Moscow lies in the centre of what is known as European Russia. The border between Europe and Asia runs down the west side of the Ural Mountains, 1300km (805mi) east of Moscow. To the east of Moscow is the south-flowing Volga River, one of Russia's historic highways.

The Kremlin, a north-pointing triangle with sides 750m (2460ft) long, is at the heart of Moscow in every way - symbolically, historically and geographically. Red Square lies along its east side, the Moscow River flows past its south side. From here, Moscow spreads out in four distinctive rings of development. Each area has its own collection of monasteries, museums and elegant buildings. Most of the city's sights are within the first circle - an area that can easily be covered on foot. Otherwise, Moscow is flat, flat, flat and has few useful landmarks for getting your bearings from a distance: probably the most prominent buildings are Stalin's imposing 'Seven Sisters' skyscrapers.

Moscow's five airports are all beyond the outer ring road, 30 to 40km (19 to 25mi) from the city centre. Sheremetevo-2, where you'll arrive if you fly in from outside the former Soviet Union, is to the northwest.

Moscow's metro is the most common, efficient and wondrous way to traverse the city: many stations are fine works of art in themselves. Buses, trams and trolleybuses fill in the gaps. Catching a taxi is simplicity itself - just stick out an arm - but bear in mind that many private cars cruise as taxis and that even official taxis are often not metered: negotiate the fare beforehand.