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Tourist guide: what to do and see in Moscow
A Journey Full of History and Culture
Discover Moscow, which is the capital of the most extensive country in the world, and immerse yourself into its history and culture. There is a multitude of essential places that you must go and see during your visit: Red Square, The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and the Novodevichy Convent. Besides taking photographs of unforgettable images, make the most of your visit to fall in love with their art by visiting museums, galleries, and theatres. Don't forget to try traditional Russian cuisine, as you'll be surprised by its variety!
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
- Sights
- Shopping
- Leisure
- Dining
- Open air
- Museum
Russian Gift
Learn how to make different objects, or prepare dishes from local recipes in this fun and interesting place.
Immerse yourself into Russian culture.
Russian Gift is a cultural centre that aims to preserve and not lose traditional Russian arts, crafts and traditions by means of carrying out different activities and exhibitions throughout the year. In this interesting place, you can learn how to make your own 'matryoshka' dolls that you can take away as a souvenir, as well as taste, and even cook typical produce from the country. Enjoy traditional Russian dishes during a dinner accompanied by folkloric music and dancing that will completely immerse you into Russian culture! They will throw parties in which you'll be like another native Russian, and there are also activities for the little ones in the family, during which they'll learn steps of Russian dances, and they can also take a Russian doll back home. Come on, you won't regret this!
Dance till you drop at London Night Club
Have a drink, dance the night away and enjoy the nightlife of the city.
Moscow night.
In this very special club you can move non-stop on the dance floor while you have a drink to the beat of the latest music played by great foreign DJs. Also, if you want to dress up and laugh non-stop, every week they organize theme parties, don't miss it! Here you can also watch that football game that you don't want to miss while you eat some of their snacks from the bar. Moscow's nightlife has become world famous in recent years, a sign of its Europeanization. There are all kinds of clubs that open their doors with good music until the wee hours of the morning, where you can dance and have a drink surrounded by the most select atmosphere in the city. The night is long in Moscow!
City Space Bar
Take a seat as if you were touching the sky in this spectacular establishment, and enjoy their menu.
The city from up high.
At the City Space Bar in the Swissotel Krasnye Holm Hotel, you are going to have such amazing views of the city that you won't want to go down and put both feet back on the ground. Try one of their famous cocktails with original ingredients or a drink at 140 metres up high while you surprisingly admire the beauty of this wonderful city. On the top floor of this hotel, you'll discover a completely different world surrounded by glass, as if you were put into a gigantic aquarium, as well as an exclusive and modern environment. Their delicious dishes on the menu that you can try under the attentive look of their beautiful teardrop lamps are worth a special mention. Enjoy the heights in Moscow!
Live Music in B2
Have a good time and a drink while you play and listen to live music.
Live music and entertainment.
To go into the gigantic B2 is to lose your way among the rooms on the five floors of this venue, and have a good time while you have a drink. At the B2, you can play pool; listen to jazz or modern music; get down on the dance floor; watch sports events on the enormous screen by the bar; eat something in the restaurant, or relax while you have a cocktail. You can even enjoy a drink on the terrace during the summer months. Famous artists such as Rammstein, Franz Ferdinand, and Nouvelle Vague have performed here. But take care with not losing your companions, as this gigantic building has a capacity of 2,000 people!
The Bolshoi Theatre
A historical place where you can enjoy a good show during your visit to the city.
A night at the theatre.
To spend an evening enjoying this wonderful building that has, is, and always will be a symbol of Russia is essential during your visit to Moscow! This architectural gem opened its doors on the same day when tsar Alexander II was crowned in 1856, and as of today, following the last refurbishment that took more than 6 years to complete, the Bolshoi Theatre is still one of the most impressive buildings in the city. Nowadays, it has reopened its doors having been converted into a modern building equipped with the latest technology, which maintains it as the grand ballet and opera theatre. Enjoy one of the authentic Russian plays and have an unforgettable night! Although you can buy tickets online, we recommend you to go the ticket office to find the best prices.
The State Kremlin Palace
This palace has hosted fashion shows to Russian Ballets. Are you going to miss it?
A palace full of history.
This extraordinary glass palace is one of the magnificent symbols of the soviet regime and it's famous for being the place where the communist political party congresses were held; where the country's first president took his oath, and for being the headquarters of the very famous Kremlin ballet group that performed Swan Lake for the first time with Maya Plisetskaya and Nikolay Fadeechev as the leading roles. Built in 1961, the palace has a large banquet hall, and an auditorium with a capacity of 6,000 people. Curiously, the palace goes down 17 metres under ground, which is equivalent to a five-story building. Nowadays, it hosts fashion shows, circuses, operas, and even concerts. In fact, big stars such as Pavarotti, Whitney Houston, Bryan Adams, and Liza Minnelli have all performed here, among others.
Dancing in the Petrovich Club
Lunch, dinner, or even a drink surrounded by the city's most exclusive environment.
A club for having a good time.
Besides dining in this establishment, which is situated in an old cognac factory, a big party with prior booking is held every Saturday around the tables while some great famous songs are played. You can also go during the week to enjoy yourself with one of their board games, and if you can't drink any more during your dinner, then curiously enough, you can pay for it and drink it during the year. The Petrovich Club is a very different place to the rest and this is surely why it's always full of people, including many famous faces such as television presenters, politicians, and journalists. It's open until 5am, and it offers live music every day from 9pm.
Wash Yourself in a Russian 'Banya'
Don't miss the opportunity to visit one of the Russian 'banyas' and to learn the relaxation ritual.
National relaxation.
