Standing on Moskva River in Central Russia, Moscow paves the way for Russia’s futuristic advancements with its industries, tourism and technological expertise. Known for its striking architecture, larger than life museums, bustling F&B and luxurious hotels, the city has intrigued many a cultured travellers. The Russian-capital is home to the third-highest number of billionaires of any city in the world, and has the highest number of billionaires of any city in Europe – as reported by Forbes in 2020. So you can imagine snazzy cars, fancy residential complexes and posh locals in almost every corner of this global city.
The metropolis is the financial centre of Russia and houses some of the country’s largest banks as well. Business sectors in Moscow have shown exponential rates of growth since the 1998 Russian financial crisis. The Russian capital also boasts of lowest unemployment rate of all federal subjects of the country.
Along with chemical, metallurgy, food, textile, furniture, energy production, software development, and machinery industries, Moscow houses the headquarters of many of telecommunication and technology companies as well. With a celebrated mix of contemporary business and the old-school charm, it isn’t an overstatement to say that Moscow is the face of modern Russia.
Moscow Marvels
A visit to Moscow entails an entrancing tryst with its mesmerising architecture. The city’s exceptional and long-standing history comes together at the Red Square – one of the first stops you’d probably make on your trip to Moscow. This area is enveloped by some of the most architecturally spectacular buildings of the metropolis.
St. Basil’s Cathedral
No trip to Moscow is complete without the exploration of St. Basil’s Cathedral – an orthodox church in Red Square of Moscow. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, the St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most popular cultural icons of the country. Now a museum as well, the cathedral has nine colourful onion-shaped domes – each one corresponding to a different Russian church. Every dome is designed like a flame of a bonfire shooting into the sky.
The Moscow Kremlin
A fortified complex in the centre of Moscow founded by Russian ruling dynasty of Rurikids, the Moscow Kremlin is one of the most renowned symbols of the city and country. It is famous for its structures including Kremlins (Russian citadels), and includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The name Kremlin itself translates to “fortress inside a city” and is also often used to refer to the government of the Russian Federation. At the heart of the Kremlin is the Cathedral Square which is surrounded by six buildings including three cathedrals. Another distinct structure of the Kremlin is the Ivan the Great Bell Tower that stands on the north east corner of the square. This tower, resembling a burning candle, is said to mark the exact centre of Moscow.
GUM
GUM, in full Glavny Universalny Magazin (“Main Department Store in Russian”), formerly Gosudarstvenny Universalny Magazin (“State Department Store”), is the largest department store in Russia. Situated in the Red Square, it is a monument and mall known for its architectural mastery and makes for a must-see stop in Moscow. Along with the finest luxury brands, one can also find reasonably priced restaurants offering Russian food, supermarkets, a pharmacy, souvenir shops and ATMs here. GUM officially opened in 1893 and was the largest shopping mall in Europe at that time.
Gorky Park
If you want to indulge in an experience as a true Muscovite, head to Gorky Park on one of the evenings. With uncanny similarities to Central Park in New York City, the park combines the beauty of nature with a highly centralised location. The park is divided into four parts: Muzeon (free open-air museum with more than 1,000 Soviet sculptures, Parterre (the main part of the park), Neskuchny Garden (lined with Russian monuments) and Sparrows Hill (known for the views from here).
Officially called Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, the park is named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, the founder of the literary movement of socialist realism and nominated five times for the Nobel Prize for Literature.
Arbat Street
Deemed as one of the most famous streets in Moscow, Arbat Street it lined with fashionable boutiques, street art and interesting restaurants. An almost-pedestrian only street, it also prides itself on Russian monuments, museums and theatres making it an extremely cultured experience of the city. Vakhtangov State Academic Theater, a well-known theatre of the city, is situated here. Famed as a space for fantastic creativity, it also houses a museum on the history of the theatre itself. Also housed here on the street is the Reception House of the Government of the Russian Federation which combines various architectural styles that rarely seen in Moscow, such as “art nouveau” and eclecticism.
The street is also known for some exotic restaurants which are definitive of the modern dining scene in Moscow. One of them is White Rabbit, a modern Russian-style restaurant located on the 16th floor of the Smolenskiy Shopping Mall, opposite the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The restaurant’s menu includes Russian dishes that are blended with modern gastronomic trends. Located in the same mall is another sophisticated restaurant called Zodiac that’s admired for its Asian dining experience. If you’re looking for something more casual, Arbat Street is dotted with a number of Russian and American food chains such as Grabli and Mu Mu along with restaurants that serve Georgian, Azerbaijani, Uzbek, Armenian and Asian cuisines.
Where to stay:
Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow
Centrally located in Moscow, Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is just a few minutes’ walk from the iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral. The hotel houses tastefully furnished rooms and expansive suites. Health Club Quantum, a heated indoor pool, a dry sauna, a steam room, a spacious Roman bath, a fitness centre and weight room, and a chapel on the ninth floor are some of its amenities. Conservatory Restaurant & Bar for fine-dining is located on the tenth floor of the hotel. Cafe Ararat, Park Restaurant (all-day dining) and Neglinka Lobby Bar are its other F&B outlets. hyatt.com
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow
Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow offers spectacular views of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral, and is located across from the Moskva River. Dating back to 1898, the hotel features stylish rooms and suites (including unique Design Suites) with contemporary decor and up-to-the-minute amenities. Beauty Centre Baltschug and a fitness centre along with 12 modern meeting rooms are some of the other features of the property. In terms of F&B, it offers The Baltschug Grill, as well as the refined Café Kranzler and a Lobby Lounge bar. kempinski.com
Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow
Built in 1903 by architect Alexander Ivanov, Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow embodies imperial architecture and luxury. It is located steps away from the Red Square, the Kremlin, the Bolshoi Theatre, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Old Arbat Street. Vintage-themed event venues, well-appointed guestrooms and opulent suites styled with exclusive antiques and design details like carved wood ceilings and a heated indoor pool make this hotel a gem that combines old-world hospitality with contemporary Russia. Its F&B boasts of three upscale restaurants, including the acclaimed Beluga by Alexander Rappoport, Alexandrovsky Bar and Dr. Zhivago (Russian cuisine). marriott.com
Intercontinental Moscow Tverskaya
The hotel offers luxury accommodation and high-end conference facilities just 15 minutes’ walk away from the historic Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre that’s known for its stunning performances. Make an appointment at Mahash The Only SPA for a relaxing treatment. Club Lounge for a coffee with colleagues or evening dinner and drinks at P-Square Gastrobar are recommended. Chekhonte restaurant serves breakfast. Its meeting facilities are expansive with six flexible, fully equipped meeting rooms that are designed to maximise natural daylight. ihg.com
Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel
The hotel is located close to the Kremlin and renowned Bolshoi Theatre. Well appointed accommodations that offer state-of-the-art technology, premium bedding, minibars, complimentary hotel wifi and on-call butler service are some of the amenities of Moscow Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel. It also houses a fitness centre, heated pool and a private sauna room. Its F&B outlets include – Aurora Restaurant (all-day dining), Polo Club for international fare, Lobby Bar and Vicolo Terrace with a lush garden terrace that offers views of the Moscow cityscape. marriott.com
