Global Forums > Travel > Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
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Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:09
Will be there on business mid July and thinking of going already to spend weekend there 19/20th. Any tips on things to see and do? People to join?
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Will be there on business mid July and thinking of going already to spend weekend there 19/20th. Any tips on things to see and do? People to join?
SimSimJun 24, 2008 @ 01:09
SimSimJun 24, 2008 @ 01:09
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 1
Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:16
awww.. simsim.. such a shame as I'm there 2 wks after you to go visit a friend. But will look forward to hearing your experience :) Enjoy!
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awww.. simsim.. such a shame as I'm there 2 wks after you to go visit a friend. But will look forward to hearing your experience :) Enjoy!
YouMeCo, Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:16
YouMeCo, Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:16
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 2
Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:34
I plan to be there on 12/13th of july
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I plan to be there on 12/13th of july
extremal, Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:34
extremal, Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:34
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 3
Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:53
I went to Russia for Christmas - spent time in Moscow, Novgorod and St Petersburg. I was only in Moscow for 3 days but this is what I found...
There are the obvious landmarks like the Red Square, St Basil's and if you have an afternoon to spare then go into the Kremlin. Be aware that they close the Kremlin at ridiculous times of the day for a few hours (or when the government decide they want to), so best to research the opening times first or walk past the ticket booths and check out the notice boards or you could be left waiting for a while. You can also line up to go through Lenin's tomb - its free but you have to check your bag (which has a fee), especially if you have a camera as they will not allow it through.
Some hidden gems are on the main street Tverskaya, in which you can find a supermarket that is occupying an old palace - gold leaf on the walls as you walk down the aisles... worth popping in to just have a look at the old building. You wont miss it as you walk up/down Tverskaya its on the left hand side (heading towards the Red Square) and the window display is huge! A bit further down is a coffee shop that also has the same gold leaf features.. could have been part of the same palace but I'm not sure...
For cheap but good authentic Russian food head to Moo Moo (spelt My My and has a cow pattern on the logo) - Russia wasnt as cheap as I thought it would be but this place became our staple, trying the various things they have on offer and all much cheaper than other places we found. We were recommended it by the locals so that goes in its favour! They are all over Moscow and are easy to find - there is one on Tverskaya on the opposite side to the supermarket.
If you walk along the river behind the Kremlin/Red Square you will find a bridge covered in padlocks. On a Saturday the Red Square and this bridge are crawling with couples on their wedding day (we spotted over 10 different couples in the middle of winter) its apparently tradition to go to the bridge and put a lock with both your names onto the bridge and throw the key into the river...its quite a sight. Oh and just near there is a very freaky statue display that has 2 children playing and are surrounded by the vices and sins of modern day like alcoholism and child labour - its by a famous Russian artist whose name escapes me at the moment.
Finally, the metro itself is worth a look - Moscow has some of the most amazing metro stations - gold leaf again, big bronze statues etc.. There is a map you can find which shows you the best ones to go see... just be aware that on the Moscow metro, staying at the same stop, but changing lines changes the name of the station... we found that very confusing.
I hope this helps.. have a great time. :)
There are the obvious landmarks like the Red Square, St Basil's and if you have an afternoon to spare then go into the Kremlin. Be aware that they close the Kremlin at ridiculous times of the day for a few hours (or when the government decide they want to), so best to research the opening times first or walk past the ticket booths and check out the notice boards or you could be left waiting for a while. You can also line up to go through Lenin's tomb - its free but you have to check your bag (which has a fee), especially if you have a camera as they will not allow it through.
Some hidden gems are on the main street Tverskaya, in which you can find a supermarket that is occupying an old palace - gold leaf on the walls as you walk down the aisles... worth popping in to just have a look at the old building. You wont miss it as you walk up/down Tverskaya its on the left hand side (heading towards the Red Square) and the window display is huge! A bit further down is a coffee shop that also has the same gold leaf features.. could have been part of the same palace but I'm not sure...
For cheap but good authentic Russian food head to Moo Moo (spelt My My and has a cow pattern on the logo) - Russia wasnt as cheap as I thought it would be but this place became our staple, trying the various things they have on offer and all much cheaper than other places we found. We were recommended it by the locals so that goes in its favour! They are all over Moscow and are easy to find - there is one on Tverskaya on the opposite side to the supermarket.
