchronicity of the changing of the guard and admire the bouquets left by newlyweds
-
3 Lenin's Tomb
Make time during your Red Square wanderings to pay your respects to the founder of the Soviet state
-
4 Cosmonautics Museum
Relive the glory days of Sputnik, Yuri Gagarin and the Soviet space program
-
5 Bolshoi Theatre
Hear the high notes and see the high kicks at this glittering historic theatre
Our favourite Moscow Blogs (beta)
-
The Sights and Sounds of Moscow, Russia
Blog: WildJunket - 23 January 2012
This is a sponsored guest post by Paul Linky. Spanning eleven time zones and two continents, Russia is the largest country in the world.
-
Nightlife and Bars in Moscow, Russia
Blog: Pommie Travels - 31 May 2011
The capital of the Russian Federation, Moscow sounds frosty but this city is a blend of modern, soviet and traditional architecture, vibrant if a little expensive nightlife and world class sites. You may not know the name St Basil, but this cathedral has the famous onion domes that are the sight most people associate with [...]
-
Old Man Winter is On His Way
Blog: American in Russia - 8 October 2010
and the weather people say he’s mad this year. But seriously. wintertime in Moscow can be enjoyable in many ways. Winters in Moscow start in mid-November and lasts until mid-March, the temperature averages about -10 degrees C. This winter the temp is suppose to drop into the –25 degrees C. for several days. With snow covering everything, Moscow becomes one big playground for young and old alike. You will have plenty of opportunities to go sledding or skating or just walk around and enjoy the magical atmosphere in the historic center.
