"GUM is not just a store where you can buy almost everything. It is a shopping block where there is a pharmacy, bank branch, and flower shop ... It is a monument of architecture. It is a comfortable lounge area with restaurants and cafes. It is an art gallery and venue for cultural events. It is an integral part of Russian history. It is a symbol of Moscow and it is the closest place to the Kremlin, where you can feel yourself in Europe." Text: Grigory Revzin.

A brand new business district called Belaya Ploshad (White Square) built around an early 20-century old-believers' church. Old believers are a fundamentalist sect that's split from the official Orthodox Church in 17 century. Many prominent Russian tsarist-era businessmen were from the old-believers' background. During Soviet era, this church was desecrated, then, in the 1990s, returned to an old-belivers' community and renovated. A good example of Moscow contrasts - a fundamentalist church (with a Facebook page) and modern office blocks next door. Plus - on the other side of Belaya Ploshad there is Belorussky Station Square - a large intersection with an endless construction site, a railway station, full of dirt, primitive street trade, homeless, and... nice cafes.

If you want to get a real idea of what is Russia about, just go a bit to the surrealistic outskirts of Moscow and it will be your adventure for this day...

Food market with huge choice of different cuisine types.

Strelka Bar is the social heart of Strelka Institute. The eclectic interior brings together art deco elements with Italian and Scandinavian design from the 1960s and ‘70s. Guests can choose from an extensive cocktail list and an international menu, that includes seasonal dishes and local ingredients. The summertime rooftop terrace overlooks the Moscow River, and kiosk in the courtyard offers street food menu. Every weekend bar hosts parties with a special music programme, from dj-sets to live performances. All profits from the bar support Strelka Institute.