If you walk along the river behind the Kremlin/Red Square you will find a bridge covered in padlocks. On a Saturday the Red Square and this bridge are crawling with couples on their wedding day (we spotted over 10 different couples in the middle of winter) its apparently tradition to go to the bridge and put a lock with both your names onto the bridge and throw the key into the river...its quite a sight. Oh and just near there is a very freaky statue display that has 2 children playing and are surrounded by the vices and sins of modern day like alcoholism and child labour - its by a famous Russian artist whose name escapes me at the moment.
Finally, the metro itself is worth a look - Moscow has some of the most amazing metro stations - gold leaf again, big bronze statues etc.. There is a map you can find which shows you the best ones to go see... just be aware that on the Moscow metro, staying at the same stop, but changing lines changes the name of the station... we found that very confusing.
I hope this helps.. have a great time. :)
The text you are quoting:
I went to Russia for Christmas - spent time in Moscow, Novgorod and St Petersburg. I was only in Moscow for 3 days but this is what I found...
There are the obvious landmarks like the Red Square, St Basil's and if you have an afternoon to spare then go into the Kremlin. Be aware that they close the Kremlin at ridiculous times of the day for a few hours (or when the government decide they want to), so best to research the opening times first or walk past the ticket booths and check out the notice boards or you could be left waiting for a while. You can also line up to go through Lenin's tomb - its free but you have to check your bag (which has a fee), especially if you have a camera as they will not allow it through.
Some hidden gems are on the main street Tverskaya, in which you can find a supermarket that is occupying an old palace - gold leaf on the walls as you walk down the aisles... worth popping in to just have a look at the old building. You wont miss it as you walk up/down Tverskaya its on the left hand side (heading towards the Red Square) and the window display is huge! A bit further down is a coffee shop that also has the same gold leaf features.. could have been part of the same palace but I'm not sure...
For cheap but good authentic Russian food head to Moo Moo (spelt My My and has a cow pattern on the logo) - Russia wasnt as cheap as I thought it would be but this place became our staple, trying the various things they have on offer and all much cheaper than other places we found. We were recommended it by the locals so that goes in its favour! They are all over Moscow and are easy to find - there is one on Tverskaya on the opposite side to the supermarket.
If you walk along the river behind the Kremlin/Red Square you will find a bridge covered in padlocks. On a Saturday the Red Square and this bridge are crawling with couples on their wedding day (we spotted over 10 different couples in the middle of winter) its apparently tradition to go to the bridge and put a lock with both your names onto the bridge and throw the key into the river...its quite a sight. Oh and just near there is a very freaky statue display that has 2 children playing and are surrounded by the vices and sins of modern day like alcoholism and child labour - its by a famous Russian artist whose name escapes me at the moment.
Finally, the metro itself is worth a look - Moscow has some of the most amazing metro stations - gold leaf again, big bronze statues etc.. There is a map you can find which shows you the best ones to go see... just be aware that on the Moscow metro, staying at the same stop, but changing lines changes the name of the station... we found that very confusing.
I hope this helps.. have a great time. :)
aus_girl1, Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:53
There are the obvious landmarks like the Red Square, St Basil's and if you have an afternoon to spare then go into the Kremlin. Be aware that they close the Kremlin at ridiculous times of the day for a few hours (or when the government decide they want to), so best to research the opening times first or walk past the ticket booths and check out the notice boards or you could be left waiting for a while. You can also line up to go through Lenin's tomb - its free but you have to check your bag (which has a fee), especially if you have a camera as they will not allow it through.
Some hidden gems are on the main street Tverskaya, in which you can find a supermarket that is occupying an old palace - gold leaf on the walls as you walk down the aisles... worth popping in to just have a look at the old building. You wont miss it as you walk up/down Tverskaya its on the left hand side (heading towards the Red Square) and the window display is huge! A bit further down is a coffee shop that also has the same gold leaf features.. could have been part of the same palace but I'm not sure...
For cheap but good authentic Russian food head to Moo Moo (spelt My My and has a cow pattern on the logo) - Russia wasnt as cheap as I thought it would be but this place became our staple, trying the various things they have on offer and all much cheaper than other places we found. We were recommended it by the locals so that goes in its favour! They are all over Moscow and are easy to find - there is one on Tverskaya on the opposite side to the supermarket.