Banyas' are dry or wet heat sessions of nudist baths with separate areas for men and women, and where the temperature can exceed 90ºC. In the 'banyas', you'll find three different rooms: the entrance, the baths, and the sauna. To use one of these, it's necessary to carry out a ritual that dates back centuries ago. Before entering, make sure you buy oak leaves, or any other bunch of leaves or plants to be able to enjoy the massages that consist of being stroked to open your pores. There are various public 'banyas' in the city but this is nothing like the 120 that there used to be during the 1940s. Visit Sandunovsky Banya at the Kuznetskiy Most metro stop, which is one of the nicest and most comfortable in the city. Enjoy!
Arbat Street and Surroundings
Go round this area on your own and discover its charms at your pace.
A modern district.
If you walk round this picturesque district, you'll discover an essence of Moscow that you won't find in another place. Besides this, you can also buy souvenirs at low prices in the small shops located on the ground floor of the buildings. Among the streets, you'll discover churches such as St. Simeon, and houses where famous writers and Russian nobles used to live like Alexander Pushkin. In fact, there is a bronze sculpture opposite his former house that represents the poet beside his wife. You'll also see the commemorative sculpture of the singer, Bulat Okudzhava which is surrounded by some bronze arches covered with quotes of the singer's romantic poems. Being the modern district it is, there is also a piece of history of the place on the walls: one of the walls has become a place of pilgrimage for the fans of a music group called Kino, whose star, Viktor Tsoi, died in a car accident during the 90s.
An Outing in the Metro
A means of transport for getting round the city and to discover small works of art.
The Moscow underground.
Although the idea of building a means of underground transport arose at the beginning of the 20th century, construction didn't begin until 1931 when the communists were in power. The building work continued during the war years, as the underground served as a refuge from the attacks, as well as provide public transport. Nowadays, Moscow has 12 lines, 182 stations, and a total length of nearly 300 kilometres of track. It's worth having a walk round the underground to discover and admire the decoration of each one of the stations. During the period the underground was being developed, there used to be competitions among the Muscovites to build the stations, and to decorate them. That's why each station is unique with their mosaics and paintings that commemorate and show the country's history. Interesting, isn't it?
Victoria Park and Poklonnaya Hill
This is an important place for the city, as well as being somewhere to relax on the grass.
A historic place.
In Moscow, being a city which is steeped in history in all parts, it's difficult to find a place where no important event had occurred or has been commemorated. At the Park Pobedy metro station, you'll find this park built as a large monument to commemorate the outdoors, so that tourists and residents remember the great Russian victory of the Great Patriotic War. You'll find the war museum here made up of five terraces to symbolize five years of war, as well as 1,418 fountains to represent the number of days the war lasted. Don't miss Victory Square, the monument of St. George slaying a dragon, as well as three different temples: the synagogue; the orthodox temple, and the mosque, to reflect the unity of all religions in the country. Although a memorial in honour of the Russian victory had been thought of previously, it wasn't until 1995 until the idea was carried out.
Moscow Zoo
We propose a different day visiting the city's zoo.
A plan for the whole family.
Take the metro as far as the station called Barrikadnaya, where you'll see the large main entrance, and where you'll spend a very entertaining day. At the beginning of the 20th century, Moscow Zoo was one of the scenes of the revolution as it was seriously damaged. However, despite the difficult conditions that the zoo was faced with during the soviet government, this park quickly expanded in the 90s to currently house up to 5,000 animals. The most authentic part is that you won't only see the animals as adults, as there is an area where you can see the mothers suckling their new-borns, and some of the little ones are even in incubators. There's no better place for children to discover the miracle of life!
Ulitsa Varvaka and Surrounding Areas
A good place to go for a walk and to discover how the city used to be in the past.
Discover the city's secrets.
During a walk round this area of the city, it won't just be the grandeur of the place that will attract your attention, but the large quantity of hiding places that you'll discover throughout your stroll. It's considered as the oldest street in the city but despite its short length, it has many old religious buildings. The construction of a great mass of cement which presently houses a large hotel, unfortunately destroyed a part of the civil and religious buildings in the area. Despite this, the street managed to keep its essence and it still takes passers-by back to the old times. Imagine the members of the Romanov family, or Russian nobles of the period passing by among the buildings. You'll find yourself in the most historical and unknown side to Moscow while you admire the churches of St. Maksim and St. Barbara!
The World's Largest Bell and Cannon
Huge in size, don't miss these during your visit to the Kremlin.
Two attractions in the Kremlin.
When you're in the Kremlin, you must go and have a photo taken of you with the Tsar Cannon. Made of bronze, measuring more than five metres long and weighing 39 tons, it was made by Andrei Chokhov in 1586 and ii decorated in reliefs. This cannon is considered as the largest in the world. The cast iron balls have been left around the cannon that were prepared to launch around 1,000 kilos of weight each, but the cannon was never used after all, so the balls and the cannon now remain as decorative elements. On top of a base, you can also see the world's largest bell, which is the Tsar Bell, that weighs 202 tons and measures 6 metres in height.
The Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery
If you have time, come here to relax and admire the beauty of the area.
A peace haven.
It's worth devoting a day of your journey going to visit this famous religious complex at which you can arrive by going to the metro stop called Sportivnaya. In this idyllic setting next to the Moskva River, you'll find a place that radiates peace, which is the convent and its surroundings declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. The city's most famous cemetery is also here where a large number of historic Russian personalities rest in peace. Don't miss the tombs of the famous Russian dancers, Galina Ulánova and Ekaterina Maximova; the writers, Nikolai Gogol and Alekséi Nikoláyevich Tolstói; the leaders, Nikita Khrushchev and Boris Yeltsin, and great leading figures such as Konstantín Stanislavski and Chéjov.
Red Square
This will probably be one of your first places that you'll visit in the city, and you won't be disappointed!
The most famous square in the city.
