Touched down in Moscow a few weeks ago! And even though I had spent hours on the flight going through photos and videos of the Russian city, I was still so shocked at how beautiful it is.
It’s not the first place that comes to mind when you think of a vacation because it is a metropolitan city, but I highly recommend taking a trip here when you want to get lost in some ancient architecture (with cool stories to follow), beautiful views, rich culture and interesting traditional dishes!
So far, it’s the most amazing country I’ve been to and even though I stayed only a few days, I think I experienced the best of the city!
It was a sponsored Google trip #RussiaWithGoogle and one of my highlights was test-running the best Google Apps to use on a trip.
These were some of my favourite apps to use:
Google Trips: This app gives activity suggestions based on what’s nearby, customizable day plans, and your travel reservations from Gmail. Google Trips is even available offline, so you’ll always have your info when you need it. I tried this when I was heading to Russia and it was really good. All through the trip, it kept my flight details and kept sharing details about the places I would be going to as well as weather information.
Google Maps: We all know this one and it works amazingly well in Russia – if the map says it’s a 10-minute walk, it’s a 10-minute walk!
Google Drive: This was my saving grace during my trip! All the numerous photos and videos I took, my Google Drive was where I stored them all.
Google Photos: As a photo editing junkie, it takes the initiative and stylizes some photos for me – how cool is that? It also acts as a photo storage app.
Google Lens: This happens to be my favourite! It automatically recognises the location of a landmark in a photo and brings up details about the place. It also brings up information from business cards, books, paintings in a museum, plant or animal, a flyer or an event billboard – cool right?
The weather was very favourable during my trip even though I had packed for cold. So my style was basically layered pieces all through.
Here’s a stylish guide for where to stay, eat, and visit in Moscow.
Where To Sleep
The Baltschung Kempinski hotel is one of the most beautiful hotels I’ve ever been to and is nestled in the heart of the city.
The room was gorgeous and had a pretty view I loved waking up to. There were also pretty paintings on the wall. I thoroughly enjoyed the breakfast buffet which had everything a foodie could ever want haha.
Where to Eat
Lastochka Boat Restuarant
Dr Zhivago
Carlson Rooftop Restaurant
Russians love seafood!
Although the very traditional dishes were hard for me to comprehend – see proof here, I enjoyed winning and dinning in the chicest restaurants.
Go To: Dr Zhivago
Try: Стейк с тыквой (Steak in pumpkin sauce)
Go To: Lastochka Boat Restuarant
Try: Borscht (Beet Soup) and Sushi
Go To: Carlson’s Rooftop Restaurant
Try: Crab Rissoto
Where to Visit
I thoroughly enjoyed taking in the beauty of ancient Russian architecture. These places keep the unique Russian style, original and exceptional.
You should definitely visit:
The Kremlin
It’s the largest active fortress in Europe, hosting five palaces and four cathedrals. It also houses the world’s largest bell that has actually never been rung!
The Red Square
Krasnaya Ploshchad which means “beautiful” square in old Russian is one of the most famous squares in Russia, used for all official military parades, demonstrations and public events.
The bridge leading to Zaryadye Park (AKA The floating bridge)
The New Media Centre
One of my favourite experiences was the flight over the best of Moscow – yes guys I got to see the whole of Moscow on a helicopter! Okay, it was a virtual tour on a simulator chair. But it was really amazing! I could feel the acceleration, uneven surface bumps and splashes of water when the helicopter goes through a fountain!
The shooting team behind this spent more than 50 hours in the air to produce that 8-minute experience! The soaring experience was in the new Media Centre in Zaryadye Park. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to carry phones/cameras inside.
GUM Departmental Stores
It houses some world-famous fashion brands including Moschino, Burberry and Chanel – I was at home!
Must-See: The Change of Guard ceremony at the Red Square
I hope you found this guide was helpful! Check out my Moscow Vlog below so you get an even better idea of how amazing it is!
Connect with me on Instagram: @lagoscitychic
