I visited Red Square in November 2007. The earlier review on this site seems to be completely out of date so I thought I would do an update for you.
Lenin's Mausoleum is a "done it, tick it off" sort of attraction. He does look like a waxwork and the debate goes on about whether it is actually him. One tip that may save you some time is that you are not allowed to take in cameras or large bags. The queue starts nowhere near the mausoleum, it is actually to the right of the main entrance to the square, opposite end to St Basil's. You join the queue and they let 30/40 people through at a time. There is a badly positioned sign telling you to leave your luggage at an office before you go to the mausoleum but few people pay any attention. You then walk 200 yards to the mausoleum to queue again and and the guards then scan you and send you back to deposit your stuff. The left luggage office is on the corner of the building on your left as you walk to the mausoleum. You wouldnt believe how many people we saw having to walk back.
The GUM store no longer sells anything cheap. It is all designer brands with no prices in the windows. You will not find a more expensive arcade anywhere now that Moscow is the world's most expensive city.
As you enter Red Square from the main gate you will see a museum on your right. We had lunch there at the restaurant called 1 Red Square. Its a fantastically expensive place but if you ask for the business lunch they serve you a good 3 course meal with a bottle of water. When the bill arrived it said 250 Roubles. I questioned this as this is only £5 for 2 people. I was told that it was correct. Top tip - ask for a business lunch in a Moscow restaurant and you may well get a good meal for a fraction of the tourist rip-off price. We couldnt believe it. Nice glasses, crisp linen, good service and it cost less that the coffees we bought in a coffee chain later that afternoon.
Outside the main gate you will see people standing on a marker throwing small coins over their shoulders. This is the dead centre of Moscow apparantly. (we could find no reference to this in any guide book). if you throw some cash over your shoulder for luck, loads of old biddies make a grab for it. If you throw a few low value notes or bigger coins you can start a handbag war!
St Basils is interesting but I suggest you read up about it first as there is little info in English. Well worth a visit and they sell postcards and stamps in the shop.
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I enjoyed reading this, reminded me of my visit to Minsk.
lazza123 21.11.2007 17:31
I'm sure there is so much more you could have added - the spectical of changing the guard, what about the rebuilt church in the corner of the square by Gym... and watch out for the trucks washing the pavement!! Larry
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Advantages: Centrally located, outstanding views towards the Kremlin and Red Square Disadvantages: Facilities may not cut the mustard for business travellers
Nov 21st, 2007
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