Russia’s largest city with a history traced back to 1147, Moscow is the northernmost and coldest megacity in the world.

Saint Basil's Cathedral

Built in 1561, Saint Basil’s Cathederal, or the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat as it is more properly known is one of the most recognisable symbols of Russia and has operated as a museum rather than Church since the Revolution. The Cathedral is situated on Red Square.

Kremlin

A fortified complex in the center of Moscow, constructed by the Rurikids dynasty. More properly called the Moscow Kremlin, internationally it is known simply as the Kremlin. It is both the residence of the President and a museum.

The Tsar Bell

Commissioned by Empress Anna Ivanovna, niece of Peter the Great. It has never been in working order, suspended, or rung. This is the third bell, formed of pieces of the second which was destroyed in a fire in 1701. A fire caused 11 cracks in the bell, and as such it is not in a shape to ring, but it is of such a size that the bell served as a chapel, with the broken area forming the door.

Red Square

One of the oldest and largest squares in Moscow. It is a major landmark of Moscow and Russia, with famed buildings such as Saint Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum on the square and the Kremlin nearby.

Local sellers will often spot the tourists and try to sell the various souvenirs, particularly communist-era memorabilia. Americans should take particular care making purchases here due to their nations ongoing confusion as to what is and is not Communist.

Lenin’s Mausoleum

No photography is allowed, but following the queue, you can walk past Lenin in his glass tomb housed in the granite pyramid in Red Square.

Night Train

One of the most amazing things we did was to take the Night Train from Moscow to St. Petersburg. Endless landscape, often a pristine white stretched past us as we were in our sleeping carriages. A night rocked to sleep by the rails and woken by the occasional station.

It is the best way to travel between cities.