About Moscow

Climate

The average temperature in Moscow in June is 16°C. Average rainfall is slightly higher over the month to mark the start of the wetter season.

Communications

Despite the recent rapid improvements in the telecommunications infrastructure, telephoning in Russia can be difficult and expensive.

Main Attractions

The Kremlin - Moscow's Kremlin stands high on the hill towering over the left bank of Moskva-River. The Kremlin has always been perceived as a symbol of power and mighty of the Russian state, the national idea expressed in stone. Each era in the history of Russia left its significant architectural trace in the Kremlin. Late in the evening the brightly illuminated Kremlin is a striking sight.

Arbat - In the 19th century Arbat was a favourite neighbourhood for Moscow's nobility and creative intelligentsia, it was believed to number one noble for every seven ordinary residents. Over the years the street has developed into one of the most popular places in Moscow, with dancers, street artists, Krishna supporters, shops, cafes and cultural centres.

Gorky Park - Officially the 'Park of Culture', named after Maxim Gorky, this park is part ornamental and educational, part funfair and amusement park, and a good place to escape the hubbub of the city. In winter the ponds freeze and the paths are flooded to make a giant skating rink.

Lenin's Tomb - Vladimir Ilich (Lenin) died of a massive stroke on 22 January 1924 when he was 53 years old, was embalmed six months later, and has now become the world's most famous mummy. Visitors can go into his tomb which from 1953 to 1961, Lenin shared with Stalin.

St Basil's Cathedral - The confusion of colours and shapes make St Basil's Cathedral an iconic symbol of Russia. Created between 1555 and 1561, replacing an existing church on the site, its design is the culmination of a wholly Russian style that had been developed building wooden churches.

Eating Out

Old-style Russian food tends to be heavy and carbohydrate and fat based, predominantly consisting of potatoes, bread, eggs, meat and butter. The culinary scene in Moscow is undergoing a renaissance with lots of buffet style places, coffee shops and a wide variety of international food.

Tipping is increasingly expected at restaurants. Tip 10-15% depending on service. It is typical to round up the amount due to the next round figure.

After Dark

Moscow is a place where you will find any kind of entertainment you could imagine. You can visit both main stream dance music parties, as well as alternative and ethno-music gigs. Few cinemas have shows in English (with Russian subtitles) and there are some great old Russian classics movies on sometimes.

Travel around the City

Metro - The local metro system is one of the most famous in the world and can be compared to an underground museum. The trains run very often and there are maps in English and Russian, but during the peak hours it can get overcrowded. A trip costs 15R ($0.50) and the metro is open from 5.30 am to 1 am every day.

Bus - Tickets cost 13R-15R ($0.45-$0.50) and can be bought from the driver directly (more expensive) or at metro stations. Most buses, trolleybuses and trams have gates at the entrance.

Taxi - Taxis are really cheap: you can get from the suburbs to the center for about $10 (30-minute drive), while a 10-minute "pub crawl" ride inside the city center will cost about $3. Alternatively you can just hail and any car will stop. Many Moscow drivers like to make extra cash giving a lift however this comes with its obvious risks.