Local’s Guide to: Moscow, RussiaBy Alicia Grimshaw
Heading to Moscow in the next couple of months and need help with planning? We know just the people. Evaneos connects travellers wanting original, and tailor-made holidays with local travel agents based in the country they would like to visit. Forget your tourist traps and ‘secret spots’ that aren’t so secret, Evaneos teams up with local partners giving you the best spots in town. Because local insight is much better than a generic guide book, right?
For Moscow, Evaneos’ local travel partner is Julia, a local who is keen to share her knowledge and create an unforgettable trip for travellers looking to explore Russia. Here are some of her recommendations for Moscow, all available to be incorporated into a customised tour offered through Evaneos.
Photo Credit:Yuliya Baturina
Best Breakfast Spot: Grand Café Dr. Zhivago
The Lowdown: Located on the ground floor of the National Hotel building, Grand Café Dr. Zhivago boasts an incredible choice of traditional Russian breakfast dishes and European cuisine, with a view out across the Kremlin and Red Square. It’s pretty upmarket for a breakfast spot, so wear your best shirt.
Where: Mokhovaya St, 15/1, Moskva, Russia, 125009
Best Lunch Spot: Café Pushkin.
The Lowdown: Café Pushkin is where the locals go to eat. If you’re wanting a traditional Russian lunch, look no further. The menu is brimming with Russian eats – everything from borsch soups to fried trout. And the interiors are reminiscent of an antique bookshop.
Where: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26А, Moskva, Russia, 125009
Best Dinner Spot: Restaurant Bolshoi
The Lowdown: This modern restaurant is located just next to Bolshoi Theatre, making it the perfect place to have dinner after an evening performance. The decor is pretty impressive, too.
Where: Petrovka ul., 3/6, стр. 2, Moskva, Russia, 125009
Best Brunch Spot: Turandot Restaurant
The Lowdown: Turandot Restaurant is serious when is comes to brunch – here you can feast on their buffet featuring hot and cold dishes, cured meats and plenty of sweet delights. Plus the interior gives the incredible atmosphere of being in a 19th century Russian palace.
Where: Tverskoy Boulevard, 26, стр. 3, Moskva, Russia, 125009
The Lowdown: Nestled on the rooftop of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, O2 Lounge & Bar is situated right in the centre of Moscow. With an impressively diverse drinks menu and amazing views across the city from the terrace – this is one drink spot not to be missed.
Where: Tverskaya St, 3, Moscos, Moskva, Russia, 125009
Where to Stay: National Hotel and Godunov Hotel
The Lowdown: The National Hotel is a Moscow icon, and a luxury 5* bolthole. Located 100m from the famous Red Square – the hotel offers top facilities and amenties. They’ve been around for more than 100 years and the service here is impeccable.
Where: Mokhovaya St, 15/1, стр. 1, Moskva, Russia, 125009
Photo Credit: Grechkin Yury
The Lowdown: The Godunov Hotel is one of the best 3* hotels in Moscow for those who want to save money, but still appreciate comfort. For the price, you can’t complain about the location.
Where: Nizhny Kiselny Pereulok 4, Moscow, Russia
Moscow’s Must Visits:
1. Visit the Armoury, the treasure chamber of Russian Tsars. Located on the same grounds as the Kremlin, its collection of jewellery (dating from 11th to 20th century), coronation clothes, crowns, thrones, carriages, and faberge eggs, is just staggering.
2. Buy tickets to see the ballet or an opera performance at the Bolshoi Theatre. You can even arrange a visit behind the curtains.
3. Relax in a Sanduny. This traditional, luxury Russian sauna has existed for more than 150 years, and is a fantastic way to wind down at the end of your trip.
4. Eat dinner in one of the Moscow’s restaurants that boasts a magnificent view: Sixty, White Rabbit, or O2 lounge.
Photo Credit: Reidl