If you walk along the river behind the Kremlin/Red Square you will find a bridge covered in padlocks. On a Saturday the Red Square and this bridge are crawling with couples on their wedding day (we spotted over 10 different couples in the middle of winter) its apparently tradition to go to the bridge and put a lock with both your names onto the bridge and throw the key into the river...its quite a sight. Oh and just near there is a very freaky statue display that has 2 children playing and are surrounded by the vices and sins of modern day like alcoholism and child labour - its by a famous Russian artist whose name escapes me at the moment.
Finally, the metro itself is worth a look - Moscow has some of the most amazing metro stations - gold leaf again, big bronze statues etc.. There is a map you can find which shows you the best ones to go see... just be aware that on the Moscow metro, staying at the same stop, but changing lines changes the name of the station... we found that very confusing.
I hope this helps.. have a great time. :)
aus_girl1, Jun 24, 2008 @ 01:53
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 4
Jun 24, 2008 @ 03:14
Hey Aussy Girl! These are great tips!! just curious, how many days did you spend in St. Petersburg? I'm going for a total of 5days, so I'm thinking taking a 'hop' over to St. Pete's would be a bit obsurd.. pershaps another time, but getting visas to Russia is such a hassle :crazy: Any talks of them coming into the EU one day?? (hahahaha) Would make future traveling alot easier!
The text you are quoting:
Hey Aussy Girl! These are great tips!! just curious, how many days did you spend in St. Petersburg? I'm going for a total of 5days, so I'm thinking taking a 'hop' over to St. Pete's would be a bit obsurd.. pershaps another time, but getting visas to Russia is such a hassle :crazy: Any talks of them coming into the EU one day?? (hahahaha) Would make future traveling alot easier!
YouMeCo, Jun 24, 2008 @ 03:14
YouMeCo, Jun 24, 2008 @ 03:14
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 5
Jun 24, 2008 @ 22:03
Hi,
I was in St Petersburg for 4 days, I have to say that I liked SP a bit more than Moscow, but both were a great experience. I think going in summer would be awesome as well, especially SP as it has a Venice feel with the water everywhere. Moscow was good to and there is plenty to see in both cities, but probably too much to do both in 5 days!:ermm:
Oh and I forgot to mention in my last post about (Moscow) the Izmailovsky Vernissage which is a massive fleamarket. There is the obvious tourist side which has every kind of Russian momento you can think off, and then there is the locals side filled with clothes and all sorts of random stuff. It is worth going to have a look as it is just so huge. They are open every day but not all the stalls so its best to go Saturday/Sunday. Take the metro to Izmailovsky Park station, turn left and follow the crowd across the street. We were told that we would have to pay 10R to get in, but we went on a monday and a lot was closed so there wasnt a fee.
I hope you have a great time whenever you go!!
I was in St Petersburg for 4 days, I have to say that I liked SP a bit more than Moscow, but both were a great experience. I think going in summer would be awesome as well, especially SP as it has a Venice feel with the water everywhere. Moscow was good to and there is plenty to see in both cities, but probably too much to do both in 5 days!:ermm:
Oh and I forgot to mention in my last post about (Moscow) the Izmailovsky Vernissage which is a massive fleamarket. There is the obvious tourist side which has every kind of Russian momento you can think off, and then there is the locals side filled with clothes and all sorts of random stuff. It is worth going to have a look as it is just so huge. They are open every day but not all the stalls so its best to go Saturday/Sunday. Take the metro to Izmailovsky Park station, turn left and follow the crowd across the street. We were told that we would have to pay 10R to get in, but we went on a monday and a lot was closed so there wasnt a fee.
I hope you have a great time whenever you go!!
The text you are quoting:
Hi,
I was in St Petersburg for 4 days, I have to say that I liked SP a bit more than Moscow, but both were a great experience. I think going in summer would be awesome as well, especially SP as it has a Venice feel with the water everywhere. Moscow was good to and there is plenty to see in both cities, but probably too much to do both in 5 days!:ermm:
Oh and I forgot to mention in my last post about (Moscow) the Izmailovsky Vernissage which is a massive fleamarket. There is the obvious tourist side which has every kind of Russian momento you can think off, and then there is the locals side filled with clothes and all sorts of random stuff. It is worth going to have a look as it is just so huge. They are open every day but not all the stalls so its best to go Saturday/Sunday. Take the metro to Izmailovsky Park station, turn left and follow the crowd across the street. We were told that we would have to pay 10R to get in, but we went on a monday and a lot was closed so there wasnt a fee.
