Moscow

For the first-time visitor, there’s no better introduction to the zeal and passion Russians have than exploring their nation’s capital. From the statues of tsars Ivan the Terrible and Peter the Great to the historic Red Square and born-again Gorky Park – the city’s green lung on the banks of the meandering Moskva River – Moscow is bathed in history and grandeur, echoing with stories of power and glory. But these days, the Russian capital is also flooded with glitz and money. Thanks to the country’s vast natural resources, the commodity boom continues to line the pockets of Muscovite tycoons, and you can see it on display at department stores, five-star hotels, impressive auditoriums and theatres.

When to go
Moscow is a fabulous city to visit throughout the year. Choose your preference: When its streets are blanketed in snow during winter (mid-November to mid-March), or when the parks hum with activity and parties in summer (June to August).

From May through October, the city gets crowded with people viewing its parks and other outdoor attractions, but these months are also known to have the best weather, with the days long, sunny and pleasantly warm.

How to get around
Though there are no transport passes specifically for tourists, you can pick up a multi-trip Troika card at any metro station for travel via metro, bus, trolley bus and tram.