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18 UNMISSABLE Things to Do in Moscow, Russia (from a Local!)

( UPDATE: October 2019)

As a Russian who has lived in Moscow  for many years, I have finally decided to write a blog post about it – incredible! 🙂

The list below is for people who have the time and/or the desire to see some attractions and tourism places in Moscow.

If you are traveling to Russia in the near future, just scroll down the list of 18 sights below and you will find recommendations for pubs, visa info, average prices for things and many practical tips.

For those who have some time to discover the capital of Moscow – great, you will certainly have some fun!

I know the list is long and you probably won’t have the time to see everything. But that’s ok, you should scroll down the list and just choose what you like the most. Make sure to book IN ADVANCE, as things can get crowded during the high season.

1. Red Square

3. cathedral of christ the saviour, 4. zaryadye park, 5. bolshoi theatre, 6. gorky park, 7. sparrow hills and msu, 8. moscow metro, 9. tretyakovskaya gallery, 11. moscow river cruise, 12. old arbat and new arbat streets, 13. moskva city skyscrapers, 14. izmailovo kremlin, 15. patriarshiye ponds, 16. kolomenskoye estate, 17. ostankinskaya tv tower, 18. tsaritsyno museum reserve, unusual things to do in moscow, where to eat in moscow and what to try, the best night clubs in moscow, where to stay in moscow, useful things to know before your trip to moscow – visa, prices etc., conclusion:.

Red Square is the heart and soul of Russia! The most famous landmark of Moscow and the whole country, must absolutely be on your Moscow bucket list!

The square is always full of people and has a special festive atmosphere! If you get lost, you can always ask locals for directions – “Krasnya ploshad”.

Here are the must see places inside the square:

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Admire Saint Basil’s Cathedral (the famous church with the colorful onion domes), and take a full circle around it as it is beautiful from all sides of the square. The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 16 th century and the legend says that the eyes of the architect were cut out after he built this cathedral.

Why? So that he could not build one more beautiful than this cathedral, duh!

Oh, the barbaric traditions back in time… He was called Ivan the Terrible for a reason, right?

You can enter the church, the price is 350 rub, but it is not that spectacular inside.

Check out the stunning building on the left of the church, it is GUM – the main department store of the country and the most beautiful one, too! Nowadays, they do an AMAZING job decorating the place and I am sure it will also look fantastic during your visit! Go inside to check it out!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

This place serves as the resting place of the leader of the communist movement, Vladimir Lenin. Preserving the body with different reagents is a high secret.

It’s really bizarre, if you ask me, to display a mummy of a person in the heart of the city but it has been there for almost a century. But hey, you can visit it!

Visiting the Mausoleum is free of charge but it’s only open on Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00; more details on it here . Keep in mind that no photos and even no loud talking is allowed inside the Mausoleum. The entrance is from the Aleksandrovskiy Garden side.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square right after the exit. Changing of the guards is worth seeing, it happens every hour.

TIP: You can take a Free walking tour to get to know about all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

If you would like a private guide, here is an inexpensive option .

The Kremlin is the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. You can see it from the outside – the red walls that surround the Red Square – or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside.

Read more about the Kremlin and the museums inside it in the next paragraph.

Metro: “Okhotny Ryad”, “Teatral’naya”, “Ploshad’ Revolutsii”.

Keep in mind that you cannot go inside the Kremlin walls unless you are visiting a museum or you are part of a tourist group.

There are a couple of museums you can visit inside:

Armoury Chamber

Kremlin Armoury (Оружейная палата) houses the famous Faberge eggs collection. It also holds houses unique collections of weapons, jewelry and various household articles of the tsars.

ATTENTION: Entrance is only granted at designated times. You can buy tickets online in advance for a specific time or get one at the ticket office. The queues are very long so I suggest you buy tickets in advance online!

The museum is open daily except Thursdays. The available time slots are 10, 12, 14:30, or 16:30. The ticket is 1000 RUB, visitors under 16 years old go free of charge (but you will need to stand in the queue to get it. I know, it is silly). Get an audio guide too!

P.S. If you would like to take a private guided tour with all the tickets included in the price, here’s a great option .

Cathedral Square

You will see four cathedrals inside the Kremlin as well as ongoing exhibitions and the museums’ permanent expositions. The price is 700 RUB and the procedure is the same – you can buy it at the ticket office, but the line will be long, so I recommend taking care of it in advance online .

The Great Bell Tower of Ivan the Terrible

You will hear about the history and architecture of the bell tower and the Kremlin, see the authentic fragments of the white stone decor of the ancient Kremlin buildings, and admire the beautiful views of the Kremlin and the surrounding area.

Sessions to visit start at 10:15, 11:15, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00. The tour is 45 minutes long.

The price is 350 RUB and you can buy the tickets only in the ticket booth 45 minutes before the tour.

If you would like to visit the Kremlin and the surroundings with a guide and don’t want to figure out ticketing options, get this tour , where everything is already included in the price.

ATTENTION: Kids under 14 years old are not permitted to enter.

The cathedral is located just a few hundred meters away from the Kremlin. It is the largest Orthodox church in the world and the most important church in the country (hint – not the colorful one that is located in Red Square!).

Christ the Saviour is not as old as you might think. The original cathedral was demolished by Stalin’s order in 1931 and the new one was only rebuilt recently – in 2000. Even though it is not that old, it looks magnificent nevertheless.

Only Russians could destroy a magnificent church during communism and then build the tallest (Orthodox) church in the world in its place after the collapse of the regime.

The church is also known for the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

The entrance is free.

Metro: “Kropotkinskaya”.

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Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park. It is so new you will not find it in the tour guides of 6 months ago. The park is also located in proximity to Red Square in a large area of 78,000 m2.

The entire territory of the park is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, which is supposed to depict the variety of climate zones in Russia.

Enjoy breathtaking views to the Moscow Kremlin from the floating bridge, visit the Ice Cave, get in a 4D attraction called “Flight over Russia” and try some local food from the different regions of Russia!

Metro: “Kitay-Gorod”.

Bolshoi Theatre (translated as The Big Theatre in Russian) is an iconic building that hosts both ballet and opera performances.

The standards of Russian ballet are known as one of the highest in the world!

It is worth paying a visit to the theatre even if you are not a big fan of the performances –  you are guaranteed to be fascinated by the neo-classical building from the inside!

TIP: If you go to an opera performance, check if they have English subtitles in advance on the website .

It’s quite hard to get an inexpensive ticket. If you are reading this article 3-4 months before going to Moscow, try buying the tickets on the official web site.

If you buy tickets last minute, the minimum price most likely will be around 222 euros per person.

If this is out of your budget, but you still really want to go, you might risk it and try buying tickets at the entrance from a reseller.

MONEY SAVER TIP: Arrive about an hour before and you will see men walking around the entrance and asking people something. These are the resellers. Just approach them and ask them how much a ticket would cost for tonight’s performance. They should speak enough English to negotiate the price. I entered Bolshoi once like this and everything was fine.

Metro: “Teatral’naya”, “Okhotny Ryad”

I follow the Moskva down the Gorky park…

Sound familiar? Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo in Russian) is the biggest and the most famous park in Moscow.

The park has recently been renovated and it now has a fresh, vibrant appearance!

It is the locals’ favorite place to hang out on a warm summer evening and you should enjoy it too!  You can find entertainment for any taste there: live dancing sessions and free yoga lessons to bicycles, an outdoor movie theater, skateboards, ping-pong, beach volleyball and much, much more!

It could also be a good idea to rent a bike and ride it all the way to another Park – Neskuchnyi park (literally translated as “Not a boring park”). At the end of that park you will reach Sparrow Hill (“Vorobyevy Gory” in Russian), which has a great view of the entire city.

You can take a boat cruise from Gorky park! (more on the cruise and the hill below).

There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a younger vibe. It is perfectly landscaped for a comfortable stay. Muzeon has a unique collection of 700 sculptures, so do not miss it when you’re in the park! It is located right in front of Gorky Park. Both are amazing!

Metro: “Park Kultury”, “Oktyabrskaya”

Sparrow Hills are the hills on the right side of the Moskva River. It is elevated at 220 meters, giving a great panoramic view of the city, one of the highest points in Moscow.

Just a 15-minute walk from the lookout (you will see it right away nevertheless), is the tallest of seven Stalinist skyscrapers – the Moscow State University .

We are proud of the University, and the level of the education there. My brother has studied there.

Metro: “Vorobyevy gory” (it is still quite a walk from there, around 20 minutes. Type “smotrovaya ploshadka” in Google for directions). MSU metro is “Universitet.” You can visit the university first and then the lookout.

I have been all around the world, but Moscow metro is still the most beautiful and the most efficient I have ever seen!

Even if you are only planning to travel by taxi, you should go underground to see some of the stations. I am sure you will be fascinated! Plus, it is almost always much faster to get somewhere by metro than by car.

Most of the stations truly look like museums! Every station has its own unique decoration, a theme and a fascinating story behind it.

I recommend touring the stations somewhere between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way you will be able to properly see it without the crowds.

I recommend taking this tour with a knowledgeable guide who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country interconnected with the metro development.

If you go by yourself, these are the stations I definitely recommend checking out:  Mayakovskaya, Ploshad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, Komsomolskaya the ring side and Novoslobodskaya etc.

Afraid you will get lost in the enormous Moscow metro?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! There is a whole section dedicated to transportation in Moscow below in this article.

UPDATE: And here’s my new post where you can read Everything You Should Know About Moscow Metro !

Tretyakovskaya Art Gallery has the world-famous collection of Russian painters’ works of art.

Originally, it belonged to the Tretyakov brothers, very rich 19th-century philanthropists. They gave away all of their private collection to the government after their deaths.

If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

The ticket is 500 RUB and here is the official website where you can buy tickets online. Closed on Mondays.

Here is my recommendation for a half-day private tour with an English guide.

Metro: “Tretyakovskaya”

VDNKh is short for All Russian Exhibition center (in Russian). It was created during the USSR time when there were many other countries (Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan etc) as part of Russia. The idea of the park was to showcase different cultures and their agrarian methods in one place.

VDNKh now serves as an open-air (free) museum. The park complex is home to a number of shopping pavilions, museums and places to ride a bicycle as well as the largest skate park in Europe and many nice restaurants etc.

Here are other cool places to see in the area:

Museum of Cosmonautics

Did you know that a Russian man named Yuri Gagarin was the first man to go into space? We Russians are very proud of it and we even celebrate a Cosmonautics Day on the 12 th of April.

It is no surprise we also have a big museum fully dedicated to cosmonautics and the Russian history of space exploration. You will see the history of the evolution of cosmonautics in the museum – the original space suit, first sputniks, full size rockets and so on.

If you are interested in this topic, I highly recommend taking a guide . My guide was Russian and I remember he was extremely interesting. I would not appreciate the museum the as much without his explanation!

You cannot miss the museum – there is a huge titanium pillar with a rocket on top of it located right in front of the museum’s entrance.

The price is 250 RUB, more details here .

Check out Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) if you are traveling with kids; it is located right inside the VDNkh complex. The variety of underwater life is impressive! You can see fur seals, guitarfish, crocodiles, crabs, hermit crabs, sea urchins, starfish, shrimp, sharks and hundreds of types of fish. I have heard many great things about it!

The adult price is 1000 RUB and 800 RUB for kids.

Metro: “VDNKh”

Take a river cruise and enjoy all the famous landmarks from another angle. There are no tourist crowds and with a nice summer breeze in your face, what could be better?

There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but I recommend taking a new awesome Radisson boat. These are a little more expensive, but you will feel comfortable. The Raddison Royal cruise is a very easy way to see the best of Moscow by sitting at a restaurant table with some good food and a glass of wine.

I took my cruise during sunset, and it was wonderful!

TIP: Don’t be late, the boat won’t wait!

The price is 1.300 RUB for adults and 950 RUB for kids for a 2.5-hours cruise. You can see the times and book your ticket here .

Metro: “Oktyabrskaya”, “Park Kultury” for Gorky Park Pier

One of the oldest streets in the city is Arbat Street, a pedestrian street about one kilometer long in the historical center of Moscow.

New Arbat Street is great for souvenirs, people watching and sightseeing. You can meet all kinds of people there – brightly dressed teenagers, street musicians, caricaturists, souvenirs sellers, tourists etc. It is very touristy, and makes me think of La Rambla in Barcelona (except that it is just for pedestrians), but I think it is still worth it to stroll around once.

Metro: “Arbatskaya”

Go to the Moscow International Business Center (also knowns as Moskva City) to see the city’s beautiful landscape. Moscow city’s complex of skyscrapers is beautiful by itself, but you can also go up one of the towers for a great overview of the city. For example, the 58 th floor of the Imperia Tower has a really nice view.

Metro: “Vystavochnaya”, “Mejdunarodnaya”

Kremlin actually means fortress and there are many kremlins in the city, but please do not confuse it with the main Kremlin at the Red Square.

Izmailovo is a cultural complex modeled after Old Russia where Russian history and a fairytale intertwined with today’s world.

In my humble opinion, Kremlin in Izmailovo is the second most beautiful building (after the Cathedral on Red Square) made in the Old Russian fairy-tale-like style. Just look at the picture, isn’t it pretty?

You can take a couple of creative workshops there, visit the Vodka Museum, take a horse carriage ride and many more fun things!

Izmailovo is also well known for its flea market called “Vernisaj.” The market is a great place to buy all your souvenirs, and it is much cheaper than the one on Arbat Street that I mentioned earlier!

You will find everything from matreshkas and magnets to ancient Russian artifacts or other more creative gift ideas for your loved ones. Remember – if there is no price tag, you can always try to bargain a bit!

The entrance to the park is free, but as usual, all activities like taking a workshop are subject to a fee. Here is the official website with all the information in English.

You can get a private tour (with hotel pick-up) of Izmailovo together with the Vodka museum for a very good price here .

Metro: 5 mins walk from “Partizanskaya” station

Patriarshie Ponds, or “Patriki”, as the locals like to call it, is a quiet district that traditionally was home for poets and artists.

Have you read “Master and Margarita” by Russian poet Bulgakov? The writer chose the ponds for the opening scene in the book.

Nowadays, Patriarshiy Ponds (Patriarshie Prydy in Russian) is a nice place to stroll around and have a delicious lunch or a coffee break.

It is heaven for foodies – you can find all kinds of places here – starting with hipsters’ cafes and finishing with Uruguayan steak houses.

Metro: “Pushkinskaya”

Kolomenskoe is a cultural complex of cultural monuments with Russian medieval architecture. If you want to see what Russia looked like about 200 years ago, you should absolutely stop by! The 390-hectare scenic area overlooks the banks of the Moskva River.

Things not to miss – Church of the Ascension and the wonderful fairy-tale-like wooden palace of Tsar Alexis I or just have a calm picnic on the grass. Also ask locals about Golosov Ovrag, which is a very mystical place; they say it can be a portal to another world!

Entrance to the park is free, but if you want to enter the palace it is 400 RUB per person.

Again, if you would like to take a private tour, here is the link .

Metro: “Kolomenskoye”

Ostankinskaya TV tower is the 8 th tallest building in the world and the highest building in Europe!

See the view from an open observation deck and take amazing pictures from 340 metres high while standing on a glass floor!

ATTENTION: You need to book your ticket in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times.

E-tickets can easily be purchased on the website in advance. I recommend doing so because the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day.

You can also visit a revolving restaurant inside the tower which turns on its axis twice every 40 minutes so diners get the full panoramic view of Moscow. You can dine there only with a prior purchased entrance ticket.

The TV tower is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The price varies depending on which deck you want to visit (open or closed), the time of the visit and your age. It will generally be between 600 RUB to 1500 RUB.

Keep in mind that due to safety regulations, people in wheelchairs and kids younger than 7 years old are not allowed to enter the building.

IMPORTANT: Do not forget your passport, you will need it to pass through the security control. No sharp objects are allowed, just like in airports.

Metro: it is not near a metro but you can walk for 25 minutes from VDNKh station, or catch a trolleybus 36 or 73 from VDNKh.

This is probably my favorite park in the entire city!

Tsaritsyno was a residence for Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. This probably explains why the park is so huge; its territory covers more than 400 hectares!

Enjoy some peace at the royal palace with its dramatic archways, musical fountains, greenhouses and, of course, the palace itself.

There is also a little open air bus that does a circuit of the park for a small fee.

The entrance to the park is free, but if you want to visit the palace, it is 350 RUB. An updated schedule of the museum working hours is here .

If you would like to get a glimpse of the main landmarks, together with a private tour of Tsaritsyno, I recommend this tour .

Metro: “Tsaritsyno” (you will need to walk a bit through a tunnel)

There is much more to see in Moscow than just the Kremlin!

In case you are staying in Moscow longer, or you are not that much into the classical stuff, I have some suggestions for you.

Moscow is huge and it has plenty of interesting places to visit. Here are just some of the off-the-beaten path attractions in Moscow:

Vodka Museum

What kind of visit to Russia would it be if you missed the Vodka Museum?