Separating the Kremlin from the city's historic commercial district, Red Square is one of the most famous areas in Moscow, and in the whole world, as few places have so much significance and home to so many different stories like this magnificent place! Nowadays, it's the central meeting place for tourists who are looking for their guided excursions. The surrounding buildings were all initially made of wood, but due to many fires, the area was redeveloped and even became the main place in the city which is surrounded by large cathedrals and majestic palaces. This square has hosted military parades, the coronation of tsars, and has held all kinds of markets and ceremonies including concerts. The deep red colour of the bricks used in the surrounding buildings attract attention, but the reference to red curiously doesn't come from the colour of the buildings or the Kremlin Wall, nor even the red which is associated to communism, as it is due to the Russian word 'Красная' which means 'red' and 'beautiful'. We recommend you not to miss a thing by going round in circles with your eyes wide open, and enjoy the history!
The Kremlin Wall and Alexander Gardens
To round off your visit to the Kremlin, we recommend visiting the surroundings and relaxing in the gardens.
The Kremlin's surroundings.
These gardens surround the huge stone wall where you can walk around and admire the fountains. The Neglinnaya River used to pass through here which was channelled underground, and in its day, this river turned the Kremlin into a real fortress. Subsequently, Alexander I ordered to build this beautiful green area under the name of 'The Kremlin Gardens'. During your walk round these green areas, you'll see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with an eternal flame that burns in memory of all who lost their lives during the revolution. After relaxing in the gardens, take a stroll to discover the Kremlin Wall that stretches more than 2,000 metres long and 4 metres wide. You can also let yourself be impressed by the 20 guard towers. Go inside the Kremlin through the main entrance and via the most beautiful tower, being the Spasskaya Tower.
Patriarch Ponds
With several surrounding attractions, this is an ideal place to relax.
The park with the pond.
On your outing round the city, you'll come across this small oasis where you can make a stop on your journey, relax under the huge shade of the trees, and eat or drink something while you enjoy its pond and beautiful architecture of the surrounding buildings. In this park, where you'll find children playing and adults relaxing, the main characters meet here in the book titled 'The Master and Margarita' by the writer Mijail Bulgakov, who used to live very near here. During summer, you can have a peaceful time in the shade, and in winter, you can enjoy its ice-skating rink when the pond freezes over. The nearest metro stops are Tverskaya and Mayakovskaya. Get your skates on!
Gorky Park
For walking, running, playing, or simply to escape the city for a few hours.
A day outdoors.
If you're travelling with children, don't hesitate to come here by metro (Park Kultury and Oktyabrskaya), as you can run and enjoy yourself by doing many activities. Since its restructure in 2011, this park has become the Muscovites' favourite place for relaxing and walking, as well as enjoying the multiple outdoor activities it offers: ping pong, cinema, dancing, bike and boat rental, coffee on the terrace, and to see an exhibition, or a film at the outdoor cinema. This place also offers Wi-Fi! Making the most of the summer sun, you can relax on one of the hammocks. During winter, get your coat on and come here to enjoy the immense ice rink, and have a warm glass of wine ('glintvein') while you fully immerse yourself into the culture of this huge city. Get your skates on!
A Cruise Round the Moskva River
Another way to see the city's beauty is to go round its river on one of these boats.
An outing on the river.
Either during the day, or at night, an outing round the Moskva River that stretches over 100 kilometres is the perfect choice for getting to know the city and its history in more depth. There are several companies offering this service, and you'll feel like a Muscovite on board their boats as you enjoy the views, monuments, and the beautiful shore. Most cruises set off from the Kiyevskiy station where the metro can take you, and depending on which route you prefer, you can visit one part of the city or another. With the Capital Shipping Company (www.cck-ship.ru), you can enjoy an outing for 450 rubles, or you can get off at any of the stops and then board again when you want to throughout the whole day for 800 rubles. A perfect option for discovering the city at your own pace!
Other Restaurants
You'll find places to eat all round the city, so go and try your luck!
More options for eating and relaxing.
If you would prefer not to continue eating the famous stroganoff fillet, or you just feel like something else, you'll also find many other kinds of food. There are many pizzerias and restaurants offering a large variety of dishes within everybody's budget. At Aist (www.aistcafe.ru), near the Pushkinskaya metro stop, you can have a typical English breakfast or try one of their haute cuisine dishes, including seafood, while you taste some wine from their extensive menu. All this in a very modern environment! Of course you can also enjoy a juicy hamburger in the typical Hard Rock Café chain located at Stary Arbat. If you fancy these, go inside and try them!
Italian Food
Here are some options for you if you want to enjoy an Italian restaurant during your visit.
Delicious Italian food.
To choose from an Italian menu is a safe bet when you go on a trip. The Trattoria Venecia (www.trattoria-venezia.ru) has several restaurants in Moscow, and the most central one of these is located on the Strastnoy Boulevard. On their menu, you'll find a large variety of typical Italian food such as pasta, risotto, lasagne, focaccia, soups... Take a seat on one of their comfortable chairs, order a good Italian wine, and enjoy their very tasty dishes! Pane & Olio (www.paneolio.ru) also have two restaurants in the city, being a trattoria and a pizzeria. As soon as you open the door, you'll feel a great lift for having gone inside, as you're attracted by the special aroma which is generated by the restaurant.
Na Melnitse
By going to this restaurant, you can travel to the Russian countryside without moving from the city centre.
An oasis in the city.
It's possible to eat here as if you were in the middle of the Russian countryside! Surrounding you in this restaurant, you'll have a water mill, spinning wheels, and wooden decoration with all kinds of objects for putting you into a story of one of Tolstoi's books. Meanwhile, you can taste dishes of Russian cuisine such as caviar, duck, salad, and typical meatballs made of Siberian meat. If you would like to enjoy a lunch or dinner here, we recommend you to book in advance to avoid any disappointment. To accompany the food, there's nothing better than a little vodka or homemade herbal liqueurs! Don't miss such a silent and peaceful place in the middle of this bustling city.
