Moscow City Guide

With over 13 million inhabitants, covering around 1080 km², Moscow, situated on the Moskva River, is not only the capital of Russia, but also its financial and political center, not to mention its biggest city. Moscow is an amazing city, with a unique atmosphere, spectacular buildings as well as with a vast culture and history, attracting more tourists every year.

Most probably safer that other major western cities, still it is will not hurt to be cautious! Most of the times drunk people and police are the ones causing a problem. Corruption still rules in some parts, and police officers can always ask for your papers, and try to get some money out of you. If you are sure that all your documents are in order, dial your embassy helpline and you will be left alone!

Moscow, Russia

In Moscow, always have identification documents on you, otherwise you will get in trouble! Do not carry large amounts of money with you, as there just enough well skilled pickpockets to get it from you, and if not the police will! As for women, it is best if they do not wonder around alone, especially at night; make sure to be with friends or family unless you are looking for some unwanted attention!

The official language is Russian, but almost everywhere you will find people who can speak English quite fluently. In the business world and among young people, English is becoming popular, however do not count on the fact that everybody will understand you and speak to you in English! Also in hotels the majority of the staff will speak some foreign language! Learning Russian is not a piece of cake, so a phrasebook might help you, and also knowing the Cyrillic alphabet, just so you can figure out street names and signs, it might help you move around! It is advisable to drink bottled water, as the quality of tap water varies a lot around the city, and it is not really good!

Climate in Moscow changes quite a lot, from steppes in the south to humid continental in much of European Russia; sub arctic in Siberia to tundra climate in the polar north. Winters are absolutely freezing, so make sure you dress up while summers are pretty enjoyable, sunny and warm, not too hot!

City Guides you may also like:
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Moscow guide