Explore the history of the most famous drink in the country with an English-speaking guide. The best part? You get to sample various brands of vodka in the museum’s restaurant!

The museum is located in Izmailovo Park (above in the list). You can visit the two places in one go. The ticket is 200 RUB and you can buy it online here .

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child by playing 60 arcade machines from the Soviet era!

I bet you have never even seen some of them! It is a great way to spend a couple of hours if you are tired of visiting museums and Russian palaces. The staff speaks excellent English, so they will be happy to explain how some of the games work.

At the entrance, you will be given a box of coins (Soviet kopeicas) to use to play the ganes. The entrance fee is 450 RUB. Official website.

Metro: “Kuznetskiy most”, “Lubyanka”

Stalinist Skyscraper tour

Stalinist Skyscrapers, also known as the Seven Sisters, are a bunch of skyscrapers in the center of Moscow built in the very unique Stalinist style. I recommend taking a guided tour to hear all the mystical stories about how and why each was built. Extremely interesting!

Not only can you get to know all the information from an English-speaking guide, but you can actually climb one of the buildings now! This tour is completely safe and the views are fantastic! (Please use Google translator to read the description, the actual tour is going to be in English).

Moscow Rooftop tour

Craving something unusual?

Take a 1-hour private roof top tour with an experienced roofer!

I bet none of your friends can brag they have a picture like that, can they?

I took one in Saint Petersburg and it was unforgettable!

All the locations are completely safe to climb, however, for your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. You can discuss your preferences for the time and views with the guide as he has a couple of locations to offer!

Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

(Do not worry that the description is in Russian, the guide is fluent in English; they just did not translate part of the text on the website).

The price is very reasonable so for an amazing tour like that, book the tour here .

Detskiy Mir rooftop viewpoint

There have been many lookout suggestions in this post already, so I decided to include this one as another option.

It doesn’t have the view of the whole city, only the city center, but it is cool nevertheless. Plus, it is free and you get to access it through the first (and the biggest) kids store in the country!

Central Department Store for Children (Detrskiy Mir) is a very cool store; your kids (and you!) will love the experience! Once you are done with the toys, search for Observatory signs. You will go out on a big balcony and enjoy the view!

Here is a list of the local dishes you need to try (I included the Russian name too in case you end up in a restaurant with no English menu):

• Blini (блины) – Russian pancakes, can be eaten both as a dessert with jam or with meat filling.
• Borsch (борщ) – red beetroot soup with sour cream.
• Pelmeni (пельмени) – Russian dumplings.
• Solyanka (Солянка) – a little bit of everything in the soup – pickles, lemons, olives, sausages. It is a bit sour, but very good!
• Russian salad (Салат Оливье) – very popular salad in Russia, typically consists of boiled potatoes, carrots, eggs, peas, ham and mayonnaise.
• Pirogi (пироги) – a pie with different fillings.
• Golubtsy (голубцы) – stuffed cabbage leaves, usually with meat.
• Plov (плов) – the dish is actually not originally Russian, it is Uzbekh, but we’ve cooked it for so long it became ours too.
• Ikra (икра) – caviar.

NOTE: Tipping is expected in Russian restaurants (in places where you have servers, not the fast food ones). We usually tip about 10% of the bill.

Cheap (but good) chain restaurands include:

• Му-Му (Moo-Moo)
• Грабли (Grabli)
• Вареничная (Varenichnaya)
• Столовая 57 (Stolovaya 57) – on the last floor of GUM, you can try all the real Russian food there
• Братья Караваевы (Bratya karavaevy)
• ОбедБуфет (ObedBufet)
• Ёлки-Палки (Yolki-Palki)

Some of the places I’ve included here are so called “stolovayas.” They generally have ready to eat food on display which you can put on your tray and then pay for it at the cash register.

Obviously, there are tons of places, and I could start a separate site just about restaurants in Moscow. Here, I’m giving suggestions for not pricey (about 500 RUB per meal) traditional food places. You are welcome to use TripAdvisor to choose something according to your preferences and budget.

UPDATE: I have recently been to a really fun restaurant run by a guy I know, it is called Kusochki and it is a lot of fun for people searching for an unusual restaurant! There are 3 different zones in the restaurant – Hospital, Prison and Flat where you are going to be served by a Doctor, Convict or a Housewife, respectively. The waiters are great actors and they are playing their roles wonderfully (a housewife for example can wear a face mask with cucumbers and share some with you). The decor of each area is well though out and you are going to be given overalls to feel like you actually are in prison or the hospital! The way they serve food is also pretty unique; I think it is best described in a Youtube video my friend Janet made about it. Cick here to see it

Known as a city that never sleeps, Moscow offers a great variety of high class night clubs.

• Denis Simachev
• Strelka Bar
• Crazy Daisy

Warning – beware that the face control system is much stricter than in most of the European cities. Be sure to dress with no sneakers if you go to one of the fancy night clubs.

TIP: If you are a young party animal, a good choice for you might be the Moscow pub crawls. Take an organized pub crawl by locals with travelers like you here .

As Moscow is a very popular destination among travelers, the accommodations sell out fast, that’s why I recommend booking yours as soon as possible!

Before you read this part, you should know that there is a whole post dedicated specifically to accommodations in Moscow, all sorted by area (in the city center, near railway stations and airports), all hand-picked with great reviews and sorted by price for your convenience. Here it is – Where to stay in Moscow .

You can stay in the city center if you want to visit the city, as it will be much more convenient for you.

Whatever you choose, my recommendation is to always be located near the metro – you will not regret it. The Metro works fantastic in Moscow!

Here are some hand-picked accommodations all located in the center, close to the metro and with fabulous reviews. Booking.com works best in Russia, so I recommend using it when you visit.

Luxury (US$170 and up) – Hotel De Paris – perfect choice for those who want to stay in the city center, be surrounded by elegant décor and be treated nicely by the staff. Tchaikovsky Hotel – named after the famous Russian composer, this hotel is located in the historical building in the city center. It is spotlessly clean and has really friendly staff.

Middle price (US$110 to US$170) – Hotel Maroseyka 2/15 – Very centrally located, the Red Square is just 700 m. away, it has simple, but very clean and light rooms and fabulous reviews! Ahouse Hotel provides an airport shuttle, and, of course, has really good reviews!

Budget (US$110 and less ) – Hostel Kremlin Lights – a pretty cool hostel in the city center, ~US$40 for a bunk bed, very clean and cozy. Check if it is still available! Dream Place Hostel – more or less the same price for a bed in a dorm room, it is a 10-minute walk to a metro station on the ring, rooms are bright and the staff are hospitable.

NOTE: By the regulations of Russia (very useless and outdated in my opinion), you will need to register yourself the first day you arrive in Russia. If you are staying in a hotel, they will take care of your registration. No worries about that, you will just pass your immigration form to your hotel and they will take care of the rest. If you are staying in an AirBnb, in most cases, it will be your responsibility to go and register. I can only imagine what a nightmare it will be when thousands of people flood to city hall to stand there in endless lines. If your AirBnb host will not deal with your registration, I highly recommend saving your time and nerves by staying in a hotel.

What happens if you fail to register? I do not know – you might be in trouble or you might be just fine, you never know. You need to know that this is a rule and you might be required to show your registration paper when you leave the country.

Here is the practical information you all have been waiting for – how to get around, visa, sim card etc. Read below for more info:

Visa for Russia

Usually, the procedure to get a Russian visa is quite long and costly – you need an official invitation from your hotel, insurance etc. Before applying for your visa, you should check your country requirements.

You must have travel insurance before entering Russia. You can buy one online here .

If you need to apply for a visa and you haven’t yet there are two choices:

• You can do it by yourself, but there is going to be a lot of paperwork involved, including providing an official invitation from your hotel. The invitation is just a formality, but it can be quite time consuming to find a hotel who would make you that invitation or find a company who will provide a fake one for you (as I said it is just a useless formality).
• You can ask a specialized company to process your visa application for an extra fee (they usually charge about $100 on top of the visa consulate fee). The cool thing about them is that you do not need to go anywhere, just give them your passport and they will do the rest for you. Search for a reputable agency in your country.  Here are the companies I can recommend –   https://www.visahq.com/ (for those in the US). If you are from Canada, Europe, Brazil, Singapore and a couple more countries, check this link – visacentral.co.uk or Realrussia.co.uk

Trains in Russia

Oh, I know a lot about transportation in Russia, trains and Trans Siberian in particular. Writing a detailed post that would help you guys plan your journey has been on my to-do list for forever.

Before I publish it, how about you ask me questions in the comments section below this post? I promise to reply!

For now, I can say that this is the official site for Russian trains, but the interface is quite poor and sometimes it doesn’t accept foreign cards.

If you have troubles, there is a great friendly website that accepts foreign cards, PayPal, sends you SMS with train updates and is user-friendly but the price is 5% higher on average. I think it is worth it because you won’t need to spend hours trying to understand how the official one works. And one more cool thing – if you need to cancel or change the ticket, you can do it online!

If you want to go for a short trip, you can also try buses. Here is a good site for buying bus tickets online .

Update:  Here is the article about The Ultimate Guide To Russian Trains , you will find everything you need to know there!

How to get from the airport to Moscow

Moscow has three International airports and you get from/to each of them by taxi, fast train or public transport.

If you do not want to figure out how the transportation works upon your arrival, or drag your luggage in the metro, you can always take a taxi.

You can take an UBER, Gett or Yandex Taxi by ordering it in the app. The approximate price is 800 -2000 Rub (it really depends where you are going and which airport you’re at). Using the apps is awesome, but consider that you may have trouble meeting the driver as he probably won’t speak English.

Do not use the service of the guys who are standing in front of the arrival hall (just say “Net, spasibo” and walk away). They do not have the best reputation, chances are they will try to trick you because you are a foreigner.

If you prefer a pre-booked taxi with a person greeting you in the airport with a sign, it is just 50 Eur per car from any of the three airports. Book your private transfer here .

Fast trains (Aeroexpress)

Aeroexpress is the most convenient option. I always use this one when I go to Moscow. I recommend taking a fast speed train that will get you to the city center in 35 to 45 minutes depending on the airport. The price is 420 RUB.

The valid period of the ticket is three days from the date it was issued. So, don’t worry if your flight was late, you have plenty of time!

This is the official website to check the prices and to buy your tickets. You can also install the Aeroexpress app on your phone and buy tickets directly from there. You then will be able to just scan your QR code from the phone, yay to paperless tickets! You can also buy it at the ticket counter or ticket machines if you wish to.

The only downside? You will still need to either take a metro or taxi when you exit the Aeroexpress. For taxi, use an app I mentioned earlier, or make sure to agree about the price before you get in.

Public transport

Each of the Airports has a bus that goes from the airport to the nearest metro station.  It is a very cheap way to travel (the price of a public bus fare – max 100 rub), but I do NOT recommend taking it unless you are on a tight budget. Why? It can take you a couple of hours to get to the closest metro and chances are you will need to stand on the bus with all your luggage.

This is especially important ON the way to the airport because you simply might miss your flight by waiting in traffic!

Transportation in Moscow

As I said above, the metro in Moscow is fascinating – it works perfectly and it looks fantastic! Look for a big red “M” sign for a metro entrance.

All the signs are translated into English (though in smaller fonts). All lines are color-coded.  Here are some tips so you won’t get lost in the Moscow metro system:

Get Yandex.Metro app ! This is by far the best app for a metro I have seen (also in English). It calculates the fastest route in the metro and even tells you where exactly to board the train to get to your connection train faster.

Metro prices:

There is no difference in price – if you ride 1 stop or 30 stops, it will be the same price.

A single ticket is 55 RUB , but no one ever pays that! Let me teach you how to lower the cost almost twice:

Get a Troika card and top it up at any ticket stand inside the metro. The card is free, you just need to pay a 50 RUB deposit for issuing the card. You can get your money back when you leave or take the card home with you as a memory.

With a Troika card, the price of your metro ride is just 32 RUB , and you can use it for buses as well.

The best part? You won’t need to stay in long lines to get single tickets each time! 😉

Taxis are also relatively inexpensive. 1 km is approximately 8 RUB (13 cents) in Uber.

We always use apps, we no longer call for a taxi anymore in Russia.

Use Uber, Yandex Taxi or Gett Taxi for your rides.

I recommend installing all of them and checking the price in each one, sometimes the difference is quite significant.

UPDATE: Uber was recently bought by Yandex Taxi recently and now your Uber app will automatically redirect you to Yandex app which you will need to download. No worries, it is a good app, in some ways even more user intuitive than Uber and the prices are the same.

The only things I’d recommend – do not get the economy option – the standards of hiring taxi drivers decreased with merging the 2 companies, and sometimes you can get a pretty rough or unpolite driver in economy now. From this year on, I go for Standard.

Sim card with Internet connection in Moscow

Many public places will have free Wi-Fi in Moscow. However, a recent law requires you to first receive a code by SMS to your phone number. (Big brother is watching you!) In some cases, it only works with Russian Sim cards.

I always get a Sim card in a foreign country, it is much easier to have mobile internet, be able to check information on the go, use Yandex Taxi etc.

This is how to get a Russian Sim card:

If you arrive during working hours in the airport, you can get a Sim card with internet right there.

UPDATE:  I have recently been to Moscow and I have recorded a short video for you from the airport that shows which stores you can buy a sim card at as well as the prices, too. You can find the tips for Moscow on my Instagram in the Highlights section. Do not forget to follow me too! 😉

Any mobile operator tariffs are pretty cheap. The average price that I looked up right now is 5GB for 400 RUB a month.

The companies are – Beeline (the one that I use), Megafon , Tele2 , MTS (written МТС). To buy a Simcard, just search for these names plus Связной and Евросеть, the last two are resellers and they usually have a couple of options between different operators.

You could research all these sites in advance (Google translate them) to understand which one currently has the best promotions, but you can also just stop by any of those offices with your passport and get a Sim card – the price difference is really not that significant!

NOTE: if you are going to travel to other Russian cities, make sure your internet works in all regions, not only in the Moscow region.

Buying alcohol

Recently, the rules for buying alcohol in supermarkets became very strict and there is no way you can buy alcohol anywhere after 11 p.m.

Having said that, there is of course no problem drinking anything in bars, clubs or restaurants all night long.

Prices in Moscow

You are in luck, traveler! It has never been so cheap to visit Russia!

Our currency, the Ruble, dropped twice in the last year due to the economic situation with oil and some political issues.

What does it mean for you? It is twice as cheap now to travel in Russia!

Here are the list of approximate prices in Moscow (other cities will be significantly cheaper):

Russian alphabet

Though all the metro and street signs are now in English, it is advisable to invest 30 minutes of your time to learn the Russian alphabet. It is not as hard as it seems, I promise! Plus, how cool would it be to impress your friends with some Russian reading skills?

Here is a video that can help you get started:

Also, the Duoligo App is a great help!

How safe is Moscow?

While racism might be an issue in some of the cities in Russia, it is definitely not in Moscow. Long gone are the days when seeing a black person on the street was unusual.

If you are a member of the LGBT community, it is advisable to be careful with public displays of affection.

Use common sense, do not leave your valuables unattended, watch your bag in crowded public transport and you will be fine. This might sound surprising to you, but Moscow is a pretty safe place to be.

Other cities to visit:

If you visit only one more city… make it Saint Petersburg!

It is incredibly beautiful and it is one of my favorite cities in the whole world! You may be lucky enough to be just in time for the “white nights”! I have a detailed post on Top things to do in St. Pete, Russia here .

This has been the longest post on my blog so far, but I guess it is just natural that I want to share so much information with you about the city where I have lived for so long, where my family lives and that I love so much.

Usually the image of Russia is one of a 3rd world country, but I hope you will see that Moscow is one of the most developed and urbanized cities in the world. It is vibrant, cool and changing all the time! I am truly proud of our capital and I am always happy to come back!

If you want to see some of the things mentioned above, I recommend staying for more than 3 days in the city.

Hope it was helpful!

Have fun in Moscow and do not hesitate to comment below if you have any more questions!

UPDATE: I know this is a huuuge post (the longest on my site in fact) and by popular demand, I have created a printable PDF version of this post (I added the Russian alphabet and the metro map to it). You can print it or download it on your phone so it’s available offline when you are in Russia.  You can support my work by purchasing the guide here if you wish to, the price is only $2.99 USD. All the information will remain free forever on the site 🙂

• Where To Stay In Moscow, Russia – Best Hotels
• Top 11 Things To Do In Saint Petersburg, Russia (Updated)
• Where To Stay In Saint Petersburg, Russia – Best Hotels
• The Ultima Guide To Russian Trains
• 6 Amazing Neighborhoods Where to Stay in Bucharest

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About The Author

Yulia is traveling the world for over 14 years now and she LOVES to share her tips from around the world with the others! Her blog MissTourist.com is created with the purpose to inspire people to travel more and to share her advice of how to travel "smart".

by Yulia Saf

111 comments

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111 Comments

I am a new arrival here and expecting a long stay in Russia. So I am hoping to explore the best of your country as much as possible. I know this blog is going to help me a lot for that. So in advance may I say Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Awesome, enjoy Moscow, I am sure you will love it! I have some insta stories in my hightlights (@misstourist), check it out too, maybe it will be helpful! 🙂

Informative post. What all places can one cover in 10 days visit. Can Lake Baikal be covered as well? KIndly let me know.

