Moscow

15 minutes ago

3 minutes

Here is a guide to the essential attractions and experiences for your visit to the Russian capital.

Moscow’s Must-See Central Attractions

Moscow’s most iconic sites are concentrated in and around Red Square and the Kremlin, making the city center very walkable.

Red Square (Krásnaya Plóshchad): This massive, historic cobblestone square is the symbolic center of Russia. It’s flanked by monumental structures that define the country’s history.
St. Basil’s Cathedral: The unforgettable, brightly-colored, onion-domed cathedral stands at the south end of Red Square. Built in the mid-16th century, its unique, fantastical architecture is the ultimate photo opportunity.
The Moscow Kremlin: This fortified complex serves as the official residence of the Russian President and is the seat of Russian political power. Behind its massive red walls, you can visit several stunning cathedrals (like the Assumption Cathedral), the Armoury Chamber (a treasure museum containing Fabergé eggs, imperial carriages, and royal regalia), and see the giant Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon.
GUM (Main Universal Store): Located along the eastern side of Red Square, GUM is a beautiful, historic, upscale shopping mall with a gorgeous arched glass roof and a stunning interior. Even if you don’t shop, it’s worth a walk-through for the architecture and ambiance.
Lenin’s Mausoleum: Situated against the Kremlin wall, this stark monument houses the preserved body of Vladimir Lenin, the founder of the Soviet Union. (Note: Check current opening times and rules, as visits are often limited.)

The Bolshoi Theatre: One of the world’s most famous venues for ballet and opera. If you can’t get tickets for a performance, guided tours are often available to see the lavish interior.
The State Tretyakov Gallery: This gallery is the national treasury of Russian fine art, featuring masterpieces ranging from medieval icons to 20th-century works by legendary Russian artists.
Gorky Park: More than just a park, this vast cultural and recreational space along the Moskva River has been completely revitalized. It features modern art exhibits, beautiful gardens, cycling paths, food stalls, and a large ice rink in the winter.
Museum of Cosmonautics: Located near the towering Monument to the Conquerors of Space (a titanium obelisk), this museum details the history of the Soviet space program, from Sputnik to the International Space Station.

The Moscow Metro: This is a must-do experience. Many of the central metro stations—nicknamed the “Palaces of the People”—were built during the Soviet era with opulent chandeliers, mosaics, marble, and statues, each with a unique theme. Must-see stations include Komsomolskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii, and Mayakovskaya.

Public Transit: The Moscow Metro is the quickest and most reliable way to navigate the large city. Use the Cyrillic alphabet you learned, or use a translation app to find your stops.
Payments: Due to international sanctions, foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard are not widely accepted. You should carry sufficient cash (Russian Rubles) for daily expenses, obtained by exchanging USD or Euros at official exchange points.
Tickets: For major attractions like the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre, you should book tickets online in advance to avoid long queues and potential sell-outs.