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THE 30 BEST Things to Do in Moscow, ID

Places to visit in moscow.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

1. Moscow Farmers Market

2. University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden

3. Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center

4. Latah Trail Bike Path

5. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

6. McConnell Mansion

7. Spring Valley Reservior

8. Rants & Raves Brewery

9. Palouse Mall

10. Palouse Ice Rink

11. Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute

12. Idaho Repertory Theatre

13. Prichard Art Gallery

14. The Moscow Brewing Company

15. Kibbie ASUI Activity Center

16. Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

17. Rolling Hills Bikes

18. Third Street Gallery

19. Printstop

20. idler's rest nature preserve, 21. mountain view park.

22. University of Idaho Climbing Center

23. Latah County Historical Society

24. ghormley park, 25. anderson frontier park, 26. essential art gallery & fine gifts, 28. marshalls, 29. east city park.

30. Paradise Creek Bicycles

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Home » Travel Guides » United States » Idaho (ID) » 15 Best Things to Do in Moscow (Idaho)

15 Best Things to Do in Moscow (Idaho)

In a landscape of fertile rolling hills on the Idaho-Washington boundary, Moscow is the county seat of Latah County and the home of the University of Idaho, founded in the early 1890s.

The city has a cozy downtown with historic brick buildings from the turn of the 20th century and lots of community events, like a weekly farmers’ market spring through fall, and a bustling artwalk in June.

As you would expect, the University of Idaho plays an important role in the city’s cultural, social and sporting life, and many of the attractions in this list are connected to this institution in some way.

The surrounding Palouse landscape of rambling hills decked with wheat fields, can be explored on two paved rail trails, heading out east and west of the city.

1. University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden

The loveliest feature of the university campus’ verdant grounds is the UI Arboretum & Botanical Garden.

You’ll find it in 63 acres, just south of the President’s Residence and the university’s golf course, with undulating Palouse hills in the background.

Open to the public with free admission, the arboretum was laid out on a former hayfield in the early-1980s, although its origins go back way before, to the early 20th century.

In fact you can check out the site of the first arboretum, planted in the 1910s with majestic specimen trees, including a giant sequoia, on the north side of the President’s Residence.

As for the “new” arboretum, this counts more than 17,000 plants from over 2,400 taxa, mostly organized into geographical regions, including Europe, Asia and Eastern and Western North America.

On the south end are exquisite display gardens for xerophytes, ornamental willows, irises and heather, as well as a butterfly garden, magical in summer.

2. Latah Trail

Twelve miles long, this paved trail will take you east from Moscow all the way to the neighboring city of Troy.

The Latah Trail was completed in 2008 and is on the course of a dismantled BNSF railroad line that junctioned at Arrow, some 30 miles to the southeast.

The path is ten feet wide, allowing plenty of space for walkers and cyclists in summer, and snowshoers and cross-country skiers after snowfall in winter.

As this is a rail trail there are no difficult slopes but you’ll be guaranteed breathtaking panoramas of the Palouse, with tilled slopes interspersed with sweeps of coniferous forest.

In Moscow the Latah Trail merges seamlessly with the Paradise Path, in turn connecting with the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail, which we’ll talk about below.

3. Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center

The Appaloosa, identified by its colorful spotted coat, is a horse breed synonymous with the Palouse region, so it’s fitting that there should be a museum for it, right on the Idaho-Washington state line.

The museum shines a light on a variety of topics, like the history of spotted horses in art and literature, Appaloosas’ various coat patterns, and the importance of Appaloosas to the native Nez Perce people.

Display cases are loaded with interesting objects, from saddles to black and white photography and Native American artifacts. There’s also a hands-on area to keep children engaged, as well as a theater and an extensive library.

4. Moscow Farmers’ Market

Taking place on Saturdays, 9 am to 1 pm, May through October, Moscow Farmers’ Market is now well into its fifth decade.

Right on Main Street, this is a celebration of the Moscow area’s farmers, artisans and musicians, giving them an opportunity to connect with the city’s residents and visitors.

For shoppers interested in food provenance the market is a chance to find out where your produce comes from and pick up tips about storage and preparation.

There’s a wide range of vendors for vegetables, fruit, plants, flowers, local grass-fed meat, pastries, honey, jams, cosmetics, home decorations, hand-forged knives and much more.

The market has live music most weeks, as well as freshly prepared food, from tacos to samosas.

5. Bill Chipman Palouse Trail

Following the right of way of the old Union Pacific Railroad, the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail runs west from Moscow, crossing the state line and taking you to Pullman, Washington.

Pullman is the home of the flagship campus for Washington State University, the second-largest institution of higher education in the state.

Seven miles long, the trail, paved all the way, carries you through bucolic Palouse scenery, parallel to State Route 270.

There’s a shallow gradient, and you’ll come across rest areas and interpretive signs along the route. And while the landscapes are gorgeous, the trail also has an important practical use as a commuter route for cyclists between the two university campuses.

6. Prichard Art Gallery

This outreach facility for the University of Idaho is located in downtown Moscow, and moved to its current location on Main Street in 1986.

The Prichard Art Gallery has a lively schedule of exhibitions, events and educational programming, receiving upwards of 17,000 visitors a year.

You can check out the creativity of members of the Idaho College of Art and Architecture, as well as temporary exhibits for local, regional, national and international artists in a whole spectrum of media.

The exhibits rotate at short intervals, so there’s always something fresh to see, while the gift shop sells unique pieces by artists and craftspeople from the area.

7. McConnell Mansion

On leafy Adams Street, a couple of blocks east of Main Street, stands the palatial W. J. McConnell House.

In a Stick/Eastlake style, this elegant residence was built in 1886 for William J. McConnell (1839-1925), who served as Governor of Idaho from 1893 to 1897, after previously representing the young state as one of its first United States Senators.

The mansion is the headquarters of the Latah County Historical Society, and you can take a look around a series of themed period rooms, featuring authentic furnishings and appliances.

The society also puts on fascinating exhibits and learning events, often in partnership with the University of Idaho and always well worth attending.

8. Colter’s Creek Winery

The rolling country south of Moscow has everything you need to make great wine, and in 2016 the Lewis-Clark Valley gained official AVA (American Viticultural Area) designation.

Colter’s Creek has a storefront and tasting room in Moscow, growing its grapes on the sunny slopes where the Potlatch flows into the Clearwater River.

Planted between the 1980s and 2010s these vineyards produce a wide variety of grapes, running the gamut from Riesling to Cabernet Sauvignon, for local handcrafted wines that have earned widespread acclaim.

The stylish Moscow tasting room is in Main Street’s Hattabaugh building, constructed in 1890, and has a choice of estate wines on tap. Wine tasting classes take place regularly, to help you tell a Sangiovese from a Tempranillo.

9. Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

On the National Register of Historic Places, this fine old Spanish Revival cinema has a history going back to 1926, and was founded as a vaudeville stage and silent movie house.

The current tiled facade, in a pared-down Art Deco style, has been in place since 1949, and up to the late-1980s this was downtown Moscow’s main movie theater.

Since 2000, the venue has belonged to the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre, which carried out thorough renovations in the 2010s. Come for classic, independent and foreign films, as well as a variety of community stage performances and other events.

10. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

Summers in Moscow wouldn’t be the same without this public outdoor pool, splash pad and water park, open June through September.

If you want to get your laps in, the Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center has a 25-yard, six-lane pool.

Meanwhile parents can bring children to the extensive play area, which features a toddler-friendly slide, tumble buckets, interactive equipment, slides for bigger kids and a small lazy river.

The center also has picnic tables, barbecues, lounge chairs and free Wi-Fi, as well as a full-service concession area, though you’re free to bring your own food.

11. Idaho Vandals

The 16,000-seater multipurpose arena, Kibbie Dome is home field for several of the University of Idaho’s sports teams, all called the Idaho Vandals.

So depending on the time of year you can catch pulsating football, basketball (men and women), soccer (women), tennis and indoor track and field at this venue.

The Kibbie Dome was completed in 1971 as an open-air stadium, and was given its barrel-vaulted roof in 1975.

The football team competes in the Big Sky Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), returning in 2016 after 20 years bouncing around the Big West, Sun Belt and Western Athletic Conferences.

The Vandals’ golden age came between 1985 and 1995 when it reached the I-AA playoffs in ten out of 11 seasons.

If you’re wondering about the name, “Vandals”, it goes back more than a century, when UI’s feared basketball team played defense with such ferocity that they were dubbed the Vandals by the famous coach Hec Edmundson (1886-1964).

12. Ghormley Park

Bordered on the south side by Paradise Creek, Ghormley Park is the favorite destination for family fun and outdoor recreation in summer.

The park covers just over ten acres, a large section of which is in the shade of tall, mature trees.

This is where you’ll find the picnic shelter, fitted with BBQ grills, as well as a children’s playground.

Elsewhere there are amenities for baseball/softball, basketball and horseshoes. You can use the Paradise Trail, which traces the creek and connects a number of green spaces in Moscow, to get onto the Latah Trail on the east side of the city and the Bill Chipman Trail in the west.

13. Palouse Ice Rink

You can hit the ice at this popular local rink on the southeast side of town. Resembling an aircraft hangar, the Palouse Ice Rink has a temporary look about it, and when we wrote this article was making strides raising money for a permanent complex.

There are regular public skate sessions early in the day, after school and in the evening, and skate rental is reasonably priced.

Also on the schedule are casual stick-n-puck sessions, pick-up hockey, drop-in late-night curling, league curling, Palouse Adult League Hockey and much more. Check the calendar for learn-to-skate sessions.

14. Moscow Artwalk

Beginning back in 2004, the Moscow Artwalk is a landmark on the Palouse calendar. On one Friday evening in June, more than 60 businesses and 100 artists around downtown participate in a vibrant cultural and artistic event.

Moscow Artwalk brings exhibitions of a wide variety, as well as live demonstrations by artists, workshops, live music, dance performances and food vendors, on Main Street and its intersecting streets.

You can take in this cultural feast on a self-guided trail, and there’s a passport system, with six stamps making you eligible for a prize draw. And if you miss something, many of the participating businesses also have Saturday hours.

15. Fondo on the Palouse

The foundation responsible for the Latah Trail organizes this cycling event, normally staged on the last Saturday in June.

Fondo on the Palouse takes you out into the beautiful rolling Palouse landscape on a variety of group bike rides, all setting off from Moscow.

The Family Fondo is a 15-mile route from Moscow to Troy. If you want something longer but want to stay away from road traffic, there’s a 50-mile ride along the Latah and Bill Chipman Palouse Trails.

And finally the grand Moscow Fondo is a 100-mile tour of the region, passing through Troy, Deary, Princeton and Potlatch, crossing the state line to Pullman and Colfax, WA, before returning to Moscow.

15 Best Things to Do in Moscow (Idaho):

• University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden
• Latah Trail
• Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center
• Moscow Farmers' Market
• Bill Chipman Palouse Trail
• Prichard Art Gallery
• McConnell Mansion
• Colter's Creek Winery
• Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre
• Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center
• Idaho Vandals
• Ghormley Park
• Palouse Ice Rink
• Moscow Artwalk
• Fondo on the Palouse

Things to Do in Moscow, ID - Moscow Attractions

Things to do in moscow.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

1. Moscow Farmers Market

2. University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden

3. Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center

4. Latah Trail Bike Path

5. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

6. McConnell Mansion

7. Spring Valley Reservior

8. Rants & Raves Brewery

9. Palouse Mall

10. Palouse Ice Rink

11. Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute

12. Idaho Repertory Theatre

13. Prichard Art Gallery

14. the moscow brewing company.

15. Kibbie ASUI Activity Center

16. Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

17. rolling hills bikes.

18. Third Street Gallery

19. Printstop

20. idler's rest nature preserve, 21. mountain view park.

22. University of Idaho Climbing Center

23. latah county historical society, 24. ghormley park, 25. anderson frontier park, 27. essential art gallery & fine gifts, 28. marshalls, 29. east city park.

30. Paradise Creek Bicycles

What travelers are saying.

12 Things To Do in Moscow Idaho

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There are many fun things to do in Moscow Idaho. It’s a unique destination full of activities to explore and enjoy. Located in the heart of the Palouse region of the Pacific Northwest, Moscow is a small town in Idaho where you will find a lot of outdoor activities, unique artwork, and fun adventures. 

Whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway in Idaho , an Idaho family vacation, or you are considering attending the University of Idaho in Moscow and want to know what you can do in town, keep on reading.

Here are some of the best things to do in Moscow Idaho! 

Things To Do in Moscow, Idaho FAQs

What is moscow idaho famous for.

Moscow Idaho is known for being a small town filled with art. Here you will find the Prichard Art Gallery, The Lionel Hampton International Jazz Festival, and plenty of other art galleries to explore. 

How long does it take to get from Moscow, Idaho, to Boise, Idaho? 

It takes about 5 ½ hours to get from Boise ID to Moscow ID, by car. If you were looking to go from Moscow ID to Boise ID , by plane, it would take about an hour. 

How far is Coeur d’Alene to Moscow Idaho? 

Coeur d’Alene is only about an hour and a half away from Moscow, Idaho! There are plenty of things to do in Coeur d’Alene that are near enough to Moscow, Idaho that you can easily drive to during your stay. 

What’s the best hotel in Moscow Idaho?

The Best Western near the University of Idaho is the best rated place to stay in Moscow Idaho.

Best Things To Do in Moscow Idaho

If you are wondering what to do in Moscow Idaho, here are some of the top things to do Moscow Idaho this weekend or anytime during an Idaho road trip to Moscow.

1. Skate at Palouse Ice Rink

If you want to go ice skating in Moscow Idaho, stop by the Palouse Ice Rink . This indoor ice rink was completed in December 2022 and now features a skate shop, restrooms, and a concession stand, along with a full-size ice rink to enjoy. 

2. Moscow Farmers Market

The Moscow Farmers Market is one of the best events Moscow Idaho has to offer each Saturday, located in downtown Moscow Idaho. Here you can support local farmers and small businesses and grab some delicious food, fresh produce, and unique art pieces. 

3. Colter’s Creek Winery Tasting Room

One of the many places to stay in Moscow Idaho, is at the Hattabaugh Hotel, which is located right above Colter’s Creek Winery Tasting Room . Here you can relax and enjoy some delicious wine made in the Lewis-Clark Valley. It’s a nice place to grab some wine and is close to some art galleries and some of the best places to eat Moscow Idaho! 

4. Visit McConnell Mansion

One of the historical things to do in Moscow ID is to visit McConnell Mansion . This house was built in the late 1800s and features stunning architecture. During your walkthrough, you will see a variety of artifacts and exhibits that are fascinating. 

5. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

The Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center is another one of the fun things to do in Moscow, Idaho, for families with little kids during the summer. Here you will find a lazy river, toddler water slides, play structures, a pool, tube slides, water basketball, concessions, umbrella shades, and so much more. It truly is the perfect place to be out in the nice summer weather! 

