It’s Russian tradition to reserve even numbers for funerals and odd numbers for everything else; like giving someone flowers, for example.
So connectedly, I have chosen the top nine things you must do to experience Moscow, Russia.
A mixture of senses came to mind whilst in the taxi on my way from the airport to The Radisson Slavyanskaya hotel.
Architecturally, as I look at the frames that pass me by through the window, I feel as if I’m in the Elizabethan age. I hear Savage Garden on the radio and my mind is transported to the nineties. I will come to hear Savage Garden quite regularly whilst on my trip to Moscow; it seems to be a thing there. I feel the forced warmth of the taxi heater and the smell of soup is inescapable.
The lit up streets of Moscow glow under the grey winter skies. It’s as if there’s lights everywhere to elude the cold and add happier vibes. It’s a tough one, getting through a Russian winter – the second coldest country in the world!
It’s a busy town as the headquarters of any country should be.
Nostalgia grips you, being surrounded by preserved ancient buildings.
Moscow, Russia was a becoming experience of fascinating sights, people and traditions.
Here are the nine that captured my attention:
CLICK HERE TO WATCH MY VIDEO OF MOSCOW, RUSSIA
- Go on a Russian Tour:
We stumbled on a free tour on the Internet, simply entitled Moscow Free Tour: http://moscowfreetour.com/#free. It was easy to sign up and the best thing we could do to kick start our travels through Moscow.
I strongly recommend beginning your visit with this tour:
- It’s a calculable round up of all the activities you can do in Moscow
- The information provided by our guide Alena was invaluable for mapping our travels for the remaining time we had in the city
- We also gained much insight to the Moscow way of life that you defiantly should immerse yourself in
- There is a useful Q&A at the end of the tour, which is extremely helpful to get metro routes etc.
- Saint Basils Cathedral
Saint Basils Cathedral is Russia’s most monumental historic building situated at the Red Square in Moscow.
The tales from way back then are always so fascinating and the tale behind the construction on Saint Basils Cathedral lives up to that expectation.
- Metro Stations
Moscow’s metros boast the most attractive metro stations in Europe.
It is truly spectacular and picturesque. You definitely need to take the time to appreciate the effort that went into these metro stations; Russians take pride in their architecture.
- Ballet Theatre
You will never see ballet as you would in Russia.
I was lucky enough to watch the ever-classic Swan Lake and was exhilarated by the performances.
This is an absolute must.
- The Kremlin
The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian President and has grandeur of palaces and cathedrals, open to the public for sight visits.
- Red Square
Red square is the epicenter of the main sights of Moscow where you will find interesting, historical and modern entertainment.
- The Tallest Buildings In Europe
Moscow is home to the tallest buildings in Europe. This, for me was most exhilarating and was the sightseeing highlight of my trip to Moscow.
The tallest building is the Federation East Tower building that stands at a whooping 373,7 meters tall.
- Gum Shopping Center
The ultimate shopping center of Moscow, which boasts an elixir of high-end fashion labels such as Tiffany & Co and Louis Vuitton.
Whilst at Gum, indulge in some Russian cuisine: pancakes and delicious Soviet Union ice cream (apparently, the recipe for this ice – cream hasn’t changed since the Soviet Union.)
- Memorial Museum Of Cosmonautics
A spectacular building houses space exploration memorabilia from Russia.
The souvenir shop has some of the cutest spoils; like this adorable badge of a dog astronaut, I, of course had to get which is now the start of my denim jacket badge collection.
I strongly recommend you conquer the cold and visit Russia, from the lavish architecture to the fascinating history, there’s nothing demure about it, a must for every travellers bucket list. Share your favourite memories with me if you have travelled to Russia on Twitter @MsSheenaD.