I hope you have a great time whenever you go!!
aus_girl1, Jun 24, 2008 @ 22:03
I was in St Petersburg for 4 days, I have to say that I liked SP a bit more than Moscow, but both were a great experience. I think going in summer would be awesome as well, especially SP as it has a Venice feel with the water everywhere. Moscow was good to and there is plenty to see in both cities, but probably too much to do both in 5 days!:ermm:
Oh and I forgot to mention in my last post about (Moscow) the Izmailovsky Vernissage which is a massive fleamarket. There is the obvious tourist side which has every kind of Russian momento you can think off, and then there is the locals side filled with clothes and all sorts of random stuff. It is worth going to have a look as it is just so huge. They are open every day but not all the stalls so its best to go Saturday/Sunday. Take the metro to Izmailovsky Park station, turn left and follow the crowd across the street. We were told that we would have to pay 10R to get in, but we went on a monday and a lot was closed so there wasnt a fee.
I hope you have a great time whenever you go!!
aus_girl1, Jun 24, 2008 @ 22:03
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 6
Jun 25, 2008 @ 04:12
Hi. I believe you've got some good advices on the places to go. i just want to add a couple so you have more options to choose from: we have a famous art gallery 'tret'yakovskaya', if you are interested in art i highly recommend you to visit it; than there is a victory park (poklonaya gora) with some nice fountains, parks, tanks (if you've never seen one), etc. there you will also find a lot of newly weds. Old Arbat is definitly a place to go, it has a very nice ambiance!
Since i am more of a restaurant and bar person, I highly recommend you to go on a roof top bar in Ritz Carlton (right next to the red square) you have an amazing view of the red square, as well as Swissotel bar on the top floor, where you'll be able to see the whole of moscow.
In terms of Russian food, i'd recommend to try Pushkin restaurant on Pushkin square (10 minute walk from the red square) or if you are looking for something a little cheaper i'd try elki palki ( i have never eaten in My My, therefore cannot tell you much about it). Another good Russian restaurant is Tzarskaya Ohota, but its a bit far away from the center, should you decide to go there any cab driver will know where it is (the metro does not go there and i would not recommend taking a Russian bus, I personally find it a little suicidal).
Hope you enjoy Moscow!:)
The text you are quoting:
Hi. I believe you've got some good advices on the places to go. i just want to add a couple so you have more options to choose from: we have a famous art gallery 'tret'yakovskaya', if you are interested in art i highly recommend you to visit it; than there is a victory park (poklonaya gora) with some nice fountains, parks, tanks (if you've never seen one), etc. there you will also find a lot of newly weds. Old Arbat is definitly a place to go, it has a very nice ambiance!
Since i am more of a restaurant and bar person, I highly recommend you to go on a roof top bar in Ritz Carlton (right next to the red square) you have an amazing view of the red square, as well as Swissotel bar on the top floor, where you'll be able to see the whole of moscow.
In terms of Russian food, i'd recommend to try Pushkin restaurant on Pushkin square (10 minute walk from the red square) or if you are looking for something a little cheaper i'd try elki palki ( i have never eaten in My My, therefore cannot tell you much about it). Another good Russian restaurant is Tzarskaya Ohota, but its a bit far away from the center, should you decide to go there any cab driver will know where it is (the metro does not go there and i would not recommend taking a Russian bus, I personally find it a little suicidal).
Hope you enjoy Moscow!:)
zakharova, Jun 25, 2008 @ 04:12
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 7
Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:43
Hi,
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
The text you are quoting:
Hi,
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:43
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:43
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 8
Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:48
Oh yes, Tsarskaya Okhota is a great place, but its one of the high price scale places. Located in village "Jukovka" on Rublevskoye shosse- 15 km from Moscow orbital. Taxi will rip you off to get there(so ask someone you know to take you there:))
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Oh yes, Tsarskaya Okhota is a great place, but its one of the high price scale places. Located in village "Jukovka" on Rublevskoye shosse- 15 km from Moscow orbital. Taxi will rip you off to get there(so ask someone you know to take you there:))
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:48
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 12:48
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 9
Jun 25, 2008 @ 14:27
yea~~H!! These are great tips!!! We should start up a section in travel section for people to leave 'tips for....' / 'top restaurants for....' as we have such wealth of knowledge of global members here on this site!!!
