Moscow

The blazing heart of Russia

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Location

Located in the center of European Russia, in the middle of the East European Plain.

Weather

From 30 °C (86 °F) to −10 °C (14 °F).

Founded

April 4, 1147 by prince Yury Dolgorukiy.

Population

More than 11 million people.

Famous for

Home of the Orthodox Christianity, Ostankino tower – the highest tower in Europe, Red Square - UNESCO's World Hertitage.

Main cultural attractions

Kremlin and Red Square, Tretyakov Gallery, Bolshoi Theater.

Nicknames

“Third Rome”, “the Whitestone”, “The Forty Forties”.

Airports

Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, Vnukovo.

Modern, huge and fashionable Moscow, the capital of Russia, is an endless journey into a history and culture that goes around you with blazing speed. The most famous entertainment destination, Moscow offers its visitors tremendous opportunities, whether you’re seeking a trendy place to eat, to stay or to impress yourself with wonders of thriving metropolis. Olta Travel loves Moscow for its vibrant speed of life and everlasting joyful atmosphere where historical sights are combined with modern vision of the city.

Olta Travel loves Moscow for its vibrant speed of life and everlasting joyful atmosphere where historical sights are combined with modern vision of the city.

Moscow was founded in 1147 by Yuri Dologoruky on the banks of Moskva river. In the heart of city with more than 10 million people living stays the Kremlin, the gem of the Moscow and the very symbol of Russia. From the center to the suburbs city changes from old to new, from historical to modern. Sometimes the architecture of different times stays close to each other: on the same street you can see the modern building more than 20 floors high, old church and the awkward bulks of Soviet Union architecture.

In Moscow you may enjoy arts at the Tretiakov Gallery or Armory Chamber or see the ancient history sights such as churches and cathedrals dated back to 15th century. Wherever your interest is – the capital of Russia brings you the best opportunities.

Moscow In blog

In the footsteps of great Russian writers Russia always seemed to be famous for its great figures of literary art. A lot of people from different parts of the world have grown up on the works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, Alexander Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy, Mikhail Bulgakov and other great writers and poets. We empathized Rodion Raskolnikov from "Crime and Punishment", we were inspired by the beautiful lines of the poems by Pushkin, with bated breath watched the fate of the main characters of “War and Peace” and worried about the relationship between Master and Margarita of Bulgakov. But very few know that there are real places, where events from our favorite books happened. Today we want to follow the route of the characters and have a virtually visit to the places, which played a significant role in the life of our great literary figures. More details

Reviews

Thanks to your professionalism and quick responses we were able to explore the outstanding city of contrast: from excursions to places full of Russian traditions to modern restaurants.

Valya I. (09.05.2015)

I am glad that we had opportunity to organize a memorable new year in Moscow. With you help we created something really special for our group!

Tedi F. (06.01.2015)

The country with completely different traditions and customs greeted us with warmth. We appreciate your work and knowledge about the city! We fell in love with Moscow at once!

Thomas A. (08.04.2015)

We would like to thank you for making our staying in Moscow so special.

Evelyne V. (13.02.2015)

Weekend in Moscow 3D/2N Experience the best of Moscow in one weekend!

The comfortable cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg 8D/7N Travel with a water flow around the famous sites of Russia

Victory Day at Moscow 3D/2N Join Russia celebrating the very important national holiday of victory

Water journey between two Russian capitals 8D/7N Explore Russia while having a wonderful cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow

Luxury Honeymoon in Moscow & St. Petersburg 8D/7N Unique romantic tour to join the hearts of those in love while travelling to Russia

Orthodox pilgrimage in Russia 11D/10N Travel the path of the Orthodox believer and discover how Christian religion influenced Russian life over the centuries

Saint-Petersburg – Golden Ring – Moscow 15D/14N Have an unforgettable trip to Russian famous cities full of points of interest

Moscow - Golden Ring 12D/11N Travel through Russian history, culture and religion with famous Golden Ring route

Grand tour to Moscow, St. Petersburg and Sochi 14D/13N Long tour during which you can experience Russian culture and see unique mixture of history and modern life of the country

Olta Travel offers a variety of hotels and apartments in Moscow for different demands and tastes. We recommend you stay in these hospitable places during your visit to Russia.

Metropol 5

Old luxury hotel with a swimming pool and a fitness center, located right in front of Bolshoy theatre, the main theatre of Moscow. This hotel also offers a huge variety of spa services.

Premium

Olta Recommends

Four Seasons Hotel 5

Situated in a historical building, Four Seasons hotel lies in the very heart of Moscow with the Red Square and Bolshoy Theatre within just a minute-walk.