Hi! You could do Moscow and St pete with no rush, or you could also try to squeeze in Baikal, it is doable, and you will obviously need to fly 🙂

Thank you for such a great list! This is incredibly helpful, and I’m using it to help plan my trip to Moscow in a few weeks. One question, I am a vegetarian and wondering if you had any suggestions when visiting Moscow? Thanks again for all your time putting this together!

Thank you, I’m really happy that you’ll get to visit Moscow!

There are plenty of vegetarian dishes in Russia, since it’s common for people to fast. There are lots of pastry and baked products, meatless soups (or “borsch”, as the Russian sour soup is called), and many dishes with vegetables.

You can take a lookt at Tripadvisor and check their selection of vegeterian restaurants, you’ll find some great options there!

A Very detailed and comprehensive report. wanted to check if Diamond fund is something worth visiting.

Yep, I can tell you it is! Russian tsars knew a thing or two about luxury 😉

Great post – we are looking to come to Moscow & St. Petersburg next year for a week and was wondering how many days in each. Some of the key things we want to do are below.

Main sights in both cities (Kremlin, Lenins Tomb, Red Square, St Basils, Winter Palace etc) Bolshoi Ballet show Vodka museum/restaurants Red Arrow train (either way – 1st VIP)

We were thinking of tying our visit with the 9th May Victory Day celebrations but were wondering if most of the sights will be closed at this time?

Would you suggest avoiding the Victory Day period or not?

We are totally flexible as to what time of year to come.

Hello Gareth,

Thank you! If you have a week, I would recommend spending 4 days in Moscow and 3 in St. Petersburg, that way you’ll have enough time to visit the main attractions!

Some of the attractions are indeed closed on the 9th of May and some even a few days before. But if you also wish to see the Victory Day celebrations maybe you can make 9th your first or second day in your itinerary so that you still have time afterwards to visit. Most importantly, make sure you check the schedule of every attraction you wish to visit beforehand and that you book tickets in advance!

Have a wonderful holiday, Yulia

Hi from the UK – what a fantastic blog!! I’m currently planning mine and my husband’s trip to Moscow and St Petersburg for next year – the information you give is brilliant and so detailed making life much easier! A big thank you and we can’t wait to visit!

Great blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!|

Very awesome post, there are so many things to do in Moscow, so it’s really helpful to find out the best options!

Nice post, If anyone like to visit these places so this is very helpful for them, and i plan to visit so this is very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing.

Dear Yulia, I am very happy that I have found your, very usefull, information about Moscow. I am going to visit Moscow this September for Moscow marathon. I will be 3 days and I want to visit at least 10 things from your list. Good advice about SIM cards, taxi, cheap eating, on line tickets, trojka card. Tnx. I want to spent my time very efficient so I need a little help with organiseing myself. What are your suggestion for 1 (old town, centre, Kremlin, Armoury), 2 , 3 day? What is better to spend morning or afternoon in museum or galletries? Best regards from Croatia

Hi Mirela! I might write an itinerary post about it at some point, so far I d say – yes Day 1 kremlin and everything around the Red Square, a museum if you feel like it Day 2 – for parks, maybe a walking tour Day 3 – Moscow city, Sparrow Hills, TV tower maybe It is a bit hard to suggest a plan for someone you dont know anything about, but this would be a very rough classic suggestion i think 🙂

Have fun in Moscow!

Wow… One of the most amazing & helpful blogs I have come across

Ciao Yulia,

Thank you for your blog post I found it really useful and provided very good detail.

Thank you, I’m so glad I could help! 🙂

Just a heads up for the Radisson Cruise, it is now 1200₽ adult and 900₽ children

Hi, Sam! Thank you for your comment, I have updated the info in the article! 🙂

hiii yulia..

wanted to request if you would know of any good tour guide in moscow for 2 days. my Wife and me would be visiting moscow from 5th to 9th july. so needed the guide for the 6th and 7th July.

thanx and cheers

Hello! First of all, congrats on going to Moscow, it is an amazing city! Sure, I can recommend some great tours of Moscow that you can take. First of all, I can recommend this 2-day private tour of Moscow , which sounds exactly like what you need! You can create your personalized itinerary and your guide will pick you up from the hotel and will take you to see the best sights in Moscow!

In case you want something else, the tours I will recommend below are fit for one day or a couple of hours, but you can book 2 or 3 of them in case you want to see more and do one or two tours per day, depending on what you would like to see in the city!

– Private 4-Hour Walking Tour in the Red Square – This 8-hour tour that will take you to the highlights of the city – A very nice night tour of the city – Or this tour which will take you to the underground to see Moscow’s Metro

I definitely recommend taking the 2-days tour or combining your favorite shorter ones in those 2 days for the best experience! Have a great vacation in Moscow, I’m sure you will love this city! 🙂

Fantastic insights. Truly appreciate your hard work educating us with Moscow.. Cheers

Happy to help! It s the capital of my home country after all, so I tried my best! Check the one about St Petersburg too if you are going there as well!

Very useful post! love it and thanks for your help! 🙂

Welcome, enjoy Moscow! 🙂

Hello Yulia,

First of all, congratulations for the fantastic blog on Russia. Just wanted to let you know that me and my wife had gone through your blog for Singapore and followed it completely and everything was perfect (including the show timings and direction) and it was a memorable trip. Now,we are planning to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg this summer and I am sure that this blog will be of great help. We are planning for six days each in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Do you think that it will be sufficient to tick off all the must-see places mentioned by you for Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Looking forward to your reply.

Regards, Preetam

Hi Preetam, I am happy it is useful! Yes, I think 6 days is more than enough to see all must-does places with no rush Have an amazing time there!

Thank you so much 🙂 Looking forward to it!

Thank you! still want to go very much!

Hello Yulia! Your blog is simply amazing. I wanted to ask you a couple of questions. 1. Do you think that Moscow is a good place to travel by yourself? 2. If so, is the metro the best way to get to the places you mentioned in the post? 3. Do you know any local tours for small groups and individuals? Thank you so much. ❤❤❤

hello Andre, happy you found it useful! here are the answers to you questions: 1. yes 2. yes 3. I recommend this tour and there are more small group tours (and private ones too) on the website

Great ! very minute details. I got an idea of Moscow life

Hello Yulia! What an excellent guide and so much detail!! I can’t wait to visit Moscow and see all these wonderful places! Actually, I want to visit Moscow in May. I would like to keep in touch with you, to organise my trip. Do you mind?

Sorry, i don’t offer private trip consultation, that is the reason I have written so much about it here in fact. Hope you have an amazing trip!

I loved it! I will be in Moscow in next January. I’m so excited! This city is stunning!

thanks for tips!

kisses from Brazil

Oh, it will be so beautiful in the first half of January when all the Christmas decorations are still on, hope you ll catch it! 🙂

This is the best blog I’ve seen for Moscow and St. Petersburg even in your other post. Literally, the best! I have 10 nights is Russia and was thinking of spending 4 nights in Moscow and 6 nights in St. Petersburg. 1. Apart from your recommendations of what to do in the two respective cities, are there any day trips off the city to see a different side/off-beaten side all together, that you could suggest? Any recommended tours or routes? I am an English speaking native. 2. What train to take from Moscow to St. Petersberg and back?

Thanks and eagerly looking forward to your reply! Trisha

Hi Trisha! I am happy you like my posts, I am Russian after all, so I know some insider’s info! 😉 1. From Moscow, I recommend visiting Yaroslavl, Sergiev Posad, Vladimir, Suzdal. If you don’t want to organize the transportation yoursefl, there are many modestly priced tours here As for St Petersburg, please check my post one more time – https://misstourist.com/top-11-things-to-do-saint-petersburg-russia/ , there is a section called Day trips outside St. Pete 2. You can buy your ticket here , the train is called Sapsan, and it will take you from Moscow to St Pete in little less than 4 hours!

Hope this helps, have an amazing time in Russia! P.S. You might consider Kazan as well, you have enough days and it is a very pretty city that is 12 hours away by train (can be done as a night trip). The trains are new and comfortable

Thank you so much for such a prompt response. Super super helpful!

Will check out the day trips from St. Petersburg on your site. A few more questions:

1. Since you recommended to visit Kazan, is it possible to head to there from St Petersburg and then I have to fly back from Moscow. So planning my journey accordingly. Or how best would you suggest to fit that in? Wouldn’t mind it to be an overnight train.

2. Thank you for recommending the Sapsan train. How about the 2nd class sleeper train during the day time which is 9 hour Long from Moscow to St. Petersburg? Since it’s cheaper and the view could be seen better as well? Wouldn’t mind wasting one whole day then but is that a comfortable/recommended journey as well since it’s not the Sapsan train?

Looking forward to your reply!

Thanks! Trisha

Cool stuff you have and you keep overhaul every one of us

many thanks Yulia.

Very useful article! Thank you for taking time and compiling all the information for us 🙂

Many thanks for the detailed information.

I will be at Moscow from 11 – 17 July and fly to Kazakhstan on 17 July via SVO airport. I will fly back to Moscow on 19 July via SVO around 0800 hours and go to DME airport to catch my flight around 1800 hours.. Do I need to register myself again? thanks much and hope to meet you in Moscow.

I think once you exist the country, you need to reregister again. When you are in Russia for the first time, I would double check that on the front desk just in case, but this is what I would say.

Ive read many blog posts for Moscow and Russia in general, and i’m travelling on 23rd (day after). But after reading your blog, I feel much more aware of what I’d be doing in Mosocw! Thanks, and keep blogging and travelling!

have an amazing trip!

Fuuuu…. this is the ONLY blog i can finished. I never felt long or bored. Feeling euphoric this make me continue read. Yulia u are amazing and wonderful!!! Thank You so soo soooo much.

Hey Derrick, you are welcome, I am happy i managed to not make it boring! 🙂

Hi Yulia, we are visiting Moscow and St. Peters between 15-22nd June during World Cup….We have planned our entire trip based on your recommendations……only 1 thing we still could not manage is ticket to Armoury Chambers as all the online bookings are unavailable…..can you help us here??

hello! Happy you used my blog so much! About the Armoury Champers – try this link . I just checked and everything seem to work there 🙂

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Your guide is awesome! Can’t wait to be at Moscow!

Best regards from Argentina

Hello from greece. Thank you for the usufull imformation about moscow. I will be there from 8/8 till 14/8. I want to see ballet and hear a concert but as i see bolsoi theatre is closed this month. Please can you tell me some places where are open at august; And something else in my plans is to visit sergeve posand is it easy to go there by train;

Hey Vicky! Funnily enough, I have just come back from Greece:) You are right, Bolshoi seems to be closed in August, what a pity! There is Maly theatre, but the dont seem to have many things happaening in August as well, check it out here . Here is also a list of the most popular theaters in Moscow (please google translate it, it also links to the website of each theater), so you can choose something depending on your preferences. As for Sergiev POsad, you can get there by train, sure! You could also take a day tour with a guide in English if you wish to, here is more info .

this is AWESOME!! Thank you so much for putting this complete guide together!! Really, thank you!!

We hope to enjoy our visit to Russia next week.

Cheers! Rafael

Have a great time!

Hi, Yulia! Your blog is great! Congratulations!!! I have one doubt, about the registration: I’ve read that if the tourist is going to stay for less than 7 days in a russian city it’s not necessary to register. Is it?

I’m going to stay for 4 days in Moscow and another 4 in St. Peter.

Thanks in advance!

Not sure where you heard it, but this is not true – you need to register and you need to do it in 24 hours after your arrival unless it is a weekend. As i mentioned above, the easiest way to do it is through a hotel

WOW!!! I’ve spent the last three months researching travel blogs with tips for my Russia trip, and yours is the best by far!!! Thanks for this detailed post! I’m from Brazil and will arrive in July. I know Moscow will be crowded, but I chose not to miss this opportunity.

You are welcome, enjoy Russia!

OMG how useful, thanks for everything I will be in Moscow at the end of the month 😛

Enjoy your time there! 🙂

Dear Yulia,

Your 18 things to do in Moscow is simply amazing! It’s the best piece of travel writing I’ve ever seen.

1. I am arriving with a friend in Moscow to start my trip. But will be taking an overnight train on the same day to Kazan. And only returning to Moscow 4 days later. Where should I register myself? I have an accommodation hostel booked in Kazan.

2. We wanted to visit Red Square (St Basil’s Cathedral; GUM; Lenin’s Mausoleum) and Kremlin – Should we just book the tickets online? Does Moscow 1 Day Pass include entry to all tours?

3. Bolshoi Theatre – do they accept shirt and jeans for outfit?

4. We wanted to do a dinner cruise on 20th or 22nd evening? Any recommended dinner cruise in Moscow? Radisson Blu cruise seems full.

5. For Bunker-42, should we book our tickets online? Which tour option is most recommended? http://bunker42.com/eng/ – Should we call to book the tickets?

6. Any recommendations on Markets? Are izmailovsky market and arbat street similar? which one is better?

7. Is Uber the best mode of transport? Any other alternatives? 🙂

Cheers, Sanket

Hi Sanket, thank you so much for your words, I am so happy to receive such positive responses from my readers!

Now, to answer your questions: 1) You have to register in the first 24 hours after arrival, so in your case that would be in Kazan

2) all the things mentioned above are free of charge and can’t be booked in advanced (you can just walk around in the square, GUM is a department store and Mausoleum might have a very long line during the period of the World Cup, but this one can’t be avoided, there are no skip-the line tours, at least that I know of, there are pretty strict over there.)

3) While they would appreciate you being dressed elegantly, you can also come in flip flops aand shorts if you have a ticket. But a shirt and jeans would be fine, no worries! Are you going to buy your ticket at the door or did you book it in advance?

4) Here are other cruises recommendations all different by price and duration, choose the best one for you – here , here , here or here

5) You usually definitely do not need to book in advance, but it might be busy during the world cup time, who knows. You can try calling them from your hotel in Kazan and booking it over the phone just in case? Ask your front desk, I am sure they will be happy to help!

6) Arbat is more commercial and it is open till late, so you could actually visit both if you want to. In my opinion Izmailovo is nice also because it has this ginger-bread type house, but my taste might be different from yours 🙂

7) Uber is the best in my opinion, that is what I always use. You can also download Yandex Taxi and Gett and use those ones when all foreigners will use Uber and get high surcharges 😉

Hope that helps, have an amazing time in Russia! 🙂

WOW YULIA! your post was excellent!!! So glad i was able to read it before my travel! going for the world cup! suer excited!!!

Hi Sheyla, I am so happy you guys find it useful and all my work was done for something! 🙂 Update, I have just made the post available in PDF (I added alphabet and the metro map as well), you can support my work by purchasing the PDF for 2,99 USD here if you wish to 😉

This post was brilliant. Other sites were simply either lacking or overwhelming. Yours had the perfect amount of information in a very useful format!

It will be saved on my phone as my go-to “travel guide” when I head there next month.

Thank you so much!

Hi Zaki, thanks for your comment! You know, you actually gave me an idea! I have just created the PDF printable version of this post (added the alphabet and the metro map and deleted some unnecessary info), so you can print it or download it to your phone available off line. You can purchase it for 2,99 USD here and support my work if you wish to do so! Have a great time in Russia!

Thanks for such an insightful post! This will be really helpful when we head over next month 🙂

Have a great trip! 🙂

Wow..!! Thanks a lot… I always admire people like you.. As you know information is wealth … Kudos for all the time you have spent in writing this blog and helping so many people out here..

I have to mention that the kind of comfort this post gives to a first time anxious traveler cant be explained in words..!!

Thanks for your nice words Yunus! <3 Enjoy Russia!

Do you have any idea what would be an issue with the website ticket.transport2018.com. From the past 2weeks iam unable to book my free train from Moscow to St. Petersburg n back.

Much appreciate if you can assist.

Thank you so much Yulia for such a detailed and informative blog. It is very well written and it is extremely helpful for all of us visiting Moscow.

I shall be there in Russia next month for the world cup and I will be referring to it plenty of the times, during next one and half month. I thought the public transport such as metro rides would be free for the fan ID holders, do you know anything about that? Also, would you have any tips about Nizhny Novgorod?

Cheers Yulia, have a wonderful weekend.

I am from Colombia and I will be in Moscow during the 2018 World Cup.Thanks a lot for your wonderful suggestions and recommendations.Your site is the best ,and the most generous in information, for tourists visiting Moscow during the 2018 World Cup.Thanks again.

