MOSCOW: TIPS FOR TOURISTS

Russia's financial hub and one of the most expensive cities in the world, Moscow is the most popular destination among foreigners wanting to see its transformation after the collapse of the Soviet regime.

WHERE THE STAY

Afive-star Golden Apple Boutique Hotel is famous for its personalized service, distinctive atmosphere and its exclusive design by Canadian architect Raphael Shafir. It enjoys central location close to top shopping and dining places, as well as such cultural landmarks as the Kremlin, the Red Square and The Bolshoi Theatre.

The hotel's 7-storey historical building of late XIX century contains 92 rooms, which successfully combine minimalism and avant-garde and are luxuriously decorated with natural wood, marble and stone. Huge gold-coated apple in the hotel lobby is a favorite place for picture sessions.

Business facilities offer up-to-date office machines, internet access and two meeting rooms. Health club with cardio machines, pool and Jacuzzi is available 24 hours.

11 Malaya Dmitrovka
Moscow 127006 Russia
+7 (495) 980 70 00
or reservations@goldenapple.ru

WHAT TO SEE

The main monuments for sightseers in Moscow are the Kremlin and the Red Square. With its countless churches, palaces and red brick walls, the Moscow Kremlin is the most imposing collection of different architectural styles. Today, it is the residence of the Russian President and a symbol of Russia's statehood.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Its brightest highlight is St Basil Cathedral (1561). It was commissioned by Tsar Ivan the Terrible to commemorate his army's seizure of the Tartar stronghold of Kazan. Named after a Russian Orthodox saint, St Basil Cathedral is famous for its colourful onion domes that top its cluster of nine chapels. It is Russia's most recognized cultural icon.

WHERE TO SHOP

Russia's leading shopping mall is situated in the Red Square, opposite the Kremlin wall and is named GUM. The contemporary building was constructed in 1893. Its three European style passages of glass and metal are enclosed in the traditional ancient Russian walls.

GUM houses worldwide renowned names of fashion industry such as Louis Vuitton, Corneliani, Dior, La Perla, Ermanno Scervino, Escada, Sonia Rykel, Marina Rinaldi, Burberry, MaxMara, Max&Co, Kenzo, Hugo Boss, Wolford, Iceberg, as well as elite bags and luggage manufacturers, such as Samsonite Black Label and Mandarina Duck. Popular jewelry companies – Chaumet and Frey Wille – are also located at the GUM.

TRANSPORT TO USE

The Moscow Metro is the fastest way of traversing Russia's capital, infamous for its eternal traffic jams. Built under Soviet rule, with the first underground line opened as early as 1935, the Metro is one huge piece of Soviet art. Many of its stations feature grand mosaics, chandeliers, marble columns, and stunning stucco-covered ceilings, usually found in a palace or ballroom. Carrying at least nine million passengers daily, the Metro is a cheap way of traversing Moscow – one ride costs RUR22 (S$1). It is breathtakingly efficient – you'll never wait more than two minutes for a train. With everything listed above, no wonder Moscow metro has been hailed as the best in the world. Trains operate between 5.30 a. m. and 1 a. m. daily.

SOUVENIR TO BUY

Aset of Matryoshka dolls of decreasing sizes and nestled one inside another still makes the perfect souvenir from Russia. They are designed to follow a particular theme, from peasant girls in traditional dress to fairy tale characters and Soviet leaders. The best place to get a matryoshka is at Izmaylovsky market, which can be reached by metro (dark-blue line, Izmaylovsky Park station). Avoid buying the dolls from vendors on touristy Old Arbat street: it will cost you three times the price at Izmaylovsky.