6. Arboretum & Botanical Garden

To see some beautiful native plants in Idaho, check out the Arboretum & Botanical Garden , located at the University of Idaho. It’s a beautiful, relaxing environment where you can enjoy being in nature and learning about new plants. 

7. Grab a Coffee From Buchers

There are plenty of fun coffee shops in Moscow Idaho, and Buchers is one of them. From live music to delicious coffee and food, this Moscow Idaho coffee shop is definitely one to visit! You will find freshly roasted 100% Arabica coffee along with a mouth-watering menu you can’t resist. 

8. Latah Trail

The Latah Trail is a simple, nice trail to walk or go bike riding during your stay in Moscow. It’s paved, and along the way, you will see the Palouse Hills, Bear Creek Canyon, and so much more. It provides you with a place to be in nature and beautiful scenery your entire family will love. 

9. Visit Some Art Galleries 

There are so many incredible art galleries to enjoy all over Moscow, Idaho! The Third Street Gallery is located in the Moscow City Hall and features local artwork that changes from time to time. 

At the Essential Art Gallery & Fine Gifts , you will find art and crafts from both Americans and Canadians from the area that you can view and purchase. 

Of course, you will also love viewing the Prichard Art Gallery at the University of Idaho too! 

10. Visit the Appaloosa Horse Museum

If you love horses, be sure to stop at the Appaloosa Horse Museum . It is free to visit and shows many interesting artifacts and exhibits related to horses and has tours tailored to each age group. 

11. Light Up the Season Festival

One of the best things to do in Moscow Idaho in the winter is the Light Up the Season Festival. Here you will find a fun tree lighting ceremony, holiday parade, and the entire Main Street lit up with fun Christmas decorations. The McConnell Mansion is also decorated and worth checking out too! 

12. Moscow Brewing Company

The Moscow Brewing Company is one of Moscow Idaho things to do if you want to try some handcrafted local beer. Grab a flatbread pizza and a Northwest IPA and enjoy the laid-back environment. Sometimes there will be live music or other fun events too! 

Related post: Discover the Best Breweries in Boise Idaho

13. University of Idaho Climbing Wall

The University of Idaho Climbing Wall is another one of the fun things to do in Moscow Idaho. Here you will find around 6,000 feet of climbing area to enjoy! It features a bouldering wall, cave, and instructional wall, so beginner and advanced climbers alike will love spending some time here. 

Next time you are looking to get away and have some fun in Idaho, there are plenty of great things to do in Moscow, Idaho, to make your trip incredible. From its historical sites to its outdoor activities and cultural attractions, there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained and make your visit to Moscow, Idaho, a memorable one.

13 Best Places to Study Near Me: Find Your Favorite Study Spot

When I started taking classes for my degree, it was hard to sit down and concentrate. I knew I could learn the material, but it was tough to focus with everything going on around me at home.

But when I found a few good places to study near me, I was able to get into a routine and zero in on my assignments without distractions.

Top 13 Best Places to Study

Ultimately the best place for you to study is the place where you find yourself able to focus and concentrate the best.

Since I’m partial to quieter study locations, I’ll start with the most quiet places to study first!

1. Library (Public or Private)

If you’re attending classes at a local college or technical program, odds are the campus has a private library for students. But there’s also your local community library—and both locations will offer a relatively quiet environment for studying.

The benefits of studying at the library include access to computers (and usually Wi-Fi), access to information (both from books and the librarian!), and often, access to power outlets for charging your device or laptop. And, you don’t have to make a purchase or really deal with anyone while spending time at the library, unless you’re checking out books or asking for assistance.

2. Bookstores

A bookstore is another helpful (and often quiet) location for studying. Whether you find a spot between shelves to sit and study or you take a seat at a table in the bookstore’s café, there’s usually plenty of space to spread out.

Of course, some bookstores don’t have space for studying, so this will only be an ideal study spot if the bookstore near you has tables and chairs. Many bookstores now offer Wi-Fi, but if that’s a feature you need, you’ll want to make sure your local bookstore has it before venturing over to spend time studying.

3. Coffee Shop

Although some bookstores contain coffee shops, heading to a local coffee place is a separate option for a place to study near you. Aside from Starbucks, there are also smaller coffee shops—many of which are conveniently near colleges and school campuses—that may invite students in.

Most coffee shops will want you to purchase something if you’re staying a while, but for plenty of us, a five-dollar coffee isn’t too high of a price to pay for a quiet spot to study. Also, you’ll likely have access to Wi-Fi and maybe even a power outlet if necessary.

4. Tutoring Center or Study Area on Campus

If your school campus offers any study areas or tutoring centers, these can be both convenient and quiet for studying. Plus, if you need help with a particular subject, tutoring centers often have staff on hand to help out. You may need to schedule a time to work with someone one-on-one, but there’s often open study space available regardless.

And, another perk of staying on campus is you’re not heading to another location after class—you’ll just walk across campus. There are no fees or parameters for entry, other than the fact that you’re a student, although hours may be limited to when school is in session.

5. An Empty Classroom Or Computer Lab

Whatever subject you’re studying, you’re likely on a campus with plenty of classrooms—not all of which will be in use all the time. It’s worth asking your professor or instructor if he or she has an open period where you can utilize their classroom to study in. And who knows, maybe a few fellow students will join you!

Alternatively, you can also visit your campus computer lab, which in addition to providing computer access, can also give you access to study help if you need it. Most computer labs have a staff member on hand to help out, so if you have trouble printing materials or creating a presentation in PowerPoint, you can get the help you need there!

6. Study Buddy’s House

If you’re taking a particularly challenging course, it might be worth forming a study group or at least grabbing one person from class to be your study buddy. You can exchange notes, drill each other on concepts and quiz topics, and study at each other’s houses when possible.

Of course, your ideal study buddy will have their own place or a chill spot to hit the books, but you could also establish a routine where you switch off or find another study location to go together. One drawback to this solution is that you’ll often wind up working together, which is a negative for those who prefer to study and memorize concepts on their own.

7. School Lounge

In my experience, the school lounge might not be the quietest place to cram for a test, but it will be convenient on your campus! It may also be attached to the cafeteria, or maybe there are a few vending machines for quick snacks.

Odds are, you’ll be able to use the school’s Wi-Fi, plus there are power outlets available to charge all your study devices. And like other campus services, this area will be free for you to access. Of course, that also means it likely has specific hours of operation, which may limit your scheduling availability.

8. Local Community Center

Community centers are great resources for students and people of all ages, and they often offer both academic and extracurricular activities. This might mean they’re pretty busy, but it also suggests they’re open often and probably have resources like Wi-Fi access, computers, and maybe a knowledgeable peer or two!

Community centers can also have staff from local schools or colleges, so you could find study help in an unexpected place. The downside is that community centers often have limited hours, too, so you will have to plan your study time around that schedule.

9. Park or Outdoor Space

When you’re reading a book, taking notes, or using any other non-tech way of studying, venturing outdoors may give you the best study space possible. There’s no shortage of parks and green areas in most cities, and as long as you don’t have screen glare to worry about, studying outside can also be refreshing and calming.

Some parks these days even have Wi-Fi, so if you need to look something up on your smartphone, you can do that easily. However, your study time will be limited to daylight hours—and maybe late morning to afternoon, too, if you’re looking to sit in the grass that is dewy at times!

10. Mall Food Court

Malls are excellent for both breaking up boredom and getting exercise in when the weather’s bad. But the way malls are growing these days, they also have all sorts of snack options and Wi-Fi on site.

Studying at the mall food court is an excellent solution if you need Wi-Fi but not necessarily complete quiet to hit the books. Especially if you’re an auditory or visual learner, sitting in that type of environment might help you with retaining information. And, if you need frequent breaks to stretch your legs or people watch, you’re in the perfect spot to do so.

11. Fast Food Restaurants

Fast foods restaurants are farther down on my list because there’s often an unwritten rule on how long you can stay—especially during busy times—but they can be a great study spot for some people. First, your purchase, if one is required, is likely minimal—and everyone needs study snacks anyway!

But there’s usually Wi-Fi access, too, and plenty of different tables and seating arrangements to keep you comfortable. You may even be able to use a power outlet to charge your laptop or phone while you’re working on your homework.

12. Bars or Pubs

While I can’t recommend consuming shot after shot while studying at the bar, it might make a great study spot if you’re meeting with friends from class or if it’s late, but you need somewhere to get Wi-Fi.

Bars and pubs are understandably noisy, especially in the evening, but if you’ll be wearing headphones anyway, or the noise doesn’t bother you, it could be ideal. Plus, there’s usually no worry over an early closing time—many bars stay open until at least midnight, if not later in bigger cities. And then, when you finish with your study session, you can reward yourself with a drink!

13. Hotel Lobby

If your city is a big tourist draw, there might be a ton of hotels near you that you can study at. Of course, the drawback to this method of studying is that you may not be welcome at some establishments if you’re not staying there.

However, it’s possible that the hotel has a lobby space that’s not well monitored, meaning you could get away with popping in for a few hours and using their Wi-Fi, or just sitting on their comfy chairs and people watching between memorizing flash cards or taking notes.

Why Should I Try to Find Good Place to Study Near Me?

It might be more convenient to study at home, but it might not be the most effective use of your time. Here’s why you should find a good study space.

How You Approach Your Studies Matters

Part of making sure you study effectively involves getting into the right mindset. Your attitude is half the battle when it comes to getting work done, and the most effective study habits are things like thinking positively, avoiding blaming yourself for downfalls, being objective, and remaining open to information.

Because people are creatures of habit, if you focus on keeping a positive mindset when entering your study space, it will make hitting the books easier and more natural for you. Repetition is something that not only helps you to retain information, but also form good habits, and studying in the same spot takes advantage of those tendencies.

Thinking About Studying Can Make You More Successful

Thinking about your thinking—which has its own term, metacognition —is part of the study planning process. After all, you’re thinking ahead when choosing a space to study in, and you’re setting yourself up for a productive cram session before you ever open a book.

And being self-aware in that way can help you be more successful in your education. Being self-aware, AKA engaging in metacognitive practices, also helps you acknowledge your strengths and weaknesses. Knowing how you study best and in what scenario is a big part of actually getting things done and achieving good grades.

How to Find the Right Places to Study for You

When considering where to study, it’s important to know how you should study, too. Some people need complete quiet, for example, while others need to keep moving while they absorb information. Discovering your learning style can help poise you for success in digesting the material you need to know for class.

Overall, there are four primary modes of learning, but some people use multiple modes for optimal information processing. Those four include:

• Visual learners: tend to use images, maps, graphs, and more
• Auditory learners: learn through listening and talking
• Reading/Writing learners: study best with reading and taking notes
• Kinesthetic learners: need to stay moving and act things out

What to Consider When Picking a Study Spot

So how does understanding your learning style help you pin down the best study spot? You need to recognize your strengths and what each environment can offer. For example, if you’re an auditory learner and need to speak out loud or use headphones to listen to information, a quiet place like the library may not be ideal.

Conversely, if you learn best via reading and writing, a near-silent library may be perfect for you.

Here’s what to consider when picking your study spot:

• The need for background noise versus quiet
• Your comfort level with few versus many people around
• Lighting, whether natural versus outdoor light
• Availability of seating/comfort of seating areas
• Open hours or ease of access
• Access to other resources, such as the librarian, teachers, computers, etcetera
• Travel time to get to the location

How Can I Get the Most Out of My Studying?

Now that you’ve figured out what your learning style is and have some idea what type of environment you should study in, how can you get the most of out of your studying? Here are my tried-and-true tips for packing as much learning into your study session as possible.

Create a Routine

Routines are beneficial for every age learner, whether it’s preschool or college! And many professionals rely on routines to help them feel calm, controlled, powerful, and productive! So not only should you create a routine for your study time, but also your education and life in general.

Including downtime in your routine is also essential for your productivity, since burnout is real and can happen whether you’re rushing to class or squeezing in extra hours at work.

Give Yourself Rules

It might make you feel a little like a child again but establishing rules for yourself like no social media time, no looking at memes for hours, until you finish a chapter of reading. This will help you to accomplish more. Being strict about how you spend your educational hours enables you to maximize them to be as productive as possible.

So just like your professors suggest, keep your smartphone away while you’re in class and while you’re studying to minimize distractions. Also consider outlining a few other rules, like only taking breaks after a certain amount of time or not answering texts while studying.

Stay Organized

It won’t help you to have a designated study time and location if you arrive there unprepared! Keep your school materials organized and pack everything you’ll need for a productive study session.

Depending on where you’re studying, you may need to bring along extra paper, pencils, a pencil sharpener, highlighters, sticky notes, text books, and more. Make a list for your study time so you have everything you need before leaving for your study spot.

Establish Goals

Set small goals throughout your study time, such as completing a certain number of chapters or making a specific number of flashcards, to keep yourself on track. Once you complete each goal, set another one so that you’re always working toward something. This will help you stay focused on moving ahead!

Stay Positive

As mentioned, keeping a positive attitude can do wonders for your educational outlook. And personally, I find that when I approach my studies with a more positive attitude, it’s easier to deal with the small roadblocks that crop up.

Even if you’re having a rough day or things aren’t going well elsewhere in life, reminding yourself that you are capable and smart and that you can do this does wonders for each study session!

Maintain Motivation

Whatever your motivation is—to complete a tough class, to earn a specific degree, to finish homework in a set amount of time—remind yourself often of your goals. Staying motivated (and having effective study strategies) is one of the biggest predictors of overall academic success . Essentially, the more motivated you are to get things done, the higher your GPA and the higher the odds you’ll meet—or exceed—your goals!

However you study best, there’s a place to study near you that has the right ambiance and structure. No two people study exactly alike, but we can all benefit from making a regular habit of it. And when it comes to academic routines, you can’t beat having a spot to hit the books without stress.

What are your favorite places to study? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Stephanie Corrales

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23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Moscow (Idaho)

Would you like to know the best and fun things to do in Moscow, idaho?

The historic city of Moscow, Idaho, is located in the county seat of Latah County, and it houses the famous University of Idaho founded in 1890.

Moscow, Idaho, has one of the fertile landscapes of rolling hills located on the Idaho Washington boundary where agricultural products are cultivated and harvested in due season.

Watch out for old brick buildings along the cozy downtown area, dating back from the 20th century with many community events such as bustling artwork in June and weekly farmers’ markets spring through fall.

The magnificent city boasts one of the best universities in the world. The University of Idaho stands as the main structure of the town, which plays important roles such as sporting life, culture, society, and many more.

Additionally, the city is surrounded by the Palouse landscape, where wheat fields can be explored east and west and on the two-paced rail trails. For a fun time in Moscow, here are the top things to do in Moscow, Idaho.

Things to do in Moscow, Idaho

1. explore mcconnell mansion.

The historic McConnell Mansion is located on the evergreen Adams Street near the blocks east of Main Street, an old stately building.

