old town food tour

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Old Town Food Tour

• 1 Old Town Square
• Fort Collins, CO 80525
• (970) 219-8188
• Visit Website

Old Town Food Tour re-engages the local community, and introduces visitors, to one of the best restaurant scenes in the country in Downtown Fort Collins! Join us for a 2 1/2 - 3 hour guided walking food tour where you’ll sample generous portions from five local restaurants. Guests will also learn about the history and landmarks throughout downtown which have made Fort Collins the top city that it is today.

Pour Brothers Community Fundraising Night

Pour Brothers Community Tavern

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Old Town Food Tour

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Fort Collins, CO 80525

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About the Business

Old Town Food Tour offers a unique experience in downtown Fort Collins, CO. Visit our website to reserve your tickets for a 3 hour guided walking food tour of Old Town Fort Collins, where guests will visit 5-6 local restaurants to enjoy generous samples from each location. Along the way, you'll learn about Fort Collins history and landmarks which makes the city one of the fastest growing in the country! …

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For our holiday party, my company decided to use Old Town Food Tour for an extra special evening on the town, and my goodness, did they deliver! We met with Tricia, one of the owners and our tour guide, at the Opera Galleria in the middle of Old Town and got a little brief history of the building before we headed to our first location, Slyce Pizza. Everyone got to choose their own slice (mac and cheese, pesto artichoke heart, loaded potato) and they sliced (Slyce, slice, sliced) them into thin pieces so we could all share. The next stop was the Still Whiskey Steaks where we were treated to pillowy rolls with honey butter, the most tender steak tips in both a bourbon cream sauce and a white cheddar sauce, zesty popcorn shrimp and a miniature glass of their Beast of Bourbon old fashioned. Already uncomfortably full, we waddled down to Ciao Vino for some wine tasting and delicious bruschetta, then moved on to Pour Brothers for pulled pork sliders and cocktails. As we walked from place to place, Tricia gave us little tidbits of history and facts about the alleys, the artwork, the bricks in the buildings and the ghost signs that grace the tops of a few buildings to this day. The night ended at the Fort Collins Academy of Bartending where the owner/founder gave us a mini lesson on how to mix our own cocktails. All in all, this was one heck of a holiday party, and we're so grateful to Tricia for pulling out all the stops for our team and choosing all of these amazing locations!

See all photos from Becki H. for Old Town Food Tour

So much fun! I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Fort Collins. And if you live in Fort Collins and want to learn more about your town, you should go on this tour! Our host, Tricia, gave a relaxed vibe immediately and made us all feel welcome. She gave us interesting tidbits about downtown as we walked through the colorful alleyways and streets. We enjoyed a slice of pizza at Slyce and ventured over to The Still Whiskey where the ambiance alone had me sold to come back again. The Whiskey Still's offered apps and drink were delicious. Then we were off to Locust Cidery, a place I had been interested in checking out, and enjoyed some flavored ciders and chips with a green chili sauce. The bartender was great about giving us a sample of ciders we thought we might like. After that, we walked over to Ginger and Baker and had the best surprise: a tasting of five kinds of pie! Omg! They were all amazing! Ginger and Baker has a fascinating history and beautiful building, and Tricia was able to tell us all about it. We worked off some of our calories with a walk to our final destination: Jay's Bistro. It was an upscale establishment and our drinks and food were as well. It was lovely! Again, I can't stress enough how much i enjoyed getting to know Fort Collins through this tour. It was well worth the time and price. Make sure to fit this one in your schedule, you will not be disappointed.

See all photos from Megan W. for Old Town Food Tour

Had so much fun going on this tour with my friends who were visiting FC. I found some new restaurants to visit and learned so much history about Fort Collins. Our host was the co-owner herself, so she was really invested in giving us a great tour. We didn't have to think or do anything, she was so on top of things. The food at each stop was all "homemade" and used local ingredients. But the fair varied from quick grab-and-go food, to pub/bar night food to a sit-down restaurant. Loved the variety! Also a shout out to Justin, also a co-owner, who SUPER quickly called me in response to my webform request. You never know if a webform is going off into the void, so it's helpful to know this power team is on top of it. Would definitely do this tour again when more friends or family are in town!

This tour was a highlight of our Colorado vacation. Interesting history and a great variety of food. Tricia was engaging and entertaining. Definitely recommend!

My wife and I took this tour to celebrate our 41st anniversary. The tour exceeded our expectations and we highly recommend it. We moved to the Fort Collins area 10 months ago and because of the pandemic were not able to experience many of the restaurants. On this tour we visited 5 different restaurants. Not only were we served excellent food and drink, we had opportunities to speak with the owners and chefs of each restaurant. The food that was served was excellent and, of course, the adult beverages were great. Our host, Tricia, was not only personable, but she was extremely knowledgeable about the city, (e.g. Did you know that Fort Collins has 2 times the number of restaurants per population compared to the rest of the U.S?) We will definitely be returning to each of the establishments that we visited. We recommend this tour for new residents as well as visitors and tourists. It was a great evening!

Trisha, our host, took this picture of us at Jay's Bistro!

Great experience! Advanced questions were answered promptly and the tour itself was a great variety. Our tour guide Tricia was super friendly. Would definitely recommend.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Old Town Food Tour. Tricia was a wonderful source of knowledge and made everyone feel comfortable with her great personality. The five restaurants we visited were varied and delicious. They all served quite large portions not just nibbles. I also purchased the drink package (3) which was worth the extra money. The participating restaurants mixed up their specialty drinks for us. A great afternoon eating and touring Old Town FoCo!

