While European travel is usually reserved for those with cash to spare, or for those who have spent years saving for a "once in a lifetime opportunity," it is possible to visit Moscow on a budget while still experiencing and enjoy the true beautify of the city.

While European travel on a budget is not easy, it can be done, and Moscow is no exception. Simply make a few changes to your usual travel plans and you'll be well on your way. Try a few of the following tips to ensure your dollar stretches as far as possible.

Find reasonably priced Moscow apartments. In Moscow, an apartment is the equivalent of an extended stay hotel you'd find in the US. If neither of these options works, look for a hostel. The adventurous, and those with time to spare, might even consider a house swapping vacation to Moscow.

Plan ahead and identify the most affordable eateries. Believe it or not, Moscow is littered with recognizable fast food restaurants such as Sbarro, McDonalds, and KFC. We recommend finding local Moscow restaurants or buffets serving traditional Russian cuisine, where you can eat for a very reasonable $8 or less. You'll also find a number of stalls featuring very inexpensive snack type foods, such as stuffed potatoes and Russian pancakes.

Take the "poor man's walking tour." Seriously. There is plenty to see in Moscow without spending hundreds of dollars per day. Simply put on your walking shoes, walk out of your hotel, and head towards the Moscow city centre. There are a number of buildings and exhibits that you can see for free, and even more that can be visited for a very low cost.

Sign up for a guided tour. Sounds silly? It's not. Moscow guided tours often include the cost of admission to the sites they stop at in the fee. This is because they are able to get group rates that make entrance more affordable, which they then pass onto you. This savings, combined with not having to pay for a rental car, bus, or Metro pass, will allow you to visit more attractions on a smaller budget.

Convert your money to rubles before you leave your home country. While some places now accept foreign currencies, having rubles will make your life much easier. The exchange rate is often less in the United States. If you can't exchange your money before you leave home, be sure to do it in your hotel or at a bank. Do it anywhere else and you risk getting ripped off.

Make sure you have a proper passport and visa with you at all times. You'll blow your budget if you find yourself stopped on a major street in Russia and have to (financially) convince the local militia to let you go back to your hotel to get your identification. Make sure you've made arrangements to have your Visa registered upon arrival as well. Failure to do so may result in costly finds or legal troubles.

Travel throughout Moscow, while not cheap, can become a lot more affordable if you're willing to take a few extra steps to prepare in advance. Knowing is half the battle. Research your ultimate Moscow destinations, eateries, and the details of your trip before you leave. Doing so will make it much easier to stick to a budget once you're there.