Moscow - massive in size and culture

Many people choose to visit an exotic location on their vacations where they can lounge on the beaches all day and night. However, if you’re looking to come back from your vacation with more than just a suntan and swimmer’s ear, than Moscow may be the place you want to go this year. Not only is this country’s capital massive in size and houses approximately thirteen million people, it is also rich in culture, has some of the best architecture and has an abundance of history that cannot go unacknowledged.

If you’re interested in the history and main sites of this beautiful city, there are many attractions that you won’t want to miss. The Red Square is one of the main attractions of the city although the cobblestone that the square is comprised of is actually black. It is here that you can see St. Basil’s Cathedral, the State History Museum, and Lenin’s Mausoleum. It is at Lenin’s Mausoleum that you can view the body of Lenin that has been embalmed and join in the debate of whether it is actually him or not. Be prepared to leave all camera and recording equipment behind though. You have to actually be there to enjoy this historic site.

The Kremlin is one of the largest sites in Moscow and if you’re in the area, you absolutely must make this one of your stops. Inside the Kremlin lie many different wonderful sites to see. The first is the Diamond Collection, which you can view inside The Armoury. The Conference Center also holds matinee ballets that are all truly beautiful and there are also many churches within the Kremlin. There are actually too many to enjoy all within one day so pick the two or three that seem the most interesting to you and then sit in the garden and study the wonderful architecture of the others.

To see the type of art that originates in Russia, visit the Tretyakov Gallery, which houses some of Moscow’s finest art. You may also want to make Pushkin Museum one of your stops. This museum has mainly Western art with an annex filled with art from both Impressionists and Post-Impressionists. For a museum of a different kind, you may want to visit the Novodevichy Convent, which is not only an actual convent but a fortress as well.

There is plenty of shopping in Moscow specifically, Old Arbat Street. On this famous street you can watch artists, pick up souvenirs, sip on coffee from one of the cafes, or enjoy lunch or dinner at one of the many restaurants. It may be helpful to learn a few key Russian phrases if you plan on shopping here as the vendors are likely to bargain with you if you can speak their mother tongue. New Arbat Street is very close to the Old and if you’re feeling rich or simply want to see what the rich life is like in Moscow, you will definitely want to stop here. Visit nightclubs and fancy restaurants and taste what the good life here is all about. While you’re in the area, you may also want to check out the McDonald’s on Tverskaya Street but be prepared for a line. This is not only the first McDonald’s in Russia but it is also the busiest restaurant of its kind in the world.