7AM: Watch the sunrise in the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski, from a room overlooking Red Square. The onion domes of Saint Basil’s Cathedral are framed by the window like a multicoloured painting. On leaving the hotel, cross the Moskva on foot via the Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Most, which leads into Red Square. At this time of the morning the square is deserted and atmospheric.

9AM: Have breakfast on the other side of Red Square, at Dr Zhivago. Sample the Russian version of porridge, kasha.

10AM: Take in all Russian fashion in one fell swoop on the first floor of GUM, the historical shopping arcade with a glass roof and imposing facade extending along the eastern side of Red Square. Succumb to the lure of a Radical Chic scarf in the house colour scheme.

NOON : Hunt for fun presents 100% made in Russia in the bookshop of Garage, the museum of contemporary art located in the leafy setting of Gorky Park. Admire while there the structure of the building restyled by architected Rem Koolhaas.

1PM: Embark on a gastronomic adventure at Severyane. George Troyan, the creative young chef there, never runs out of inspiration; he is forever inventing new recipes.

3PM: Discover the contemporary Russian art scene at the Cube space in the basement of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel. The platform regularly initiates meetings with creators.

5PM: Try a vatrushka pastry with cottage cheese at the Bratya Karavayevy deli, where the tables are tucked away behind the counter. As you leave, don’t forget to stock up on pirozhki stuffed with meat or cabbage – they’re among the best in town.

6PM: Get to know the up-and-coming generation of artists showcased at the Iragui gallery, epitomized by Daria Krotova. Born in 1971, she illustrates Cornelian verse, which she believes has only improved with age.

7:30PM: Travel back in time at the Lumière Brothers Centre for Photography. The Soviet photographs piece together the daily grind in the USSR era. Nevertheless, these reproductions distill a certain poetical quality.

9PM: Sit down for dinner at Sakhalin, the restaurant that crowns the AZIMUT Smolenskaya hotel. For the palate, fresh fish and shellfish from Russia’s Far East. For the eyes, a breathtaking view.

11PM: Have a drink at Korobok, tucked away in the basement of the restaurant Tehnikum. A hidden door at the back leads to it. The space is confined (korobok means box)… but the atmosphere is very expansive.

1AM: Check out the local youth scene at Levelda, the bar perched above the restaurant Ugolëk. There’s non-stop partying here at the end of the week.