The magnificent building serves as headquarters to the Latah County Historical Society, making it one of the best skyscrapers of Moscow, Idaho.

The mansion features a well-decorated room with authentic furnishings and expensive appliances, making it a lovely environment.

Additionally, the beautiful facility also puts up a piece of portable learning equipment and fascinating exhibits and furniture imported from the most region of the world; the premises is always worth visiting.

Address: 110 S Adams St, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

2. University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden

Explore the beautiful scenes of the evergreen University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden, a perfect addition to your list of best things to do in Moscow, Idaho.

The 63 acres of land is located just south of the president’s residence near the University’s golf arena with the beautiful Palouse hills in the background.

The University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden is open for everyone with free admission; the greenhouse is laid out on Hayfield in the 1980s.

The historic arena boasts ancient high specimen trees, including a mighty giant Sequoia located on the north side of the president’s residence.

Additionally, the beautiful scenery houses on the south end a display garden for ornamental willows, butterfly garden, xerophytes, and the irises and heather.

Address: Johnson Cutoff Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

3. Seasons Public House

One of the fun things to do in Moscow, Idaho, is visiting the famous Seasons Public House close to the Best Western PLUS University Inn.

The Seasons Public House boasts unique exhibits such as the brioche bun and Cougar Gold cheese, making it the top attraction of Moscow, Idaho.

The historic Seasons Public House serves one of the best dishes in the town; lunch and dinner are well secured in the public establishment.

The Seasons Public House makes rare products such as the elk burger mixed with the Cougar Gold cheese caramel tart with espresso ice cream.

Additionally, the center is open to every individual and serves only lunch and dinner on weekdays and a special menu on Sunday.

Address: 1516 W Pullman Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

4. Latah Trail

A day in this paved trail from Moscow to twelve miles long towards the east makes what to do in Moscow, Idaho, for fun.

The city is located close to Troy, and the famous Latah Trail was completed in 2008 arrayed in some 30 miles to the southeast.

The magnificent Latah Trail allows for plenty of space for pedestrians and cyclists in the summer, cross-country skiers after a snowfall in the winter, and snowfall.

The center stands as one of the top attractions around Moscow, Idaho; children can access the trail with no difficulty climbing slight slopes.

Additionally, enjoy breathtaking panoramas at the Palouse with coniferous forest connected with the Chipman Palouse Trail.

Address: Moscow, ID, USA

5. Moscow Community Theatre

A day in Moscow, Idaho is worth spending in the Moscow Community Theatre.

The historic Moscow Community Theatre is located in downtown Moscow making it one of the top attractions; the theatre stores essential city documentaries.

The magnificent Moscow Community Theatre is a non-profit theatre organization that entertains people around Moscow, Idaho, for free.

It offers a lifetime experience to people of all ages and grades to participate in affordable and enjoy quality community theatre games on the Palouse.

Additionally, the Moscow Community Theatre was founded based on encouraging and training the younger generation on the importance of theatre and not letting finance be a significant disruption to people of low income.

Address: PO Box 9072 Moscow, ID 83843, United States.

6. Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center

Visiting the beautiful Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center for vacation and tours stands as one of Moscow, Idaho, attractions

The historic Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center are well known for their famous horse breed synonymous with the Palouse region and its colorful spotted coat.

It features unique exhibits such as the Appaloosas’ various coat patterns give a foresight about the Nez Perce people and their need for the Appaloosas.

The Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center are well located in the Idaho-Washington state line, where the museum serves the need of the people of Idaho.

Additionally, the center displays cases with lots of objects, from white and black photography to saddles and Native American artifacts, and there are sections of extensive library and theatre.

Address: 2720 Pullman Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

7. Bucer’s Coffeehouse & Pub

One of the unique things to do in Moscow, Idaho, is visiting the magnificent Bucer’s Coffeehouse & Pub and exploring the unique taste of fine coffee.

The historic Bucer’s Coffeehouse & Pub boast of tasty roasted fine coffee and fresh wines for the city of Moscow, Idaho, to enjoy and spend some time out.

It also produces excellent espresso, with a unique local draughted beer, baking delicate pastries and grilling sandwiches, and lots of tasty products on parade.

The Bucer’s Coffeehouse & Pub is one of the best places to enjoy great food and drinks around the city, and it allows for minor events, parties, and social gatherings.

Additionally, the vibrant center offers live music from both local and invited artists from across the globe, making it one of the crowded centers in the city.

8. Moscow Farmers’ Market

The magnificent Moscow Farmers’ Market serves as a host to many farmers with fresh, eatable products for the people.

The historic Moscow farmer’s market is located on Main Street, where the best Moscow farmers, artisans, and entrepreneurs reside with friendly goods ranging from fresh farm produce to stock foods.

The Moscow farmer’s market gives a maximum opportunity for artisans, farmers, and people in business to connect with visitors and city residents who need their goods.

It features many vendors for fruits, vegetables, plants, local grass-fed meat, flowers, jams, honey, home decorations, hand-forged knives, pastries, and many more.

Additionally, the market offers live music on most weekends and newly prepared food from caked rice to beans, samosas, and tacos.

Address: 403 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

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9. Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival

Enjoy live jazz music in the prestigious Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival.

The Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival has been located in the University of Idaho since the 1960s, making it one of the most attended festivals in Moscow, Idaho.

The historic event is one of the oldest and largest educational jazz festivals globally, with about half of the population of the city in attendance.

It hosts about 100 workshops, a dozen world-class jazz artists, over 400 student performances each year, and special exhibits with other educational activities.

Additionally, the Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival honors public music shows, dance, and recorded jazz music, with the famous honored artist Lionel Hampton always present.

10. Bill Chipman Palouse Trail

Walking along the beautiful pathway of Bill Chipman Palouse Trail is one of the best things to do in Moscow, Idaho, for visitors and interested individuals.

The Bill Chipman Palouse Trail is located on the west of Moscow along the right of way of the old Union Pacific Railroad across Pullman, Washington.

The historic Bill Chipman Palouse Trail has a shallow gradient with many interpretative signs along the route, making it a fun area and a scenario for great photoshoots.

The center is close to Pullman, Washington, which is home to the flagship campus of Washington State University and stands as one of the largest institutions of higher education in the United States.

Additionally, the Bill Chipman Palouse Trail offers gorgeous landscapes and a telecommuter route for motorcycles between the two university campuses.

Address: Perimeter Drive, Pullman, WA 99163, United States.

The famous event is one of the top places to visit in Moscow, Idaho, with lots of people coming out to express their desire concerning the matters of the city and interacting with one another.

DEFY is a rallying cry and an attitude that promotes people’s freedom from norms and allowance for individualism in Moscow, Idaho.

The DEFY event cut across all activities, from the rules guiding social, educational, religious, health, and even sporting activities.

The historic DEFY gives the community a space to express themselves, be free about specific policies, and agitate for change where necessary.

Additionally, the beautiful city of Moscow, Idaho, is constrained in many ways with laws but DEFY gives everyone a safe place for reasonable society expectations.

Address: 231 Warbonnet Dr, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

12. Prichard Art Gallery

The Prichard Art Gallery offers a lovely rundown of exhibitions, educational programs, and events.

 The facility is located in downtown Moscow near the famous University of Idaho and has been functional once in 1986 before moving to its current location on Main Street.

 The Prichard Art Gallery allows about 17,000 visitors a year with lots of fun things to do and see, such as beautiful art walks, fine arts, sculptures, and many more.

It features many creative members from the Idaho College of Arts and Architecture with local, regional exhibits and a whole spectrum of national and international media.

Additionally, the beautiful exhibits presented are rotated at short intervals, so there is always something new to see at each interval with craftspeople from the area and unique gift shops.

Address: 414 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

13. BookPeople of Moscow

The historic BookPeople of Moscow is a famous center for independent bookstores, making it a perfect addition to your list of cool things to do in Moscow, Idaho.

The BookPeople of Moscow is located in the downtown area and provides a place to browse and research exciting topics buy new and used books.

The magnificent BookPeople of Moscow s stored, operated, and owned by the community members in Moscow, Idaho, for scientific research works and historical fiction.

The famous BookPeople of Moscow store contains fiction and nonfiction books for visitors and interested individuals across the States.

Additionally, you can explore many items such as puzzles, journals, gift cards, greeting cards, new books, and other great gift items.

Address: 521 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

14. Idaho Repertory Theatre

The historic Idaho Repertory Theatre is one of the fun things to do in Moscow, Idaho, which offers plenty of accommodation opportunities from RV parks, breakfasts, and quaint beds to hotels.

Pullman and Moscow are close university towns making it a crowded zone of young people with lots of fun activities available to make life lovable.

The magnificent Idaho Repertory Theatre hosts the Best Western PLUS University Inn, which is one of the most recommended hotels for foreign visitors.

The wonderful establishment boasts about 173 renovated guest rooms, lovely poolside rooms, sauna, onsite restaurant, snack shop, central courtyard, exercise room, and many more.

Additionally, the Idaho Repertory Theatre provides a free shuttle, hot breakfast, free WiFi, night cookies, and a wide range of drinks for visitors and interested individuals.

Address: 604 S Rayburn St, Moscow, ID 83844, United States

15. Rendezvous Park

The Moscow park stands as one of the best places to enjoy live music and karaoke beats.

 The center hosts a challenging time out with three days of nonstop music and famous artists’ presentation of beautiful artwork.

 A team of volunteers spearheads the historic Rendezvous Park brought together by their passion for music and art culture.

 It features the sharing of creative ideas from desperate lovers of music and art, people with one object of promoting harmony in Moscow, Idaho.

 Additionally, the famous rendezvous park music starts in the late afternoon, but it is always advised to get there early to enjoy the open-air performances and shows every night.

Address: 3333 Swan Valley Hwy, Swan Valley, ID 83449, United States

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16. Colter’s Creek Winery

Explore the taste of great grapes and handcrafted wines in the famous Colter’s Creek Winery, making it one of the top places to visit in Moscow, Idaho, for wine lovers

The historic Colter’s Creek Winery is located in the country south of Moscow and has all most everything you need to make an excellent wine for the people of Moscow, Idaho.

The center gained official recognition in 2006 with the designation of the AVA (American Viticultural Area) by the Lewis Clark Valley.

It contains a tasting room and a storefront in Moscow, the growing of grapes is done on the sunny slopes where the potlatch flows directly into the Clearwater River.

Additionally, the beautiful Colter’s Creek has planted vineyards of various grapes such as Cabernet Sauvignon, gamut Riesling, and many handcrafted wines.

Address: 215 S Main St #2807, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

17. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

Lovers of aquatic sports and aquatic activities will enjoy the Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center .

During the summer period in Moscow, where the sun is on the high side, the public outdoor pool is a fantastic place to find yourself with a splash pad and water park around.

The Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center features a 25-yard six-lane pool for swimmers, both professional and interested individuals, to get the laps in.

The center allows the parent to bring in children to enjoy a wonderful timeout with the toddler-friendly slide, interactive equipment, tumble buckets and giant slides for bigger kids.

Additionally, the beautiful Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center is open for everyone from June through September, with lots of fun features to explore, such as picnic tables, free WiFi, and many more.

Address: 830 N Mountain View Rd, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

18. Ghormley Park

The magnificent Ghormley Park is open for both family and friends to enjoy a paradise away from home. Do add to your list of fun things to do in Moscow, Idaho.

The wonderful park is bordered on the south side by the beautiful paradise Creek making the city’s favorite relaxation zone with shades of tall trees everywhere; the park is filled with fresh air.

The park covers about ten acres of land with a large picnic shelter for recreational activities, social gatherings, and events of all kinds and age grades.

The historic Ghormley Park boasts of unique features such as public amenities for a baseball arena, softball, horseshoes, and basketball court.

Additionally, the park is open to everyone, including the young and the old, with a perfect playground for kids and children events BBQ grills fitted around the area; it is a fun site indeed.

Address: 400 Home St, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

19. Idaho Vandals (Kibbie Dome)

The historic Kibbie Dome is a sports complex that houses the Idaho Vandals making it a perfect addition to your list of Moscow, Idaho, activities

 The historic 16,000-seater multipurpose complex is open to everyone to catch live football games, both men and female, basketball games, tennis, and other outdoor games.

The magnificent Kibbie Dome was established in the early 1970s as an open-air stadium for sporting activities, religious gatherings, and even political and community activities.

The Idaho Vandals football team engage in several completion, most especially in the Sky Conference in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), making it an exciting place to spend some time out.

Additionally, the Vandals basketball team has dominated the championship for along that. It was named after the famous coach Hec Edmundson (1886-1964) for his resilient works in the game; it is indeed a place of fun.

Address: 875 Perimeter Dr, Moscow, ID 83844, USA

20. Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

Visiting the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre is one of the best fun things in Moscow, Idaho, to enjoy the best outdoor experience.

This historic Spanish revival cinema dated to 1920 and was founded on the silent movie house wth the prestigious vaudeville stage, one of the portable structures on the ground

The Arts complex is located downtown Moscow and serves as the main movie theatre of the city, with many recent foreign and home country documentaries displayed daily.

It is paraded in a Deco Art style facade with many classical, independent, international movies and community stage performances from young ones.

Additionally, the beautiful Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre allows for other events such as Art gallery exhibits, modeling, and fashion show.

Address: 508 S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

21. Palouse Ice Rink

The famous Palouse Ice Rink stands as one of the recommended sites to spend vacation and tour.

The wonderful Palouse Ice Rink is located in the southeastern region of the town; it attracts a crowd from all over the city due to its conducive environment.

The temporary building is in the form of an aircraft hangar with plans and fundraisers ongoing for a more considerable and permeant structure to entertain the people of the city.

The center offers regular public skating sessions during the daytime and in the evening session, allowing for skate rental at a very affordable price.

Additionally, the Palouse Ice Rink also boasts unique features Palouse Adult League, Hockey pick-up hockey, league curling, drop-in late-night curling, and many more.

Address: 1021 Harold Ave, Moscow, ID 83843, United States

22. Fondo on the Palouse

The magnificent Fondo on the Palouse takes you on a fantastic journey down the trail.

The beautiful Fondo on the Palouse hosts many sporting activities such as bike riding other motorsports, which sets off from Moscow.

The public establishment has organized most cycling events, normally premiered on the stage from the last Saturday of June every year.

The 15-mile route family Fondo moves from Moscow to Troy; it can be extended based on a particular order, with the 50-mile ride along the Bill Chipman Palouse trails and Latah also available.

 Additionally, interested individuals can also engage in the 200-mile grand Moscow Fondo, which passes through Deary, Troy, Princeton, and many more before returning to Moscow at last.

Do add to your bucket list of things to do in Moscow, Idaho.

  Address: 513 S Main St Moscow, Idaho 83843, United States.

23. Moscow Artwalk

The famous Moscow Artwalk is one of the modern sites in the city with lots of fun things to do and see around, a perfect addition to your bucket list of best things to do in Moscow, Idaho.

