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Moscow is the capital, the most populous city, and the most populous federal subject of Russia. The city is a major political, economic, cultural, scientific, religious, financial, educational, and transportation centre of Russia and the continent. Moscow is the northernmost megacity on Earth (but isn't coldest), the most populous city in Europe, and the sixth largest city proper in the world. Its population, according to the results of the 2010 Census, is 11,503,501. 

Based on Forbes 2011, Moscow had 79 billionaires, displacing New York City as the city with the greatest number of billionaires. Moscow is one of the most dynamic developing cities. Home to 11 million people, it is a curious blend of traditions and modernity, historical heritage and new-born trends from the ancient Kremlin to high-technological towers of the city. 

Moscow is situated on the Moskva River in the Central Federal District of European Russia. In the course of its history the city has served as the capital of a progression of states, from the medieval Grand Duchy of Moscow and the subsequent Tsardom of Russia to the Soviet Union. Moscow is the site of the Moscow Kremlin, an ancient fortress that is today the residence of the Russian President and of the executive branch of the Government of Russia. The Kremlin is also one of several World Heritage Sites in the city. Both chambers of the Russian parliament (the State Duma and the Federation Council) also sit in Moscow.

The city is served by an extensive transit network, which includes four international airports, nine railroad terminals, and one of the deepest underground tubes in the world, the Moscow Metro, second only to Tokyo in terms of ridership and recognised as one of the city's landmarks due to the rich and varied architecture of its 185 stations.

Over time, Moscow has acquired a number of epithets, most referring to its size and preeminent status within the nation: The Third Rome (Третий Рим), The Whitestone One (Белокаменная), The First Throne (Первопрестольная), The Forty Forties (Сорок Сороков). In old Russian the word "Сорок" (forty) also meant a church administrative district, which consisted of about forty churches.The demonym for a Moscow resident is Moskvitch, rendered in English asMuscovite.

Moscow is 860 years old, but still looks like a young city, trying to find its own face through multiple transformations and reconstructions. Beyond the ubiquitous displays of extraordinary wealth, Moscow is also rich in history, culture and tradition, and no visit would be complete without tickets to the Bolshoi Theatre, Tretyakov Gallery or an invigorating visit to a typical Russian ―banya and dinner with vodka and caviar. 

GO THERE FOR

The Nightlife - Few cities anywhere in the world can compare to Moscow for spectacular nightclubs and bars, where the vodka flows as freely as the cash.

The History - Although Communism is a distant memory now, the Kremlin and Red Square testify to a time when the city was one of the most important in the world.

The Shopping - As Russia moves into the 21st century, there is seemingly no end of hip designer and boutiques springing up inside Moscow, from the young to established global names in fashion and design.


DON'T MISS

The Red Square 
The Red Square is the famous historical centre of Moscow. Dating back to the late 15th century, it forms a single architectural ensemble, drawing together the Kremlin wall, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Minin and Pozharsky monument, the State Historical Museum and the Lenin Mausoleum

The Kremlin
The Kremlin represents the heart of Moscow and is the oldest part of the city, dating back to 1147, this site has actually been inhabited since 2nd century BC. It is also one of the world’s most beautiful architectural complexes containing golden-domed churches, palaces, museums, grand halls and iconic monuments. The centre of the Kremlin, Sobornaya Square, contains 15th-17th century cathedrals. The Uspensky Cathedral is the burial place of Russian patriarchs and the site of coronations and weddings of grand princes and Tsars. Arkhangelsky Cathedral contains the tombs of Ivan the Terrible and other great Tsars. Ivan the Great’s gleaming bell tower can be found at the centre of the square. The world’s largest bell lies at its foot, although it was cracked during its fabrication in 1730. 

St. Basil's Cathedral 
This richly decorated cathedral is the most iconic of all of Russia’s great buildings. One of the many architectural landmarks in the Red Square, the cathedral was built by Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the conquest of the Mongol stronghold of Kazan Khanate. 

Victory Park
A huge memorial complex, which includes the Church of St. George the Victorious, a synagogue, mosque, the World War II Museum and a group of fountains. Vintage military vehicles are on display in the park alleys.

Old Arbat Street 
The first mention of the Arbat was in 1493 as a road leading from the Moscow Kremlin to Smolensk. Today it is a long pedestrianised street, packed with restaurants, cafes, souvenir shops and little trinkets to buy. If you look over the crowd of people walking by, you catch a glimpse of beautiful Art Nouveau and Classicism mansions that were built here during the 19th and 20th centuries.

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