Moscow Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
Safety and Politics
Is Moscow safe for tourists? Generally, yes. Many travelers describe it as being as safe, or even safer, than many major Western cities, especially in the central areas.
Is there a lot of crime? Petty crime like pickpocketing is rare but still possible in crowded areas, so it’s always best to keep your valuables secure. Violent crime is considered very low.
What’s the political atmosphere like for tourists? Most travelers agree that the tension is political, not personal. Tourists are generally treated with friendliness and curiosity, not hostility.
Should I be concerned as an American/Westerner? You should be fine as long as you avoid public political displays or discussions, especially about sensitive topics. Some tourists have been questioned at the airport, so be prepared for that possibility.
Is there a risk of “wrongful detention”? This is a concern for some, but most travelers feel that if you follow the laws, don’t bring drugs, and avoid engaging in political activism, the risk is minimal.
Are there certain things I should avoid carrying? Yes, it is strongly advised to not bring any recreational drugs, including cannabis, even if it’s legally prescribed in your home country.
What about bringing my phone and devices? Some users have reported their devices being searched at the border. It’s a good idea to clean out any controversial or sensitive content before you travel.
Getting Around
What’s the best way to get around Moscow? Moscow has an excellent public transport system. The metro is clean, safe, and efficient.
What’s the metro like? Moscow’s metro is famous for its beautiful stations, and it’s a major highlight for many tourists. It’s a great way to get around and see a bit of history at the same time.
How do I pay for public transport? A “Troika” card is recommended for frequent use, as it offers cheaper fares than single-use tickets.
Do I need cash for public transport? The city is largely cashless, with card readers everywhere, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
What about taxis? Use a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go to avoid being overcharged by street taxis.
Are there other forms of public transport? Yes, Moscow also has buses, trams, river trams, the Moscow Central Circle (MCC), and Central Diameters (MCD) lines.
What are the operating hours for public transport? The metro typically runs from 5:30 am to 1:00 am. There are night buses available for travel after the metro closes.
Language and Communication
How much Russian do I need to know? English is not widely spoken, especially outside of tourist areas. While you can get by with minimal Russian in the city center, it is highly recommended to have a translation app like Google Translate or Yandex Translate ready.
What are some essential phrases? Knowing how to say hello, thank you, please, and ask for help is a good start.
How can I ask for directions? It’s often easiest to find younger people (ages 15-35) who are more likely to speak some English.
Can I get a local SIM card? It can be difficult for tourists to get a physical SIM card. Some suggest looking for a decent roaming plan from your home country. Others have had success getting a SIM card at the airport.
Is Wi-Fi available? Public Wi-Fi is available in many places, but it’s still a good idea to have offline maps downloaded.
Money and Banking
Will my foreign credit cards work? No, most foreign cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.) do not work in Russia.
What’s the best way to handle money? Bring a sufficient amount of cash (USD or EUR) to exchange for rubles. You should only exchange money at banks or official currency exchange points, not on the street.
Are there any specific requirements for my cash? Yes, many banks will only accept clean, pristine bills without any tears or marks. It’s best to get new bills from your bank before you leave.
Can I open a bank account as a tourist? It’s generally not a feasible option for a short-term visit, as it often requires a Russian phone number and other documentation.
Sights and Activities
What are the must-see attractions? Travelers consistently recommend: Red Square, the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Gorky Park, VDNKh, and the Moscow Metro stations.
Any off-the-beaten-path suggestions? Explore the small streets in the city center, visit Izmaylovsky Vernissage flea market, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games, or go for a river cruise.
What about museums? Popular choices include the Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin Museum, and the Museum of Cosmonautics. There’s also the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center.
Are there any parks worth visiting? Gorky Park, VDNH, Victory Park, Kolomenskoye, and Tsaritsyno are all highly recommended for walks and outdoor activities.
What about tours? You can find walking tours, and a guided metro tour is highly recommended to learn the history behind the beautiful stations.
What can I do at VDNH? This massive exhibition complex can easily take a whole day to explore, with numerous pavilions, museums, and a park. The entrance is free, but individual attractions may have a fee.