The Menus
A luxury for all the senses although not for all budgets.
A three Michelin star restaurant.
On the second floor of the Hotel Lotte is this luxurious French cuisine restaurant where the most exquisite palates cannot miss. In the extensive menu you can taste the wide variety of dishes from the winner of three Michelin stars Pierre Gagnaire such as his sensational salads, prawns, lobsters and shellfish that melt in your mouth, fresh carpaccios, French cheeses or Australian meat, among many other dishes. Its luxurious decoration, with the comfortable armchairs and the wonderful lamps, will allow you to have a pleasant time while you try their dishes or their highly recommended tasting menu. Don't forget to try one of the wines on their very long menu! In addition, the restaurant also has private rooms.
Eating Seafood in Moscow
If you are planning on giving yourself a seafood treat, you've come to the perfect place!
The best seafood in the city.
Although it's hard to believe, you can pig out on seafood from Moscow, if you want to! Mind you, to taste what is probably the best seafood from Moscow is only possible if your pockets are full of rublos. At any of the branches of the French restaurant, La Marée, you'll notice that we're not talking about a typical restaurant just by their decoration of white tablecloths and spotless tables. At these tables, you can taste the best seafood selected by their famous chef from the French Riviera! You'll find all kinds of fresh fish such as salmon, sea bass, crabs, lobsters... and you can choose how you would like them to be cooked, and what will accompany them! The restaurant on Petrovka Street deserves a special mention.
Ukrainian Food
Delicious dishes for you to taste another kind of food.
A place for sharing food.
To try a tasty, economical and traditional Ukrainian meal, there's nothing better than playing it safe and going to one of the restaurants which is part of a chain called Korchma Taras Bulba (their first restaurant is the one on Petrovka Street), where you can try dishes of Ukrainian cuisine at a very reasonable price. If you're going in a group, we recommend you to order food to share due to the size of the portions, and don't forget to try their soups, carrots covered with caviar, ragout, filled pancakes, and their chicken. Decorated as an old Ukrainian house, the restaurant looks like a pub which makes a lunch or dinner here quite an experience for your senses.
Moo Moo
Rapidly served and well prepared food in a very well-known place in the city.
Traditional and rapidly served food.
A good, nice, and cheap alternative for somewhere to stop and have lunch is to go to one of the these establishments which is part of a chain of cafés. Don't expect a restaurant with tablecloths and an extensive menu, but you'll find low prices here and you'll eat typical Russian food. You can try salads, typical meats, soups, sushi and pizza which are accompanied with soft drinks and desirable chocolate deserts. You can also take the menu to your hotel, if you prefer. Try it!
Scandinavia
Especially interesting in summer and delicious throughout the whole year, this is an ideal place for trying new dishes.
To try another kind of food.
Why not try Swedish cuisine in the middle of Moscow? Although it seems strange to taste Swedish cuisine during your visit to the city, we recommend you not to miss this curious place where you can try typical Scandinavian and European dishes. Its minimalist decoration and peaceful atmosphere are also the reason why this place has become a meeting place for many Muscovites, either for a drink, to have a cocktail after work, or to enjoy a casual dinner. Incidentally, its summer terrace turns into an ice bar during the winter. Scandanavia is in a very central location on one of the corners on a street named Tverskaya, so whichever season it is during your visit, don't miss it!
Café Pushkin
Delicious food and tasteful decoration make this place one of the best in the city.
One of the city's elegant establishments.
Considered as one of the best restaurants in the city, you'll be taken back in time to the revolutionary period as soon as you walk in. Its classic decoration creates a typical romantic atmosphere of the 19th century. Don't miss the opportunity to sit down on one of the stools at the bar to enjoy the atmosphere, or even discover the rooftop terrace for a cocktail or a coffee. If you decide to eat here, we recommend you to book in advance, as this is a very popular place. The food on the menu is excellent, and you must try the meat or the salmon roe soaked in a good champagne. Remember to leave some room for desert, as the chocolate will put the cherry on top of this fantastic menu!
Eat and Drink Economically in Kruzhka
Establishments where you can eat something tasty and quick, so you can continue with your tour.
In case you don't want to lose time during your tour round the city.
With various establishments dotted around the whole city, including one at a few metres from Red Square, you can have lunch and drink beer for just a few rubles, and in a special kind of atmosphere. Kruzhka has become the favourite place for students and tourists who are looking for a bite to eat and to have a fun time in this type of pub. The dishes aren't so extravagant but that doesn't mean to say that they lack in flavour. Order sausages and potatoes, roasted fish, pasta, or any other combined dish at very low prices. And besides this, although they close at midnight during the week, they're open until 4am at weekends, so you can go there practically anytime to enjoy a break.
Dorogomilovsky Market
Its own tastes and aromas for you to become more familiar with Moscow's gastronomy.
A food market.
It's said that the best way to find out more about the culture of a country or city is to discover their gastronomy. In this colourful street market, you'll see all the ingredients of Russian cuisine, as well as get to know more about the people. Be careful though, because there are no set prices here and you'll have to haggle if you want to buy some of the products at a good price, especially being a tourist. Among the stalls, you'll see fresh and recently gathered produce which has mainly come from local origins and suppliers. There are stalls offering meat, fish, aromatic herbs, fruit and vegetables, dairy products, flowers... You're bound to love the mix of aromas and colours, as soon as you go into this market!
Detsky Mir
A toy shop for all ages in which you're bound to have a good time.
Feel like a child again.
