What moscow attractions are described

Moscow attractions and sights

Moscow is the most visited by tourists’ city in Russia. The main attractions of Moscow are well known over the world. Almost all tourists visit Red Square during their trip to Moscow. There are the Moscow Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Historical Museum located on the square. It is the most visited place in Moscow. What else places tourists should visit in Moscow?

For more information about Moscow attractions and landmarks location, please visit Moscow tourist map.

Red Square

Moscow Red Square is the most visited place in Moscow. Moscow Kremlin is located there. It is not only a monument of architecture, but also the official residence of president of Russia. St. Basil’s Cathedral, one of the most famous churches of Russia, is located on the Red Square.

Learn more about Red Square.
The nearest metro stations: Ploshchad Revolutsii, «Kitay Gorod», «Okhotny Ryad».

The Moscow Kremlin

The territory of the Moscow Kremlin and its museums are open daily, except Thursdays, from 10.00 to 17.00. Moscow Kremlin may be closed for tourists during some events. Ticket office is located in the Alexandrovsky Garden, near the exit of the metro stations “Aleksandrovskiy Sad” and
“Biblioteka imeni Lenina”.
The official residence of the President of the Russian Federation is located in the Moscow Kremlin.
Learn more about the Moscow Kremlin.

Sparrow Hills

Sparrow Hills (Воробьёвы горы, Vorob’yovy Gory) is the name of the area with hills in the south-west of Moscow, on the right bank of the Moskva River. The Luzhniki Stadium is located on the other bank of the river (opposite). It is one of the highest points in Moscow, reaching a height of 60 – 70 meters (200–230 ft.) above the river level. It was named “Leninskiye Gory” from 1935 to 1999.
There are Moscow State University buildings located on the Sparrow Hills. Sparrow Hills observation deck is popular offers a beautiful view of the city. The observation deck on the Sparrow Hills is one of the popular holiday destinations of the residents of Moscow. This place is also popular with tourists. Sparrow Hills also has a ski jump and ski slope. It hosts a variety of sports and public events.
Learn more about the Sparrow Hills.
The nearest metro stations “Vorob’yovy Gori”, “Universitet”.

Gorky Park

Gorky Park (Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, Центральный парк культуры и отдыха имени Горького, ЦПКиО) is one of the most famous Moscow parks. It is one of the best and most famous parks in Europe. The park covers an area about 119 hectares. There is an open air ice skating rink in the park in winter (the largest in Europe). Gorky Park often hosts performances of artists, bands, live shows, folk festivals on holidays and weekends. The park is visited by over than 100,000 people by a day on weekends and holidays. There are a pond, boat station (you can rent a boat), tennis courts, children’s play areas, outdoor cafes, bike rental and more in the Gorky Park.
It is the most convenient way to get to the park from metro stations “Oktyabrskaya” and “Park Kultury”. Entrance to the park is free.
Find out the park location on the map.

Tsaritsyno

Tsaritsyno is a popular historic architectural open-air museum. Tsaritsyno museum is located in the south of Moscow. Construction of Tsaritsyno royal residence began in 1776 by Empress Catherine II. The palace and park complex covers an area over 100 hectares. There are many interesting buildings, such as the Grand Palace, Temple of Our Lady, an opera house located in the Tsaritsyno museum.
Learn more about the Tsaritsyno.
The nearest metro station is “Tsaritsyno”.
Find out the park and museum location on the map.
Learn more about Tsaritsyno.

Kolomenskoye

Izmailovo Kremlin

The Kremlin in Izmailovo is a cultural and entertainment complex, located in the Eastern Administrative District of Moscow. The buildings of the “Izmailovo Kremlin” are a modern structure, built in the style of the Old Russian architecture. There are several museums, art workshops, wedding palace and business center in the Izmailovo. There are held many public events in the “Kremlin in Izmailovo”.
The nearest subway station is “Partizanskaya”.

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

Last updated on December 11, 2021

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.

17. Tsaritsyno Palace [SEE MAP]

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.

16. VDNKh [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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) [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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 [SEE MAP]

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.

Top 10 Moscow Attractions – Things To Do In Moscow

1. ALL AROUND THE KREMLIN

Start from the Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden), a highlight of Moscow center. The garden is famous for its architectural monuments, incredibly beautiful flowerbeds and history. The Eternal Flame in the memory of the fallen heroes in the World War II glows in front of the Kremlin Kutafya Tower. Alexandrovsky Sad is a place that is impossible to miss, if you are going to the Kremlin, a symbol of the Russian State, one of the greatest architectural ensembles in the world, a treasury of amazing relics and monuments of art. The famous Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund are real treasure houses. The Kremlin is the official President’s residence and remains a gorgeous political landmark. On the way from the Kremlin to the Red Square, you will find the State History Muzeum, with a wonderful collection of artworks, depicting Russian history.
Red Square remains, as it has been for centuries, the heart and soul of Russia. Few places in the world bear the weight of history to the extent that Moscow’s central square does. From the 16th Century St. Basil’s Cathedral – one of the most famous pieces of architecture in the world – to the constructivist pyramid of Lenin’s Mausoleum, Red Square is rich in symbols of Russia’s turbulent and intriguing past.
Right at the Square there is one of the oldest and most remarkable shopping centers in Moscow – the GUM. Just several trading passages in Russia were created over a century ago and successfully operate until nowadays. GUM always was, and remains the greatest country’s store.
To have some rest you can go to recently opened Zaryadye Park and enjoy breathtaking views of The Moscow Kremlin from the floating bridge, listen to some classic concerts or try local food from different regions of Russia.

