Spend at least an afternoon at...
by kayekaye
Spend at least an afternoon at the Tretyakov Art Gallery. The Tretyakov displays centuries of Russian art, including many ikons, with the Repin picture of Ivan Grozny probably its most famous exhibit. Probably overshadowed on the tourist itinery by Petersburg's European collections, the Tretyakov has been restored and for insight into the cultural heart of Russia is unmissable. It has been a long time since I was there but it was the first foreign trip I ever made. Looking about me on that first day, so far from home and everything so very different, started subsequent years of living and working just for the next time I could get away.
Alexander Gardens
by Canadienne
This view of Alexander Gardens and its bordering Kremlin Wall also gives a peek at a section called the grotto, which was added as a decorative touch in 1821. The Obelisk to the right of the grotto was erected in 1913, to commemorate the 300th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty.
In 1918, Lenin "updated" the obelisk by erasing the coats of arms and tsars' names, then replacing them with the Soviet hammer and sickle, as well as the names of socialist thinkers and revolutionaries. What we loved most about this area was how pretty and green it was ~ filled with locals and tourists alike. It was certainly a contrast to the dark & dreary image of the Kremlin that my mother held in mind.
Metro
by bugulma
I believe the Moscow metro is the most beautiful underground transportation in the world. There are different monuments, pictures in the wall and ceiling, amazing mosaic. The metrostation in the center are the most beautiful. Moreover metro is the comfortable way to get any location in the city. As a matter of fact, year by year the quantity of cars has been increasing and there are many traffic jam in the city. That to get your meeting in time, use metro.
Moscow baths
by luiggi
Sandunovskaya Banya.
The Russian steambath (sauna or "banya" in Russian) is one of the favourite activities among Moscovitans. What's even more exciting is that there is a banya designed in the old-fashioned 19th century way: with expensive decorations, leather sofas, golden columns, and painted ceilings, located right in downtown Moscow, Sandunovskie Bani.
Where is General Winter?
by MrBill
Many people wonder what happened to the fierce winters that once cursed and yet protected Russia in centuries past? Due to global warming, Russian winters just are not as cold as they used to be. In Moscow, there is almost a constant freeze and thaw cycle during the winter. The therometer dips to minus 15 Celcius, and for a time everything is frozen, and then a few days later it is back up above freezing, and everything thaws. This constant freezing and thawing means everything is wet, dirty, slippery and sometimes dangerous. Either you're stepping gingerly around mud puddles that form at every sidewalk crossing or you're getting splashed by the cars as they roar by. Even getting in and out of the car or on and off the bus it can be hard not to brush up against the side of the vehicle getting you dirty. Therefore, I would recommend that you wear darker colors that do not show the dirt as much, and that you wear good, steady winter boots with water proof, non-slip soles. There are dry cleaners at or near most major supermarkets where you can get your trousers and jackets cleaned if need be. The cost is reasonable, but it usually takes about 3-5 days to get your clothes back. The hotel may be able to do this for you quicker, but it will cost much more.
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Driving in Moscow
Logo of Moskva Knigi (Moscow Books)
Great Cathedral of the Don Mother of God
eternal fire
