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Guide to used Cruise Craft boats

Cruise Craft boats are among the best-loved and most recognised fibreglass boats in Australia. The company has been making fibreglass boats since the 1960s and over the decades, dozens of boats have come and gone. Here are some of the most sought after classic (i.e. used) Cruise Craft boats that appear on the market.

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8 CLASSIC / USED CRUISE CRAFT BOATS

Cruise craft ­reef finder 533.

One of Australia’s favorites, the Cruise Craft Reef Finder 533 was a revolution in cuddy-cabin design and construction. It’s fair to say there were softer-riding boats on the market at the time, but the Reef Finder hit the mark with its combination of freeboard, deck room, cuddy layout and general fishability. It was easily towed by a family vehicle and it had enough room for the whole family. This was one of the first smooth-sided Cruise Craft hulls, and it provided a terrific combination of features. Cruise Craft Reef Finder boats are still highly sought after on the used boat market, and there are some magnificent specimens both in original and restored condition.

Whilst the recommended horsepower range was specified at 70-150hp, the greater majority were fitted with 115 or 120hp OMC V4s or 135hp Mercury V6s outboard motors. Hulls were produced from 1987 to 1994.

Cruise Craft Rogue

Cruise Craft made no less than 1534 examples of the Rogue. When introduced in 1970, the Cruise Craft Rogue 14 was the boat for every man in the emerging fibreglass market. It sounds silly now, but back then you could buy a complete Rogue 14 fitted with a Johnson / Evinrude high compression 55hp outboard (commonly known as a “hand grenade”) as a complete tow-away package for under $4000. This was a booming time where everyone wanted one of the new “plastic fantastic” boats, and the Rogue fitted the bill. It was considered a family fish / ski runabout; plenty of people learnt to waterski behind one.

Today there are still countless Cruise Craft Rogue boats fishing every day around the country. The Rogue was one of the first clinker-sided, flared-bow, wide-beamed fibreglass Cruise Crafts and it was considered a “bluewater” hull in its day. Most old salts around Australia would agree the Cruise Craft Rogue is an Aussie boating icon.

The Recommended horsepower range was from 33-75hp. They were commonly fitted with Johnson / Evinrude 40, 50, 55 and 70hp outboards. Production started in 1970 and ceased in 1978.

Cruise Craft ­Reef Raider 166

The Cruise Craft Reef Raider 166 is a no-nonsense, fishing cuddy-cabin with a tough-as-nails hull. Its sistership, the Cruise Craft Raider 166 runabout, uses the same hull. Both earned a strong reputation in the Australian boating market. We know of a Cruise Craft 166 Reef Raider that was rammed amidships by a 35ft yacht and was then involved in a tail-end road accident, and it still performed day after day. They offer plenty of room, a ton of stability and very good seakeeping abilities for their size. The anchoring setup for the runabout was primitive compared to today’s standards.

The Cruise Craft Reef Raider was one of the first fish-and-dive-oriented cuddy-cabs and it was commonly doing battle with the other Queensland-built cuddy-cabs from rival Seafarer, namely the V-Sea and Viking.

The recommended outboard motor horsepower range was from 70-115hp and they carried the weight of the big old straight-six Mercury engines quite well. Hulls were produced from 1972 to 1980 (Raider) and 1974 to 1984 (Reef Raider).

Cruise Craft 580D

The Cruise Craft 580D was a 5.8m (19ft) displacement half-cabin fitted with a fuel-efficient diesel engine. They’re still popular on the big estuaries of the Georges River, Sydney Harbour and Pittwater, as well as on the estuaries of south-east Queensland. They were particularly popular during the fuel crises of the early ’80s. The Cruise Craft 580Ds were true overnighters with an enclosed cabin with galley, head and folding tables. They typically had a massive top speed of around 13kmh, and were commonly fitted with the 13hp twin-cylinder Volvo Penta diesel and shaftdrive.

