What to do with children in town
Kolomenskoye
Russia
Moscow
Moscow, capital of Russia, is one of the largest metropolises in the world with an ever growing population. Moscow is a place where life is constantly on the move- a fact which is reflected in the opening of new restaurants, clubs and shopping malls ever so often. It is a perfect fusion of ancient meets modern. Juxtaposed with the Cathedrals built as early as the 11th century and other historic structures such as the Kremlin and Museums, are other recently built chic and modern structures. Moscow is quite simply the historical, cultural, political as well as financial capital of Russia.
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A CLOSER LOOK
Top places to visit
Alexandrovsky Gardens
These gardens are lovely to take a stroll through. At the entrance of the garden, a marble monument has been erected to honor soldiers killed during WW II. Known as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, it was built to commemorate especially those Russian cities that suffered atrocities under Nazi rule.
The Kremlin
This massive fortress was built in the 12 th century to protect against invasion. It is a remarkable structure comprising of a citadel enclosed by brick walls and gates. It owes its magnificence to the history that it embodies. The fortress was ransacked by the Mongol invaders in the 14th century but was later restored to become the seat of power of the Czars and the Communist rulers.
Red Square & Lenin's Mausoleum
Red Square is one of the most important sites in Moscow and swarming with tourists every holiday season. Communist parades were held here and parades continue to pass through this square. This structure is not to be missed especially since Lenin's Mausoleum is located right here.
St. Basil's Cathedral
This was built in the 1500s to commemorate Russia's victory over the Mongol Tartars in 1555. Popular belief holds that Ivan the Terrible had the architect's eyes plucked out to prevent him from making anything grander than this.
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
Named after the famous Russian writer Pushkin, this museum unlike Tretiakov Gallery is home to Russian art in addition to paintings and pieces from around the world. Its internationality means that every visitor will find something worthwhile here. Italian, Greek, French and Egyptian art pieces have been exhibited here. The art of Da Vinci, Remembrandt, Ruben, Van Gogh, Daumier and Renoir in particular are on display.
The Cathedral of Christ the Savior
This was built in the 1800s to commemorate Russia's victory over Napoleon Bonaparte. Records of Russian military victories are engraved in the marble panels leading to the main hall.
Tretiakov Gallery
This museum was built in the 19th Century. This is the most famous of the museums in Moscow and home to Russian art solely. It houses the paintings and masterpieces of incredible Russian artists from different time periods. These include: Vrubel, Kadinsky, Malevich, Kuindzhi and Repin. The collection is fabulous and one should spare an entire morning or afternoon to do justice to it.
Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery
This convent was built in 1524. It comprises of a number of Churches including the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk and the Gate Church of the Intercession. Tourists are treated to diverse architectural styles such as the white, golden and green walls and domes of the former and the red walls and domes of the latter. The convent was initially to be used for the purpose of imprisoning wives/ sisters/ daughters and other women who had fallen out of favor with the Russian rulers or their own families. Be sure to pay a visit to the cemetery where famous Russian writers, artists and leaders are buried. Writers Chekhov, Gogol, and Bulgakov are buried there along with Khrushchev and Yelstin
Bolshoi Theatre
Bolshoi means'grand' and this theatre is so because of its brilliant ballet and opera performances. It was built in 1825 to replace the Petrovka theatre which had been destroyed in a fire. Later on it had to be re-built following another fire in 1853. The theatre was intended to cater to the whims of the royal family and other nobles and was a status symbol. Performances include Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Romeo and Juliet, Spartacus etc. The architecture of this theatre is magnificent; even if tourists are not interested in the ballet and opera performances they must stop over if only to absorb the splendor of this structure.
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Full guidePlan a Muslim-friendly trip in Moscow
THE LOCAL TABLE
Halal restaurants in Moscow
Krasnaya ploschad
This restaurant is located in the centre of Moscow and customers get a breathtaking view of Moscow from it. Tourists get a taste of traditional Russian food of excellent quality.
Beluga
This is an extremely posh restaurant and caviar is its specialty along with other succulent dishes. Customers will not regret eating here.
Carré Blanc
Located in an 18th century mansion; this French restaurant is accompanied by a café which is reasonably priced compared with the former. Seafood is the specialty, but meat dishes are delicious as well.