Hope we can get this started :)
The text you are quoting:
yea~~H!! These are great tips!!! We should start up a section in travel section for people to leave 'tips for....' / 'top restaurants for....' as we have such wealth of knowledge of global members here on this site!!!
Hope we can get this started :)
YouMeCo, Jun 25, 2008 @ 14:27
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 10
Jun 25, 2008 @ 14:47
[quote]Hi,
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
[/quote]
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
[/quote]
The text you are quoting:
[quote]Hi,
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
[/quote]
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 14:47
Here is few tips:
Manejnaja ploschad(next to Kremlin)- lots of good places to eat and shops. Worth wondering around.
Cathedral of Vasili Blajenij(Tsetnoj bulevard metro)
Pushkinskij museum- wonderful permanent art collection(fairly close to metro: Bibliotek of Lenin)
Novij Arbat(tonnes of casinos-curious place) and Starij Arbat(art market-but would not recommend buying anything there. Its def better in Izmajlovskij park, restaurants)
Kolomenskaya metro station( Kolomenskoye) losts of beautiful cathedrals, churches, old Tsar's house.
Vorob'evi Gori(Moscow river, Moscow state University complex- very impressive) you even might be lucky to see the wedding there.
Hope that helps.
[/quote]
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 14:47
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 11
Jun 25, 2008 @ 14:54
BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!! As soon as I have regained the energy the visa application zapped I will book flights and put an itinery together based around all the info you gave me for that weekend, and see what I can see during the following week too.
Perfect:P
The text you are quoting:
BIG THANKS TO ALL OF YOU!!! As soon as I have regained the energy the visa application zapped I will book flights and put an itinery together based around all the info you gave me for that weekend, and see what I can see during the following week too.
Perfect:P
SimSim, Jun 25, 2008 @ 14:54
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 12
Jun 25, 2008 @ 15:35
interesting restaurant/club: Sorry Babushka, has one of the world's coolest bathrooms, complete with live babushka. http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/moscow/sorry-babushka.htm
Propaganda, nice friendly restaurant, and turns into a club at night. No babushkas, usually. http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/moscow/propaganda-moscow.htm
Shinok, Great Ukrainian restaurant, which is upstairs but all the tables sorround a reconstructed indoor Ukrainian village complete with cow, chickens, and live babushka, who occaisonally wakes up the sleeping cow and brushes him off with her broom...
as for russian consulate, if you go yourself, it is advised to get there early in the morning before it opens as during summer the line can get longer than the time it is open.
The text you are quoting:
interesting restaurant/club: Sorry Babushka, has one of the world's coolest bathrooms, complete with live babushka. http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/moscow/sorry-babushka.htm
Propaganda, nice friendly restaurant, and turns into a club at night. No babushkas, usually. http://www.worldsbestbars.com/city/moscow/propaganda-moscow.htm
Shinok, Great Ukrainian restaurant, which is upstairs but all the tables sorround a reconstructed indoor Ukrainian village complete with cow, chickens, and live babushka, who occaisonally wakes up the sleeping cow and brushes him off with her broom...
as for russian consulate, if you go yourself, it is advised to get there early in the morning before it opens as during summer the line can get longer than the time it is open.
floydmarks, Jun 25, 2008 @ 15:35
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 13
Jun 25, 2008 @ 21:00
2 Questions - sorry if they sound daft...
1) I am vegetarian. Do any of the restaurant recommendations you give work at all for me...?
2) Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?
The text you are quoting:
2 Questions - sorry if they sound daft...
1) I am vegetarian. Do any of the restaurant recommendations you give work at all for me...?
2) Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?
SimSim, Jun 25, 2008 @ 21:00
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 14
Jun 25, 2008 @ 21:42
Usually Russian food is so diversified that you will find anything on the menu. Moreover, most of the restaurants mentioned there are kind of buffet style and lots of restaurants have english menu anyway.
Wondering alone is not an issue at all but at night time I suggest to ask a restaurant to call the cab otherwise, when you are ouside of the most places, just look for "TAXI" cars. Dont go into unmarked cars as most of those drivers have no clue about how to get where you want, plus they charge "touristic" rates from the top of the head.