2. NEAR THE BOLSHOI THEATRE

Not far from the Kremlin and the main street of Moscow – Tverskaya street you will find the Theater Square. The square is situated over the river Neglinka that was enclosed in an underground pipe in 1819. Now it is a green square with two beautiful fountains.
The area owes its name because of t three theaters located there: a world-famous Bolshoi Theatre, Maly Theatre and Russian Academic Youth Theatre (RAMT).
The Bolshoi Theatre is a symbol of Russia for all time. It was awarded this honor due to the major contribution to the history of the Russian performing arts. This history is on-going and today Bolshoi Theatre artists continue to contribute to it many bright pages.
Visit the theatre to watch the magnificent Russian operas and ballets. Despite high ticket’s price, you will never be disappointed; it is a real pearl of the world’s theatrical life.
The TsUM is a luxurious shopping mall with recognizable designer labels and expensive goods is also located at the Theatre Square.
A good place to visit in this area is a place called «Denis Simachev Bar», a two-story house in Stoleshnikov Lane. The music and menu are diverse, as well as the audience. A special drink of the bar is cider «Sidor Simachev».

3. AROUND CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR

Start from Ostozhenka St., and lanes around it, to see the charming old Moscow. Despite that Ostozhenka became one of the most expensive streets in the world, with lots of new houses, it preserved unique examples of the 18 and 19 centuries architecture, which you may find in the numerous bystreets. Moreover, Multimedia Art Museum, one of the most interesting art spots in Moscow is located at Ostozhenka, 16.
Follow the street to the city center and you will see the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. It is one of the largest Orthodox church in the world. The building is magnificent, but not as old as it looks, it was rebuilt in 2000 (the original was demolished by the order of Stalin). One of the highlights of the Cathedral is the panoramic view from the 40-meter-high observation platform.
Use the footbridge from Christ the Savior Cathedral to get to the former area of confectionary factory Krasniy Octyabr (the Red October) with lots of stores, bars and cultural spots. The Strelka Bar is a good place to have some rest. It is a comfortable urban space for informal and having a cocktail. In summertime, the bar opens a terrace overlooking the Moscow River.

4. THE GORKY PARK

-> Read our main article about Moscow Parks

After visiting the previous attraction, you can follow the footbridge and enter the long pedestrian zone at the borders of the Moskva River.
At first, the Krimskaya embankment will lead you to the Museon Art Park, that has a unique collection of 700 sculptures.
Nowadays Museon, together with the Gorky Park and Neskuchniy Sad are much reconstructed. The space of the Museon Park of Arts is perfectly landscaped for a comfortable and enjoyable stay.
Follow the River Bank and you will come to the main leisure and cultural spot of nowadays Moscow – the Gorky Park. It opened in 1928. In 2011, Gorky Park underwent a major restructuring and now has a fresh, vibrant appearance. The park’s recently upgraded design makes it one of the most interesting places to spend your leisure time. About 20,000 visitors visit the 109-hectare park each day.
The park features bike rental stations, a comfortable business area with Wi-Fi, an outdoor movie theatre and a greenhouse where you can buy fresh greens such as basil and lettuce, numerous open-air cafes, yoga classes, film festivals in the summer cinema and classical music concerts. To contemplate the sky and the stars, you can go to the observatory and look through the telescope while listening to fascinating stories from astronomers. You can enjoy many sports in the park such as volleyball, handball, football or a peaceful jog around the beautiful surroundings
If you go further by the riverbank you will reach Neskuchniy Sad, a wonderful place in the Moscow center, one of Moscow’s oldest parks, highly renovated for the past few years. Once an area filled with the summer palaces of Moscow’s wealthiest nobles, it is now a charming slice of wildlife with many activities and places of rest.

5. THE METRO

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

6. THE NOVODEVICHY CONVENT

The Novodevichy Convent, built in the 16th and 17th centuries in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, was part of a chain of monastic ensembles that were integrated into the defence system of the city. The convent was directly associated with the political, cultural and religious history of Russia, and closely linked to the Moscow Kremlin. It was used by women of the Tsar’s family and the aristocracy. Members of the Tsar’s family and entourage were also buried in its cemetery. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artefacts.
The convent was closed in 1917, and in 1926, it became a branch of the State Historical Museum. The museum`s collection now consist of about 12,000 items, including old Russian paintings, fabrics from the 16th—20th centuries, items from precious metals and stones, liturgical items, and vestments, made by the best artists, jewelers and embroiderers.
The necropolis is one of the convent`s special attractions. The Novodevichy cemetery is divided into «new» and «old» sections. The old cemetery lies within the convent’s walls, and since the early 18th century it was the burial place for eminent and rich people, above all, the tsar’s family. In the 19th century, many prominent Russians were laid to rest here. The new cemetery was had been used from 1898 to 1904. During the Soviet era, the Novodevichy cemetery was second in prestige only to the Kremlin wall necropolis.