Prisoner of the Caucasus
This restaurant is named after a Russian film and the ambience is very much in keeping with this theme. Customers are given a taste of the cuisine of lands such as Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia, once under Soviet rule. Lamb dishes here are a specialty although there is a wide range of other dishes to choose from.
Café Pushkin
This restaurant provides outstanding service and offers a vast array of dishes to choose from. In addition to delicious appetizers and main courses the restaurant also offers delectable desserts. Customers are bound to enjoy the food as well as the atmosphere here.
Korchma Taras Bulba
This restaurant takes its name from one of the main characters in a Gogol novel. The restaurant is fashioned like a Ukrainian house. Customers will be treated to melodic Ukrainian music which plays in the back ground but more importantly will be treated to delicious food. Many of the dishes are meat and vegetable based.
Donna Clara
This restaurant offers quality food at affordable prices. Appetizing pastas, meat dishes, salads and desserts are listed on the menu.
Genatsvale
'Down to earth' best describes the atmosphere inside this restaurant. Unpretentious delicious food coupled with reasonable prices makes this a stop worth making. Meat lovers and vegetarians will both be satisfied by the dishes listed on this menu.
Korreas
This restaurant is run by a New York chef and is ideal for those who have been unable to adapt themselves to the flavors of Russian cuisine. There is a wide variety of dishes to choose from at affordable prices.
Parizhsk
Easy going best describes the atmosphere of this restaurant. Open twenty four hours a day it offers a fusion of Russian and French cuisine as the name of the restaurant suggests. With two of the best cuisines in the world under one roof customers are bound to be satisfied.
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Where to stay in Moscow
Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
This hotel is located in the neighborhood of Zamoskvorechie on the Moscow River. The hotel was built in 1898 and its rooms offer a stunning view of the Kremlin's domes and St. Basil's Cathedral. In room facilities include a mini-bar, a coffee maker, a fridge, a hair dryer, an iron, a safe, an AC and a TV. Hotel facilities include babysitting services, a children's centre, a game room, car rental service, restaurants, heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a health spa, massage services, laundry service, 24 hour room service and dry cleaning.
Hotel Savoy
This hotel is located near Kremlin and Red Square. It was built in 1912 and has a wonderful ambience reminiscent of pre- revolution Russia. In room facilities include a mini-bar, a fridge, a hair dryer, an iron, a safe, an AC and a TV. Hotel facilities include restaurants, heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a health spa, massage services, a salon, laundry service, 24 hour room service, dry cleaning and a shopping mall.
Moscow Marriott
This hotel was opened in 1995 and has a central location. Contrary to appearances it is also one of the more family friendly hotels. In room facilities include a mini-bar, a coffee maker, a fridge, a hair dryer, an iron, a safe, an AC and a TV. Hotel facilities include restaurants, heated swimming pool, a health spa, massage services, a salon, laundry service, 24 hour room service, dry cleaning, babysitting services and a car rental service.
Hotel Metropol
This hotel is located in the vicinity of the Kremlin and Red Square. It was built in 1901 and provides a stunning view of the Kremlin along with the statue of Karl Marx at Revolution Square. Its architecture and furnishings are all historically significant. In room facilities include a mini-bar, a fridge, a hair dryer, an iron, a safe, an AC and Satellite TV. Hotel facilities include nightclub and casino, restaurants, swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a health spa, massage services, a shopping mall, 24 hour room service, laundry service and dry cleaning.
Park Hyatt Ararat
This hotel is located in the neighborhood of the Kremlin and Red Square. It is the archetypal 21st Century luxury hotel. In room facilities include a mini-bar, a fridge, a hair dryer, an iron, a safe, an AC and a TV. Hotel facilities include restaurants, heated swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a health spa, massage services, a salon, laundry service, 24 hour room service, dry cleaning, babysitting services and a shopping mall.
East- West Hotel
This hotel enjoys a central location and has an extremely peaceful ambience. In room facilities include a fridge and Satellite TV. Hotel facilities include restaurant, sauna, laundry service, dry cleaning and room service.