Cruise Craft built 84 of the 850D packages between 1980 and 1987 and was presented with the ABIA Boat Of The Year Award by Sir James Hardy in 1980. We found Kevin’s thoughts on the 580D quite fitting: “The 580D owners spent very little on fuel but plenty on alcohol, so the overall economy wasn’t great!”

• Check out the definitive Cruise Craft 580D buyer's guide .

Cruise Craft Stinger 506

When it comes to 5m runabouts, the Cruise Craft 506 Stinger really hit the spot. You just can’t miss its distinctive styling, with crisp clear lines and the traditional Cruise Craft beamy hull with flared bow. The 506 hull was also used for the Tiara low-profile half-cabin, the Regal half-cabin, and the Charger bowrider. The Cruise Craft 506 Stinger is one of the early smooth-sided hulls and it carries “teak” trim on the bow and stern acting as non-skid. The Stingers were one of the first Cruise Craft runabouts to feature a walkthrough section in the screen and bow, and hence they were quite user friendly. They had a big interior, deluxe back-to-back seating, and they were beautifully trimmed. Used boat dealers still love them as they have such appealing lines and an extremely high quality construction.

Cruise Craft Stinger boats were a very popular family boat as they were easily towed on a single-axle trailer behind an average six-cylinder family vehicle. Stingers were great all-rounders, and rated to a maximum of 150hp they were very desirable watersports packages.

Most were fitted with 90-115hp outboard engines and the hull was manufactured from 1985 to 1990.

Cruise Craft Outsider 580

Whilst later-model Outsiders were much better packages, the Cruise Craft Outsider 580 was one of the first walkaround cabin configurations in the country. We plebs were all envious of the Cruise Craft Fishing Team boats that graced nearly every fishing competition on the east coast in the early ’90s, manned by some great fishing personalities. The Cruise Craft Outsider range turned the corner into fully dedicated sportsfishing packages with a walkaround allowing you to fish 360 degrees around the cabin, or fight that fast-moving pelagic all around the boat. These superb boats were fitted with deluxe stainless-steel-framed seating and toughened glass windscreens, and they came with a huge non-skid deck area, wide coamings with plenty of storage, a moulded livebait tank and bait boxes, built-in tackle boxes and high freeboard. The Outsider 580 was also one of the first models to feature 25in extra-long transoms, a huge improvement for deep-vee boats. This lifted the powerhead a further 5in out of the water compared to the previous 20in long-shaft models, a big advantage when fishing in sloppy conditions with the weight of a few anglers at the stern.

The specified power rating was from 120-185hp and most were fitted with 150hp outboard motors. The hull was manufactured from 1990 to 1995 and was superseded by the Cruise Craft Outsider 550.

Cruise Craft Explorer 570

This author (of which a younger version is shown here) has a real soft spot for the Cruise Craft Explorer 570. I landed my first IGFA gold medal striped marlin in an Explorer 570 in horrendous seas and with an inexperienced crew at Bermagui, NSW, back in 1996. The Explorer was built like the proverbial brick outhouse. Its stylish half-cabin created not only a terrific sea boat, but also a versatile cruiser or family boat that still performed well with as little as a 115hp outboard. As with most half-cabin boats of the day, there was little thought given to the anchoring setup through the cabin hatch. Otherwise, however, the layout was excellent, the ride reasonably soft and smooth. Explorers fill you with confidence, with a big hull footprint for a 5.7m boat.

Their specified horsepower range was from 90-175hp, although most were commonly fitted with OMC’s 140hp V4 engine. A relatively large 150lt fuel tank fed these thirsty carbureted beasts, which were available with a sterndrive option in the deep 22° hull. Hulls were produced from 1980 to 1994.

Cruise Craft ­Hustler 570

When Cruise Craft released the Hustler MkI in 1981 the market exploded for bowriders. Finally, here was a family sports boat that used all of the available hull space. You could accommodate a party of friends or just spread out with the array of seating and lounge options. These were comfortable boats, with thickly-upholstered seats and drop-down back-to-back seats that became sunlounges. However, there was more to the Hustler than just watersports. Being based on the strong and efficient deep-vee 570 hull, she easily converted to a serious rough-water contender. They’ve even been fitted with towers and outriggers for offshore gamefishing action!