7. ZOO AND PLANETARIUM

The Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. Its first name has been Zoological Park and it was opened in 1864. Through 140 years of its history, during times of peace, war, revolution the Zoo was open. Nowadays it is located right in the middle of the big city. The main entrance to the zoo, built in 1997, stands opposite Krasnopresnenskaya metro station. It looks like a fairytale castle with towers and a waterfall. This enter leads to the old part of the zoo, where the highlights include the big cats, a neat underground viewing space below the penguin pool, a dolphinarium, as well as the sea lion enclosure that lets you watch them swim from below. A pedestrian bridge takes you across the street to the New Territory, the most interesting parts of which are probably the primate house and fun children’s zoo.
Near the second enter to the Zoo at the Garden ring The Moscow Planetarium is located. It was first opened on November 5, 1929. After a global reconstruction, it was reopened in 2011. Now it is a multifunctional complex that combines scientific and educational resources: the interactive museum «Lunarium», the Museum of Urania, the Big Star Hall and the Sky Park, family recreation center that is focused on different age groups. The Moscow Planetarium is one of the biggest planetariums in the world.

8. PATRIARSHIYE PRUDY

One of the capital’s most charming and mysterious places – Patriarshiye Prudy or Patriarch’s Ponds.
Until the 17th century, the area has been known by the less-appealing name of «Goat Marsh», apparently because of a nearby goat farm. However, in 1683 when the official residence of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church was built next to this place, the marsh was drained. Instead, several ponds were dug to breуd the fish.
Only one pond survived by now. Patriarshiye is a quiet district that has traditionally been home to poets and artists. The famouse Russian writer Mikhail Bulgakov chose the ponds as a backstage for his magical and romantic novel «Master and Margarita». A sculpture, depicting his literature characters is located in the square at the pond’s bank. There is also The Museum of Mikhail Bulgakov, at the “bad” flat from the novel in Bolshaya Sadovaya Street, 10, entrance 6, floor 3, flat №50.
Nowadays this is a nice place to have a walk or to visit one of the numerous bars and restaurants, because Patriarshiye Prudy is a real gastro-heaven in nowadays Moscow. For example, Uilliam’s is cozy restaurant with William Lamberti as a chef, a man with a Michelin schooling. Menu takes one sheet, without excess, the food is simple, but extremely exciting. Another popular place is «I Love Cake». A nice cafe with remarkable American-style desserts.

9. THE VDNKH AND MUSEUM OF COSMONAUTICS

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The VDNKh – the Exhibition of National Economic Achievements – and it remains a fascinating monument to Russia’s transitional period, a mixture of faded Soviet pomp and unregulated capitalism.
Its story began in 1939 as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition, a monumental paean to the achievements of collectivization. Nowadays the VDNKh is a bizarre juxtaposition: part agricultural fair, part trade expo, part shopping center and part street market, with amusements as diverse as paint-balling and camel rides. The park itself is an intriguing example of 20th century landscaping. The VDNKh buildings, still preposterously magnificent are wonderful example of Soviet architecture.
The VDNKh is truly unique, and worth visiting, especially as there is much more to be seen nearby, including the wonderful Cosmonautics Museum.
It was opened in 1981, to the 20th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin space flight. The idea of creating this museum belongs to famous Russian scientist S.P. Korolev, one of the major figures in rocketry and space ship building of the XX century.
Nowadays a large exposition demonstrates a full-size rocket and space technology. You can try interactive exhibits, such as the one, identical to the Cosmonaut Training Center simulator, virtual international space station and more.

10. KOLOMENSKOE MUSEUM-RESERVE

A unique historic place – Kolomenskoe – is situated in the picturesque surrounding over the Moscow River banks. These lands are full of legends. Archeological discoveries state that the first settlements appeared here in the 8th century. It is an ancient and uniquely formed place. Today this is an exceptional complex of cultural monuments of a great historical value.
The chief attraction of the park is undoubtedly the stone Church of the Ascension of the Lord. It was constructed in 1529-1532 by order of Tsar Vasily III to commemorate the birth of his son and heir, Ivan the Terrible. However, there is a lot more to see in the park: the pretty Church of the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan – with its bright azure domes and plenty of gold. Further into the park there is a charming Church of the Beheading of St John the Baptist, built by Ivan the Terrible to mark his coronation.
If you visit this place, you can fully enjoy nature, picturesque views over the Moskva River and learn about Russian medieval architecture. Moreover, many cultural events are held here.

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10 Best Attractions In Moscow

1. Red Square – The famous Red Square is located in the heart of Moscow. It is surrounded by Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the State History Museum, Lenin’s Mausoleum and the Kremlin. It is Russia’s most recognizable landmark and is usually tourists first stop in Moscow. The Red Square is perhaps the most famous city square in the world, after Times Square

Best Attractions In Moscow: Red Square

2. Saint Basil’s Cathedral – Located in Moscow’s Red Square, this is a Russian Orthodox church built from 1555 till 1561 on orders from Ivan the Terrible. St. Basil’s marks the geometric center of Moscow and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. This cathedral is one of the most famous churches in the world

Best Attractions In Moscow: Saint Basil’s Cathedral

3. Moscow Kremlin – The famous fortress is a historical landmark and the seat of the Russian president. The complex is overlooking the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the west. The Kremlin was built in the years 1482 – 1495 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can enter several buildings and exhibits inside the complex

Best Attractions In Moscow: Moscow Kremlin

4. Church of Christ the Savior – Located on the northern bank of the Moskva River, just a few blocks southwest of the Kremlin. It is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world at a height of 103 metres (338 ft)

Best Attractions In Moscow: Church of Christ the Savior

5. Moscow Metro – The underground subway system of Moscow is world famous for its beautiful metro stations, better known as “Underground palaces”. The Moscow Metro lines have a combined length of over 300 kilometers and offers 188 stops along the way – which makes it one of the largest metro systems in the world. Some of the most beautiful stations are Komsomolskaya Metro Station, Kievskaya Metro Station, Prospekt Mira Metro Station, Park Pobedy Metro Station, Novoslobodskaya Metro Station, Mayakovskaya Metro station, and many more

Best Attractions In Moscow: Moscow Metro

6. Borodino Battle Panorama Museum – The Borodino Battle Museum in Moscow was founded exactly 150 years after the famous battle of Borodino that took place in 1812. The museum is dedicated to the war between Russia and Napoleon’s army. It contains many exhibits from the war and era such as weapons, ammunition, uniforms and more. But the main feature of the museum is the huge rounded canvas painting that describes the battle itself. The panorama painting is 115 meters wide and 15 meters high. As a visitor standing in the middle of the room surrounded by the remarkable painting, you can try to understand how it’s like to be in the middle of the battle field

Best Attractions In Moscow: Borodino Battle Panorama Museum

7. Bolshoy Theater – An historic theatre t hat opened in 1825. The Bolshoy theater holds performances of ballet and opera

Best Attractions In Moscow: Bolshoy Theater

8. Tretyakov Gallery – Perhaps the largest collection of Russian art in the world, the Tretrakov Gallery has exhibits of the best Russian artists, including Repin, Vrubel, Kandinsky, Chagall, and many more

Best Attractions In Moscow: Tretyakov Gallery

9. Victory Park – Located in Poklonnaya Hill, the Victory Park of Moscow memorializes the Great Patriotic War which is the second world war. The park features sculptures and fountains as well as tanks and other vehicles from the war, along with a big obelisk. The park is also the location of the Museum of the Great Patriotic War

Best Attractions In Moscow: Victory Park

10. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory) – In Sparrow Hills you’ll find a nice view over the city. The area also have some stalls selling souvenirs to tourists

What to see in Moscow in three days: Top Moscow attractions

KEY FACTS

Three days in Moscow are, obviously, not enough to explore the city’s most unusual and exciting locations. You still can see top Moscow attractions in three days, though. We prepared a three-day programme for you to see Moscow’s most interesting (in our view) places. Still you’d better plan your evening time in advance and purchase theatre or concert tickets of your liking: this way you’ll not only discover top Moscow attractions, but you’ll also participate in the cultural life of Russia’s capital city.

Read more about Moscow’s latest events in the Events section of our site

1. Day 1: Moscow’s Top Attractions

Metro Stations: Teatralnaya, Okhotny Ryad or Ploshchad Revolutsii.

9:00 am – Red Square, the most famous Moscow Attraction

Kazan Cathedral

The Kazan Cathedral on Red Square is an exceptionally beautiful late medieval Russian architectural masterpiece built in the Naryshkin Baroque style. The church was demolished in the 1930, but in 1990-1993 it was restored to its original Old Russian design based on precise drawings.

Historical Museum

The building of the Historical Museum is, undoubtedly, one of Moscow’s best-known attractions. The red-brick edifice, built to the plans of V. Shervud and A. Semyonov, harmoniously blends into the overall ensemble of Red Square, echoing the stylistic overtones of the Moscow Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Celebrated Russian artists, including I. Aivazovsky, V. Vasnetsov, V. Serov and K. Korov, contributed to the building’s interior design. The Museum houses a collection of more than 20,000 items representative of all periods of Russian history.

Walls and Towers of the Moscow Kremlin

No one can deny the fact that the Moscow Kremlin is Moscow’s top attraction. The walls and towers that you see today were for the most part built in 1485-1495 by Italian architects. Each of the twenty towers is different from the others, bears a specific name and has its own history. The overall length of the Kremlin wall is 2,235 m, their thickness varies from 3.5 m to 5.5m, and the wall’s height from the ground to the battlements reaches 19m.

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the 1917 October Revolution, rests in this imposing pyramidal edifice on Red Square. Today Russians have an ambiguous attitude towards the Mausoleum, but it is justly heralded as GUM is more than just a tourist attraction, a key figure in the history of Soviet architecture.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral, dating from the 16 th century, is one of Moscow’s top attractions and the most frequent illustration to be seen in Moscow travel guides. Interestingly, the Cathedral consists of nine individual churches sharing the same foundation and connected by two galleries. The Cathedral holds the remains of Vassily the Blessed, a fool in Christ who lived in Moscow in the 16 th century and, according to legend, had the gift of foresight.

9:45 am – GUM

GUM is more than just a tourist attraction: it is Russia’s best-known shopping mall. The mall’s inner space is a foremost sample of Art Nouveau Russian architecture, and a stroll along its arcades will be a pleasure to both luxury shopping lovers and art connoisseurs. You definitely should pay a visit to this shopping mall, admire its chiseled ceiling, stroll along its galleries and staircases, and don’t forget to have a cup of coffee in one of the cafés.

850 метров, 10 минут

10:30 am – Moscow Kremlin Museums

After a bite to eat, we’re ready to head for the Kremlin! Our main objective being to see Moscow’s top attractions, we absolutely cannot miss a tour of the Kremlin and Sobornaya Square!

Diamond Fund

One of Moscow’s most celebrated museums, the Diamond Fund boasts a fascinating collection of unique jewellery, awards and imperial regalia, natural diamonds as well as gold and silver nuggets. Just have a look at the Great Imperial Crown embellished with 5,000 diamonds that once belonged to Catherine the Great!

Ivan the Great Bell Tower

For many centuries, the 81-meter-high Ivan the Great Bell Tower was Moscow’s tallest landmark. Today it houses a museum, and you can also climb up to the observation deck to take in the stunning views of the historical centre of Moscow.

Dormition Cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin

1:30 pm – Lunch

Taras Bulba Tavern

This is a popular catering facility serving Ukrainian dishes. Don’t miss the signature borsch and kholodets! If you feel you’re behind schedule or if you just prefer fast food, you can always grab a bite at the nearby Burger King.

2:30 pm – Alexander Garden

Alexander Garden by the Kremlin Wall is a perfect place to relax and stroll, which makes it highly popular among both locals and tourists. You can just have a pleasant stroll here in between sightseeing. If the weather gets bad, you can have a look at the Manege Exhibition Hall, one of Russia’s first monuments to the Russian victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. For over a century, military parades took place there. Today they have been replaced by trendy exhibitions.

3:00 pm – Armoury

The Armoury Chamber of the Moscow Kremlin is an amazing museum displaying a rich collection unique items which were preserved for centuries in the imperial treasury. These include personal effects of Russian tsars, valuable gifts from foreign embassies as well as household and decorative items. One of the highlights of the Armoury’s collection is a selection of ten internationally renowned Fabergé Easter eggs.

Now we leave the Kremlin and walk along Mokhovaya Street and, further on, along Volkhonka Street, we get to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour.

4:40 pm – Pashkov House

Just opposite the Kremlin’s Borovitskaya Tower, along the road to the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, is one of Moscow’s most astonishing mansions and a must see attraction – Pashkov House. Built in 1786, this Classic architectural masterpiece once belonged to Pyotr Pashkov, the son of Peter the Great’s servant and Russia’s first “vodka king”. Pashkov was a highly vain person, as can be seen from the magnificence of his dwelling.

4:50 pm – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the largest Orthodox church in Russia, was erected on the bank of the Moskva River opposite the Kremlin to thank God for saving Russia from Napoleon’s invasion. In Stalin’s time, the cathedral was demolished but later (in the 1990s) restored to its original design, funded by voluntary donations. We’ll come back here tomorrow to get up to the Cathedral’s viewing platform. For now, let’s admire this attraction from outside, and then we’ll turn to Gogolevsky Boulevard in the direction of Arbat Street.

5:00 pm – Gogolevsky Boulevard

Gogolevsky Boulevard starts on Prechistenskie Vorota Square. In the past, on this spot stood the gate of the medieval White Town, Prechistenka Street connecting the latter with the Novodevichy Convent.

5:20 pm – Old Arbat

Renowned for its rich history and full of atmosphere, Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s top attractions. There are few streets in the world where so many outstanding artists and other cultural figures have lived. Today this cozy, 1.5-kilometer pedestrian street is full of small boutiques and restaurants.

Now we offer you two options to choose from:

Pleasant evening in Moscow, good food and splendid views:

White Rabbit on Smolenskaya Square

The glass-vaulted restaurant is located under on the 16 th floor of the Smolensky Passage Shopping Centre, within walking distance from Old Arbat Street. This world-class Russian restaurant serves original, intricate and modern dishes.

RUSKI Restaurant at the Moscow International Business Centre

This restaurant, located on the 85th floor of the OKO Tower, offers Russian cuisine, a real Russian stove, an ice bar and a breathtaking view from an altitude of 354m. You can reach the Moscow International Business Centre from Smolenskaya Square either by metro or by taxi.

Evening in Moscow for party people

If peaceful contemplation of Moscow’s views is not your cup of tea, we suggest you have a bite at a decent chain restaurant on Arbat Street, such as Mu-Mu or Shokoladnitsa, or visit one of Moscow’s night clubs (for more information see our Night Life and Bars section).

Just go easy on it: tomorrow you’ll have to get up early! 😉

2. Day 2: Moscow Attractions – Art and Parks

First thing today: come to Kropotkinskaya Metro Station.

Weather permitting, we suggest you take a casual stroll along Ostozhenka Street and Prechistenskaya Embankent and discover some great Russian Art Nouveau buildings, which you probably will not find in any list of top Moscow attractions.

9:10 am – Merchant Filatov’s Tenement House

The building is also known as “the house under the wineglass”. Legend has it that the owner of the building almost drank his entire fortune away, but he managed to stop. In memory of this, he had the architect install on the building’s roof a wineglass turned upside down.

9:20 am – Lev Kekushev’s House

Architect Lev Kekushev built this Gothic mansion for his family. This is an impotant Moscow attraction for Mikhail Bulgakov’s admirers, as they call it “Margarita’s mansion”. The lion had mysteriously disappeared from the building’s roof after the Russian Revolution and was reinstalled there as late as 2017.

9:25 am – Loskov’s Tenement House

This Northern Art Nouveau castle-like house located in Mansurovski Lane was once the home of Brusilov, a Russian general known for his prominent role during WWI. It now houses the Embassy of Syria.

