travel & cruzin divas 4 fun

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

20 Facts About Moscow: Fun & Interesting

Russias capital Moscow is a city full of history, that is perhaps only known for things like Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil’s cathedral.

But,  it pays to know a few facts about Moscow before you take a trip there. Here are 2o facts about Moscow.

Moscow Is Huge

Moscow is the largest city in Europe in fact Moscow is so big that it has the right to be its own country. The city of Moscow is home to 12 million residents which puts it in the top 10 most populated cities in the world. There are more people in Moscow than in both Switzerland and Norway combined.

Stay Dogs Use The Metro In Moscow

The stray dogs of Moscow cityare super smart and have learned to use the city’s metro in order to survive the cold winters. While using the metro you might just bump into one of these super-smart train-loving dogs. They recognize the stops by the tannoy announcements and hop and off just like we do.

There Is An Underground River In Moscow

The Neglinnaya River flowed through the Russian capital for centuries undisturbed but no one could live on the western side of its banks as it flooded every year. Russian engineering then took over and they diverted the river into an underground tunnel which now flows under Neglinnaya Street into the Moskva river and then built on the old river that is now dry.

The Tunisian Embassy Is Haunted

The Tunisian Embassy in Moscow is the old home of Lavrentiy Beria, the chief of the secret police during Stalin’s era. It’s said that Lavrentiy would kidnap beautiful women, take them home, have his way with them and then murder them. They are now said to haunt the Tunisian Embassy at 28 Malaya Nikitskaya St.

Diplomats have woken up to safes being open and papers scattered everywhere, they hear footsteps in the day and the night and a lot of Tunisian Diplomats have asked to be relocated due to the spooky occurrences.

Gorky Park Is Amazingly Busy

Gorky Park is the central park of Moscow and on average plays host to 100,000 people every day. That is one busy park and one of the busiest in the world.

Izmailovo Park Is Huge

Izmailovo Park is actually one of the largest urban parks in the world. It measured  15.34 square kilometers (1534 hectares) and is roughly six times Central Park, if that helps.

It Is A Religious Capital

Fun fact about Moscow, it is actually the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church.

Moscow Has The Most Billionaires

Moscow is home to more billionaires than any other city in the world. There are around 84 billionaires living in Moscow with a combined total wealth of 367 billion dollars. New York comes second with 62 billionaires live there.

The Metro Never Breaks Down

If you live in a city then you know how annoying it is when the metro breaks and you’re late for work. Well, this doesn’t happen in Moscow. The Moscow Metro has only broken down once, on the 16th of October in 1941, and has never failed since.

The Largest Bell In The World Is In Moscow

The Tsar Bell we know today weighs 200 tonnes and it has never been rung, but this is the third version of this huge bell. The first was 18 tonnes and required 24 men just to make it ring but it was then broken into pieces during a fire. The same thing happened to Tsar Bell version 2, and then came version 3 which was buried after another fire and took 40 years to get out.

Moscow Doesn’t Believe In Tears

The saying “Moscow Doesn’t Believe In Tears” is one of the oldest sayings in the country. It stems pack to people who couldn’t pay their tribute to Moscow and would cry and beg for an extension. The emperor would say “Moscow Doesn’t Believe In Tears”.

The Highest Monument In Moscow

The highest monument in Moscow is the Victory Obelisk. It’s a huge 141.8 meters tall and was built in May 1995 as a representation of the Great Patriotic War. Every 10 cm of the Victory Obelisk represents a single fay of the war.

The Seven Sisters Of Moscow

The seven sisters of Moscow, aka Stalin’s Skyscrapers, are 7 identical skyscrapers that stand amongst Moscow’s skyline. Today 2 are apartments, 2 are offices, 2 are hotels, and one is a university.

The Busiest Metro

9 million people use the Moscow Metro every day which is more than New York and London combined.

Moscow State University  

Maybe something most people don’t know, but Moscow State University is actually the world’s largest university building.

Largest Botanical Garden

Moscow is home to Europe’s biggest botanical garden, the Botanical Garden of the Academy of Sciences which is home to 18,000 species of plants from around the Soviet Union and the rest of the world.

