Moscow


Moscow – State Historical Museum, Moscow, Russia
Photo by: Andrew®, Creative Commons

Moscow is the capital and largest city of the Russian Federation, located on the banks of the body of water from which its name was derived, the Moskva River. It is a megacity, in fact the largest European metropolitan area, the world’s seventh largest city proper, and one of the world’s most expensive cities. It is called by many nicknames such as The Third Rome, Whitestone, The First Throne, and The Forty Forties.

Moscow is home to the Russian parliament and the Government of Russia, as well as numerous educational, scientific and sports institutions. You can easily go to, through, and around the city via a complex transport system, which includes the second busiest metro system in the world (after Tokyo), renowned for its architecture and artwork; 9 railroad terminals; and, 4 international airports. The road system radiates outwards from the Moscow Kremlin, residence of the President of Russia, and a World Heritage Site; the roads then intersect with sequential circular rings of roads.

Moscow’s climate involves warm, humid summers and long, cold winters, so take note of that when you visit the city. Relish the sight of the world-renowned architecture, the styles ranging from pre-Soviet avant-garde to facadism and modernism. You may visit sites such as Saint Basil’s Cathedral and observe its elegant onion domes, and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Seven Sisters. Museums abound as well, one of the most notable of which is the art museum Tretyakov Gallery.

Moscow is actually a very green city compared to other urban areas of the same size in the world. You may take your pick of parks and gardens to visit as Moscow has 96 of the former and 18 of the latter (4 botanical gardens included). The Central Park of Culture and Rest is a wonderful choice. Founded in 1928 and spanning 170 acres, it contains estrades, dancing and sports facilities, and children’s attractions that include the Observation Wheel. It sits just beside the city’s oldest park and former residence of the Emperor, the Neskchniy Garden. The Green Theater, one of the largest European open amphitheaters and capable of holding up to 15,000 persons, is in the Neskchniy Garden.

If you’re into the nightlife, however, you won’t be out of place in Moscow. One of the most well-known nightlife areas is located around Tverskaya Street, one of the city’s busiest shopping streets. South of it, near the Red Square and Manege Square area is what’s considered as the New Russians’ and celebrities’ playground, a place with numerous expensive and luxurious bars and restaurants. There is a vibrant night life in Moscow. Most popular nightlife areas are found in Tverskaya Street.

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