Top Ten Attractions
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The Kremlin
The ancient citadel in the heart of Moscow, includes four palaces, four cathedrals and is the official residence of the President of Russia. The Kremlin Museum, which recently celebrated its 200th anniversary, is home to ancient treasures of Moscow. Tickets can be purchased in the Alexander’s Garden. http://www.kreml.ru/
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Red Square
One of the most revered places for most Russians. It has been the scene of many important events in Russian history including 1945 victory parades to mark the end of World War II. It is the place to watch the changing of the guards and is home to Lenin’s Mausoleum. http://www.moskva.ru/guide/redsquare/redsquare_...
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St. Basil’s Cathedral
A masterpiece of Russian architecture located at the southeast end of Red Square. Built between 1555 and 1561 to mark the Russian victory over Khanate of Kazan, the building is famous for its ornately decorated onion dome façade.
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State Tretyakov Gallery
Housing the best collection of Russian art including works by Chagall, Kandinsky, Shishkin and Nikolai Ge. It is also home to a rare collection of icons including the 12th century Byzantine Virgin of Vladimir. http://www.tretyakov.ru/
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Izmailovo Market
A 10 R entrance fee gets you an admission into Moscow’s largest souvenir market. The place to pick up a bust of Lenin or Stalin or any other Soviet era propaganda. The maze of stalls seems to go on forever. Haggling a must.
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GUM
The State Department Store located near the Kremlin walls has evolved since the days of Communism and now houses a variety of stores and boutiques. It is very popular amongst Russians. http://www.gum.ru/
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The Cathedral of Christ Our Savior
Constructed under Alexander I in memory of the Russian victory over Napoleon. Destroyed under communism to make way for the Palace of Soviets, the cathedral was rebuilt after the fall of the iron curtain. http://www.xxc.ru/english/index.htm/
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Novodevichy Convent
Dating back to 1524, this imposing complex was originally built as a fortress along the Moskva River. It is home to the Cloisters of Moscow and was recently proclaimed as a World Heritage Site.
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The Arbat
In particular Stary Arbat, a cobbled stone street closed to traffic and dotted with cafés, street artists, musicians and souvenir shops.
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The Bolshoi Theatre
The second largest theatre in the world after La Scala in Milan. The place to see fine Russian Ballet and Opera. http://www.bolshoi.ru/en/
Eating and Drinking
Foodies will rejoice and celebrate in this former Communist capital. Since the fall of the Iron Curtain, Moscow is emerging as one of the great food cities of the world. Everything from traditional Russian to fine French haute cuisine, the city offers a wide variety of foods from all over the globe. Here are a few notable selections:
Café Pushkin – Offering fine traditional Russian cuisine, is considered one of the best restaurants in Moscow. The food and ambience here is fit for the tsar. This is popular with the Russian elite. There’s a 24-hour main dining room and in summer, there is rooftop alfresco dining.
Grand Imperial – Another excellent restaurant offering traditional Russian fare set in exquisite ambience.
Carré Blanc – A must for lovers of fine French cuisine. It has one of the best wine collections in Moscow. Alfresco dining available in summer. www.careblanc.ru
Mario’s – The place for top-notch Italian food made with ingredients direct from Italy. Gardens open in the summer.
Scandinavia – Offering Scandinavian cuisine in a warm inviting setting. The beer gardens and terraces are a popular spot in the summer. www.scandinavia.ru
Dzhagannat Express – A respite for the vegetarian crowd. Offering a fusion of Indian, Chinese and Japanese food with an eye towards healthy living.
Be prepared to leave plenty of time when dining out as Russians consider this one of life’s pleasures that cannot be hurried.
Shopping
Given that Muscovites like to look good, it is no surprise that the city offers all the latest Western fashions, be it all at somewhat higher prices. Names such as Versace, Armani and Prada are available, along with numerous local designers. Some key shopping spots include the massive GUM State Department Store off Red Square, Novy Arbat with boutiques and souvenir shops, and for luxury brands, streets such as Stoleshnikov pereulok, Tretyakovsky proyezd, and Kuznetsky Most. For arts, crafts and Soviet era memorabilia, the place to go is the vast Izmailovo Market. However, be aware when shopping for anything of Russian cultural value, as most items will not be permitted out of the country without proper documentation from the Ministry of Culture.
Night Life
There is no finer venue for opera and ballet than the Bolshoi Theatre, despite having the main stage closed for renovations until 2009. For evening concerts and theatre, the Tchaikovsky Conservatory is the venue of choice. Beyond high-culture, Moscow has a vibrant and hip club scene catering to the elite oligarchs as well as ordinary Russians. The city also has a thriving music scene offering everything from live jazz to Russian folk music. For more information go to the nightlife section of The Moscow Times or online at: www.themoscowtimes.com. For those with fat wallets, Moscow has many high-end casinos and gambling options that offer car service to pick-up and drop-off at your hotel.