There’s A Lot Of Choice For Dinners Out

There are over 2700 different restaurants in Moscow and the number is ever-growing. You’ll never be short of dinner options in Moscow and just imagine searching on Just-Eat.

The Highest Tower In Europe

The Ostankino TV Tower in Moscow is the tallest in all of Europe and measures an incredible 540 meter high.

Assumption Cathedral

In the Kremlin, you’ll find the oldest building that survived all the fires in Moscow, the Assumption Cathedral. It was completed in August of 1479 and is now 542 years old. The most impressive thing is that it managed to survive all the fires Moscow experienced.

The Kremlin Was Rebuilt By Italians

The Kremlin, located right near Red Square, is actually called the Moscow Kremlin. In the 15th century, the Moscow Kremlin wall and its temples were in serious need of repair but the Russian architects at the time couldn’t handle it. Grand Duke Ivan III then asked the Italians to come and help restore the Kremlin to its former glory.

Moscow Has Burned Down A Lot

The city of Moscow has burned down countless times. All the houses in Moscow used to be built from wood and thus the city burned to its knees quite easily and has been rebuilt several times. These were the fires that burned down the Tsar Bells.

McDonald’s Created A Scene

The first Mcdonald’s opened in Moscow in January of 1990. Despite the cold weather on that winter’s day, the Moscow residents cued patiently waiting for their first McDonald’s meal. The cue was so long it measured several kilometers.

There Was A Tornado In Moscow

Moscow’s one and the only tornado hit the city on June 29, 1904. The tornado ran rampant through the streets destroying a lot of the ancient trees of Sokolniki and destroyed a lot of nearby villages and homes in the city.

About the Author Roger Timbrook

Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!

Leave a Comment:

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Overview Guide
• 1 Week Itinerary
• Train Journeys
• Epic Drives
• Stunning Lakes
• Historic Castles
• Lauterbrunnen
• Grindelwald
• Chocolate Tours
• Swiss National Park
• Majestic Mountains
• Spectacular Waterfalls
• Famous Things
• Tasty Fondue
• 10 Day Itinerary
• Cherry Blossoms
• Tokyo Shrines
• Dos and Don’ts
• Osaka Guide
• Osaka Itinerary
• Osaka or Kyoto
• Kyoto Day Trips
• Matsumoto Castle
• Tokyo Luxury Hotels
• Island Hopping
• Best Campsites
• Driving Tips
• Beaune, France
• Barcelona Itinerary
• Spain Itinerary
• Greece Itinerary
• Italy Road Trips
• Berlin Day Trips
• Norway Northern Lights
• Netherlands National Parks
• Mostar, Bosnia
• Best Airlines
• Midwest Ski Resorts
• Florida RV Parks
• Washington RV Parks
• Oregon RV Parks
• Utah Camping
• Texas Camping
• Chicago National Parks
• East Coast National Parks
• Colorado National Parks
• Joshua Tree
• Yellowstone
• Alberta Hikes
• Flashlights
• Water Filters
• Sleeping Pads
• Solar Lanterns
• Tent Brands
• 4-Person Tents
• 4 Seasons Tents
• Backpacking Tents
• Beach Tents
• Cabin Tents
• Multi-room Tents
• Pop-up Tents
• Truck Bed Tents
• Underwear (Men)
• Backpacks Under $100
• Microspikes
• Boonie Hats
• In The World
• New Zealand
• Hardisde Luggage
• Lightweight Luggage
• Luggage Sets
• Spinner Luggage
• Durable Suitcases
• Duffel Bags
• Kids Luggage
• Teen Luggage
• Space Saving Luggage
• Business Carry-Ons
• Garment Carry-Ons
• Suitcases Under $50
• Travel Briefcase
• Zipperless Suitcases
• Rolling Briefcase
• Luggage Straps
• Luxury Brands
• American Tourister
• AmazonBasics
• Delsey Chatelet
• Anti-Theft Backpacks
• Backpacks Under $50
• Baby Carrier Backpacks
• Cooler Backpacks
• Backpacking Backpacks
• Climbing Backpacks
• Backpacks for Back Pain
• Beach Backpacks
• Hiking Backpacks
• Business Travel Backpacks
• Laptop Backpacks
• Backpacks for Tablets
• Commuter Backpacks
• Travel Backpacks (Men)
• Travel Backpacks (Women)
• Waterproof Backpacks
• Wheeled Backpacks
• Down Jackets
• Down Parkas
• Fleece Jackets
• Hardshell Jackets
• Rain Jackets
• Softshell Jackets
• Eco Friendly Jackets
• Gore Tex Alternatives
• Heated Jackets
• Lightweight Jackets
• 3-in-1 Waterproof Jackets
• Parajumper Jackets
• Rain Poncho
• Ski Jackets
• Travel Hoodies
• Travel Jackets
• Winter Coats
• Helly Hansen
• Mammut Jackets
• Patagonia Nanopuff
• Survival Jackets
• Flower Captions
• Waterfall Captions
• Tree Captions
• Sunset Captions
• Sunflower Captions
• Rainbow Captions
• Paddle Boarding Captions
• Hot Air Balloon Captions
• Kayaking Captions
• Airplane Captions For Instagram
• Forest Captions