Wondering alone is not an issue at all but at night time I suggest to ask a restaurant to call the cab otherwise, when you are ouside of the most places, just look for "TAXI" cars. Dont go into unmarked cars as most of those drivers have no clue about how to get where you want, plus they charge "touristic" rates from the top of the head.
The text you are quoting:
Usually Russian food is so diversified that you will find anything on the menu. Moreover, most of the restaurants mentioned there are kind of buffet style and lots of restaurants have english menu anyway.
Wondering alone is not an issue at all but at night time I suggest to ask a restaurant to call the cab otherwise, when you are ouside of the most places, just look for "TAXI" cars. Dont go into unmarked cars as most of those drivers have no clue about how to get where you want, plus they charge "touristic" rates from the top of the head.
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 21:42
Wondering alone is not an issue at all but at night time I suggest to ask a restaurant to call the cab otherwise, when you are ouside of the most places, just look for "TAXI" cars. Dont go into unmarked cars as most of those drivers have no clue about how to get where you want, plus they charge "touristic" rates from the top of the head.
tigritsa, Jun 25, 2008 @ 21:42
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 15
Jun 25, 2008 @ 22:16
[quote]2 Questions - sorry if they sound daft...
1) I am vegetarian. Do any of the restaurant recommendations you give work at all for me...?
2) Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?[/quote]
not sure about the ukrainian restaurant, they must have a salad i guess, or fish, myself i never noticed, though here is a movie clip perfect for your orientation: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ahx4q58PBVE
sorry babushka is a little more chic, they must have something. propaganda probably does; the wait staff there was always really nice and spoke english so im sure they would try their best to feed you, they might say tequila boom is vegetarian meal though. but they make a good one so its worth trying....
after wandering around moscow many times i thought it seemed very safe. certainly safer than say cornavin train station area at night thats for sure. the usual precautions of always keeping your bag near you and watching your cell phone, and you will be fine. the only scam i ever encountered was people pretending to be police, but not in uniform, who will ask to see your papers, which is actually not uncommon for the real police to ask, especially at night, though the real cops dont usually ask tourists. of course never give them anything until the real cops come, if they do. i took out my phone and said 'im calling embassy now' and then they left. its rare though, won't happen to you. put your consulate moscow number in your phone, its always a good plan anyway when traveling.
if you get lost, ask teenagers for directions they usually speak some english whereas older people do not as much. most people are really nice and will try and help you.
taxis i found were the most difficult as basically anyone with a lada is also a taxi and will stop for you, unlike geneva, but you would then need to arrange a the price which can sometimes be difficult in english only. but ten cars will stop if you put your hand out in most places and you can then work your way down the line until someone says 'dah' to 'speak english?'. there are yellow supposedly metered cabs but i never saw anyone ever use a meter. the metro is excellent though, it can be almost like a museum tour in itself, and its good to have a map of it with you.
if you have the time, learn the cyrillic alphabet, you can do it in a weekend, and you will be surprised at how many russian words turn into similar english and french words you will understand.
also bring dollars, not swiss francs. not sure if you can get roubles here. but most exchanges didnt want swiss money and if they did the rate was bad, whereeas you can change dollars just about everywhere.
any other questions, feel free to ask, but i think its a great place and would recommend going to everyone. have a great trip!
1) I am vegetarian. Do any of the restaurant recommendations you give work at all for me...?
2) Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?[/quote]
not sure about the ukrainian restaurant, they must have a salad i guess, or fish, myself i never noticed, though here is a movie clip perfect for your orientation: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ahx4q58PBVE
sorry babushka is a little more chic, they must have something. propaganda probably does; the wait staff there was always really nice and spoke english so im sure they would try their best to feed you, they might say tequila boom is vegetarian meal though. but they make a good one so its worth trying....
after wandering around moscow many times i thought it seemed very safe. certainly safer than say cornavin train station area at night thats for sure. the usual precautions of always keeping your bag near you and watching your cell phone, and you will be fine. the only scam i ever encountered was people pretending to be police, but not in uniform, who will ask to see your papers, which is actually not uncommon for the real police to ask, especially at night, though the real cops dont usually ask tourists. of course never give them anything until the real cops come, if they do. i took out my phone and said 'im calling embassy now' and then they left. its rare though, won't happen to you. put your consulate moscow number in your phone, its always a good plan anyway when traveling.