The historic site was established in 2004; it stands as one of the landmark structures in the Palouse region, making it one of the favorites in the city.

The center engages about 100 artists and 60 businesses around the downtown area who participate in artistic events and vibrant cultural activities.

The magnificent Moscow Artwalk produces a wide range of exhibits and live music, live demonstrations by artists, dance shows, workshops on the main Street.

Additionally, the famous center hosts a cultural feast for some selected person who engages in the self-guided trail with different passport systems and stamps to qualify you for the prize and entry draw, a place of enjoyment and relaxation for anyone.

Address: S Main St, Moscow, ID 83843, United States.

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Plan Your Trip to Moscow

Exploring the beautiful city of Moscow, Idaho, is one of the best fun and worthy experience for your vacation, tours, and camp meetings for interested individuals.

Moscow, Idaho is a sure place to visit if you intend not to run out of fun places and ideas during your visit; there are many fun places to go, such as Fondo on the Palouse, Ghormley Park, Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center, and many more.

This destination is ideal for visitors who want to explore the many picturesque areas and scenes for movie production, events, and public gatherings.

Remember this post whenever you find yourself in the city of Moscow, Idaho, because all the information and resources that you need are right here to access you make the best of this fantastic city.

From the list of fun things to do in Moscow, Idaho, be sure to enjoy your visit. Happy Travels!

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

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

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.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, 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.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

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 .

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The Top 3 Best Places To Do Homework (And Where To Avoid)

In this post, we, together with an expert paper writer from a top  write my college paper  writing service for students, will outline  our top 3 choices for best places to do homework , along with some areas we recommend you avoid.

Are there actually best places to do homework? It depends…

Now let’s start off by saying, even though we’ll outline some good choices for homework spots, each child has their own particular learning preferences.

This means that although the kitchen table might bit a great choice for one kid, it might be loud, distracting, and not conducive to focused work for another.

So first things first, recognize that your child may already have their favorite places to do homework in mind, and involve them in the process of making it a regular habit to work in the most productive spots. And the research actually supports this idea.

Metacognition: Self-aware students do better

Metacognition is defined as, “awareness and understanding of one’s own thought processes.” This term’s origins are in the field of psychology, but a study out of Vanderbilt University  actually ties metacognition or self-awareness to college success.

The study looked at college freshman and found  that those who were more effective in choosing their study habits (and locations) were much more successful in the classroom.

In other words, the students who knew themselves and the way they learn best performed better and got better grades. It’s important to note that these successful students didn’t all use the same study habits; but rather, they were able to identify what worked best for them and stick to those strategies . This is because every person takes in, processes, and learns information a little differently.

Keep this in mind when choosing the ideal homework location.

Best Homework Spot #1: The Kitchen Table

If you’re like me, when you grew up your parents expected all homework to be completed at the kitchen table. For some kids, this is a great option. It allows them to spread out all their books in the hum of a busy area, which for some kids who hate the quiet, is absolutely perfect!

But for others, like me, this isn’t a great spot because it’s in the center of the house and there are so many distractions. Every time someone walks by to the fridge, sink, or garage is yet another opportunity to lose focus.

Best Homework Spot #2: The Couch Lap Desk

While this won’t work for some due to the temptation of the TV (or the ability to slowly sink into napping mode) we’ve found that some students are really successful on the couch with a lap desk.

Comfortable, quiet, and free from distractions, this is usually a good spot if your child likes the ability to “sink in” and focus from the lounging position.

Best Homework Spot #3: The Outside Deck Dweller

A lot of students prefer the nice, cool, air conditioned indoors over going outside for homework time, because there’s less of a chance of discomfort (or your papers being blown away!).

But we do come across those few students who just absolutely love being outside. For these kids, you can blend the best of both worlds, and have them do their homework outside on the deck.

Hey, maybe they’ll even get some much needed Vitamin D in the process!

The ONE homework location to avoid…

As we said before, much of your child’s choice of homework location depends on their personal preferences. But there is one place that’s generally regarded as a “no-no.” And thats… the bedroom.

Because this is the one place in the house your son or daughter are most likely to be distracted by toys, phones, computers, and all other forms of impulse to NOT study or do homework. So you should probably keep that one off the list.

How to help your child figure out what their ideal learning environment is

First of all, you want to give your child the flexibility to try a few different places.

If you find that your child is having a hard time focusing in a designated homework area, encourage him to try a different location and then ask leading questions such as:

“How focused did you feel in the ____?”

Or  “did you feel like you got a lot done when you were studying in the ___?”

You want to avoid asking the question “which did you prefer?” because many times students will choose the convenient location over the one that leads to productivity.

If there’s a lot going on and you still find that your student is having a hard time focusing, encourage her to find outside locations. This could be a public library, or staying after school for a homework club or a teacher’s office hours. Sometimes there’s just too many distractions in the home for a student to get a lot done.

Finally, if you find yourself caught up in arguments with your child over where she is doing her homework (e.g. she insists on doing her homework in her bedroom though she’s not getting a lot done), try bringing in a neutral third party  such as a tutor . Many times, this third party will eliminate the stress between the parent and the student while working with the student to figure out what learning environment they perform best in.

What study locations have your kids found to be most productive?

Take a moment to share in the comments! We’d love to hear some new creative ideas.

If you live in the Washington DC Metro area and would like to learn more about our tutoring services, please fill out the contact form below: 

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17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century.  Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

• Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
• Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

• Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
• See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
• Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand. 

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!  

• Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one! 

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends. 

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

• We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience.  Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries. 

• For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
• When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
• Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
• As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

• Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
• For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
• For delicious Asian food head to CutFish. 
• Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
• Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

• As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town. 
• White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
• O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
• Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
• Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
• The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

• Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
• For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
• Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
• At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
• Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting. 
• For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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Travel Planning Resources

Looking to book your next trip? Why not use these resources that are tried and tested by yours truly.

Book Your Flights: Start planning your trip by finding the best flight deals on Skyscanner. We have used them for years and have found that they have the best flight deals.

Book your Hotel: Find the best prices on hotels with these two providers. If you are located in Europe use Booking.com and if you are anywhere else use TripAdvisor.

Find Apartment Rentals: You will find the cheapest prices on apartment rentals with VRBO . 

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About Linda Voltaire

Linda Voltaire is the owner of Travel with a Silver Lining, home to reviews of gorgeous boutique & design hotels, hip & trendy eateries as well as authentic and personal travel experiences beyond the crowd. She started blogging after a life-changing trip across South America. Follow Linda at TravelWithASilverLining / Facebook / Instagram /

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂

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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Places to Do Homework

The majority of students are unaware of the significance of finding the right places to do homework . They don’t always know that they aren’t as productive as they should be.

As you already know, doing homework in a crowded and noisy setting is not a good idea. It’s impossible to do when your friends call you on the phone, or your Facebook account is open on your computer in front of you. 

The best places to do homework aren’t always where you’d expect to find them. You’re in luck if you can spot one. You will be able to increase your speed, grades, and GPA . 

What is the reason for this? And you will be able to maintain your concentration.

You’ll make it even more exciting if you can find many such locations. Going to the same location over and over again will not bore you. That is why so many students use Google to look for “places to do homework near me.”

Why are you looking for a place to do your homework?

Table of Contents

Do you wish there were other Places to Do Homework where you could do your homework to keep things interesting? When you need peace, you may want to go somewhere else. 

Other times, you can need more room or simply a change of environment to boost productivity. Personal preferences play a role in determining where to go to complete schoolwork assignments. 

When it comes to space, you’ll have to think about what you like and hate. In today’s blog, we share some suggestions to help you decide when you can do your schoolwork.

Explaining why you need to find great places to do homework because you avoid using the screen, TV, or PlayStation as a diversion source, You’ll find the calm you need to concentrate on your work. Gradually, the grades should rise.

Why Finding Good Homework Locations is Important

Encourage your child to try a different place if he has trouble concentrating in a specified homework area. Because

• Productivity has increased
• Boredom is broken
• Friends, stay away
• There are fewer distractions
• Make your homework more effective

The most serious thing for high school, graduate, and college students is not getting to class. It’s not even about doing homework; it’s about finding the right places to do homework in comfort, satisfaction, and without feeling rushed. Most students, especially those pursuing MBAs and PhDs, prefer to complete their homework assignments in pleasant surroundings. It’s the same thing about homework – finding areas conducive to learning.

It’s just not about searching for the perfect place to do your homework; it’s about finding a spot where you can rest, innovate, relax, and finish your work on time. It’s insane to do coursework anywhere. For example, you can’t compose an essay at a railway station, a cafe, or a picnic. For obvious reasons, doing homework at home may be off your checklist.

Features That Make a Place Great for Doing Homework

• It is well lit
• There is silence
• Distraction-free
• It’s relaxing

Best Ideas For Places to Do Homework

At Home, the Best Place to Do Homework

There are several other places to do homework now, some of which might be just around the corner from your house.

Here are a couple of the best Places to Do Homework at home to do work.

• Kitchen 

The kitchen may be an outstanding study spot if so many distractions do not exist. Most kitchens have good lights and seats so you can sit up.

• Your Bedroom

Due to its convenience and comfort, this can be an excellent study spot. All your study materials can also be provided easily. However, a bedroom is not always the best place to study if there is too much entertainment or comfort.

The Best Nearby Places to Do Your Homework

These are the following places to do homework near me, it is such as;

Public Library

Teachers constantly remind students to visit the library and do further study. If you can’t concentrate at home, the library can help you learn. Yeah, it may sound cliche, but there’s a reason why even professionals go to public libraries when they need to concentrate. 

You can find books, free Wi-Fi, and research materials in libraries . And, with everyone else preoccupied with their affairs, you will find the motivation to complete your homework without interruption. 

Social networking and phone calls would be unaffected because libraries have a phones-off or silent mode policy. 

There are also printing rooms where you can print your reading materials for a low price.

Coffee Shop

Coffee shops are well-known haunts of authors for a cause. Though caffeine will help you write page after page of excellent fiction, coffee shops often sell snacks, meals, and juices to keep you fueled and efficient.

Learners also turn to this staple of studying for a caffeine boost when preparing for an exam or getting through a report. While a coffee shop has more background music than a library, it can be a pleasant substitute for a radio or TV sound for certain people.

These can be relatively quiet areas, similar to libraries. For inspiration, sit on a bench in front of your favorite painting or sculpture.

On a break, sitting on a bench near inspirational paintings or taking in the natural history will refresh your mind and provide an opportunity to get some work done in a different environment.

Try buying an annual membership and using the museum as your office from time to time if you enjoy a local museum.

While it may seem to be an unusual location for doing homework, the point is to remind you that time is money. As you wait for your laundry to finish, you will undoubtedly have some free time, which you will rarely use productively. Think about it: you can shoot two birds with one rock, then why not?

Quick Link: Pay someone to do my homework for me

Book Stores

Consider working in a bookstore if you like the library atmosphere but don’t want to be completely alone. Many bookstores offer free Wi-Fi and a calming atmosphere where customers can read and work. In contrast to libraries, bookstores normally have cafes where you can get some snacks or a cup of coffee. In New York, several bookstores have a cafe where beer and wine are served.

If the teacher is okay with you sitting in their empty classroom, go ahead. This environment may be ideal for studying. Since class sessions are based on schoolwork, merely being in the classroom can cause your mind to adopt a studied attitude automatically.

Try sitting in an empty classroom if you’re having trouble concentrating on work in other ways.

As a result, if your brain immediately moves to a research mentality, you will learn more effectively.

Coe Library

Coe Library is the most visible research spot on campus. The library has plenty of comfortable seats, couches, and countless tables and computers and a range of reservable study spaces . 

These study rooms are ideal for obtaining an empty, quiet space to study for a test or simply complete homework. 

The library’s other best research spot is by the windows on a quiet study level. Working by a window with natural daylight makes things seem more accessible and less crowded, and working on a quiet study floor helps people work in peace.

Friend’s House

Cooperating spaces are becoming more popular, and you can get some of the same benefits by simply visiting a friend’s house. 

It’s a strong desire to accomplish tasks for someone else, regardless of whether the partner is from a different social class. This also has the added advantage of masking your flaws. 

For example, you might ask a friend who studies math to help you understand your math homework. Remember to bring something with you everywhere you go. You’d have to be a good house guest in general.

A little sunshine and a gentle breeze will work wonders. It clears your mind and gives you more focus, and it’s a perfect caffeine substitute. 

Your performance will benefit from studying in such a calming and relaxing environment. Clear your mind of all your concerns and focus solely on the task at hand.

Bookshops are ideal for study since they are relatively quiet and focus on school work. Moreover, everyone in the shop reads, learns, and educates himself. Consequently, when you are learning and doing work, you feel better concentrated.

These shops allow you to rest and maybe read a book or two. This not only helps you read, but it also encourages you to research and learn new knowledge. Be sure that this action is encouraged in the bookstore.

The park can be a great place to write or read a few chapters, particularly if you’re doing some creative writing . It’s unlikely that you’ll be completely silent, but the sounds you do hear will be calming. You’ll be listening to natural noises like the waves on the beach and the wind in the trees.

More Extra Sites to Learn and Complete Homework

• Shopping Malls
• Hotel Lobby
• Your Local Library
• Botanical Gardens
• Bus or Train Station
• Local Universities
• Co-Working Spaces
• Public Park

Conclusion (Places to Do Homework)

In conclusion, there are many different good places to do homework. It ultimately depends on an individual’s personal preferences and needs. Some people prefer quiet, isolated places like libraries, bedrooms, or coffee shops to minimize distractions. Others prefer the social atmosphere of a study group or a co-working space. It’s important to find the right balance between comfort and productivity when choose places to do homework. Additionally, having a designated study area can help create a routine and improve focus, leading to better results. Whatever the choice, it’s crucial to establish a comfortable and organized workspace to get the most out of studying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do your homework at starbucks.

People can go to Starbucks to do their homework, whether students or adults. Starbucks is also a great third meeting place to catch up on homework, projects, presentations, etc.

Can I pay someone to do my homework for me?

Yes, it is 100% legal to pay people to do your homework is just like asking a parent or guardian for help.

How much is homework per credit hour?

Research suggests that students should spend 2-3 hours per credit hour studying to be successful in their courses.

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

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In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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72 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Moscow

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Sure, Moscow is the Russian political capital and the nation’s most populous city, but describing it as such couldn’t be any further from the truth. More accurately, Moscow is a city of contrasts.

It exudes history — its Kremlin dates back centuries, nodding to royalty and leadership old and now, while the famed Red Square, the poster child of the city, blends striking color with ancient tradition and religion.

On the other hand, it’s a city of modern pop culture and towering skyscrapers; a place where you’ll come across new-age museums, arts centers, manmade parks, and an efficient transportation system that’s one of the most beautiful in Europe.