Kevin Nichols tells an interesting tale about the Cruise Craft Hustler. It was at the 1981 Adelaide Boat Show where he spotted a pair of feet in brown shoes on the opposite side of his Hustler. It turned out to be Barry Spooner from International Marine / Caribbean, measuring the hull with the palm of his hand. Kevin offered him a tape measure and they both had a good laugh. The Caribbean Calais was born not long after.

Cruise Craft Hustlers were built in MkI and MkII models between 1981 and 1990 and they had a specified horsepower range of between 90-185hp. They went really well with 175hp Johnson Faststrike outbaords motors and Mercury engines. However, they still did okay with the 135hp Mercury or 140hp Johnson / Evinrude outboard motors.

Originally published in TrailerBoat #281, April / May 2012. Why not subscribe today?  

Cruise Craft Explorer 575 Review

Cruise Craft’s Explorer 575 has the same hull as the Outsider 575; the boat that took out this year’s closely contested Modern Boating’s Boat of the Year awards. But that’s where any similarities end.

Before we get to the nitty gritty of a boat test, let’s go back to the hull. There’s little point retesting a hull to which the Modern Boating’s boat team awarded our highest accolade, just the same, it’s worth going back over some of the ground again.

It was a chilly winter morning in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Manly when we ventured out onto southern Moreton Bay and headed for Peel Island to shoot pics for this test and a new Cruise Craft brochure.

Proceedings went well enough until it came time to return to the ramp. By then a winter wind was gusting up around 25 knots.

It was a sou westerly that cut across the flat country behind Cleveland and Wellington Point. This created a steep, almost metre high chop, which was pushing against the strong tidal flow. There was nowhere to hide from a succession of nasty little wind waves constantly slamming into the boat’s port shoulder.

It would have been a hard ride in any boat with the chop coming at that angle and missing the bow’s fine-entry. The hull was forced to take the swell right on the shoulder. And to make matters even worse, every now and then a wind wave passed under the transom in perfect time to hold the blunt end high, while the sharp end plummeted into the following trough.

There are plenty of expletives appropriate to describe the effect. Most of them have four letters bang, bump, bash etc, not that we could use any with our teeth rattling around in our heads.

I’m not going to insult anyone’s intelligence by waxing lyrical about the soft ride. But what I can tell you is that under the circumstances the ride delivered by this 5.7m boat was most impressive.

So what differentiates an Outsider Cruise Craft from the Explorer version’ In essence, the Outsider 575 has a walk-around deck, while the Explorer has a cabin and more cockpit space.

Cruise Craft tell me the Explorer’s cockpit is about 100mm longer, so there’s not a lot in it except the configurations.

An Explorer substitutes the portside step through transom found in an Outsider with a full height coaming that contains a bait well matching the one found to starboard in both boats.

Both the Outsider and the Explorer have good leg support around the cockpit periphery depending on whether the aft lounge has its lower cushion in place or not.

Because of the step through, an Outsider’s aft lounge doesn’t extend all the way across the transom, because it has to leave space for the step through. The lounge cushions on both boats fold down to keep them out of the way when not in use. This also gives the Explorer better ‘toes in under’ across the transom, so an angler can easily brace himself when fighting a fish.

Underneath the Outsider’s step through is a locker. This means the panel extends right down to the deck. The Explorer, once the lower lounge cushion has been lifted out of the way, has uninterrupted ‘toes in under’ right around the entire cockpit periphery.

The folding boarding ladder that’s standard on an Outsider goes on to the Explorer’s options list. This is an indication of how the Explorer is slanted slightly more towards a single-minded fishing bent. Still, a standard or deluxe bait board are options on either boat.

As is the beautifully finished stainless steel Targa shade top and overhead rocket launcher styled rod rack. This is an expensive item, but you’d have to be on a very tight budget to do without.

To me, the Explorer’s cabin felt roomier. This may have as much to do with an Explorer’s steering and dashboard bulkhead being cut away, to leave open space between the steering wheel and the bunk cushion, instead of the solid panel fitted in the Outsider.

My 170cm was ‘ albeit just comfortable stretched out on the bunks in the Explorer. You’d probably need infill cushions it’s another option ‘ to sleep in any degree of comfort. Taller folk may be somewhat cramped, but at least I could sleep. And, yes ladies, there’s still provision for a portable toilet in the Explorer’s cabin.

Some of the factors influencing judging during the Modern Boating Boat of the Year Awards was the way the Outsider blended family amenities with serious fishing and the way both were served without compromising each other.

In some ways the Explorer, being the newer boat, is a development on the Outsider. Improvements include a new moulded liner between the bunks, which incorporates a step to make it more comfortable for someone standing out through the cabin top hatch handling anchor and ropes. Storage pockets, set into the side panel beside the passenger and helm seats, have also gained moulded liners. It’s a nice finishing touch.

One thing I found is unchanged about the Explorer was the way my face was in close proximity to the windscreen frame while standing at the helm.

People taller or shorter than I will wonder what the hell I am on about here and no, I didn’t manage to blacken any eyes, or anything else for that matter, on our bumpy ride home that day.

Nonetheless, were I to own an Outsider or an Explorer (and yup, I’d love to own one) I’d have to rework the slide on the helm seat, to extend rearward travel.

Apart from this issue, running the boat home across Moreton Bay was quite comfortable whether seated or standing, regardless of the sou’ westerly. The standard wrap-around bucket seats keep you in place behind the wheel and the footrest against the back end of the bunk is well positioned.

A matching pair of Lowrance’s latest generation GPS and sounder were options fitted to the test boat. These were integrated neatly into the dash and positioned in the skipper’s line of sight.

Actually, the test Explorer was set up pretty much as the average offshore fisho would probably like.

The interior had been kept Spartan, while many Outsiders have optioned luxuries such as a lining inside the cabin and side pockets. These add considerably to creature comforts people intent on fishing would happily do without, even if they did slip inside budget parameters.

One ‘comfort’ fitted to a lot of the Outsiders I’ve seen, which would be well worth the investment in an Explorer, were padded bolsters along the cockpit sides. The topsides of both models are well finished with recessed grab bars and stern cleats so they won’t snag fishing lines.

Any choice between the Explorer 575 and its award winning sister the Outsider 575 isn’t going to be an easy, or a simple one for most people in a position of having to make it. The best thing about having to make this decision though, is that with a choice between excellent and excellent, you can’t go wrong either way.

So how much is it going to cost to park a new Explorer on your front lawn’ The Cruise Craft Explorer 575 as tested retails around $49,520, which represents good value for money.

Engine Room With a 130hp Saltwater Series V4 Yamaha on its transom, the Explorer 575 proved itself a well-balanced package. With two people and a stack of fishing gear aboard, we recorded a top speed of 37 knots at 5700rpm. So an Explorer running the maximum of 150hp would really fly and would probably be a bit of overkill.

One of the things the team likes most about these latest generation Cruise Crafts is the way they handle at low speeds. With a standard Yamaha 17′ pitch prop, the 575 was trying to plane at 9 knots and well and truly ‘up’ at 10 knots. In the mid range, at cruising revs of 3500rpm, we recorded 18.5 knots; at 4000rpm, 23.0; and at 4500rpm, 27.6 knots.

Story & Photos by Warren Steptoe

2010 CruiseCraft Explorer 575

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Cruise Craft 575 Vs 625

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Hi all I'm trying to compare these boats, around 2005 models. The 575 Outsider has a Black Suzi 140 The 625 Outsider has a White Suzi 200 If anyone can help with cabin/bunk sizes, deck layout, weight, good/bad handling habits? Thanks

Last edited by Dantren; 23-07-2014 at 07:00 AM . Reason: add info

Re: Cruise Craft 575 Vs 625

Explorer or Outsider? - 2 different layouts

They are outsiders wags. Thanks

The boating section would probably get a bit more response, but, I would make sure I checked out a 2005 Suzuki 140 properly.

If I was getting one, my pick would be the 625. Bunk sizes are very similar. The 575 would be slightly softer into a head sea but the 625 would definitely be better in a following sea. The 575 would have better economy fuel wise but the 625 wouldn't be too far behind and also have more cockpit space for fishing. My 2 bobs worth. Duck

Not sure about comparison but you'll be happy either way, love my 625

You'll love that extra meter or so on the 625 in a choppy sea !

Sunshine Coast - Kevlacat 5.2

both would be good, if ya got the coin the 625

Originally Posted by Noelm The boating section would probably get a bit more response, but, I would make sure I checked out a 2005 Suzuki 140 properly. Thought this was the boating section...

It has been moved, it was in the General Fishing chat section.

Remember to always log on before heading offshore.

if you had this two boats side by side and dolar is not problem I would go for 625

i have just move from a 5.5m boat to a 6.25m and the differance in chop is very noticeable have not found the new boat any harder to launch solo either i would be leaning towards 625 if i were you. extra foot of fishing room never goe's astray either

happy days ahead summer is coming

Hi Dantren, You will find a few relevant threads within the last month or two in the Boating section, otherwise the Search function is your friend A few other suggestions: Does the 625 have Tabs? These will be a 100% necessity with this combo (V6), so allow in the budget. 12 x 9 if plate tabs. What is the ATM on the 625 trailer, is it on a gal trailer and does it have a breakaway breaking system on the trailer? If a gal trailer, and you want to be 'legal' (read insurance), an ATM of 2000kg will not be sufficient. Back in 2005 some dealers possibly still did not stringently follow the law, or were possibly swayed too easily and sold them on 2000kg trailers. Cheers Brendon Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

apparently the 625 Outsider cant handle a V6 4 stroke, and it ruins the boat according to people who owned them. Cruisecraft dont even recommend a v6 4 stroke. There are heaps of other 21 foot boats that can float a V6 4 stroke though. Even some 19 footers....

Dantren, my last boat was a 625 CC outsider and I loved it. It had a 200 Verado which was an awesome engine (I thought anyway) and I dont know why Cruise Craft would not reccommend the V6 (maybe listing??) but the Verado cracked my transom out and Cruise Craft could not do enough to help. They said they would have fixed it even if it was out of warranty, they repaired it and done a perfect job. It would have benifited from trim tabs but I never felt I had to put them on. Things to check would be the cracking arond the stainless targa (had to get mine rewelded), and in '05 they changed from 5-7 year hull warranty, the 7 year warranty had a foam filled hull, and try to get the larger 240l fuel tank. I used to fish in my father in laws 575 explorer and definatly enjoyed the extra room of mine. Mine weighed 2.42t no fuel Bunks were big enough for two blokes (need to be good friends!) Deck lay out was great after I replaced pedestal seats to rail type to hold eskies Great bait boards, I know its not a biggy but you appriciate it if you go back to a crap one Look for on with cabin curtain

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Outsider 650 - 1995

Outsider 650 has a powerful hull that explodes into motion with the astonishing grace and agility at the turn of a key.

Sting - 1995

Hit the throttle from a standing start and you will feel the exhilaration and precise handling that can only mean one thing - You're in the Sting!

Explorer 550 - 1996

Take command behind the wheel of the Explorer 550 and enjoy the hull that ensures performance in a rough chop or rolling sea.

Lure 470 - 1996

The Lure 470 can do it all - from fishing the banks, the near offshore reefs, the estuary or impoundment.

Outsider 550 - 1996

Built to perform and easy to maneuver this exciting 5.5 meter will out distance the rest of the pack.

Explorer 500 - 1997

The Explorer 500 represents Cruise Crafts latest thinking in trailerable Cuddy Cabin fish boat designs.

