Moscow is one of those cities preceded by an outstanding reputation, and we mean that in the most literal sense. The largest city in Russia is the 6th most populated on earth, home to more billionaires than any other city and the most northern metropolis on our planet. While these facts alone may be reason enough to visit, it is actually Moscow’s incredible history, culture, architecture and attractions which draw the enormous crowds every year. Boasting 96 parks, 14 gardens and four Botanic Gardens, coupled with one of the most stunning cathedrals in the world (St. Basil’s) and more museums, theatres and art galleries that one could ever visit, the sprawling megacity offers the discerning traveller an endless supply of sightseeing options.

Moscow has also built a stellar repute for offering an enviable amount of top-notch drinking options. In its endeavour to ‘catch up’ with cities like New York, Paris and London, the Russian gem’s nightlife has flourished in the last decade, and Moscow is now home to some of the trendiest and most stylish clubs and bars you’ll ever have the pleasure of frequenting.

Unlike what some people believe, there is more to Russia than vodka. Who would’ve guessed? While it’s true that you’ll find it hard to come across a single barman who doesn’t use vodka instead of cachaça when making caipirinhas, Moscow’s bar scene is avant-garde, exciting and stimulating to say the least. Book your Moscow holiday rental in the effervescent Kremlin area and get ready for a very chic night out, Russia style.

O2 Lounge, Ritz Carlton Hotel, Tverskaya Street 3
When one decides to open a new club in a city of 11 million people (and probably just as many bars), one soon realises that subtle and inconspicuous is not really the way to go. O2 Lounge, Moscow’s most awarded and loved rooftop bar, proves the point emphatically. Take a ride up the elevator and emerge in an opulent world of Russian glamour, enjoy the breathtaking views of the Kremlin and city skyline and immerse yourself in an unsurpassable drinking haven. Ultra-chic crowd, over 400 types of vodka to choose from (well, you ARE in Russia after all), amazing sushi and sashimi bars and funky DJs will shake and stir your Moscow evenings more than you could ever imagine. Yes, yes, it’s true…you may have to sell a kidney to pay the bill but really, who cares? You’re in Moscow!

Vogue Café, 9 Kuznetsky
Should you have the inexplicable desire to strike a pose or two, whilst on a Moscow vacation, this is the place to come to. The brainchild of Vogue magazine and a prominent Russian investor (is there any other kind?), Vogue Café is the place to people watch in the city centre; and is the ‘local’ watering hole of some of Moscow’s trendiest young élite. The elegant décor, interesting menu options and expansive drinks’ list make Vogue a great place for a more chilled night out, or a pre Bolshoi Theatre nibble. Oh don’t be so shocked by the small portions! This is the café where aspiring Russian models come to be discovered, so just imagine how much food would go to waste if they actually served more than a mouthful!

Bosco Bar, 3 Red Square
While Bosco Bar is as trendy as it gets, some do think it should come with a warning; the contrast of such brightly coloured furnishings may cause seizures in some, but we think this is just the ideal spot to sit and enjoy a sundowner smack in the middle of Red Square. Just remember to look out (not in) and we promise your evenings will be seizure-free.

Young, hip and totally unfazed, both the bar and its patrons are a wonderful representation of the way Russia is headed. Perhaps the days of excessive bling may be over and, if this is the replacement, we’ll be more than happy to share in the fun times. The menu is eclectic and amusing, as are the cocktails and, even though Bosco closes relatively early, it still rates as a brilliant sunset dining and drinking option.