Moscow, the capital of Russia, is emerging as a great layover destination with the Russian national carrier, Aeroflot, providing cheaper flights to Europe, from India, than any other carrier right now. To venture out of the city, you need a transit visa. Russia issues a transit visa for up to three days to Indian citizens on the basis of confirmed tickets and a valid visa/ passport to the final destination country or of a neighbouring Asian country. You can know more and apply for your transit visa for Russia here.What to see in Moscow?You must have at least an eight-hour long layover to explore this city.If you’re in Moscow in the morning or early afternoon, go directly to the main Red Square. The must see sites in the square are St.Basil's Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Grab lunch at Varenichnaya, a traditional Russian restaurant serving dumplings, borscht, pork shoulder and other local delicacies.
I am here to pen down my experiences about Russian capital, Moscow. Moscow, one of the most excellent and decent city in terms of its culture, architecture amd scenic beauty. The architecture its buildings dating back from 18th century is worth seeing. The monuments and places like Kremlin, Red square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Moskva River, Ostankino Tv tower are at least once a lifetime visit. Once you visited these locations you can't just fade out of that memories. The symbolic place of Kremlin and red square are so grand that I am unable to be describe it in a writeup. The city of Moscow has created memories in my life that I can't forget in a lifetime. The most scenic view in a late night cruise through moskva river. It is must watch ride in the city. I suggest to travel by raddisson cruise. Moscow has good to ultimate luxury hotels like Royal Radisson Hotel. So, living is not a big problem in moscow. But it is quite expensive city. You can shop from Malls to Street. My opinion would be that Galleria mall is a must visit. It is a 19th century mall. Even shopping in streets would be a good idea. Moscow is a city which has 4 international airports and 9 Railway terminals. It is a kind of European city which has a taste ranging from old russian culture to Ultra modern lifestyle. It is quite a silent city having good nightlife at weekends. The cathedrals of Moscow are worth seeing. I had given some special time for Metro stations. I suggest you to travel by metro. They are really excellent in architecture.Language is a barrier in Russia. You will find it somewhat difficult to interact with local people, but the most important thing I noticed is that the people in Moscow are too friendly, you ask them a thing they will help you out of any problem. For example take my case, I was unable to find a taxi for a long time, I asked a local to help me out he actually came with me to a bus stop, he showed us the routes and even came with us. The local taxi app will be very helpful.Also check : http://adiroworld.blogspot.in/2017/03/moscowgetaway.htmlh?m=1
Had an official city tour of the city which covered all the famous landmarks and had a few pitstops for pictures. Got a first glimpse of the famous Red Square. After the tour got down at GUM - the biggest shopping mall of Russia. Went into the St. Basil's Cathedral to get an insight into the history of the beautiful landmark. Visited the Vodka Musuem which has exclusive architecture and a delightful flea market alongside.
Landed on a nice sunny day in Moscow and checked into the Azimut hotel. After a quick change headed out to take in the feel of the city.Bought tickets for the Nikulin Circus later that evening and used the very famous metro system of Moscow.
If unique and exotic figure in your shopping agenda, the mysterious yet spectacular Russian capital is your best bet. There’s no better place to buy fur than Yekaterina (ul Bolshaya Dmitrovka 11). The store has been producing shuby (fur coats) and shapky (fur hats) since 1912. You can pick from a range of trendy yet high quality furs and leathers here. Izmaylovsky Market, also known as Vernisazh market, is another hot spot for shoppers. It’s packed with just about any souvenir under the sun. Also look out for handmade products, woodwork crafts, local art, antiques pottery, Caucasian rugs and more.
We shopped for the next leg of journey, four days on a train. We stocked up enough cup noodles, bread, cheese, canned food. And tea. And then, just before midnight, we reached the Yaroslavskaya station. At 12:31 A.M. the longest running train of the world, RZD #100 - the service between Moscow and Vladivostok left the platform 3. At the edge of the platform lies the 'Zeroth' mile post, marked the Centenary 1901-2001.
Communism has gone away, paving way for a fiercely capitalistic Russia. But what remained is the ideological gap with the 'West'. It is a time when there are many sanctions imposed on Russia. There are huge tensions, not only between the governments, but also among ordinary people. We met a British traveller who divulged that getting a Russian visa is a huge task for British people now. An American backpacker said she was denied a place to stay on a Railway property because American citizens are officially not allowed to stay on government premises.
Moscow in general is a clean city. The pavements were cleaned regularly. I was warned to be careful around Moscow. I imagined that crime was rampant in the city. If it was, I did not get that impression even when we were walking around late at night.
One of the things that I have observed is how the women are in Moscow. They are well dressed! It was like I was walking in the streets of Paris. I told my husband that when I was in Paris, I felt like I was a person with very poor taste in clothing. I felt the same in Moscow even when everyone is covered in winter clothes. I just wished I was not too shy taking photos of strangers.