Premium

Park Inn Sadu 4

Located in the historical centre of Moscow, this stylish hotel offers the best possible view on The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Good

Azimut Olympic 4

Very stylish business-class hotel with a modern design and all services provided for the most comfortable stay during your business trips.

Good

Dedeman Park Izmailovo 4

Dedeman is a Turkish theme-based hotel, located near the Izmailovo park. It offers its guests a Turkish breakfast and includes a fitness center that is open 24 hours a day.

Good

Arbat House 3

Located just 15minutes walking from the Red Square and the Kremlin, Arbat House offers its guests all the services needed for a comfortable stay on a budget price.

Basic

Hotel Baltschug Kempinski 5

If you want to live in a palace, hotel Baltschug Kempinski will make your wish come true! Wonderfully located just 5 minutes away from the St. Basil’s Cathedral, this hotel combines the best from classical and modern to offer you the most pleasant stay.

Premium

Olta Recommends

Hilton Leningradskaya 5

Hilton hotel provides luxury services with all the comforts just a few stops away from the Kremlin and Red Square. Here you will behold all the elegance and comfort at a reasonable rate.

Good

Olta Recommends

Marriott Tverskaya Hotel 4

The boutique-style Marriott Tverskaya offers classic Western luxurious style on one of Moscow's most vivid street.

Premium

Holiday Inn Suschevsky 4

Located right in the center of Moscow, Holiday Inn Suschevsky greets its visitors with modern design and stylish restaurants offering many creative international specialties.

Good

ibis Bakhrushina 3

The best hotel in the very heart of Moscow to appreciate a good night's sleep at a reasonable price.

Basic

Olta Recommends

Izmailovo Gamma Hotel 3

This hotel is a great choice for travelers who prefer to stay in a quiet area. Located near the scenic Izmailovsky Park, it offers classic accommodation in a comfortable and safe district of Moscow.

Basic

We can book any hotel for different prices demands and tastes.

Sightseeing tour of Moscow

Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation and represents a unique set of old architecture masterpieces and modern high-tech buildings. If you want to know more about Moscow’s history, you need to take our city sightseeing tour! In only a few hours, you will have a glimpse of its main landmarks, such as the Red Square, the Kremlin, the Victory Park, the White House, the Arbat, Christ-the-Saviour Cathedral, the observation platform of Sparrow hills, Lomonossov University… and much more! It is an interesting and efficient introduction to Europe’s biggest city.

Panoramic

City

Walk & Ride

Half-day

The Moscow Kremlin

Visit one of the most well-known sights of Moscow – the Kremlin, with its 19 towers and red brick walls. It was rebuilt several times after since its construction in 1156 byorder of Prince Yuri Dolgoruky as a wooden fortress. Today’s Kremlin was built during the 15th century by Italian architects after the seat of the Orthodox Church had been moved to Moscow. The rebuilding of cathedrals and chapels of that time shaped the modern appearance of the Kremlin.

Historical

City

Walking

1-3 hours

The Diamond Fund

This famous collection of gems is housed inside the building of the Kremlin Armory. Visitors may see the most precious items of the treasury: unique diamonds and gold nuggets from Siberia, world-famous emeralds and sapphires as well as, of course, its most precious exhibit: the crown of Catherine the Great adorned with more than 5000 diamonds along with other invaluable pieces.

Arts & Culture

Museum

Walking

1-3 hours

The Armory Chamber

It is one of the oldest museums of the Kremlin. Founded in 1511, the construction of the present building dates back to the 19th century. Here you may find a priceless collection of ornate arms and weapons, the Crown Jewels of the Russian Tsars, their carriages and thrones, along with furniture, Royal gowns, jewelry and diplomatic gifts from the 12th to the 19th centuries.

Historic

Museum

Walking

1-3 hours

Olta Recommends

St. Basil’s (Intercession) Cathedral

Today you may visit the Cathedral as a museum, which houses an exhibition related to the history of its construction. The exotic splendor of the Cathedral makes it one of the best and most striking examples of the Old Russian architecture. Our company can also organize private excursions and tasting sessions of Russian tea from samovar with pies for the visitors of St. Basil Cathedral for maximum 30 pax.

Architectural, Iconic

City

Walking

1-3 hours

OLTA RECOMMENDS

Olta Recommends

Tretyakov Gallery

The Gallery was founded in 1856 by the merchant Tretyakov to display the works of Russian artists. Today everyone is able to visit the richest collection of Russian painters and sculptors from the 18th and 19th centuries like Brullov, Kiprensky, Aivazovsky, Ivanov or Repinan, as well as the finest collection of Russian icons. Late exclusive opening of the gallery followed by a dinner for up to 200 persons may be organized on your special request.