It’s a city of longstanding culture — the Bolshoi Theater is an international symbol for excellence in classical dance, while Russia’s National Ballet Company remains renowned worldwide — as well as upbeat nightlife, with some of the world’s most celebrated rooftop bars and nightclubs.

While it’s a city filled with opposites, there remains no shortage of things to do in Moscow for all types of travelers — from those who want cultural immersion to those looking for an epic night out, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And if you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of suggestions!

The Moscow Kremlin

If there’s any particular district begging to be the first place you visit on your trip, it’s the Kremlin.

Built in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible, the UNESCO-listed area has since become the heart of Russia’s capital city, where you’ll find several churches, palaces, and other noteworthy buildings.

We’ll dive into each of its main attractions in a second, but regardless of what you visit, try to make it to the Kremlin in time for sunset — because seeing its golden domes glinting in the late-afternoon light makes for one spectacular tourist photo!

Click here to learn about Kremlin tickets prices .

1 – Admire the abundance of Kremlin towers | the Kremlin

As your eyes dart down the towering red-brick Kremlin wall, the first thing you’ll notice is its large towers of all different styles and sizes.

With a whopping 20 separate minarets towering above the historic area, each with its own name, colors, features and history, a guided tour to learn each of their fascinating stories is a must.

To give you a little taste, the Konstantin-Yeleninskaya Tower once housed a torture chamber. Saviour’s Tower at the main entrance boasts a famous chiming clock, the Secret Tower houses a secret escape tunnel, and the Trinity Tower is the tallest of them all.

• Moscow Kremlin tours

2 – Visit the enormous Grand Kremlin Palace | the Kremlin

A remarkable attraction in terms of both beauty and history, the Grand Kremlin Palace is an ornate rococo-style building that was commissioned during the reign of Nicholas I, and today acts as the official residence of none other than the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Perched atop Borovitsky Hill, its 125-meter-long facade is unmissable, making for impressive photos.

Take note: guided tours are few and far between, so you’ll have to book a few weeks in advance if you want to check out the decorated inner sanctum.

Directions in Google Maps

3 – People-watch in Cathedral Square | the Kremlin

One of the most popular areas in all of Moscow (sometimes called Sobornaya Square), with multiple massive churches at its heart, Cathedral Square is flanked by several historic buildings and is never shy of a tourist crowd.

The three main churches — each spectacular works of architecture in their own right — are the Cathedral of the Assumption (the oldest and the biggest of all Kremlin churches), the 16th-century Cathedral of the Archangel Michael (known for its beautiful Corinthian gables and turrets), and the golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation (which connects to the Grand Kremlin Palace’s main building).

Throw in the 60-meter-high Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the lesser-known Church of the Twelve Apostles , the Church of the Deposition of the Virgin’s Robe (underrated yet famous for its marvelous stained-glass windows), and the medieval residence-turned-museum that is The Patriarch’s Palace, and you can see why this square is regularly number one on any visitor’s list of things to do in Moscow.

4 – See a show at the State Kremlin Palace | the Kremlin

Just like the Grand Kremlin Palace , this theater and prestigious concert hall — with its grandiose facade and multiple sculptures — is another ornate building that’s worth admiring.

A popular place to hold conferences, the State Kremlin Palace was originally built as part of a larger complex for Communist Party meetings, but today hosts some of the biggest events in Moscow — we’re talkin’ sold-old ballet performances, world-famous concerts, opera shows, and festivals.

Check the website to see what’s on the calendar for your visit!

5 – See centuries worth of national treasures at the Armoury Chamber | the Kremlin

For anyone with an interest in historical weaponry and armor, this museum — which dates back to the early 1500s when it was created as the royal armory — is a must-see.

The Armoury Chamber (as well as the Diamond Fund Exhibition) is home to some of the most valuable objects that were originally owned by Russian monarchs — from jeweled heirlooms and intricate boxes to ornately decorated pistols and swords — many of which are centuries old.

Within the armoury chamber, you’ll also find the Russian historical regalia, a collection of artifacts that belonged to Russian tsars and emperors between the 13th and 20th centuries, highlighted by the Ivory Throne and the Monomakh’s Cap.

• Armoury Chamber tours

6 – Step inside the Palace of the Facets | the Kremlin

The Palace of the Facets is one of the most underrated buildings in all of Moscow, largely because it’s not as widely promoted or photographed even though its exterior adorns some postcards.

From the outside, it blends in with the crowd. But step inside and you’ll discover a world of beauty and wonder — its frescoes, golden columns and enormous rooms are a sight to behold

The Palace of the Facets is not only a piece of art (literally, with painted walls), dating back over 500 years, but also acted as the dining hall for the Tsars.

7 – Feel small next to the Tsar Bell | the Kremlin

Making Philadelphia’s famous Liberty Bell look diminutive in size, this monument , which never actually functioned as a bell due to its immense size (at 205 tons and standing 20.1 feet high!), has found fame in recent years for being the heaviest attraction inside The Kremlin.

With the bronze landmark’s claim to fame of being the biggest bell in the world, it presents as a great, quick photo op when roaming through the Kremlin.

8 – Check out the Senate Palace | the Kremlin

Another architectural masterpiece that’s tucked away within the Kremlin, this palace is famous for being one of Moscow’s most beautiful buildings — its yellow façade curves around to face inward and truly engulf anyone who stands near it.

Built back in the late 1700s, today it houses the Russian presidential administration and, unfortunately for us, is off limits to the general public.

Still, admiring it from outside, with the nearby Tsar Cannon, is certainly good enough.

9 – Grab a photo in front of the Tsar Cannon | the Kremlin

One of Moscow’s most iconic symbols, Tsar Cannon (or Royal Cannon) is a cannon that was manufactured in 1586 and resides — yep, you guessed it — within The Kremlin.

Following the theme of the enormous Tsar Bell, it weighs a whopping 39 tons — making it one of the world’s largest cannons even though it has never been shot.

And while its size may be impressive on its own, what makes this cannon so special is that it’s adorned with intricate carvings, ornaments, inscriptions, and a figure of a horse-riding Tsar Feodor the Bellringer.

• walking tours in Moscow

10 – Join a tour of the Terem Palace | the Kremlin

A stunning, fairytale-like palace that’s steeped in history and detail, the five-story Terem Palace is one of the most underrated attractions within The Kremlin. However, as part of the official residence of the Russian President, much of it is off-limits to snap-happy tourists.

That said, there’s still plenty to be seen in the accessible areas by joining a group tour: a beautiful white-stone carved staircase; curved, decorated, and painted ceilings; and an enchanting low-vaulted Antechamber with lancet windows.

The Red Square

As we move away from the Kremlin, our next stop is the most photographed, picturesque public area in the country.

Flanked by gorgeous, colorful towers and buildings, the Red Square is the most famous square in all of Russia — and one that’s steeped in history, patriotism, and communist symbolism.

Home to some of Moscow’s greatest landmarks including St Basil’s Cathedral (featuring its iconic onion domes), Lenin Mausoleum, GUM department store (an architectural masterpiece that is the most famous shopping mall in Russia), The State History Museum, and more, it’s not just a sight to see in Moscow but also one that has been seen by hundreds of millions from around the world.

11 – Make your way inside St. Basil’s Cathedral | Red Square

Built back in the early 1500s, this quirky-looking, 65-meter-tall Orthodox church is so unique and detailed that it’s earned its place as one of 16 UNESCO cultural sites in Russia — and, thanks to many Hollywood productions like Bond: Skyfall (2012), has only continued to increase in fame.

Its exterior boasts multi-colored domes crowned with golden onion top spires. Meanwhile, inside, you’ll find nine small, separate chapels, and plenty of decorated walls and windows — all best viewed as part of a walking tour of Red Square.

• Red Square tours in Moscow

12 – Visit the State Historical Museum | Red Square

One of seven museums that can be found around the expansive Red Square, the State Historical Museum is one of Moscow’s most revered.

Housed in a neoclassical building (the same as GUM), it features more than 4 million items relating to Russian history — making it so vast and incredible that you’ll need at least two hours inside to see just a fraction.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Marshal Georgy Zhukov Monument, a towering horse-riding statue of arguably the most famous and heroic Soviet military commander of WWII, which can be found in front of the museum.

13 – Shop till you drop at GUM | Red Square

The official state department store of Russia, having opened in 1893 and become one of Moscow’s most iconic attractions for shopaholics over the years, is known for its gorgeous architecture that looks more like a palace than anything else.

Entering through its massive golden doors, you’ll be surprised to find an extensive shopping center with more than 100 luxury and world-renowned brands of clothing and accessories for men, women, and youngsters.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, stop into the Gastronom №1 for a bite to eat or take a stroll through its corridors to appreciate the building’s history and beauty.

14 – Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum | Red Square

Another iconic Red Square attraction is Lenin’s Mausoleum, a small yet foreboding building that houses the embalmed corpse of Communist leader Vladimir Lenin (who led Russia through the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917).

Opened in 1930 after his death and standing at more than 12 meters tall, it presents as both a unique and macabre site — and, considering the life-like nature of the body, certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.

Note: Entrance is free of charge, but expect to be searched by security before being allowed in.

15 – Ride the Moscow Metro, enjoying the beautiful stations along the way

As we leave the Red Square, the next cab off the rank is Moscow’s unbelievable artistic Metro network (rivaled only in beauty by that of Stockholm). Constructed between the 1930s and 1950s, its stations were built by hand with a wide range of artistic themes — from socialist realist to Slavic pagan.

Tips: The best way to experience them is as part of a Moscow Metro tour, which can be booked online. However, if you prefer exploring solo, then make sure to visit the Mayakovskaya Metro Station which is known for its seemingly endless archways.

You may also check out Dostoyevskaya, named after a famous writer with murals depicting his stories. The Ploshchad Revolutsii Metro Station is another option where a handful of Socialist statues provide a wonderful contrast to the red marble arches.

• metro tours in Moscow

16 – Spend the afternoon exploring the State Tretyakov Gallery

Boasting the reputation of being one of the world’s leading art museums, the State Tretyakov Gallery is home to a stunning collection that features well over 100,000 works from Russia and around the globe.

Featuring everything from ancient Russian icons to Soviet-era artifacts and contemporary pieces, the museum also houses a charming green garden perfect for recharging.

Visitors are advised to allocate at least three hours inside to properly appreciate everything on show — or consider booking a private VIP tour to skip the lines and focus on the best sections.

• Tretyakov Gallery tickets

Click here to find out the best Moscow tours .

17 – Get out of town to the Tsaritsyno Museum & Nature Reserve

Located a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Red Square, this incredible attraction is both a palatial museum and cultural center, with an enchanting open-air garden to boot — spread across 405 hectares altogether.

Boasting beautiful 18th-century baroque architecture, it was originally built as a country retreat for Catherine the Great. However, it has since been transformed into an outdoor museum with several museums inside — including exhibits dedicated to Russian history and culture.

18 – Tick off the main haunts with a hop-on hop-off bus ride

Short on time or just can’t be bothered walking around anymore? Then make sure to check out the double-decker Hop-on-Hop-off Bus, a convenient and cheap way of seeing all the main attractions in one go.

With unlimited-ride tickets lasting between 24 and 72 hours, there’s plenty of flexibility to soak in must-see areas like Red Square, the Kremlin, Arbatskaya Square, Theatre Square, and the Red October neighborhood — and with a free audio tour (in English) throughout the ride, you’re sure to learn a thing or two as well.

Busses usually run every 15 minutes, with the full city loop taking roughly an hour — of course, you can disembark and reboard to your heart’s content.

• bus tours in Moscow

19 – Learn about military history on Poklonnaya Hill

For an up-close and personal experience with the past, make sure to check out Poklonnaya Hill — a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 20 minutes out from the city center that’s home to several relics from Russia’s pre-revolutionary era.

It has everything from Great Patriotic War memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Russian military forces, to the Eternal Flame and the Museum of Great Patriotic War. This is an unmissable opportunity for history buffs.

Hot tip: While you’re in the area, be sure to stop into the Victory Museum (the nation’s biggest military history museum) and check out the gold-tipped Church of St. George the Victorious .

20 – Get artsy at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

Home to one of the finest and most significant art collections in Russia, the highly-regarded Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts showcases everything from medieval icons and paintings. With over 500,000 pieces of works by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Karl Bryullov and Rubens, the museum is undeniably one of the best things to do in Moscow for art lovers.

The museum also houses impressive exhibits dedicated to ancient Greece, archaeological collections, decorative arts and a 200,000-item Numismatic library.

21 – Take a charming stroll down Arbat Street

Boasting everything from galleries and craft stores to souvenir shops, cafes, and some of Russia’s finest restaurants and hotels — as well as top-notch street performers (like jugglers and caricaturists) — Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s most famous pedestrian hubs for good reason.

The entire walkway, flanked by colorful buildings, stretches about a kilometer through the historic district, making it the perfect start to any day of inner-city exploring.

22 – Lounge around at the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

One of Moscow’s biggest and most beloved green spaces, Gorky Central Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak in some fresh air.

The park boasts 45 hectares of picturesque grassland, forests, Golitsinsky Ponds (home to squirrels and ducks), walking trails, fountains and the Neskuchny Garden. This place is also home to the wooden Olivkovy beach, a hot spot for photographers looking to appreciate the Moskva river.

Plenty of cafes line the well-manicured park, likewise public art projects and picnic spots and an open-air cinema in the summertime!

While a relaxing day in the gardens is never a bad idea, if you’re looking for something a little more interactive, there’s the 18-meter-tall Observation Platform and a handful of museums on site. The Gorky Park Museum , Muzeon Park of Arts , Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and New Tretyakov Gallery are all noteworthy stops within walking distance.

23 – Stare at the ceiling of the Christ the Savior Cathedral

On an easy stroll from the southwest side of the Kremlin, you’ll find a majestic memorial cathedral doused in history: the 5-golden-domed Christ the Savior Cathedral .

With a beautiful color-contrasting exterior that still falls short of the intricately painted inner walls and ceiling, this underrated (due to not being in Red Square with the other main cathedrals) attraction is a must for the bucket list.

24 – Zoom around town in a Soviet van

If a hop-on-hop-off bus screams of cliche tourism, why not get a little more cultured by skirting around the city’s main haunts in a real, war-era soviet van?

Undeniably one of Russia’s most emblematic vehicles as both a symbol of a Soviet past and a comical cultural nod to its boring exterior (dubbed the “loaf of bread”), the UAZ-452 vans are iconic.

So whether you opt for a pub crawl, landmark sightseeing tour, or day of adventure with wintertime off-roading, be sure to ride shotgun in one of the loaves of bread at some stage!

25 – See sharks up close at the Moskvarium

The mightiest aquarium in Europe (by size), the Moskvarium is an impressive modern space dedicated to the beauty and diversity of aquatic life.

