A more sophisticated look at Moscow

In post-Communist Russia, Moscow was a city in transition, enjoying capitalism to the tune of a raucous nightlife.

Now, the New York Times reports that while there's still plenty of nightlife to be found in the city, Moscow is undergoing a second shift to a subtler and more sophisticated atmosphere.

The recently-renovated Krasny Oktyabr chocolate factory is a prime example of this shift in attitude. While this shut-down industrial complex might have previously been turned into a series of nightclubs, the old factory has now become a collection of art galleries, cafes and lecture halls.

There are also plenty of public spaces for travelers to check out. Visitors might be interested in a history lesson while viewing the Kremlin and St. Basil's cathedral in Red Square. In the winter time, the ice rink in this area is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Of course, there are still plenty of clubs and restaurants for travelers to frequent at night. Many of the more popular clubs are housed in old factories, like Gazgolder and Discoteque.

As Moscow becomes more of a popular tourist destination, more airports are adding nonstop flights. Recent introductions include New York, Atlanta and Chicago.

See also ...

• Shopping and more in Norrebro, Copenhagen
• The bright lights of Dublin's theater district
• Russia Travel Planner

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