Moscow: Wow….

Join our Diva tribe and keep up to date with the latest tour releases and more.

• POSTED September 22, 2016

Moscow is WOW…

The first time I visited Moscow was October 1993 and the overwhelming impression of the city wasn’t great: my memories were of angry people, drab surroundings and a proliferation of the colour brown. I must point out that I did arrive right in the middle of the coup brought about by Boris Yeltsin, so this probably didn’t help! It also meant no goose-stepping guards outside of Lenin’s tomb and the Kremlin and Armoury in lock-down. There was security stationed at the end of the hotel corridor to watch our comings and goings and men were riding around on dragster bikes with machine guns slung across their chests. When I left the following day, there were tanks out front of the Russian White House nd a gaping hole in the middle of it. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time, history in the making, but to be honest I was glad to leave.

Flick forward 23 years and Moscow is spectacularly different. I don’ t really know where to start! Let’s just say I was totally un-prepared for the change.

The city is mind blowing: elegantly dressed women, sweeping boulevards. Luxury cars everywhere. Sidewalk and open-air cafes are the choice du jour and the wine I sipped at the Bosco Cafe overlooking Red Square, was chilled and delicious. The food is unrecognisable with fresh produce, a choice of any cuisine and so many restaurants!

But most of all it is the colour. Everywhere I look there are leafy green squares filled with colourful markets and seating areas serving drinks and offering a place to relax. At time it is a little Alice in Wonderland, but there is such a sense of lightness and relaxation that you can’t help but be happy.

t really know where to start! Let’s just say I was totally un-prepared for the change.

Gum Department Store (divine….)

Retail Therapy is beyond expectations. If you want to drop some cash in designer-heaven then this city delivers in spades. The Tsum Department Store (which is housed is an extremely ugly, grey building) used to be the state-run Central Department Store, but is now one of the biggest shopping meccas in Europe. Bursting at the seams with every high-end brand you can think of, plus many I wasn’t even aware of, it would be easy to get lost in here for a day. It is the same at Gum and throughout many streets in the old City. Bentley Moscow, surrounded by Ferrari, Maserati and Docle & Gabbana, Armani and many more, sits proudly on the main drag – yes ladies, capitalism has well and truly arrived in the capital of the former Soviet Union.

The architecture is incredible, with marshmallow-coloured 18th & 19th century buildings lounging decadently next to communist bloc style apartments and offices. Stalin’s Seven Sisters, massive towering edifices that are now incredibly expensive hotels, offices and apartments hover over the city and remind me of elaborate ice-cream cakes. Further out new skyscraper developments of glass and steel dominate the skyline. Restored to its former glory the Gum Department store haughtily surveys the reds and greens, yellows and gold of Red Square and the iconic St Basil’s Cathedral. Again there is the overriding feeling colour and light everywhere.

