MOSCOW, RUSSIA
As the capital of Russia and the largest city in Europe, Moscow has plenty to offer. It's the more modern sister to Saint Petersburg and it has a totally different, colder feel to it. Larger-than-life Stalinist architecture and expansive streets, with a blend of historical landmarks, cathedrals and cultural heritage to explore. Moscow is at once impressive and intimidating, and there's lots to see both old and new.
TO STAY
Just around the corner from the Red Square and Theatre Square, Metropol Hotel is ideally situated in the historic hub of the city. Set amidst the most famous landmarks, including the Kremlin and the Bolshoi, within walking distance to some of the liveliest streets like Tverskaya, Tverskoy Boulevard, as well as the GUM department store, you can easily set out on foot to explore. With an alluring blend of Soviet Art Nouveau and refined luxury, the Metropol recreates an experience of 20th-century Moscow. Breakfast in the famous Metropol Hall is one of the most enjoyable parts of the stay - with monumental lighting, a marble fountain and live classical music set beneath a beautiful stained-glass dome. A comfortable and convenient stay in the heart of a very large city.
PLACES TO VISIT
THE RED SQUARE
Essentially the historic hub of Moscow with some of the city's most significant landmarks to visit, including The Kremlin, Lenin's Musoleum, and the iconic Saint Basil Cathedral. A great place to begin your tour of Moscow, and from there you can walk on to major streets like Tverskaya or the GUM shopping mall.
CHRIST OUR SAVIOUR CATHEDRAL
Second to Saint Basil, this is one of the most significant cathedrals in Moscow and actually the tallest Orthodox building in the world. Set along the Moskva River and within walking distance from the Kremlin, its prominent gold domes are hard to miss and its enchanting interior is just as impressive.
THE SEVEN SISTERS
This group of sky-scrapers designed in Stalinist-style are perhaps the most characteristic examples of Muscovite architecture. Spread across Moscow, they literally jut out from cityscape and can often be seen from a distance like giant pillars. They're generally easy to spot by their symmetric composition, Brutalist concrete facades, spired towers and monumental scale. If you're an architecture-enthusiast, it's worth mapping out all seven buildings but some of the more interesting ones to see are The Moscow State University, Hotel Ukraina (now the Radisson), and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. To see all Seven Sisters at once, go to Sparrow Hills.
SPARROW HILLS
For sweeping views of Moscow and especially the Seven Sisters, Sparrow Hills is a stunning vantage point to enjoy both. On the right bank of Moskva River where the Moscow State University stands, it sits 80m above ground with a full panorama of the city.
Moscow's metro stations are a significant part of its architectural heritage and some of them have become landmarks of their own. Once imagined by Stalin to be the "palaces of the people", these metro stations are a perfect example of this sentiment. No two stations are alike; some of them are opulent and imperial, while others are more grim and streamline. There are plenty to visit but the most notable ones are: Komsomolskaya and Belorusskaya for baroque grandeur, Mayakovskaya for its Soviet futurism, and Novoslobodskaya for its 32 stained-glass panels and distorted visual. Avoid visiting at rush hours; it can be very overwhelming with little patience for tourists hovering around.
The largest museum of European art in Moscow with an impressive collection of masterpieces from the likes of Monet, Gaugin, Picasso, and Renoir. Located just across the Cathedral of Christ Our Saviour, it's worth visiting along the way.
This is Russia's biggest department store, just a short walk from Red Square and the Bolshoi Theatre. A beautiful three-storey gallery lined with designer boutiques, restaurants and cafés. The gourmet food hall Gastronome is also worth a look, with its old-fashion cabinets, marble counters and retro-style wrapping. An entertaining place to take a break from sightseeing in the area.
