Travel Guide Moscow The Russian beauty

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1 Travel Guide The n beauty Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Getting around Top 10 sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels thinkstock/zoonar LH.com/travelguide 01/14

2 02 Quick view : The n beauty The capital of has seen some tumultuous times in its 1,000-year history: the rise and fall of tsars, usurpers and sieges, empires and revolution. All this history has left an indelible mark on the city by the Moskva River. In the centre, the onion domes of Orthodox churches jostle for space with n baroque department stores and austere Soviet towers. But is no musty museum piece behind the history is a fast-paced modern metropolis, with shopping, nightlife and dining to rival any European capital. Start the day at the Kremlin and finish the night with champagne and caviar and tickets to the Bolshoi Ballet. Mixing leisure with culture is the n way. General knowledge Country overview is at once breathtaking, baffling and stunningly beautiful. Monumental in every respect, it's a land where untamed wilderness sits alongside bustling urban centres, and adventure lurks around every corner. From imperial splendour to icy Siberian tundra and from time-worn Soviet-era monuments to über-hip urban culture, is a land of contradiction and superlatives. For the first time in its history, is now wide open for foreign visitors to experience, and exploration beyond and St Petersburg is well advised. The Golden Ring, a collection of ancient gems, transports the traveller back to a bygone age. Geography The n Federation covers almost twice the area of the USA, and reaches from the enclave of Kaliningrad in the west over the Urals and the vast Siberian plains to the Sea of Okhotsk in the east. The border between European and Siberia (Asia) is formed by the Ural Mountains, the Ural River and the Manych Depression. All in all has 16 international borders with countries including Finland, Lithuania, USA, Japan, Ukraine, Azerbaijan and China. European extends from the North Polar Sea across the Central n Uplands to the Black Sea, the Northern Caucasus and the Caspian Sea. Siberia stretches from the West Siberian Plain across the Central Siberian Plateau to the Lena River and takes in the Sayan and Yablonovy ranges in the south. East of Siberia stretches the n Far East, a region almost as big as Siberia itself, running to the Pacific coast and including the vast Chukotka and Kamchatka peninsulas. Given the vast size of the country, 's terrain is hugely variable. From the Siberian tundra to the mountains of the Urals, the beaches on the Black Sea coast, and the plains of western, such variable geography means one can experience many different s. General knowledge Key facts Population: LH.com/travelguide 02/14

3 03 Population Density (per sq km): 8 Capital:. Language n is the official language, although there are over 100 other languages. English is widely spoken by younger people as well as some educated older people. Currency Rouble (RUB; symbol руб) = 100 kopeks. Notes are in denominations of 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of 10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 kopeks. Electricity 220 volts AC, 50Hz. uses a standard two-pin European plug. General business opening hours Mon-Fri , with a lengthy lunch break, usually from , during which no work is done - even telephones are left unanswered. Public Holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January December 2019 period Nowogodnije kanikuly (New Year): 1 to 6 January 2018 Roschdestwo Christowo (Orthodox Christmas Day): 7 and 8 January 2018 Den saschtschitnika Otetschestwa (Defender of the Fatherland Day): 23 February 2018 Meschdunarodny schenski den (International Women s Day): 8 March 2018 Prasdnik Wesny i Truda (Spring and Labour Day): 29 April to 1 May 2018 Den Pobedy (Victory Day): 9 May 2018 Den Rossii ( Day, Republic Day): 10 to 12 June 2018 Den narodnowo jedinstwa (Unity Day): 3 to 5 November Nowogodnije kanikuly (New Year): 1 to 6 January 2019 Roschdestwo Christowo (Orthodox Christmas Day): 7 and 8 January 2019 Den saschtschitnika Otetschestwa (Defender of the Fatherland Day): 23 to 25 February 2019 Meschdunarodny schenski den (International Women s Day): 8 March 2019 Prasdnik Wesny i Truda (Spring and Labour Day): 1 to 3 May 2019 Den Pobedy (Victory Day): 9 May 2019 Den Rossii ( Day, Republic Day): 12 June 2019 Den narodnowo jedinstwa (Unity Day): 4 November 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions It is customary to shake hands when greeting someone, though never across a threshold. Company or business gifts are well received; if you're invited to someone's home do bring a token gift, but avoid clearing your plate when eating; LH.com/travelguide 03/14

