Moscow is a glittering and fascinating city and has many contrasting images - the ornate subway system and gun toting Mafiosi, and the headlong rush from the controlled Communist past into capitalist present. It's somewhere that's well worth getting to know, however much time you have to spend here. The main sights include St Basil's Cathedral, Red Square and Gorky Park, but there's plenty to see and do here.
Guided tours are some of the best ways to sightsee in Moscow. Relatively few people speak English, and signs are in the Cyrillic rather than Latin alphabet, which can make getting around on your own rather daunting - even if you're looking for a big city landmark like Red Square, the signs for it will be incomprehensible unless you've spent time studying Cyrillic. Even if you're a confirmed independent traveller, you may appreciate taking a day or half-day guided tour just to give yourself an overview of the city and time away from the translation section of your guide book!
For many visitors in the West, Moscow is famous for its communist past, and because it was once the capital city of one of the mightiest empires on earth. There are many Moscow tours that cover this side of the city's past. You can take a trip to a gulag, one of the infamous work prison camps that were integral to the Stalin's regime of terror. You can also see a cold war bunker, the former KGB headquarters at Lubyanka, and the Moscow subway - whose decorations are meant to remind travellers that workers deserve the best. You can also visit Lenin's tomb, where the former communist leader lies embalmed - despite requesting to be buried with no ceremony.
Art is also important here. There are general Moscow tours covering the art and architecture of the city, and as with history, you can take tours that specialise in Soviet art. Soviet art and sculpture once predominated across Eastern Europe, although many countries got rid of the legacies of occupation as soon as they could after 1989. Soviet art trips often include a trip to the Garden of Fallen Monuments, where Moscow's giant Soviet statues were moved at the end of the Cold War.
In the evening, if you're feeling suitably inspired, then head to one of Moscow's theatres to discover some of the cultural highlights of this intriguing city. Russian ballet is famous worldwide, and companies regularly perform famous pieces - one of the beauties of ballet is that there is no language barrier. Opera is another option for a highbrow evening's entertainment, or you can book a combined dinner and show tour at the National Russian Show at one of Moscow's leading hotels.
Of course, you might prefer something a bit more light-hearted. Vodka tasting sessions are extremely popular, as Russian vodkas are amongst the best in the world. You can also take a class in Russian cookery - many Russian staples, like borscht, actually come from the Ukraine or other parts of the former USSR, but we suggest you keep quiet on that score! Market tours of Moscow are very popular, and your guide will help you get the best price from vendors.
Outside the city, the towns of Peredelkino, and Sudzal are well worth visiting because of their beauty and fascinating history. The estate of Kolomensokye used to be a retreat of the Tsar and his family, and features many amazing wooden structures. Moscow sightseeing is both varied and rewarding.
