Moscow is a really huge city and could be hardly compared to any other place I had been to. First of all its not easy to get a permit to join the russian party crowd for a weekend. Its complicated and expensive at its best. I would strictly recommend to use an Agent to apply for the necessary visa documents. They charge you a relativly small fee and you do not have to struggle with the russian officers at the embassy. I used this Agent in germany and it worked well. Keep in mind to apply early to avoid extra charges. You should try fly into Domodevo Airport as the Airport is quiet modern with pretty good Star Alliance lounges offering nice views on the tarmac, free wifi and a relaxed atmosphere. But main plus is the so called Aero Express train. Offering train service for 250RUB, which is about 6 Euros or 8 Bucks. Train runs at least every hour and the journey takes about 45 minutes to Paveletsky railway station, where you have access to the metro network.
Places to stay:
Well as I told you already it is very expensive in moscow. If you are on the cheap side go to Berlin or spend some money that you are able to afford your stay in moscow in style. There are some hostels available, but I not sure about the quality. Please keep in mind, that you need to register while you are staying in moscow. Most bigger hotels will do arrange that for you free of charge, but the cheap places will charge you extra for that service. If you are seeking a "cheap", clean and safe place you should consider the pretty new Ibis ,
located about 10 minutes walking from the Paveletsky station. The hotel offers affordable small rooms with ensuite bathroom and double beds. Wifi is free of charge and staff speaks english. There is a Starbucks on the way to Dobrininskaya station where you can grab a coffee and watch very sexy boys and girls having a rest from studying.
If you are not a penny pincher and looking for a place with charm you should stay at the Hilton, which is nestled in a heritage building. Rooms, breakfast and service received is to notch, but its pricey. Internet access is about 960RUB per 24hour, which is around 24 Euros!!
If you wanna stay in style go for the Park Hyatt.
Enjoy:
Entertainment is a huge topic while you are staying in moscow. There are so many places to choose from, but even if you have a enough money, keep in mind that they do have Face Control to keep places very special!
My favorite place for a relaxed dinner and a few drinks afterwards is Krizes Zhanra. This place turns into a club late at night, offering mostly life music or even electro parties. Its a place for the younger, hip, gay, sweet and beautiful crowd. Well don't worry- guests are mostly very nice and its a good place to start your night out in moscow. If you wanna dance all night go for Propaganda. A small club offering mainly electronic music with top Djs experienced world wide. I did not have to pay a cover charge and drinks are not to pricey.
Getting around:
Московский метрополитен- the moscow metro network is the main form of public transport in moscow. Its not only safe, fast and cheap its also on of the main tourist attractions of the russian capital. So get your sight seeing trip started in the underground! There are a few official taxi companies offering their service in moscow but they are not reliable if you don't speak any word russian. Try the "lokal" ones. Just wait a few seconds on a bigger street for a private car to stop by and tell the driver where you wanna go, fix a price and enjoy your trip. Its easy as far as the driver knows the place you wanna go to. You should get anywhere within the city center for about 200RUB. At night it might be more expensive- so bargain hard or wait for another car.