Located right on the outskirts of Moscow’s city center (about 20 minutes drive from Red Square), this huge complex encompasses over 70 interactive exhibits. These include live shows, and the chance to go swimming with dolphins — that are sure to impress the whole family.

26 – Go underground at the Bunker 42 Cold War Museum

In the depths of Moscow’s shadow-strewn streets, hidden 65 meters beneath the tourist crowds are a Cold War-era bunker and former secret communications center.

Bunker 42 was built in 1955 as a nuclear-proof hideaway, but today you can book tours that reveal its secrets and stories — a must for the common history buff.

• Bunker 42 tickets

27 – Immserve yourself in the soviet culture at the VDNKh theme park and exhibition space

Sprawling across the Ostankinsky District, VDNKh is a massive open-air museum and theme park paying homage to Russian industry and Soviet values.

The enormous complex is decked out with several gold-clad statues and palatial pavilions, each uniquely designed to represent different Soviet interests and endeavors, such as geology and the space race.

Hot tip: For a wonderful view of the Moscow skyline, be sure to jump on the Ferris wheel after riding the small roller coasters and merry-go-round.

28 – Take a trip to the Kolomenskoye Palace

Overlooking the sparkling Moskva River about 20 kiometers south of central Moscow, the postcard-worthy Kolomenskoye Palace is a former royal estate. It’s now open to the public as an extensive park with carefully-kept gardens, including one of Russia’s oldest white stone churches (the tent-looking UNESCO-listed Ascension Church ).

It has walking trails through peaceful wooded areas and gorgeous views out over the region from its high hilltop location. The park has long been considered one of the hidden gems when it comes to things to do in Moscow.

29 – Enjoy the view from the Ostankino TV Tower

With the coveted claim to fame of being the tallest free-standing structure in Europe (and 11th tallest in the world) — standing above the Empire State Building, for reference — the 540.1-meter-tall Ostankino Tower is picturesquely located next to Park Dubovaya Roshcha, not too far from VDNH, the Moskvarium, and the widespread Park Ostankind.

So long as you’re not left lighthearted by heights, the 337-meter-high observation deck is the go-to spot for panoramic views.

30 – Blast off at the Museum of Cosmonautics

One for the space nerds and future astronauts, the Museum of Cosmonautics is dedicated to the history, present-day relevance, and future possibilities of space exploration. It provides a spectacular insight into the Soviet perspective of the 1960s space race.

Located on a lovely green site in one corner of VDNKh, the museum features an outdoor planetarium, interactive displays for children, as well as inside exhibits that showcase original spacecraft parts.

For the best experience, consider a pre-arranged tour that includes access to both the Museum and VDNKh.

31 – Complete your Moscow culinary experience with a food tour

Foodies, listen up! Moscow has gained a reputation for being one of the finest cities in Europe for foodies, with an excellent range of restaurants and bars.

For those looking for a complete Moscow culinary experience that includes some of the best hidden gems and experiences, food tours are an ideal way to go.

Depending on your tour of choice, expect to sample a few Pelmeni (dumplings), Blini (wafer-thin pancakes), and world-famous Ponchiki doughnuts. Then wash it all down with some locally-distilled vodka or Nalivka (a sweet berry-infused liquor).

• food tours in Moscow

32 – Smell the flowers at the Main Botanical Garden — the largest botanical garden in Europe

Constructed in 1945, the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences is a 340-hectare space of plant collections and lakeside walkways to explore.

It’s one of those places that gets better as you make your way around it on foot (or even rollerblades). There are many well-kept gardens, beautiful ponds filled with turtles and waterfowl, a charming Japanese Garden and some very rare trees.

33 – Wander around the Novodevichy Monastery

The Novodevichy Convent and surrounding Kremlin-style walls combine to be one of Moscow’s most picturesque sites — a UNESCO-listed complex that was founded in the 1500s and includes an interweaving of churches, cathedrals, bell towers and a cemetery.

After admiring the buildings, check out the monastery which is surrounded by green spaces perfect for a stroll and a snack.

To learn all about its architecture and history, opt for a guided tour as recommended by most travelers.

34 – Ride the coasters at Family Park SKAZKA

If you’re traveling with youngsters who seem to never be able to burn off their energy then make a beeline for the Krylatskoye District neighborhood, home to the popular SKAZKA adventure park.

Kids can enjoy everything from bumper cars to the petting zoo, while parents might want to pop into one of the cafes or restaurants.

Even if you don’t have kids in tow, the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters invite thrill-seekers of all ages.

35 – Understand the deeper meanings of “Soviet Jew” at the Jewish Museum & Centre of Tolerance

Opened in 2012, the Jewish Museum and Centre of Tolerance is a fascinating institution dedicated to exploring and honoring the diverse complex Russian-Jewish history and culture.

Explore every facet of the role of Russian Jewry throughout the centuries — including food, artifacts, religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Visitors can also see an array of exhibits made from testimonial footage, as well as a large collection of works of Jewish artists.

For history buffs, the museum dives into the intriguing role that Jewish soldiers played during World War II.

36 – Cruise down the Moscow River!

For those looking for a unique perspective on the city, there are stacks of tours (romantic, sightseeing, luxury-themed or party-vibed) that explore Moscow from its riverfront.

Take in some of the most iconic landmarks around the Kremlin and Gorky Park on a boat. Cruises can also take you underneath bridges, entertain you with live music and offer insights into the landmarks that pass by with live audio narration.

• boat tours in Moscow

37 – Grab a table at Café Pushkin

A favorite of many Muscovites, Cafe Pushkin on Tverskoy Boulevard is an intimate spot to enjoy some authentic Russian dishes.

It’s hand-picked by locals for its traditional décor resembling a nobleman’s house and charming atmosphere (thanks largely to the rustic bookshelves). You’ll find that the menu consists mainly of classic European cuisine mixed with a few local favorites. It’s complemented by a wooden bar with a fine collection of vintage wines and regular live music.

38 – Spend the day at the Karibiya Aquapark

After a hard day exploring the city, why not spend some time out to relax and unwind at one of Moscow’s largest water parks?

Karibiya has a handful of pools (including a heated salt-water spa) and fun but not too wild slides, plus a bowling alley for the kids, a fitness center and bar for the adults. There’s something to keep everyone entertained.

39 – Take a day trip to Sergiev Posad

A photographer’s dream with blue-and-gold cupolas contrasted by snow-white walls, the ancient town of Sergiev Posad (just over an hour’s drive from Moscow) is a quaint tourist favorite. It’s famous for being home to one of Russia’s most important and sacred monasteries — the free-to-visit Trinity Lavra St. Sergius monastery complex.

Founded in 1340 AD by Saint Sergius, today it serves as an active monastery where visitors are free to attend daily services. Admire its truly remarkable artworks and historic museum collections.

• Sergiev Posad day trip

40 – Spot starfish (and monkeys?) at the Crocus City Oceanarium

One of the latest attractions in Moscow, Crocus City Mall’s iceberg-shaped  Oceanarium is a vast three-floor aquarium. It has more than 5,000 species swimming gracefully under one roof — not to mention the reptiles, birds, and monkeys that also call this place home.

Since the mall also boasts shopping centers, a pair of concert halls and a skating rink, there’s no shortage of activities on offer to whisk away a rainy day.

41 – Button-mash at the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

Where are the gamers at?

For anyone curious about the video games and technology of Russia’s yesteryear, there’s no better place to visit than this retro museum (complete with Soviet-era soda).

Filled with an impressive collection of more than 100 vintage arcade machines dating back as far as the late 1970s (like ”Pull the Turnip”), it’s sure to take you on a trip down memory lane.

42 – Take a walk through the Alexander Garden

While the majority of Moscow’s other top attractions require a ticket or entry fee, there is at least one gem that doesn’t. It happens to be right on your doorstep if you’re staying anywhere near the Kremlin.

Alexander Garden (also known as Alexandrovsky Sad) is an expansive park that stretches the entire western wall of the Kremlin (nearly 1km in length). It’s filled to the brim with colorful flower beds, winding walkways and calming fountains.

Don’t miss the tomb of the Unknown Soldier while you’re there.

43 – Sign up for a dog sledding adventure!

Cliche? Sure, maybe a little. Seriously fun? You better believe it!

Winter is coming, and that means it’s time to get out there and experience Russia the way only locals can — by dog sledding.

Typically lasting seven or eight hours, these outdoor adventures (which include hotel pick up and drop off) are a wonderful way to experience nature and immerse yourself in ancient Russian traditions — and hang out with a handful of adorable huskies, of course!

Seriously though, this is one of those things you’re going to want photos (and videos) for when you get back home because, really, words just wouldn’t do it justice.

44 – Walk beneath the Iberian Gate and Chapel

Facing away from the Red Square and linking Manezhnaya Square, the Iberian Gate and Chapel (sometimes called the Resurrection Gate) is overflowing with history. It acts as the spiritual entrance to the Red Square and the home of the wooden chapel that houses icons of the Iberian Virgin.

Many believe it is customary to kiss the Iberian icon before entering the gate and for boys to take off their hats. For an insight into the local culture, join a walking tour and learn more about the gate’s significance to religion and history.

To add to the importance, the gate is also the location of ‘Kilometer Zero’ — the official central point of Moscow.

45 – Play all day at the Dream Island theme park

After opening its gates early in 2020, Dream Island earned itself the coveted title of being the largest indoor theme park in Europe (yep, that means it’s even open in the harsh winter).

It’s a delight for kids and adults alike. Throughout the park you’ll find an array of rides themed around classic cartoons like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pinocchio, the Smurfs, Hotel Transylvania and Hello Kitty. It also has charming and well-arranged streets that transport you to bustling cities like London and Barcelona!

Throw in live performances, plenty of eateries, a cinema and a hotel, and you can see why it’s become all the rage recently.

46 – Race against the clock in an escape room

An unmissable and quick activity for any budding Sherlock Holmes out there, escape rooms challenge your mind and require wit, teamwork, and logic. Figure out the puzzles and escape from each room before time runs up.

Moscow’s escape room games usually last around 60 minutes and cover a range of themes (like a USSR Nuclear Bunker or even an outdoor, app-led scavenger game) — perfect for the whole family.

47 – Chill out by the Patriarch’s Ponds

Surrounded by residential buildings in the fancy downtown Presnensky District, the enormous (9,900 square meters, to be exact) the Patriarshiye Prudy is a beautiful oasis. It’s frequented by dog walkers, picnickers, artists and musicians alike.

In summertime, you’ll find people picnicking on the grassy banks or sunbathing by the ponds. In the winter, it transforms into a magical wonderland of snow and ice, morphing into a popular public skating rink.

Directions on Google Maps

48 – Go behind the scenes at Luzhniki Stadium

Moscow’s Lujniki Stadium is one of Europe’s biggest soccer complexes, capable of hosting some 80,000 fans with an electric-like atmosphere — as we saw during its phase as the main stadium of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Besides being the current home ground of Russia’s National Football Team, it also hosts concerts by some of the biggest international acts and was also the focal point of the 1980 Olympic Games.

If your trip doesn’t line up with any sellout matches, you can still join a backstage stadium tour that explores the dressing rooms, press conference room and the field.

49 – Head to Suzdal and Vladimir for a day

A fantastic option for anyone who wants to get out of the chaos of Moscow for a minute, these two towns are parts of the Golden Ring of ancient Russian cities. They present as perfect day trips, thanks to their rich history, diverse culture and white-drenched architecture.

In Suzdal , the Kremlin fortress is the main event, with the Cathedral of the Nativity (and its 13th-century Golden Doors) captivating visitors year after year. In Vladimir , the awe-inspiring Assumption Cathedral (Dormition Cathedral) teaks center stage, with its five golden domes making for a wonderful photo backdrop

Don’t feel like hiring a car? Take the hassle out of your getaway and book a pre-arranged tour that visits both ancient towns on the same day.

50 – Escape the crowds at the Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University

Wielding the title of Russia’s oldest botanic garden, the Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University (founded in 1706) is a fantastic place to escape the city and learn about Russia’s rich flora.

The beautifully arranged garden boasts more than 6,000 plant species that span various climates across the world, allowing visitors to see everything from roses and tulips to cacti and bamboo trees!

51 – Climb inside a tank at the Kubinka Tank Museum

A must-see for any military history buff, the Kubinka Tank Museum showcases dozens of tanks and armored vehicles from across the globe, with a particularly heavy focus on Soviet Union models (to be expected, right?).

The collection includes everything from Polish TKS tankettes to the only remaining Panzer VIII Maus, a captured WWI British Mark V and the Object 172 — as well as plenty of cannons, weapons and missiles.

Serving traditional Russian military meals and national staples, even the cafe-restaurant is military-themed!

52 – Sit front row at the Moscow International House of Music

A world-renowned performance complex on the picturesque Kosmodamianskaya Embankment, this state-of-the-art venue is best known for hosting Vladimir Spivakov’s Virtuosi of Moscow Chamber Orchestra. It showcases everything from classical concerts to jazz, folk music and more!

The venue’s three magnificent concert halls welcome an array of local and international performers. Check the website to see who’s taking center stage during your visit!

53 – Drift through fresh powder on a snowmobile!

While it’s not always winter (though if you want to make the most of your snowy trip, come between December and March), as soon as that first snowfall hits, it’s time for snowmobile tours. Make for a fantastic way to explore the out-of-the-way locations and magical forests beyond Moscow’s city limits.

Even if you’ve never ridden a ski-doo or snowmobile before, the friendly expert instructors will be with you every step of the way, with safety and enjoyment always priorities.

54 – Crank your head skywards in Moscow City

A stark contrast to the ancient and colorful onion domes in the Red Square, Moscow City’s skyscape (aka the Moscow International Business Center ) is full of towering, modern glass-heavy (even twisting) skyscrapers. Many of which are vying at the top of the list of Europe’s tallest buildings.

At 374 meters tall and with 95 floors — and a wonderful restaurant on its 60th floor — the Moscow Federation Tower is a popular choice for tourists. Meanwhile, the 85th and 86th floor of the OKO Towers play host to a Russian restaurant and skating rink respectively.

Be sure to walk through the modern Bagration Bridge and, for the shopaholics, check out the stores and IMAX theater inside AFIMALL City.

55 – Check out Zaryadye Park

Within arm’s reach of the famed Red Square, the peaceful slice of greenery that is Zaryadye Park is a breath of beautiful and natural air amidst the concrete jungle. It’s the first new city park to be opened in Moscow for more than half a century.

At various points around the 10-hectare park, you’ll find a few restaurant pavilions, a media center, a museum and a botanical collection housing over a million plants. It also houses the two-stage Zaryadye Concert Hall where thousands of passersby take a seat on the steps every day.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars, an unusual museum above the northern side of the park.

56 – Stroll around the cozy Hermitage Garden

Small yet incredibly charming and found conveniently smack-bang in the middle of the city, the Hermitage Garden is a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of learning about Russia’s vast history.

