Moscow Travel Guide

Once the remote and largely inaccessible headquarters of the Soviet Union, Moscow is now a top holiday destination for all those whose imaginations were captured by life behind the Iron Curtain. Besides the 'must see' sights like the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre, Moscow has numerous other attractions, including many military memorials and museums. Most who travel to Moscow, however, get the biggest kick out of just strolling its old neighbourhoods, soaking up the history and culture and admiring the many newly-restored churches and the unique Russian architecture.

Moscow is a playground for the wealthy, with glamour and glitz enough to satisfy the most fashionable of visitors. Shopping in Moscow is a delight and the city is home to droves of good restaurants and entertainment venues, making its nightlife varied and fun. Even getting around is a pleasure because the Moscow Metro is one of the city's greatest tourist attractions!

Best time to visit Moscow

The best time to holiday in Moscow is either during the hot summer months, from May until late August, which is the peak tourist season; or to beat the rush by visiting in spring (April to May) when the days are longer and warmer than winter, while the rates are lower than summer. Winters are best avoided except for the most determined tourists because they are bitterly cold and snowy with very short, dull days.

What to see in Moscow

-Relive the defeat of Napoleon by the 'invincible' Russians at the Borodino Panorama Museum.

-Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, one of the largest Orthodox Churches in the world.

-Enjoy the best of traditional Russian art at Moscow's Tretyakov Gallery.

-Photograph the colourful domes of the iconic St Basil's Cathedral.

What to do in Moscow

-Take in a world-class ballet or opera at the famous Bolshoi Theatre.

-Marvel at the beautiful interiors of the Moscow Metro.

-Stroll around Red Square, the bustling heart of Moscow.

-Explore the many museums, palaces and churches of the Kremlin, the oldest part of the city.

Beyond Moscow

The Golden Ring, a circular route winding through about eight historic towns near Moscow, includes many attractive manor houses and museums and takes in some impressive architecture while still giving travellers a taste of the Russian countryside. Favourite stops on this route include the cities of Sergiev Posad and Suzdal. Other popular excursions from Moscow include the Arkhangelskoye Palace and Yasnaya Polyana, former home of author Leo Tolstoy.

Getting there

Travellers most commonly arrive at Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport, located 32 miles (51km) northwest of central Moscow, or Moscow Domodedovo International Airport, located 22 miles (35km) south of the city centre.

Did you know?

-Moscow is home to a whopping 12 million people.

-Until 1918 St Petersburg was the capital of Russia.

-Moscow is said to be the home of more billionaire residents than any other city in the world.