Hotel Cosmos
This massive hotel was built for the 1980 Olympics and is located opposite the All-Russia Exhibition Centre. Whilst it does not have the best location it has much to offer; apart from room facilities which include a mini-bar, safe, fridge, AC and Satellite TV and hotel facilities which include nightclub and casino, restaurants, swimming pools, massage services, a shopping mall, 24 hour room service, laundry service and dry cleaning. It also comprises of a game centre, a bowling alley, babysitting services and a children’s pool and water slides.
Hotel Ukraina
This hotel is located in the neighborhood of Barrikadanya and is a 15 minute walk away from Arbat Street. Again this hotel does not have a central location. In room facilities include a fridge, a safe, an AC and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include a nightclub, casino, health club, massaging services, laundry services, dry cleaning, a shopping mall and a game centre.
Arbat
This hotel was built in the 1960s. It has a good location and is reasonably priced. In room facilities include a fridge, AC and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include restaurant, salon, 24 hour room service, laundry service and dry cleaning.
Pekin
This hotel was built in 1949 and has a very good location. It is located at the crossing of Tverskaya Street and the Garden Ring road. In room facilities include a safe, a fridge, an AC and satellite TV. Hotel facilities include restaurant, night club, casino, game room, salon, 24 hour room service, laundry service and dry cleaning.
History and today in Moscow
Visa Information
General Visa Information
When to go
The best time of the year to visit Moscow is during the summer season from June to August. The weather is also good during the months of September and October.
Fast Facts
Location:: Located on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District, in the European part of Russia.; Local City Name:: Moscow; Area:: 1,081 sq km Dialing code: +7 Area Code: 495 Emergency Numbers: Fire: 01 Police: 02 Ambulance: 03
Public Holidays
January 1:: New Year's Day; January 7:: Orthodox Christmas; February 23:: Defenders of the Motherland Day
Annual Temperature
January: High -5 C° (24 F°) Low -8 C° (17 F°); February: High -4 C° (25 F°) Low -9 C° (16 F°); March: High 2 C° (36 F°) Low -5 C° (24 F°)
Exchange Rates
The currency used in Russia is the Russian Ruble (RUB).
Moscow residents
Moscow has a population of almost 12 million people. Apart from locals, a large percentage of Moscow residents consist of migrants from other parts of Russia and other states of the former Soviet Union. It is, thus, common to find Jews, Ukrainians, Tartars and other ethnic minority community members in Moscow.
Moscow Today
Moscow, capital of Russia, is one of the largest metropolises in the world with an ever growing population. Moscow is a place where life is constantly on the move- a fact which is reflected in the opening of new restaurants, clubs and shopping malls ever so often. It is a perfect fusion of ancient meets modern. Juxtaposed with the Cathedrals built as early as the 11th century and other historic structures such as the Kremlin and Museums, are other recently built chic and modern structures. Moscow is quite simply the historical, cultural, political as well as financial capital of Russia.
Moscow History
Moscow, historically, was the foundation of the Russian state. Ivan the Great following the Mongol invasion of areas surrounding Moscow, warded of these invaders and consolidated the Russian state from Moscow.
Useful information
Shopping
GUM
This shopping centre is located in the vicinity of the Red Square. It is the most famous of Moscow's shopping centers. There are several clothes and shoe shops and many designer labels such as Christian Dior and Max Mara are housed under this roof.
Okhotny Ryad
This is another of Moscow's famous shopping malls. It is located right outside the Kremlin and a range of international brands have set up shop here.
The Arbat
While much of what is sold here is over priced and readily available in other shopping areas, a few of the Arts and Crafts shops are worth the visit. Traditional Russian goods such as embroidered sheets/ linen and carved wooden boxes are available here. These are the shops worth stopping at in Arbat:
Eliseyevsky Magazin
This is a food emporium where expensive chocolates, vodkas, cookies and salted herring are available
Central House of Artists
Artists have put up their creations for sale on the ground floor of the museum.
Pyatniskaya Street
This area is unique and quite eclectic since it is consists of a number of small shops and galleries where independent small artists sell their paintings, sculptures and work. Traditional Russian crafts are also available. In addition to these are shops where vintage clothes are on display for sale. The Mekha is a well known shop located here selling a variety of Russian fur coats and hats.