Moving further along Khilkov Lane, we’ll head for Prechistenskaya Embankment and then walk back towards the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour while taking in the gorgeous views of the city.

9:40 am – Tsvetkov’s Mansion

The mansion of the Russian patron of the arts and collector Ivan Tsvetkov, built in the Old Russian style on Prechistenskaya Embankment, was intended to house a private collection of paintings and graphic artwork. The building was designed by architects Boris Shnauvert and Vasily Bashkirov, and Viktor Vasnetsov undertook its artistic design.

9:45 am – Pertsova’s House

Erected in 1907, this neo-Russian building belonged to Z. A. Pertsova, the wife of the chief railway engineer P. N. Pertsov. A prominent patron of the arts, Pyotr Pertsov came up with the idea of having an unusual tenement house built for painters and artists. It is so elegant and beautiful, that the house become one of the main Moscow attractions.

After a good breath of fresh air and a pleasant stroll, let’s head for the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.

10:00 am – Pushkin Museum

The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most exciting places in Moscow. Here you can visit Moscow’s largest and Russia’s second largest (after the Hermitage) international art collection, an ultimate Moscow attraction!

12:30 pm – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is a major Moscow attraction and the largest Orthodox church in Moscow. You should definitely see its rich interior decoration and get up to the 40-metre-high viewing platform that gives lovely views of the Kremlin and Zamoskvorechye District.

After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, take some nice pictures at the Partriarshy Bridge and then walk further on to the Strelka Bar on Bersenevskaya Embankment.

1:30 pm – Lunch

Strelka Bar at the Krasny Oktyabr Business Centre

Strelka Bar is more than just a catering facility: it’s an urban space for informal socializing affiliated with the Strelka Institute of Design. It has varied cocktail and international menus based on seasonal and local products. In summertime, the bar offers an open-air terrace boasting spectacular views of the Moskva River, and there is a street food vending cart in the courtyard.

Noodle Mama in the Muzeon Park of Arts

Budget travelers may be interesting in having a bite at the cozy noodle bar at the Muzeon Park.

2:30 pm – Muzeon Park of Arts

The garden renowned for its spectacular views of the embankments, attractiions and a monument to Peter the Great is well worth a visit as a break from museums. What is special about the Muzeon Park of Arts – besides its stylish landscape design – is that it’s one of the world’s largest open-air museums displaying both monuments from the Soviet era and present-day sculptural groups. The Museum’s 24-hectare area is home to over 700 works by renowned sculptors.

3:30 pm – Krymsky Bridge

Krymsky Bridge separates the Muzeon Park of Arts from Gorky Park, another top Moscow attraction. From time immemorial, there was a ford over the Moskva River on this site. This path was called “Krymsky” (Crimean) because it was mainly used by Crimean Tatars.

The present-day bridge was opened in 1938. Its construction required some 10,000 tons of metal, or about 1 ton per square metre of its surface! Krymsky Bridge is the world’s only bridge having this density of steel.

3:30 pm – Gorky Park

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is Moscow’s central and most popular park. It offers many recreational activities ranging from leisurely outdoor strolls to modern art exhibition and beach volleyball. The 45-hectare Park stretches along a scenic embankment of the Moskva River.

In summertime, you can go paddle boating on the pond and, in winter, you’re welcome to do some ice skating at one of Europe’s largest ice rinks. On the roof of the Main Entrance to the Park is a viewing platform, and Moscow’s biggest playground, Salut, is located near the Komsomolsky Pond.

If you have some strength and time left for another “portion” of art, don’t miss the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, located in Gorky Park. This Museum always prepares something unconventional and worthy of attention for each new exhibition season.

7:00 pm – Evening To-Do List

For a relaxed evening with great Georgian food

Moscow has a wide selection of Georgian food that is definitely worth a try. This is the very thing you need after walking through so many attractions! We suggest you choose one of the following three trendy Georgian restaurants: you won’t leave them hungry, that’s for sure.

Tinatin Restaurant (near Devichye Pole Public Garden)

It’ll take you about half an hour (2.3 km) to walk there from Gorky Park and across Krymsky Bridge. If the weather is bad, you’d better take a taxi because the nearest metro stations are far enough.

U Pirosmani Restaurant (Novodevichy Driveway)

A 4-kilometre walk from Gorky Park may be a bit problematic, so going there by metro or by taxi is a better idea. Get ready to enjoy excellent dishes in the immediate vicinity of Novodevichy Convent, one of Moscow’ main attractions.

Genatsvale Restaurant (Ostozhenka Street)

It’s about a 2-kilometer and 25-minute walk to the restaurant. This chain restaurant decorated in the Georgian rustic style is renowned for its generous servings. Importantly, it’s located near the historic centre of Moscow, so you can have a pleasant stroll there after the meal.

For party people and culture lovers

We’d suggest you spend this evening going to a pre-booked theatre show or concert. If you have no advance tickets, it might be a good idea to head for one of Moscow’s numerous night clubs. For example, you can choose Rhythm&Blues Café with its nice jazz evening program or Leningrad Club with a retro disco featuring hit songs from the 1980s and 1990s.

See our section on nightlife and bars for more information about Moscow’s nightclubs.

3. Day 3: Moscow attractions – Novodevichy Convent and shopping

Sportivnaya Metro Station.

