Want to experience Moscow's wintery feeling in a scenic environment? Take a stroll through downtown Moscow on a weekend starting at Okhotny Ryad metro station. 

Leave the metro station, using the subway leading to Manezh Square and the National Hotel, and go down Mokhovaya Ulitsa toward the Russian State Library (formerly the Lenin Library).

On the right, you will see a passage leading to a small and cozy courtyard. Incidentally, most Muscovites don't know that the world famous Vernadsky Geological Museum is located here. The museum's address is 11 Mokhovaya Ul., Bldg. 2, 203-5287, open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. There is also a kiosk, open daily, except Sunday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., offering real gems.

Almost every building on Mokhovaya Ulitsa has an interesting and notable history, particularly the old building of Moscow State University, once the center of Moscow's journalistic life. Now it currently houses Russia's Asia and Africa Institute. 

The first street on the right is Bolshaya Nikitskaya Ul., formerly named Ulitsa Gertsena. Many Muscovites still use the former Soviet name. Once an ordinary street, Bolshaya Nikitskaya's close proximity to the Kremlin has filled it with modern offices and expensive stores. 

The street will never cease to be a popular with tourists because of the old Zoological Museum. The museum's address is 6 Bolshaya Nikitskaya Ul. 203-8923, open daily, except Monday and the last Tuesday of every month, from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. 

The famous Moscow Conservatory is located on this street. Next door, is a good music store for both amateurs and connoisseurs of classical music. It has a good selection of CDs, sheet music and musical instruments. 

The next place of interest on Bolshaya Nikitskaya is Vladimir Mayakovsky Theater - renowned for its solid traditions and consistently creative team. The theater's address is 19, Bolshaya Nikitsakaya, 290-6241. While you are there, you can drop in at the box office and buy tickets.  

For our stroll's finale, we suggest a small and cozy beer cellar, The Green House, also located on Bolshaya Nikitsakaya Ulitsa.