They say that Moscow is the biggest village in the world -- a place you will love or hate, but one you must see in your lifetime to appreciate the gravity of history. Russians are intense people who don't mince words, which often rubs Anglo-Saxons the wrong way. I loved Moscow for the contradictions that it is; vibrant, monotone, beautiful and hideous, artistic and bland... a mystery i will return to.
The city of Kazan is very nice and quiet in comparison with Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Two days are enough to visit this city, because the historical center is quite small, but it's worth it!
Moscow is such amazing place! I've been many places in Europe and in Russia as well and it is on the top tier cities of Europe in my mind. The people are just awesome to you there and the women were so beautiful everywhere we went. Food is hit and miss depending on where you stay, as well as the overly salty McDonald's as well. Red Square is the pinnacle of what Russia is as a country and is a must see when visiting. You will witness poverty, extreme wealth, and gorgeous architecture all in one afternoon traveling. Be aware of pickpockets and thieves of course although, no one in my group had any issues there at all. Trains will take you to anywhere you want to go but be aware they are not that nice or plush so don't expect much. The history alone will take your breath away as you move through the city. Traffic from the airport is terrible if flying in and will take you three hours to get in or out so be ready. It's the best city I've ever been to but, yes, it's a bit pricey for…
Moscow … What a great city!! I enjoyed it as much as New York, but it's a bit expensive and I live in Dublin!
Moscow … This place has more culture than any city I have ever visited -- the Russian soul is evident and very real. They are a proud people who love who they are and what their nation has accomplished. I cannot get enough of visiting mother Russia.
HI - Moscow - Godzillas Hostel in Moscow … Godzilla's is central, clean, tastefully refurbished; cozy... but it is more than a hostel! It's an experience! You'll find the best personal service ever there; anything that troubles you will be taken care of. And, fun and entertainment is guaranteed! We loved it!
Nord Petersburg Hostel in St. Petersburg … Comfortable accommodation.
Yellow Blue Bus Hostel in Moscow … I stayed one night only and it was on opening night, so my stay might not be representative. That said, excellent. It's very small (it's an apartment with three four-bed rooms), and very homely, almost more like a homestay than a hostel. Very friendly staff, although not everyone speaks perfect English. Also very central -- twenty minutes' walk from Red Square. The place has just been renovated; it's in better shape than my apartment. The only problem is that it's a little bit difficult to find: there's no sign at street level, and the door requires a code to get in. Other than that, perfect.
Nova Hostel in Moscow … Actually the best part is just for the nightlife seekers, because this place is kind of a shelter whose Moscow trip is shaped somehow by the life after midnight. you can turn back regardless of the time schedules of the metro, bus by maximum thirty-minute walk from any kind of nightclub. Additionally there is always somebody in the house who answers your doorbell ringing whatever the time is (it was mostly Alex), and a hot cup of coffee is just ready for you in order to extend your night to the dawn by surfing the net.
Cuba Hostel in St. Petersburg … This hostel is incredibly friendly and welcoming and lies at the very heart of St. Petersburg, just off Nevskii prospekt, behind Kazan Cathedral. Modern and fresh, it has a decent kitchen and entertainment with DVDs if you're bored of wandering the streets of beautiful Piter. Run by young staff with an interest in you and the world, it is a refreshing change to the level of hospitality you might in other more expensive establishments in Russia! It's cheap, central, clean, and friendly -- what more could you want?
HI - Moscow - Sweet Moscow Hostel in Moscow … It's the coolest place I've ever stayed! The staff is very very friendly! I like this hostel very much.
HI - Moscow - Home from Home Hostel in Moscow … Me, my girlfriend, and a friend of ours visited this hostel in mid october 2006. When we got there, the only people who were there were other guests, which describes the excellent "aura" of this place. They showed us to our beds, and told us a bit of the place. The stay at Hostel Home From Home was a complete success, and it's close to everything! And add to that, this is probably the cheapest stay you can find in Moscow! I'm currently planning another trip to Moscow, and guess where i'll be staying?
Napoleon Hostel in Moscow … The perfect place if you want to feel like at home (spacious, clean, and safe) and at the same time close to Moscow's main attractions. The staff were awesome hosts and will provide any help whenever is required.The living room with beer fridge, decorated with old soviet posters, was a great place to chill in the evening and meet other backpackers. The hostel is located with night night all around and the receptionists always knew the best places to go. Moscow night-life rocks by the way! All in all a very good hostel, the best I have stayed in Moscow.
Irkutsk Downtown Hostel in Irkutsk … This place has a great location, great staff, friendly atmosphere, lots of information, and it's clean, etc. Stay here!
Eurohostel Spb in St. Petersburg … Remarkable hostel! For low cost they give excellent service and security. If you wish to visit clubs, restaurants, bars they will give you discounts for some of them. You can take in hire a bicycle. it was useful to me, is great to drive on a bicycle in Saint-Petersburg! The manager always will help you to solve your questions concerning your rest!
HI - Moscow - Sherstone Hostel in Moscow … It's cheap and great. It's clean (they spray the rooms and bedding often) and the staff are helpful. It's a bit far out and a little bit scary to walk to the station from here, but a nice man is often outside in his car reading the paper and he will take to the station for 100 rubles.
7 Bridges Hostel in St. Petersburg … We stayed for two nights in a double room -- except for the mosquitoes we really enjoyed it! But Tim, the hostel owner, even had a fantastic small device to scare off all the mosquitoes -- remember to ask him about that, otherwise the mosquitoes drive you mad in St. Petersburg. The 7 Bridges is not hard to find -- at least the address is clear. But there is no sign on the door so just trust the address on the house and walk in -- when the door of apartment 34 opens it's a great small hostel with kitchen, living room, and Gismo the cat. The only problem was that one shower did not have hot water. Apart from that it could have been a little cleaner but all in all it's really cosy and Tim will try to help you with anything.
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