Arts & Culture

Museum

Walking

1-3 hours

OLTA RECOMMENDS

Arbat Street Walk

Arbat Street is one of the oldest surviving street in Moscow. Originally the street was a part of an important trade route and was home to a large number of craftsmen. In the 18th century, Arbat became one of the most prestigious living areas in Moscow and then a place for the intelligentsia and artists to live. During the USSR, it was a place where young people held meetings and protests. The street nowadays reflects this eventful history as it features elegant buildings, a museum in the house of famous Russian poet Pushkin, a lot of nice shops, cafés and restaurants, an entire wall dedicated to the pioneers of Russian rock and the impressive building of the Foreign Affairs Ministry. You must absolutely have a walk in this one kilometer long bustling and vivid street in the very heart of Moscow.

Panoramic

City

Walking

1-3 hours

Moscow metro tour

If you have ever wondered why the Moscow subway is considered one the most beautiful in the world, this tour is made for you. It constitutes a vast museum on its own with crazy labyrinths of stations and transfer. The experienced guide will bring you a full insight into the history and architecture of Moscow metro.

Architectural

City

Walking

1-3 hours

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

A visit to the Pushkin Museum will give you an opportunity to see one of the world’s largest collections of Western art, along with ancient Oriental, Greek and Roman art. Here you may find paintings of Boticelli, Ribeira, Murillio, Rembrandt, Rubens and Van Dyck. The collection of French impressionism, comprising paintings by Monet, Cézanne, Matisse, Van Gogh and Degas,is one of the richest outside of France.

Arts & Culture

Museum

Walking

1-3 hours

The Novodevichy Convent

The Novodevichy Convent is an ensemble of fortified monasteries for noble women built between the 16th and 17th centuries. Its interior decorations, frescoes, icons and tapestries have been preserved in a perfect state, making the Novodevichy Convent one of the most beautiful monasteries of Russia.

Architectural, Iconic

Out-of-town

Walk & Ride

1-3 hours

Olta Recommends

Sergiev Posad

Nowadays Sergiev Posad is one of the most fascinating sights of the Golden Ring of Russia, however you may visit it during your trip to Moscow as well. It represents the finest pieces of traditional Russian architecture of the 14th – 15th centuries. In the Trinity Cathedral – the town’s main landmark – you may glimpse icons painted by Andrei Rublev and Daniel Chorny.

Architectural, Iconic

Out-of-town

Walk & Ride

Full Day

OLTA RECOMMENDS

Kolomenskoe

The Estate Kolomenskoe is the former residence of Moscow dukes and Russian tsars. It is situated on the picturesque high bank of the Moskva River. In a calm natural environment, you can enjoy there stunning views of the river. This museum-reserve comprises the wonderful 1532 built Church of the Ascencion, the restoredwooden luxurious country residence of the Tsar’s as well as several monuments of the 16th and 17th century whose construction had a huge influence on Russian architecture. In 1994 Kolomenskoe entered the UNESCO World Heritage List and is now a favorite venue for popular festivities and shows featuring scenes from Russian history.

Architectural

City

Walk & Ride

Half-day

Olta Recommends

Tsaritsyno

This very beautiful red and white architectural ensemble is the biggest neo-gothic building in Europe with rough history. It was first built as a luxury cottage for Empress Catherine the Great, destroyed, rebuilt after the original plan, abandoned during Communist times and then restored and inscribed as a historical protected area in the late 2000’s. It hasn’t lost its original charm and is one of the most beautiful and picturesque places besides the historical center of Moscow. Any time of the year is the best to take a wonderful journey through time in Tsaritsyno as it boasts historical museums to learn about the Russian monarchs as well as calm ponds, scenic parks and a timeless atmosphere very much appreciated in summer.

Architectural

Out-of-town

Walk & Ride

Half-day

OLTA RECOMMENDS

Monino

Monino is a small town in Moscow suburbs. In the mid-20 of 20 century the huge aerodrome for war planes was built here and changed Monino history. From now on every part of its history was connected to aviation. During your visit to Monino you can visit the air Force Museum which is the only aviation Museum in the whole country, the backbone of which consists of full-scale airplanes, helicopters, gliders and other aircrafts. You can also enjoy the air show performed by the local vehicles.

Arts & Culture

Out-of-town

Walk & Ride

Half-day

Download detailed list of all excursions Moscow

Olta Travel offers different types of transportation for all your needs such as driving through the city, transfer from an airport or back, transport for your excursion (including out of town ones) and long-distance transfers.

