http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/ Welcome to Been there. Your tips on the places you know - that you love, live in or have just visited - are what make this guide. http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23976 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23975
I really enjoyed it. It may not be as famous as the Hermitage, but it is a far more authentic Russian experience as it only has Russian art. The queues are far shorter as well, which is a bonus!

After the Revolution, the museum benefited massively from state confiscations of privately owned artworks. The museum's collection includes over 400,000 artworks covering the complete history of Russian art, from 11th century icons to work by contemporary artists.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23975 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23970
There was even a man at the entrance with a walkie talkie reporting everyone who entered and exited the shop. Outside there were about 3 or 4 coaches full of American tourists. They were totally unaware that they were being ripped off.

The main one to avoid is next to Peter the Great's Cabin.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23970 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23967
The routes can be confusing, but there aren't as many lines as there are in London, and the maps on the trains themselves are in Russian and English.

The main thing is the same as always in Russia, and that is not to look conspicuous. Most people on the Metro keep quiet, and speaking english might get you unwanted attention.]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23967 http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23966
Everywhere seems to offer a cheaper price for Russians than it does for foreigners, though there are ways to pay slightly less. Most places accept student cards and the OAP age is about 50, so if you are old or young you can get a discount.

I was lucky enough to go with Russian speakers, and we just pretended we were Russian usually!]]> http://www.ivebeenthere.co.uk/tips/23966