Slow Moscow from Andrey Stvolinsky on Vimeo.

One of the best things to do while traveling is to take a break. Sit on a front stoop somewhere and watch the world go by. It is interesting to see how much people in other parts of the world are just like us and yet so different.  Big cities, such as Moscow, are always a great place to people watch so I was delighted when I found this video that delivers all the delights of people-watching in a Russia put into slow motion.

The Nordic Company sends many of our clients to Russia each year. We assist you every step of the way through the visa application process and we provide some of the best guided tours in the country. We suggest you take the Silia Line from Helsinki to St. Petersburg - a breathtaking half-day train ride - and then fly over to Moscow for a few days. As this video will show you, even the little things become enchanting when you’re traveling in Russia.

Sometimes, the best things in life are those that you have to work for. During the high-tourism season in Russia, that is certainly the case when visiting the Kremlin in Moscow. More than likely, you will have to wait in line for a ticket, for a photograph, and finally, to get in. With a wander around the Red Square, this could make for an all day affair, but trust us, it’s worth it.

Aside from its astounding architecture and international acclaim, there is something mysterious about the Kremlin that toys with the mind. Perhaps it’s the fact that its name “Kremlin” also functions as the pseudonym when referring to the former Soviet government, a government shrouded in espionage and political sourcery. Or maybe it’s some of it’s strange attributes, such as the fact that the world’s largest bell is cracked and broken into the grounds and you can even found a cannon that was built too large to fire an actual shot. And besides, who doesn’t want to visit the liar of a man called “Ivan the Terrible” anyway?

Overlooking the Moskva River, the Kremlin remains the heart of Moscow and clearly takes emminence over the many other medieval fortresses, known as “kremlins”, scattered across Russia. The Nordic Company offers many tours to Russia that encompass the allure of the Kremlin. Most of our travelers will tell you that it’s a must-see and because of this, navigating the crowds is a necessary evil. What’s more, Russia is incredibly easy to access from Scandinavia. Just a simple, scenic trip on the Sibelius train from Helsinki to St. Petersburg will have you in Russia in a matter of hours. We’re happy to arrange visa needs and tour bookings well in advance. St. Petersburg and Moscow serve as the perfect book-end to your spectacular Scandanavian adventure. If you’re still not keen on the crowds of Kremlin, our suggestion? Drink your fill of it by night: the picture speaks for itself!

It’s a bit out of range for the average traveler to book a room at the exquisite Golden Apple Boutique Hotel in Moscow, but that certainly shouldn’t stop you from indulging in it’s simply amazing dining experience. The Golden Apple Restaurant and Bar was won the 2008 Fodor’s Choice for Moscow and it continues to be a meeting place for well-known businessmen.

By day, light pours in through the restaurant’s elegant windows and by night, enchantment dazzles you from all sides with glittering lights, soothing greenery, and of course, incredible food. If you’re coming for lunch, you’ll have your choice of European or Japanese cuisine. Dinner offers many more alternatives, seasonally designed by the in-house chef, Alexander Kutepov.

If you’re just passing through to enjoy the architectural ambiance designed by Canadian Raphael Shafir, then at least treat yourself to a drink in the buzzing Apple Bar. It’s open 24 hours and it offers a lobby, DJ bar, hookahs, board games, plasma TVs, and fine music. At least then you can say that you’ve been there and what a place it is because really, the Golden Apple is a place that’s all about being seen.

For those of you who are stuck spend-savvy, but hungry in St. Petersburg, I have three suggestions for you: Baltiysky Khleb, the Bungalow, and Khorchma.

First up, what I affectionally call the B.K. (Baltiysky Khleb) because sometimes those Russian words are a handful to pronounce. The B.K. is first and foremost, a breakfast affair. It boats over 200 breads from around the world, delicious danishes, and all kinds of incredible confections. They serve these treats with finely ground coffee made fresh. If you still can’t get enough variety, don’t worry - the B.K. changes their selections every week - so you can keep coming back for new and for more.

The Bungalow is popular mainly due to it’s Caucasian hospitality. It has a well-known warmth for tourists as it offers delicious, mostly inexpensive (by Russian standards) food. The St. Petersburg Bungalow also features a romantic setting and a great view of the city. If you’re feeling energized after your meal, you can even stick around for the disco that happens every night!

Lastly, the Khorchma. This pub/resturant/peasant hut is an exciting find. The atmosphere is traditional and charming and the menu is full of typical Russian cuisine, laden with many different varieties of meat. There is a separate room for music with a dance floor and live musicians every single night. However, be wary of the weekends, dear traveler, as those are the evenings when the striptease artists come out to play.