Before leaving for Moscow, while I was reading guides and listening to testimonies, I have heard repeatedly that it was among the most expensive cities in the world. All this, added to the expensive visa to reach it, certainly did not make me hope for a cheap trip, even if there is a coupon Milan Moscow train for those who want to keep costs down.
In reality, with some precautions we were able to contain expenses and not make us miss anything, especially by finding some free Moscow attractions. Below I want to bring you some tips for spending little. Moscow is a beautiful and very hospitable city and like all travel you can spend a lot or a little, it depends on how you manage and behave.
Rule number one: do not change at the airport where it is very unfavorable, rather do it in the city or, do as we do, change a very small amount and pay for everything by credit card or debit card. The cards are accepted everywhere and, more importantly, even for small amounts.
Last thing before leaving, make sure you have and have time to do the visa for Russia, which is crucial!
Getting around in Moscow
Use i means of transport both to move around the city and to reach Moscow from the Airport, in this case using the train Aeroexpress (a little slow, but in addition to offering you an overview of the Moscow hinterland it is definitely cheap). In the city it is not necessary to take taxis to get around. The efficiency of Russian transport, and in particular the Metro, will leave you very impressed. In addition, with a single Metro ticket, you will have the opportunity to visit its beautiful subway stations, real museums capable of immersing you in Soviet pride. A subway tour, in addition to being a decidedly low cost activity, is also an excellent idea to spend cold or rainy days.
Where to eat and what in Moscow
I have heard several people complain because the wine in Moscow is too expensive. I always start from the assumption that when you visit a foreign country you have to adapt to the local cuisine and customs. It is clear that a medium quality red wine in Russia will cost you a lot. Rather taste the excellent craft beers, local and much cheaper. Another trick to taste the local cuisine is to stop in one of the many stolovaya, that is the canteens that offer the best of typical dishes, so you won't have to interpret the difficult menu, but it will be enough to take or at most indicate what you want to eat. What's even more interesting is that the prices here are very low.
What to see in Moscow for free
One of the first tips is to score even before the arrival 10 things to see in Moscow, so it will be easier for you to have daily stops. Moscow has many sites of cultural interest, such as museums and churches, which are chargeable. Many, but not all. Starting from the Red Square (which alone is a splendid open-air museum), you can visit for free Lenin's Mausoleum to pay homage to the Russian leader or simply immerse yourself in the true Soviet atmosphere, now far from the mood of modern Moscow.
Free is also the entrance to the GUM, the splendid complex of luxurious warehouses which boasts a fabulous Art Nouveau architectural style. The walk inside is cheap, much less shopping! Staying in the center you can enter the spectacular for free Church of Christ the Savior which, with its golden domes, dominates the skyline of the city. Another stop with free admission is the Izmailovo market a kitchy version of the Kremlin which houses a colorful Soviet souvenir and memorabilia market. Even if you don't want to buy anything, you can spend two hours in this very folkloric place.
If the weather will assist you you can visit the many Moscow outdoor parks, each with its own identity: i Aleksandrovskiy Gardens at the foot of the Kremlin (after there is also the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier), Gorky Park (with its very long cycle path), the Hermitage Gardens, Park Pobedy, The VDNKh and the very central Zaryadye Park which I loved very much and which I had also told you about in the previous post. Finally, to have a splendid postcard of Moscow, go up to the Sparrow Hill.
Here, in addition to seeing one of the up close Seven Sisters built by Stalin (seven huge identical buildings located in various areas of the city) you can admire Moscow in all its majesty and without spending a ruble.
If you are not satisfied with the free things to see in Moscow, remember that you can see many other things at Moscow in a low cost day, perhaps spending less than you could without this guide or the other articles in the section on Russia.
