Moscow

Moscow, Russia

Moscow is a city of contrasts where the bohemian and the glamorous merge in an idiosyncratic fusion – do not be surprised to find a golden-domed 16th-century church next to an ultra-modern glass skyscraper or a Soviet blockhouse. Here, salty fish eggs (caviar) are washed down with bubbly champagne, and worn-out commuters travel by the elaborately decorated, elegant metro, one of the city's main attractions.

Population:

11,514,330

Currency:

Russian ruble (RBL) 1 ruble = 100 kopeks

Emergency Numbers:

Emergency: 01
Police: 02
Ambulance: 03
Moscow Tourist Helpline: +7 800 220 00 02 (English)

Opening Hours:

Most shops are open from 9/11am-7pm on weekdays. Banks are open from 10am-5pm. Some offices are closed an hour for lunch. Many museums are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Newspapers:

The Village (www.the-village.ru): current news, new openings and events
Afisha (www.afisha.ru): cultural events in town
Time Out Moscow (http://www.timeout.ru)
The Moscow Times (www.themoscowtimes.com)

The City

The Kremlin has long served as headquarters for Moscow's many rulers – Ivan the Terrible and Stalin once issued their orders from here and today, the Kremlin’s walls protect some of the country’s most precious treasures.
Outside the Kremlin microcosm lies Russia in constant flux. Since Gorbachov introduced perestroyka (restructuring) in 1985, the Communists have given way to a new generation of business-minded men and women, hungry for progress. However, old traditions are being honoured and kept alive – excellent performative arts (ballet, opera, and instrumental music), beautifully restored Orthodox churches, Soviet architectural and cultural heritage, and the national cuisine are only a few of the things modern Moscow has to offer.

Do & See

Moscow might be one of the world's most exciting cities, an embodiment of the intricate fusion of the old and the new. You will definitely be able to fill your time here with history, art, culture, and great food. Visit the many churches and cathedrals, enjoy a show at the Bolshoi Theatre, or go for a walk in one of the city's many parks – Moscow certainly has many ways to enchant you.

Dining

It is truly an adventure to go out for dinner in Moscow. The city teems with extravagant themed restaurants where one is transported through both time and space. You may suddenly find yourself in Thailand, on a farm or in the past century. If you want to have good food and spend less, you can go to some of the city’s many Georgian and Armenian restaurants. There are also food chains such as Moo-Moo and Yolki-Palki, where you can serve yourself inexpensive, simple Russian fare. For most restaurants, it is recommended to book a table in advance.

Discover some of the best restaurants in Moscow, Russia:

Cafes

Moscow is a city teeming with cafes that suit all tastes and wallets. In the summer, city parks turn into visitor magnets with abundant outdoor cafes - the recently re-conceptualised and ever-evolving Gorky Park being one of the main summertime hot spots. Outside of parks, there are multiple cafes at nearly every corner, ranging from local and international coffee shop chains to quirky themed establishments.

Here are some of the best cafes in Moscow, Russia: