Moscow

Moscow is enormous. 14 million people, four airports, nine railway stations, and a metro system that puts most European capitals to shame. It's the political and financial center of Russia, and in 2026 that comes with serious weight.

The country is still at war in Ukraine, Western embassies have cut staff, and many foreign governments are telling their citizens flat-out not to come. That's the real context you need to understand before anything else. Look, people still visit.

Ballet lovers, Trans-Siberian dreamers, travelers with family here. And those who do make it often find a city that genuinely surprised them: cheap taxis, 24-hour delivery, free WiFi almost everywhere, enormous parks, and a cultural calendar that never stops. But Moscow rewards the prepared, not the casual.

Russians can read as cold or indifferent at first glance. They're not. Neutral facial expressions and direct conversation are simply normal.

Excessive smiling at strangers reads as strange, not friendly. Once you've made an effort, even a clumsy Russian phrase or two, the warmth is real.

Greet with a firm handshake and direct eye contact. Don't mistake a neutral facial expression for hostility — it's just normal. Excessive smiling at strangers reads as odd, not warm..

Remove your shoes when entering someone's home. If invited to a Russian home, bring a small gift: chocolates, wine, or flowers. Avoid bringing an even number of flowers — that's for funerals..

Dress modestly at churches and cathedrals. Women need to cover their heads inside Orthodox churches; headscarves are usually available at the entrance.. Don't photograph military buildings, government installations, or anything that looks official.

This applies to police stations, checkpoints, and military vehicles too. In 2026 this matters more than ever.. In restaurants, the bill will not come until you ask for it.

That's by design. Say 'Schyot, pozhaluysta' and it'll arrive. Servers don't hover..

Russians respond well to directness. Short, clear questions work better than long indirect ones. Preambles and small talk with strangers are not expected..

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Around 10% is standard in sit-down restaurants. No need to tip at canteens or street kiosks..

The LGBT+ community faces serious legal risks in Russia in 2026. Same-sex affection in public, rainbow symbols, or 'propaganda' deemed pro-LGBT can result in detention and deportation for foreigners.. Bargaining is normal at open-air markets and souvenir stalls like Izmailovsky Market.

Fixed-price shops, supermarkets, and restaurants don't negotiate.. Download Google Translate with the Russian offline pack BEFORE you leave home. It won't work without the pre-downloaded language pack.

Also: learn the Cyrillic alphabet. A few evenings of practice will save you enormous headaches on the metro.

Here's the thing: Moscow in 2026 is not a simple destination, and honesty matters more than optimism here. The US, UK, Australia, and Canada all have their highest-level travel advisories in place, advising citizens not to travel to Russia at all. The ongoing war in Ukraine is the primary reason.

Drone attacks have occurred in Moscow, sporadic but documented. Border regions near Ukraine (Belgorod, Kursk, Bryansk) are genuinely dangerous and should be avoided entirely. Within central Moscow, the day-to-day risk for a cautious tourist is lower than the advisories might suggest.

Petty crime is the main practical concern: pickpocketing at Red Square, Izmailovsky Market, and metro stations is a real problem. Keep valuables in a front pocket or zipped bag, especially in crowds. Do not hail taxis off the street.

Use Yandex Go exclusively. Unlicensed cabs overcharge and sometimes worse. Foreign cards don't work, so manage cash carefully.

Drink spiking in bars is a documented risk, particularly targeting women. Use ride apps rather than walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas. The larger, more serious risk: Russian authorities can detain foreign nationals without clear justification.

Charges of 'acting against Russian interests' are vague and real. Posting anti-war content on social media while in Russia can lead to detention. Assume your phone and communications are monitored.

Western embassies have reduced staff and limited ability to assist citizens. That's not a minor caveat. Emergency number: 112.

Carry a copy of your passport and visa at all times.

The Moscow Metro is the backbone of everything. 60 RUB per ride, 24-hour security patrols, and the stations themselves are worth the trip: ornate mosaics, chandeliers, and Soviet-era murals that feel like underground palaces. Buy a Troika card (50 RUB deposit, reloadable) to get slightly cheaper fares and the ability to combine metro, tram, and bus rides on one card.

The metro runs from around 5:30am to 1am. For taxis, use Yandex Go exclusively. It's the dominant ride-hailing app (it absorbed Uber's Russian operations).

Street cabs are overpriced or worse. Airport transfers run roughly 1,800–2,600 RUB to the city center. Use Sheremetyevo (SVO), Vnukovo (VKO), or Domodedovo (DME).

Local advice is firm: avoid Zhukovsky (ZIA). Walking works well in the center if you stay inside the Boulevard or Garden Ring. The city is walkable between Kremlin, Red Square, Bolshoi, Tverskaya, and Arbat.

But Moscow is enormous. Two activities per day is realistic if they're in different districts. Don't underestimate commute time.

The Sapsan high-speed train connects Moscow to St. Petersburg in 3 hours 45 minutes and is more comfortable and often cheaper than flying.