Surrounded by the Sfera Theatre and The Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre of Moscow , this lovely, leafy garden can be both a relaxing oasis or the prelude to an entertaining evening out.

57 – Treat yourself to a ballet show at the Bolshoi Theatre

With a reputation that precedes it, the impressive and world-famous Bolshoi Theatre is a must for any theater lover. Its rich history is making it one of the most iconic theaters in Europe.

While there are several performances to choose from throughout the year — from ballet to opera, classic dramas and even acrobatic shows — you can also get your own private backstage tour.

58 – Get artsy, then party at ArtPlay

This old tea factory turned cultural hub of Moscow’s creative arts is heaven on earth for rotating exhibitions by local artists.

Depending on what piques your interest, you can join in on everything from live music to dance classes, art studio workshops, flea markets and film screenings here. However, after the sun goes down, its alter-ego comes out to play.

So, if you’re feeling peckish, stop into the Domozhilov restaurant nearby for a shashlik. Then wash it down at the English pub with a beer before partying it up at Rodnya, a pumping techno club.

59 – Head to the PANORAMA360 Observation Deck

A surefire hit for the social media feed, the observation deck at the top of Moscow’s Federation Tower skyscraper — PANORAMA360 — is a must-see selfie stop for its killer views and … ice cream factory.

From the 89th floor, you can soak in the wonder of Moscow old and new from above. It has floor-to-ceiling windows providing 360-degree vistas, a rotating restaurant and mini-cinema to boot.

60 – Throw down a picnic blanket in Sokolniki Park

One of the largest green spaces in Moscow, Sokolniki Park is a very popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Spread across the northeastern Sokolniki District, it’s the perfect distance from the city’s main haunts where the crowds remain small but the accessibility stays high.

With its many activities — from sports to live music to festivals — not much beats this park when it comes to outdoor fun!

61 – Catch a traditional Russian dance show

To get a true sense of the rich and diverse culture in Moscow, you can’t go past one of its many folk dance shows.

While there are several to choose from, “Kostroma” and “The Golden Ring” are two crowd favorite choices. Each is thoroughly unique with traditional music and costumes sure to make for a once-in-a-lifetime night of entertainment.

Of course, due to high popularity, be sure to book in advance.

62 – Book a table at the White Rabbit restaurant bar

Perched above the historical center of Moscow on the 16th floor of the Smolensky Passage building, this lavish restaurant is a must-visit for any foodie-obsessed traveler. Why? Because it continually ranks as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.

The drool-worthy menu made by fifth-generation chef Vladimir Mukhin consists of creative, beautiful plated meals. The coveted eaterie also boasts 360-degree panoramic views of the city and a fine collection of wines and cocktails.

63 – Have dinner inside the Vysoko-Petrovskiy Monastery

Whether you’re an architecture or history buff, while visiting Moscow, it would be a shame to miss out on the rare chance to eat in an actual monastery.

This one is particularly special as it dates back some 700 years. Not only will you get to dig into an authentic Russian menu, but learn about the history of the building and (depending on your booking package) get a guided tour too.

64 – Pass by the ‘Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices’ sculpture

This free public art installation in Bolotnaya square was created by Mihail Chemaikin in 2001. A somewhat controversial landmark, it depicts how children are influenced by vices — alcohol, theft, ignorance, violence, addiction, poverty and war, to name a few.

The sculpture’s uniqueness and thought-provoking nature makes it an essential stop on any day of wandering around.

65 – Get wild on a pub crawl!

You’re on vacation, so it’s time to let your hair down, mingle with some fellow thirsty travelers and party it up Moscow-style!

High-energy pub crawls are a great way to get acquainted with new friends while seeing Moscow’s unique nightlife scene first-hand. Let the locals lead you to hidden gems, tourist hot spots and quirky dive bars.

If you don’t feel like walking, why not join a Soviet minivan crawl instead (where you can drink Soviet champagne onboard!)?

66 – Roll up for the Nikulin Circus!

If you haven’t had the chance to see a live circus before — and especially if you’re traveling with kids — why not head over to the Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard?

It blends traditional Russian acrobatics with modern-day technology, animals, and the classic circular circus stage. This beloved local entertainment is also considered one of the most enjoyable things to do in Moscow!

67 – Get romantic on a Moskva River dinner cruise

What better way to take in the city’s skyline than from a luxury yacht as you enjoy entertainment, fine dining, and (strong) specialty drinks?

Whether you’re looking for something large that can accommodate groups of friends or something smaller with a bit more VIP style, there are several dinner cruises available to suit any taste and budget.

68 – Explore the wonderful Izmailovo District

One of the city’s best-kept secrets, Izmailovo ‘s focal point is its Kremlin, a colorful wooden complex. Built in 2007, it has had unique museums and flea markets pop up nearby in the years since.

Throughout the area, you’ll uncover museums dedicated to vodka, break and Russian folk art. The district’s charming open-air flea market has all kinds of crafts and souvenirs are haggled on the daily.

Don’t miss Izmailovo Park , which is an enormous 300-hectare space that plays host to souvenir vendors, forest walking paths and even an ice rink in winter.

With so much to see in the district, savvy travelers typically opt for a guided tour.

• Izmailovo tours

69 – Sip on a cocktail at the award-winning City Space Bar and Lounge

Self-dubbed as one of the world’s top 10 bars, with accolades like Luxury Travel Guide’s Bar of the Year 2018, this iconic and luxurious watering hole doesn’t need much of an introduction.

Perched sky-high on the 34th floor of Swissotel Krasnye Holmy, the circular lounge bar slings signature cocktails and dishes up truly stunning views of the city.

Hot tip: While there’s never a poor time to visit, aim to arrive an hour or so before sunset, that’s when the city will truly sparkle below.

70 – Pamper yourself at the Sanduny Baths

If you’re looking for something to ease that throbbing headache after a night of pub crawling, why not try the famous Sanduny Baths , a quintessentially Russian experience?

Famed as one of the world’s most beautiful public bathhouses, Sanduny’s steam rooms and pools are said to be some of the best in Moscow. But for something totally unique, you can’t go past the birch twigs massage (read: beating).

71 – Spruce up your social media feed at some Insta-worthy restaurants

While a good meal is always part of the restaurant experience, getting a good pic for Instagram is half the fun!

Luckily, there are tons of excellent eateries that combine great food with gorgeous aesthetics.

Big Wine Freaks has a fantastic drink selection (naturally), and its dark, classy rooms full of elegant light fixtures and plush furniture bring to mind a spy’s hideout.

Meanwhile, Sempre adopts more of a naturalistic approach, surrounding diners with ferns and greenery.

And at Black Market Moscow , you can choose between indoor and outdoor spaces, each featuring their own unique designs and dining experiences.

Take a bite and snap some pics!

72 – Unleash your inner party animal at the Night clubs

When the sun goes down, you’ll get to see a whole new side of Moscow: its amazing nightlife!

Head to Propaganda for a bite or a beverage, then dance to some quality club tunes.

Or get a little wild at Chesterfield , where you can pay a flat fee and drink as much as you want – the perfect recipe for fun!

And at Rock’N’ Roll , there’s a new form of excitement every day, from DJ sets to live bands, all playing a lively mix of rock music from across the decades.

With all this excitement, you won’t want to book anything early the next day!

How to get to Moscow?

Unless you’re feeling up to the challenge of a long train journey, you’ll most likely be flying into Moscow.

Luckily, it has three international airports to choose from: Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be able to easily reach the city via the Aeroexpress train.

Where to stay in Moscow?

Golden Ring Hotel  will make you feel like you’re on top of the world, whether you’re getting pampered at the beauty salon or enjoying a meal in the rooftop restaurants.

Or check in to Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel & Business Center , which boasts everything from riverside views and a gym to nearby shopping areas and relaxing Turkish baths.

At AZIMUT Hotel Olympic Moscow , the massages, international cuisine, sauna, and swimming pool will keep you happily occupied in between excursions.

And at sister property AZIMUT Hotel Smolenskaya Moscow , you can savor a nice meal or admire the scenery from the lounge, or stroll over to Gorky Park or roam along Stary Arbat Street.

Meanwhile, Oblaka Hotel blends simple charm and a convenient location, with charming red brick exteriors and easy access to historic sites and a metro station.

• best hotels in Moscow

Visiting Moscow on a budget?

There’s nothing like seeing a city on foot… especially on a free walking tour !

These excursions aren’t just a way to save money while still learning a lot; they also offer a wonderful opportunity to gain local perspectives, courtesy of your guides.

But despite the name, they do accept tips for a job well done, so bring a bit of money with you!

Where to go next?

If you’re short on time but still want to see the best of Moscow, try some multi-day tours ; they’ll provide all of the coolest sights and experiences in an efficient format.

After that, it’s time to start exploring further afield!

Though it’s a bit of a trek, St. Petersburg is well worth the journey!

With its famously decadent buildings to its lively arts scene, this is the perfect place to soak up some culture; but there are also some more offbeat options, like folk shows, vodka tastings, and even an amusement park!

And from the jaw-dropping designs of the metro stations (yes, you read that correctly) to the glimmer of Faberge eggs, it showcases beauty at every turn.

Ready to go beyond Russia?

Dive into the best places to visit in Europe , a smorgasbord of art and history, nature and architecture, showcasing some of the most beloved cities and countries in the world.

Final thoughts

While Russia’s capital may seem imposing, its dynamic culture, live-wire entertainment scene, and remarkable history make it an unbeatable destination, with unique adventures that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

You may feel a little overwhelmed by all of the incredible things to do in Moscow… but that’s all the more reason to come back!

If you have any other must-see suggestions, noteworthy day trips or quintessential tours worth booking, feel free to write in the comments!

As always, happy travels!

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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.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

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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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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Moscow

Things to do in moscow.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

1. Moscow Farmers Market

2. University of Idaho Arboretum & Botanical Garden

3. Appaloosa Museum and Heritage Center

4. Latah Trail Bike Path

5. Hamilton-Lowe Aquatics Center

6. McConnell Mansion

7. Spring Valley Reservior

8. Rants & Raves Brewery

9. Palouse Mall

10. Palouse Ice Rink

11. Palouse-Clearwater Environmental Institute

12. Idaho Repertory Theatre

13. Prichard Art Gallery

14. The Moscow Brewing Company

15. Kibbie ASUI Activity Center

16. Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre

17. Rolling Hills Bikes

18. Third Street Gallery

19. Printstop

20. idler's rest nature preserve, 21. mountain view park.

22. University of Idaho Climbing Center

23. Latah County Historical Society

24. ghormley park, 25. anderson frontier park, 27. essential art gallery & fine gifts, 28. marshalls, 29. east city park.

30. Paradise Creek Bicycles

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• Independent Trave...

Independent Travel to Moscow and St. Petersburg

My wife and I have traveled independently to many European countries and, after reading many of the comments in this forum, feel like we may be able to do so in Moscow and St. Petersburg as well, although we feel somewhat less comfortable than the other countries where we have traveled in Europe.

My biggest question is how much we will miss by visiting the main sites without a tour guide. In the other European countries we have visited on our own we have been comfortable and satisfied with the level of knowledge we have gained by studying and visiting on our own, although we believe a tour guide or tour company in any country would normally be able to provide greater insight than visiting a site on our own, but about in Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Unless you speak at least some Russian and read the alphabet it would be difficult without a guide. Very few signs in English especially in Moscow. Also not too many people speak English there.

I visited St Petersburg last Autumn for a protracted period , and did not find it anymore daunting than any other European city . As Ilja says , learning the Cyrillic alphabet is a big plus . I also found that it was fairly easy to grasp . It will , among other things , enable you to read signs with relative ease . I would answer the main part or your question ( about tour guides ) thus - I am not enamored of tour guides or tours. While I only use a tour under duress ( A sites rules prohibiting an independent visit - ie Glasgow School of Art , Municipal House in Prague , etc ) . Doing your own preparation and homework is the best way , in my opinion . My wife and I ventured through St Petersburg with nary a concern ,and made two day trips outside of the central district ( one was twenty five miles away , and no English speakers in sight ) Figuring out the logistical details , did not present any difficulties . While I never use tours , I am an inveterate eavesdropper , have done so many times , and find , that on balance , the information that they impart is fairly elementary . If you want greater detail , they are unlikely to supply it . I also prefer to go at my own pace , not being rushed and being able to dwell on things that most other visitors barely give a passing glance . If you are interested , let me know . I would be happy to provide you with information that will enable you to travel independently

Thank you, Steven. I am encouraged by your comments and feel the same way you do about tour groups. We are very much willing to prepare in advance and learn the basics of the Cyrillic alphabet to help us have a better experience.

I would be very interested in learning more about your experience in Russia and receiving any additional information you can provide on independent travel there, starting perhaps with obtaining the visa.

I am not opposed to hiring a private or small group guide for a specific site or for a day trip outside St Petersburg and Moscow, but, like you said, I much prefer the freedom of staying at places as long or short as I want and seeing the sites that interest me most. For example, neither my wife nor I are big into shopping, yet most tour itineraries leave afternoon time for just that. Not interested!

Please provide whatever you may feel would be helpful for us.

Russ , I see you are quite near San Francisco - you can start by looking at the VISA procedure , it's fairly straightforward . Since there is a consulate in San Francisco - look here http://www.consulrussia.org/eng/visa-sub1.html

And here - http://ils-usa.com/main.php

Having always traveled independently, we thought we could do a better job than any tour. How misguided (pun intended) we were. Now that we have had the experience of having someone native to the area walk us around and explain things through a personal perspective we realize how much we missed. For St. Petersburg I highly recommend http://www.peterswalk.com/tours.html . This is not a traditional guided tour, but an opportunity to receive some orientation to the area as well as insight into the "Russian soul". I think if you did this upon arrival the rest of your time would be much more meaningful. We really liked the http://www.pushka-inn.com . The location is superb (just around the corner from the Hermitage square), the rooms lovely, the included breakfast at the restaurant next door ample and overall an excellent value. We used this company to get our visa: https://www.passportvisasexpress.com/site/san_francisco_customer_service Note that it costs about the same for a 3-year visa as a one-year, and you never know if you might want to return within that more extended window of time. It is not cheap, so factor that into your planning.

If you like traveling without a guide in other countries and find this satisfying, the same will be true in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Of course it's not either/or - you can certainly take a guided walk or boat tour, for instance.

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of learning Cyrillic if you're going on your own. The book I used was Teach Yourself Beginner's Russian Script, which was great. It breaks down the alphabet into letters that are the same as English, letters that look the same but are pronounced differently, etc. It's out of print, but you can get used copies on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Teach-Yourself-Beginners-Russian-Script/dp/0071419861/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1459701143&sr=8-2&keywords=teach+yourself+russian+script

Russia is indeed a bit more "foreign" than say, Italy. However, in Moscow and St. Petersburg, I found enough English to be able to get by. Many restaurants had English menus and/or English speaking staff, for instance. This was most emphatically not true in Vladimir and Suzdal (two cities in the Golden Ring outside Moscow). I went with my sister, a Russian speaker, and if she hadn't been there, I would have been in big trouble. So, if you want to see places outside these two big cities, use a guided tour (even if just for that part). Also, Moscow and St. Petersburg are huge cities. Coming from New York, I wasn't intimidated, but those not used to a megacity may not be so cavalier (even I found them overwhelming at times, especially Moscow).