if you get lost, ask teenagers for directions they usually speak some english whereas older people do not as much. most people are really nice and will try and help you.
taxis i found were the most difficult as basically anyone with a lada is also a taxi and will stop for you, unlike geneva, but you would then need to arrange a the price which can sometimes be difficult in english only. but ten cars will stop if you put your hand out in most places and you can then work your way down the line until someone says 'dah' to 'speak english?'. there are yellow supposedly metered cabs but i never saw anyone ever use a meter. the metro is excellent though, it can be almost like a museum tour in itself, and its good to have a map of it with you.
if you have the time, learn the cyrillic alphabet, you can do it in a weekend, and you will be surprised at how many russian words turn into similar english and french words you will understand.
also bring dollars, not swiss francs. not sure if you can get roubles here. but most exchanges didnt want swiss money and if they did the rate was bad, whereeas you can change dollars just about everywhere.
any other questions, feel free to ask, but i think its a great place and would recommend going to everyone. have a great trip!
The text you are quoting:
[quote]2 Questions - sorry if they sound daft...
1) I am vegetarian. Do any of the restaurant recommendations you give work at all for me...?
2) Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?[/quote]
not sure about the ukrainian restaurant, they must have a salad i guess, or fish, myself i never noticed, though here is a movie clip perfect for your orientation: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ahx4q58PBVE
sorry babushka is a little more chic, they must have something. propaganda probably does; the wait staff there was always really nice and spoke english so im sure they would try their best to feed you, they might say tequila boom is vegetarian meal though. but they make a good one so its worth trying....
after wandering around moscow many times i thought it seemed very safe. certainly safer than say cornavin train station area at night thats for sure. the usual precautions of always keeping your bag near you and watching your cell phone, and you will be fine. the only scam i ever encountered was people pretending to be police, but not in uniform, who will ask to see your papers, which is actually not uncommon for the real police to ask, especially at night, though the real cops dont usually ask tourists. of course never give them anything until the real cops come, if they do. i took out my phone and said 'im calling embassy now' and then they left. its rare though, won't happen to you. put your consulate moscow number in your phone, its always a good plan anyway when traveling.
if you get lost, ask teenagers for directions they usually speak some english whereas older people do not as much. most people are really nice and will try and help you.
taxis i found were the most difficult as basically anyone with a lada is also a taxi and will stop for you, unlike geneva, but you would then need to arrange a the price which can sometimes be difficult in english only. but ten cars will stop if you put your hand out in most places and you can then work your way down the line until someone says 'dah' to 'speak english?'. there are yellow supposedly metered cabs but i never saw anyone ever use a meter. the metro is excellent though, it can be almost like a museum tour in itself, and its good to have a map of it with you.
if you have the time, learn the cyrillic alphabet, you can do it in a weekend, and you will be surprised at how many russian words turn into similar english and french words you will understand.
also bring dollars, not swiss francs. not sure if you can get roubles here. but most exchanges didnt want swiss money and if they did the rate was bad, whereeas you can change dollars just about everywhere.
any other questions, feel free to ask, but i think its a great place and would recommend going to everyone. have a great trip!
floydmarks, Jun 25, 2008 @ 22:16
1) I am vegetarian. Do any of the restaurant recommendations you give work at all for me...?
2) Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?[/quote]
not sure about the ukrainian restaurant, they must have a salad i guess, or fish, myself i never noticed, though here is a movie clip perfect for your orientation: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ahx4q58PBVE
sorry babushka is a little more chic, they must have something. propaganda probably does; the wait staff there was always really nice and spoke english so im sure they would try their best to feed you, they might say tequila boom is vegetarian meal though. but they make a good one so its worth trying....
after wandering around moscow many times i thought it seemed very safe. certainly safer than say cornavin train station area at night thats for sure. the usual precautions of always keeping your bag near you and watching your cell phone, and you will be fine. the only scam i ever encountered was people pretending to be police, but not in uniform, who will ask to see your papers, which is actually not uncommon for the real police to ask, especially at night, though the real cops dont usually ask tourists. of course never give them anything until the real cops come, if they do. i took out my phone and said 'im calling embassy now' and then they left. its rare though, won't happen to you. put your consulate moscow number in your phone, its always a good plan anyway when traveling.
