Moscow

Language

When travelling to Russia, be prepared that almost everything is written in Cyrillicletters. Only at airports, main train stations and main tourist sites will you see English translations so it is a good idea to learn the very basic Russian phrases before you go.

Currency

Russian currency is the Ruble, written as рубль or abbreviated as руб. Moscow is renowned to be one of the most expensive cities in the world so don’t be shocked by the prices of your bills. The city is a business hotspot so most of the hotels are high-end and restaurants cater for those with expensive tastes. Moscow is home to the most billionaires in one city.  

Best travel time

Moscow has a humid continental climate with warm, occasionally hot and humid summers and long, cold winters. In summer temperatures can reach 30-35°c and often Indian Summers are experienced. The winter snow begins in October and lasts well into spring. February is the coldest month as temperatures often go down to minus 15°c.  

Visa requirements

All foreigners visiting Russia need a visa to enter. The visa lists entry/exit dates, your passport number, any children travelling with you and the visa type. The Tourist visa is what you will need if you are planning a holiday to Moscow.These allow you to stay in Russia for 30 days if you have accommodation pre-booked.  

Traditions and Culture

Moscow the country’s cultural and commercial centre and is full of massive and impressive cultural institutes,architecture and statues that remind everyone of its power and wealth. Take a look around the historic splendour of the Kremlin and Red Square and you will witness the dazzling contemporary culture of the architecture. There areworld-class ballets and operas for those who love music and theatre and playsfor lovers of music. The Great Moscow State Circus gives a delightful cultural treat for all with their jugglers, acrobats, clowns, gymnasts and animals. The people of Moscow and Russia have their own culture, unique from the rest of theworld. Russian women like to dress to impress and wear skirts, heels and lots of fur.   At the end of February and beginning of March, Moscow celebrates Maslenitsa- a week of feasts and folk festivals.  

Religion

The majority of Russians belong to the Orthodox Christian denomination.

By bus

The best way to get around Moscow iswith the metro as it is simple to navigate around, quick, efficient and the station names are in Russian and English. Multiple-journey cards save time at ticket stations.  

By plane

Moscow has three major airports: Domodedovo, Sheremet'evo and Vnukovo. Sheremetyevo International Airport is probably the easiest to get to and from and is 29km north-west of Moscow.   A good option to get around Moscow with ease is to rent a car as it can be cheaper in the long run it may be cheaper.For example, a taxi from Moscow airport to Moscow will cost about $70 and to rent a car it will cost around $50 per day.  

By taxi

Taxis are easy to find in Moscow and are distinguishable by their chequerboard on theside of the car and their yellow colour. It is best to negotiate the price before getting in the taxi. Moscow has a radial structure, and the Garden Ring road defines the center of the city. A smaller Boulevard Ring defines thecity's downtown. If you need to find a particular building then be sure to remember that Moscow house numbering starts from the centre.

Nightlife

Nightlife in Moscow can be veryexpensive and many A-lists and people with money often enjoy nights out in Moscow. The city never sleeps and a lot of clubs and bars double up as restaurants and entertainment centres so you can stay in one venue all night.   The three top nightclubs in Moscow are Soho Rooms, Imperia Lounge and Krysha Mira. These have a very strict door policy and often only let beautiful or rich people in.   The minimum drinking age in Russia is 18 years, although the minimum purchasing age is 21 years.  

Food

Moscow is a cosmopolitan city and therefore you can find cuisine that suits every taste. The local cuisine includes dishes the Caucuses, Ukraine, Uzbekistan and other countries that used tobe part of the Soviet Union. Japanese food is also very popular and you will find sushi bars almost everywhere. Dining out can be expensive and expect to pay atleast $30 for a meal.