"From Russia with Love" a Moscow Travel Page by randi413

Moscow is an amazing place, full of history and beauty, despite the years of Soviet privation. Your first trip - this was my 10th - must include Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral, GUM Dept Store, the Armory Museum, Gorky Park, the Tretyakov Art Gallery, Kremlin Park and Cathedrals, Moscow State University up in the Lenin Hills - the view is awesome - and of course, the market at Ismailova. Arbat Street is easier to get to than Ismailova but the deals and variety are worth the trip. See it all during the day and then go back at night and take even more spectacular photographs. A good guide or guide book is a must, watch for Gypsies and pickpockets in crowded areas, and while any car can be a taxi, choose carefully. Avoid American style fast food and enjoy real Russian cooking.

I often stay at the Cosmos Hotel. It's on the Orange Metro line, north central side of the city, or at the Ukraina Hotel closer in. No matter where you stay, you'll need a cab into town because Sheremetyevo Airport is way out in the boonies. The Cosmos is now Japanese-owned, and has 1799 rooms. Plain but very comfortable and has many amenities: pool, bowling alleys, shops, services, key cards instead of gigantic keys that you have to leave with a key lady. The Ukraina is an older hotel, originally where dignitaries and politicians stayed. Once very elegant, it is being refurbished, and is quite comfortable. It sits on the Moscow River.

If you love winter and you can handle temperature extremes, then go anytime! But if you prefer a warmer vacation, late May to September is when you want to go. I've been there in January when it was -25F and in the summer when it's been in the mid 80's. There can be sporadic rain in June but overall, Moscow enjoys pretty decent weather all summer. Take your comfy shoes, lots of film or digital cards, and NEVER drink the water! If you can, try to learn a few Russian phrases before you go. I find the people to be friendly and helpful and appreciative if you take the time to try to communicate in their language. I love traveling in Russia. I've been all over and love the villages as well as the cities. One word of advice for 2003: avoid St Pete til after the festival. Prices have skyrocketed!