9:00 am – Novodevichy Convent

The scenic fortress reflecting in the water of the pond is an ideal place for taking lovely pictures. You can visit the Convent’s museums and historical cemetery if you have the time or the inclination to do that. Among well-known people whose final resting place is Novodevichye Cemetery are Gogol, Bulgakov, Prokofiev, Mayakovski, Chekhov and many others.

11:00 am – Moscow Metro, an underground attraction

Now that we’ve come to the oldest – Sokolnicheskaya – line of Moscow Metro, there’s no way we can miss this outstanding Moscow attraction.

Park Kultury Metro Station

This is one of the first three terminal stations of Moscow Metro opened in 1935, the other two being Sokolniki and Smolenskaya Stations.

At this station, you’ll have to change to the Koltsevaya Line: get ready to get off the train three times (in the direction of Belorusskaya Metro Station).

Kiyevskaya Metro Station (Koltsevaya Line #5)

Kiyevskaya Station was opened in 1954 to commemorate the 300 th anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine unification. The station was being built when Nikita Khrushchev came to power in the Soviet Union. He wanted to honour his homeland, and the project’s authors did an excellent job in conveying his idea: the station’s design revolves around Russian-Ukrainian friendship and the union of two Soviet peoples.

Krasnopresnenskaya Metro Station

Opened in 1954, Krasnopresnenskaya Station is known for its pylons coated in light- and dark-red marble, its tunnel walls in light marble and its flooring in red, grey and black granite. The station’s design draws from the Russian Revolutions of 1905 and 1917.

Belorusskaya Metro Station (Koltsevaya Line #5)

The artistic design of this station, open in 1938, is the agriculture and culture of Belarus. The ceiling is embellished with stucco ornamentation representing garlands and ears of wheat. Along the axis of the main hall’s vault are 12 mosaic panels showing the life of the Belarusians.

At this point, we switch to the Zamoskvoretski Line #2.

Belorusskaya Station (Zamoskvoretskaya Line #2)

One of the most remarkable (in our view) Moscow Metro stations, Belorusskaya Station is faced with three different kinds of marble. The architects’ idea was to create the impression of an underground palace using combinations of differently coloured marble. In order to visually lighten the station’s heavy structure, pylon niches decorated with bronze floor lamps were installed on either side of the central hall.

Here we take the metro to Mayakovskaya Station.

Mayakovskaya Station

This station is special for many reasons. It was Moscow’s first deep column station, and the project was awarded two Grand Prix at Paris and New York World Expos in 1937 and 1939 respectively. When asked which Moscow Metro Station is the most beautiful, many point to Mayakovskaya Station, so it`s definitely a must see Moscow attraction!

Our short tour of the Moscow Metro ends at this station, and we go up to Triumfalnaya Square.

12:00 pm – Tverskaya Street

Tverskaya Street is Moscow’s main thoroughfare. It connects Red Square to Triumfalnaya Square and abounds in historical buildings dating from the 19 th and 20 th centuries. Of special importance are neo-Classical buildings erected in Stalin’s era. Tverskaya Street and adjoining lanes are lined with numerous attractions, museums, theatres, shops, restaurants and cozy public gardens.

While strolling along Tverskaya Street, you can combine sightseeing and leisurely shopping. So start with the odd-numbered side of Tverskaya Street (it’s the right side when facing the direction of the Kremlin).

12:10 pm –Natura Siberica Shop

Personal care products made from Siberian plants are a great gift and souvenir from Russia.

12:40 pm – State Central Museum of Contemporary Russian History

The old Classic mansion housing the Museum of Contemporary Russian History was built by L. Razumovski in 1780 and flanked by two wings in 1811. Since 1831, it was home to the aristocratic English Club frequented by Alexander Pushkin, Leo Tolstoy, Ivan Krylov and many other celebrities.

The repositories and collections of the Museum of Contemporary Russian History contain historical items dating from the 17 th century to the present day.

12:50 pm – Nirnzee House

Leave Tverskaya Street for a while and turn to Gnezdikovski Lane to see Moscow’s first “high-rise” – Nirnzee House. Not every travel guide mentions this attraction. Built in 1913, it was Moscow’s highest residential building of the time. Vertical red lines divide rows of window openings and ornaments, such as flowerpots and garlands, embellish the upper storey. The façade is topped with a mosaic panel by artist Alexander Golovin. Up to 700 people lived in this building before the Revolution.

1:30pm – Lunch

We offer you three restaurants that differ in concept and price range. What is certain is that all of them will serve you up a delicious lunch!

Café Pushkin

Armenia Restaurant

The menu of this classical restaurant and wine bar on Tverskaya Street offers Russian, Caucasian and European dishes. A summer veranda is open to visitors during the warmer months.

Varenichnaya No. 1 Café

This chain café serves reasonably priced Russian homemade cuisine. The interior design is inspired by Soviet flats, which is sure to make the older generation feel nostalgic and to immerse in an unusual but warm atmosphere those who have not lived in the good old times.

2:30 pm – Pushkin Square

The monument to Alexander Pushkin was erected in 1880 with public donations, an initiative launched by graduates from the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, an educational institution where Alexander Pushkin had studied. The White City’s Tverskiye Gate, through which there used to pass the Moscow-Tver road, stood on the site of the present-day square until 1720. In the 18 th century, the fortification wall of the White City was dismantled, giving place to Tverskoy Boulevard that immediately gained popularity among wealthy city-dwellers as a great place to stroll.

