Planning a visit to Russia? Begin with Moscow, the capital city and city of grand buildings, rich heritage, and cultural riches. Whatever your stay in Moscow, a few days or longer, this Moscow travel guide will assist you in discovering must-see places such as Red Square, the Kremlin, and more. Moscow boasts colorful cathedrals, beautiful theaters, and historic shopping districts.
Let's dive into the iconic landmarks and what to do to make the best out of your stay in this dynamic city.
Red Square is the most famous and iconic place in Moscow. It's a large open square surrounded by historic buildings that tell stories from different times in Russian history. Whether it's your first or fifth time in the city, Red Square should be your starting point.
This central location links a lot of the city's best attractions. It's where national events, parades, and major celebrations occur. You can stroll over the cobblestone ground, snap great photos, and experience the vibrancy of Russia's capital.
At one end of the square is the breathtaking St. Basil's Cathedral, with its brightly colored onion-shaped domes. On the other end is the imposing red walls of the Kremlin, so Red Square is a square full of history and beauty.
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No travel guide to Moscow would be complete without the mention of St. Basil's Cathedral. It's a building that is probably the most recognized in the world and Russia's symbol.
The cathedral was constructed during the reign of Ivan the Terrible in the 1500s as a celebration of a military conquest. Its brightly colored hues, strange forms, and fairy-tale appearance make it seem as though it came out of a book. You can enter and view the little chapels as well as marvel at the antique religious paintings.
A visit to St. Basil's front door is a must for any tourist. It's lovely in the winter with snow and lovely in the summer with the sun shining on it.
Next door to Red Square is the Kremlin, a huge historic complex with high red-brick walls and towers. The name "Kremlin" is a word meaning fortress, and this fortress is still occupied by the Russian government today.
Within, there are churches, palaces, and government offices. The Kremlin also houses the well-known Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, two gargantuan historic monuments. There are various buildings that you can tour and admire treasures such as royal crowns, armor, and religious art.
Don't forget to stroll through the Alexander Garden outside of the Kremlin walls. It is a serene oasis with fountains, flowers, and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Facing the Kremlin, on Red Square, is the upscale GUM shopping mall. GUM (pronounced "goom") stands for "Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazýn," or "Main Department Store."
The building itself is just as impressive as the shops inside. Built in the late 1800s, GUM features arched glass ceilings, marble floors, and elegant decorations. Even if you’re not in the mood for shopping, walking through GUM is a great experience.
You'll discover both upscale fashion stores and small Russian boutiques. There's also a renowned ice cream shop and cafes where you can sit and observe the world pass by.
This old mall is more than a destination to shop—it's a part of Moscow culture and character.
It is easy to travel around the city with the Moscow Metro, which is one of the most efficient and stunning subway systems globally. Established in 1935, the metro is used not only for commuting, but some of its metro stations are like underground galleries with great works of art.
Some of the stations include chandeliers, sculptures, stained glass, and mosaics. Do stop at some of the most popular ones: Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, and Kievskaya. You don't require a guide—you just get on and go.
The Moscow Metro is inexpensive, secure, and an entertaining method of viewing local life. Trains run every two minutes, and signs are now in Russian and English.
Taking the metro will assist you in visiting all the big landmarks included in this Moscow travel guide without using too much money or time.
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If you're an art lover, make sure to add the Bolshoi Theatre to your travel itinerary. This renowned theater, famous for ballet and opera performances of world-class quality, is just a short walk away from Red Square.
The Bolshoi (Russian for "big") has been going on since the 18th century and is one of the world's most esteemed theaters. The interior is breathtaking, complete with gold accents, red velvet seats, and a magnificent chandelier.
If you don't have time to see a complete performance, you might want to book a building tour. Having a look at the gorgeous stage and listening to its history is worth it.
Attending a live show at the Bolshoi Theatre is one of the most unforgettable things you can do in Moscow.
Although this Moscow travel guide centers on Red Square and surrounding attractions, there's plenty more to see:
Every district has something different to experience, from old to new, from peaceful parks to bustling streets.
To ensure your vacation runs smoothly and is enjoyable, here are a few useful travel tips:
Cuisine in Moscow is great and varied. Make sure to order:
There are also numerous international restaurants and hip cafés throughout the city.
If you have time to spare, take a day trip out of Moscow. Options include Sergiev Posad, which boasts a stunning monastery, or Kolomna, an old town with cobblestone streets and delicious pastila sweets. These local areas provide a relaxing respite from the city and an insight into authentic Russian culture and architecture.
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Moscow is a place of contrasts - old and new, ornate and plain, historical and modern. From walking in Red Square to taking in all the colors of St. Basil's Cathedral, touring the Kremlin, taking a ride on the Moscow Metro, shopping at GUM, or sitting in the Bolshoi Theatre, there are so many unique experiences that await you here in Moscow.
This Moscow travel guide is just a start, but it will help you arrange your journey to one of the world's great cities.
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