You are most welcome! 🙂

Wow, with these post I was forced to write a comment about it. Thank you for such a wonderful, easy and detailed. After reading it I have the confidence now that (I KNOW) Everything, travelling for the first time. Have a wonderful day.

Aww, thanks a lot for your comment! I am glad as I tried my best to make it super useful! Enjoy your time in Russia!

Wow honestly this is the best, most detailed blogpost I’ve ever read. There were many questions I had but after reading this in entirety, I can’t think of a single question left unanswered. Thank you for this blogpost, you’re an absolute lifesaver, Yulia!

❤️ You are welcome, so happy it was useful for so many people!

THIS IS A GOLDMINE!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Aww, thanks! these kind of comments make my days! Enjoy Russia!

MY GOODNESS! I’ve never read such a thorough blog! Thank you so much for including so much detail! Really do appreciate it! 😀

I am happy you like it Jessika, enjoy your time in Moscow! 🙂

Great blog Yulia! Quite helpfull.

Just decided to visit Moscow between June 27 and 29th. Your tips of places to go are simply great!

I’ll do everything by myself, and using my good skills in english. As noticed from your comments, i guess no big deal right:

Finally, as Portuguese, do i need to apply for a visa in advance, or i simply need my valid passport at the airport:

Yes, of course, as most of the EU country citizen you will need to obtain a visa in advance in order to enter Russia. In case you have an official ticket for one of the games, I suggest you apply for the Fan ID, in this case you can enter without the visa. Do not forget that you will need to register yourself in a local immigration office in any way, does not matter if you entered with the visa or without. I have more information about it in the article above.

Have a great time in Moscow!

Hi Yulia. My name is Felipe, I live in Brazil and I follow you on Instagram. I found you after you wrote that post about the 18 best things to do in Moscow during World Cup.

I’ll travel to Russia with my parents for the World Cup. Our schedule is: 3 days – Moscow 2 days – Saint Petersburg 2 days – Sochi 2 days – Volgograd 1 more day – Moscow

I would like to ask you for a few tips regarding the following subjects:

i) Guide: while me and my father will be most of the time watching the matches, my mother will be mostly visiting touristic places alone. She speaks and average english. Do you think she needs a personal guide. She is a very energic 64 years old lady. If you think she needs one, would you have someone to recomend? How much does it cost per day?

ii) Money: what is the best option? Taking Euros and exchange them in Moscow or taking US Dolares and exchange them in Moscow? Where do you suggest as best place for exchanging money in Moscow? My flight has a stopover in Amsterdam. Is it possible/a good idea buy Rublos in Amsterdam?

iii) I’ll spend three days in Volgograd. I would like to take a tour through the site where the battles of WWII happened. Do you know any travel agency to recomend?

iv) I need to buy a train ticket from Moscow to Saint Petersburg. What is the official/most reliable website?

Well, that’s it. Sorry if it’s too much. lol. I look forward to hear all your tips. If you’re in any of the cities I’ll be during the World Cup you’re me and my family guest for a lunch or a dinner.

Best Regards, Felipe

Hello, Felipe and thank you for reaching out to me for suggestions. First of all, I’m really glad you’ll get to spend the World Cup with your parents. I hope you’ll have a lot of fun while in Russia!

Now, regarding your concerns, let’s take them one by one: 1. Even though she could visit some of the main attractions by herself, I tend to recommend taking private or group tours because this way you’ll be sure she won’t miss on any important/interesting information. The best way for her would be to get some private tours that will help her make the best of those days, especially because she will be by herself. For example, for Moscow I can recommend this one: Prime Tour of Moscow . It’s awesome because you can add the attractions you want to visit to the itinerary and they will make a custom tour for your mother. Even though this will only take between 4 to 9 hours, she can always go back the next days in those places if she wants to walk/visit some more. You can even choose the language for this tour (besides English, they also have Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian). Another option could be Moscow: 1-Day Panoramic Tour (this one will take her with a private car). But, overall, I think these tours are some good ways to tick the highlights of Moscow. There are just two examples, you can find more private tours on GetYourGuide.co.uk and you can choose whatever you think it’s best for her. For Saint Petersburg you can look into Saint-Petersburg: Private Tour with a Local which is also available in multiple languages and the benefit is that a local will arrange this tour for your mother. I don’t know if you can find a guide that will assist you during all those days and create different activities and visits, but you can search on the same website as above. I hope your mother will have a blast in Russia and will get to see a lot of beautiful landmarks!

2. You can change your money either from euros or dollars (it doesn’t matter) in Moscow. I don’t recommend you change them in the airport, though. The best rates are at the ATMs.

3. For Volgograd you can take the Volgograd City Tour which will show you all the history you need to know about the WWII and the Battle of Stalingrad in only 3 hours. Another cool option is to visit Rossoshka Memorial in Volgograd – you will basically see a famous cemetery where lots of soldiers were buried after the Battle of Stalingrad.

4. For this one I recommend you read my article – The Ultimate Guide To Russian Trains . You’ll find there all the information you need, including what is the best way to buy tickets and what are the best websites you can access.

I think that’s it! Hope my tips will help you have the best time in Russia together with your parents. Unfortunately, I won’t be in the country during World Cup – I would’ve loved to have lunch or dinner with your family! Maybe you’ll come visit again and we’ll cross paths some other time.

Have fun, Yulia

Great post!

I am planning to visit Moscow in July/august and would like to explore as much as possible so very useful tips! 🙂 I’ve seen in a comment above you have recommended 4 days fo Moscow, I’m planning my trip and I would like to spend around 8-10 days in Russia (flight to and from Moscow). Could you recommend any day trips from Moscow? Or any cities (relatively) close to Moscow, I could visit for a couple of days and then esaily get back to Moscow? Thanks!!!

Hi Petra, Suzdal and Vladimir are very beautiful and historically important, I have been there and I like it a lot! Sergiev Pasad is nice as well. And the best part? You will get to see real Russia without the crowds of football fans! 😉 P.S. If you are going to St Pete (which I highly recommend), there is an article on Top 11 Things to do in Saint Petersburg

Thank you for this wonderful, helpful guide! I would love to see a post advising us gals on what to wear and pack 😉

You are welcome Karen! Umm, i didnt write a packing list post because I am not sure how it is different from Paris or any other big city. The only cultural thing would be I guess no flip-flops in restaurants and clubs – if you want to go to fancy places you need to dress up a bit more than in other countries, we have strict face control system at the entrance. Is there anything is particular you would like me to cover?

This truly is a wonderful post. Ever since I have been allotted the WC 2018 tickets I am excited but am not sure on what to expect. Explains everything perfectly and will surely be a major part of my itinerary. Thank you very much for taking the effort.

Also, I was recently searching online about airport pickups and came across a taxi company named welcome taxi. It offers cabs with English speaking drivers. Would be great if you could provide some information on this company?

Hi! Never heard about this company, sorry! I usually use Uber – you do not even need to communicate with the driver as the address is already set

Thank you so much for such a long, honest and advisable post! I am looking forward to visit moscow on behalf of all your recommendations 🙂

Thanks what a great review.

Wow, what a great list! Me, my husband and few friends are going to the Moscow World Cup and this list comes just at the right time – thank you! While our husbands will be experiencing the great sports, we, ladies, will be enjoying the city! For few days we have decided to take a local to also hear some insights about the culture and country from person living there daily. Have you heard about this service? https://www.showaround.com/locals/russia/moscow I have also found similar ones like https://www.likealocalguide.com/ and https://www.withlocals.com/ , but my traveler friends had very good experience with the Showaround one. So we will give it a go. Hopefully successfully. See you in the Moscow streets!

Hello Ilze, sorry for the long reply! I have heard about likealocal for sure, but never used it, so cannot vouch for it, but I am sure it will be an interesting experience!

I always use public transport going from airport to the city. If the traffic is OK then it’s pretty fast.

I used to use public transport, but I found it take way to long and it is very unpredictable with the traffic. Taxis are usually a bit more that 10 eur which in my opinion is better for foreigners who do not speak or read russian.

Simply perfect! I was in St Peter last year during the Confederations Cup and hopefully I’ll make it to Moscow this year!

Thank you for the effort and greetings from Brazil

Awesome! Hope you will make it this time as well, it promises to be the event of the year! 😉

super helpful post. thanx for your time.

Excellent guide and so much detail!! I can’t wait to visit Moscow and see all these wonderful places one day!

You should do it when you have a chance!

WOW! Now that’s what I call an useful travel blog post! I was in Moscow for 2 days this summer on my way to Elbrus and I wish I had known about the Vodka museum, haha! Anyway, two days is obviously not enough for the city as great as Moscow but with a good planning you’ll see a lot. And for the art fans I would recommend Garage Museum of Contemporary Art (it’s in Gorky Park, 6th in the list).

Also a good tip for all the students, feel free to use your ISIC card. You might get free entry or a proper discount to the museums etc.

Hello and thanks for the comment! Yes, two days is definitely not enough, i would say 4 days to see the main things. Thanks for the ISIC tip!

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

Catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, shop at the luxurious gum, make your way into lenin's mausoleum, spend an hour (or three) at red square, discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, ride the stunning moscow metro, explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, walk up and down arbat street, stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, wander around gorky park, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

Outdoor Recreation

We make the great outdoors just a little bit greater. The Latah Trail offers 13 miles of terrain for biking, hiking and sightseeing, and the town’s extensive trails connect our neighborhoods and greenways. Extend your nature escape by enjoying nearby national forests, wildlife areas and other public lands.

Bill Chipman Palouse Trail

These trails are ideal for walking, running, biking, and skating. This system of trails offers over 38 miles of paved pathways! The Latah Trail connects with the Paradise Path and runs parallel to State Highway 8 (Troy Highway) between Moscow and Troy. The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail consists of seven miles of smooth pathway between Pullman and Moscow along Highway 270, and is open dawn to dusk year-round. The Chipman Trail connects with Moscow’s Paradise Path, a 1.47 mile non-motorized trail between the UI campus and downtown Moscow. The Pullman Parks and Recreation Trail System and Downtown River Walk connect with the Chipman Trail.

Climbing Wall at the University of Idaho

Located in the University of Idaho Student Recreation Center. Experience the most comprehensive climbing facility of its kind in North America – featuring a 55 foot pillar and 6,000 square feet of climbing area. Visit our website for rates and rules.

Student Recreation Center, Moscow, ID 83843

Dworshak Dam & Visitor’s Center

1842 View Point Rd. Ahsahka, ID

(208) 476-1255

Dworshak State Park

Lenore, ID 83541, USA

(208) 476-5994

Ed Corkill Memorial Trail

The trail begins near Kendrick High School and runs along state Highway 3 and scenic Potlatch Creek for 5.3 miles ending at the Juliaetta Centennial Park and baseball field.

Elk Creek Falls Recreation Area

Elk River Rd, Elk River, ID, USA

(208) 875-1131

Hells Gate State Park

5100 Hells Gate Rd, Lewiston, ID, USA

(208) 799-5015

Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area

Hobo Cedar Grove Botanical Area has old growth trees that were just seedlings in 1492. It is now one of the oldest cedar groves in the world. The 240-acre grove is dominated by a dense canopy of large western red cedar with a carpet of lady fern. The trail has a gentle gradient making it accessible to older persons or those with moderate physical impairments. The trail width is about 40 inches. An occasional log bench provides seating along the trail.

St Joe National Forest, Idaho, USA

(208) 245-2531

Idler’s Rest Nature Preserve

This conservatory is just northeast of Moscow and offers idyllic woods adjacent to the Palouse farmlands, a perfect haven for hikers and families.

1187 Idlers Rest Rd., Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 596-4496

Kamiak Butte County Park

Reaching an elevation of 3,641 feet, Kamiak Butte offers breath- taking, panoramic views of the Palouse and over five miles of hiking trails through beautiful forests. Steptoe Butte is famous for its dramatic beauty and the panoramic view it provides of surrounding farmlands, mountains, ranges and peaks.

Kamiak Butte County Park, Palouse, WA 99161

Laird Park is just 38 miles north of Moscow and situated next to the Palouse River. Amenities include 31 campsites, picnic tables and a swimming area surrounded by lush pine and cedar trees.

1101 Palouse River Rd., Harvard, ID 83834

Little Boulder Creek Campground & Picnic Area

Little Boulder Creek Campground is just 28.5 miles east of Moscow on the Potlatch River. The campground has 17 campsites and a group RV site, snuggled among trees with a short hiking trail connecting the sites. Fishing for trout in Boulder Creek is a great way to relax and unwind.

Little Boulder Campground, Park Rd., Deary, ID 83536

Mary Minerva McCroskey State Park

Farmington Idaho

(208) 686-1308

Moscow Mountain

Moscow Mountain overlooks the city of Moscow with a bird’s-eye view of the beautiful Palouse countryside. You can travel down the gravel and dirt roads as they wind around the ridge with cedars, pines, ferns, colorful flowers and wildlife fill the unspoiled countryside. From northeast Moscow, follow Mountain View Road to a variety of scenic viewpoints.

Moscow School District Community Playfields

Opened in 2015, the Moscow School District Community Playfields features multiple softball, baseball and multi-use fields to accommodate a variety of sports and activities as well as a field house with a concessions stand, locker rooms, and announcer’s booth. Features include ADA Accessible, Baseball / Softball Diamond, Drinking Fountain, Parking, Restrooms, Soccer Field, and Walking Track.

1016 South Mountain View Road, Moscow, ID, USA

(208) 883-7084

Nez Perce National Historical Park

Nez Perce National Historical Park offers a unique perspective of the American West – not from the Mississippi River looking west, but from an ancient homeland looking out. The park stretches across much of the traditional homeland of the Nez Perce.

39063 US-95, Lapwai, ID 83540

(208) 843-7009

Paradise Creek Bicycles

Paradise Creek Bicycles offers guided bike tours for all skill levels. Try a leisurely ride from Moscow to Troy, Idaho or make the trek to Moscow Mountain.  Enjoy the beautiful scenery while hearing about the history and stories surrounding some of our area’s scenic trails.

513 S Main St., Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 882-0703

PCEI Nature Center

Visitors are always welcome at the PCEI Nature Center! At 1040 Rodeo Drive, the Nature Center is open dawn to  dusk seven days a week. Enjoy many features such as nature trails, universally accessible pathway, wetlands, outdoor art, sustainable living projects (check out the Jim LaFortune Memorial “Groover” and the Nancy Taylor Welcome Pavilion), Bikes for Tykes and more!

1040 Rodeo Dr., Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 882-1444

Rambler RV Park

Rambler RV Park of Moscow, Idaho is beautiful, modern and clean RV Resort serving nearby Pullman, Washington, Lewiston, Idaho and Moscow, Idaho as well as surrounding communities! This new RV park offers all of the amenities you come to expect in your travels along with beautiful scenery and quick and easy access to local attractions.

1651 Carmichael Rd., Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 301-1820

Robinson County Park

This park and camping ground is located only a few miles east of Moscow, Idaho. 54 acres of green clearings, tree lined trails, and picnic areas has only a few spots for RV campers with electrical hook-ups and water faucets. Tent campers have a wide choice of places to settle, with installed grills and fire rings placed throughout the designated camp. Registration is unreserved and completed onsite by placing records in boxes. This site does not provide showers.

5168 Robinson Park Rd., Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 883-5709

Snake River Trail

An hour west of Moscow via Washington state Highway 194. Stretches 4 ½ miles from the bank of historic Almota Creek through Boyer Park and eastward to the base of Lower Granite Dam. The trail features handicap and non-motorized access as well as a series of six interpretive signs.

1753 Granite Rd., Colfax, WA 99111

(509) 397-3208

Spring Valley Reservoir

These reservoirs are favorite fishing holes for local residents, and offer plenty of fishing as they are stocked with trout and bass. Picnic tables and restrooms are available at both locations as well as overnight camping.

Spring Valley Rd., Troy, ID 83871

Tri-State Outfitters: Rentals

Rent top quality Recreational Kayaks, Canoes and Stand-Up Paddle Boards at Tri-State Outfitters! Paddle your way to fitness and fun, simply, and inexpensively. Enjoying the Great Outdoors should never be difficult! So, explore and enjoy the many local waterways using a rented craft from Tri-State! All it takes is an impression of your debit or credit card – and away you go! No cash deposit, no multi-day minimum. No hassles. Each rental includes: 1) A registered/licensed watercraft 2) Appropriate paddle(s) 3) Appropriate personal floatation device(s). Stand-Up Paddle Board Rentals – $30/Day Kayak Rentals – $30/Day Canoe Rentals – $40/Day Senior and Veterans Discounts Available.

1104 Pullman Rd., Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 882-4555

University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Organized into geographical groupings of Asian, European, Eastern and Western North American sections, this garden displays plantings of hundreds of species, cultivars of northern temperate trees and shrubs and a xeriscape garden. In addition to native Idaho species, there are over 120 dedicated trees and groves, trails, water features, and 27 granite benches for viewing, studying, contemplation, and enjoying northern Idaho’s spectacular seasonal changes.

