The Bolshoi Theatre is often hailed as home to the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world. With over 200 ballerinas under its wings, the Bolshoi Ballet company is by far the largest in the world, and its shows are nothing short of magical. Whichever theatrical performance you watch at Bolshoi you are sure to be moved and astounded, the neoclassical building so adored it can be found on Russia's pink 100-ruble banknote.
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MOSCOW
TRAVEL IN MOSCOW
The epicentre of Mother Russia, Moscow is a mysterious and magical place filled with welcomed contradictions. Cultural festivals nod to Slavic mythology while obscure museum instillations amidst void spaces speak in futuristic tongues. Modern fashion concept stores like Air Moscow and Buy By Me tantalise visitors to indulge, while corners of old Arbat street still whisper Communist ideologies. Piecing together this puzzle is all part of the joy of this city, and like many of the world's most intriguing cities it's a place most travellers, and even many locals, will feel they never truly grasp. Nevertheless, stepping into Moscow has a vortex effect. And much like the national drink of vodka, once you've had a sip you'll be left craving more. Start your trip low-key with a stroll through Gorky Park and Saint Basil’s Cathedral, and hit your climax with lunch amidst the antique aristocratic mansion setting of Cafe Pushkin followed by ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre. An elegant observation of opera or ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre is a city essential, a glamorous experience best evened out by descending into the Moscow Metro. Not that the city's transport system is anything shy of extravagant, featuring platforms so ornate they look more like a museum. Moscow is a place to experiment with new foods no matter how unappealing they sound, even the 'golubtry' cabbage roll and 'borscht' beetroot soup will leave you wanting more. By the end of your stint here you're likely to be quite taken by Russia's grand capital, with Moscow often inspiring a path to further travels through Russia.
FAST FACTS
Language: Russian
Currency: Russian ruble
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Russia.
Dialing Code: +7
Time Zone: (GMT +03:00)ABOUT CONTIKI
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THINGS TO DO IN MOSCOW
Watch opera or ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre
Stroll down the old Arbat street
One of the oldest streets of Moscow, the old Arbat is a pedestrian thoroughfare filled with culture and energy. Once a hub of low-class artists and then the home of VIP government officials, its history has seen many revolutions. Admire stalls of artwork and stroll past the buttery chapel of Boris and Gleb building, before stopping in the Georgian style restaurant of Genatsvale for cheesy bread and a traditional show of dancing.
Go down to the Moscow metro
For over 80-years the Moscow Metro has been whisking commuters around the city, collecting them from one majestic, museum like station and delivering them to another. Even if you don't actually need the metro for transportation, it's worth jumping aboard just for the experience. Take your journey to Park Pobedy, one of deepest stations in the world at a frightful 84 metres beneath the earth. The stations of Kievskaya, Mayakovskaya and Komsomolskaya also present like royal palaces.
Visit the area of Kitai-gorod
Make your way to the area of Kitai-gorod and step into the alluring department store of GUM, which stands facing the famous plaza of the Red Square. With an atrium style glass roofed centre and an elegant exterior, visiting is not just retail therapy but a lesson in Russian architecture. Even if you can't afford to buy yourself any of the designer goods on offer, a bout of people watching and coffee at Cafeteria at Fontana near the centre's main fountain is one of the loveliest things to do in Moscow.
Brunch at Cafe Pushkin
Cafe Pushkin in central Moscow has been designed to resemble an aristocratic mansion, with floor-to-ceiling bookcases, crystal chandeliers and antiques like a German typewriter and an English steam whistle tea-kettle. Summer visitors can be wooed by the terrace with views of the luscious Tverskoy Boulevard. But the cafe isn't simply a pretty vintage backdrop, offering a menu full of class and Russian staples with an elegant and modern twist. Think traditional olivier salad served in tarts with salmon roe
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TOP 5 FESTIVALS IN MOSCOW
For those travellers eager to peel back the often hard-to-decipher layers of Russia, an easy solution can be found in Moscow's festival line-up. Join rock revellers banging through the Woodstock of Russia, known as Nashestvie, or devour the culinary delights of the city's best restaurants at Taste of Moscow.
Ivan Kupala Night - Culture
From people jumping over bonfires to single women wearing garlands in their hair, Ivan Kupala Night is brimming with ancient folklore and rituals. Timed with the summer solstice it currently occurs in early July, offering a window into the history of Slavic mythology.
Afisha Picnic - Music & Culture
Just out of the city centre on one special summer's day, Muscovite music-lovers come together for Afisha Picnic. Some 50,000 revelers have 4kms2 to sprawl in, enjoying international and local acts paired with food stalls, markets, crafts, workshops and more.