Explorer 600 - 1997

The Explorer 600 from Cruise Craft enjoys the deep, rich heritage found in all Cruise Craft's construction.

Resort 500 - 1997

The Resort 500 is so beautifully designed, you could forget just how practical a bowrider is.

Resort 600 - 1997

Distinctive styling that is unmistakably Cruise Craft, rich colour schemes and colour oriented interiors.

Rival 500 - 1998

Cruise Craft has always delivered performance and features, the Rival 500 is no exception.

Regal 475 - 1999

Here's a special Cruise Craft... a compact cabin cruiser for the family or couple who have no intention whatsoever of fishing 'outside' or taking along heaps of other people.

Outsider 685 - 1999

This is the flagship of the Outsider range, the model that embodies the best of everything about blue water fishing into a magnificently functional, yet stylish, deep vee hull.

Outsider 625 - 2000

Fishing with your family or your mates, the mid sized Outsider 625 is the big performing, fully featured blue water fishing boat. With this rig you can comfortably fish four up, and still have plenty of space to land game fish.

Outsider 575 - 2001

Fishing families who demand a genuine offshore boat which also doubles for family water sports fun, will find the Outsider 575 very much to their liking. Being over a metre shorter than the biggest Outsider, the 575 presents savings all round.

Explorer 575 - 2002

Not too big… not too small… but just right! The Explorer 575 is a mid-range sports fishing boat big on features and big on performance. When you leave the ramp and head towards the ocean for a day’s fishing, you’ll want for nothing aboard the Explorer 575.

Resort 55 - 2003

The versatility of CruiseCraft’s Resort 55 bow rider makes it a popular choice for water sports families. Roomy, stable, mild mannered and an exceptional performer that is the delight of boating aficionados, the Resort 55 can be seen on waterways virtually everywhere in Australia.

Resort 6 - 2003

The Resort 6 is the biggest model in the CruiseCraft bow rider range. In fact it could well be dubbed the entertainer… or the skier, or angler or cruiser, such is it’s flexibility.

Resort 5 - 2004

The Resort 5 - Defining Excellence!

Explorer 625/657 - 2004

The Explorer 657 is a genuine legend. The blue water fishing scene throughout Australia has embraced this model and elevated it to cult status. Few offshore fishing machines roll off the production line with such an impressive inventory of standard equipment, not to mention, attention to detail.

Executive 700 - 2005

The Executive 700 has been a stand out success since its 2008 launch at the Brisbane Boat Show. The boating media has raved about this boat heaping seemingly endless praise on this new model. At long last there is an Aussie alternative on the family cruising scene.

Explorer 685/720 - 2007

Go all out, go for top of the range… go for the Cruise Craft Explorer 720. This is the ‘big daddy’ of the Cruise Craft range, a boat that gives families and serious fishing enthusiasts the ultimate platform for bluewater fishing.

Executive 630 - 2008

Offering all the performance of a serious bluewater hull with a full suite of cruiser comforts, the new Executive 630 is the perfect trailerable all-rounder for weekend cruising in style.

Explorer 485 - 2010

If you are looking forward to your first boat or you are moving up from a smaller hull, what better way to begin with Cruise Craft than the Explorer 485. Easy to operate and easy to own, the Cruise Craft Explorer 485 is a fully featured all-rounder.

Explorer 530/568 - 2010

At Cruise Craft we have taken all the best attributes from our Award Winning larger Explorers and crafted the Explorer 568 . This is a cuddy cab boat which certainly hits the sweet spot and had the boating press delivering rave reviews.

Explorer 685/720 HT - 2011

How do you make the biggest and the best, even better? Add a Hard Top and fish for many more months of the year.

Outsider 595/635 - 2011

Cruise Craft delivers the ultimate in versatility with the Outsider 635. This is a genuine offshore fishing boat which successfully doubles for family water sports fun… or a camping trip or cruising new waterways.