1200 W Palouse River Dr., Moscow, ID 83843

(208) 885-6111

University of Idaho Rental Center

The largest Outdoor Rental Center in the Pacific Northwest, they have rentals for all your adventures including rafting, canoeing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, camping, backpacking, skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, mountaineering, and more! Located in the University of Idaho Student Recreation Center, the rental center is open to the public Monday-Friday. Visit the website for a full list of equipment and pricing. Visit the rental center to reserve your gear in advance to ensure you get everything you need.

1000 Paradise Creek St., Moscow, ID 83844

(208) 885-6810

Virgil Phillips Farm

Virgil Philips Farm is five miles north of Moscow off U.S. Highway 95. This 160-acre farm showcases two small ponds with ducks, frogs, salamanders, and turtles. For more information or a list of current events at the park, please contact Latah County Parks & Recreation at (208) 883-5709.

4709 US-95, Moscow, ID 83843

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20 Things to Do in Moscow, Russia (On Any Budget!)

There are so many things to do in Moscow, Russia that I decided to start and end my Trans-Siberian Railway journey in the Russian capital.  In total, I spent more than one week in Moscow, exploring the city and even some of the surrounding small towns.

At first, Moscow can feel overwhelming.  The city has a population of almost twelve million people, and an area of more than 2,000 square miles (almost 6,000 square kilometers for those of us on the metric system).  A lot of people don’t speak English, a lot of signage is only in Russian, and the city isn’t exactly known for its hospitality.  However, for travelers who are comfortable feeling uncomfortable, Moscow is an amazing destination full of things to do, things to see, and places to get totally, completely lost.

Below, I’ve listed twenty of the best things to do in Moscow.  Lots of them are free, and even the ones that cost money are affordable for most travelers.  I’ve also listed the nearest metro station, noted where there’s something cool nearby and provided a few insider travel tips that I learned during my week in Moscow (which was part of a longer seven-week trip across Russia as a solo female traveler).  Have a read, and let me know in the comments what you’d most like to see and do in Russia!

Things to Do in Moscow – Around the Red Square

Start your trip to Moscow at the Red Square, where you’ll be surrounded by Moscow’s most postcard-perfect buildings.

1. The Red Square

Quite possibly the prettiest plaza on the planet, Moscow’s Red Square is legendary.  In 1990, UNESCO designated the Red Square a World Heritage Site. It’s not the square itself that is so special though; it’s the beautiful buildings surrounding it.  There are at least seven important buildings adjacent to the Red Square, including the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the GUM department store, the State Historical Museum, the Kazan Cathedral and the Iberian Gate and Chapel.  If your camera has a panorama setting and you have a steady hand, it’s possible to capture most of these in a single photo.

Metro: Okhotny Ryad is the most beautiful entry point.

2. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Time your visit to Lenin’s Mausoleum carefully if you want to see the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin.  He has been on display for nearly 100 years now; in the 1950s he was briefly joined by Joseph Stalin but for the last sixty years he has been alone in the Red Square, attracting more than two million visitors every year.

Visitors are usually permitted to visit the mausoleum on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday, and only from 10:00 until 13:00.  Holidays, restoration work and construction occasionally reduce those hours with little notice.  If possible, arrive early and get in the queue at Nikolskaya Tower before 10:00 am .

Metro: Okhotny Ryad

3. The Kremlin

Coming from the West, you may only know the Kremlin in metonymic terms, as “The Kremlin” is so often used to refer to the Russian government. When you come to Russia you’ll quickly learn that the word “kremlin” refers to a fortified complex, of which there are many in Russia. You’ll find kremlins in many cities, some intact and some now in ruins.  Moscow’s kremlin is “the” Kremlin; it includes five palaces (including one that serves as the official residence of the Russian president; shown above) and four cathedrals surrounded by fortified walls and towers.

Tourists can visit the Kremlin, but it’s a complicated process that actually put me off visiting.  The most popular things to do at the Kremlin are visiting the Kremlin Grounds and Cathedral Square, or touring the Armoury Chamber.  Tickets for the two are sold separately and are best purchased online, through the official site, fourteen days before your planned visit.  Trust me, I saw the queues to buy day-of tickets and you don’t want to wait in those queues.

Metro: Biblioteka imeni Lenina is closest to the entry points for both the grounds and the armoury.

4. GUM Department Store

Much like many cities have kremlins, many cities in the former USSR also have a GUM department store.  GUM is the translated abbreviation of “Main Universal Store”, a slight change from its previous title of “State Department Store” during the Soviet era.  Old photos of people lined up around the Red Square to shop at the GUM are etched into many people’s memories, and those who remember those images are often surprised to see how Moscow’s GUM has now been transformed into a luxury shopping center with brands like Bulgari, Chanel and Gucci.

You don’t have to be wealthy to take advantage of all the shops and services though: the historical toilets in the basement cost a mere 200 rubles ($3 USD) and feature red carpets and gold finishings, while Stolovaya #57 is a busy, cafeteria-style restaurant on the mall’s top floor (read more about stolovayas below).

Metro: Ploschad Revolyutsii

5. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

When you think of Moscow, do you immediately envision Saint Basil’s Cathedral?  Before my first visit to Moscow it was definitely the first thing I thought of when I imagined the city!  This cathedral is about 450 years old.  UNESCO designated it a World Heritage Site back in 1990, along with the entire Red Square area.

The cathedral is open to visitors most days (on the first Wednesday of each month it’s closed for cleaning, and there are other occasional closures for restoration work or services).  A ticket is 700 rubles, or 1200 with the audioguide, and can be purchased at the entrance to the cathedral.  Saint Basil’s is one of the least-strict Orthodox churches when it comes to dress code.  Women are unlikely to be asked to cover their head or shoulders here, while it is to be expected at most other churches in Russia.

Metro: Kitay-Gorod

Things to Do in Moscow – Luxury Travel

The average monthly income in Russia is about $650 USD.  However, Moscow is home to many of the country’s wealthiest residents.  You too can experience a few moments of their luxurious lifestyle during your visit to Moscow.

6. Sanduny Baths

Opened in 1808, the Sanduny baths are Moscow’s oldest and most famous banya (bathhouse or sauna).  Although they have an opulent main entrance for men, as a woman I was relegated to a little side door that was probably originally intended for staff.  Again, the men’s side is famously elegant and extravagant, but the women’s side appears to be a bit of an afterthought.  Like all saunas, you start with a shower, then a hot sweat session, then a cool-off via plunge pool or bucket of ice water.  For the full “Russian” experience make sure to purchase a beating with birch branches (it’s said to increase circulation and relieve muscle pain). All of this takes place while you’re fully nude, and in plain view of the other guests.  Can you even say you went to Russia if you didn’t get a birch-bark beating in a banya?  I think not.

Metro: Trubnaya

Moscow Tip: Don’t even think about visiting Moscow without getting the Yandex.Metro app ( Apple / Google ).  This amazing app will tell you exactly how to get from one place to another using Moscow’s metro system, including exactly which station entrance or exit you need, and which wagon is closest to your exit or transfer point.  Oh, and it’s free!

7. Bolshoi Theater

Moscow’s famous Bolshoi Theatre was opened in 1825 and meticulously restored in 2009.  To see it for yourself, you can choose between purchasing a ticket to one of the Russian ballet or opera performances, or signing up for one of the building tours that take place thrice weekly.  If you’d like to see a show, the best way to get tickets is online through the theater’s official site; they generally go on sale two months before the performance (and cheap tickets sell out first!)  The Bolshoi Theater still has age limits, dress codes and photography restrictions, so familiarize yourself with their rules (explained clearly in English on the website) before purchasing your ticket.

Metro: Teatralnaya

8. Kuznetsky Most

If you’ve ever seen suspiciously-thin Russian girls on Instagram, posting with suspiciously-uneaten plates of food and suspiciously-expensive shopping bags, chances are good that photo was taken somewhere along Kuznetsky Most.  Packed with luxury boutiques, upscale cafes and famous historical buildings, this pretty pedestrian street is a must-stroll, even if you afford to take out your wallet.

Metro: Kuznetsky Most

Moscow Secret: One of the city’s best vegetarian restaurants, Jagannath , is based on Kuznetsky Most. They do a set-price lunch with five items (expect soups, salads and curries to make an appearance) and the attached shop sells a well-curated selection of health foods.

Things to Do in Moscow – Moving Around

Simply getting from one place to another can be one of the most interesting, and most beautiful, things to do in Moscow.

9. Ride the Moscow Metro

Moscow is famous for its beautiful underground metro stations.  In fact, many tour companies offer metro tours, where they guide you between the city’s most beautiful metro stations and explain the history and unique design behind each one.  While everyone has different taste, some of the stations that are consistently rated as being among the most beautiful metro stations in Moscow include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kiyevskaya and Arbatskaya.  With the city’s official Troika card, a single trip on the metro is only 40 rubles, and you can get on and off the train as many times as you want (just don’t leave the station!).

Metro: All of them. 😉

10. River Cruise

One of my favorite things to do in Moscow is take a river cruise along the beautiful Moskva River, admiring the city’s amazing architecture along the way. 

There are lots of ways to get yourself on board one of the boats, but if you’re like me and prefer an up-front, hassle-free experience, just reserve a spot on board one of the Flotilla Radisson Royal boats that depart multiple times a day from the Hotel Ukraina docks.  You can easily buy tickets online through their official site .  The Radisson boats are more luxurious than the one shown above, despite their ticket price of less than 1000 rubles (about $12 USD), and they are equipped with ice-breakers that allow them to sail even on the coldest winter days.

Metro: Kievskaya (it’s a fifteen-minute walk away, so give yourself ample time!)

Moscow Secret:  Don’t pay for the expensive food on board the boats (though, you can order a cocktail and get preferential seating in the bar area… which I highly recommend!). As you’re walking from the Kievskaya metro station to the Hotel Ukraina pier, you’ll pass through a beautiful park. On the north side of the park, about halfway through, there is a branch of Khachapuri restaurant.  This local chain serves amazing Georgian food (including meat and vegetarian options) at reasonable prices, and English menus are often available.

Things to Do in Moscow – Food & Drink

Moscow is home to more than 10,000 restaurants, few of which I found exciting enough to recommend.  Instead, I want to highlight one of my favorite styles of Russian dining: the traditional stolovaya.

11. Stolovaya

You can be in some of the smallest, most remote towns in the far east of Siberia and you’ll probably still be able to find a stolovaya , or cafeteria-style restaurant. Some are full-service (a scowling Russian babushka will slop food onto your plate on your behalf) while others are self-service (and you’ll probably be charged by weight).

In Moscow, my favorite stolovaya was not the famous Stolovaya #57 in the GUM shopping center.  No, it was Grabli, a local chain with a few restaurants dotted around town (including one near the Pushkinskaya metro station that was walking distance from my first Moscow hotel).  Here, I would load up my plate with buckwheat, grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes, grab a bottle of kvass (soda made from rye bread) and enjoy a hearty, healthy(ish) meal.

Metro: Pushkinskaya, Kievskaya, Arbatskaya, etc… all have Grabli locations near the station.

Things to Do in Moscow – Art & Architecture

The architecture in Moscow awed me.  Somehow, it seemed like every corner I turned, every escalator I used to ascend from a metro station, and even every turn of my head revealed yet another spectacular building.

12. Russia Academy of Sciences Building

My favorite building in Moscow is the Russian Academy of Sciences building.  It was built in the 1980s according to a design inspired by science and technology, and the gold boxes on top of the two towers have given it the local nickname “Golden Brains”. One of the most surprising moments on my trip to Moscow was when I realized I could walk right into the courtyard of the complex and take photos of the amazing design, without being bothered by the (many!) security guards.  Unfortunately I arrived quite early in the morning, as if I’d come closer to lunch I could have ascended to the Sky Lounge, a posh restaurant and nightclub on the 22nd floor of one of the towers.

Metro: Leninskiy Prospect

Moscow Secret: The building is just a block away from the Monument to Yuri Gagarin, a 42-meter tower that was inspired by rocket exhaust and made from titanium (like a real rocket!).

13. State Tretyakov Gallery

Moscow’s museums may not quite compare to The Hermitage in Saint Petersburg, but the State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is still a world-class art collection housed in a building designed to recreate the mood of classic Russian fairy tales. The collection is focused around Russia art and includes The Apotheosis of War by Vasily Vereshchagin, Black Square by Kazimir Malevich and The Swan Princess by Mikhail Vrubel .

Unfortunately their English website is down today and my Russian isn’t good enough to navigate their e-ticket site, but I believe a ticket for foreign visitors is about $15 USD, and the gallery is typically open Tuesday to Sunday.

Metro: Tretyakovskaya

14. The Seven Sisters

Following World War 2, Joseph Stalin embarked on a mission to make Moscow look like a cosmopolitan international capital.  The heart of his plan was the Seven Sisters, a group of skyscrapers built between 1947 and 1957.  They include Hotel Ukraina (shown above, now a Radisson hotel, and the departure point for my recommended Moscow river cruise), the main building of the Moscow State University, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs building.  They were the tallest buildings in Europe at the time, and they inspired similar Stalinist constructions in other European cities (like the Palace of Culture and Science in Warsaw).

Most the buildings are now closed to the public, but guests of the Radission Royal Hotel Moscow and the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya can stay inside the two that continue to operate as hotels.

Things to Do in Moscow – Parks, Etc.

Moscow can feel like an urban jungle, but the city did manage to preserve some green spaces within its inner rings.  Here are two Moscow parks (plus one island!) worth checking out.

15. Patriarch Ponds

Several ponds are now one pond, here in the heart of Moscow.  Surrounded by luxury apartment buildings, this tree-lined pond is a charming place to sit with a cup of tea or some seeds to feed the swans in the summer.  If you’re visiting in winter, the ponds turn into one of Europe’s prettiest outdoor skating rinks.

Patriarch Ponds were made famous in The Master and Margarita .  Bring a copy on your Russian adventure or watch one of the film adaptations before your trip.

Metro: Tverskaya

16. Gorky Park

Gorky Park is another Moscow park immortalized in contemporary media (the novel Gorky Park , by Martin Cruz Smith, was adapted into a film in 1983, and launched a series of mystery novels featuring Detective Arkady Renko).  Today, this 300-acre park is one of the recreational hearts of Moscow; a popular place for families to gather when the weather is nice.  Inside the park you’ll find ponds, fountains, bridges, a skating rink, cafes and even a carousel.  Don’t miss the sculpture park on the northeast side of the park; there are more than 1,000 pieces here for visitors to wander through freely.  Radisson river cruises also sporadically depart from the dock in Gorky Park.

Metro: Oktyabrskaya (check out the giant Lenin statue across the street!)

17. Red October Complex

Near the northeast end of Gorky Park, a pedestrian bridge crosses the Moskva Rier to Bolotny Island.  This is Moscow’s “hipster” district, and the cool factor emanates from Red October, a former chocolate factory that has been converted into an arts and culture space.  There’s still a chocolate shop on site, but most people now come to drink cocktails at trendy bars, shop for clothing, accessories and art at independent boutiques, and party until the late night at some of the city’s most exclusive nightclubs.  There is a small park on the island (with the bizarrely-named monument “Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices”) and it faces the stunning, golden-domed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

Metro: Kropotkinskaya

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Things to Do in Moscow – Outside the City Center

These activities are a little bit further afield (okay, or a lot further afield in the case of the last one!) but they’re all worth your time when you visit Moscow.  In retrospect, I think my trip to Russia would have been incomplete without all three.

18. Izmailovsky Market

Combine Disneyland, Russia, a medieval village and a flea market and you’ve got something like Izmailovksy Market, one of the city’s weirdest, yet most satisfying, tourist attractions.  This is where I bought gifts for my family: a vintage watch featuring a Soviet spacecraft for my brother, a traditional Russian scarf for my mom, and a set of four coffee mugs featuring a shirtless Vladmir Putin for me (okay, I got my dad one too… but I kept four!).

The market area consists of the “Izmaylovo Kremlin”, a reproduction of a traditional Russian town that is packed with market-style souvenir stalls and shops, the “Izmaylovo Market” itself, which is an antique fair and flea market that is best visited on the weekend, Izmaylovo Park, which I didn’t visit, and Izmaylovo Hotel, which used to be the world’s largest hotel (and still draws bus loads of domestic tourists who come to shop the market).  Give yourself three or four hours for browsing, shopping and lunch.

Metro: Partisanskaya is closest to the market.

