Moscow

Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation, a city of federal importance, and the largest city in Russia with a population of over 12 million people. For many residents from different regions, Moscow is a city of great opportunities—both professionally and in terms of lifestyle and daily living.

Moscow is on par with major global cities such as New York, Tokyo, and London in terms of infrastructure, lifestyle, events, and transportation. All of this makes the capital an accessible and welcoming city for foreigners.

Cultural and Entertainment Hub

Moscow is the cultural center of Russia, hosting the largest festivals, biggest concerts, top theatrical performances, international exhibitions, and much more. The city has around 100 theaters, some of which are world-renowned, including the Bolshoi Theatre, Sovremennik, the Moscow Art Theatre (Chekhov), and the Pushkin Theatre.

Moscow is home to over 60 museums, with some of the most famous being the Tretyakov Gallery, the Polytechnic Museum, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art.

Living in Moscow doesn't require a huge budget—the city offers both free and affordable events. You can enjoy the Ostankino Tower’s observation deck, take a river cruise on the Moskva River, explore Moscow’s famous bars, or cycle around the city like a true Muscovite.

Educational Center

Moscow is also Russia’s leading educational center, attracting thousands of students every year. It has been ranked among the best student cities worldwide by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) in 2014 and 2015.

As of 2009, Moscow had 264 universities, including 109 state and 155 private universities. The city’s universities are highly prestigious, offering top-ranked programs in various disciplines. Moscow is also home to Russia’s largest library, the Russian State Library, along with over 400 libraries across the city.

Sports and Recreation

Moscow is a sports city, with a strong Olympic legacy from the 1980 Summer Olympics. The city has:

• 200+ swimming pools
• 40+ sports complexes
• 30+ stadiums
• 20+ indoor ice rinks
• 2,700+ gyms
• 150+ sports schools for children and youth

Moscow also has a well-developed cycling infrastructure, with 230 km of bike lanes and 430 bike rental stations offering 4,300 bicycles and 260 electric bikes as of 2018.

Nightlife and Dining

Moscow has a vibrant nightlife—it’s often said that the city "never sleeps." Even late at night, the streets remain active, and traffic jams can still occur.

The city is filled with bars, cafes, and restaurants, offering diverse culinary experiences. As of 2014, there were over 2,700 restaurants, with the number growing each year.

Tourism and Infrastructure

Moscow is Russia’s top tourist destination, with many architectural landmarks listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. In 2019, Moscow won the World’s Leading City Destination Award at the World Travel Awards.

The city has over 120 parks, offering Wi-Fi zones, cafes, and sports areas. Some of the most famous parks include Gorky Park, Zaryadye Park, and Sokolniki Park.

Moscow’s Metro system is one of the most beautiful in the world. Many metro stations feature historic designs, artwork, and sculptures, making them attractions in their own right. Some of the most stunning stations include Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Mayakovskaya, and Novoslobodskaya.

A unique metro tradition exists at Revolution Square station, where touching the nose of the bronze dog statue is believed to bring good luck on exams.

A Multinational City

Moscow is one of the most multicultural cities in Russia. Research shows that only 2% of Moscow’s population are native Muscovites, as hundreds of thousands of people move to the city each year for work and study. The city embraces diversity, making people from all backgrounds feel welcome.

In The Independent (UK), Moscow was ranked as one of the most foreigner-friendly cities in the world.

A Growing Financial Hub

Moscow is also a major financial center, attracting domestic and international investments. In recent years, huge resources have been invested in developing the city's infrastructure, business environment, and quality of life.

Moscow continues to grow as one of the most modern, dynamic, and promising cities in the world.