Maslenitsa Festival - Culture
With roots in pagan traditions and evidence stretching back to the 2nd century A.D, Maslenitsa is an ancient festival of folklore and religious devotion celebrated in Eastern Slavic region. These days it's usually marked simply by eating crepes - devouring sweets can be excused as respecting culture during this festival.
Taste of Moscow - Food
An elegant and elaborate affair held in July at The Luzhniki Stadium, Taste of Moscow draws in the very best chefs in Europe to unveil their culinary secrets. Part of the 19 strong world Taste Festivals it highlights Moscow's top 30 restaurants, satisfying even the most discerning food connoisseurs.
Nashestvie - Music
Nashestvie is a celebration of rock music drawing in crowds of over 200,000, organised by Russian radio station 'Nashe' since 1999. Performers are not paid and use the event as their own promotion, making it a festival dedicated largely to Russian music acts and an extravagant cultural experience.
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TOP 5 MUSEUMS IN MOSCOW
Forget the tired reputation that Russia is grey and gloomy - visiting the museums of Moscow will step you into a world of excitement and colourful architecture. Decedent fine art collections are found a stroll from pop-art galore, with historical monuments peppered all over the capital.
Tretyakov Gallery
Tickle your interest in history and art simultaneously at Moscow museum Tretyakov Gallery, which boasts the most significant collection of Russian fine art in the world. Found in a typically eccentric building 5-minutes from the Moskva River, it can be added to your itinerary on any day out in the city.
Moscow Kremlin
A collection of palaces and cathedrals in a fortified complex by the city's river, the beautiful Moscow Kremlin is home to the Russian President. Containing historical and picturesque monuments like Spasskaya, and Ivan the Great Bell Tower, it's best to leave a whole day free to roam through Kremlin's expanses.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Saint Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most recognisable Russian landmarks and the embodiment of the country's unique fairy-tale architecture. Constructed in 1561 it is now a state museum of history, a colourful spectacle viewable both day and night from the Red Square.
Multimedia Art Museum, MOMA
Void spaces and and an industrial like setting mark the MOMA Multimedia Art Museum in Moscow. Photography, instillations and coloured arts are thoughtfully positioned across the four floors of MOMA, making it a beloved Moscow museum that offers limitless inspiration.
Museum of Human Living Systems
Budding scientists will find no end of enjoyment at Moscow's Museum of Human Living Systems, dedicated to understanding the bodies of humans and animals. Despite being skewed towards children it offers fun and learning for all ages, a good way to lighten the mood after visiting the nearby Jewish Museum and Tolerance Centre.
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FOOD IN MOSCOW
Russian cuisine has not gained much international acclaim, but diving into the banquet of Moscow food options will quickly leave you wondering why. From cream covered dumplings to tangy soups and simple pancakes, the city is one you'll salivate over for years to come.
Olivier salad
A creamy potato and egg salad jazzed up with dill and pickles, the popularity of the traditional Russian olivier salad has grown rapidly since its supposed conception in the mid 1800's. The moody vintage setting of Moscow's Matryoshka Restaurant is a top pick for sampling this mayonnaise laden dish.
Best eaten at - Matryoshka Restaurant, Kutuzovskiy Ave., 2/1, Bldg. 6
Best eaten at - Matryoshka Restaurant, Kutuzovskiy Ave., 2/1, Bldg. 6
Golubtsy
Though the 'cabbage roll' English translation of Golubtry does not sound overly exciting, this dish is a mouth-watering feature of Russian cuisine. Topped with a rich tomato sauce and filled with satisfying millet and meat, it's best consumed at Korchma Taras Bulba referred to as the first tavern in Moscow.
Best eaten at - Korchma Taras Bulba, Profsoyuznaya St., 16/10
Okroshka
A chilled raw vegetable soup ladled up daily during the summer months, this Russian favourite often features cucumber, onions, eggs and meats. Garnished with sour cream and made with the rye brew of kvass, consume it in the quirky setting of Lepim i Varim found in a spearmint building on Stoleshnikov.
Best eaten at– Okroshka - Lepim i Varim, Stoleshnikov Ln., 9/1
Pelmeni
A tasty boiled dumpling popular throughout Serbia, pelmeni has the appearance of tortellini, but instead of being served with lashings of Italian style pasta sauce it's served with - you guessed it - more sour cream. Forget snacking on pelmeni, this Russian delight deserves consumption as a whole meal.
Best eaten at - Stolovaya No 57, Inside GUM (3rd floor)
Borscht
A distinctly sour soup stained a deep crimson by beetroot, borscht is a quintessential dish filled with family heritage. Flavoured by beef broth, butter, and lemon and completed with sour cream, enjoy it in the antique Cafe Pushkin along with blinchiki pancakes with black caviar.
Best eaten at – Tverskoi Blvd., 26A
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