Moscow Greeter

The best way to get to know Moscow is through the eyes of a local resident. But if you're new to the city and are only visiting a short while, is it possible to meet someone who will take you off the beaten path to show you the real Moscow? The answer is yes: Moscow Greeter is a volunteer organization dedicated to showing visitors the Moscow that locals see and love. Visitors simply set up a meeting with a Moscow Greeter representative before they travel to the Russian capital city in order to take advantage of the organization's free services.

What is Moscow Greeter?

Moscow Greeter is a volunteer service, started in November of 2010, connected with the Global Greeter Network.. This service provides short tours to visitors to Moscow free of charge. Local residents of Moscow meet visitors and show them an aspect of Moscow of their choice, offering information and perspectives not available on guided or official tours of the city. Visitors can ask questions of their guide and learn about life in Moscow.

What Types of Tours Can Visitors Request?

Because guided tours on the major sights of Moscow can be booked through agencies, it's best for visitors to Moscow to take advantage of Moscow Greeter's specialty: introducing visitors to the Moscow that tourists don't often have the opportunity to see.

Those who have used the services of Moscow Greeter in the past have asked their guide to show them local places of interest and to explain daily life in Moscow. While some visitors have a specific idea about what aspects of Moscow they would like to see, others leave the choice up to the guide. Learning how Moscovites live, work, and relax makes any trip to Moscow more valuable; while the Kremlin and other sights in Moscow shouldn't be missed, the other side of Moscow is also fascinating.

The best thing about Moscow Greeter is that, because guides are volunteers, their interests lie in showing visitors the Moscow that they know and love. These dedicated individuals help to dispel myths about the city and strive to offer visitors a more complete and authentic picture of Moscow than they would get via a paid tour.

Requirements for Using Moscow Greeter

Requesting a tour from Moscow Greeter is easy, as long as you follow a few simple rules:

• Request your meeting with a Moscow Greeter volunteer at least two weeks in advance of your arrival in Moscow
• You must be staying in Moscow at least two days to qualify for Moscow Greeter services
• Expect tours last from two to four hours
• You may request a tour from Moscow Greeter only once per stay in Moscow
• Groups should comprise of six people or fewer
• English-language tours are available, but it may be possible to request a tour in another language f your choice – specify upon request of a tour

What's the Catch?

There is no catch. Moscow Greeter is a completely free service run entirely by volunteers. Requests to use the Moscow Greeter service can be made via the organization's website. Like the idea of Moscow Greeter or have had a good experience with one of its volunteers? Donations can also be made via the website.

Moscow Greeter Website