19. Overnight Trip to Suzdal

Although it’s possible to visit Suzdal as a (long) day trip from Moscow, I think this charming Russian village deserves at least an overnight, if not two.  Despite being only three hours from Moscow, it feels about three hundred years away from the big city, with the historic area seemingly frozen in time.  Suzdal has one of the prettiest Kremlins you’ll ever see, with its Kremlin domes painted like the night sky.  It has churches, monasteries and cathedrals, and it has an ethnographic village featuring reconstructions of the traditional wooden buildings that used to be the region’s main architectural style.  The dining here leans farm-to-table, the drinks here lean strong and sweet, and the accommodation leans towards rustic guesthouses (check out Guesthouse Dacha Beliy Bereg ( White Beach Cottage Guesthouse ) and Na Kremlevskom Beregu ( O n the Kremlin Beach) for your overnight stay).

Metro: You’re going to need more than a metro to travel the 220 kilometers from Moscow to Suzdal.  Start by taking a train from Kurskaia station in Moscow to Vladimir (about two hours).  Get off the train in Vladimir and cross the street to the bus station.  From here, buses to Suzdal depart every half hour or so.  The bus journey takes about an hour.

20. Seven-Day Trip Across Russia (The Trans-Siberian Railway)

One of the most famous journeys in the world is the Trans-Siberian Railway, which spans 9,289 kilometers from Moscow to Vladivostok.  Moscow will obviously be either your starting or ending point (although some travelers continue on to Saint Petersburg, it’s not technically part of the official route).   For me, it was both, as I only had enough points to fly from my home in Canada to a European destination.  I flew into Moscow, spent a few days there getting over my jet lag and then hopped a cheap flight to Vladivostok to catch the train back.

Trans-Siberian Railway trains depart from, and arrive at, Moskva Yaroslavskaya station.  The metro station here is Komsomolskaya, with easy connections into the city center.

If you’re considering a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway, I have two posts that you should definitely read:

• Trans-Siberian Railway Trip Planning explains how I got a visa, how I purchased point-to-point tickets without using an agency and what life was like on board the train.
• Trans-Siberian Railway Stops focuses on my favorite cities along the route.  I don’t recommend making the non-stop seven-day trip across Russia in one go.  Instead, I suggest buying point-to-point tickets and getting off the train at as many of these Russian cities as possible.

Are you considering a trip to Russia? 

Let me know your thoughts on traveling to Russia in the comments!

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 19th June, 2024

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

Other blog posts you might be interested in…

• The best things to do in St Petersburg
• A 2-week Norway road trip
• A complete guide to Helsinki
• A complete guide to Tallinn
• Europe: the ultimate travel guide
• The best capital cities to visit in Europe
• The best things to do in Europe: the ultimate Europe bucket list

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

Top tip: Getting around Moscow

If you want to get a taxi, use the local taxi app “Yandex” which is similar to Uber. Definitely avoid taxis waiting in tourist spots, as they can charge you ridiculous amounts of money for a very short ride.

16 best places to visit in Moscow

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

Martin Taylor

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

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25 Best Things to Do in Moscow

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If it's your first time visiting Moscow, it's normal to feel overwhelmed. The Russian capital has over 800 years of history and a population of nearly 13 million residents spread across a giant spider-web-shaped city, so finding your bearings takes some time. The sprawling metropolis includes major attractions you've probably heard of, like the Kremlin or St. Basil's Church, but there's so much more to be discovered in Moscow. From the era when tsars ruled to the post-Soviet capital of today, Moscow has always had an air of mystery to it. Pull back the veil and you're sure to be surprised at just how much is hiding beneath the surface.

Explore the Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

First-time visitors must tour the Moscow Kremlin.  The heart of the historic district of the city and the long-time seat of government, the Kremlin contains palaces, churches, museums, and even a larger-than-life cannon, all of which can be viewed while touring the grounds. There is a lot to see just within the Kremlin walls, but the most important attraction is the Armory Chamber, which houses royal regalia, gowns, golden carriages, and other items that date back to the days of the tsardom in Russia.

Visit Novodevichy Convent

The Novodevichy Convent is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the most well-known cloister in all of Moscow. In a city where many ancient religious buildings were torn down after the revolution, the Novodevichy Convent is one of the surviving churches that's remained practically untouched for centuries. On the convent's grounds are the Novodevichy cemetery and necropolis, which have been the burial place for Russia's elite since the 16th century. Visitors can see the final resting places of the key figures in Russian history, from political leaders like Khrushchev and Yeltsin to artistic heroes like Chekhov and Gogol.

Meet Stalin's Seven Sisters

Moscow's Seven Sisters of Stalinist Architecture remember the mid-century leader's need for Russia to illustrate its size and might. These skyscrapers are an integral part of Moscow's skyline and are placed throughout the city, easily recognizable by their domineering presence. The seven are buildings are the Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the main building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the main building of Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

Get a Sparrow's-Eye View

For the best view in Moscow, take a trip to the summit of Sparrow Hills. Located on the outer rings of the city and right along the riverbank, it's one of the tallest points in Moscow and offers unbeatable views. Nearby landmarks include the Novodevichy Convent, the Olympic Luzhniki Stadium, and Moscow University, which is one of the Seven Sisters. You can hike up when the weather is nice or use the cable car for an easier ride, just make sure you have your camera to capture the views.

Ride the Metro

In most cities, the metro is a means for seeing attractions but not an actual attraction itself. That's not the case in Moscow. The Moscow metro is an incredible network of underground rails connected by architecturally splendid stations all designed around a theme or style. The design of the Moscow metro stations was overseen by Stalin and they were meant to be "palaces of the people" with ornate architecture, large chandeliers, and artistic sculptures for the people to enjoy on their daily commutes. Several stations are tourist landmarks in and of themselves, especially Komsomolskaya, Kiyevskaya, and Mayakovskaya.

Pay Your Respects to Lenin

Visiting Lenin's tomb is a free activity that you can do if you have the time. You'll enter the eerily lit interior, circle the embalmed form of Lenin, and then exit in the sunlight, perhaps a little bewildered. This experience will initiate you into the world of Russian political culture—a culture that is hardly dead and buried, despite the strides made in the past couple of decades.

Walk the Red Square in the Evening

The Red Square is the epicenter of Moscow—both literally and metaphorically. You can't visit the city without spending time in this iconic plaza, but try to dedicate at least one late evening or night to experience it without the hoards of people. If you want to see it in its less-crowded splendor, after dark is one of the best times for visiting. Though it probably won't be completely free of tourists, the size and grandeur of this important landmark will become more apparent when you take it all in.

Pass the Time at Patriarch's Ponds

The infamous setting to the introductory scene in The Master and Margarita by Mikhail Bulgakov, Patriarch's Ponds is nearby Bulgakov's house-museum. Visit to honor the Russian writer or escape a scorching summer day by the cool water. During the winter, Patriarch's Ponds transforms into a romantic skating rink. Take a walk around the waters and grab a bite in one of the surrounding bistros for a pleasant afternoon in one of Moscow's most charming neighborhoods.

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Visit the rebuilt Cathedral of Christ the Savior for a glimpse into Russian history. One of the tallest Orthodox cathedrals in the world, it was originally built in the 19th century to be the grandest church in Russia but was then demolished in 1931 by Joseph Stalin in his quest to secularize the country. The current building was modeled off of the original cathedral and only finished in 2000. The Byzantine architecture is impressive from the outside, but the majesty of the painted frescoes and elaborate altars on the inside are even more spectacular.

Step Back in Time on Old Arbat Street

When people say "The Arbat," they're referring to the neighborhood around Old Arbat Street —not to be confused with New Arbat Street. This pedestrian district is a part of Moscow's historic core and maintains the look and feel of Old Moscow, with street vendors, old shops, and classic eateries. It was also the stomping grounds for famous writers like Pushkin and Tolstoy, and you can even visit the former's old house-turned-museum. Since this is a prime tourist destination in Moscow, it's also a hotspot for pickpockets, so be sure to keep your valuables close.

Marvel at St. Basil's Cathedral

The colorful onion-shaped domes of St. Basil's Cathedral are perhaps the most recognizable symbol of Russian architecture. Located in the Red Square, it was originally commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 1500s (the legend says that he blinded the architects after it was done so they could never again create something so beautiful). It was nearly destroyed by Stalin in the 20th century, but in the end, he decided to keep the building and turn it into a state-run museum, which is still its main function today.

Take in History at Victory Park

Victory Park is, essentially, a massive war memorial celebrating Russia's victory in the Great Patriotic War, known outside of the former-Soviet Union as World War II. The area is more of an open-air museum than a park, filled with monuments, war artifacts, and statues. Fountains—over 1,400 of them—symbolize each day of Russia's participation in this international conflict. Apart from an Orthodox church, there are also a memorial mosque and a memorial synagogue at the park to commemorate persecuted Muslims and Jews.

View Russian Masterpieces

The Tretyakov Gallery is the foremost museum of Russian art in the world, housing priceless works dating as far back as the Byzantine Empire to contemporary masterpieces. Enter the fairytale building and view portraits of historical figures, famous landscape scenes, and illustrations of cultural life in Russia through the centuries. Highlights include the likes of centuries-old Byzantine religious paintings and pieces by Kandinsky.

Go Big at the Bolshoi Theater

If you're a fan of ballet or opera, the Bolshoi Theater isn't just the most renowned venue in Russia, but one of the most celebrated in the world. The name literally translates to "big theater," to distinguish it from the Maly Theater—or "small theater"—also in Moscow. The imposing facade and elaborate interior all date back to Imperial Russia, as does the prestigious Bolshoi Ballet Academy. If you can snag tickets to a show, it's sure to be one of the most memorable parts of your time in Moscow.

Mull Over Modern Art

Artists have been attracted to Moscow's art scene for centuries, from the icon painters who decorated the cathedrals of ancient Muscovy to painters like Kandinsky, who changed the art world with his abstract “musical” works. Artists in Moscow continue to push the envelope with innovative artistic endeavors that shock and wow, which is all on display at the Moscow Museum of Modern Art. While there is a focus on avant-garde Russian artists, the museum also displays established 20th and 21st-century artists from around the world.

Space Out at the Museum of Cosmonautics

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Since the days of the Space Race during the Cold War, space exploration has been an important part of Russian and Soviet history. The country is supremely proud of its space travel achievements, not least of which was sending the first human being outside of Earth's atmosphere. There are over 85,000 items on display at the Museum of Cosmonautics, including Yuri Gagarin's original space capsule, astronaut suits, and moon rovers. While the museum once focused on Soviet accomplishments, a major renovation in 2009 expanded the display to include the feats of American, Chinese, European, and other international space programs.

Improve Your Spirits

Learn all about the national drink of Russia at the History of Vodka Museum. Dive into its history and find out why it became the beverage of choice for Russians both rich and poor. It's a small museum inside the charming Izmailovo Kremlin cultural center and easy to walk through when you're short on time. It's ideal for a pitstop on a cold winter's day when you need some indoor heating and a shot of artisan vodka to stave off the chill outside.

Treat Yourself to Russian Tea

Russian tea culture differs from Western tea-drinking practices. For starters, the samovar takes center stage, a traditional kettle that originated in Russia and then spread through Eastern Europe and the Middle East. A strong pot of tea concentrate called zavarka is brewed on the samovar and each person serves themself as much as they want, controlling how strong their own tea is. First-rate hotels and fancy tea rooms often prepare the drink in a samovar, so definitely take the opportunity to enjoy it whenever you see one.

Dig into Traditional Cuisine at Cafe Pushkin

 Cafe Pushkin

Russian food is comforting and delightful, with hearty meats, light dill-seasoned salads, stick-to-your-ribs dumplings, and more. Authentic Russian cuisine is usually served with dense black bread and generous amounts of butter or sour cream to accompany every part of the meal. While you can enjoy traditional food at many places around the city, Cafe Pushkin is a landmark in itself. The ornate and historic cafe is like stepping inside a place where Tolstoy or Chekhov may have penned their works (in fact, it's named for another famous Russian writer). The restaurant is one of the highest-rated in the city, albeit a bit expensive. But if you feel like splurging on a meal, there's nowhere more iconic to do so.

Kiss Winter Goodbye During Maslenitsa

The Maslenitsa farewell-to-winter festival takes the pent-up energy from the long, cold winter and expends it in a thrilling festival of games, food, drink, and Russian traditions. It's the Orthodox version of Mardi Gras or Carnival, although since the calendar is different the dates can differ drastically. Stack your plate high with Russian pancakes called bliny and enjoy this pre-Lenten feast with traditional activities that include sleigh rides and burning the Maslenitsa effigy.

Go Ice Skating

Russians love ice sports, ice skating included. Ice rinks spring up around Moscow for the winter season, and they are regularly enjoyed by everyone. The most famous is the one erected in front of GUM every year, but Patriarch's Ponds also serves as a rink when the ice becomes thick enough. There are dozens across the city in the wintertime, although the biggest can be found at the central Gorky Park—a massive rink that takes about 15 minutes to skate around the entire perimeter!

​Weather the Cold at the Winter Festival

The Moscow Winter Festival is a celebration of the coldest season of the year, typically lasting from mid-December through mid-January and overlapping with Russian Christmas and Russian New Year. Ice sculptures, games, and other associated events make this festival an anticipated occasion for locals and visitors of all ages. Take a troika ride on a horse-drawn carriage, warm up with fresh-baked pastries, or learn all about Ded Moroz, the Russian version of Santa Claus.

Go Shopping at GUM

GUM was the state department store during the Soviet era, the place where residents could buy anything and everything. After the fall of the Soviet Union, the chain was privatized and the most famous GUM store—the one in Moscow—turned into a shopping mall of luxury goods. Facing the Red Square, GUM is still a Moscow institution for its high-end shopping and Italian-inspired architecture. Whether you want to make a purchase or just duck out of the cold weather, GUM is a place you can't miss on your trip.

Pick Up Souvenirs at Izmailovo Market

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Izmailovo Market is where dozens of vendors sell traditional Russian items like matryoshka dolls, khokhloma art, fur hats, shot glasses, paintings, embroidery, and more. You can shop to your heart's content and snag souvenirs, gifts, and conversation pieces. This fun bazaar is located inside the Izmailovo Kremlin, which feels like a small enchanting Russian town of yesteryear nestled inside busy Moscow.

Be a Bookworm

Moscow's giant bookstore, Dom Knigi, is a great location for picking up Russian-language souvenirs. Here you can find best-selling English-language books translated into Russian, Russian-language classics, dictionaries, language guides, and more. Whether you're fluent in Russian or just interested in foreign tongues, Dom Knigi is a book lover's dream.

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Top 10 Moscow Attractions – Things To Do In Moscow

Moscow is a vibrant city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and a dynamic cultural scene. Here are the top 10 attractions you should consider visiting.

Last updated: August 2024

All around the Kremlin

Red Square: The heart of Moscow and one of the most famous squares in the world. It’s surrounded by some of the city’s most significant landmarks.

• The Kremlin: A historic fortified complex that includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with towers.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral: Located in Red Square, this iconic church is known for its colorful, onion-shaped domes and intricate design.

Bolshoi Theatre: One of the most famous theatres in the world, known for its ballet and opera performances.

Zaryadye Park: Located adjacent to Red Square, Zaryadye Park is a modern urban park that offers a blend of nature and technology.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: Located in Alexander Garden near the Kremlin, this memorial honors the Soviet soldiers who died in World War II.

The VDNKh – the Exhibition of National Economic Achievements – and it remains a fascinating monument to Russia’s transitional period, a mixture of faded Soviet pomp and unregulated capitalism.

Its story began in 1939 as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition, a monumental paean to the achievements of collectivization. Nowadays the VDNKh is a bizarre juxtaposition: part agricultural fair, part trade expo, part shopping center and part street market, with amusements as diverse as paint-balling and camel rides. The park itself is an intriguing example of 20th century landscaping. The VDNKh buildings, still preposterously magnificent are wonderful example of Soviet architecture.

The VDNKh is truly unique, and worth visiting, especially as there is much more to be seen nearby, including the wonderful Cosmonautics Museum. It was opened in 1981, to the 20th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin space flight. The idea of creating this museum belongs to famous Russian scientist S.P. Korolev, one of the major figures in rocketry and space ship building of the XX century.

Patriarshiye Prudy

The Moscow Metro has its own unforgettable charm. It was opened in 1935 and became one of the USSR’s most extravagant architectural projects. That is why most of the central underground stations look like a museum. Every station has its own mood, different decorations and fascinating story. Take a journey in Moscow underground to get an unforgettable impression of the city.

The North River Terminal

At the heart of this area is Arbat Street, a pedestrian thoroughfare that stretches for about one kilometer, filled with shops, cafes, and street performers.

New Arbat Street located nearby is characterized by its distinctive high-rise buildings and bustling urban environment. Originally constructed between 1957 and 1963 as a showcase of Soviet modernism, New Arbat features a mix of residential, commercial, and office spaces, with its iconic high-rise buildings often referred to as “books” due to their shape.

Beyond Arbat Street, the neighborhood also houses the Narkomfin Building (Dom Narkomfina), a significant example of Constructivist architecture. Designed by Moisei Ginzburg and Ignaty Milinis in the late 1920s, this building reflects the utopian ideals of Soviet communal living.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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• 9 Places Just Outside Moscow...

