Discover Moscow, the Unforgettable Capital of Russia
What to See and Do
Visit Moscow and you will find that there is something for everyone. Alongside the history you will find fantastic art galleries and a vibrant restaurant, bar and nightclub scene.
True much of Moscow's architectural heritage has been destroyed but the sturdy stone- walls of the Kremlin still occupy the founding site of Moscow with the remains of the Soviet state scattered all around the city.
Things to see:
Red Square
Enter Red Square by the Resurrection Gate and you will see the fantastically flamboyant St Basil's Cathedral. The Cathedral was created between 1555 and 1561 in celebration of the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible. The cathedral is open Wednesday through Monday 11 am to 5pm and is definitely worth a visit to see the stark medieval wall paintings.
Lenin's Tomb is located at the northwestern corner of Red Square but it is looking like Lenin is likely to be moved to St Petersburg to be beside his Mom. Whilst the tomb is in Red Square admission is free and can be visited 10am-1pm Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday and Sunday.
Cameras should be dropped off at the left luggage office in the State History museum as no cameras are allowed. Having passed the embalmed waxy figure you will leave the red and black stone tomb and will be able to inspect the place where the likes of Stalin and Brezhnev are buried along the Kremlin wall.
To see an absolutely enormous collection of artifacts that cover the whole Russian Empire from the Stone Age on the you need to visit the State History Museum. The building that houses the museum dates back to the 19th century and each room is in the style of a different region or period.
The museum is open 10am-5pm Wed-Sat & Mon, 11am-7pm Sun. A joint ticket can be purchased to visit the State History Museum and St Basil's Cathedral and can be purchased at either location.
After all the sight seeing then drop into GUM and enjoy this designer mall with its centerpiece fountains and amazing glass roof.
The Kremlin
Once the center of the Orthodox Church and now the apex of Russian political power the Kremlin is where tsars, communists, dictators and democratic presidents have done their best and worst for Russia.
The Kremlin is located on a plot of land on Borovitsky Hill on the north bank of the Moscow River.
Bags have to be left at the left-luggage office before entering the Kremlin, which is open 9am-6.30pm Fri-Wed and the main ticket office is to be found in the Alexandrowsky Garden. And be warned that if you are wearing shorts you will be refused entry.
The main visitors entrance to the Kremlin is the Kutafya Tower, which passes through the Kremlin walls and beneath the Trinity gate Tower. To the right you will pass the 17th century Poteshny Palace, which is where Stalin lived.
The southwestern corner of the Kremlin is where the Armoury is located. It is here you can gaze at plenty of royal regalia and Faberge eggs. In the same building you can visit the Diamond Fund Exhibition where the largest sapphire in the world is housed.
During your visit to the Kremlin you will also see the Assumption Cathedral. Built between 1475 and 1479 the Assumption Cathedral is where most of the heads of the Orthodox Church from the 1320's to 1700 are buried.
The Kremlin's tallest structure is the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and standing beside it is the Tsar bell, which was never rung.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
The enormous Cathedral of Christ the Saviour dominates the skyline along the Moscow River. Admission to the cathedral is free and you can visit daily between the hours of 10am and 5pm.
State Tretyakov Gallery
It is here that you will find the world's finest collection of Russian icons and an exceptional collection of other pre-Revolutionary Russian art.
New Tetyakov & Art museum
This is the premier venue for 20th century art and includes avant-garde artists such as Lyubov Popova, Natalia Goncharova, Marc Chagall, Vasily Kandinksy and Kasimir Malevich.
Right behind this building is the open -air sculpture park Art Muzeon. It is here that Soviet statues were put out to pasture after being ripped from their pedestals in the post-1991 wave of anti-Soviet feeling. These statues have now been joined by some fascinating contemporary work.
Overlooking the park is the controversial monument of Peter the Great sculptured by Zurab Tsereteli.
Entertainment
Entertainment in Moscow is not difficult to find whether you are looking for opera or ballet, restaurants, bars or clubs.
For those who love the ballet and opera then without a doubt the Bolshoi Theater is one of Moscow's most romantic options.
If you are a lover of concerts the main venues in Moscow are the Kremlin Palace and the Olimpiisy Sports Complex. But for a smaller and more intimate concert venue then take a look at what's on at the Art Garbage, the Chinese Pilot Dzhao-Da or the Roadhouse.
Clubbing is very much a part of Moscow's nightlife with the Propaganda, the Kriziz Zhanra and the Tri Obezyani New Age clubs being amongst the most popular.
Getting Around
The quickest and most economical way to travel around Moscow is to use the Moscow Metro. These are marked with 'M' signs and to save time I would suggest buying a multiple ride ticket.
Taxis are plentiful. Official taxis tend to be more expensive than unofficial taxis. To hail an unofficial taxi just hold out your hand. Tell the driver where you wish to go and if you do not like the price simply close the door.
Accommodation
At this point I should warn you that Moscow is an expensive place to stay. To book the best deals plan and book ahead or you might consider renting an apartment.
You may want to check out these sights:
Cheap Moscow - www.cheap-moscow.com
Flatmates.Ru - www.flatmates.ru/org
HOFA - www.hofa.ru
Moscow City Excursion Bureau - www.moscowapartments.net
A trip to Moscow will quite probably fill you with many emotions ranging from loathing to total passion and inspiration. An unforgettable city.
Source: Europe on a Shoestring - The Lonely planet
Published by Karen Reams
Karen Reams is an English writer now living in North Dakota. She has travelled extensively and enjoys sharing her travels. Trained in Cambride, UK as an NNEB she is also interested in all things to do with... View profile
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