Moscow Weekend Breaks

With the Kremlin towers at the northern end of the Red Square, and St. Basil's Cathedral just opposite, the latter looks as though it might have landed from another planet. Its soft ice cream-like spires spin colourfully into the sky – you'd never think the structure was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible back in 1552.

Ballet performances at the Bolshoi Theatre are considered to be the best in the world. Be moved by Tchaikovsky in the very spot where his works were first performed over a hundred years ago.

Gorky Park is the top nature highlight in Moscow. Here, ghosts of the park's history as a fun fair remain in the various sporting facilities available, including the city's largest ice rink. Watch skilful locals glide on its reflective surface in winter.

For a more grounding experience, the Gulag History State Museum examines this dark period of Russia. The Bunker-42 Cold War Museum offers an insight into Soviet history, vestiges of which are discoverable around every corner of Moscow.

Don't miss Russian Orthodox Christmas on the 6th of January each year. Families gather, attend church, and then enjoy a porridge and raisin concoction called kutya. For a dose of Moscow’s glamour, attend the Golden Mask Festival. Theatrical performances of all genres grace the city's gilded stages.

In June, the Wild Mint Folk Festival spotlights Russian folk heritage fused with contemporary music, and the Moscow International Film Festival brings prestigious film screenings to the city. June is also when top restaurants in the city fling open their doors as part of the Taste of Moscow festival.