9 Places Just Outside Moscow to Experience Rural Russia

Moscow is a buzzing metropolis, but only a short car ride away from Russia’s capital are some tranquil getaways. From a boho art park to a literary museum-reserve to a riverside paradise—here are the best places for a short escape from the city that never sleeps.

Nikola lenivets art park.

Although rural Russia is not the first place you’ll go looking for contemporary art, Nikola Lenivets proves that otherworldly wooden installations scattered on a 650-hectare field can turn an abandoned village into a tourist mecca. Located only 220 kilometers (137 miles) from Moscow , this place is amazing in any season; however, in summer, visitors can test their gardening skills and create art objects.

Nikola Lenivets Art Park, Kaluga Region, Russia , +7 499 504-43-33

Church, Monastery, Museum

Abramtsevo Museum-Reserve

In the Abramtsevo Museum-Reserve , you’ll get a chance to see what life in a Russian 19th-century estate was like. The Abramtsevo estate, set against a backdrop of unspoiled nature, rose to prominence in the middle of the 19th century. The place used to have some celebrated owners and equally famous visitors: writer Sergey Aksakov bought the estate in the 1840s, and after his death, entrepreneur Savva Mamontov purchased it, turning it into an artist community. At different times, writers Nikolai Gogol and Ivan Turgenev , as well as artists Ilya Repin , Valentin Serov , and Mikhail Vrubel, among others, frequented Abramtsevo.

Abramtsevo Museum, Reserve, 1 Muzeynaya Street, Abramtsevo Colony, Moscow Region, Russia , +7 496 543-24-70

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Sukhanovo Estate

Ever wondered what the estate of the Bolkonsky family from Tolstoy’s War and Peace looks like in real life? Located near the city of Vidnoe in the Moscow region, this land was the property of the famous Volkonsky family. The magnificent manor used to host dazzling balls; the mausoleum houses the bodies of Prince and Princess Volkonsky, and the overgrown garden is home to an elegant pavilion. Sadly, most structures have deteriorated, but it’s still a great place to explore on a sunny day.

Sukhanovo Estate, Vidnoe, Moscow Region, Russia , +7 968 529-60-60

Bykovo Estate

If you take a 40-minute bus ride southeast of Moscow, you’ll find yourself in the blemished but still beautiful Bykovo Estate. Designed by celebrated Russian architect Vasily Bazhenov, the place is known for its spectacular Gothic-style church . Stroll through the forested park, past the charming pondside rotunda and admire the neo-Renaissance Bykovo manor.

Bykovo Estate, Kolkhoznaya street, Bykovo, Moscow Region, Russia , +7 496 462-41-26

Gzhel Porcelain Factory in Turygino village

In Turygino village, you can explore the outdoors, go gift shopping, and learn about Gzhel porcelain—one of the most popular gifts people bring home from Russia. At the local Gzhel Porcelain Factory , you can buy original pieces with a signature stamp on them, admire the largest collection of Gzhel porcelain in Moscow and see the production of these legendary items.

JSC ‘Union Gzhel’, Turygino village, Ramensky district, Moscow Region, Russia , +7 906 055-23-57

Ugresha Monastery

This 16th-century monastery is worth a visit if only to see the tallest bell tower in the Orthodox world. A living representation of Russia’s history, legend has it that Russian saint Dmitry Donskoy founded it. Ugresha Monastery has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times, and today, you can feast your eyes on the well-preserved buildings.

Ugresha Monastery, 1 Svyatitelya Nikolaya Square, Dzerzhinskiy, Moscow Region, Russia , +7 495 551-26-43

Istra River

Lush green forests and breathtaking river views are a two-hour car ride away from Moscow. With plenty of hotels dotting its banks, Istra River is a perfect place for a short retreat, complete with swimming, fishing, and Russian banya.

Istrinskoe Vodokhranilische, Moscow Region, Russia

Tchaikovsky House Museum in Klin

The nondescript city of Klin would have never become a tourist draw if it hadn’t been for the house museum of Tchaikovsky . Russia’s most famous composer spent his last years in this house, which became a museum right after his death. Surrounded by a lovely garden, the museum houses original interiors and personal belongings of the great composer, including a mechanical rooster and a cast of Anton Rubinstein’s hand.

Tchaikovsky House Museum, 48 Tchaikovskogo street, Klin, Moscow Region, Russia , +7 496 245-81-96

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• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Top 10 places for a day trip from Moscow

• #Russian History
• #Special Interest
• #Suburbs of Moscow

Moscow offers tourists many great sights to see, but if you ask locals, they will tell you that Moscow is not all there is to Russia, so it’s worth getting away sometimes. Without exploring further, you miss something of the Russian unique character. If you wonder what to visit near Moscow, we recommend you 10 places where a tourist can go for a refreshing recreation, new impressions, and acquaintance with Russian history and culture.

01 Sergiyev Posad

Sergiyev Posad is one of the most beautiful towns located around Moscow. It’s not only famous for its monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, but also for the fact that it’s the only town in the Moscow Region that is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities. Its cities and towns influenced the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. But the main thing which one should visit Sergiyev Posad is the Lavra for sure. You may spend there all day, walking around and enjoying the sense of its power and strength. You absolutely have to buy some honey cakes as souvenirs for friends and feed Lavra’s pigeons when entering the monastery. Besides, you may visit Sergiyev Posad State History and Art Museum-Reserve, which has quite an impressive collection, take a look at the displays in the National Museum of Toys, and taste truly Russian food in local cafes and restaurants.

You can reach Sergiyev Posad by suburban electric train, by bus, or by car. The electric train departs from the Yaroslavsky rain terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts for an hour and a half. You may take a bus near the ‘VDNKh’ metro station, and you’ll be in Sergiyev Posad in an hour and a half at least and in two hours at most. Your car will take you there in an hour and a half at most, too. You should drive the Yaroslavskoye highway. 

If you want to look at a city that combines hi-tech and historical past, you should absolutely visit Kolomna. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in Russia, a beautiful port on the Oka River. Kolomna has its own Kremlin, which is made of red brick, like the Moscow Kremlin. Inside it, you may find many monasteries and churches, including the one in which Dmitry of the Don, Prince of Moscow, and Grand Prince of Vladimir, had his wedding to the Grand Duchess of Muscovy Eudoxia of Moscow. There is still a reserved residential area which is called Posad, right in the Kremlin territory. The buildings date back to merchants’ times. There are some interesting churches, too. In 2006, the Kolomna Speed Skating Center, known as the Kometa Ice Rink, was opened. Its futuristic look contrast the picturesque views of the ancient Kolomna Kremlin and its beautiful churches.

The best way to reach Kolomna is an electric train that departs from the Kazansky rail terminal. The trip lasts for two and a half, or one hour and forty minutes by the Ryazansky express. You can also choose a bus from the Vykhino metro station (1.4 to 4 hrs due to traffic jams) or a car.

03 Shakhmatovo

Shakhmatovo was a manor of the well-known Russian lyrical poet Alexander Blok. His grandfather Andrey Nikolaevich Beketov bought it, and young Blok used to spend it there every summer. Later, he moved there with his wife Lyubov Mendeleeva, who was the daughter of the famous chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. Blok’s grandfather decided to buy Shakhmatovo because of its picturesque views. They are really very nice, and the better time to visit this place is spring and summer. According to his own project, Blok’s mansion is a wooden house built by the poet but burnt by peasants in 1921. It was rebuilt in 2001, and since that time, it often holds big events and excursions. There is also a stable in Shakhmatovo territory, and everyone interested may ride a horse, or rent a bicycle in the summertime, or ski in wintertime.

Shakhmatovo can be reached by car because other options combine train departs from the Leningradsky rail terminal, then changes to bus till the Tarakanovo manor, then goes by foot, or bus from the Vodny stadion metro station, and then also by foot. Travel time is 1.4 hrs.

04 Zakharovo

It is a manor located in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region, where everybody interested may learn more about the greatest Russian poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. In 1804, Zakharova was bought by his grandmother Mariya Alexeevna Gannibal, and young Pushkin was brought here every summer from 1805 through to 1810. He recalled Zakharovo in his poems as well. Now, the house which Pushkin visited as a child doesn’t exist anymore, but it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century on the former basis. Now it is a quiet and nice place with a museum dedicated to the famous poet's childhood, where one may spend a day enjoying the spirit of the time when young Pushkin ran across manor’s paths. From that time, linden park, approach alleys, and pond were saved. Not very far away from Zakharovo, another place connected to Pushkin’s name is located. It’s called Bolshiye Vyazyomy, and there the young Pushkin’s brother Nikolenka was buried after his death at the age of six.

The best way to go there is by train, which departs from the Belorussky rail terminal and goes to Zvenigorod. You should leave at the Zakharovo station. Travel time is an hour and a half.

05 Borodino

Borodino is truly a sacred place for all those who honor the great Russian past. The Borodino Battlefield held the most important fighting during the Patriotic War of 1812. This place was made a museum area in 1839, just after 27 years after the battle. More than two thousand memorable things are stored in the museum, including some monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries, and fortification facilities. Besides, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the famous novel ‘War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, who visited Borodino in person and described this battle in his book. Every year, reconstruction events occur in Borodino, which is considered the best for visiting. But if you want to feel the spirit of the battle past, it’s better to visit it in more quiet time.

To go there, you should take a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, leave in Mozhaysk, and then change to the bus. The whole travel time is about 2 hrs.

06 Melikhovo

Melikhovo is considered one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, one of the brightest Russian writers and playwrights. Chekhov had been living in Melikhovo from March 1892 until August 1899 with his parents and close relatives. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “Uncle Vanya” and “The Seagull.” He sold this manor before going to the Crimea, and it became vague after the revolution. But in 1939, it was decided to establish a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew initiated the process, and the museum opened its doors in 1941. Now Melikhovo shows the path of Chekhov not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. Some paintings of famous artists such as Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends, are being stored. It’s a nice place to visit to learn more about Chekov’s life and work.

The best way to reach Melikhovo is by bus, which departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station, and goes to Protvino, Obolensk, or Serpukhov, or by the direct 365 bus. Also, you may choose an electric train from the Kursky rail terminal. Travel time is 1,5 hrs.

07 Abramtsevo

This is another manor connected to the lives of important Russian people — not only writers but also artists. Abramtsevo, located close to Sergiev Posad, was a property of Sergey Aksakov, a writer and a Slavophiles, and later of Savva Mamontov, a well-known patron of the arts. Abramtsevo used to be visited by writers Ivan Turgenev and Nikolay Gogol, poet Fyodor Tyutchev, and such artists as Isaac Levitan, Vasily Polenov, and Mikhail Vrubel, and by the great Russian singer Fyodor Shalyapin as well. The exhibition in the museum is dedicated to famous Abramtsevo owners and guests. It was made a museum in 1917, and its first curator was Alexandra Mamontova, Savva Mamontov’s daughter. The main sightseeing view is a wooden building made in the 18th century and saved in Savva Mamontov's form in the 19th century. There are also some bright buildings such as hut pavilion or hut bath-house. You have to remember that the main manor house may be visited only with an excursion group on the weekend.

Electric train to Abramtsevo departs from the Yaroslavsky rail terminal and goes to Sergiyev Posad or Aleksandrov. You may reach Abramtsevo by bus as well. Travel time is an hour and a half.

08 Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnaya Polyana is known as a place of residence of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. He was born there, wrote his novels ‘War and Peace’ and ‘Anna Karenina,’ died and is buried. He’d been living in this manor for fifty years. Yasnaya Polyana is located in the Tula Region, 200 km from Moscow to the south. This manor consists of many interesting and significant objects. For example, the interior of the main house where Tolstoy lived is being kept like it was in 1910 — it was the last year for the writer. All things in the house are considered to be personal belongings of Tolstoy and his family. Besides the main house, the Yasnaya Polyana ensemble includes the so-called Volkonsky house — the house of Tolstoy’s grandfather, the Kuzminskiye wing, which is a part of the oldest house where Tolstoy was born, now non-existent, the birch alley made by Sofya Andreevna, Leo Tolstoy’s wife, stable, ponds, and favorite Tolstoy’s bench. Leo Tolstoy’s tomb is located close to the ravine's edge — it’s where he wanted to be buried.

The whole travel time to Yasnaya Polyana is about 4 hrs as long as it’s located near Tula. It can be reached by train, or by car. First, you should go to Tula by train from the Kursky rail terminal or by bus from the Tsaritsyno, Domodedovskaya, Prazhskaya, or Ulitsa Akademika Yangelya metro stations, and then change to bus, or by trolley bus for Yasnaya Polyana.

09 Polotnyany Zavod

This place which title can be translated into Russian as ‘linen factory,’ is known for its connection to the Goncharov family, from which Natalia Goncharova, Alexander Pushkin’s wife, originated. The real linen factory was built on the bank of the Sukhodrev River in the Kaluga Region in 1718 by Peter the Great order. Goncharov, Natalia’s great grandfather, was one of the companions who participated in the factory’s development. Every companion built his own manor close to the factory’s building, and even for those times, it was quite an uncommon situation. Polotnyany Zavod was visited by the empress Catherine the Great, the Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, and Nikolay Vasilievich Gogol. In 1999, when everybody celebrated the bicentennial of Alexander Pushkin, Polotnyany Zavod was made a museum, and now it welcomes many guests who come to see dramatized excursions and to learn more about Pushkin times. The poet himself visited this place two times, in 1830 and 1834. Polotnyany Zavod has the most picturesque panoramic view in the Kaluga Region.

To go to Polotnyany Zavod, you should take a bus from the bus station near the Tyoply Stan metro station, and go to Kondorovo. It takes a little more than three hours.

Tarus is just another little town in Kaluga Region, which is considered to be typical Russian. It’s located on the left bank of the Oka River and has really magnificent views. It feels like time stands still there. Tarusa managed to preserve the best from the past, and even now, it consists mostly of one-storeyed houses made of wood or stone. They say it’s because Tarusa residents declined railroad construction. This town became popular among Russian intellectuals at the beginning of the 20th century when famous artist Vasily Polenov discovered it and told about Tarusa to anyone in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tarusa is known to be a hometown for Russian writer Marina Tsvetaeva, whose family spent summertime there. Tsvetaeva museum is a museum every guest of Tarusa should visit for sure. Besides, Konstantin Paustovsky, another famous Russian writer, lived there till his death and was buried in Tarusa. The absolutely must-do in Tarusa is to walk along the embankment of the Oka River.

The best way to reach Tarusa is by direct bus which departs from the bus station near the ‘Tyoply Stan’ metro station. Travel time is about two hours.

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• 1. Sergiyev Posad
• 3. Shakhmatovo
• 4. Zakharovo
• 5. Borodino
• 6. Melikhovo
• 7. Abramtsevo
• 8. Yasnaya Polyana
• 9. Polotnyany Zavod

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15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips From Moscow

Is the hustle and bustle of Moscow starting to wear you down? No worries. There are multiple great day trips from Moscow that will let you see a different side of Russia that you won’t find in the metropolitan area. Each day trip I’ve listed below can easily be done by train from Moscow, and there are trains every day of the week.

The area surrounding Moscow is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, and lines of the sprawling Russian capital. Since Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country it may take from half an hour to two hours to reach some of the landmarks on this list (by train or car) from the Moscow city center.

You can escape to the picturesque Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields, admire onion-domed churches, and get insight into the local way of life. Easy day trips from Moscow include the incomparable white-stone Trinity Cathedral in Sergiyev Posad, the spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov, and the Russian military aircraft in Monino. For those who love rural tranquility, Suzdal and Vladimir are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Patriotic War of 1812 reenactment that took place in Borodino on the first weekend of September.

Without further ado, here are 15 best day trips from Moscow that are well worth your attention.

The Best Day Trips from Moscow

There’s a reason Moscow is one of Europe’s most enigmatic destinations. It’s got culture, class, food, history, and more, but even better, is that it is the country’s main transport hub with so many attractions within a day trip from Moscow. While you can definitely spend days or even weeks in Moscow, it can, of course, be done in just one week. What can you do in Moscow in seven days ? Well, you can do a lot if you know how to plan a trip to a place you know so little about.

If you’re ready to get out of the city a bit and soak up the culture, fresh air, and enchanting architecture, I’ve rounded up my favorite day trips outside of Moscow. I often get asked: What are the best cities to visit in Russia? And these are places that I’ve been and loved.

My Favorite Easy Day Trips from Moscow:

Dmitrov Kolomna Zvenigorod Sergiyev Posad Yaroslavl Arkhangelskoye Estate Vladimir Suzdal Korolev Borodino Patriot Park in Kubinka Melikhovo Gorki Leninskie Kaluga Monino

1. Day Trip to Dmitrov from Moscow

Dmitrov may not be as popular as other cities in Russia, but the fact that the city was founded only 7 years earlier than Moscow makes for a great day trip. This small city some 90 kilometers from Moscow is particularly beautiful in the summer. As you walk the streets you can see sparkling fountains, charming centuries-old buildings, yachts and boats transiting through the canal and, of course, the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin.

