The Moscow Metro is extensive, efficient, affordable, and a tourist attraction itself for its ornate stations. Use the 'Troika' rechargeable card for metro, buses, and trams. Above-ground transport includes buses, trams, and trolleybuses. For taxis, use official apps like Yandex.Taxi or Gett; avoid unlicensed cabs. Car rental is possible but not recommended for short stays due to heavy traffic and complex parking. The Aeroexpress train connects major airports to the city center. Walking is excellent in the compact historic center. Download Yandex.Maps for comprehensive navigation and public transport routing.
Late May to early September offers warm, pleasant weather (15-25°C/59-77°F) ideal for sightseeing and park visits. The famous White Nights in June provide nearly 24 hours of daylight. September and October feature beautiful autumn foliage. December to February is cold (-5 to -10°C/23 to 14°F) but magical, with festive Christmas markets and fewer crowds. Avoid the muddy shoulder seasons of April and November.
Dress neatly, especially when visiting churches (women should cover their heads and shoulders; men should not wear shorts). Remove hats indoors. A firm handshake is common, but wait for a woman to extend her hand first. When invited to a home, bring a small gift like flowers (avoid yellow ones) or chocolates. Tipping (10-15%) is appreciated in restaurants and for taxi drivers, though not always expected. Be punctual. Avoid discussing politics unless with close friends. Public displays of affection are acceptable but modest. Always use formal titles (Mr., Mrs.) and the patronymic name when introduced until invited to use first names.
Moscow is generally safe for tourists in central areas. Exercise normal precautions: be aware of pickpockets in crowded tourist spots, on the metro, and around train stations. Avoid poorly lit areas at night. Be cautious of taxi scams; use official taxi stands or reputable ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi. Be wary of individuals posing as police asking to check documents; always ask for official identification. Political demonstrations should be avoided. While terrorism is a global risk, specific threats are low. Keep copies of your passport and visa separately. The city center (Kremlin, Tverskaya, Arbat) is very safe, but exercise more caution in outer residential districts, especially at night.
Medical care in Moscow is of a high standard in private and some state clinics, but language barriers can be an issue. Travelers should have comprehensive health insurance covering medical evacuation. Recommended routine vaccinations (MMR, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, chickenpox, polio, flu) are advised. Tick-borne encephalitis vaccination is recommended for those visiting forested areas in spring/summer. Tap water is not recommended for drinking; use bottled water. Private hospitals like European Medical Center (EMC) and American Medical Center offer English-speaking staff. Pharmacies (Apteka) are widely available. Carry any necessary prescription medications in original packaging with a doctor's note.
