Moscow is the capital of Russia and its cultural, economic, and political heart. It is the largest and most populous city in Russia and a city with huge global influence. It is the largest tourist destination in the country, home to some of the country's most historic architectural works.It served as the capital of Russia for a long time and became the capital of Russia again after the Bolshevik Revolution. It has the best collection of architectural structures in the world. The Kremlin, which today serves as the residence of the Russian President, is a formidable complex of palaces, churches and walls. The iconic St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the most unique cathedrals to be found anywhere in the world. Moscow also houses a large number of museums, showcasing artifacts from the entire history of Russia. There is even a display of priceless jewelery and state regalia in the Kremlin armory. In addition, Moscow is home to many magnificent gardens and parks that find their origins in the imperial era. These parks have been restored and beautified today and are favorite hangout spots for locals looking for some time off from their busy lives. Gorky Park, Tsaritsyno and Alexander Garden are examples of notable gardens in the city. The city's nightlife is world-renowned and so is its shopping, which is the epitome of GUM on Red Square. Many concerts and cultural events often take place in the city and the city is also home to Russia's national theatre, the Bolshoi Theatre. Moscow offers you a wide variety of activities and it is sure to keep you engaged throughout your trip. When you're done, climb the Sparrow Hills and soak up a beautiful panorama of the city.
Currency in Moscow Russia
The Russian ruble is the only currency accepted in Moscow. Carrying a Visa or MasterCard credit card is ideal here as the other cards are not widely accepted. Visa and Mastercard work in most all ATMs.
Exchanging Money
There are several options for changing money in Moscow. However, most of the currency is only exchanged in EUR and USD and some in GBP. You can find money changing booths throughout the city and even at the airport. Banks also exchange money and some of the larger banks may offer you an exchange in other major currencies such as AUD, or CHF.
Religion
Christianity
Customs
Russian etiquette is slightly different than in Western countries. Russians are not very openly polite and prefer to be more direct in their conduct. Expressing thanks or regret too often, such as in a restaurant, can leave one or two people staring at you. When it comes to dressing, as always, it's best to dress smartly whenever you're out. Greeting new people by shaking hands is enough. Tips can be left in the region of 5-10% in hotels and restaurants. For porters or housekeepers, RUB 50 - 100 is considered sufficient. For taxis and bars, it's usually enough to cover the bill when paying
Language
Russian is the first and official language of Moscow. However, a large population of people also speak English and you should not have any problem during your visit.
