More than 10 million people live in Russia’s capital, making it one of the most highly populated cities in the world.
The countries cultural heart, Moscow is famed for its performing arts and there are more than 130 cinemas, four concert halls and 100 theatres for you to enjoy a production from. It’s also Russia’s major political and economic hub and home to an extensive transport network. Originally named after its river, Moskva, almost 50 bridges cross the river within the cities limits.
Moscow Information
Population: Approx. 10,562,099
Time Zone: UTC +3/+4
Languages: Russian (official), Swiss, English
Currency: Russian Rouble
Currency Exchange: Purchase your Rouble cash and travellers cheques before you leave Australia
Moscow Climate
A typical continental climate, Moscow experiences long, bitingly cold winters and warm humid summers. The city receives consistent snow fall for at least three months a year with winter temperatures ranging between -9°C (16° F) and 3°C (37° F).
Summers are a welcome reprieve with daily averages around 23°C (73° F) and 13°C (55° F) overnight. July is traditionally the cities wettest month and March its driest.
Moscow Airport
Name: Mosow Demodedovo Airport
Website: http://www.domodedovo.ru/en/
Partner Airline: Etihad Airways
Car Rental:Mates rates on all car hire with our preferred partners
Around Moscow
St Basil’s Cathedral is without doubt one of Russia’s most recognisable icons. The Russian Orthodox Cathedral was originally built between 1555 and 1561 and is the geometric centre of the city. Erected by Ivan the Terrible, Russian folklore says that once the cathedral was completed the then Tsar of Russia instructed the architect (Postnik Yakovlev) be blinded, so he could never again create a building so beautiful. Located on the Red Square, its vibrant colours are hard to miss and with the exception of Tuesdays (or when the structure is undergoing restoration work) you can enter the cathedral with tours available.
Moscow Zoo is home to almost 1000 different species and more than 5000 specimens. Spanning 20 hectares, it’s a fun and educational family day out. The Siberian tigers, snow leopards and bears consistently draw big crowds but the monkey enclosure remains a perennial favourite amongst children. With playgrounds, shops and cafes onsite you could easily spend an entire day exploring what it has on offer.
The Bolshoi Theatre began as a dance school for Russian orphans in 1773. Today it is the countries premier theatre and home to one of Russia’s principal ballet companies the Bolshoi Ballet and school. The site of numerous world premiers, including Tchaikovsky’s, The Voyevoda it continues to draw ballet and opera enthusiasts from around the world.
Surrounding Area
The Trinity Monastery of St Sergii is the Russian Orthodox equivalent of the Vatican. More than 400 years old, the white stone walls, azure domes and the larger gold dome house years of political and religious history - an impressive sight to see. Open every day, the trip to Sergiev Posad can be arranged through an organised tour group or by Metro, which will have you arriving in the now industrial centre in around an hour and a half. There is also a museum open every day except Monday and the surrounding churches are closed to visitors on weekends.
Renaissance Moscow Monarch Centre Hotel
4 Star Property
The newest and largest single area conference and convention Moscow luxury hotel near city centre. A conference venue like no other in the Moscow Hotels. We provide 1500 sq meters of event space. First-class meeting facilities and outstanding service from one of the best Moscow hotels and world leading hotel brands - Renaissance. Sumptuous bedrooms, contemporary meeting rooms with state of the art equipment and technology.
Crowne Plaza World Trade Centre
5 Star Property
The Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is strategically located in the vicinity of Government House of Russian Federation, a major business district Moscow City and international exhibition complex Expocentre. The historical heart of the city is within walking distance. The Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre hotel combines the perfect downtown location with serenity and supremely comfortable accommodation, modern business facilities and superb cuisine, fulfilling every need of the discerning business or leisure traveler.
Renaissance Moscow Hotel
4 Star Property
This International first-class hotel is centrally located in Moscow, adjacent to the Olympic Sports & Exhibition Complex, and approximately 30 miles from Moscow-Sheremetyevo Airport. Local attractions include Pushkin Museum, Trejtiakov Gallery, Tchaikovskij Concert Hall, Red Square, Gorki Park, Bolshoi Theatre, Hippodrome, Izmailovo Flea Market, and White House, all within five miles.
Holiday Inn Lesnaya
3 Star Property
The new Holiday Inn Lesnaya is located 10 minutes drive from the historical centre of Moscow, 45 minutes drive to Sheremetyevo Airport and 2 minutes walk to the central underground station Belorusskaya with convenient connections to all metro lines. It is an ideal choice for business, conference and leisure clients. Holiday Inn Moscow Lesnaya offers 301 air conditioned rooms featuring 2 rooms for disabled guests, 17 suites, non-smoking rooms and executive rooms.
Park Inn Sadu
4 Star Property
A new business Park Inn Sadu hotel is situated in the heart of Moscow and surrounded by the best known architectural masterpieces. A wonderful view opens from the windows of the rooms on Kremlin, Red Square, Christ The Savior Cathedral and Moskva-River. Kremlin and Red Square are just across the bridge. It takes less than five minutes to the state Tretyakov Gallery and two minutes to Polyanka metro station.
Bega Hotel
4 Star Property
The Bega Hotel is one of the best deals in Moscow in terms of location, comfort level and value. Located in the centre and right next to the Moscow Hippodrome, the hotel is perfect for exploring the city. The Hotel is also very close to the Belorusskaya metro station enabling guests to reach any point in Moscow very quickly.
Dining
Café Pushkin is without doubt one of Moscow’s premier dining establishments. Choose between the library, pharmacy or fireplace halls as the backdrop to your unforgettable gastronomy experience. The menu conjures traditional Russian favourites like Borsch soup, stews of lamb, beef, duck and pork and crepes stuffed with caviar. The lavish 19th century mansion offers a banquet service for distinguished guests - opulent Russian dining at its best.
Shchit I Mech (Shield and Sword) is the perfect spot to savour a no frills Russian meal. Whether its grilled meet and vegetables, hearty soups or a chicken kiev with a standard 100g pour of Vodka, the former Lubyanka prison and one-time headquarter of the KGB represents fantastic value for money. Also known as the KGB bar, the restaurant is packed with soviet paraphernalia which only adds to the atmosphere.
The dangerously fun Bosco Bar attracts a well-heeled touristy crowd. Located in the heart of the city it serves an enviable selection of Vodka flavour fusions – even by Russian standards. Inside, an ultra modern interior hinting 70s chic, serves up a good selection of mid-priced meals. A modern Italian menu, you can expect to find simple pasta dishes, accompanying salads and an impossible selection of ice cream flavours – tobacco being one of them. Located at 3 Red Square it’s a busy spot throughout the night.
Shopping
Pay a visit to Russia’s largest department store GUM. Stocking everything from Christian Dior to Calvin Klein this is the place to go for your designer brand fix - centrally located at Red Square.
Head to the university district and immerse yourself in Moscow’s farmers markets, Tscherjomuschkinskij Rynok. Located at 1/42 Lomonossowskij, you’ll find plenty of regional produce, kitsch souvenirs and popular food stalls serving local favourites like freshly made syrniks (a type of burger) as well as savoury pancakes and pastries.
Quite possibly Moscow’s favourite shopping destination, A Korkunor is the holy grail of all things sweet. Handmade chocolates line polished glass cabinets which are sure to break your resolve. The perfect place to source decadent gifts for family and friends, stop and savour a sinfully thick hot chocolate while you’re there. Located at 13/16 ul Bolshay Lubyanka.
