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Moscow (phone area code is 095. From outside Russia dial +7095)
All railways lines in Russia lead to the capital, so you’ll be spending some time here, even if it’s just a quick visit to Red Square as you change stations. Moscow is worth much more than that, however. Almost all the resounding changes that have taken place in the country over the past decade have been initiated here and if you’re looking for the pulse of the new Russia it’s here what you’ll find it.
Moscow’s historic sights alone make it a fascinating place to explore; bank a minimum of 3 days here to see the main attractions.
What to see Red Square This wide cobbled square, Krasnaya Ploshchad in Russian, extends across the area beside the north-eastern wall of the Kremlin. The main sights around the square are St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the GUM department Store and the Kremlin.
Lenin’s Mausoleum Built onto the side of the Kremlin in 1930, the red granite mausoleum and its mummified accupant still receive lots of visitors from 10:00 to 13:00, but not on Monday or Friday. There’s no entry charge. Recommended. Behind the mausuleum are the graves of other communist, including Brezhnev and Stalin.
St Basil’s Cathedral Also known as the Church of the Saviour, this creation is the symbol of Moscow. Commissioned by Ivan the Terrible, it as completed in 1561 and so pleased with the result was the Tsar that he had the architect’s eyes put out so that he would never be able to produce anything better.
State History Museum Reopened in 1997 this museum is at the north end of Red Square. The extensive collections cover the history of the country up to the present.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier It is traditional for bridal couples to visit this monument in the Aleksandrovsky Gardens on their wedding day. Beneath the marble lies the body of one of the soldiers who helped to stop the German advance on Moscow in 1941.
The Kremlin The Kremlin is, in fact, a large walled castle. Although the site has been occupied for at least the last 800 years, the walls and many of the cathedrals date from the fifteenth century. There are 20 towers and several cathedral and churches inside. A must-see.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour The original church here was a 19th century cathedral what was blown up by Stalin to make way for an enormous open-air heated swimming-pool. In 1997 the reconstruction was completed.
Old Arbat Street (Stary Arbat) This pedestrianised shopping street is popular with tourists. There are buskers, street artists and swarms of souvenir sellers.
Metro The palatial metro system is a tourist attraction in itself. It is also the best way to travel around Moscow.
Where to stay Budget accommodation
Mid-range
Up-market
Where to eat
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