Since 1957, Detsky Mir has become the favourite place of adults and children in Moscow. What started off as a shop with more than 22,000 square metres of displays, has turned into a chain of shops with several points of sale throughout the city. 'The Children's World' is an ideal place to walk round and admire the large number of items we have all dreamed of at some time during our early years. Not only will you find technological toys, you'll also discover the most traditional and educational ones in any of their shops, including puzzles or wooden toys, to dolls and more modern gadgets.
Moskovskiy Dom Knigi
If you love literature, this will be your favourite place in Moscow.
Thousands of books at your disposal.
We introduce you to the best library in the city in which you can lose your way among the shelves, and take a look at their large collection of books and guides. This library also has a section dedicated to old and second hand books which include some real literature gems, but mind you, these are in Cyrillic and English. This literature paradise was created by the Muscovite government in 1998 and it's located in a place called Noviy Arbat. Although it gives you the feeling of an old stone building from the outside, you'll fully enter into a different world when you cross the doorstep into that smell of books which is so characteristic, making you walk round the 200,000 copies, and discover a little more Russian culture.
A Good Russian Vodka
You can't leave without visiting some of these shops and not taste a good Russian Vodka.
The most Russian drink.
You surely can't leave Moscow without taking a bottle of Russia's typical vodka. As you walk round the city, you'll find a large quantity of big and small shops that offer a large variety of this drink for you to choose from. Go inside any of them, and don't be afraid to ask and pick one of them! Many shops will even give you a sample to try the different varieties, so that you can choose the one you like most. You can also buy your favourite vodka in any of the supermarkets or shopping centres in Moscow, but if you want to take home a souvenir of your trip, go to one of the small off licences where you'll find a great variety. Enjoy the pure essence of Russia!
Buying Chocolate in Korkunov
You're bound to fall into the sweetest temptation and take a chocolate souvenir.
A very sweet moment.
If you want to take home a sweet souvenir of your trip to Russia, there's nothing better than a small box of chocolate by this legendary brand, and here you can buy single sweets, to lovely boxes or tins of sweets as gifts. Korkunov have various shops in all parts of Moscow and surrounding areas, and you'll know these by such a sweet smell that surrounds them. One of the shops is located at number 13 on the street of Bolshaya Lubyanka. In such special establishments with a vintage atmosphere and glass cabinets filled with very tasty sweets, you'll surely find your favourite chocolate among such variety. You can also try a tasty hot chocolate or some of their cakes. Delicious places!
TsUM
You'll find everything and at all kinds of prices, buy you can also visit it just to have a drink or a snack.
Upmarket shopping.
This is another one of the city's main shopping centres, and this one was refurbished during 2007, where you'll find absolutely everything that you're looking for, as well as admire the shop windows of more than 1,500 luxury brands that you'll find here. This gigantic shopping paradise is situated on Petrovka Street, so come along and visit the place! What started as a shop selling hats and luxury objects turned into a place that is a must-visit for all fashion and shopping lovers. You can buy clothes and accessories, as well as go to a beauty centre, restaurants, cafés, and bars where you can taste typical Russian products, and there is even a gourmet supermarket!
The most curious objects in Moscow
We bet that you have not seen anything like it and that you will leave there, at least, with a smile.
A particularly original store!
In the Arbat neighborhood, on Smolenskiy boulevard, is the Buro Nahodok store with all kinds of items. If you enter, you will not leave empty-handed, since here you will be able to find the most suitable object, either for a gift or for yourself. We present you with a full-fledged curios shop, with gadgets you won't find anywhere else, such as sweet dream pillows, lamps with unimaginable designs and even musical instruments. Only suitable for curious!
Tverskaya Street
A good place to see shop windows, to do some shopping, and take a break in some of the local establishments.
The commercial street par excellence.
This street, which is the main shopping street in the city, starts in a straight line from the Kremlin. Here was where the aristocrats and the rich people of Moscow settled until the main brands of clothing, shoes, and accessories decided to choose this area. Although this zone is always bustling and full of cars, it's a little strange that you'll think you're far from the more 'consumist' side to Moscow if you walk among the adjacent streets, as this is a very peaceful area where you can admire the buildings of Stalinist architecture. Besides buying something or simply admiring the attractive shop windows, we recommend you to stop by the foot of the gigantic buildings and recharge your battery in some of the cafés and restaurants.
Izmailovsky Market
A large quantity of stalls with interesting objects in the middle of the street, all livened up with street life.
A street market and bargaining.
In this interesting street market located in the park which shares the same name, and very near the stop called Partizanskaya, it's easy to get lost among so many stalls around the small wooden houses that imitate the Kremlin's walls. Don't forget to haggle to get old and typically Russian objects at low prices. At Izmailovsky, you can acquire medals and old coins, 'matryoshka' dolls, hats, handcrafted objects, and even original paintings. A large quantity of objects that survived the wars which you can take back as a souvenir of your visit round the huge Russian city! The souvenirs are also very cheap and easy to buy in this market. During the winter, you'll find charming snow-covered narrow streets, and if it's Christmas, the music and decorative objects will put you fully into the festive spirit. This market is open every day of the week but you'll find many more people during weekends, as well as a different atmosphere with street musicians who give your walk round the market a special touch.
GUM
Whatever you're looking for, you'll find it here, as well as a beautiful building in the middle of Red Square.
A very lively shopping centre.
Whether you're going shopping or simply to admire the shop windows, its wonderful architecture, its gigantic glass dome that takes in all the natural light, and its beautiful walls and handrails, the GUM is a must-visit. During your visit to Moscow, you can not, and must not miss a visit to this gigantic shopping centre located on Red Square where you'll surely end up buying something, even if you wanted to or not. You'll find the main luxury brands here but also small boutiques and local shops where you can buy clothes, have a coffee, or buy something to eat. Before you leave, don't forget to go and see its famous old fountain which is a meeting place for the Muscovites.
The Moscow Museum of Modern Art (MMOMA)
If you're into modern art, you'll find an important exhibition on this trend here.
Modern art in different buildings.
Split into various sites, the main building is at number 25 on Petrovka Street. In Ermolaevsky, the museum also has a five-story building, among other buildings. Following its inauguration on 15th December 1999, it initially housed the private collection of the founder and director of the museum, Zurab Tsereteli, which included more than 2,000 works of art by famous 20th century artists. The pictorial fund gradually grew over the years and even became one of the most important collections of Russian art from the 20th and 21st centuries that continued to grow by donations in addition to the acquisitions. Here you'll find important works by Russian artists such as Chagall, Goncharova, and Kadinsky, to pieces by Picasso, Miró, and Dalí!
The State Historical Museum
If you have enough time to see the whole museum, you'll be amazed by the objects that tell the story of Russia.
The country's history in one museum.
In the middle of Red Square, a gigantic and majestic red brick building stands out that houses the history museum. By walking round the rooms which house a large collection from the paleolithic era up to the present, you'll find out everything that happened in this country first hand from the 22,000 objects that make up its permanent exhibition. It's impossible to see everything in a couple of days, so if you're visit to Moscow is a short one, we recommend you to see the rooms that most interest you. In each one of the rooms, there is also an informative point where you can see everything that occurred in that particular historic period in one look, without having to go round the pieces in the collection one by one.
The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
During your visit to Moscow, you can go to one of the country's main museums. Don't miss this opportunity!
A collection of national and international art.
At number 12 of Uiltsa Volkhonka, very near the metro stop of Kropotkinskaya, you'll find this large building with columns that will take you back to the classical Greek era. In this architectural oasis, a large quantity of art hides behind the walls. This magnificent building was inaugurated in 1912 as part of the centennial celebrations of Napoleon's defeat. From the oldest sculptural and pictorial pieces, and applied arts, to the most modern works, this place houses a large collection of international artists. In fact, it's considered as the second most important museum in Russia after the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, and it's a place in which art lovers will lose their way round the rooms. The museum began to house all kinds of works following the Bolshevik Revolution, as many private collections were acquired and 'nationalised'.
The Kolomenskoye Museum
It will seem like you are in a little old Russian village. Don't miss the details of the buildings!
A tour round the country's architectural trends.
This curious and remarkable place was home to the city's oldest village nearly two thousand years ago. A walk round the gardens will let you discover the Ascension church (1532) that was built in white stone to commemorate the long-awaited birth of an heir to the throne, who was going to be Ivan the Terrible, and this church was also used by the tsars as a summer chapel. The small house which attracts attention is a small wooden palace built in the centre of the estate containing no less than 270 rooms. Its artworks don't go by unnoticed either including paintings, sculptures, tiles, and decorative wooden carvings. We recommend you to ask for a guided tour as all the guides are dressed in the style of the period and they'll make you feel as if you were there during that time. A walk round the surroundings is essential! You can't miss how the falconers perfectly dominate the falconry, as well as the birds of prey (LDJG). When the good weather arrives, this area hosts all kind of events, celebrations, and concerts to which the Muscovites go in masses. Nowadays, you'll find an open-air architectural museum that represents the history and evolution of Russian architecture. The wooden constructions that came here from different parts of Russia are especially worth mentioning!
The Palace of the Romanov Boyars
Discover the Russian nobles' way of life and their every day habits.
How the Russian Boyars used to live.
This untypical museum, which is very near Red Square, has remained practically the same despite its multiple refurbishments, and shows how Russian nobles used to live who were called Boyars in the period during the 16th and 17th centuries. The darker and frugal ground floor of the house was dedicated to the men of the house, whereas the women were in the rooms on the second floor doing their chores. In fact, two automated figures appear in one of the rooms who start to embroider when visitors go in. As years passed by, the architect XX Richter finally refurbished this house/palace without leaving a shred of any modern evidence, as he kept the beautiful interiors; the very colourful rooms with the family crests drawn on the walls, as well as the furniture and family essentials. You'll find an example of the civil architecture of the period here with thick walls and roofs in the shape of low arches. You can also admire the 16th-century oven in the kitchen, and if there's enough time, you can see a 17th century tomb in the patio. Come and enter into the everyday life of the old Russian aristocracy!
Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
Given the country's spatial history, it's no surprise that there is a museum which brings all the mysteries of space together.
The space museum.
Just as expected, the first country to send a satellite into space had to have a place dedicated to exploring this spatial 'world'. You'll see the history of their exploration here in the museum's halls while they explain the first flights of the satellites, and how they sent the dogs called Laika, Belka and Strelka into space, in order to find out the appropriate conditions which allowed humans to do the same. On the screens, you can see the 'tricks' that astronauts used to ensure a suitable space journey, and you can also find out about the materials used on space ships. As soon as you leave the metro (stop named VDNKh, yellow line/6), you'll see the magnificent 99-metre tall monument which simulates the wake that a ship leaves as it takes off for space. At the top, where the column joins the sky, you'll see a replica of the famous rocket that Yuri Gagarin used, who was the first human being to launch into space. You'll find this museum on 111 Prospekt Mira. To infinity and beyond!
The Kremlin Armoury
Besides the diamond fund, you'll find unique pieces in this Kremlin museum.
Jewels of the tsars.
The white stones of this building's facade which was built by Konstantin Ton between 1844 and 1851, will take you to the old Russian palaces of ancient times, like the high ceilings inside the building, as you can admire objects that date back to the 12th century. You can enjoy the tsar's most valuable treasures of different periods such as their collection of more than 4,000 objects and their jewels like the beautiful Monomakh crown which was used to coronate all tsars up to 1682. If you're a horse riding lover, you'll find beautiful saddles and coaches, as well as harnesses and equestrian pieces. Discover these treasures that belonged to the tsars and their families, among which you'll find gifts that ambassadors gave them such as weapons, carriages, and ornamental objects made of silver and gold by local artisans. You can't miss this!
