Moscow

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moscow-the greatest city in Europe

An August 1999 trip to Moscow by genghis1

Having Moscow twice I have decided that compared to the other capitals of Europe it ranks number one in my books.

  • 6 reviews

moscow-the greatest city in EuropeBest of IgoUgo

Overview

Moscow can keep one entertained for days. Historically, one can visit Red Square and the Kremlin. (Watch out for pick pockets here - men, don't put your wallet in your pockets.)

Give yourself plenty of time to spend at the museums inside the Kremlin. Visit The Puskin Museum for art and the Bolshoi Ballet for dance. GUM, the department store, has been completely changed in the last few years going where there was nothing to sell to where now everything is for sale.(Porcelain dolls are an especially good buy-watch out for poor quality lacquer boxes.)

Take time to visit Aarbat Street although the quality of items has gone down as more tourists visit the country.

Quick Tips:

Best Way To Get Around:

Walking and the subway are the quickest and easiest ways to get around.

Baltschug Kempinski MoscowBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Baltschug Kempinski"

Magnificent accommodations. Food was rather pricey but good. Magnicificent view from the dining area on the upper floor. This is the place to stay if you want to see international musical groups or stars. Rooms are spacious and well-decorated.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by genghis1 on October 22, 2000

Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
UL BALCHUG 1 Moscow, Russia
7-0952306500

Savoy Oao Infa HotelBest of IgoUgo

Hotel | "Hotel Savoy"

Lovely hotel with Russian paintings which are for sale, lining the corridor. A stop on each floor to view the paintings is well worthwhile. It is centrally located near Red Square. The main dining area reminds one of the decadent bygone days. If you go out the front door to the left and around the corner on the opposite side of the street is a great Italian hard currency restaurant.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by genghis1 on October 22, 2000

Savoy Oao Infa Hotel
3 ROZHDESTVENKA STREET Moscow, Russia
7 095 929 8500

Bol'shoi TheatreBest of IgoUgo

Attraction | "Bolshoi Theatre"

For people who love the theatre this is a must, just to say you have been to the Bolshoi. Realize that as a non-Russian you will pay 5 or 6 times what the Russians behind you are paying to see the same performance. But this is a custom you will find in all of Russia, foreigners pay for the upkeep of the momuments and cultural establisments. The ballet we saw was good, but I've seen better in New York City. I still wouldn't have missed it.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by genghis1 on November 2, 2000

Bol'shoi Theatre
Teatral'naia ploshchad', 1 Moscow, Russia 103009
(tickets) +7 095 292

Armoury (Oruzheinaia Palata)Best of IgoUgo

Attraction | "The Armoury"

One cannot go to Moscow without taking time to visit the Armoury. Inside is the world's largest depository of decorative and applied art. Here one finds the wealth that once was Russia, from the crown jewels to the Faberge eggs. In the entrance hall to the Armoury independent artisans and craft persons sell handmade, excellent quality items from some of the best crafts guilds and co-operatives. Attention doll collectors: the co-operative that sells its wares here is a must see.

Beware-many Russians do not wear deodorant. One can often tell the nationality of whom one is standing next to in this museum.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by genghis1 on November 2, 2000

Armoury (Oruzheinaia Palata)
Kremlin Moscow, Russia 103073
+7 095 203 3376

Aarbat StreetBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Aarbat is the prime example of how Russians have taken up the free market economy. Even before the fall the street was always the 'in place' in Moscow for tourists. The street is a walkway where no cars are allowed so vendors are located on both sides and the middle. Although quality of the items offered has gone down, this is a great place to get less expensive gifts to bring home to the friends. If you are into antiques, pay attention to the people who don't have stands but who set up blankets and display there wares.
  • Member Rating 3 out of 5 by genghis1 on November 2, 2000

Aarbat Street
Aarbat Street Moscow, Russia

About the Writer

genghis1
genghis1
pawling, New York

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