Where can I get good views of the city? The observation decks at Moscow City are a popular choice. Some suggest finding a high-up restaurant for a meal with a view.
Food and Drink
What kind of food is there? You can find a huge variety of cuisine. Popular Russian foods to try include pelmeni, blini, and piroshki. There are also many food courts and markets.
Where can I find a variety of food? Depots are large food courts with many different vendors. Danilovskiy Market is also a great place for a variety of food styles.
What about coffee? Travelers have noted that the coffee might not be up to the same standard as in some Western countries, but there are still plenty of great local coffee shops.
Are tips expected? Tipping is voluntary, but a 10% tip is generally considered appropriate in restaurants.
Etiquette and Culture
What are some cultural norms I should know? When visiting someone’s home, it’s considered polite to take off your shoes at the entrance. It’s also customary to bring a small gift, like a cake.
Are there any dress code considerations? For formal settings like museums, theaters, and nice restaurants, smart casual attire is recommended. Avoid overly bright or revealing clothing.
Is it okay to take photos? It’s generally fine to take photos, but avoid taking pictures of police officers or military personnel.
Are Russians friendly to foreigners? Most travelers report that Russians are friendly and welcoming to tourists.
Logistics and Planning
What’s the best time of year to visit? Summer (July-August) and late spring (April-May) are popular for good weather. The end of December is also a good time to experience a “winter fairy tale.”
How can I book a hotel? Russian booking services like “sutochno.ru” or “Ostrovok” are recommended as an alternative to international sites that may not work. Some international hotel chains may still be bookable.
Should I book my accommodation in advance? It’s a good idea to book in advance and to check if you can pay online with a foreign card or if you’ll need to pay with cash upon arrival.
What about clothes for the weather? The weather can be unpredictable, so it’s best to dress in layers. Always have a light jacket and closed shoes, even in summer, as it can get chilly and rainy.
Is it a good idea to pack light? Yes, many travelers suggest packing light and bringing just a carry-on, as you can easily buy clothes in Moscow if you need them.
What are some useful apps? Yandex Maps/Navigate and Yandex Go are essential for getting around, as they are often more accurate than Google Maps and include real-time public transport tracking.
How much should I budget for a trip? This depends on your travel style, but Moscow is considered a relatively affordable city compared to many in Europe.
How can I find a tour guide? You can look for walking tours in Moscow online.
Is a VPN necessary? Some social media apps and websites may be restricted. While a VPN is not strictly required, many tourists use one to access sites they would normally use at home.
How can I get from the airport to the city? The Aeroexpress train is a fast and reliable option for getting from the airport to the city’s train terminals. You can also use Yandex Go to book a taxi.
Are there any specific districts to avoid? Moscow is generally safe, but some users have mentioned avoiding the southeast part of the city for accommodation.
How do I deal with crowds? Major tourist areas can get very crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. If you want to take pictures without people, check the national holiday calendar. Also, avoid the metro during rush hour if you can.
Can I meet other English speakers? Some “time clubs” or “anti-cafes” host English speaking groups. You can also look for expat communities or international pubs.
What about day trips from Moscow? Consider a trip to nearby towns like Vladimir and Suzdal.
What is the Moscow Central Ring (MCC)? It’s a passenger railway line that goes around Moscow, integrated with the metro system. It’s a great way to travel between different parts of the city.
Are there any other notable things to see or do? The Moscow Zoo, the Planetarium, a trip to the submarine museum, and the felt boots museum are all mentioned as interesting and unique options.
Is it easy to get into Russia right now? You will need a visa. Travelers have noted that the process can be complex, and you should have all your documentation in order.
What about flights? There are currently no direct flights from many Western countries, so you’ll likely have to fly via Turkey or the Middle East.
Where can I find good jewelry? Jewelry is one of the things a traveler recommended buying in Russia.
Where can I find a flea market? The Izmaylovsky Vernissage is a recommended flea market.
Is it worth seeing the Kremlin from the inside? Yes, travelers say it is definitely worth it, as are the Armory Chamber and Diamond Fund located within.
Is there a military museum? The Armed Forces Museum is mentioned, and it even has the wreckage of an American U-2 plane.