Tretyakovsky Prozeyd
Leading fashion and jewelry designers have set up shops here to cater to the elite of Moscow. These include:
Izmailovsky Market
This is an outdoor bazaar located in Izmailovsky Park. Vendors speak English and goods can be bargained for. The merchandise that these shopkeepers have to offer are diverse and range from wooden toys, to quilts, jewelry and dolls. It is worth stopping by here.
Outdoor Art markets
Artists sell their work here at reasonable prices that are not fixed. It is also possible for buyers to get the paintings framed from these as framers too have set up stall here.
Moscow Cultural Fund
Ceramics, dolls and wind chimes are just a few of the specialties available here.
Signature sights in Moscow
Kolomenskoye
This is a sprawling estate situated along the Moscow River. It is ideal for those who want a break from the fast paced city life of Moscow. It consists of luscious green gardens and orchards which are ideal picnicking spots where tourists can unwind. Visitors can go on boat rides along the river, or simply enjoy the fresh air against the backdrop of the beautiful Church of the Ascension built in the 1500s. Tourists should also keep an eye out for any festivals going on around their time of visit. Kolomenskoye often is host to these.
Cathedral Square
Every Saturday at noon the changing of the guards ceremony occurs at this square. The ceremony is an enactment meant to transport visitors back in time. The ceremony comprises of horses, an orchestra and soldiers dressed in uniforms from the Czarist era. To view this, tourists are required to pay a fee separately. Cathedral Square comprises of the following monuments:
The Patriarch's Palace
The Patriarch's Palace and the Cathedral of the Twelve Apostles is a museum which showcases Russian Art in the 17th century.
The Armory Museum
This was built in the 1800s on the site where Royal treasures were stored. A visit to this place will definitely enhance the tourist's knowledge of Russian history and its protagonists. Exhibited here are a variety of artifacts ranging from imperial carriages to weaponry to the thrones designed and built for different Russian rulers. Visitors are only allowed to roam the museum for a maximum duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes at a time. English audio guides are available which are well worth the price to get a good grasp of items showcased here.
Czar Cannon and Czar Bell
These are two fantastic though strange features of the Kremlin. The cannon was built in the late 16 th Century to defend the Kremlin's Savior Gate. The bell was built in the early 18th Century and is the largest in the world, weighing around 200 tons. Both were never used and are reflective of the extravagance and excessiveness of Russian rulers.
Red Staircase
This is located right next to the Cathedral of the Annunciation. It is famous for being climbed up by czars newly coroneted. Historically this staircase is also important since it was from these that Peter the Great witnessed his relatives being impaled during an uprising.
Festivals and events in Moscow
Prodexpo
This is a drink and food exhibition which is held annually in Moscow. It is the first of its kind in all of Russia. The venue is the Expo centre and companies from around the world exhibit their products. A number of contests are also held such as the Best Product Contest, the Best Wine Contest and the best Food Packaging Contest.
Maslenitsa [Blini Day]
This festival lasts one whole week. This was an ancient Russian ritual that was resurrected only about six years ago. To welcome the season of Spring Muscovites all over the city make and eat pancakes along with their friends and families. Apart from this, they partake in other festivities as well such as drinking, dancing enjoying folk music, observing parades of Russian fairytale characters around the city and watching a scare-crow being burnt down. Steeped in symbolism, this festival gives an insight into Russian culture.
Paskha (Easter)
Easter is observed in Kolomenskoye where a service is held in the Church of Ascension. Muscovites feel very strongly about their traditions and hence festivals like Easter are celebrated with fervor.
Victory Day
This is an extremely solemn event contrary to what is suggested by its name. Russian soldiers and others killed during World War II are remembered on this day. War memorials are held all over the city with youngsters bearing flowers as a mark of respect. War veterans dressed in their uniforms also meet up telling tales about the battles they were a part of. The fireworks display at night is spectacular.
Moscow Yacht Festival
This grand event takes place in Gorky Park. Yachts are on sale for charity apart from which visitors can participate in boat races or watch yachting teams comprising of celebrities vie for first place. Apart from the boat racing events, concerts are also held for charity to address different concerns such as the environment and the welfare of special children. This event is both enjoyable and for a good cause.