FOOD & DINING
Step back in time through the doors of this historic café, set in a former nobleman's house on Tverskoy Boulevard. The café's Baroque interiors are alone worth going for; with an ornate apothecary bar, a library room with original books, a light-filled conservatory, floor-to-ceiling windows... it's a beautiful space to dine in 19th-century style. The café is split across two floors: the Pharmacy Hall downstairs is a little more casual, whereas the Library Hall above is more formal. Both require reservations and a smart dress-code. The menu serves all the Russian specialities with plenty to choose - everything from blinis & caviar, homemade pickles, pies and soups, to heartier dishes like veal rissole, beef stroganoff, and baked fish. Open mornings to evenings, Café Pushkin is really worth visiting twice because their breakfast is just as good. One of the best dining experiences in Moscow.
Just next door to Café Pushkin is its elegant patisserie, serving traditional Russian desserts and French pastries in a European-café setting. If you're looking for the best Honey Cake in Moscow, this is it. The Honey Cake here is especially worth a mention, enjoyed with their traditional Ivan Tea freshly brewed at the table. A lovely place to stop for an afternoon break or an evening treat.
A one Michelin-Star restaurant headed by one of the top ten chefs in the world, Vladimir Mukhin. White Rabbit completely transforms one's perception of Russian cuisine with its innovative approach to traditional dishes and a creative twist on old recipes. Set in a domed-glass roof with panoramic views of Moscow and a quirky Alice In Wonderland theme, White Rabbit serves both visual and culinary entertainment. It's a seasonal menu of course, with the option of ordering a tasting experience or a la carte. One thing that's always on, however, is their iconic Grandma's Honey Cake and this a must order for dessert. Keep an eye out for Chef Vladimir if he makes an appearance or even directly serves one of his dishes to your table. Reservations required.
Another Michelin-Star restaurant for modern Russian cuisine, Beluga offers its own take on regional specialities and tradition. In a smart dining room overlooking the Red Square and Kremlin, guests can enjoy a sophisticated dinner with a view. There's plenty to try on the a la carte menu, as well as caviar tasting platters and an extensive selection of premium vodka. A great place to enjoy fine Russian delicacies in the heart of the city, located at Hotel National.
Also located at Hotel National and a short walk from Red Square, Grand Café Dr Zhivago is an old favourite among locals. An elegant white-and-red themed restaurant with views of the Kremlin and a typical Russian menu. It's a safe option for lunch or dinner in the area.
If you haven't tried the one in Saint Petersburg, Mari Vanna in Moscow offers a similar home-style dining experience in a cosy setting. Designed like an old-fashioned Russian home, the restaurant is warm and inviting with an equally comforting menu of Russian specialties. A variety of pickled salads and warm soups, vareniki, hearty stews and cutlets to name a few. A pleasant place to try traditional family-style food. Not too far from Tverskoy Boulevard.
Located on the 29th floor of Hotel Ukraina, one of the famous Seven Sisters skyscrapers. Buono offers an elegant dining experience with some of the best views of the city in a domed-glass dining room. It's an Italian restaurant with a diverse menu of antipasti, gourmet Neopolitan pizza, pasta, as well as fish and meat entrees. Open for lunch and dinner, it's a delightful choice for either but especially wonderful at sunset. Book in advance and ask for a window table to fully enjoy the view.
TRAVELING TIPS
1. The most convenient area to stay is near the Red Square, which is the historic hub of the city. You'll be within walking distance to many of the significant landmarks as well as major shopping streets, luxury hotels and restaurants. On a first visit to Moscow, it's likely you'll be spending most of your time in this area and it helps to be able to explore on foot from your hotel.
2. Moscow is a massive city, which means you should map out your activities by location. You can explore specific places on foot but not if you're going from one area to another across the city.
3. Use Yandex to move around the city. This is the Russian version of Uber and almost half the price of a regular taxi. The metro system in Moscow is also worth trying, if only to explore how fast and efficient it is.
4. Be mindful and respectful of Russian culture, which might be more formal and reserved than others prefer but it's nothing personal. Moscow can feel very intimidating at first but it's a magnificent city to uncover.