Jenni

Going to visit a friend (American)in Moscow in June and will be there for 5 nights by the University where my friend teaches.
I'm not sure what to do when I'm there and hoping someone who has been there might offer some advice.

Is there anything I should do/know before going (besides visa)?

Any good websites about Moscow?

Anything particular I should see/do when I'm there?

Any good restaurants or activities you could recommend?

Interesting shopping?

Should I exchange currency before I go, are there any problems with exchanging there?

Any info or advice would be greatly appriciated! Thanks

Debbie

Hi Jenni-our 1st trip to Moscow is also planned for June, although we're going as part of a tour. Have found the following web sites useful in doing some preplanning for our trip -www.themoscowtimes.com and www.expat.ru-the later is designed for business people living in Moscow and addresses a wide range of questions. Have found the DK travel series book on Moscow especially useful as well. You cannot get Russian rubles outside of Russia, so changing currency before you go won't be possible, and I understand obtaining a Russian visa on your own is quite time consuming and complicated. Seems the don't miss list includes the obvious-Red Square, the Kremlin, St Basil's Cathedral, the Arbat and a performance at the Bolshoy-places all centrally located. I've read that taking pictures inside museums and so forth requires a 'fee' to be paid, and learning a little Cyrillic will go a long way on our trips. Happy travels!!

Jenni

Thanks for your reply. I will take a look at the sites you mentioned.

Debbie

Hi Jenni-you might also want to look at these sites for your upcoming trip-www.interknowledge.com/russia/moscow; wwww.moscow-guide.ru; www.moscowcity.com and to check the performance schedule at the Bolshoi, www.bolshoi-ru. Also, when obtaining your visa, your passport must be valid for 6 months beyond your return home. Hope this helps. Have fun !!

Sid

Hey Jenni.......check out the thread on Russia - "So you are supposed to smile when you don`t know the language". I wouldn`t go there.

Elizabeth

Hey Jenni......don`t pay any attention to Sid CAUTION. I am the poster of that thread he mentions. The posting in no way relects on my travel to Russia. It was related to show the HUMOUR one can experience when travelling. My three weeks there were certainly wonderful and not to be missed. Just do a little planning and everything will work out just fine.
Cheers......Elizabeth (With the BIG Smile)

Marc David Miller

Try

www.timeout.com

which has some good coverage. Their guide book is also well written. The expat web site is good, but contains much irrelevant information for the shortterm traveller.