Moscow tours and experiences
Optima
These operators offer a variety of package deals that vary in terms of which sights will be visited and which vary as to the length of each tour. Usually tours last from anywhere between 2 to 7 days. These packages include hotel accommodation. Sights visited include the Kremlin, the Cathedrals around it, the Armory Museum, Tretiakov Gallery, Kolomenskoye and Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts. The tours are also classified into standard, superior and luxury- and prices vary accordingly. One unique feature of these operators is that they allow visitors to design their own tours- custom made tours allow tourists to visit every sight in Moscow that they don't want to miss.
Patriarschy Dom Tours
These tour operators organize tours daily- they make sure that visitors do not miss a single landmark both inside Moscow and in the outskirts of Moscow. These tours take visitors around the Red Square and Kitai Gorod neighborhood, Bulvar ring and Tverskaya, the armory Museum, Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery, the Tretiakov gallery and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Craft shops, the White House, Moscow's monasteries, the Pushkin Art Museum and the Great Kremlin Palace are also on the list. These operators also organize day trips to Vladimir [the old capital of Russian] and Suzdal as well as to the town of Borovsk, home to many wonderful churches. Tourists should visit the mentioned website which provides all the details regarding the meeting place, the timings of the tour, and how to book tours online.
Capital Tours
This company offers two basic tours. The first is the Kremlin Grounds, cathedrals and Patriarch's Palace tour.
Intourist
Address: Stoleshnikov Pereulok Tel: 095- 923-8575
Moscow masjids and Muslim travel
Moscow Mosque
Moscow Mosque
Moscow Grand Mosque
Moscow Grand Mosque
Moscow Mosque
Moscow Mosque
Memorialnaya mechet'
Минская ул., 2Б, Москва, город Москва, Россияmmechet.ru8 (916) 916-22-00
Darul Arkam * Dar Al Arqam * Darul Arkam
naberezhnaya Danilovskaya, 8 Building 7, Moscow, Russia
Mosque
Zatsepa Street, 41, Moscow, Moscow City, Russia
Transportation
Buses
Bus stops are denoted by the letter 'A'. It is not advisable to take the bus since travel time is likely to be much longer especially during rush hour when traffic jams are a common occurance. If the bus is used, tickets can be bought from the bus driver or conductor. Tickets once bought must be punched by the passengers in the red machines fixed along the walls of the bus. Failure to do so is punishable with a fine.
Metro
Moscow's Metro system is magnificent. It covers all of Moscow and travel prices are affordable. The only disadvantage is that the signs inside the stations are not in English. This should not be too problematic- maps are color coded and visitors can easily memorize what the name of the station looks like in Russian. There are 11 lines operating from about 170 different stations. The Metro is the most efficient and most convenient way to get around Moscow.
Trams and Trolley buses
Tram stops are denoted by the letters 'TP' and trolley bus stops are denoted by the letter 'T'. Tickets can be bought from the conductor.
Taxi
Moscow's streets are dotted with yellow Fords or Volgas. They are often concentrated in areas where a number of hotels have been built and outside train stations. Many cab drivers do not speak English, this should not be a problem though. Prices vary from 200 RB to 500 RB depending on the distance travelled and whether it is a national holiday or not. Prices are, however, negotiable. Visitors can call a cab from one of the following reliable taxi operators:
Car for hire
A car can be hired on a day to day basis or on a weekly basis. The price varies depending on what kind of car is rented and also on whether the driver can speak English or not. Benefits of hiring a car and driver are that the driver will know his way around the city; he will also be well versed in Russian traffic regulations. In addition it is his job to find a parking space and fill the petrol tank as need be. The following rental services may be contacted:
From the airport
From Domodedovo Airport: Visitors can either take a cab to the city centre which will cost them $30- 50 or take the train to Paveletsky Station (which is very close to the city centre) for a mere $ 3.50.
Driving Tips
Drivers should carry with them at all times an International Driving License. They should have at least one year driving experience. Drivers must also be able to read Russian Traffic signs. Lastly they should have on them documents pertaining to the car at all times. It should be noted that driving in Moscow is a hassle because of frequent traffic jams, because of reckless drivers on the road and because of the corrupt traffic police. Driving oneself is not advisable.
Health and Safety
Health And Safety
Health And Safty Moscow
