Moscow is the capital of Russia and the start of the Trans-Siberian making this vast city of more than 13 million people an almost certain stop on any trip. It is the political and economic centre of this vast country and has many of Russia’s most famous sights, not least Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral. With over 800 years of history there is also a wealth of architecture, museums and monuments to a colourful past. Perhaps the most surprising of these is it’s extraordinary metro system – a tour in itself!
BEST MONTHS TO VISIT MOSCOW
MOSCOW WEATHER AVERAGES
REASON TO VISIT MOSCOW
Moscow is a must visit for any Russia trip, home to some of the country’s most famous and iconic sights including Red Square and St Basil’s Cathedral as well as being the start of the Trans-Siberian.
MOSCOW TRAVEL TIP
Moscow is usually visited alongside, and indeed complemented by, St Petersburg – the latter often being the start of finish of a Trans-Siberian trip! Allow at least 2 nights in Moscow as there is much to see.
HIGHLIGHTS OF MOSCOW
Red Square – one of the world’s most famous squares and top of the list to see for most people with many of Moscow’s main sights around the square itself.
St Basil’s Cathedral – perhaps Moscow’s most iconic sight at the south end of Red Square.
Lenin’s Mausoleum – See the man himself. Check opening times and note that no bags or cameras are allowed inside.
Bolshoi Theatre – A beautiful building and well worth trying to catch a ballet here if you can. If you can't then there are tours available.
The Kremlin – The largest single site in Moscow (if you ignore the metro!) there are some lovely churches inside as well as the famous Armoury’s diamond collection.
Pushkin Museum – World class collection of Western art focussed on the Impressionists and post impressionists.
Tretyakov Gallery – Dedicated to Russian art this is the museum to visit in Moscow. Note it is split in two with a more modern building opposite from Gorky Park.
Novodevichy Convent – little changed since the 17th century this building is both convent and fortress and has a fascinating cemetery next to it where the likes of Chekov and Yeltsin are buried.
Church of the Ascension – to commemorate the birth of Ivan the Terrible and an architecturally important building in Russia.
HAND PICKED MOSCOW ACCOMMODATION
There is no getting away from it, hotels in Moscow are expensive and poor value with a surprisingly limited choice for such a large city. We feel location is key here and you really want to be as central as you can afford. Our mid-range hotels of choice include the characterful Budapest Hotel and the Arbat House Hotel. If you can afford more the venerable Metropol Hotel is our choice for a superb location and wonderful sense of history. There are better spec 5* options but most lack the style of the Metropol.
We hold ATOL license 10287 so booking with us gives you 100% financial protection. We are also members of the Association of British Travel Agents. ABTA has strict membership requirements and we are required to adhere to the associations high standards. Our ABTA number is Y1699.
