Yes, yes, the winter is horrid and cruel, it’s biting and unforgiving, and we all wish we could be on a beach in the Caribbean. But we’re not, are we? As much as we complain about it, we love the constantly renewed feeling of being filled with warmth and safety as we rush in doors with a gust of icy wind, so let’s not pretending to look at tickets to Grenada, and look for a real adventure…. Russia.
A pretty underestimated location, perhaps because of its harsh whether, Russia holds a world of mystery and coziness, if one only knows where to look. This New Years take a trip to the enchanted and frozen city of Moscow.
What to Eat
Isn’t food always the first thing on our minds? A cultural culinary experience can affect one’s perspective on a whole nation and we want you to experience true Russian flavor.
– Savva – Located in the Metropol Hotel, the restaurant premises were originally a coffee house operating in the Metropol Hotel since 1905. The food is rated as some of the best in the city – and its pricing reflects that. For a true fine dining night out, Savva is a must.
– Lepim i Varim – For local cuisine there’s no better option than this boutique restaurant that is most known for its pelmeni, or dumplings, a popular Russian dish.
What to See
It’s New Years, pretty much the most important holiday in Russia; you’ll probably want to be in the thick of things.
– Red Square – More popular than Times Square in NY, the Red Square can become so crowded and lively the police have been known to close gates and send everyone away. If that doesn’t happen when you’re there, there’s no more exciting location. Be warned – if you want to actually see anything, you’ll need to arrive early and be standing for hours. On New Years there are fireworks, drinks, music, and dancing all night long.
– Tverskaya Ulitsa, Okhotny Ryad/Tverskaya metro stations – From 10 p.m. until 2 a.m. there will be three concert areas along Tverskaya Ulitsa. The first, on the intersection between Tverskaya Ulitsa and Manezh Square, will play disco funk; the second, by the Yermolova Тheater, will play rock and roll; and the third, by Kamergersky Pereulok, will play techno. There will also be dance classes and a “mobile carnival.” This is all right across the street from Red Square, so you will even have a view of the main fireworks show.
Where to Stay
Last but not least, we must secure lodging. You’ll want to be safe, warm, and cozy after all that partying and freezing out in the cold. Our top suggestions are:
– Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel – Facing the Red Square, Hotel National offers an extremely opulent aesthetic and 55 historic rooms among their total of 202.
– Swissotel Krasnye Holmy Moscow – one of the tallest buildings in the city, the hotel offers breathtaking panoramic views, home comfort, and modern design. Located on the Garden Ring, it’s a great starting point for exploring the city.
