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DestinationsDestinationsOther |
Moscow RussiaINTRODUCTION The most populous city in Europe and the Russian capital, Moscow has been at the forefront of world history for more than a century. With its 10+ million citizens and numerous historical sites to visit, Moscow has experienced a surge of tourism. Once the seat of communism, Moscow can now be appreciated for its historical diversity and landmarks, which shaped much of the last hundred years of human civilization. Ancient monasteries and monoliths stand side by side here. Wonderful churches that had unfortunately been vandalized or abandoned during the Soviet era are being lovingly restored. HISTORY People have inhabited the Moscow area since the Stone Age. Because of its location on the Volga River, it steadily grew from a small town to a prosperous city. Moscow's history is filled with centuries of violence. In 1991, after the USSR dissolved, Moscow became the capital of Russia again and has since became more Westernized. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Moscow has recently been named the world's most expensive city. ATTRACTIONS Cathedral of Christ the Savior RESTAURANTS Pushkin Café - This legendary cafe feels like a time capsule from the early 20th century. While a little pricier than some options, the atmosphere and excellent cuisine are well worth it. OGI - Originally a bohemian hangout for intellectual types, OGI is now an immensely popular chain. However, it retains an artsy feel, and its offbeat design, low priced food and adjoining bookstore make it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike. Red Square - Offering a variety of traditional Russian dishes, this lavish restaurant is a Moscow must-do. Mama Zoya - Located on a three-story ship anchored on the banks of the Moscow River, Mama Zoya offers a unique experience as well as excellent Georgian-style food. Uzbekistan - One of the oldest restaurants in the city, Uzbekistan is a great place to try some authentic and moderately priced Uzbec food. You will also find divans, cushions and belly dancers. Suliko - Known as the best Georgian restaurant in Moscow, Suliko has the atmosphere of a cozy peasant cottage. Warm yourself in front of the huge stone fireplace and enjoy the grapevines that hang charmingly from the ceiling. LODGINGS Baltschug Kempinski - The Baltschug Kempinski offers spectacular views of the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral from its perch on the opposite bank of the Moscow River. A 10-minute walk to Red Square over the bridge, the hotel provides superb five-star accommodation and a comprehensive range of facilities in an attractive 19th-century building. Budapest Hotel - The Budapest provides good value accommodation at an extremely central location. It's on Neglinnaya Ulitsa, one of Moscow's most famous streets, and just a few hundred meters from Red Square and the Kremlin. Izmailovo Gamma Delta Hotel - Rates at this budget hotel are remarkably low by Moscow standards. Rooms are simple and comfortable, and it's just a short metro ride to the Kremlin and the Red Square. Sretenskaya Hotel - This charming small hotel has a fairytale-like atmosphere, a surprising range of amenities and a high standard of service. Metropol Hotel - Behind Moscow's most stylish facade, the Metropol Hotel has been the epitome of luxury in the city for over a century. Despite the ever-increasing competition, there's still nowhere quite like the Metropol for old-fashioned elegance. Peking Hotel - The three-star Peking Hotel is a Moscow landmark, its slender spire dominating one corner of Triumfalnaya Ploshchad, one of Moscow's most impressive squares. Opened in the 1950s, the Peking Hotel is a masterpiece of Stalinist neo-classicism, and the hotel's recently-renovated interiors maintain an air of the period. 
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