4 04 leaving some food is considered as a good sign. Conservative wear is suitable for most places women will need to cover shoulders and wear long skirts to enter an orthodox church and the seasonal weather should always be borne in mind. Smoking and drinking is acceptable unless stated otherwise. n society is still highly patriarchal and hierarchical; this may be reflected in chivalrous acts (men holding doors open for women for example) but it may also mean that women are taken less seriously, and engaging in 'unfeminine' behaviour may be interpreted wrongly, although being a visitor may get you some leeway. Be careful with gestures in, giving the 'thumbs up' sign is an insult not an 'OK'. Photography It is prohibited to take photographs of any military installation and/or establishments or sites of strategic importance. Failure to abide by this could result in police arrest. Health Health Main emergency number: 112 Food & Drink In general, does not pose any serious health risks when it comes to food. Use common sense and caution when deciding what might be safe to eat. Tap water is drinkable, although those with sensitive stomachs may want to stick to bottled water. Similarly, some may want to make sure that water used for brushing teeth or making ice has been boiled or otherwise sterilised. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Be mindful that eating salads may have vegetables washed in tap water; you may want to stick to well-cooked meals for the duration of your stay. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. Other Risks Vaccinations are sometimes recommended for Japanese B encephalitis, meningococcal meningitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Contractual physician of Lufthansa Dr. Popadeykin, Vladimir OOO Med Es 4-th Lesnoy pereulok 4 Office Tel Please note that Lufthansa accepts no responsibility for the treatment nor will it bear the cost of any treatment. Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone/Mobile Telephone LH.com/travelguide 04/14

5 05 Dialing Code: +7 Telephone When dialling the n Federation from abroad, the 0 of the area code must not be omitted. Most hotels have telephone booths with IDD. For longdistance calls within the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), dial 8 then wait for the dial tone before proceeding with the call. Collect calls, calls placed using credit cards and calls from direct dial telephones in hotels can be extremely expensive. International calls can be made from phones in the street and phonecards are available from many shops and kiosks in the street. For enquiries regarding private telephone numbers dial 09; for businesses, dial Mobile Telephone Roaming agreements exist with international mobile phone companies. All major cities are covered by at least one operator. Handsets can be hired from some companies and local SIM cards are easily purchased for use within if you have an unlocked handset. Internet Wi-Fi is available within most hotels in larger cities (although they may charge) and at internet cafes. Most connections will be either via dial up or broadband. Although does not ostensibly censor the internet, there is an internet blacklist of sites which you will not be able to visit from inside, which includes some independent news sites. Getting around Getting around Public Transport The most atmospheric way to explore the n capital is on the Metro (tel: (495) ; fares are cheap, trains run to every corner of the city and the marble and chandelier-filled stations are works of art in themselves. Tickets are sold in stations; buy a multi-ride smart card to avoid the queues. Above ground, buses, trams and marshrutka (shared minibuses) zip between the suburbs and the centre, but routes can be confusing; buy tickets from the driver, from metro stations, or from ticket booths at bus stops. Taxis Taking a taxi in can be an expensive business, and that s before you consider s notorious traffic jams. It s best to phone ahead for an official taxi, rather than taking your chances in s vast fleet of unofficial taxis; reputable companies include Welcome Taxi (tel: (499) ) and New Yellow Taxi (tel: (495) ). Locals generally do not tip. Top 10 sights Top 10 sights in The Kremlin s most famous sight is almost a city within a city. Behind the towering walls of the Kremlin are elegant cathedrals, stately palaces and museums dripping with unimaginable riches, as well as the offices of the n government. Krasnaya ploshchad Opening times: Fri-Wed LH.com/travelguide 05/14

6 Tel: (495) Red Square The vast size of Red Square only becomes apparent when you step out onto the cobbles. Even towering St Basil s Cathedral looks like a paperweight in this expansive setting. Come in May for bombastic military parades, or just join the promenading crowds. Red Square, (Krasnaya Ploshad) St Basil s Cathedral Looking more like a wedding cake built by an eccentric sweet-maker, s most famous place of worship has pride of place in Red Square. The exterior is topped by fantasy towers and candy-colour domes, while the interior is adorned with lavish frescoes. 4 Krasnaya Ploshchad Opening times: Daily (summer); (winter) Novodevichy Convent & Cemetery The cemetery attached to this UNESCO-listed convent is the final resting place of some of s most famous citizens, including Anton Chekhov, Nikita Khrushchev and Boris Yeltsin. As well as famous graves, don t miss the ornate frescoes inside the Cathedral of Our Lady of Smolensk. Novodevichy proezd Tel: (499) Opening times: Wed-Mon novodev.msk.ru Pushkin Fine Arts Museum Showing great art in a grand setting, the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum has s premier collection of European art. Amongst the collection are works by Monet, Rembrandt, Michelangelo and Van Gogh. Volkhonka ulitsa Tel: (495) Opening times: Tue-Wed and Fri-Sun , Thurs Bolshoi Theatre Even if you fail to secure tickets for a live show, touring the Bolshoi Theatre, the official home of the legendary Bolshoi Ballet Company, is almost mandatory when visiting. Take a behind-the-scenes tour and see the stage where Swan LH.com/travelguide 06/14