Explorer 595/635 - 2012

Our all new Explorer 635 establishes a new bench mark for family fishing and cruising. The famed Cruise Craft Explorer range now boasts an All New model which is conveniently positioned between the established 575 and 625 models.

Explorer 625/657 HT - 2013

Now, thanks to the addition of the Hard Top to the legendary Explorer 657, all weather boating is a reality. This is an all-weather boat that provides unprecedented cover in foul weather, plus vital protection from the scorching sun while at sea.

Explorer 595/635 HT - 2014

Our all new Explorer 635HT establishes a new bench mark for family fishing and cruising. The famed Cruise Craft Explorer range now boasts an all new Hard Top model which is conveniently positioned between the established 575 and 625HT models.

Outsider 595/635 HT - 2017

The Hardtop raises the bar for family fishing and cruising... Stylish and superior protection from the weather.

Fish 360 M - 2018

Cruise Craft has built a brand & reputation by producing premium bluewater weapons. We have not stopped and have now added another degree! That is, 360 degrees of unobstructed deck space ready to take your fishing to the next level!

Fish 360 S - 2020

The F360S is as versatile as they come...FROM Rivers to creeks, bays and Even offshore, there’s nothing this 5.68mtr weapon can’t handle! Why not add a ski pole and truly do it all!?

Cruise Craft Range

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Moscow: An Honest Review of this Amazing City

“ You’re going to Russia?!?! Why? ” I heard these words pretty much every time I announced my upcoming trip to the east.

This reaction is understandable. Most people in Europe and the United States have a Putin-provoked distaste of the Russian Federation, which is growing by the day. Politicians claim that Russia’s sole mission is to diminish and undermine western powers to strengthen its own. After all, the name Vladimir comes from two old Slavic words, which together mean “great ruler of the world.” Make of that what you will…

Even the non-political vision of Russia is unfavorable. Most think of a cold, grey, backward place with Soviet architecture or battle-hardened, weather-beaten people. However, arriving at the sleek Moscow Domodedovo airport, I was impressed. I had been right to rebut popular notions of an unwelcoming and stony place.

However, almost immediately after leaving the airport, the ground for my righteous vindication became shaky. Driving into the outskirts of Moscow, my mind drew comparisons to television images of North Korean suburbs. Miles of uniform houses and bleak tower blocks lined the roads.

At the Izmailovov Delta Hotel next to the famous market of the same name, things were not looking much better. Truly peculiar decorations and violently colored walls competed for one’s gaze in the hotel lobby. Luckily, the rooms themselves were perfectly comfortable, though not particularly noteworthy. I’d stay central next time.

After dropping bags, I ventured toward the Izmailovov market for a look at how the locals live. From a distance, the buildings that encase the market are vivid, intricate and quite something to behold. As it was late in the day, the market was empty. Shop shutters were closed and stalls were folded up. I got the same uneasy feeling I get when walking through Disney Land – as if this was what remained after the recent collapse of a utopian society.

While nearly all the vendors had packed up and gone home, a few stalls remained opened for business. All that was left was an abundance of satirical matryoshka dolls containing various countries’ political leaders in historical order.

A tattooed burly salesman came over to me as I withdrew François Mitterrand from the wooden bowels of Valéry Giscard d’Estaing.

“ Where are you from, friend? ” He asked.

Ignoring my response, he launched into a speech about his armed forces days and the political situation in Russia.

“ You really ought not to trust the government, ok? Putin is a dangerous man, you see. Someone’s always watching in this city. ”

The whiff of Glühwein that carried with each sentence made me doubt the erudition of his analysis. Then again… this is what we hear in the news. I was not sure what to believe. After thanking the man and hastily filling Charles de Gaulle with the rest of the presidents of the Fifth Republic, I made my way back to the hotel.

Emerging from the underground we rounded the corner and immediately found ourselves in Red Square. The sight demands you stop and stare.