One of the Seven Sisters

Of course remnants of the old regime still exist – the security that is still around, the demeanour of the people working for the state, the lack of warmth in the people in some places we go to, but work through this and most end up being happy to see you. The need to be bigger and better than the USA still permeates many discussions, and the nostalgia for the old days for some is also still there, but that is to be expected as it is only just over two decades ago that Communism disappeared, although it is obvious this country still operates under a dictatorship.

Our hotel, the National, is in a perfect location offering immediate access to the Kremlin and its surrounds. A 5-star beauty it is a great place to stay. Our room is standard category and is excellent – large, extremely comfortable, Elemis bathroom products (and a bath – a big deal for me), plus it is at the back of the building so it is incredibly quiet.

We were in Moscow for such a short time and ate on the run most of the time. However, there is one place that deserves a mention and that is Cafe Pushkin. Traditional, world-renowned and gorgeous on the inside, it is a pleasure to dine here. The wine list is good, the staff are lovely and the mushroom and meat dumplings are to die for.

St Basil’s

Avoid the traffic as much as possible as it is horrendous. We did the hop-on hop – off bus (suggest red line only) and a walking tour which was enough to let us find our way around the city and provide some context, but there is much to explore and we didn’t have enough time. This city is made for walking and I think it is the best way to see the architecture, get lost and enjoy your surrounds!

There are definitely must-sees including The Kremlin, The Armoury, too many museums to mention, Red Square and Gum, plus the underground stations. There is much to do here and you could easily spend a whole day in the Kremlin/Red Square area alone. Private tours are the way to go but be prepared, there are thousands of people discovering Russia!

So that is it in a nutshell. I can’t wait to bring a tour here in September 2017 and explore more and more…… lookout for ‘To Russia With Love’ coming very, very soon.

Have a great weekend and chat soon….

Andrea, Chief Diva xx

• TESTIMONIALS
• TRAVEL TIPS

Copyright 2024 Travelling Divas. All Rights Reserved.

Privacy Policy

Terms and Conditions

Not ready to travel just yet? Never mind. Stay in touch and the Magic Moments, Journeys of a Lifetime, Fabulous Ladies Wine Tours and so much more will be offered to you first. So take your first step towards becoming a Travelling Diva by joining our newsletter today.

• Most Luxurious Casinos in the World
• Things to do in Addis Ababa, Bahir Dar and Gondar
• Things to do in the Simien Mountains
• Visit the Danakil Depression, Ethiopia
• Things to do in Madagascar
• 5 Things to do in Fes
• 5 Things to do in Marrakech
• Things to do in Morocco
• Kwita Izina – The Gorilla Naming Ceremony
• Mountain Gorilla Trekking in Rwanda
• Video-Cutest Baby Gorilla in Rwanda
• White Water Rafting in Jinja, Uganda
• What to do in Buenos Aires
• 10 Things to do in Havana, Cuba
• Things to do in Vinales Cuba
• What not to do in Cuba
• What to do in Quito
• Around Quito – Day & Weekend Trips
• What to do in Mexico City – Attractions
• Chichen Itza – Is it worth the hype?
• The best Cenotes in Mexico – What lies beneath
• Swimming with Whale Sharks, Swim with Giants
• The Yucatan Peninsula- What to do in Cancun to Merida
• Top 10 Greatest New Zealand Walks
• Driving around New Zealand – North Island
• Things to do in New Zealand – East Coast South Island
• Things to do in New Zealand – West Coast South Island
• What to do in Copenhagen, Denmark
• 5 Exciting Day Trips From London
• What is Stonehenge – A guide
• How to Climb Mont Blanc
• Video Blog of Climbing Mont Blanc
• How to Watch the Tour de France
• See the Tour de France
• How much fun is Oktoberfest?
• What to do at Oktoberfest
• Things to do in Greenland
• Things to do in Iceland and Reykjavik
• Cycling in Ireland
• What to do in Dublin, Ireland
• 5 things to do around Dublin
• Ireland- 3 Scenic Routes
• Kayaking in Dublin and Wicklow
• Kissing the Blarney Stone in Blarney Castle
• Scenic Route – Things to do Driving the Ring of Kerry
• Scenic Route -What to do in County Clare, Ireland
• Scenic Route – What to do in Cork
• The Friendliness of Bere Island, Cork
• West Cork Ireland – Scuba Diving in Baltimore
• What to do on Valentia Island, Ireland
• Visit the Rock of Cashel
• What to do in Milan – Attractions
• Things to do in Gozo
• What to do in Valletta, Malta
• Flower Parade in Holland
• Visit Keukenhof – Holland
• What to do in Svalbard in the Summer
• Where is Dracula’s Castle? It’s Bran Castle, Romania
• Moscow’s Magnificent Metro
• Visiting The Kremlin and Red Square

