Book Olympic Air Flights to Moscow
Explore lowest fares to Moscow
*Best fares for one way flights found by others.
More offers for flights to Moscow
*Best fares for one way flights found by others.
To Moscow
Travelling to Moscow
On the banks of the River Moskva lies Europe’s largest city. A symbolic city that is thousands of years old, with a rich history marked by unexpected changes. All this is imprinted in its epic architecture, the likes of which cannot be found anywhere else in Europe. Although the gaze of the visitor may focus on the Kremlin and Red Square, the sense of greatness can be felt all around.
The glory of Tsarist Russia can be measured in the traces and monuments of the Communist regime, there where the great battles were fought and where the memory of the once power Soviet Union lives on today.
The fall of the Soviet Union opened the gates of Moscow to the West – and hence to capitalism – and has transformed the city into a modern metropolis, full of contrasts, wealthy magnates and excessive luxury.
The Moscow of the arts and culture still survives, in the Bolshoi, the Moscow Art Theatre and in Chekhov. The level of the performing arts in Moscow always was and always will be among the highest.
If you hear one of the bells of the city’s 600 Orthodox churches – perhaps the largest collection of churches in Europe in one city – ringing, consider it a call to explore eternal Moscow.
Book your flights to Moscow at the Olympic Air site and enjoy a journey of exciting contrasts to the Red City.
Sightseeing in Moscow
Kremlin. The centre of power in Russia – and once a seat of the Orthodox Church – the Kremlin, is not only the heart of Moscow of but the entire country. The giant citadel of the Kremlin, the seat of the Tsars, the Communist leaders and today’s presidents, is a timeless symbol of the power, luxury and greatness of the Russian nation. Behind its deep red walls, 2.3 kilometres long, hide luxurious palaces, elegant churches, impressive towers, beautiful gardens and amazing museums. The entry ticket covers a visit to the five ecclesiastical museums and the Patriarch’s Palace. There is a separate charge to visit the Imperial Tower and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
Red Square: As you exit the red walls, the famous Red Square stretches out before you, one of the largest squares in the world the size of which will literally take your breath away. Laid with grey paving stones it leads to Lenin’s Mausoleum – his embalmed body is exhibited inside – the State Historical Museum and Saint Basil’s Cathedral.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral. The most emblematic monument in Russia deserves special mention. An imposing complex of various colours and architectural styles that create an ecclesiastical construction the like of which Russia had never seen before. In the 16th century, Ivan the Great (or Terrible) gave instructions for the building of a church that was to become the symbol of Russia for the centuries to come. Its interior is equally impressive, adorned with over 400 icons and frescoes.
An evening at the Bolshoi Theatre, the historic seat of the famous ballet company is still one of the most amazing things one can do in Russia. The stunning theatre, with six levels of balconies, exudes its 240-year-old history. If you are unable to book a seat for one of the performances, you can still take a tour of the recently refurbished interior.
Take a stroll through Gorky Park. The city’s central park is not a typical park, where nature prevails. It is instead a huge park of culture and a place to spend your free time. It was designed by the pioneering architect Konstantin Melnikov in 1920 as part of the efforts to build a Communist utopia and, since its renovation, the main activities one can partake in are cycling, beach volley, tennis and urban extreme sports. The park also hosts a large number of exhibitions and festivals and is the permanent home of the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, in a building designed by Rem Koolhaas.
State Tretyakov Gallery. One of the most important museums in the world, it was built between 1900 and 1905 at the behest of the Russian industrialist Pavel Tretyakov. The collection today numbers over 100,000 works of painting, sculpture and the graphic arts, the most important section being the stunning collection of pre-revolutionary Russian art. The gallery is also home to the most beautiful collection of Russian Orthodox icons in the world in addition to the most famous works by the pioneers of Russian realism, including Ilya Repin.
Moscow Metro. The cheapest and quickest way to get around Moscow is also the world’s largest open museum. You can spend hours before taking the train to your destination admiring the Baroque chandeliers, the amazing sculptures, the elaborate ceiling mosaics. You must definitely alight at the stunning Komsomolskaya Station.
Sanduny Baths. Since 1808, when they were built, until today these famous Russian banya (baths) have operated continuously. The cost of a bath is not particularly cheap, but where else will you find baths with Gothic wooden decoration or Roman architecture?
