Heading to Russia for the first time but aren’t sure what to see in the country’s largest and most fascinating city?  You’re in luck!  We’ve put together a list of the top five attractions.

Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral

Russians refer to this site as “Krasnaya Ploshchad,” which translates as “Beautiful Square.” Established in the 16^th century, the square was initially meant to serve as Moscow’s central marketplace, and over time became the site of military parades, the coronation of csars, and the occasional execution. The square is bordered by the Kremlin (see below) and St. Basil’s Cathedral (a familiar landmark to anyone who’s ever played Tetris.) Look for a marker on the ground outside the main gate and throw a coin over your shoulder for luck, you’re standing the center of Moscow!

Kremlin –

Behind more than a mile of fortified stone walls, the Kremlin is a complex of cathedrals, museums, palaces and government offices. The Kremlin has long been synonymous with Russian government, and has been the official residence of Csar Nicholas II, Stalin, and Putin. Napoleon ordered the Kremlin destroyed as he retreated from the city; luckily, Russian rain dampened most of the fuses, and only portions of the Kremlin wall and a few towers were damaged. Several buildings are open to the public, including the Armoury, which houses artifacts of the Russian Empire, from royal wedding gown, Faberge eggs and authentic period carriages. Be sure to check out the 40-ton (and never fired) Csar Cannon, as well as the 500-year-old Ivan the Great BelI Tower.

Moscow Metro

The Metro is the easiest way to get around Moscow, and is an experience in and of itself. Russians take their metro stations seriously, and the hubs range from ultra-modern to time-machine antique. Some stops features overhead frescoes and classical statues, and almost all stops are surrounded by open-air markets. Take a circular ride of the Koltsevaya line and see the sites along the way!

Poklonnaja Mountain

The largest war memorial in Moscow, Poklonnaja Mountain not only pays respect to the Russian lives lost in the Great Patriotic War (aka World War II), but also gives a spectacular view of the Moscow skyline. It was here that Napoleon lay in wait as his forces attempted to conquer Moscow, and a century later, Russian soldiers marched past Poklonnaja on their way to the European front lines. Originally designated as a war memorial during the midst of WWII, the complex wasn’t complete until fifty years later, and now houses a park, several museums, an impressive obelisk, as well a Christian cathedral, a synagogue and a mosque.

Propoganda

Winking at a Soviet past, Propoganda is a great place to cut loose after a full day of historical sightseeing. Moscow is rapidly solidifying its reputation for great nightlife, and since Russian winters are cold, many clubs offer full restaurant service and contain in-house casinos. Propoganda is no different, and offers a pleasantly casual vibe. Frequented by tourists, expats and locals alike, the staff clears away tables at midnight to roll out the dancefloors to make way for a friendly, mixed-nationality crowd.

Have any suggestions on other must-see attractions?  Let us know!

End of summer’s approaching and there’s no time like the present to grab your passport and hit the road for a little r&r.  But where to go?  Frommer’s just released their Top 10 list for the world’s best beachfront hotels with options as close as Mexico and as far away as Indonesia.  Check out their article here.

Rick Seaney, owner of Farecompare.com just a released a report packed with major insider info to help you snag big deals on airfare to Iceland.  So, why travel to Iceland?  Despite it’s name Iceland is actually characterized by a mild climate (despite the fact that approximately 10% of the country is covered by glaciers) and makes for an ideal summer destination because of its breathtaking natural beauty and quaint historic charm.  Here are some of the top things to see and do while your in town.

Vatnajökull National Park. Europe’s largest national park (covering almost 13% of Iceland), Vatnajokull is home to some of the most diverse terrain anywhere on earth.  Popular sites include the Jokulsargljufur canyon, the Dettifoss waterfall, Hljooaklettar crater, and Askja volcano, and of course Vatnajokull glacier.  The park offers a variety of guided tours and interpretive activities.  Check here for the latest schedule.

Swim in the Blue Lagoon. Iceland is packed with geothermal hot spots and as a result, virtually every village has a warm swimming hole nearby, but no swimming hole is more internationally acclaimed than the Blue Lagoon.  Swimming in the Blue Lagoons’s milky-blue pool waters is truly an otherworldly experience… steam rises like a thick curtain, white mud covers the bathers, and on all sides snow covered hills frame the pool.  This is definitely one of those “can’t miss” experiences.

See the northern lights. If you’re here between September and April, Iceland’s night sky comes alive with the awe inspiring grandeur of the northern lights.  For best views, head outside of the city.

Enjoy Reykjavik’s nightlife. Reykavik, Iceland’s capital city is legendary among partygoers as one of the best places in the world to get out and hit the town.  While there are tons of low key bars and pubs located on almost every street corner, to really experience the Icelandic nightlife head to one of the cities massive dance clubs.  NASA nightclub is among the most popular.

Marvel at Gullfoss Waterfall. This spectacular 105 foot falls is one of the Iceland’s greatest natural wonders (in a country as beautiful as Iceland, this is saying a lot).  Try to hit this attraction on a sunny day to catch a glimpse of the beautiful rainbows that form in the falls mist.

Anyone else have any must-do activities?  Let us know!