What to do in Moscow

• A Photo Essay – Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics
• Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics – What it was Really Like
• Reading Russian Train Tickets
• What to do in Rostov on Don
• What to do in Volgograd
• What to Do in Madrid, Spain
• Tomatina Festival
• Tips to Survive the Rickshaw Run
• The Rickshaw Run – The Countdown to Launch Day
• The Rickshaw Run – Day 1-2
• The Rickshaw Run – Day 3-4
• The Rickshaw Run – Day 5-7
• The Rickshaw Run – Day 8
• The Rickshaw Run – Day 9-10
• The Rickshaw Run – Day 11-12
• The Rickshaw Run – Day 13-14
• The Rickshaw Run – Compilation Video
• How to climb Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka
• Why not to go to Yala National Park
• 12 Fun Things to do in Dubai
• Driving into Iran
• Things to do in Esfahan
• What I learned from travelling in Iran
• Oman and Muscat
• Non-Muslims in Mecca
• Shopping in Saudi Arabia – The dreaded Sala
• What to do in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
• Catching Dinner in Greenland
• Croatia, Plitvice – Pushing in the snow
• Getting Muddy in Bolivia
• Getting to Norway on a Cancelled Passport
• History from a naked man on a Rock in Iceland
• On TV in Greenland
• Robbed in Uganda
• Shakespeare in Buenos Aires
• Teotihuacan – The Badly named Pyramid of the Sun
• Why so late?
• No, I really dont want it!
• Photo Friday
• Have you ever Challenged Yourself?
• Tips for Travelling on a Budget
• Tips to see the Northern Lights
• Travel Security: What to Do If You Fall Victim to Attack

Time to Do: To do everything listed below will take approximately 3 days.

1)      What to do in Moscow – Red Square

2)      What to do in Moscow – The Kremlin

It started as a humble wooden garrison on a hill and turned into one of the biggest and best known fortresses in the world. This is both a very impressive tourist attraction and also the seat of power for Russia with the office of the president inside its walls. It is home to several 500 hundred year old cathedrals, the world renowned Faberge Eggs and also the world’s biggest sapphire (not to mention a 160 carat diamond!). If you want to know more I have a separate post on visiting the Red Square and the Kremlin in Moscow .  Nearest metro: Aleksandrovksy Sad- Dark Blue, Red or Grey lines.

3)      What to do in Moscow – Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery

4)      What to do in Moscow – State Tretyakov Gallery

This is the best collection of Russian Art in the world and was started in the 19 th century by Pavel Tretyakov. If you go and you see how many great paintings he managed to get by himself you can’t help but be impressed. The collection today has 130,000 items! Like most museums it is not possible to see everything in a day and as I don’t know much about art I looked at the more famous painters and some of the paintings and icons are amazing. Even being from poor old Ireland I recognised some of the paintings and here they were in Moscow! Artists such as Repin, Vereshchagin, Surikov, Serov etc etc.  They may not be household names to people not in the know in the west but they still are very impressive. The older paintings of landscapes etc are hard to get excited about but the late 19 th century stuff of poverty and social issues are excellent. The State Tretyakov Gallery is not to be confused with the New Tretyakov Gallery (modern art) which is situated close by. Even to spend 3hrs to half a day here is well worth it. Admission is 400 Ru and 200Ru for photography. http://www.tretyakovgallery.ru/en/

5)      What to do in Moscow – Moscow Metro

If you are visiting Moscow you will undoubtedly be riding the metro unless you are crazy enough to contend with the randomness and traffic of the streets. Moscow’s Metro stations are one of the fanciest in the world. They have tributes to war, peace, women, Ukraine, agriculture, the list goes on and each metro is unique. There are no modern contemporary stations built of glass or modern art but they still are a sight to behold. It is well worth giving yourself more time when going somewhere so you can get off when you see a fancy stop. For more info and the best stations see my other post on the beautiful Moscow Metro.

