If you have never travelled to Russia, you might struggle to picture what Moscow is truly like, and the chances are high that you’ve heard many misconceptions about it. Even though the standard image that most westerners have in their heads is of dreary buildings from the Soviet era, the reality in Moscow is extremely different. But if you are like me, and always dreamt about visiting Russia, then you will have envisaged on one of the great man-made wonders of the world, The Red Square. Its incredible architecture far predates the Bolshevik Revolution and even though religion was banned during the Soviet era, I was absolutely blown away by all the beautiful churches that survived in Russia. It is here in Red Square that you will find St. Basil's Cathedral; one of the world’s iconic landmarks and I felt like a kid on Christmas morning when I finally seen it.
I’ve been in Moscow for a while now and I often struggle to see past a lot of the cold, grey weather. But sometimes all I really need is to visit the historical centre to find something thrilling about slugging through the misty weather. However, If the elements are too much for you then you can always visit GUM; the high-end department store from my photos which dates to 1893. Here you can find warm comfort food in Soviet-style cafeterias amongst Europe’s best designer shops. I recommend my favourite – Russian pancakes with salmon and cream cheese. Really, no matter the time of year Moscow is the very heartbeat of Russia and longs to be explored!
State Historical Museum from the center of Red Square
Alexander Garden stretches along the Kremlin wall
State Historical Museum and Nikolskaya Tower
Gum Department Store dates back to 1893
St. Basils Cathedral and Spasskaya Tower (My favourite building in Moscow)
Alexander Gardens once more
Gum Department Store from another angle.
St. Basils Cathedral from Gum Department Store.