7 07 Lake premiered in Teatralnaya ploshchad Tel: (495) Opening times: Tours on Mon, Wed and Fri at Tretyakov State Gallery Pre-Revolutionary art is the focus at this famous gallery, which preserves the world s finest collection of n Orthodox icons. Also on display is work from the groundbreaking Peredvizhniki movement, pioneers of n realism. Lavrushinsky pereulok Tel: (495) Opening times: Tue-Wed and Sat-Sun , Thurs-Fri Gorky Park Less menacing than the spy novels would have you believe, this sprawling park is a favourite summer hangout for Muscovites, with cafés, bars, shady walkways, gaudy fairground rides and calming river views. Krymsky Val ulitsa Tel: (495) Sanduny Baths The grandest place in to take a bath, this elegant banya (bathhouse) was constructed in 1808, and the steam baths still pull in daily crowds. Celebrities from Alexander Pushkin to Roman Abramovich have all come here to let off steam. Neglinnaya ulitsa Tel: (495) Opening times: Daily Winzavod s answer to the Meatpacking District, this dynamic modern art centre sprawls across seven vast industrial buildings. Inside the hanger-like halls are artists studios, galleries, cafés and bars, and some of s most atmospheric exhibition spaces. 4-y Syromyatnichesky pereulok Tel: (495) Opening times: Tue-Sun Shopping Shopping in in LH.com/travelguide 07/14

8 08 Key Areas ns have a deserved reputation as shopaholics, and the city is awash with markets, department stores, boutiques and malls, including the iconic GUM shopping centre beside Red Square. In the centre, Tverskaya ulitsa is the most glamorous shopping strip, while the Arbat district is the place to pick up a souvenir matryoshka doll. Markets Few people do the weekly shop at GUM. Instead, Muscovites flock to the city s rynok (markets) for everything from fashions and food to Chinese thermos flasks and Central Asian carpets. Close to Partizanskaya metro station, Izmailovo Market sells everything from Soviet-era trinkets and fur ushanka hats to electronics and fishing rods. For delicious n foodstuffs, head to the bustling Dorogomilovsky Market (Mozhaysky ulitsa val) or Danilovsky Market (Mytnaya ulitsa). Shopping Centres Oligarchs and opera stars shop for glitzy brands at the famous GUM shopping centre next to Red Square, known as the State Department Store in Soviet times. For champagne, cigars, perfume and diamonds, visit TSUM (formerly Central Universal Department Store) on Teatralnaya ploshchad, or mingle with the millionaires on shimmering Tretyakovsky Proezd. For less ostentatious purchases, modern malls abound try Metropolis (Leningradskoe shosse), Atrium (Zemlyanoy Val ulitsa 33) or Europeisky (Kievskogo Vokzala 2 ploshchad). Restaurants Restaurants in Only members of the older generation still recall the minimalism of Soviet-era restaurants; young Muscovites, on the other hand, are accustomed to an evergrowing number and broad selection of eating places.each of the n Federation s many ethnicities has established its country s cuisine in, which also boasts a number of international restaurants. Cafés also serve hot food, and you will find stalls selling street food, such as chebureki (pastries with a savory filling), blini (thin pancakes) and pirozhki (savory filled dumplings), on almost every street corner. Café Pushkin This classy restaurant opened on Tverskoy Boulevard in The building is Baroque, but the interior is in 19th-century style. Whether you prefer the pharmacy hall, the library or the fireplace room is a matter of taste. The Pushkin serves traditional n dishes with an original French twist. If you have a sweet tooth, don t miss the Café Pushkin confectionery right next door. Tverskoy bulvar 26A Price: luxurious White Rabbit Chef Vladimir Mukhim serves up modern n creations with Asian and Mediterranean influences on the 17th floor of the Smolensky Passage Center. The White Rabbit has a delightfully whimsical interior and counted among the World s 50 Best Restaurants in Smolenskaya ploshchad Price: luxurious LH.com/travelguide 08/14

