I haven't no idea, who you see Russia at your TV (i even don't know how Russia showing at our russian TV now), but Moscow is in average like any other megapolice - all depends to what dark nooks and crannies you'll go. In the centre, maxumum that can harass you - groups of hot mountain guys, that are like hucksters on the eastern market. People are saying so, understand that like you want.
Q: "Please tell me that Russia and its people are NOT what we see on TV"
A: you have your own brain to deduce whether YOUR own cinematography and media lie or not. What we know is:
~ information, media, cinematography, education system in jWestern world are controlled by megalomaniac pharistocracy via transnational corporations, banks and govts;
~ people and whole nations over there are considered TOOLS, not individuals with the right to think for themselves.
So it's your choice, you either believe everything a zombo-box is telling you, shaping your life according to their standards; or you use your own brain and explore this world on your own.
I prefer the latter, because I'm a human being, not a tool.
Q: "Is Moscow safe to visit alone?"
A: safer than London, Paris, Berlin. Just like any other capital it does have its issues with criminality.
Movie portrayals of Russia are dumb of course, but to be fair these same movies give me this same impression of New York or LA. Gangs everywhere! Drive-by shootings! Neighbourhoods you wouldn't dare even enter!
Moscow's fine.
By a fluke my office is near the Red Square and Kremlin. Everyday I meet foreigners. They are everywhere and sometimes it is hard to take a dinner without long queues. Italians, Germans, English-speaking people, Latinos, Koreans, China people and so on.
I don't guarantee your safety, I am not The God. But I think Moscow is as safe as other European capitals. Just follow the simplest safety rules.
You are welcome.
As long as you are person in clear mind. And yes, we are just like you and people around you. We are not programmed to kill/hate/destroy/etc... or follow other nice paths your TV and media would love us to do.
For better trip:
- learn Russian alphabet.
- make a plan of your trip (learn on the map, where your hotel will be, what places you want to visit, how far they are from hotel, what transport you can use to visit those places.)
- use Google street view to see surroundings of major points you need (hotel, tourist attractions access to metro stations, bus stops etc...)
Follow normal precautions for tourists in any country (no huge amounts of money in your wallet, no walking at night in unknown places, avoiding groups of aggressive young men, keeping your bag closed etc...)
If you can, you should visit Russia or any other countries you are being described as "enemies". It opens your mind dramatically, which is great for human brain.
If you are white and keep your mouth shut you can pass.
Russians are racist and homophobic - so two warnings there.
They also just now are on a drip feed from the media about the West "picking on them" and trying to start a war. nationalist bigots are common - do NOT shoot your mouth of in English in a bar.
I have no idea about it but i would suggest try to take help of apps which will help you reach your destination in right way. Avoid travelling late nights, don't look confused. Happy journey.
Yes it is a stupid question. American TV shows Russians as gangsters. They used to show Italians that way.
I think so it is safe to visit in fact I have been visited this region about a month ago.
Sure, there are guards and policemen everywhere.