Pushkin Museum. The oldest museum of foreign art in Moscow and one of the most iconic museums in Russia, the Pushkin Museum was founded in 1896 to house the city university’s collection of 19th-century works and was renamed in 1937 in honour of the Great Russian poet. Today it houses one of the most impressive collections of European paintings, from the Italian Renaissance (Michelangelo) to Rembrandt and one of the largest Impressionist collections (Monet, Renoir, Cézanne) in the world. Also excellent is its collection of Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities.
Hermitage Garden. The more urbane image of the city in recent years is embodied in these (relatively) small but absolutely charming gardens that are bursting with life, especially in summer. Festivals of culture, food and handicrafts attract thousands of Muscovites as well as visitors each year.
Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery. Founded in 1524 during the celebrations for the capture of Smolensk from Lithuania, today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At the heart of the convent dominates the white church of Our Lady of Smolensk, with ornate frescoes. In its cemetery you can see the final resting places of some of the most distinguished representatives of Russian arts and letters, from Gogol and Chekhov to Stanislavski, Bulgakov and Shostakovich.
Food and Nightlife in Moscow
The growth of Moscow has also translated into a significant modernisation of its culinary culture, which now offers a literally infinite range of choices and all variations of European and international cuisine.
Even so, the best food in Moscow is not cheap so you should always choose carefully when dining out.
You must, however, definitely try some of the local dishes: the famous beef Stroganoff; borsch (beetroot and meat soup); sashlyk (skewered pieces of marinated lamb); pelmeni (a type of ravioli); okroshka (cold vegetable soup); ukha (fish soup); and kulebiaka (salmon pie). No recommendation is needed for pirogi, Russian salad and blini (small Russian crepes with caviar).
The cheapest choice for fresh and healthy food is to dine “canteen style” in a Stolovaya (typical Russian cafeteria), where you can choose between dozens of dishes from their huge buffets. Other cheap solutions are the many cafes in the Sadovoye district, with daily fixed-price business lunches at lunchtime and in the afternoon.
With the sound of clinking vodka glasses filling the air, Moscow is a city with a pronounced character. Its nightlife includes anything that your imagination can conjure up: from hyper-luxurious exclusive clubs, patronised by rich Russians and local celebrities; private clubs for the select few with strict face control, to hip clubs open to everyone, atmospheric bars and alternative pubs. You will find many bars and clubs in Krasny Oktyabr, a former chocolate factory which has been converted into the home of the hippest establishments in Moscow.
Shopping in Moscow
The establishment of capitalism in Moscow completely changed – and quickly – the landscape, making the city a consumer paradise. Only a few can reasonably go shopping in Tverskaya ulitsa, where the expensive boutiques are to be found, while Stoleshnikov Pereulok, where you will find some of the top luxury brands, is one of the most expensive streets in the world.
A trip to the GUM department store, opposite the Kremlin is a must, even if you don’t buy anything given how pricey it is. This imposing building, which once contained over 1,200 shops, changed its image with the fall of the Soviet Union and is now home to large fashion brands. Behind its brilliant white façade there opens up a Victorian arcade with a glass roof, where international designers can be found alongside cafes and restaurants. TSUM follows a similar logic. For more affordable shopping, visit the ATRIUM, Evropeiskly and Metropolis malls, where the choices are almost endless.
If you would like to buy souvenirs from the Red City, then head for Izmaylovo Market, the best place for authentic mementoes, from matryoshkas to fur hats (ushanka). A large collection of souvenirs can also be found in pedestrianised Arbat Street in Moscow’s historic centre (from samovars for boiling water to make tea to shirts with prints). If you would like to take a taste of authentic Moscow back home with you, the Dorogomilovsky and Danilovsky food markets have plenty of Russian delicatessens.
Getting from the airport to Moscow
If you are landing at Moscow-Domodedovo International Airport (DME), it is located 42 km south of the centre of Moscow and can be reached by train, bus, taxi and also shared taxi (for a cheaper fare). You can get to Moscow with the direct high-speed Aeroexpress train, which connects Paveletsky train station in the city centre with the airport train station, with trains running from dawn till late at night. The journey by taxi takes around 45 minutes.
If you are landing at Sheremetyevo International Airport, it is located 28 kilometres from the centre of Moscow. Here too the best way to reach Moscow is with the Aeroexpress train, which connects the airport with Paveletsky Metro station in the city centre. The journey time is 40-45 minutes.
Grand, aristocratic yet modern, the Russian capital is for certain one of the most interesting destinations on the planet. Book your flights for Moscow at the Olympic Air site and discover the many and varied faces of this thrilling metropolis.