Limousines

Hummer, Chrysler, Ford, Cadillac, Cherokee

Light transport

VW, Opel, Chevrolet or Mercedes E-class

Lux & Sport cars

BMW, Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Infinity, Porsche, Jaguar

Minivans

Mercedes Viano

Minibus

Mercedes Sprinter, VW, Hyundai, Hager

Bus

Neoplan, Mercedes, Daf, Volvo, Utong

Commuter. Night and long-distance trains. Trains from Saint-Petersburg to Helsinki. Trans Siberian Railway.

Sapsan, Allegro, Luxury & Standard.

55 berth compartments, Seating accommodation, SGL occupancy.

Standard flights. Business and economy classes.

All transport is provided with a driver. English-speaking drivers may not be available for all types of transportation. Please, ask in advance, if you need such service.

MICE transport

Party Bus

Moscow, Saint-Petersburg.

Helicopter

Any part of the country.

Retro Train

Moscow

Military transfers

Moscow, Saint-Petersburg.

Retro Tramway

Saint-Petersburg

Retro Auto

Moscow, Saint-Petersburg

Theatres

Moscow is a home to more than a hundred theatres and theatre companies of different genres. From classical music, ballet and opera to the modern experimental performances and musicals, you can always find a right place to satisfy your cultural hunger.

Olta recommends

Bolshoy theatre of Opera and Ballet

Bolshoy theatre is not only a place where arts are performed, it also is a unique and timeless symbol of Russia, for its contribution to Russian culture.

Hit

Premium

Olta recommends

Nikulin’s circus on Tsvetnoy boulevard

Built more than a hundred years ago, this circus is considered as the oldest in the whole country. Nowadays, it puts on exclusive performances in unique costumes to present the best shows possible.

Budget

Olta recommends

Stanislavsky Theatre

Recently renovated this theatre displaysa modern and highly innovative take on stage performance, where all types of art such as ballet, cinema and concert are mixed in one unique theatrical performance.

Premium

The Galina Vishnevskaya Opera Center

Rather recent, this theater was established by the legendary soprano Galina Vishnevskaya. From 2002 on, this theatre aimed at preserving the specific traditions of Russian vocal art.

Basic

Moscow Art Theatre

Established by famous artist Stanislavsky, the Moscow Art Theatre concentrates on experimental acting and innovative ways to present classical plays.

Good

The Kolobov Novaya Opera

One of the more recent musical theatres in Russia, the Kolobov Novaya opera is located in the city’s historical centre, the picturesque Hermitage Garden. Its repertoire consists of Russian and Western classics, original shows and entertainment, as well as operas from the 20th and 21st centuries.

Good

We can find any theatre for different price demands and tastes.

Event of the season

Kostroma Folklore Show

Kostroma Russian National Dance Show is magical. During two hours, you will see a breathtaking high-standards dance performance narrating the history of Russia and its inhabitants ...

Send your request

Restaurants

Moscow is full of restaurants presenting traditional Russian cuisine from different periods: there, you may taste imperial Russia dishes, modern cuisine or have a bite of some specialty from Soviet times. For those who want to try out something else or find flavours from home, the capital of Russia has a wide range of restaurants with cuisine from around the world.

Cafe Pushkin

This luxurious restaurant is located in a baroque mansion right in the heart of Moscow. It offers its visitors traditional Russian food from different periods of history: from imperial dishes to the modern Russian gourmets.

Hit

Premium

Olta recommends

Ryumochnaya Cafe-Bar

For those who want to have a taste of Soviet times, Ryumochnaya (translated as “vodka glass place”) can offer you lots of canteen-style Russian food with various kinds of vodka to accompany your meal.

Budget

Ugolek Restaurant

Stylish and luxurious restaurant, Ugolek offers its guests exquisite cuisine from a local chef in the most unique interiors.

Hit

Good

Olta recommends

Russkie Sezony

Restaurant specializes in seafood from all the regions of Russia. While sitting in the beautifully decorated interiors, you can taste the dishes made by the famous Russian chef Vladimir Tikhomirov.

Premium

Olta recommends

Godunov restaurant

If you are looking for a true Russian tasty and cultural experience, Godunov restaurant is the place to be. Located in the refectory chambers of a former monastery close to the Red Square, its setting and atmosphere are very typical, with painted vaults, oak tables and traditionally dressed waiters.

Good

Turandot

The best place in Moscow to taste the Pan Asian cuisine, Turandot restaurants situated in the palace interiors full of antiquities. While enjoying you meal in the evening, you can also listen to live jazz music playing.

