Europe18 February 2018 3 min read

5 days in Moscow in July

Moscow, Russia

(This blog was first posted on 18 February 2018 of my trip in July 2017. It’s updated 23 May 2023 because the photos in the original post did not display properly)

A memorable time in Moscow

As a passport holder of one of the countries that “enjoy visa free regime“ to enter Russia I had difficulty finding a travel partner who was prepared to go through the costly (nearly £200) and tortuous process of obtaining a visa. My lovely daughter was not only willing and able to do so, but she also spoiled me with treats!

A memorable stay at 5* Metropole Hotel Moscow

Thanks to a great deal from British Airways we stayed at the Metropole Hotel Moscow. The location is fantastic: most of the must-see sights in Moscow are within walking distance from the hotel. Bolshoi Theatre is just across the road, Red Square, the Kremlin, GUM (Moscow’s Harrods ) are just a short walking distance’s away. The location was perfect for returning to the hotel for a pit stop in the middle of a hot day!

The interiors of the hotel ooze elegance and charm of a genteel by-gone era (with a pianist playing at the Chaliapin bar in the evenings). I particularly liked the gallery with a display of photos of the famous people who had stayed there, including Queen Sophia of Spain.

Metropole Hotel Moscow – the photo gallery

Although there were a few steps to reach the lobby from both entrances, uniformed porters were always around to help with luggage. In fact on our second day there the young porter who helped me with the luggage greeted me good morning by name! They sure knew how to make guests feel special! Our room was serviced twice a day. Everyone at the Reception and Concierge desks was friendly and helpful. In fact one of my fondest memories of our 5 days in Moscow was staying at Metropol!

Red Square at night and the morning after

Despite being tired from the 5 hours’ flight from London and over an hour’s taxi ride from the airport before of traffic congestion, we ventured out to Red Square after dinner to start our photographic tour of Moscow.

We were up early the next morning to go down to a Red Square hoping to take photos without too many people. No such luck! The Square was closed off for some graduation ceremony.

When we returned much later in the day, Red Square was fenced off for another reason. They were building a large stage in the middle of the Square for some event at the weekend! It’s just as well that we made the effort to see a Red Square unfettered when we did!

Around Red Square during the day

GUM – the Harrods of Moscow

A majestic building facing Red Square, surrounded by flower borders on 3 sides in July 2017 when I was there

Inside GUM

Alexander Gardens – a short distance from Red Square

Bolshoi Theatre

My daughter booked us seats to see The Marriage of Figaro at Bolshoi Theatre. Unfortunately the performance did not take place at the magnificenthistoric building but The New Stage next to the main theatre

Staraya Bashnya – The Old Tower Russian restaurant

We tried this restaurant because “Russian Restaurant” was below the Russian name! It turned out to be an old tower with welcoming interiors and authentic Russian food!