Moscow
Eastern Europe and the Balkans · Russia
Did you know?
- The Bolshoi Theatre stages ballet and opera.
- Stolovaya is the name for canteen-style dining.
- A Russian bathhouse is known locally as a banya.
See also
Overview
Moscow is Russia's political and financial centre, with a vast metropolitan population. Warm summers and long, cold winters give visits a strongly seasonal character.
Languages: Russian
Understand
Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia with around 13 million people. It has warm summers and long, cold winters. The Moscow Metro is the longest and busiest subway in Europe.
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Climate
Summer are warm, winters are long and cold. Temperatures average below freezing from mid-November to mid-March. Snow cover typically forms in late November or early December and melts in early April.
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Get in
Moscow has several international airports: Sheremetyevo (hub of Aeroflot), Domodedovo (hub of S7 Airlines and many foreign carriers), Vnukovo, and Zhukovsky. Intercity buses connect to many Russian and CIS cities.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Get around
The city is served by an extensive metro system, the longest and busiest in Europe. Buses, trams, and trolleybuses supplement the metro.
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Do
Visit a Russian bathhouse (banya) for a cultural experience. The Bolshoi Theatre offers ballet and opera. The Great Moscow State Circus and Moscow Nikulin Circus are popular. Moscow Zoo has over 6,000 animals. Ice skating at Gorky Park or Luzhniki. Football matches at four Premier League stadiums.
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Eat
Dining ranges from food stalls to canteen-style 'Stolovaya' to high-end restaurants. Many small restaurants offer lunch specials 200-250 RUB (12:00-15:00). Ethnic food from Caucasus (Georgian, Azerbaijani, Armenian) is common, as is Japanese and other Asian cuisines. Tipping is expected in restaurants.
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Sleep
Accommodation ranges from hostels to luxury hotels. Prices vary by district; central areas are more expensive. Check district articles for detailed listings.
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Stay safe
Moscow has a relatively low crime rate. Watch out for drunk people and avoid outer southern districts at night. Tourist Police with body cameras are available. Always carry your passport—police may check it. Women should avoid walking alone late at night. Streets can be slippery in winter. Traffic is chaotic with high accident rates.
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Connect
Mobile Internet is affordable, but you need a Russian SIM card. Free WiFi is available at Domodedovo Airport. The Moscow Times English-language newspaper is available online.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy
Currency exchange offices are plentiful; check for hidden commissions. Avoid large notes (5,000 and 1,000 RUB) at small merchants because they may refuse them. Large shopping malls are common near metro stations.
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Go next
Moscow is a hub for flights and trains across Russia. Nearby destinations include the Golden Ring cities, Saint Petersburg, Nizhny Novgorod, and Tver. Day trips to Arkhangelskoye Palace, Kubinka Tank Museum, Borodino battlefield, and Yasnaya Polyana (Tolstoy's estate) are possible.
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Work
A work visa is required and difficult to obtain. A mandatory Russian language exam is needed for a work permit.
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Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- see
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
A grand cathedral near the Kremlin, one of the largest in the world.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Gorky Park
Large park along Moskva river with estrades, children's attractions, dancing, tennis courts.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Moscow Zoo
Oldest and biggest zoo in Russia with over 6,000 animals.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
Museum with world civilisations exhibits and paintings from major Western eras.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Red Square
Central square with Lenin's Mausoleum, GUM department store, and St. Basil's.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Iconic cathedral with elegant onion domes on Red Square.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
State Historical Museum
Museum covering Russian history from prehistoric times to the Romanov dynasty.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- see
The Kremlin
Historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, seat of Russian government.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
Mobile Internet is affordable but requires a Russian SIM card.
Culture
Learn a few Russian phrases; younger generations may speak some English.
Health
Tap water not recommended; drink bottled.
Language
Younger people are more likely to speak English; ask students for translation help.
Local transport
Metro is efficient and cheap (single ride about 65 RUB). Buses and trams also available.
Money
Break large notes (5,000 and 1,000 RUB) at shops; smaller vendors may refuse them.
Safety
Always carry your passport; police may check it. Avoid outer southern districts at night.
Transport
Moscow Metro is the longest and busiest in Europe.
Visa
See Russia#Get in for visa requirements.
Visa context
Visa rules depend on passport; check current entry rules before booking.
Weather
Winter temperatures average below freezing from mid-November to mid-March.