With a population of nine million it is the countries most populous city. The countries capital is economic, financial, educational, and transportation centre.

The first mentioning of Moscow as a settlement in the annals of history dates back to 1147.

Moscow boasts a large scale if rather dilapidated Public Transport System, including a very fast and comprehensive Metro System, and numerous bus, minibus, trolleybus and tram routes. Russian public transport does not work to timetables, but is reasonably reliable, frequent and cheap.

Moscow is not only a popular destination for visitors with famous places such as the Kremlin and Red Square but also with business people who recognise an opportunity to realise new ambitions.

The Kremlin founded in the 12th century by Prince Yury Dolgoruky and now a mass of crenellated ramparts, glittering onion domes and majestic turrets. It is now the spiritual, political and historical heart of Moscow.

Red Square the oldest and most historical square in the city, and home to some of Moscows most famous landmarks the pompous Lenin Mausoleum and the wonderful brightly collared onion domes of St Basils Cathedral.

The city turns into party central after dark, with all sorts of pubs, cafes, clubs and live music places from ridiculously expensive to dirt cheap. Popular clubs often have a face control operated by doormen so get advice before wasting your time.

Russian Winter is celebrated with traditional activities such as music, dance, sleigh rides and folk shows in Izmailovo Park. New Years Eve tends to be a family and friends occasion, so not wildly exciting.

Summers are hot and winters very cold by Western European standards. Temperatures range from a pleasant 22 to 28 degrees during August to a bitter minus10 to minus 20 during January, usually the coldest month of the year. The winter is long and hard with almost constant snow and ice from October right through to March. Rainfall levels peak during July and August, averaging 72 to 78 millimetres per day. Spring and autumn are both mild and fleeting and summer is undoubtedly the most popular time to visit the city amongst foreign tourists.

Have a great time.