Moscow, Europe’s most populous city, is now enjoying a time of unprecedented growth.

For Westerners travelling to Moscow, the Kremlin and the adjacent Red Square, especially the bulbous, multicoloured domes of St Basils Cathedral, have been an image synonymous with the Soviet Union and Russian state. The pre-revolutionary city is still visible in beautiful neo-classical wedding cake houses and concert halls, such as the Bolshoi Theatre.

Most surprisingly of all, there are the underground palaces of the Moscow Metro system, the largest and probably the most efficient in the world.

Nowadays in Moscow, Soviet Revolutionary parades have been replaced by the throng of wealthy Muscovites with their shiny new Mercedes Benz. The impressive Stalinist buildings along Tverskaya ulitsa, the main drag leading up to Red Square, now house glitzy Western franchises.

Despite Moscow’s dazzling wealth, glitzy shops and conspicuous consumerism, security is still omnipresent and the police have the power to ask for ID. Those without the right documents can be fined - tourists are no exception.

When to travel to Moscow

Moscow’s climate consists of two seasons: winter and summer. In the deep Russian winter, the snow-covered landscapes are picturesque and a solid snow pack covers the ground from November to March Days are very short.

Summer temperatures are comfortable until well into September with July and August being the warmest months. Train tickets and accommodation can be difficult to come by during these months, and attractions tend to be filled with visitors. Early summer, with its long days, and early autumn, with its colourful foliage, are many people’s favourite seasons.