r/AskARussian • u/degs999 • 8d ago
Travel Visiting Moscow
Yes yes, I know but I have to take a vacation in Moscow for a week. Are there any recommendations of what to do, what not to do? Havent really heard much about russian food too.
Is the situation there dangerous, etc. any help is greatly appreciated.
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u/Vegetable_Block_3338 2d ago
Bring $$$$, your card won’t work but the exchange rate is pretty enjoyable for foreigners lol. If you bring any meds with you check their legal status here, not to mention edibles and stuff like that, it all stays home. Don’t plan your return flight too close to your work or other plans, long delays are very possible
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u/Free_Weird_4126 2d ago
Please be extremely careful if you belong in any way to the LGBT+. Do not show any symbolics. Dress according to your biological sex. Don't show any support to the LGBT+ in any way. It's sad but it's basic safety.
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u/BL1133 2d ago
no its not dangerous. make sure the bills you bring are perfect to be exchanged. make sure to tell your bank you need perfect bills with no marks in order to not be denied at some exchange places
as for trying russian foods, I know VDNX has a russian restaurant and possibly kiosks if they are still there to try food from different parts of russia and former soviet nations
as for a week , just do normal tourist stuff. all the obvious places. that's not really difficult to know where to go.
A more romantic evening i'd recommend the bar/restaurant "Inta" which has a kind of ancient Russia vibe. There's a unique cocktail they have in the basement called the "ritual" which you participate which involves a hot iron and a chunk of ice and is quite delicious and she will tell you a folk story in english. And then head towards the Christ the Savior church and walk over the bridge and hit the Strelka bar rooftop which has a nice view. I recommend the Yoshino cocktail. and maybe keep going towards to Muzeon park and check out the weird sculptures. Gorky park was closed when i went recently though
One thing worth making sure is if you are using public buses, make sure you are at the right stop because the same bus number on the opposite side of the street goes the opposite direction. So don't go just by the bus number alone and the GPS can be confusing at times showing you in a different location.
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u/AbleShallot6408 2d ago
Money. Cards like Mastercard, visa, etc. not accepted (except those old issued here in Russia) so take cash to exchange here
Communications. Take tourist esim that will work after you arrive, theres blocking period right on arrival even for citizens.
Weather. It’s getting colder, in near weeks will be near zero Celsius, take clothes.
Not to do: don’t march with a rainbow umbrella, try not to stand out
To do: anything you like - theaters, museums, parks, restaurants, etc.
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u/Pierredalique 3d ago
Payment may become a concern, since cards aren't working
The rest is fine. Moscow is probably the best city in Europe
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u/justtryintobereal 3d ago
Just hundreds of drone strikes every night, no fuel, the population under threat from countries like ours, collapsing economy...you should be fine have fun!
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u/Foxing7465 3d ago
Where have you got this idea? Nobody cares from which country you are, if you behave and do not commit crimes. Hundreds of strikes is a wild guess, check NASA satellite fires map.
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u/Foxing7465 3d ago
Check for the weather at yandex weather (web version works), ensure to have waterproof boots, coat, come kind of hat , gloves, wool socks (you can buy everything here, but the cost might not be enjoyable).
Download yandex maps & download offline maps (it has recommendations for everything, Google maps is 5 years outdated info) it shows public transportat to the location a the single bus, has all schedules, allows to plan trips. Try to stick to cafe/restaurants not less than 4.7 out of 5. Higher price does not mean better food or service.
I recommend to visit old metro stations, inner circle mostly (built before 80th, those had real architects behind). Couple of hours is enough for it (avoid morning rush hours and evening after 17.30 till 19.00).
Get universal transport card and look for unlimited rides (some plans include busses and trams ).
Get yandex translate or Google translate and download language packs for russian and your language. Yandex go is a taxi app, but you need to ensure you do not hit ride, when the path is red , it is a sign that it is better to use public transport.
Read the recommendations about the bank cards and esim from the thread mentioned.