if you get lost, ask teenagers for directions they usually speak some english whereas older people do not as much. most people are really nice and will try and help you.
taxis i found were the most difficult as basically anyone with a lada is also a taxi and will stop for you, unlike geneva, but you would then need to arrange a the price which can sometimes be difficult in english only. but ten cars will stop if you put your hand out in most places and you can then work your way down the line until someone says 'dah' to 'speak english?'. there are yellow supposedly metered cabs but i never saw anyone ever use a meter. the metro is excellent though, it can be almost like a museum tour in itself, and its good to have a map of it with you.
if you have the time, learn the cyrillic alphabet, you can do it in a weekend, and you will be surprised at how many russian words turn into similar english and french words you will understand.
also bring dollars, not swiss francs. not sure if you can get roubles here. but most exchanges didnt want swiss money and if they did the rate was bad, whereeas you can change dollars just about everywhere.
any other questions, feel free to ask, but i think its a great place and would recommend going to everyone. have a great trip!
floydmarks, Jun 25, 2008 @ 22:16
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 16
Jun 27, 2008 @ 22:45
[quote]a movie clip perfect for your orientation: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ahx4q58PBVE[/quote]
Brilliant, thanks, I have lived that experience many a time over the 26 years... usually the disbelief really kicks in when it is ascertained I don't eat fish either. Shock, horror.
Super greatful for all your commments, everyone!
I am gonna enjoy retracing as many of all your footsteps as possible and adding some of my own meanderings.
And, yay, I got my visa today!!!
The text you are quoting:
[quote]a movie clip perfect for your orientation: http://youtube.com/watch?v=Ahx4q58PBVE[/quote]
Brilliant, thanks, I have lived that experience many a time over the 26 years... usually the disbelief really kicks in when it is ascertained I don't eat fish either. Shock, horror.
Super greatful for all your commments, everyone!
I am gonna enjoy retracing as many of all your footsteps as possible and adding some of my own meanderings.
And, yay, I got my visa today!!!
SimSim, Jun 27, 2008 @ 22:45
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Re: Moscow - any tips on things to see and do?
Post 17
Jun 27, 2008 @ 23:10
[quote][b]SimSim (25/06/2008)[/b][hr]Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?[/quote]
I felt very safe walking around during the day (and the city is amazing).
However, I felt less safe:
- walking around at night. I saw a lot of drunk youths, and it felt a bit scary.
- interacting with official taxis. The taxi experience was not pleasant at all. For starters, I sometimes felt I was getting screwed on the money, especially when I picked a taxi off the street (some drivers refused to operate a meter, others operate a meter and took us for long rides around town to drive up the price). But the more serious thing was what a driver took us to some dark alley, and then said he has no more gas, and he needs more money from us. It ended well, but was scary. My advice to you: if you need a taxi, ask the resto / hotel to call a recognised one for you, and don't pick one off the street.
- using non-official taxis. Moscow folks have a real efficient way of getting lifts: you stick out your hand, and regular cars stop. Then if you and the driver agree a price, he/she takes you there. My advice: don't be tempted to do this, unless you speak Russian and know your way around.
Enjoy Moscow - you'll love it!
Nir
The text you are quoting:
[quote][b]SimSim (25/06/2008)[/b][hr]Is it safe to be wandering around by myself as a tourist?[/quote]
I felt very safe walking around during the day (and the city is amazing).
However, I felt less safe:
- walking around at night. I saw a lot of drunk youths, and it felt a bit scary.
- interacting with official taxis. The taxi experience was not pleasant at all. For starters, I sometimes felt I was getting screwed on the money, especially when I picked a taxi off the street (some drivers refused to operate a meter, others operate a meter and took us for long rides around town to drive up the price). But the more serious thing was what a driver took us to some dark alley, and then said he has no more gas, and he needs more money from us. It ended well, but was scary. My advice to you: if you need a taxi, ask the resto / hotel to call a recognised one for you, and don't pick one off the street.
- using non-official taxis. Moscow folks have a real efficient way of getting lifts: you stick out your hand, and regular cars stop. Then if you and the driver agree a price, he/she takes you there. My advice: don't be tempted to do this, unless you speak Russian and know your way around.
Enjoy Moscow - you'll love it!
Nir
Nir Ofek, Jun 27, 2008 @ 23:10
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