Local: Moscow

The upcoming 2018 FIFA World Cup has made Moscow focus all of its efforts in becoming more of a top-notch destination choice for travelers. Investments in logistics, hotels, overall infrastructure and signaling in the Roman alphabet will make visitors’ lives a lot easier. Even if you are not fond of the sport it is a good opportunity to see the city after such a serious… Read more »

Even though its white façade and golden domes are easily recognizable, it surprises us to learn that travelers miss a visit to this cathedral and go only to St Basil’s. It is quite interesting to learn that this magnificent religious building was torn down during communist era, only to be rebuilt some decades ago. Its interiors are as magnificent as the building seen from the… Read more »

This 18th century landmark building and iconic theater in Moscow is legendary and praised internationally. Its ballet dancers are considered the best in the world and a refrence in this art. Home to masters like Nureyev and Baryshnikov, attending a performance at the Bolshoi could be an experience of a lifetime if you fancy ballet; be aware that programs are usually long. Another option is… Read more »

This 16th century convent complex and Maiden’s Monastery was declared World Heritage by Unesco years ago. Different from other monasteries’ fates, the Novodevichy has been very well preserved probably due to the noble background of ladies who were sent there. It holds one of the most impressive collections of icons, and you should not miss the Smolensky Cathedral and its impressive frescoes, as well as… Read more »

This flea market goes back to the 17th century and still is one of the largest in Eastern Europe. Traders from the whole Russia come to this lively market where you can find all sorts of crafts, souvenirs and memorabilia. Faux furs and typical Russian fur cap called ushanka, bijous with stones from the Baltic sea, souvenirs, objects from the Soviet era, decor items, war… Read more »

If you enjoy the history of space explorations, as well as the race that characterized the fierce competition between superpowers in the Cold War do not miss a visit to this museum. It has not only relics from old times but also rockets, satellites and astronaut costumes. Special exhibitions on solar system programs, space walks and spaceships are on site, as well as a movie… Read more »

Nobu is one of the hottest spots in Moscow, it is run by the same group who owns Nobu in other international cities. The restaurant is set up in a sleek ambience with pretty chandeliers and dim lights that bring an intimate atmosphere. The food follows the Far East influences, with touches from Peru or other places the chef travels to, bringing creativity to the… Read more »

A Russian classic and an iconic restaurant in Moscow. Do not miss a meal at this elegant restaurant that has been a reference to good food in town for years now. The atmosphere and décor resembles an aristocratc mansion and brings you a flare of nobility in its various ambiences, you can choose from the rich Library, the magnificent Fireplace, or the Pharmacy halls, the… Read more »

The name should read Oxygen Lounge, but you might as well try Oh-Two when asking for directions. It is located onf the top of Ritz-Carlton hotel, and carries glass ceilings, a swanky bar and has amazing views of the city and some of its landmarks. It is a trendy place, with fashionable ambiences and stylish setting, as are its habitués. They offer mouth-watering cocktails that… Read more »

This Italian venue is located at GUM by the Red Square and carries many positives: it is a perfect location to rest after visits in the Red Square, the terrace has views to Lenin Mausoleum and Kremlin’s red walls, the cappuccino is great and in summer you can try an original gelato. Inevitably you will be near Bosco Café at some point during your visits,… Read more »

The Vanil is a high-end restaurant that has been very succesful with trendy Muscovites; it has a sleek yet relaxed atmosphere. Conveniently located in Arbatskaya near the Pushkin Museum, it is a good lunch choice if you are around, when you will probably be surrounded by business people or relaxed lunch seekers. At night there is a pleasant and modern lounge music playing, you should… Read more »

Do you fancy pizza? Even though it might seem odd to look for a pizza place in Moscow the truth is that pizza is something that pleases our taste buds everywhere, even when we are travelling. So try Bocconcino, a restaurant that serves delicious disks in comfortable and graceful atmosphere. The house is so succesful that it recently decided to open its first restaurant in… Read more »

Location location location. The legendary Metropol is a Moscow classic in Kitay-Gorod, and just a few blocks away from the Red Square, Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral. We actually consider this hotel, overall art-nouveau, a perfect “find” in the city, most of the top-notch hotels in the region are more expensive. Even if the classic style is not usually your choice we believe, in this… Read more »

The StandArt is one of the best design hotels in Moscow, located right by Tverskoy Boulevard, the famous Cafe Pushkin and a 15 min walk to the heart of the city center and its Red Square. As the name suggests the hotel relates to its owner, the well-known Moscow-born artist Stanislav Tratsevskiy, who designed the hotel in a contemporary and futuristic motif. Lobby and common… Read more »

This stylish boutique hotel is located in the Basmanny region, not in the heart of the old city center but close enough: a 10 min taxi ride or a quick subway ride from its nearby stations. It is an excellent choice if you are looking for a more quiet stay and within proximity of the city’s many attractions. The Mamaison is a design hotel with… Read more »

The Royal Aurora is part of the Marriot chain of hotels, and even though there is nothing in particular in terms of decor its location is very convenient, just a few blocks away from the Red Square. Last time we stayed at this hotel we were pleased with the advantages of being so close to many of the city’s attractions, and the hotel rates are… Read more »

The Savoy is another of the classic and aristocratic style hotels in Moscow. Marble and parquet floors, crystal objects and chandeliers, as well as plastered ceilings with classical paintings set the tone of this hotel’s style. The highlight is definetely the location, a 5-minute walk to the Kremlin or the Bolshoi ballet and so many other attractions in town. There is a large and excellent… Read more »

Located in pleasant Basmanny neighborhood and just a 15 min walk to the Red Square, the Moss is one of our preferred boutique hotels in Moscow. Fashionable interiors somehow inspired in nature, this boutique is eco-friendly and cares about small decor details that will make your stay more pleasant. A super nice reception desk, lobby and modern and trendy common areas are quite a respite… Read more »

This historical hotel could not be more classic and old style, somehow opulent, yet the location is very convenient since it is basically a stone’s throw to the Red Square. Rates are quite good considering the exorbitant prices charged in the region. Sumptuous celings, draperies, gold embroidering, classic carpeting, a staircase, neo-classical columns, chandeliers and mahogany are the decor characteristics. Rooms are really spacious, as… Read more »