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RUSSIA

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The first stop on any trip to Russia has to be its capital, Moscow.

After decades of Communist rule, an explosion of wealth has given Moscow an exciting injection of colour. The Kremlin, a north-pointing triangle, is at the city's heart symbolically, historically and geographically. But the area to the north of it - from Tverskaya to Okhotny Ryad - is where it's at, with several stylish places to eat and drink.

Dining

Moscow's rapidly changing restaurant scene offers a wide range of food. There are lots of buffet-style places, coffee shops on every corner, and sushi is very popular. Where better to dine on traditional Russian cuisine than at Red Square Restaurant? Entrance is via the History Museum.

Culture

From its kingly attraction the Kremlin, Moscow spreads out in four distinctive ‘rings'. Most key sights are within the first - an area that can easily be covered on foot. Here you'll find Lenin's Mausoleum, St Basil's Cathedral, and the famous GUM department store. Gorky Park is across the river.

Shopping

The Arbat is the bohemian quarter, dotted with pavement artists and souvenir stalls. Cox on Maroseyka Street stocks Russian designers, while Petrovsky Passaz is filled with international designers.

Getting around

Moscow's metro is best: many stations are works of art in themselves. Buses, trams and trolleybuses fill in the gaps. Need a taxi? Just stick out an arm.

GMT: +3 hours
Flight Time: 4 hours
Currency: Roubl