6)      What to do in Moscow – Park Pobedy / Victory Park

This park doesn’t appear high on many lists but you should definitely pay it a visit. Like many memorials in Moscow it commemorates war and this one is victory in WWII or the Great Patriotic War as they call it in Russia. The large park is great to walk around but the main highlight and close to the metro station is the central avenue which has a fountain for everyday of the war and 10cm for each day on a 142mtr (520ft) high obelisk. Behind the obelisk is the Great Patriotic Museum which goes through artefacts and history of the war including plenty of surviving examples of guns, artillery, coats etc etc. There are some English translations for the main parts but not everything is covered. Admission 250Ru. Just outside Park Pobedy metro is the Triumphal Arch which is a huge arch in the middle of the road to commemorate Napoleon’s defeat in 1812. It was this same hill where Napoleon waited in vain to receive the keys to the Kremlin. Nearest Metro: Park Pobedy – Dark Blue line.

7)      What to do in Moscow – Christ the Saviour Cathedral

8)      What to do in Moscow – Peter the Great Statue and Statue Park (Fallen Monument Park)

The statue park is over the Moskva River to the east in Park Rayon Yakimanka and contains weird statues as well as old USSR statues of the heroes.  Nearest Metro: Kropotkinskaya on the red line or Polyanka on the grey line. Both attractions are in-between the two.

9)      What to do in Moscow – Bolshoi Theatre

The most famous theatre in Moscow and one of foremost theatres in the world and even adorns the 100 Rubles banknote. The company also has the largest ballet in the world. Originally built in 1824 and after a very expensive upgrade in 2011 the Bolshoi is very grand indeed (Bolshoi means grand or big in Russian). The theatre is worth a look from the outside but you cannot get in unless you buy a ticket which without the help of touts outside you must do it well in advance online. It is only a 5 min walk north of the Kremlin so very central. http://www.bolshoi.ru/en/ . Nearest Metro: Teatralnaya on the dark green line

10)   What to do in Moscow – Moscow’s Viewpoint

One of the highest points in Moscow is on the south west of the city close to Moscow State University. This point is located in front of one of Stalin’s huge ‘7 sisters’ buildings and is immediately above where the 1980 Olympic Stadium is.  The view point has free viewing telescopes and it is possible to see both the new and old sides of the city. This is not an unbelievable view or anything but it is good and if you get off at Vorobyevy Gory metro station then there is a pleasant 10min walk up the hill through a park which runs alongside the Moskva River. The viewpoint is on (street) Ul. Kosygina and the Nearest Metro is Vorobyevy Gory on the Red line.

Map of Moscow

loading map - please wait... Map could not be loaded - please enable Javascript! → more information

Gallery of What to do in Moscow

About Ross Travellingforfun

When I visited Moscow I visited the Fallen Monument Park. I saw the boat with rabbits as pictured above and I wonder if you know what the story is behind it. Thank you!

Judith, the short answer is I don’t know. I tried to find out but couldn’t find anything on it. They do have works from other artists there so maybe it has some obscure meaning. Sorry I can’t be of help.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You may use these HTML tags and attributes: <a href="" title=""> <abbr title=""> <acronym title=""> <b> <blockquote cite=""> <cite> <code> <del datetime=""> <em> <i> <q cite=""> <strike> <strong>

My Next Trip by Road

Random & Funny

Sunrise on Mont Blanc

Cute or What?

Developed by WebBuddy.me

Copyright 2013 - Travelling for Fun. All Rights Reserved.