The insurmountable walls of the Kremlin line the length of one side; halfway along lies Lenin’s tomb and opposite is the lavish exterior of the Gosudarstvennyi Universalnyi Magazin shopping center (or GUM, as it’s referred to, thank God). The architectural marvel of Saint Basil’s Cathedral stands at the south end, with the State History Museum at the other. Even though the foreboding structures radiate a rouge pastel hue into every corner of the square, there is a sense of openness. No-doubt there was a somewhat different atmosphere when thousands of Soviet soldiers goose-stepped through the square. Interestingly, the Russian army still marches like this today.

Walking around central Moscow, history oozes from every spire and pillar. Buildings seem to lean over as you walk past, as if peering down on whoever dares to enter these austere places. For every moment or event in Russian history, there is a dedicated museum.

The quality of each museum is notably high. In particular, the Armory inside the Kremlin holds astonishing collections of royal carriages from across the world and throughout the ages. The world-renowned Fabergé Eggs are displayed here too.

Having wandered around for so long during the day, we had no time to eat before attending the Ballet that evening. Sitting in the Bolshoi, the long day began to catch up with me.

It is now that I must make a confession: while attending a performance by one of the world’s greatest ballet companies, I fell asleep.

Thankfully, I woke up later in the second half and was treated to the final leaps and prances of Shostakovich’s The Bright Stream. As someone who is not a ballet aficionado, that was probably enough.

Feeling significantly perkier afterward, a late dinner was in order. Just behind the Bolshoi is VOGUE Café , a gastronomic outpost of the famous magazine. It claimed to serve an eclectic mix of Japanese, Italian and Russian dishes. Intrigued, we entered.

Adventurously, we accepted the offer of some Russian wine. Full bodied and berried, it was delicious. Our evident surprise led the waitress to explain that Russian food and drink has improved hugely over the last few years. As it turns out, since the United States and the European Union placed sanctions on Russia after their annexation of Crimea, food imports have been scarce. As a result, Russian producers have been forced to meet the demand and quality expected today. As a result, Siberian wines and cheeses now win awards around the globe.

When we left the restaurant, it was late. Only a day had passed, yet we had filled every minute with history, culture and food. The next three days followed a similar format and we continued to make our way down the list of museums and sights. A boat ride along the river is a must-do for alternative views of the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Afterwards, sit on the rooftop Strelka bar opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and watch the 3-mile-long line of pilgrims move slowly forward.

On the third day, we were due to board an overnight train to Saint Petersburg, but there was still so much left to do. Truth be told, it was probably too much for another three days, let alone one.

Nonetheless, I was satisfied. Moscow had revealed itself to be a fascinating and impressive city. While the city infrastructure isn’t as up-to-date as most capitals, the needs of every modern traveler can be met. It certainly isn’t the cold and unfriendly place envisioned by most in the west. Moscow’s winning attribute is its omnipresent sense of untouched history. This is a feature that is so often lost amongst hordes of tourists in Europe’s capitals.

It goes to show: what we hear about places we haven’t been in the news or through general hearsay, we can formulate pretty strong prejudices in our mind. While the political realities may still be ugly, by visiting, you can learn to separate and appreciate the everyday, the culture and the history of a place. On one side of a great red wall in central Moscow, a tyrannical leader works. On the other side, wholly separated, lies a magnificent Red Square where an overwhelming sense of history reveals the essence of Moscow and of Russia. And it is truly remarkable.

Russia Tourism: https://www.russiatourism.ru/en/

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1 The Moscow Kremlin

3 Bolshoi Theatre

4 gorky central park of culture and leisure, 5 krasnaya ploshchad'.

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6 St. Basil's Cathedral

7 the state tretyakov gallery, 8 cathedral of christ the saviour, 9 red square, 10 kolomenskoye, 11 museum of cosmonautics, 12 all-russian exhibition center, 13 the pushkin state museum of fine arts, 14 novodevichy convent, 15 state historical museum.

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46 Grand Kremlin Palace

47 moscow art theatre, 48 moscow cathedral mosque, 49 zachatyevsky monastery, 50 house on the embankment, top searches in moscow, popular road trips from moscow, what's the weather like in moscow.

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