VERY often, I am asked: How many days should one spend in Moscow? I was there for five days, and it was just not enough, because there is so much to see, do and experience in the Russian capital. But if you are short on time, here is a sampling of the city's best:

SHOPPERS' PARADISE

Everyone knows about GUM (short for Gosudarstvennyi Universal'nyi Magazin), the city's most famous shopping mall located in the Red Square, just a stone's throw away from St Basil's Cathedral.

Housing up-market and mid-range international brand names like Estee Lauder, Adidas and Louis Vuitton, GUM is a haunt mainly for young people and merry working professionals. The mammoth shopping mall is a must-visit for tourists, if not for the fact that it houses all the familiar brands, then for its elaborate architecture, characterised by the glass roof and wrought-iron railings.

Stepping into GUM makes you feel as though you have stepped into a museum. The formidable building looks exceptionally beautiful at night, when it is lit up in full splendour.

It is a sea change from the old GUM, which used to house affordable merchandise for the average working adult. But with increasing Western influence and rising affluence, the tenants underwent a 180-degree change after the 1990s and the mall went upmarket.

Another shopping centre worth visiting is Detskiy Mir (Children's World), which is the largest children's store in Russia. It stocks a range of toys and model kits made in Russia.

Far more interesting than shopping malls are the markets and bazaars in Moscow. If you happen to be in the city for the weekend, do pop by Izmaylovo Market at Izmaylovo Park, which has an amazing range of souvenirs for the tourists, including matryoshka dolls (or Russian nesting dolls), icons, Soviet memorabilia, silver jewellery, and the like. Otherwise, a walk along Arbat Street, with its eclectic mix of souvenir shops, cafes and restaurants, makes for an interesting day out.

A CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS

According to 21-year-old Olga Larcheva (left), Moscow comes alive at night. Ms Larcheva hits the pubs at least twice a week. "On weekends, I get together with my friends - mostly expatriates in Moscow - at a pub, where we chat and de-stress over drinks. Come Monday, I need a night out because it's going to be a long week ahead!" she quipped.

But it was only in recent years that striptease clubs, casinos, and pubs have started mushrooming in cosmopolitan Moscow, according to her. Some posh pubs even practise "face control". Which means that if you do not appear "rich, established and well-connected", you could be denied entry.

If you go pubbing, try the Vodka with Red Bull, which Ms Larcheva said "literally sweeps you off your feet".

Also worth checking out are:

• Albion Pub: A typical English pub that offers a great view of the Kremlin walls.
• Doug & Marty's Boar House: A restaurant-cum-pub that offers American-style food. Highlyrecommended.
• Karma Bar: A place for the young and energetic.

GET A ROOM WITH A VIEW

Visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to accommodation in Moscow, because many luxury hotels are conveniently located in the city centre.

On the eastern tip of the Kremlin Island, between the Moscow Rriver and the Oobvodny Channel, is the 34-storey high Swissotel Krasnye Holmy, which opened last September. From the executive suite on the 24th floor, where I stayed, the view was breathtaking. Most of Swissotel's staff speak good English and are always ready to assist. Bookings can be made online at www.moscow.swissotel.com

Singapore Airlines flies three times weekly to Moscow. Visit singaporeair.com for more information

Photos: Leong Phei Phei