Moscow Travel Guide
St Basil’s Cathedral, probably the world’s most recognisable symbol of Moscow. It was built by Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century to commemorate his victory against the Tartar Mongols.
Start at the The Red Square, which is also home to the St Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, a former royal palace and now the official residence of the President of Russia and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Nearby is the Armoury Chamber, a treasure-trove of ancient state regalia, gold and silverware by Russian craftsmen and ceremonial weapons and arms. Make time to drop by the beautiful GUM department store with its steel and glass roof to browse the gorgeous designer boutiques. To learn a thing or two about Russian culture, head over to Gorky Park, officially known as the Park of Culture. Your next stop should be Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, famous for its impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. In the evenings, watch trained felines perform astounding acrobatic feats at the Kuklachev Cats Theatre, or catch a show at the 226-year old Bolshoi Theatre. Also, walk down The Arbat, where you can find gorgeous ware from street artists and craftsman.
The Izmailovo Gamma-Delta Hotel, only six train stops from the Red Square, offers clean and comfy rooms at about $20 for a twin-sharing room. Have dinner at the Courvoisier, where mains start at $3.