Moscow, Russia — Things to Do
Sightseeing in Moscow
For the most part, Moscow attractions are testament to the city's turbulent past, but there are also a number of cultural and religious venues to enjoy in the city. Sightseeing in Moscow is best during the summer, from May until late August, when it is warmer and the days are longer. The foremost Moscow attractions are the Kremlin, a fortress dating back to the city's foundation in 1147, and the multicolored domes of St Basil's Cathedral, both iconic Russian landmarks. Red Square is another must when sightseeing in Moscow. The Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theater is home to Moscow's famed performance arts, while the Tretyakov Gallery exhibits traditional Russian masterpieces. Historic Moscow attractions include Poklonnaya Hill, which highlights Russia's military strength against both Napoleon and Hitler, and the Borodino Panorama Museum which has interesting artifacts and displays from the Napoleonic wars. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour commemorates the soldiers who died defending Russia in the early 19th century.
Shopping in Moscow
Shopping in Moscow is surprisingly rewarding. This previously deprived nation loves shopping and Moscow's city center has numerous malls and upmarket boutiques, offering all the big name brands and some pricey local produce. The GUM building in Red Square hosts Hugo Boss, Dior and Calvin Klein. Tverskaya Ulitsa, running north from Red Square, is Moscow's most trendy shopping street. More modest, high-street fashions such as Benetton, Guess, Nike and Reebok, are available from Okhoktny Ryad, under Manezh Square. Izmailovskii Park has a market at the weekends, selling traditional Russian arts and crafts (such as nesting dolls) as souvenirs. Eliseev Gastronome was an 1880s palace and retains many of its original features, such as curling marble pillars and candelabras, but is now an exclusive supermarket where visitors mights find the finest Russian vodka or caviar; the Cheremushinsky Rynok market also sells fresh local produce. Warehouses in the suburbs sell cheap electronic goods, DVDs and software, as do vendors at the Gorbushkin Dvor market. Shops are generally open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 6pm; some larger retailers stay open till 8pm, many smaller shops are closed between 1pm and 3pm. Ensure that all necessary export permits are in order, and beware of purchasing illegally manufactured/pirated goods.
Moscow Nightlife
Moscow's notorious nightlife features an amazing selection of bars, clubs, bowling alleys, billiards rooms, casinos and concert venues. The most popular party scenes can generally be found in and around Kitai Gorod, Arbat and Garden Ring. Bars like Piramida and Nightflight have prime spots near Red Square, the Hungry Duck has been popular for years and Propaganda is another renowned bar/club. Authentic jazz venues include the likes of Forte or the more upmarket Le Club, while Dolls is a classy Moscow strip club. For a full-on club night, Fabrique is the place to go, and Mio is also quite trendy. B2 and the Chinese Pilot are not to be missed for live music. Moscow's casinos include Carnival and Casino Desperado, and bowling alleys like Bi Ba Bo can also be good fun, as is the Onyx Billiard Room. Luzhniki Stadium hosts massive international music concerts, while Hermitage Garden is good for open-air performances and contemporary electronic concerts, and also has the Novaya Opera Theater and an ice-skating ring.
Attractions for Kids
It might seem like a daunting task finding attractions and activities that kids on vacation in Moscow will enjoy, but look a little closer at this fascinating and historic city and you'll find there are a few things that will spark interest for children. The Obraztov Puppet Theater features performances for children during the day, while animal lovers should head to the Moscow Cat Theater where domestic cats perform a multitude of acrobatic tricks. The Moscow Dolphinarium will delight with dolphins, whales, seals, and sea lions performing tricks, balancing balls and jumping through hoops, while older kids may take interest in the historic value of the Kremlin, but even younger children will delight in the sheer size of the Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, which makes for a great attraction while out and about in the city. For something a little more soothing, enjoy a boat ride through the city where the kids can't run out of sight and the constantly changing architecture and landscape will show them a side of Moscow they'd never see.
