Everyone’s mind is on the World Cup in Russia and Moscow is getting a lot of attention. Isn’t it time you discovered this world class metropolis? Moscow brims with energy, spectacular architecture, world class museums, a mighty river, department stores, huge parks and a buzzing night life. With rising temperatures – thanks to global warming – Moscow’s temperatures are now milder than they have ever been, even in October, November and early December. Summers tends to be dry and hot.

Visit the Red Square, Saint Basil Cathedral and Lenin Mausoleum

No trip to Moscow is complete without walking across the iconic Red Square with its mighty annual military parade and the onion shaped and colourful domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, completed in 1560 this is one of the world’s most instantly recognizable landmarks.

Lenin Mausoleum is still a very popular attraction with long queues, so avoid weekends. This is where you can catch a glimpse of the communist leader’s embalmed body and best of all, the entrance is still free!

Visit Russia’s Seat of Power in the Kremlin

It may still be the seat of power of the Russian Federation – it even houses the presidential office – but the Kremlin is also a magnificent fortress which boasts palaces and several magnificent churches and cathedrals. A must see attraction is the world renowned Armoury Museum with its fabulous collections of imperial coaches, dresses and Faberge eggs.

Take a walk along the shores of Moskva River or book a cruise:  Paris has the Seine, London has the Thames and Moscow has the Moskva river, which flows gracefully through its heart. It is a great place to relax and stroll during the day or evening. You catch a glimpse of the magnificent and huge Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, remarkably re-built in the 1990s. Why not book a day or night cruise?

Get some fresh air in Gorky Park

Completed transformed and re-opened in 2011, Gorky Park is one of Moscow’s lungs and has become one the city’s most hip and vibrant places for young people and families alike. The park brims with cafés, a pond, an outdoor cinema, kids playgrounds and attractions, an arts centre and free dance and yoga classes.

Shop til you drop!

When it comes to shopping, Moscow has a huge array of shopping destinations and experiences catering for every pocket.

The GUM is Moscow’s most famous department store, located on the Red Square. Inaugurated in 1893, it is a destination in itself. It boasts a huge number of high end shops as well as restaurants and cafes. Soviet era nostalgics can indulge in delicious borscht and pies in the Soviet-themed Cafe Stolovya57. For a stunning view of the Red Square, relax in the elegant Bosco Café

For a less expensive experience, stroll down Arbat Street, a bohemian and pedestrianized version of London Oxford Street, where you can pick up bargains, enjoy a coffee, buy souvenirs and listen to street musicians.

Quench your thirst in some of Moscow’s best beer bars and pubs

So you thought that the Russian national and favourite drink was vodka?  Well, you are right. However, Russians also love beer (called Peevo) and Moscow brims with hundreds of bars and pubs who offer a wide choice of Russian and foreign ales. Why not go on a city pub crawl? 

Check out some of the best brands on Visit Russia’s website at https://www.visitrussia.org.uk/blog/the-wonderful-world-of-russian-beer/

Watch a Ballet or an Opera at the Bolshoi Theatre

Even people who don’t follow ballet and opera have heard of the world renowned Bolshoi Theatre. It re-opened in 2011 after a long renovation. With improved acoustics and a repertoire of great classics such as Swan Lake as well as more experimental stagings, it is more popular than ever. The Bolshoi is closed from July 29 to September 12). You may have to book some productions months in advance.

Discover the greatest Russian and Soviet artists at the Tretyakov Galleryand the New Tretyakov Gallery

The world renowned Pushkin Museum with its huge collection of European arts may be one of Moscow’s most famous and celebrated museums. However,if you want to learn more about Russian art, then you must spend a few hours – or even a day – in the Tretyakov Gallery. The main gallery contains more than 1,300 works of Russian art from the middle ages to the early 20th century. If you prefer socialist realism and Avant Garde artists from the late Czarist era and the Soviet Union, walk to Tretyakovka (new Tretyakov gallery). It is less than 35 minutes on foot.