9 09 Uzbekistan The building dates from the late 19th century and has a long tradition of hospitality. Originally a tavern, then a café, it later housed an officers mess. Since 1997, the Uzbekistan has been serving Azerbaijani, Arab and Uzbek specialties in an Oriental ambience. The emphasis is very much on traditional preparation here, which is why all dishes are cooked over an open flame or in the tandoor. Neglinnaya ulitsa Price: moderate 5642 Vysota The western peak of Mount Elbrus in the n part of the Greater Caucasus is 5642 meters high, making it the tallest mountain in all of. Like the name of the restaurant, the dishes on its menu are largely Caucasian inspired, and include Georgian specialties, such as chakhokhbili (chicken) and kharcho (beef soup with rice). Bol. Cherkassky per bldg.1 Price: moderate Ludi kak Ludi There are plenty of small cafés in Kitay-Gorod, but few as popular as this one, which is crowded right into the early-morning hours with people enjoying its very reasonably priced and delicious pastries, sandwiches, homemade bread and smoothies. 1/4 Solyanskiy tupik, Kitay Gorod Price: budget Nightlife Nightlife in It s easy to track down some evening entertainment in and easiest of all in the city s bars and big hotels. Even the upmarket, less conventional ones are child s play to spot by the lines of people waiting outside the door.there are usually bouncers on the door to make sure guests meet the required standard of sartorial elegance. If that all sounds too much to you, head for one of the many cafés and bars that also stay open late but are a little relaxed and not only in matters of style. B2 This huge club is a five-story event center with a restaurant. For disco music, head to the 1980s-style second floor or to the fifth floor, where the motto is Disco If you re into jazz, the fourth floor s for you; there s also a lounge and a summer veranda. Bolshaya Sadovaya 8/1 LH.com/travelguide 09/14

10 Sixteen Tons This two-level concert club has a stage and a dance floor and hosts live gigs, mostly featuring guitar bands, some of them from abroad. Done out entirely like an English pub, it has its own brewery, which produces the house label, 16 Tons (obviously), but also serves a selection of other beers. Presnensky val 6/ Propaganda The admission policy is not nearly as strict at this café club, which first opened in 1997, as in other places around. It opens at 12 noon, when it serves good, reasonably priced food and drink, but in the evening lays down a changing evening program that may be devoted entirely to soul, house or techno - the club s taste in music is eclectic. Bolshoy Zlatoustinskiy pereulok City Space This panorama bar on the 34th floor of the Swissôtel Krasnye Holmy City closely resembles a UFO that s just arrived from outer space. Located 140 meters above the ground, the City Space has a 360 glass facade of floor-to-ceiling windows offering a breathtaking view. Cocktails ranging from classic to molecular complete the spacey experience. Kosmodamianskaya naberezhnaya 52/ Club Petrovic The USSR of the 1950s and 60s has survived here, both in terms of the decor and the menu. Here, guests tuck into blini and hearty soups amid everyday objects and memorabilia dating from that era. There s live music in the evenings and dancing on the weekend. The Petrovich is officially a members only club, so it s a good idea to book a table before you go. Myasnitskaya ul. 24, Building Calendar Calendar of events of events LH.com/travelguide 10/14

11 11 n Orthodox Christmas Celebrated according to the Julian calendar, the n Orthodox Christmas falls on 7 January and is a huge celebration for Orthodox Christians across. Events begin on the eve of the holiday with a special televised speech by the president. Many attend Christmas religious services which are held in churches throughout Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The Midnight Mass service on Christmas Eve in the restored Christ the Saviour Cathedral near the Kremlin is one of the main services. 7 January 2018 Website Venue: Various locations around Maslenitsa (Blini Day) Maslenitsa is a blend of pagan beliefs and Christian traditions and is the n equivalent of Mardi Gras - the last period for feasting before the fasting of the traditional Lent season. Blini are a type of n pastry or doughnut which is frequently eaten smothered in jam, honey or other sweet foodstuffs. Maslenitsa lasts for up to one week ending on Shrove Tuesday or 'Blini Day'. Many Muscovites visit the Blini Village in Red Square which is a great place to soak up the unique flavour of this popular cultural and religious celebration February Venue: Various locations around Women's Day International Women's Day (IWD) is an internationally recognised celebration of women and their social, economic and political achievements. In, the demonstrations that marked International Women's Day created a sea of change that kick-started the n Revolution of To commemorate the day's historic importance it is now a public holiday in. However, rather than staging political protests the day has a more sentimental slant, with husbands and sons showing their love for the ladies in their lives. 8 March 2018 Venue: Throughout Paskha (Easter) The main holiday of the n Orthodox Church, when ns end 40 days of fasting with midnight church services and a feast of special cakes. 8 April 2018 Venue: Churches across International Film Festival Muscovites celebrate more than 100 years of n cinema with screenings of new and classic films at theatres all over April LH.com/travelguide 11/14

