Russians are friendly, but in their style
We do not want to deceive you: you will need several days to see all the essentials of the great Russian city, although ** 24 hours in Moscow also go a long way.**
But it doesn't matter if you go for a week or just make a long layover to see Red Square, because there will be many things that will catch your attention... and that do not appear in the guides:
1. As soon as you arrive, you will realize that you are probably the most smiling person in the airport. Don't take it personally. Although we do not like to generalize, Russians have a reputation for being cold, as their weather during the winter is usually below zero.
For practical purposes, try not to invade their space: to greet, the usual is shake hands. If it's a close person, three kisses on the cheeks.
For everything else, you will have no problems: They are attentive and friendly, but in their style. Do not expect a loving or cheerful gesture.
The matrioshkas, one of the most iconic souvenirs of the city
two. If you decide to take the subway (something highly recommended, because the distances and traffic jams are memorable), be patient... and take the opportunity to do underground tourism
The first, because going down to the depths through its escalators will take several minutes, since some of its stations are buried. almost 80 meters. Impressive, right?
Well, the rest of its figures are also overwhelming, because it is one of the busiest and most efficient metro networks in the world: 252 stations, more than 10,000 trains, almost 9 million users a day.
The second, because its sumptuous stations are considered a tourist attraction and an artistic monument. Do not miss the entrance to the Arbatskaya either Komsomolskaya , the central hall and the tiled pavement of Belorusskaya or the walls with white marble bas-reliefs of Park Kultury.
Don't miss out on seeing the mosaics of Kievskaya , the bronze statues of Ploshchad Rvolyutsii or the ceramic ceiling panels of Theatrical. They are a true underground museum and, in fact, their metro network is known as the People's Palace.
One of the best things about Moscow? You can eat at any time of the day
3. When you get hungry, you don't need to look at the clock. You can eat at any time of the day, because many cafes and restaurants do not close their kitchen between services and some even open 24 hours.
Our favorite non-stop spots are **Cafe Pushkin** and Grand **Café Dr. Zhivago. ** Try their typical pelmeni (a kind of stuffed ravioli), the famous sweet or savory blinis, their meat cakes and, if you want to treat yourself, the famous caviar . In Moscow, there comes a time when you don't know if you're having breakfast or dinner, but… does it matter?
Four. You can also buy flowers whenever you feel like it, literally. And not exactly online. Many florists are open around the clock, 24/7.
There are many theories about it and the reason is not clear, but Russians are used to giving flowers often: birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions. Of course, the bouquet should always have an odd number of flowers, since the pairs are only for the graveyard.
Shall we get our strength back at Cafe Pushkin?
5. Moscow seems to live in a permanent Christmas: You will be shocked by the excessive lighting of its buildings, squares and monuments. Many pedestrian streets are decorated with luminous garlands throughout the year. Therefore, it is especially recommended walk and be dazzled by the Russian capital at night.
6. Sometimes finding a zebra crossing can be an impossible mission: better look for an underpass, because some avenues have up to ten lanes! Another very curious thing about its road infrastructure is that they barely have roundabouts.
Moscow, as imposing as it is disconcerting
7. If you enter the house of some Muscovite, there will be two things (at least) that will catch your attention: the entrance door to it (not only the portal) opens out, instead of inside and if you look closely, they all have in their kitchens a kettle.
For them it is the most practical way to heat water: they use it for tea, to boil pasta... or to defrost the car lock in winter.
8. In Moscow, Putin is everywhere. They even sell souvenirs (and even matrioshkas, the famous Russian dolls) with his face. It may seem strange to you, but many people buy them.
And we could go on, because the list is as huge as the city, but the rest, traveler, we leave to you.
A constant Christmas