I found both Lonely Planet and Rough Guide to be helpful, and both to have various errors. Look at both, buy whichever one has a more recent edition, and then be prepared to have to discard some of the advice therein. Also, these places change more quickly than places in Western Europe. Be very careful of outdated advice. For instance, I was there in 2001 and 2010, so I won't give you any specifics on getting a visa - that changes constantly.

Just as a teaser, two things I saw and loved that I doubt would be included in any escorted tour are the Gorky House in Moscow (an Art Nouveau wonder) and the Sheremyetov Palace in St. Petersburg (it's now a museum of musical instruments, and the decor is amazing, particularly in the Etruscan Room).

Thanks for all the good advice. Any additional thoughts are welcomed.

One of history's seminal works pertaining to Russian history and culture and a MUST for anyone contemplating a visit or simply interested , is this fine work from 1980 - http://www.amazon.com/Land-Firebird-The-Beauty-Russia/dp/096441841X

This is about you and not about Petersburg. Do you like guided tours? We don't and didn't find that a guide added to our experience in China where we did hire private guides mostly for the logistics; it was easy to have someone drive us places. But once at a site, we didn't need the guide. I felt the same way about our 9 nights in Petersburg. We did hire a guide for the trip to the Catherine Palace again for the ease of logistics for us Olds. Here is our visit: https://janettravels.wordpress.com/2016/01/23/an-easy-trip-to-the-catherine-palace/ There are also snapshots of the Church on Spilled Blood in this photo journal. Having someone pick us up at the apartment and get us in without line ups and shepherd us through the palace steering clear of the tour groups was lovely. But we didn't need commentary because we can read and prepare.

You certainly don't need a guide for the Hermitage (we spent 4 days there), the Russian Museum, the Kazan Cathedral or Church on Spilled Blood or the Faberge Museum. We enjoyed a number of self guided walking tours including a couple from Rick Steves guidebooks. We took the canal cruise suggested by RS that had an English commentator. I would not take one without that as you will be totally clueless. The commentator was not all that good but at least we had some idea what we were seeing. So for people like us who like to do our own thing and can read a guidebook and don't particularly like to be led about, a tour is not needed. If you enjoy tour groups, then go for it. Petersburg is easy to negotiate. It helps if you can read the cyrillic alphabet and it is also useful to have the google translate ap on your phone. We found ourselves translating packages in grocery stores with it and the occasional museum sign or menu. I have one food I need to avoid and so it was handy to have the translator to talk with waiters (I could either show them the sentence, or play it for them or play it to myself and then repeat it to the waiter -- that all worked well)

Dear Russ, I cannot help you with Moscow, but about four years ago, my husband and I went to St Petersburg on our own. But, we did use a private guide for 4 half days. We both feel that our guide absolutely made our trip (we stayed 6 or 7 nights). We used a company owned by Tatyana Chiurikova, www.tour-stpetersburg.com I cannot say enough good things about her and our experience. I emailed her and we worked out a schedule/ sights that was tailored to our interests. She also offered some recommendations, which we took. The guide will meet you at your hotel. And frequently, at certain places, with the guide, we were able to skip the long entrance lines. We had an half day driving tour of the city (car, driver, & guide). You are taken to & go in places such as Peter & Paul Fortress, some of the cathedrals, etc. We had a half day with the guide at the Hermitage which ensured that we would see the major sights there. And, of course, you can stay after your guide leaves or return another day. Also, we had the guide for Peterhof (a must & go by boat) and Catherine's Palace. I hope that you will go to the website. As I said, our guide made our trip. I am positive that we would have missed quite a bit on our own everyday. And I'm sure we would have wasted a lot of time trying to get to various place.This was the best of both worlds, a guide where needed and plenty of time on our own. Whatever you do, I'm sure that you will love St Petersburg! Ashley

I am curious about the lines as we encountered no lines on our trip -- but it was in September. We got tickets for the Hermitage at machines and skipped those lines and our guide for the Catherine Palace which was our only guided experience (as noted before, chosen for the logistics of getting there) had arranged tickets and we didn't have a line, but then we also didn't see lines. We did not find lines at any other site.

Both Moscow and St Petersburg I've done on my own, that is together with the Dear Partner. I can't remember any problem getting where we wanted to go. The Metro systems are well signed, and with a little exercise and patience you can recognize the station names. With a good map and a good guide - we had the Rough Guides - that part of the logistics is solved. The language is a major problem, but the usual tricks of pointing, looking helpless, and making a joke of it all do wonders. I would hate to be led by a guide, but for others it is a comfortable thought.

We also did both cities on our own. I found the DK Eyewitness guide for Moscow has the best map. I used the one from our library (kept the book at home). Took the smaller RS book for St. Petersburg ( his book on northern cities). His map and restaurant ideas were all good. We also downloaded the Google maps in our Android Samsung tablets/phones for both cities and then could get directions to any place we typed in. The blue ball guided us everywhere. I'm sure we missed somethings by not having a guide, but we just enjoy walking around and getting a sense of a place. If you like art, The Hermitage is great. We went 3 times and still missed alot. In St. Peterburg we stayed at the 3 Mosta which we loved (quite and not far from the Church of Spilled Blood.) We also loved the Georgian food in both cities. There's a great Georgian restaurant near the 3 Mosta hotel. We're now in Belarus- very scenic. Enjoy your trip!!

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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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20 most interesting places in Moscow Region (PHOTOS)

We recently wrote about the major sights of Moscow and its suburbs, which are easily accessible via the 'Moscow Central Diameters' lines. But, if you travel a little further, you'll discover no less excitement! There is a great deal to see and do in Moscow Region. 

1. Znamenskaya Church in Dubrovitsy

One of the most unusual Orthodox churches in the world is located in Podolsk near the estate of the same name. The entire estate once belonged to Prince Boris Golitsyn, an associate and tutor of Peter the Great.

The Church of Our Lady of the Sign (1690-1704) was built in the Baroque style and, according to historians, Italian architects had a hand in it. Their names still remain a mystery, however. The base of the church is shaped like an equal-pointed cross, with staircases running up on all the four sides, while the foundation and walls are decorated with carvings in the form of vines, shells and angels. Inside, the church is even more luxuriously decorated. 

2. Gorki Leninskie

The last owner of the Gorki Estate was Zinaida Grigorievna, the widow of Savva Morozov , the largest manufacturer in the Russian Empire. She bought it already after his death and set up a modern farm there. In 1909, the estate already had steam heating, water supply, electricity and even exotic plants were grown in its greenhouses. 

But, the estate only became of significance after the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and ensuing nationalization. It was within these walls that Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin spent his last years of his life. His study, car and some personal belongings were preserved in Gorki.  

A range of TV shows and feature movies were also filmed in these places. The remaining movie set scenery turned into a genuine movie town, in which you can walk around and explore. 

It is a real postcard merchant town! In its center there is a 16th century Kremlin with narrow cobbled streets, numerous stores with cute souvenirs and a kiosk with that kalach bread! As it is stated on the menu, there are kalach with and without goose meat. For those who want to master the art of baking, there are a number of workshops in the 'Kalachnaya' museum.

Kolomna is no less famous for its pastila (fruit marshmallow) made from local apples. There is no other place where you can find such a perfect variety of candy! 

Kremlins were built in many regions of Russia, but most of them are located in Moscow Region. Nine such fortresses have survived to date, but the best preserved ones are in Kolomna and Zaraysk (there are also kremlins in Vereya, Volokolamsk, Mozhaisk, Zvenigorod, Dmitrov, Serpukhov and Ruza). 

The Zaraysk Kremlin was built in 1528-1531 on the order of Vasily III to protect the southern borders of Moscow. During the ‘Time of Troubles’ (‘Smuta’), the governor of Zaraysk was Prince Dmitry Pozharsky, thanks to whose actions (among others) the city survived against the supporters of False Dmitry II.

5. Bison in the Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Reserve 

Not far from Serpukhov, you can get acquainted with these unique animals that once even roamed with mammoths. The Prioksko-Terrasny Nature Reserve has been restoring the bison ("zubr") population since the 1940s, returning them to their natural habitat. 

6. New Jerusalem

In the 17th century, Patriarch Nikon decided to build his own “Jerusalem”, not far from the town of Istra. The size of the New Jerusalem Monastery was to show the full power of the Orthodox Church.

It has its own Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as well as its own Golgotha and even the nearby Istra River was renamed ‘Jordan’ in that area. 

Nearby, you can find one of the largest art museums in Russia – 'New Jerusalem', which boasts well over 180,000 exhibits! 

7. Arkhangelskoye Estate

One can't help comparing this grand estate to Versailles. In terms of its decadence and pomp, it was not inferior to the royal French palaces. Over time, Arkhangelskoye changed quite a few owners. Throughout history, the estate was owned by the Sheremetev, Golitsyn, and Yusupov families. Today, it is a museum and reserve with a large park and a theater .

8. Zvenigorod

One of the oldest cities of Moscow Region (known since the middle of the 12th century), Zvenigorod is dubbed "Moscow Region's Switzerland". The surroundings there are really very picturesque: the spruce forests scattered along the valleys of the Storozhka River beckon you to have a stroll around.

The name of the town (derived from the word ‘zvonit’, ‘to ring’) is often associated with its defensive significance: it is believed that soldiers on the fortress towers would warn the inhabitants of approaching enemies. 

You can also visit the preserved white-stone Savva-Storozhevsky Monastery, founded in 1398 by monk Savva, a follower of Sergius of Radonezh. 

9. Malevich Park

If you can't decide between walking in the woods or modern art, this is the right place to go. The new park is located near Razdory (Odintsovo) train station, where you will find art objects waiting for you in the most unobvious places. Inscriptions on trees, moonlight on a lawn, nets in the forest. Walking through the park, you will, every now and then, bump into other people just as surprised to see yet another work of art along their way.

10. Star City

To learn how astronauts prepare for flights to the ISS and what discoveries they make in space, you can visit the Cosmonaut Training Center in Zvyozdny Gorodok aka Star City (Shchelkovsky District). Simulators, centrifuges, spacesuits, as well as models of spaceships are on display there. It is a closed city, however, which means you can't just go there. You have to sign up for an official excursion 21 working days in advance. If you are a foreigner  – 45 working days prior to the date.

11. Aviation Museum in Monino

The Central Museum of the Russian Air Force showcases rare military and civilian airplanes from different epochs. Among the most interesting exhibits are the Soviet Tu-144 supersonic passenger airplane, the super-heavy B-12 transport helicopter and a BOR-5 aircraft that returned from space. But, of course, there are many others! 

12. Road to Lavra

The walking trail from Moscow to The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in Sergiev Posad is one of the most unusual tourist routes in Russia. It is the successor of the historical road to St. Sergius of Radonezh. The length of the trail is 120 kilometers, if counted from the Moscow Kremlin. It passes through the Abramtsevo and Muranovo museums, as well as the Radonezh and Khotkovo villages. You don’t have to walk the whole trail and can traverse small sections of several kilometers instead. 

Of course, you can also get to Sergiev Posad, where the Lavra is located, by train and bus. In addition to the monastery, there is a famous toy museum in the town. It is believed that it was there that the first Russian matryoshka doll was made.

13. Gzhel Porcelain Factory

Moscow Region is the birthplace of quite a few Russian art crafts that have since gained popularity around the world. One of them is the blue-and-white-painted Gzhel ceramics (Ramensky district). It turns out that there was exceptionally good quality clay surrounding the village of Gzhel, which was used to make bricks, pipes, tiles and even toys. But, most importantly, beautifully painted dishes with birds and flowers. You can also try your hand at pottery while on an excursion around the Gzhel Porcelain Factory!

14. Zhostovo Factory

The famous Zhostovo trays originate from the 19th century in the village of Zhostovo (Mytishchi urban district). The trays, on which bright flowers blossom, cannot be mistaken for anything else! At the factory, you will see the whole manufacturing process, while in the museum – the most unusual items produced there!  

15. Moose Biostation

The Moose Island (Losiny Ostrov) National Park occupies a huge territory in the north-east of Moscow and Moscow Region. It is there, at the biostation in the Mytishchi urban district, that you can get closer acquainted with the moose, the master of the forest. Wild red deer and spotted deer also live there. You can walk around the territory on your own or go on an excursion group.

16. Melikhovo Museum & Reserve

The estate still cherishes the memory of famous Russian writer Anton Chekhov, who lived there in 1892-1899. The literary museum near the city of Chekhov appeared in 1941 and his relatives helped collect exhibits for it, including the writer's personal belongings. 

Melikhovo, meanwhile, also hosts theatrical and literary events, exhibitions and concerts. 

17. Bykovo Estate

Lost somewhere in the Ramenskiy urban district is the beautiful Bykovo Estate, built in the Neo-Gothic style in the late 18th century. Near it, there is Vladimirskaya Church , reminiscent of a fairy-tale palace. The project is attributed to Vasily Bazhenov, who was also the architect of the palace in Moscow's Tsaritsyno park.

18. Mozhaisk

The best views of the city are from the hilltop of the Mozhaisk Kremlin. The center of Mozhaisk has preserved its historic layout dating to the 18th century and will be of interest to those who want to get a closer look at the historical settlements of Moscow Region. Not far from the city is the Borodino Field Museum and Reserve, as well as the historic Borodino railway station. 

19. Peter Tchaikovsky Museum & Reserve in Klin

The composer rented the house in Klin in the last two years of his life and, in 1894, a year after his death, a memorial museum was opened there. It houses Tchaikovsky's personal belongings, his books, as well as his cabinet piano – and everything is fully preserved. 

20. Senezh Lake

This is a water reservoir that was constructed in Solnechnogorsky District two centuries ago to feed the channel between the rivers Istra and Sestra. The places are very picturesque and it was this lake that Isaac Levitan dedicated his painting to in 1898. 

The lake. Rus. 1900, Isaac Levitan.

In summer, you can swim and sunbathe on the beach and, in cold weather, you can visit the 'Putevoy Palace' museum center and learn more about what Moscow province life of the 18th century was like.

Bonus (in winter): Yakhroma

In the winter season, there is a ski slope in Yakhroma (Dmitrovsky district). Naturally, the mountains in the vicinity of Moscow are not the highest, however, the journey to the ski base will appeal even to those who aren’t sports enthusiasts. There is a themed 1980s retro train, complete with wooden benches, running between Savelovsky Station and Yakhroma . Also, ‘Ikarus’ retro buses operate between Yakhroma station and 'Sorochany', 'Volen' and 'Yakhroma' resorts.

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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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