12 12 Venue: Cinemas across Victory Day Each year on 9 May celebrates Victory Day which commemorates the defeat of Nazi Germany in the Second World War. The German army signed the surrender terms on 8 May 1945 with peace officially taking effect the following day on 9 May. But peace did not come without huge loss of life on both sides and the day is also a way of remembering the many people that lost their lives during the conflict. Known as VE Day in most of Europe, Victory Day is celebrated in a grand way in with lavish ceremonies and a military parade in Red Square. The ceremony is usually attended by several prominent world leaders and the occasion closes with a fireworks display. 9 May 2018 Venue: Red Square White Nights Festival This festival is a must for ballet, opera and classical music amateurs. It takes its inspiration from the short summer season when the sun never sets, and offers a world-class programme of concerts. May - July 2018 mariinsky.us/festivals/festivals-stars-of-the... Venue: Throughout the city n Independence Day declared its sovereignty on 12 June 1990 as a way of distancing itself from the crumbling Soviet Union. The following year when the Soviet Union was formerly broken up, Boris Yeltsin came to power and declared 12 June n Independence Day and a national holiday. But it was not until over a decade later in 2003 under the presidency of Vladimir Putin that the day became a grand parade. Now each year on 12 June there is a big celebration and parade at 's Red Square. 12 June 2018 Venue: Red Square City Day (Den' Goroda) Held over the first weekend in September, celebrates the birth of the n capital with a series of parades and entertainment events. The celebrations begin on the Saturday with a procession of floats and city officials along Tverskaya Street and finishing at the Kremlin. Other celebratory events taking place over the weekend include fun fairs, street entertainers, sports contests and live music; and there are plenty of food and drink stalls lining the streets. The city parks are also popular places to celebrate the occasion with many families choosing to enjoy a picnic in one of the beautifully maintained parks. 's City Day was introduced by the former n president Boris Yeltsin ( ) in 1986 when he was the Secretary of the City Committee. 1-2 September 2018 Venue: Various locations around LH.com/travelguide 12/14

13 13 Kremlin Cup 's answer to Wimbledon captures the city's attention for nine days in October October 2018 kremlincup.ru/en/ Venue: Olympic Stadium Day of National Unity Communists come out of the woodwork to parade and flag-wave to commemorate the October Revolution. 4 November 2018 Venue: Throughout the city n Winter Festival Muscovites get into the n winter spirit with all sorts of special events and rides in troikas (sleighs drawn by three horses). Ice sculpture competitions, and even ice chess, also take place in the city. December January Venue: Izmaylovsky Park, Pushkinsaya ploschad, Red Square and other venues Hotels Hotels in Bargains are sparse in über-expensive, but grand hotels are in steady supply. The most prestigious addresses are close to Red Square and the Kremlin, where caviar and champagne breakfasts are de rigueur.for cheaper accommodation, head to the suburbs and commute to the centre on the Metro. Ritz Carlton Every imaginable luxury is on offer at this grand hotel, with lavish designer interiors and views across to the Kremlin from the rooftop terrace. Tverskaya ulitsa Category: Expensive Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Rooms are sumptuous and views are to die for at this gleaming tower, looming above the Moskva River. Kosmodamianskaya naberezhnaya 52, Building Category: Expensive LH.com/travelguide 13/14

14 14 Metropol Historical Hotel An art nouveau beauty on glamorous Teatralny Proezd, overflowing with old-world charm and period details. Teatralny proezd Category: Expensive Kitay Gorod Hotel A rare inexpensive find in the centre, offering small but comfortable rooms within walking distance of the Kremlin. Lubyanskiy proezd Category: Moderate Izmailovo Beta Simple, no-frills rooms and bargain prices are the main attraction at this tower hotel near the Ismailovo Market. Izmailovskoe Shosse 2B- 71 Block Category: Cheap LH.com/travelguide 14/14