Will admit, I had some fears regarding Moscow. These expectations had been formed in my mind by watching several films and tv shows and always the city was depicted as a monolithic Soviet giant with red squares and people with stern faces.

But, oh, how wrong I was! In fact, there is so much more to this city that even after all the negative things you hear about it, it will still captivate, delight, and perhaps even capture your heart – Moscow!

Moscow – the capital city of Russia, shrouded by layers of history, myths, legends, and mysteries, has fascinated the whole world for centuries.

Though easily associated with the Red Square and the famous buildings and structures located there, Moscow is a city with many faces and it is still possible to witness the real spirit of the place even without walking along the widely known places.

It is a place in which the memory of a life that was once lived resonates with the pulse of a life being lived now, thus making this essay a cacophony of opposites that will change the heart of the reader.

In this case, it will be the will and desire to together go on a journey, which will take us beyond the typical tourist trails.

We will explore the very core of Moscow, a city that combines both the ancient legacy of Russia and the vision of the future, the majestic beauty of imperial architecture and the rebellious freedom of art nouveau.

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A Walk Through History

The historical atmosphere of the city starts right at the feet: when one gets onto Red Square, they immediately feel like they are in the past.

The spectacular and multi-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral looks like a fairytale in real life in terms of colours.

There exists no way one can look at it and not be filled with admiration at its towering grandiose.

The Kremlin for instance is a fortress of power and historic significance. When you are strolling down its walls, one can almost feel the history of centuries reverberating in the voice of the wind.

But Moscow is more than just a museum piece. In today's globalised world, for a city to have its own unique identity and stand out from the rest of the world, the place must offer something extraordinary, and Russia's capital does not disappoint. It is an alive city, with a great deal of energy that simply breathes and pulses.

The GUM department store which was once an image of the power and control of the Soviet government over the citizens of Moscow is now a shiny shopping mall, an indication of the changing face of the city.

The Tretyakov Gallery, the Russian museum of the painting, gives visitors a significant insight into the Russian spirit.

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A City of Contrasts

It is contradictory, as it is a city with both the highest and the lowest standards of living. The clash between the old and new is all too obvious but despite this, there is an energy to the place.

Next to new glass buildings, there are still typical skyscrapers which might remind of the Soviet Union period, but as everything in Moscow, it is alive and constantly changing.

You can walk around Moscow feeling the spirit of ancient Russia in front of the Bolshoi Theatre, and then turn around and see the postmodern Moscow City business district.

The one that may be the most apparent is that between the city’s façade and its core, its essence.

First of all, it is important to mention that Muscovites may appear rather distant and even proud at first sight. However, despite this, there lies within a cheerful nature and the spirit of hosting that will astound you.

The people were the subject that interested me the most: their strength, their jokes, and their ability to remain hopeful no matter the situation.

A Culinary Adventure

This blog post will not be complete without discussing some of the unique experiences that the author had while on his gastronomic tour of Moscow.

The Russian food is rich and more of a starchy dish with meats, potatoes and sour cream. Pelmeni, which is very much like native Italian ravioli – is a tasty and tender dumpling that can be either stuffed with meat or vegetables.

Another favourite is blini, which is a kind of a thin pancake served with different fillings. Lastly, it would be a shame if the participants skipped a glass of vodka, so it has to be a part of the menu as well.

But Moscow is also a city of food lovers, and like any other big city it has a rather diverse restaurant industry.

The food places can range from offering purely Russian cuisine to the most exotic and innovative cuisines from around the world. But do not miss the beer that is really quite tasty and refreshing and unique to the place.

Beyond the Red Square

Red Square is the true centre of Moscow, though there is much more to explore for a tourist in this immense city.

Visit the Arbat, a pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and street performers that adds a historic and artistic touch to the area.

Explore the Novodevichy Convent, a brilliant example of Russian and Soviet architecture listed in the UNESCO list, and walk through its cemetery, where many famous Russians were buried.

Or run away from the big city and visit Sergiev Posad, a beautiful town that is famous for Trinity Lavra Monastery.