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Moscow
Tips
Places to Eat
There are several McDonalds throughout Moscow.
They are particularly good for the bathroom
facilities, air conditioning in the summer, and
warmth in the winter. A large McD’s at the
end of the Old Arabat is great for waiting with
kids while Dad processes immigration and
registration documents.
At the GUM at Red Square on the 2nd floor is a
fast food chicken restaurant. The food is good
and the prices are very reasonable. Ordering can
be by picture as we have never found workers
speaking English.
Things to Do
Red Square
St. Basil’s Cathedral – The
inside of the cathedral is just as intriguing as
the outside. Small, winding, rooms, hallways, and
staircases ornamented with wall paintings, and
icons. Often small groups of singers perform,
demonstrating the incredible acoustics. There is
a small entrance fee and an extra fee for use of
your camera. Well worth the time!
Lenin’s Tomb – Open certain days
of the week. Cameras are not permitted, even
carried in your backpack or pocket. At the
entrance to the Kremlin, there is a “goods
drop off” where you may leave your camera
and other items not permitted in the tomb or at
the Kremlin. Fee.
Red Square Museum – Several floors
filled with wonderful displays of Russian history.
It can become very warm, so the offer of using
the coat check may be wise. No cameras are
permitted, but booklets with descriptions and
history (in English) are available at a low cost.
There is a gift shop with items ranging from very
inexpensive to the shockingly highly priced.
Just outside the gates of the Red Square (as your
back is to St. Basil’s Cathedral) is a round
metal disk implanted in the walkway. This is the
centre by which all distances in Russia are
measured.
The Kremlin – Head out the gates of
Red Square (as your back is to St. Basil’s
Cathedral) and continue walking to the left.
Tickets booths for entrance and for camera usage
are met first. The “goods to be checked”
office is straight ahead and to your left as you
pass the ticket booths. Guards check everything
before you are permitted entry. Several churches
and government buildings are located inside. Many
can be toured and singers are often within the
churches. There is a great deal of history and a
guide book or personal guide is highly
recommended. Ask you coordinator or hire one of
the many guides offering services just outside
the entrance.
Old Arabat – long strip of shopping
stores and sidewalk venders. In the evening,
street performers add character and create a
festive atmosphere.
Moscow Zoo– Impressive zoo created in
two sections inter-linked by a bridge over the
street. Metro transportation is very nearby. Well
worth exploring.
Large Open Market – Near the old
Olympic Site is a huge tourist open market with
souvenirs of every description. Entertainers in
traditional costume often perform for donations.
Metro – The ornate stations of the
Metro system are worth touring on their own. Many
are highly decorated with lovely painting,
sculptures, and incredible architecture. Workers
at the ticket windows, pass gates, or bottom of
the escalators can direct you to your stations. (Carry
a map that covers the metro area including a
metro route map).
The bridges over the Moscow River offer gorgeous
photo opportunities.
Places to Stay
The Rossiya Hotel offers incredible views of St.
Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin from their
front rooms. In 2002, a front room was $100/night
in the winter and $120/night in the summer. There
is no air conditioning, but a fan is provided.
Windows open almost from the floor to the
ceiling, so little ones must be watched carefully
if windows are opened. Rooms in the back or over
looking the inner courtyard are less expensive
and the views of the Red Square can be enjoyed at
the cafeterias facing the square. Cafeterias
within the hotel are expensive, but fine for a
snack, and the GUM is nearby if the budget is
tighter when it comes to meals. There are under-street
walkways with some shops as you cross to Red
Square. Metro entrances are very near. We highly
recommend this hotel.
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