Moscow ( CNN ) -- Moscow is a city defined by its scale . `` Everything is massive , like the 10-lane roads that run through the city . The buildings are vast and monumental , as befits the capital of the world 's biggest country , '' said Matthew Chance , a CNN senior international correspondent who has lived in Moscow for six years . Russia is about 1.8 times the size of the United States and more than 10 million people call Moscow home , according to the CIA World Factbook . It 's a huge city with price tags to match . Moscow is regularly ranked among the world 's most expensive cities . `` That means limos and bling everywhere , '' Chance said . CNN.com asked Chance to share some of his favorite spots : . Where can you get the best view of the city ? From Sparrow Hills , which overlook the river and the cityscape below . There are some beautiful walks through the park there , and it 's a handy place to pick up a Soviet-era souvenir from the stalls that line the road . Insider Trip Tips : Berlin . What 's the biggest misconception about the city ? That it is ugly . It 's actually quite beautiful in many parts , especially at night when it is lit up . Which restaurant would you take your loved one to for an anniversary or other special occasion ? Depends on if you want to be flashy or subdued . Galleria ( located on Petrovka Ulitsa ) would be one flash option , though in Moscow there are many others . On the more romantic side , Georgian food at Tiflis ( on Ostozhenka Ulitsa ) could work for you . What is your favorite neighborhood ? Patriarch 's Ponds is my favorite . It 's got the feel of a village and is crammed with interesting little shops and cafes , including a favorite bar ( Klava ) and excellent bakery ( Volkonsky ) . It also has a beautiful pond , which is relaxing to stroll around in summer . It becomes an ice rink in winter . Where do you go to relax ? Sanduny Banya , the ultimate traditional Russian sauna . You can get rubbed down with a hard brush , beaten with birch branches or simply bask in the searing heat of the steam . When it all gets too much , plunge into the ice cold pool , then retire to eat shrimps and drink hot tea with lemon and honey . I 'm feeling relaxed just ( talking ) about it . Insider Trip Tips : Seattle . What essential thing should visitors see/experience if they only have a few hours ? If you want to see something iconic , then you have to go to Red Square to see St Basil 's Cathedral ( see above ) . Take a photo . Then go to Banya . How do tourists stick out , and what 's the best way to blend in ? They stick out by not speaking Russian , or by speaking Russian badly . What 's the biggest `` tourist trap '' ? Is there one that 's actually worth seeing ? Lenin 's Tomb on Red Square , ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre , the Kremlin Armory . All touristy , all worth seeing . Where was your most memorable meal ? There 's a surprisingly excellent Indian restaurant , Darbar , on the top floor of the Hotel Sputnik on Leninsky Prospect . It has Indian staff , who all speak English , and fabulous views over city . Insider Trip Tips : Wolf Blitzer 's Washington . Where 's your favorite place to spend a night out of town ? A friend 's dacha , or country house , perhaps . But if you want to spend a night away from Moscow , hop on the new bullet train and head to St. Petersburg . Are there local specialty dishes or drinks that visitors must try ? Vodka and caviar , with blinis ( pancakes ) and sour cream . What is a good local souvenir ? A furry hat , with ear flaps . Have you been to Moscow ? Share your tips in the comments section below .
More than 10 million people call Moscow home . Moscow is regularly ranked among the world 's most expensive cities . Sparrow Hills offer sweeping views of the river and the cityscape below . A good family pet is a furry cat with ear ##rings .