Russian Winter Festival: head to Izmailovo Park to participate in this Russian tradition that is celebrated all across the country. Celebrations include performances by some of Russia’s top musicians, dancing and games. Featuring costumed residents taking part in traditional New Year’s customs and festivities, visitors will get the opportunity to sample vodka, taste Russian pancakes with caviar, take a sleigh ride and enjoy centuries-old folk music.

Red Square, Cathedral of St Basil and the Kremlin
The city’s best known square, which contains the two most prominent attractions in Moscow, is the Red Square. Having taken its name from the Russian word for ‘red’, which also once meant ‘beautiful’, this huge cobbled area should be number one on ever visitors’ itinerary. The square is encompassed by the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral, the ornate GUM department store and Kazan Cathedral. The addition of the Lenin Mausoleum in 1924 has ensured a continuous flow of visitors, who flock to see the Russian hero’s embalmed corpse.

Visitors arriving in Moscow by air will enter the city via Moscow Sheremetyevo International Airport. The airport is situated 35kms from the city centre and serves up to 2,100 passengers an hour. Passengers will find adequate facilities at the airport, with currency exchange services, refreshments and an information bureau all available.