For many Norwegians, Russia may be a slightly scary destination, but at the same time a very interesting and exotic one. The Norwegian people are generally unaware of Russian culture, and have for many years in the media created various prejudices against the country. There are big differences between Moscow and Oslo, but as a tourist you will have an absolutely insanely good stay in Russia and the country’s capital. The unique city of Moscow has everything from historic buildings and cathedrals to state-of-the-art shopping malls and nightclubs!
Most people have heard about the Russian winter, and consequently choose to pay a visit to Moscow in the summer. According to Abbreviation Finder, with over six million tourists visiting the city every single year, the inhabitants have become accustomed to tourism, and more and more are taking the trip to what is the world’s largest country in terms of area. Get ready for a visit to a culturally rich country, with sights such as Red Square and a whole bunch of exciting museums.
Recommended hotels in Moscow
- Four Seasons Hotel Moscow- Would you like to stay like a royalty when you are in Moscow? Then the luxury hotel Four Seasons Moscow is the hotel for you. Here you have to expect to pay a part per night, but in return you stay in one of the most beautiful hotels in Moscow. Centrally located right near the Kremlin, the hotel has two on-site restaurants with a bar, a private spa and an indoor pool. Incredibly beautiful rooms and first class service!
- Hotel Savoy Moscow-The stylish and elegant Hotel Savoy Moscow is centrally located in the city center of Moscow, just a minute’s walk from the Kremlin. With its five stars, the hotel has a high standard and good facilities. Here you will find a separate bar and restaurant, as well as a health club and indoor pool. A wonderfully beautiful and stylish hotel with very good service and perfect location in the heart of Moscow.
- InterContinental Moscow – Tverskaya- Much cheaper alternative than the other two recommendations, but also this hotel boasts five stars and very good standard. Central location with 8 minutes walk to the Kremlin. The hotel offers guests its own restaurant, on-site spa and fitness center. Praises for good breakfast, large rooms and nice staff from previous guests.
Travel to Moscow
Several airlines take you directly to the city from Oslo Airport, and especially in the summer it is possible to get cheap airline tickets. The flight also takes only about two and a half hours, so Moscow is not as far away as many might think. The official currency of the country is Russian rubles. 10 rubles corresponds to approximately 1.50 Norwegian kroner at the time of writing. Remember to arrange a visa before you travel.
The Russian ruble is currently weak in relation to the Norwegian ruble, but Moscow will not be perceived as a particularly cheap city in any case. In the middle of the tourist areas, the prices may be similar to Norwegian prices, but a typical McDonalds menu will cost a third of what it does in Norway. It is no safer to travel in Moscow than it is in any other European city or capital. If you take precautions, you will usually escape criminal incidents. Norwegians should avoid drinking water straight from the tap.
Hotels and restaurants in Moscow
Sometimes the Norwegian prejudices against Russia and Moscow – especially when it comes to accommodation. Many of the hotels are old and worn, but in return it will also be reflected in the price. Therefore, you decide what you want to pay for. Luxury and central location cost, and there are many very good hotels in Moscow, but prices will then rise against Norwegian hotel prices.
Russian food is probably not something most of us have anything special to do with, but there are very many fine restaurants that serve food from the various international cuisines. A lot of fatty food is served here with plenty of accessories. Remember, of course, that you should also enjoy vodka for most meals, and it’s actually no joke that vodka is the Russians’ national beverage. In modern times, many American fast food chains have also established themselves on the Russian market and in Moscow.
Attractions in Moscow
Russia is a very rich country with at least as rich history, which is reflected through countless structures, monuments and museums in Moscow. A bit of the experience here is the visit itself, just experiencing a different culture.
The red square
Moscow’s most famous tourist attraction is Red Square. Most people know this as the “symbol” of the whole country, with the giant marketplace that is 350 meters long! It is located in the very heart of the city center, and has been used for everything from concerts to air landings and military parades. When you stand here, you are also surrounded by historic buildings and monuments.
Kremlin
The Kremlin is the “house” of the very president of Moscow, and is a centuries-old building that has been home to the Russian leaders for centuries. Two thirds of the building is closed to the public, but the rest can be visited inside. In any case, you should see this extremely beautiful building from the outside!
Museums in Moscow
Moscow has many exciting museums for those who want to experience history and another country’s culture. Among other things, you can go to the treasury in the Kremlin, where the crown jewels of the Russian tsar are kept. In Lenin’s mausoleum you can also see the remains of the embalmed dictator. Art lovers are advised to take a trip to the Tretyakov Gallery, which is located south of the city student. Here you can see over 130,000 works of art where the oldest is almost 1000 years old!
The seven sisters
The Seven Sisters is a series of high-rise buildings in the center of Moscow that are built in exactly the same style. They are often referred to as “Stalin’s tall buildings” as he was the one who made sure to build them after the war. It may not be an architectural masterpiece, but it is in many ways reminiscent of the Russians’ hard times beyond the 20th century.
St. Basils-katedralen
This cathedral is the most famous in Russia and Moscow, and is for many the very symbol of the city. When you see it, you will definitely recognize the glass balls on the roof, which are iconic of the Russian style of the 16th century.
