CiaoLeone

Thanks. In my other trips to Russia, weather was never a real concern. The seasons were definite, making it easier to pack the right clothes. This next time we'll be in Moscow the first week of April, and I believe the avg. daily high is in the 50s. Uncertain how "heavy" to go. I suggested layers only because many Russian building, we found, tend to over heat during the daytime, so you find yourself shedding clothes. Have sturdy clothes hooks on all coats!!!

For teens, I'm not sure. Red Square and the Kremlin are very, very interesting. I've just never had any experience taking teens there. Sorry. Perhaps someone else may be of help. Have a good day.

helen63

I just thought about something else. I don't know whether you boys like circus or not, but Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Blvd is great and very famous.

Gretchen

If you think about most pictures of Russians you have seen when outdoors, there is a reason the fur hats are SO ubiquitous. And buildings can be heated--or not. Be prepared. And the comment about snow is also relevant. When it does melt it is messy. BOOTS!!

katya_NY

Dukey:
The reason "layers" are recommended (esp. in Russia) is that some Russian buildings have been known to be VERY warm- often too well heated for my liking. For that reason, having a shirt on under a sweater can keep you from being stuck in an uncomfortable situation.
But if you don't like layering, feel free to sweat.
___
As far as teens are concerned, I have brought teens to Moscow/Saint Petersburg many times. The big hits are:
Moscow:
1) The Arbat (Hard Rock Cafe there,FYI)
2) GUM
3) Kremlin Tour (Armoury, etc)
4) Red Square
5) McDonalds near Pushkin Square


Saint Pete:
1) Nevskii Prospekt
2) Several rooms in the Hermitage
3) Boat ride along river/canals
4) Market behind The Cathedral on the Spilled Blood (near Nevskii)
5) Amber Room, Catherine Palace
6) Peter & Paul Fortress- prison & statue of Peter the Great (seated)
7) "Jam Hall" movie theaters- can see American movies with subtitles/dubbing. The theater is cool, though- couches and waitstaff deliver snacks from the menu.
8)Peterhof- but maybe not as much fun in winter


For both, the kids like the "cafe culture"- hanging out and chatting like the Europeans do.

Let me know if you have other teen questions!

Grcxx3

katya - thanks for the tips! My younger son went to the Hard Rock Cafe when he was there last May and bought himself a HR shot glass!!! I'm sure we'll have to hit it again. And the armory is a good idea - nothing like a bunch of old weapons to entertain 2 boys.

enroute

CiaoLeone,

I didn't mean to be harsh. I hope you enjoy your April trip and esp. the Mariinsky if you get there...

Helen 63,

<<Enroute, by the way, the winters are really much colder in Russia, when there is no snow.>>

Sorry, it didn't come across, but that is exactly what I meant, by "the protective cover it provides".

Happy travels, All!

-e

CiaoLeone

Hello, enroute, and thx for the well wishes. Most items are planned ... Metropol, Grand Europe, business class on Delta, and private guides, and Olga car pick-up. This time, in style. I used to attend Kirov performances of ballet and opera ... now the Marinsky. When I return in late April, I intend to break a rule of my own, and post a long, detailed and quite boring report. I hope no falls asleep. Ciao for tonight, Leone

enroute

CiaoL,

I'll be looking forward to it. I hope the Moscow Metro is in your plans too! One of my favorites... Enjoy!

CiaoLeone

The Metro ... absolutely!!! Great idea.

katya_NY

Yes, I definitely should have mentioned the metro too... the kids loved it last trip. It will be MUCH easier for you to move through the stations than it was for us, too (23 people). Really look around and enjoy them! I recommend the Kievskaya station- that is my favorite. Check out this website for great pictures.

http://www.beeflowers.com/Metro/

Odin

In addition to suggestions already made, teens might be interested in ice skating at Park Kultury or maybe monument to space travel near the Cosmos hotel. Apart from the usual sites, I took my teen to Starlite Diner and the cinema at the Renaissance Hotel (English language films) as well as the ballet at the Palace of Congresses in the Kremlin.

Wanda1

Your teens might enjoy the Izmailova Flea Market. There were several booths that had old military items. Guy stuff for sure! I took the metro from Teverskaya and it took only about 25 minutes on the metro. We spent hours and ran into lots of tourists.

Odin

I'm not sure Izmailovo is the place to go any more. I was there past January and it was dead

Wanda1

I was there Saturday & Sunday in September and the place was packed - hundred of people??? Tourists and locals. Maybe it was too cold in January. September 23 & 24th it was in the 70s!!

katya_NY

I think things "heat up" on the weekends there.

CiaoLeone

To original question - no.

Grcxx3

Wanda1 - the flea market sounds like fun. We'll check into it.

Odin

If Izmailovo was dead last time I went (and I've been there lots of times at various times of the year although big gap between visit this year and the last one), it could have been the time of year as it was first week Jan (Orthodox Christmas) and people might have been on their Christmas holidays. There was some activity in the stalls outside of the real market.

They also changed the metro station name for Izmailovo to Partizanskaya (apparently in 2005). There is a small entrance fee to the market and it is only open on weekends.