The Russian Diamond Fund in the Kremlin Armoury
A fifteen-minute visit and you'll leave here amazed by the diamond fund and precious stones that this place houses.
Diamonds on exhibition.
If you have the time (although the visit barely lasts around 15 minutes), we recommend you to go inside to see the wonderful precious stones exhibited in glass cabinets, and among their strong security measures. This was initially developed as a temporary exhibition, but then it was decided to maintain it in two of the museum's rooms following its great success. This fabulous collection of jewels belonged to the Russian state, instead of the different families that governed the country. The collection, which accumulated with Peter the Great in St. Petersburg was carried out as a result of declaring that the jewels being collected for exhibition could never be sold or given away. During the war, the collection was moved to the Kremlin where it remained until it a decision was made for the pieces to be auctioned in Christie's during recent years. After the fall of communism, the fund was opened to the public up to the present day with very valuable objects such as Catherine the Great's luxurious crown (the Great Imperial Crown); the world's largest sapphire; the famous Orlov and Shakh diamonds, as well as a large quantity of beautiful eggs by Fabergé.
The Ivan the Great Belltower
There is a lot to see inside the Kremlin complex, including this belltower.
The belltower that resisted time.
This unique construction stands at 81 metres tall. In this exhibition room, you can appreciate the old plans, as well as the steps taken during the reconstruction of this gigantic belltower. You can also appreciate the real importance of the Kremlin here, which will surprise you! The belltower dates back to two different centuries. It was during the year 1600 when its actual height was completed, just like the inscription states below the dome. As Napoleon's defeated troops were leaving the city, the Kremlin was practically blown away and therefore the belltower was too. Despite this, the tower's main pillar was surprisingly the only one that kept it standing. Nowadays, you'll find 24 bells in its tower, and the hall is also used as an exhibition room for all kinds of artworks.
Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val
This art gallery is one of the most important in the world, which makes it a must-visit!
Pure works of art.
You can not miss the importance of Russian art in this gallery that contains real masterpieces from thousands of years ago. Created by the Russian patron, Pavel Tretyakov, the gallery has turned into a benchmark for artistic centres thanks to more than 170,000 works created by Russian artists, and this isn't only due to their religious paintings, it's also due to their objects of modern art. After the start of the Second World War, and faced with the fear of losing one of the country's largest heritages, it was decided to take down the main artworks from the walls in the gallery and store them in a building of the Siberian opera. After the works were moved, a German bomber dropped two bombs on the gallery building in August, 1941. Of course, you can also enjoy the works here by Kandinsky, Repin, Nesterov, and other great artists of the 12th century. Take care with your camera because if you want to take photos, you have to pay extra at the entrance.
Poteshny Palace: Now a Cathedral
Although you can't visit its interior, it's worth taking a look at its exterior.
A small palace in the Kremlin.
This modest three-storey building was built in 1652 for Boyar Miloslavsky. Subsequent to the owner's death, the building's interior was reconstructed to form a theatre for performing Potekhi, which is an old Russian word to refer to comical performances that gave the palace its current name. The building was used as an office for the police under Peter the Great, and it was turned into the home of the Commandant of Moscow during the 19th century. During this period, the building was reconstructed and its front was transferred to the eastern facade. At the end of the 19th century, during restoration work under the supervision of N. Shokhina, attempts were made to restore the original appearance of the building. The Palace now houses the Office of the Kremlin Commandant.
The Palace of Facets and Terem Palace
Amazing buildings that you mustn't miss during your visit to the Kremlin.
Admire their roofs, their domes, and their whole structure.
Located in Cathedral Square, this small Florentine-style palace built in 1487 hosts the president's official receptions nowadays, and it's made up only by an enormous 500 square-metre floor with some very high ceilings. The so-called 'Red Porch', attracts attention, which leads to the square where the Russian tsars used to stop and introduce themselves to the people. After a long refurbishment, the palace has opened its doors again, so that the public can admire its impressive interior decoration. You'll also be surprised by the beautiful frescos, and although they are not the originals, they date back to 1881, as well as its domes and impressive lamps. Even though the palace underwent various reconstructions due to several fires, it's still exactly how the initial architects designed the building. When you arrive at Terem Palace, take a look up at the sky and admire the decoration of its facade, its chequered roof, and its eleven golden domes finished off with crosses. You'll be standing in what was once home of the Russian tsar's family. A real symbol of the city! In fact, the second floor used to house the sewing workshops where they used to sew the garments for the whole family, and the private rooms are located on the third floor.
Gorky House Museum
Immerse yourself in this world of art and colour by visiting the writer's house.
An art noveau house.
Quite an ode to modernism, this is where the famous revolutionary writer Maksim Gorki lived for years. The art nouveau of its facade and balconies and its impressive interior staircase make it worthwhile going as far as Malaya Nikitskaya. Not only will you be able to admire the artistic shapes of its architecture, there is also the style of the furniture, as well as the peace and quiet you get from the exterior garden area. This house and museum leaves out straight lines in order to immerse itself in curves and abstract shapes to conjure up shapes of nature like trees in the windows, and flowers and snails. Inside the house, the lamp and the stained glass window attract attention and light up the whole house. The entrance is free and it's worth a visit, so come and immerse yourself in the purest modernist style!
The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
Don't just settle with its impressive exterior, as its interior is just as surprising.
Let yourself be dazzled by its domes.
