Why visit
Moscow is Russia's political and cultural capital, built around the Kremlin, Red Square, metro palaces, museums, parks, and vast avenues. Current access and conditions require separate checking.
How to use this result
Use it as a capital-city prompt
Moscow is useful when you want a city-level starting point in Russia. Check whether the capital is the best arrival city, a practical transfer point, or mainly a geography and planning reference.
Check practical trip fit
Before planning around Moscow, compare airport access, local transport, time zone, neighborhood choices, weather, safety guidance, and whether another city in Russia better matches the trip style.
Moscow at a glance
City population
13.2 million
Elevation
156 m
512 ft
Time zone
UTC+3
Europe/Moscow
Airport
SVO
Sheremetyevo International
Founded
1147 (first mention)
Getting around
Metro (270+ stations, ornate halls), trams, buses, Diameters commuter rail
Signature dish
Borscht, pelmeni, blini with smetana
Neighborhoods for travelers
Kitay-GorodArbatZamoskvorechyePatriarch Ponds
Russia at a glance
Country center
60.0°, 100.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
17,098,242 km²
6,601,665 mi²
Country population
144.4 million
8/km²
Subregion
Eastern Europe
Currency
Russian ruble (₽)
RUB
Dial
+73
Language
Russian
Demonym
Russian
Internet
.ru
UN
Member state
ISO code
RU / RUS
Where in the world
60.0° - 100.0°
Russia
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Moscow's metro is famous for ornate stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers, and sculpture.
- The Kremlin and Red Square form a UNESCO-listed historic center.
- Ostankino Tower was the first free-standing structure to pass 500 m and remains the tallest tower in Europe.
- Russia spans 11 time zones: more than any other country on earth.
- Lake Baikal holds about 20% of the world's unfrozen fresh water, more than all five Great Lakes combined.
Bordering Russia
Traveler notes
- The Kremlin and Red Square are UNESCO-listed
- Moscow metro stations are architecture stops in their own right
- Tretyakov Gallery is essential for Russian art
Plan checks
- Choose a neighborhood first: many capitals have tourist centers that are not the best places to stay.
- Public transport passes usually beat taxis and rideshares for multi-day visits.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Moscow
What currency is used in Moscow?
Moscow uses the Russian ruble (₽), ISO code RUB.
What languages are spoken in Russia?
The primary language is Russian.
What is the international calling code for Russia?
The calling code is +73.
When is the best time to visit Moscow?
May–Sep, Dec–Feb. Check current weather and local events before booking.
What airport serves Moscow?
Sheremetyevo International (IATA: SVO).
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