Moscovites now prefer international name brands to monolithic department stores, and the beautiful churches vandalised or abandoned during the Soviet era of hard line atheism are being lovingly restored. But the real flavour of this city is in its nooks and crannies, each of them unique.
MOSCOW
● When To Go
Moscow's climate really consists of two seasons: winter and summer. Russian
winter, if you're prepared, can be adventurous: furs and vodka keep people
warm, and snow-covered landscapes are picturesque. A solid snow pack covers
the ground from November to March. The lowest recorded temperature is -42°C
(-43°F), although it's normally more like -10°C (14°F) for weeks on end.
Occasional southerly winds can raise the temperature briefly to a balmy 0°C
(32°F). Days are very short.
During the spring thaw - in late March and early April - everything turns to
mud and slush. Summer comes fast in May and temperatures are comfortable
until well into September. The highest recorded temperature is 39°C (102°F),
although on a humid August day you'll swear it's hotter than that. July and
August are the warmest months and the main holiday season. Train tickets and
accommodation can be difficult to come by during these months, and
attractions around Moscow tend to be overrun with visitors. They are also
the dampest months in Moscow, with as many as one rainy day in three. Rain
showers are brief but thunderstorms can be violent. For these reasons, early
summer, with its long days, and early autumn, with its colourful foliage,
are many people's favourite seasons.