At a few minutes walk from the Kremlin, this magnificent and immaculate building stands majestically surrounded by a square, and besides its grandeur, its remarkable five copper domes dominate the sky. This orthodox temple was built in 1883 by Konstantin Ton, the same architect who designed various buildings in the Kremlin. It was destroyed later under Stalin's orders, in order to build a palace that eventually wasn't built, although they started to rebuild it so that it would become an orthodox building, after the fall of the USSR. The construction was finalised during the year 2000 and it was always inspired by the original construction, although it includes new features such as underground parking. We recommend you to go inside (it closes at 5pm) to admire the beautiful frescos, and to go up in its famous lift from where you'll see the sky from another point of view. You can visit its museum from 10am to 6pm so that you can find out about the religion and orthodox culture first hand. Incidentally, you can see this building from anywhere in the city, which is an example of Russian wealth and ostentation.
The Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed
A mix of nine churches which are full of colour and history that will amaze you by their beauty.
There is no building that can be compared to this cathedral.
On Red Square, the famous and colourful Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, which is also known as St. Basil's Cathedral, attracts attention, and takes its name from this Saint Basil's tomb, which has been here before the present building was built. This remarkable cathedral that houses nine different churches was constructed under the orders of Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the invasion of Kazan in 1552, and was completed in 1560. The legend has it that Ivan the Terrible blinded its creator, Postnik Yakovlev, so that he couldn't create another construction like this cathedral. Both the famous and ultra-photographed construction and its interior chapels show the intention of the era to reflect the Russian monarchy's absolute power through the architecture. In the beginning, this cathedral was actually white (so that it wouldn't stand out with the rest of the Kremlin), and it's domes were gold as opposed to what we see nowadays, since materials and paint were changing after its complete restoration during the 17th century. Although religious acts are held here on certain public holidays nowadays, the cathedral forms part of Moscow's State Historical Museum. Opposite the cathedral, there is a circular stone platform that used to serve as an altar in the past for outdoor ceremonies on Red Square. This cathedral is also where they used to present the heirs to the throne to the people, and where Ivan the Terrible declared his abdication. Are you going to miss it?
Lenin's Mausoleum
You'll know when you've arrived by the huge line of tourists, but you still have to see this!
The tribute to Lenin par excellence.
At the foot of the Kremlin on Red Square, there's a 24-hour guard to watch and make sure that nothing happens to the embalmed body of Lenin. A wooden mausoleum was made initially in 1924, but then in 1929, the architect, Aleksei Shchusev, was responsible for changing the materials so that Lenin's body was well protected. You can't miss this, and you'll know the exact location, as there is always a large queue of tourists waiting to go inside, but it's usually a quick visit, once you're in. An interesting fact is that the mausoleum was reopened in April, 2005 following years of rumours and controversy on the destiny of Lenin's body, and in principle this is how it will stay in the future. The opening times are from 10am to 1pm, and it's closed on Mondays and Fridays.
Cathedral Square
An interesting union of religious buildings in the centre of the Kremlin.
The oldest square in the city.
The centre of the Kremlin is considered as the oldest square in the city, and the union of various religious buildings in a unique and impressive place attracts attention. This square is situated between the faceted chamber and the patriarchs; the Dormition, the Archangel and Annunciation cathedrals; the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Cathedral Square is a must-visit on your tour to Moscow!
The Kremlin Senate
A spectacular building that you must see from outside to admire its architecture.
The corner of the Kremlin.
Its triangular floor, which in turn is divided into three triangles that link the buildings through an inner courtyard was built this way to fully make the most of the corner that it occupies in the Kremlin, which complicated the construction (1776-1788) in a big way. Its 25-metre diameter and 27-metre tall circular hall attracts attention due to its large Corinthian-style columns that hold its gigantic dome which features 24 windows decorated with bas-reliefs. Its construction marked a turning point for the formation of public buildings in many Russian cities that used the Kremlin Senate as an example, and it was here where the Senate was established during the soviet era, although it was refurbished between 1992 and 1995 to house the residency of the Russian Federation's president. In fact, the Russian flag is always waving above the dome. Incidentally, this was the first place where the red flag was raised in 1917 to symbolise the USSR.
The Arsenal
With a long history, you can't miss this during your visit to the Kremlin.
The strongest building in the city.
You'll look at this Kremlin building differently when you know the long history of its construction, as it first seemed like its destiny wasn't to stay here in this place. Its construction began during 1702, and under Peter the Great's order with the idea of using it as a military storage, but also as a museum for old weaponry, but then the country was at war in the middle of the construction and it was left unfinished. The construction was completed in 1736 but it was seriously damaged a year later due to a fire in the city, and it wasn't until years later, between 1786 and 1796, when the building was restored. But the Arsenal's tortuous history doesn't end here. In 1812, Napoleon's troops partially blew this building and another one away as they retreated from the city, and then another restoration process began two years later which was completed in 1828. Despite all this, the Kremlin Arsenal is still standing nowadays and it still has the original floor where it houses old weaponry and cannons, but now it's used as a headquarters for the army. This place certainly has a long history!
The Kremlin's Palaces
One of the most emblematic places in the city is waiting for you to show its architecture and splendour.
The home of tsars.
The Grand Kremlin Palace was the usual residency of Russian tsars, and nowadays it's the official residency of the country's president. Built using the initiative of Nicholas I in 1849, and under the architect Konstantin Ton's supervision on a site where an old building used to stand that belonged to the Great Prince of Moscow. This gigantic building attracts attention due to the arches on its facade, but it will surprise you even more when you know that there are more than 700 rooms including the main, private, and service rooms. In this impressive place you can find all kinds of styles mixed together, ranging from renaissance rooms to the Byzantine-Russian style. What was initially the tsar's palace with its large main facade facing the Moskva River, has ended up being turned into a real architectural museum, as well as a complex that joins other smaller palaces.
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