Where can I find Soviet arcade games? There is a dedicated museum for them.
Is it true that Russians don’t smile? While this is a common stereotype, many travelers note that Russians are friendly and curious, just not overly smiley with strangers.
What about the food quality? The food is considered to be of high quality, even if it’s not the same as French fine dining.
Can I use an eSIM? Some users have struggled with getting an eSIM to work for data.
Are there any cool buildings to see? The “Stalin’s sisters,” seven monumental buildings around Moscow, are a popular architectural sight.
What about a river cruise? The Radisson cruises are recommended, even in winter as their boats are covered.
How does the weather feel? The temperature numbers on a forecast might not reflect how the temperature actually feels, so it’s important to be prepared for both cold and rain, even in summer.
What about hiking or bike rides? There are many parks and walking paths. Yauza park is noted as one of the longest in Europe.
Can I see a nuclear reactor? A building at VDNKh used to house a working nuclear reactor for public viewing.
What about the police? Police are visible in the city center to provide safety, but tourists shouldn’t be afraid.
What about the metro stations built in recent years? A traveler noted that new metro stations are very impressive architecturally.
What’s the best way to get to St. Petersburg? The high-speed Sapsan train is the most popular and efficient way to travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
What are “time clubs” and “anti-cafes”? These are venues where you pay for the time you spend there, and they often host social gatherings and events.
Where can I find a good park for kids? VDNKh has a panda park, and many other parks have activities for children.
What about the nightlife? There are plenty of clubs and bars.
How much cash can I bring into Russia? You are generally allowed to bring in up to 10,000 in cash without filing a declaration, but it’s best to check the most up-to-date regulations.
Is it true there are no English signs in some places? Some travelers note that English signs have been removed in some areas, but popular tourist spots still have them.
What’s a good place for a solo traveler to meet people? Time clubs or English-speaking meetups are a good option.
What is a “monorail”? Moscow’s monorail has been a topic of discussion, with some noting its eventual removal.
Where can I see an old Russian Orthodox Church? A church on the Nerl river near Vladimir and Suzdal is considered one of the most beautiful.
What’s the deal with the Kremlin? It’s a fortified complex that includes official residences, cathedrals, and museums.
Is it true some social media apps are banned? Yes, some Western social media apps are banned or restricted. A VPN can help you access them.
What about tours of the Mosfilm movie studio? This has been mentioned as an interesting place to visit.
Can I see robots and old computers? There is a Yandex Museum and a museum at VDNKh where you can see historical computers and technology.
What about military stuff? The Armed Forces Museum and Patriot Park (especially during the Day of the Tankman) are good options for those interested in military history.
Is it possible to see the city from the water? Yes, there are river cruises and water trams that offer great views.
What’s a “blini”? It’s a type of thin Russian pancake.
What about the zoo? The Moscow Zoo is a popular attraction but can be very crowded on weekends.
What’s the best way to get to the airport? The Aeroexpress is the most convenient train from a central station to the airport.
Is there a good place for a walk with music? Many people enjoy walking in the city center or on the Arbat street where musicians perform.
What is the Moscow Central Diameter (MCD)? This is a new transport system that combines commuter trains and the metro, connecting suburban areas to the city center.
Are there any unique experiences? Some users have suggested a “Dine in the Dark” restaurant.
What about the metro during rush hour? It can be very crowded and sometimes hot. If you have health concerns, it might be best to avoid it during these times.
What’s the situation with visas? A visa is required for most tourists. Some countries have an agreement for a three-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
Are there any North Korean restaurants? A user mentioned one staffed by North Koreans as a unique dining experience.
Can I go on an underground tour? There are underground tours of water collectors, but you should only book with a legal firm.
What about the city’s size? Moscow is a massive city with a huge population, so a good public transport system is essential.
What about fashion? If you like fashion, a user recommends buying clothes from local Russian brands as they are often of great quality.
Is it easy to get around with a baby stroller or a lot of luggage? A user advises against bringing big luggage on the metro.
What’s the best way to avoid being scammed? Use official banks for currency exchange and ride-hailing apps for taxis.