When on Pushkin Square, move to the even-numbered side of the street and keep exploring the highlights of Tverskaya Street.

2:40 pm – Eliseyev Food Hall

This is arguably the best-known grocery store in Moscow. Established by Petersburg merchant Grigory Eliseyev in 1901, the store targeted wealthy customers and became widely known for its lavish interior, rare wines and an abundance of exotic products. In Soviet times, its location and a bewildering variety of products made it the most famous grocery store in the USSR.

3:10 pm – Tverskaya Square

On Tverskaya Square stands the monument to Prince Yuri Dolgorukiy, best known as the founder of Moscow. The monument was put up in 1947 to celebrate the 800 th anniversary of the founding of Moscow.

Moscow City Government

Built in the late 18 th century, the impressive building of Moscow City Government (the former home of Governor Generals of Moscow) initially had three storeys. In the 1940s, two more storeys were added to it, separated from the historical building with a massive cornice. The original building’s heating system included 182 Dutch furnaces, 52 Russian stoves, 17 ovens, 4 fireplaces and 12 hearths.

3:20 pm – Savinsky Metochion

The metochion of the Savino-Storozhevsky Monastery is “hidden” in the courtyard of Building No. 6. It is one of those buildings that were literally moved during the street’s reconstruction in the 20 th century. After its relocation, the building was blocked by the façade of a more recent high-rise so that not all Moscow natives are aware of this attraction existence. The Savinsky Metochion, built in the early 20 th century to plans by I. Kuznetsov, is one of the finest samples of Moscow Art Nouveau architecture.

3:30 pm – Stoleshnikov Lane

It is a good idea to start your discovery of one of Moscow’s most poetic districts by taking a stroll along Stoleshnikov Lane. The lane has recently been turned into a pedestrian zone, and old-fashioned street lamps, revamped façades, stone block pavement and flowers return it to a semblance of its historical appearance. The first building we’ll see walking from Tverskaya Street down Stoleshnikov Lane is the Church of Sts. Cosmas and Damian in Shubino, built in 1703. Stoleshnikov Lane is lined with buildings once frequented and inhabited by prominent people of the past. Today you’ll also find here famous brand boutiques and lovely cafés.

4:00 pm – Petrovka Street

Take a leisurely stroll along Stoleshnikov Lane to Petrovka Street. Here you’ll see two major shopping malls, Petrovsky Passage and TsUM, known for their wide selection of international luxury brands, opulence and sky-high prices.

Turn from Petrovka Street to Kuznetsky Bridge and return to Tverskaya Square walking along Kamergersky Lane..

5:20 pm – Tverskaya Square – Snack Break

Back on the square, don’t forget to have a cup of coffee at Shokoladnitsa Café or at Moscow’s and Russia’s first McDonald’s, which also makes it a place of interest, in a sense.

Take a pleasant walk along Tverskoy Boulevard towards Nikitskie Vorota Square enjoying the views of lovely buildings and mansions with a long history (see the relevant section for more information about them).

6:00 pm – Nikitskie Vorota

Located on Nikitskie Vorota Square is the Greater Church of the Ascension, an outstanding Empire-style building, constructed in the aftermath of the Patriotic War of 1812. It was here that the great Russian poet Alexander Pushkin married Natalya Goncharova on March 2, 1831.

Maxim Gorky’s House

Maxim Gorky’s House is located a few steps from the square, on Malaya Nikitskaya Street. It belonged to the rich industrialist family of Ryabushinsky before the Russian Revolution of 1917. Built in 1900-1903 by architect O. Shekhtel, the mansion – an epitome of Moscow Art Nouveau architecture – brought glory to its creator. If you have the opportunity, don’t miss visiting the mansion.

7:00 pm – Patriarch’s Ponds

Walking from one lane into another, you’ll get to Patriarch’s Ponds. The magic of this place consists in the following: don’t check the map as countless meandering lanes will take you all by themselves to this romantic and quiet place right in the heart of Moscow!

For Muscovites, Patriarch’s Ponds are synonymous with Mikhail Bulgakov’s immortal novel, Master and Margarite, yet this area goes back in history to much earlier times. At the beginning of the 17 th century, Patriarch Hermogenes of Moscow had his residence built here, which later developed into Patriarch’s Sloboda with three specially arranged ponds that provided fish for the Patriarch’s household.

Several exciting buildings ans remarkable attractions are located in the nearby lanes (see our article for more information). They are well worth a visit if, of course, you have the time and energy.

8:00 pm – Dinner

In the vicinity of Patriarch’s Ponds there is a good choice of restaurants that offer you dinner options to your liking. We suggest you head for Malaya Bronnaya Street to eat dinner – you just can’t go wrong here.

Uilliam’s – early booking is highly recommended

This restaurant serves signature dishes and its menu changes every two months. In the centre of the hall is an open kitchen. This is, undoubtedly, one of the most significant restaurants on Patriarch’s Ponds, but on the downside, the average bill here is pretty high.

Kianu Bar

This place is cozy, full of atmosphere and serves excellent seafood that is worth a bite.

This is where our 3-day walk through the main Moscow attractions ends. To make it easier and more comfortable for you to move around the city, we advise you to prepare and install useful mobile applications: