#Things to do in Moscow

7. Ride the Moscow Metro

The development of the railways was a huge feature in the history of Imperial Russia; under Soviet rule, and as the capital grew at an incredible rate, it was decreed that a Metro system needed to be constructed as a ‘Palace for the People’. Eleven of the twelve lines are radial, and a story exists around the creation of the final, circular line which acknowledges the fearful esteem in which Stalin was held. The leader allegedly placed his teacup on the plan, leaving a brown ring – and his yes-men immediately fell over themselves to praise his brilliance in conceiving of this additional route. In a show of further deference, this line on the color-coded map is brown. Not only is the metro cheap and efficient, but each station is decorated differently – and they are almost all as stunning and ornate as each other.

8. Gorky Park

As Moscow’s main green space, Gorky Park is, of course, a lovely place to take some time out from the often overwhelming capital. That’s not to say that there’s nothing to do here though – in fact, as far as leisure options go, you’re as likely to be as momentarily bamboozled by choice as when someone asks you whether you’d like to check out the Kremlin or St Basil’s first? Lessons in yoga and dance, as well as segway and boat rentals, plus beach volleyball and racquet sports abound; in winter, the park takes on a fairytale aspect, with an enormous skating rink. Culture buffs will also enjoy the art museum within the grounds, as well as the open air cinema screenings that take place throughout the summer.