The Kremlin (castle) is the city’s main draw. The 10m high and about 1km long earthen rampart remained behind the wooden wall and gives an idea of how the castle looked like 400 years ago. The oldest surviving building on the Kremlin grounds is the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral with a unique five-tier iconostasis.

Not far from the Kremlin there is a compact 15th-century Borisoglebsky convent. Its main building – the 16th-century Cathedral of Sts. Boris and Gleb is open to the visitors only for services of worship. In the 1930s in the convent housed a labor camp, which contained the builders of the Canal named after Moscow.

Getting There: Dmitrov sits an easy hour and sixteen minutes by train from Savyelovskiy Rail Terminal. This cheap day trip from Moscow is a great chance to soak up the historic charm to be found in Moscow Oblast.

2. Day Trip to Kolomna from Moscow

Situated to the south-east of Moscow, Kolomna is a beautiful port city on the Oka River. This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region. So you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Interestingly, the city was a site for important weapon factories under the Soviet Union. Although it was opened up in 1994 Kolomna is not as popular as other day-trip destinations in the region.

Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the 15th-century Kremlin made of red brick, try incredibly sweet traditional pastila (marshmallow), and visit some of the cute little churches and 19th-century mansions.

Getting There: Take the express train (commuter line train) from the Kazansky rail terminal to Golutvin station. The trip lasts one hour and forty minutes.

3. Day Trip to Zvenigorod from Moscow

This one is usually a given due to its proximity to and ease of transport from Moscow. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Moscow by train. You can easily hop on the train from the city and land right in the town of Zvenigorod where you can visit the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and sample the sparkly and refreshing kvass, a Russian specialty beverage that’s enjoyed in the summer months.

Zvenigorod is an adorable little town just under an hour away from the Moscow city and is an amazing place to visit as it will give a relaxing break from the hectic life of Moscow. Check this day trip if you don’t feel like planning.

If you have a sweet tooth, spend some time in the quirky Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can indulge in uniquely delicious treats and explore the intersection of food and culture.

Then you may want to pay the Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture, and Art a visit. The museum’s exposition is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, or rather, in the 17th-century Tsaritsyny chambers, built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Stroll through the museum halls to view the permanent exhibitions, which offer insights into various aspects of Russian history. The intricate museum’s building is adorned with a decorative porch, complex patterned elements, and looks very impressive in general.

4. Day Trip to Sergiyev Posad from Moscow

If you’re looking for cheap day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is a good choice at just a few dollar train ride away. Known as a major center of pilgrimage and home to one of the largest Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, Sergiyev Posad is a fun day trip from Moscow and can be combined with Abramtsevo Museum Estate. As the only town in Moscow Region which is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities, Sergiyev Posad is an incredible destination for a day trip from Moscow that packs UNESCO-protected Trinity Sergius Lavra, great museums, and gorgeous architecture into one day.

Make sure you see the six-pillared Assumption Cathedral that was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in mid-16th-century and go inside to marvel at the impressive iconostasis that features Simon Ushakov’s masterpiece, the icon of Last Supper. Enjoy a delicious lamb steak with wheat kasha, Ukha fish soup, or hand-made dumplings as you learn a lot about religious and cultural history.

Getting There: Known for its small-town charm and welcoming feel, you can get to Sergiyev Posad by train, by bus, or by car. Trains depart from Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus at the ‘VDNKh’ metro station. A bus trip to Sergiyev Posad takes two hours on average but can be reached in 90 minutes depending on traffic. If you go by car expect to spend about an hour and a half attempting to traverse the congested Yaroslavskoye highway.

5. Day Trip to Yaroslavl from Moscow

Going from Moscow to Yaroslavl may seem like a really long day trip, but honestly, if you take the comfortable train, it only takes about four hours to reach the city, so making a Yaroslavl day trip is totally doable. Although I do recommend much more than one day in Yaroslavl, especially if it’s your first time.

Cultural tourists visiting Yaroslavl should start their exploration by strolling the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious 100-hectare area enclosed by Sobinova and Republican streets is home to most popular attractions – the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet that survived almost exactly in its original form, and in contrast to it, the white stone Assumption Cathedral, restored in the 2000s.

If you walk a bit further passing the Holy Trinity sculpture and city’s foundation stone, you will find yourself at Strelka, a park on the cape, which offers panoramic views of the spot at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. On the way back, there is a pleasant walk along the picturesque Volga embankment to the Governor’s Garden with shadowy alleys and an open-air Sculpture museum.

Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here.

6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

Situated on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th-century, Arkhangelskoye Estate was the domain of the nobility for over a century until the Russian Revolution swept people who owned the estate out of the country. The estate was turned into a museum, which it remains today.

The Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum holds the largest rare-book collection. The exhibition also includes old manuscripts, historical documents, photos from the past, a vast collection of sculpture, paintings, engravings, and exceptional examples of decorative art. These art objects once belonged to Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the former owner of the estate.

Arkhangelskoye Estate is often referred to as the Russian version of Versailles because of the intricately manicured garden and beautiful 18th-century park. Famous Russian writers and poets such as Pushkin, Herzen, Mayakovsky loved to spend their free time here making long excursions in the surrounding area. Arkhangelskoye is a perfect place to appreciate the terraces decorated by delightful statues, exquisite vases, and busts.

Visitors can take tours, which introduce them to vibrant examples of Russian art and culture.

Getting There: To reach the estate it’s best to take a bus or a privately-owned minibus that departs from Tushinskaya metro station.

7. Day Trip to Vladimir from Moscow

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is absolutely one of the best places to visit near Moscow for a day trip. This splendid city dates back to the 12th century and has a very rich history. If magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture entice you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your significant other.

First things first, you need to see the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town. This 12th-century medieval masterpiece of military architecture is associated not only with Vladimir but with the Golden Ring tourist route itself. At the top of the gate, where once was the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, there is the Museum of Weapons. Great looking arrowheads and spear points date back to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, while the exhibition in an impressively majestic setting features a number of Batu-Khan related artifacts.

There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of St Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs like birch-bark masterpieces of Kunov’s masters, drawings, carving, embossing, figures of people and animals, stop by the Lacquer Miniature, the Museum of Crystal, and the Gingerbread Museum. Many of the local attractions were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Getting There: The best way to visit this area is to catch an early train from Moscow and book a full-day tour of Vladimir in advance. This one includes the town of Suzdal as well.

8. Day Trip to Suzdal from Moscow

This gem of a little medieval town perched on a hill just a 30-minute ride from Vladimir is one of those places I’ve visited and could move there permanently and be happy! It’s a charming little piece of history that also has a Kremlin and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. if you’re a culture enthusiast you’ll be glad to know there are numerous churches, five monasteries, including Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the country!

pend some time shopping at the Torgovaya ploshchad (Market Square), where you can buy baskets made of birch bark, ceramic handmade plates, honey or souvenirs and, of course, grab some afternoon tea!

Getting There: Trains leave regularly from Moscow’s Kurskiy Rail Terminal to Vladimir where you can hop on a bus to Suzdal. You can also take a bus from Moscow. In this case, it might take longer and you’ll probably encounter infamous traffic jams. If you go by express train the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are slower trains of course, but I’d recommend going with the fast one and save a lot of time!

9. Day Trip to Korolev from Moscow

Located some 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Korolev has become arguably the most important space research center with skilled workers from across the Soviet Union who came here to expand the space program.

It became a leading institute dedicated to aerospace research in the country. Today, that tendency can still be clearly seen on the streets and in the buildings. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the city retained its status as the headquarters of Russia’s space surveillance network and now it hosts the Russian Mission Control Center, an analogue of the American Mission Control Center at NASA’s Space Center in Houston.

If you want to learn more about Mission Control Center and the former Russian Mir space station, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can clearly tell the history of this place.

If you’re not into space exploration there is also a Memorial Apartment Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Bolshevo. With a picturesque park next to the museum, it’s a great place for walking in the fresh air. The highlight of the park is memorial stones with quotes from Tsvetaeva’s poems.

Getting There: I’d recommend going by train. Catch one at Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal that departs every 30 minutes to reach Bolshevo station.

10. Day Trip to Borodino from Moscow

The historic Battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, took place just outside the small village of Borodino, about 140 km west of Moscow, and about 15 km from the nearest town of Mozhaysk. Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went to capture Moscow, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the pre-twentieth-century that is also predetermined Napoleon’s defeat.

While it was a battlefield back then, not much remains today. It’s mostly a green and grassy field now with a few monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to 19th and 20th century, and fortification facilities scattered throughout the area. The largest of these is the 27-meter high obelisk located right at the heart of the former battlefield.

Every year the military and patriotic festival and theatrical performance take place in Borodino. Early September is considered to be the best for visiting. But if you just want to feel the spirit of the battle, it’s better to go at any other time of the year.

Getting there: Hop on a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, disembark in Mozhaysk, and then take a bus to the museum. The whole travel time is about 2 hours.

11. Day Trip to Patriot Park in Kubinka from Moscow

Once a Red Army tank training ground, now it’s a military Disneyland with history, structure, guns, and armored vehicles! The tank museum originally housed one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of tanks. In 2016 they combined the training grounds with the newly-created Patriot Park. Since then, some of the notable and rare items have been moved to the Patriot Park site, so you may want to combine both sites into one tour (only about 20 minutes apart).

The exhibition grounds include some very rare specimens that are must-see for any military enthusiasts out there. The staff is friendly, helpful and kind, while the museum has a small shop. As this site is part of an operating military base, they may ask you to show your passport, or provide them with a photocopy of the front pages. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and there are bathroom facilities. There’s plenty to see, so I recommend setting aside an entire day!

Getting there: Situated halfway between Borodino and Moscow, the best way to reach Patriot Park in Kubinka is by car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent one, consider car-sharing apps like Gett or UBER. The price of ride-sharing services is cheap enough to make them a viable proposition for choosing them.

12. Day Trip to Melikhovo from Moscow

Located some 80 km from Moscow, Melikhovo is one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. This renowned Russian writer and playwright acquired Melikhovo in 1892. He lived there with his parents and close relatives for 7 years before moving to the Crimea in 1899. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “The Man in the Case” and “The Seagull”.

The estate faded into oblivion right after the Revolution but in 1939 Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew established a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941.

Today museum’s exhibition reveals the legacy of a celebrated writer and shows his path not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. The collection also features some of the best-known paintings by famous artists like Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends. When it comes to fun and educational day trips from Moscow, Melikhovo is a nice place for learning more about Chekov’s life and work.

Getting There: You can reach Melikhovo by train from Kurskiy rail Terminal. Disembark in the town of Chekhov and hop on a minibus that will get to the estate. Alternatively, hop on a bus that departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station.

13. Day Trip to Gorki Leninskie from Moscow

Once the realm of Russian nobles, Gorki Leninskie was turned into Lenin’s museum some 25 years after his death. The estate sits some 30-minute bus ride from the Domodedovskaya metro station and houses Soviet-era memorabilia and Lenin’s memorial flat recently transferred from the Kremlin, as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce.

Most people only associate this place with the name of the first communist leader. In fact, the name of the estate was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 16th-century. Throughout its history, the estate was owned by a number of prominent figures. It’s in fact one of the best museums that holds the country’s finest collection 19th-century furnishings and a unique collection of domestic items owned by nobles. Plus, ancient Vyatichi native tribe or East Slavs who inhabited a part of the Oka basin’s burial mounds and a few notable sculptures are hidden behind the avenues of lime trees in the park.

Getting There: You could, of course, hop on a bus from Domodedovskaya metro station. But it would be much easier just to use UBER or Gett. The estate isn’t that far from the Moscow Circle Road but going there by bus may involve some navigating.

14. Day Trip to Kaluga from Moscow

If you’re looking for an educational day trip from Moscow, look no farther than Kaluga! This beautiful city could really entertain you for more than just a day, but to get a taste of science, be sure to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics. Or in other words, the Space Museum.

Visitors to the museum will learn more about the history of space exploration. In fact, this is one of the largest Space Museums in Russia, which opened its doors in Kaluga in 1967. Here you can see a prototype of the iconic MIR space station and a duplicate of the Voskhod rocket. The very same rocket that took the first man to space. There’s also a planetarium, which from the outside resembles a spaceship.

Kaluga is a totally walkable city. Make sure to spend some time strolling Teatralnaya street with the authentic 19th-century pavement that now marks the Kilometer Zero. Then walk across the 18th-century Kamenniy Most (the Stone Bridge) that somewhat resembles a Roman aqueduct. If you’re an architecture buff marvel at the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian.

It is assumed that the church was erected by one of the followers of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1794. The church resembles the Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg. With five church towers directed upward and six tiers of oblong windows give the exterior a sense of lightness and airiness.

Getting There: Trains from Kiyevsky Rail Terminal to Kaluga leave every 90 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

15. Day Trip to Monino from Moscow

Are you looking for great family & kid-friendly day trips from Moscow? If so, consider visiting the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino. This unique military open-air museum is home to over 180 Russian aircraft and 100 aircraft engines and the perfect place to go when your crowd is looking for a break from hectic city life. Check this tour if you don’t feel like planning.

This site was formerly an operational airbase from 1932 till 1956 and many of the Russian aviation Design bureaus have made a contribution to the operation and maintenance of the museum. Along with aircraft from the Second World War, there are the TU-95 Bear four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and the TU-144 Charger a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner (which resembled the Concorde). The museum also has exhibits related to military aviation history such as the uniform of captured U2 pilot Gary Powers.

Getting There: This museum is located at Monino Town, about 30 km from Moscow. It is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there take a train departing from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal and disembark at Monino station. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Schelkovskaya or Partizanskaya metro station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Moscow

I hope this post has helped you discover some amazing day trips from Moscow. From imposing cathedrals, mighty fortresses and monasteries, there are a lot of incredible places to visit the Russian capital, and the best part is that getting there is always ways to get around on the cheap.

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Great article for visitors in Moscow , thanks for sharing

Marie Hernandez

I hadn’t considered traveling to Moscow until NOW! Fantastic post and ideas for visitors! Thanks!

Graham Marsden

Nice to see so many options outside of Moscow, but I have to say I wish this list had a recommendation for a hike or a beautiful natural areas or national parks. Maybe the next list!

I have to admit that I knew nothing about the area surrounding Moscow. This is definitely an inspiring list of places to go.

When I read this article about Moscow. I wanted to pack my bags and get there sooner. thank you for the great write up.

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Interesting hiking places near Moscow :-) - Moscow Forum

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I am going to the city for about one week but have already seen most "touristy" places when I was at a study trip there.

http://www.propark.ru

Izmailovsky Park

http://www.izmailovsky-park.ru

Neskuchny Sad (Garden)

http://www.muzeon.ru

Sokolniki Park

http://www.park-sokolniki.ru

Losiny Ostrov (116 square kilometers)

http://enelkisland.ucoz.ru

Bitsevsky Forest Park

http://www.bitsevskipark.ru

Hello Hanna! If you are interested in meeting locals, I can have a walk with you. I can help you to navigate in the city and its outskirts)

My name is Oksana, 29 years old. I speak english and spanish and looking for people to practice the languages.

You don't have to pay, just speak with me in english or spanish ))))

Thank you everyone!

Is Sergiev Posad too "touristy" for you?:) I'd recommend this town for a walking tour. If you have already been there, take a local train to Kolomna, Serpukhov or Tula (last town is a center of another region - Tul'skaya oblast', it's farther to go than the first two towns). All of them are old, have historical sites and buildings and less "touristy" than the Golden Ring towns. Tula is also famous for its traditional gingerbread (tul'skie pr'aniki) :)

Thank you Galya :)

Tula looks pretty interesting!

In Tula there is an old Kremlin with Armoury Museum, Museum of Fine Arts and even a small museum of famous Tula samovars. There is a Cathedral and churches, of course (most of them were destroyed in 1920-30s and rebuilt quite lately). The center is full of funny monuments like this one: http://www.inshinka-spa.ru/upload/medialibrary/7ac/-bxeyckti.jpg and looks nice and clean. Kolomna is very picturesque and perhaps the most "touristy" of these tree towns I mentioned, but not too much:) I think you'll like it. Serpukhov is even older than Moscow and was very important town in Old Russian times, but later declined, especially in Soviet times. I'd say it still looks very much like this, but it's very picturesque at the same time (if you walk in the historic center) and absolutely not touristic which you'll like:) Here's a link on Russian Wikipedia (if you read Russian) about this town: http://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D1%E5%F0%EF%F3%F5%EE%E2. You can get there by local train from Kurskiy vokzal (destination Serpukhov or Tula) or by intercity bus from Yuzhnaya underground st. (every 1/2 h).

Wow, thanks all this sounds pretty good!

Groupon - hadn't thought of it before. Pretty interesting!!

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

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