Hit

Good

We can find any restaurant for different price demands and tastes.

Night life

Moscow is modern and trendy city where life and passion is boiling the whole day around. For those who likes partying or being up till midnight and later city offers lots of night life activities, clubs and restaurants to get the best experience and memories from your trip.

Olta recommends

City Pub Crawl

City Pub Crawl is not a place, it’s a bar party-tour for visitors of Moscow which is guided by expert of pub crawling. The route involves games, dancing and other exciting events where you get bonuses and extra drinks for winning or participation.

Good

Olta recommends

City Space Bar

One of the highest panoramic bars in the city, it is also ranked as one of the most prestigious bars in the world. City Space Bar is also unique for its variety of cocktails: cold or hot, classic or molecular.

Hit

Premium

O2 Lounge

Located in the heart of the city, this place has a very cozy terrace where you can enjoy the view over Red Square while having a nice meal.

Good

Sixteen tons club

Sixteen tons is a club, pub and a restaurant at the same time. Located in the center of Moscow it specializes on live guitar bands’ music evenings. This is a perfect place for business meetings or relaxing evening after busy day.

Hit

Good

Igor Butman Jazz Club

The most famous and trendiest place in the city, it has a status of being the jazz epicenter. Indeed, this is a place where city jazz’ history is being born!

Hit

Premium

Bike Center Sexton

During the night it’s hot in Sexton with the dance floor full of people and interesting performances involving stunts with motorbikes. Here you can also have the fine meal in Russian style.

Hit

Budget

We can find any entertainment option for different price demands and tastes.

Travel Tips

When you visit Moscow, you are visiting one of the world’s largest and most expensive capital cities, which may require some special considerations.

Help in airport

From your arrival on, you might be annoyed by various ‘helpers’ willing to carry your luggage for a small fee which finally results in being surprisingly and unpleasantly high. Simply avoid such helpers for good.

Services of unknown taxi companies

Numerous taxi drivers will desperately offer to take you wherever you want, however some of them might have no idea where your hotel is and sometimes may have no driver’s license at all. We strongly advise you to use airport taxi service if you don’t want to get lost and be charged extra, or resort to our services instead.

Tap water

In some districts tap water may be not cleansed enough to drink safely without any filter or boiling. We strongly advise you to drink bottled water while in Moscow, but tap water is still completely safe to brush your teeth or for shower purposes.

Orthodox churches

If you plan to visit any Orthodox churches or cathedrals while in Moscow, pay attention to your outfit. You need to cover your legs and shoulders. Women should have their hair covered and men must take off their hats.

Pickpocketing

Watch your pockets and avoid giving money to gypsies, especially during sightseeing! Sometimes you may encounter a kid who begs for money. If you do give them money, either other kids will approach you or you will be distracted and fall prey to pickpocketing or snatching of your camera.

Local emergency numbers

The emergency numbers are fairly simple to memorize: for fire or accidents – 01; for Police call – 02; ambulance – 03; police hotline for foreigners 278-30-18; central police switchboard 340-10-20. If you are calling from a mobile phone, just use +7 (812) code before entering the numbers.

Long-term staying

If you’re planning to stay in Moscow for more than 3 days, you need to register yourself, so the government can keep tabs on where its guests are at all times. If you are staying at a hotel, it will register for you when you provide visa and passport to the reception.

Pictures in Metro

The city’s metro network has the most colorful and beautiful interior design, with many walls covered in mosaics and paintings. Still, in Moscow it is prohibited to take pictures with the flash on inside metro stations.

Smoking

In 2014 a law was passed stating that no one is allowed to smoke inside restaurants and bars. This also outlaws smoking near public places such as bus stops and entrances to the metro stations. The fine is varies from 500 to 1000 rubles.

Electricity converters

Russia use 220V sockets and appliances, so that if you do not want to fry your electronic devices, you may consider bringing US-to-Europe converter, complete with a round, two-pronged adapter. It is best to purchase such a device before your departure.

Custom regulations

Lots of tourists want to shop for antiques or art while visiting Moscow. Be sure to purchase the item from a dealer who can provide you with all necessary forms and receipts to produce at the airport. Items over 100 years old are proscribed from leaving the country.

Russian alcoholic beverages: in the footsteps of the history

A tour to get a full insight into the history of the legendary Russian drinks. Sightseeing of Moscow and Saint Petersburg, visit to beer factory, relaxing program in luxury banya and lots of tastings!

Summer 2017 - Winter 2018

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Day 1: Moscow