Very much enjoyed the tour! Food was great and included several of our favorite places. Tricia, our guide, was informative about the restaurants and the old town area and kept the mood low key and enjoyable. Highly recommend!!

My husband and I took the food tour last Saturday and left a raving review. Now this review is for the Libations tour, which we took yesterday. We highly recommend both tours! They are very different and both worth doing even (or especially) if you live here, in Fort Collins. Both experiences took us around town to different venues. For the libations tour, we started at a bartending school and learned how to make a delicious mocktail. We learned so much. Then Tricia, our guide, took us to a few bars around town, all of which were very different and well thought out. There was a progression and a purpose. Bartenders, owners, waiters and waitresses came out to greet us and get to know us a bit. They told us about their establishments and were very generous with their time and their pours! We had a great time and are so happy we booked both tours: food and libations. Do both and you won't regret it! You'll get your money's worth and then some!

Justin and Tricia are the owners and they went above and beyond to accommodate us. They care about their business and are truly wonderful hosts. Tricia was our tour guide and there were 10 of us on the tour. We were lucky to have such a great group of people to experience this with! We went to five locations and were treated like VIPs. The food was delish and varied. Chefs and owners came out to greet us and tell us about what we were eating. Some even stayed around longer and asked us if we had any questions, gave us some history, etc. This is a unique way to get to know a town and what it has to offer. We highly recommend this tour to everyone, visitors and locals alike.

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Hungry? Try some local eats on Fort Collins' new Old Town Food Tour

Gathered around a long wooden table — a la the Last Supper — six hungry Northern Coloradans flanked tour guide Tricia Clapp one Saturday afternoon early this month.

Before them sat an array of pizza slices cut into strips. There was spicy chicken taco pizza; "The Italy" doused with spinach, feta and chopped tomato; and of course the mac 'n cheese pizza — a favorite of Slyce Pizza, the airy Old Town eatery the group was visiting that afternoon.

After passing around the plates and chatting with Slyce Pizza founder and owner Jeremy Tand, the group was out the door with Tricia leading the way. Pizza was just their first course.

Classic combination: 'South Park' creators buying Casa Bonita

Soon, they would be around the corner at another restaurant, then another and another — all part of Fort Collins' new Old Town Food Tour, which takes foodies on a five-course culinary journey featuring small plates cooked up by local chefs.

Tricia and her husband, Justin Clapp, launched the food tour in early June, kicking off Friday and Saturday tours for groups of up to eight people. 

The Clapps had been on food tours in other cities and thought Old Town could use one of its own, especially as restaurants recover from the COVID-19 pandemic's impacts. 

"Yes, it's a business, but we wanted to do something for the restaurants in Old Town coming out of what we thought was the tail end of the pandemic," Justin said, adding that he and Tricia hope the tour introduces people to restaurants they otherwise wouldn't have tried.

More: Your summer guide to dining in and around Fort Collins

Old Town Food Tour consists of about five 25-minute stops at a rotating list of downtown restaurants every Friday and Saturday afternoon. So far, participating restaurants include Ace Gillett's Lounge and Supper Club, The Emporium, Fort Collins Donut Co., Ginger & Baker, Locust Cider, Pour Brothers Community Tavern, Slyce Pizza, The Still Whiskey Steaks and Stuft Burger Bar.

While people can reserve up to eight spots for a large party, couples, friends and solo diners can also join a tour if they don't know anyone on it, Tricia said. 

Early this month, as a tour consisting of three couples popped in and out of various restaurants, their conversations found an easy rhythm. After initial introductions at Slyce, they were quickly talking about their dogs, jobs and lives. 

Over steak tips and a round of specially paired "Beast of Bourbon" cocktails at The Still Whiskey Steaks — the group's second stop — they discussed the merits of whiskey.

One tour goer, LaVonna, confessed to knowing very little about the spirit, even regaling the table with a tale of her very short-lived career as a bartender in Loveland. 

"We keep our (whiskey) in the freezer," she added flinchingly, as if pulling the pin from a grenade. "Is that OK?"

"Everyone becomes friends at the end of these, which is great to see after being stuck at home so long," Tricia said later, in between bites of a vegetable spring roll at the group's next stop, Locust Cider. 

Latest inspections: 5 Fort Collins restaurants require reinspection, 1 closed

So far, the tour has largely drawn in locals, with a few out-of-town tourists and some parents visiting CSU with their college-age children, Justin said. The heavy local skew is not all too surprising, considering the conversations Justin said he and Tricia had before starting Old Town Food Tour.

 "When we talk to a lot of our friends who grew up in the area about restaurants, they were like, 'what is that place? Oh, I've never been there,'" he said. "There are a lot of restaurants locals may not even know exist." 

Tickets for the Old Town Food Tour can be purchased online . They start at $65 per adult and $48 for children. Adults can add a cocktail package to their tour for an additional $20 per person, getting a trio of cocktails paired with the meals at three of the tour stops. 

Later this year, the Clapps also plan to add a cocktail-focused libations tour into the mix, with Thursday tours starting just after Labor Day, Justin said.

Before each tour, an email is sent out to attendees with instructions of where and when to meet up for a tour, as well as what COVID-19 protocols may be in place at that day's selected restaurants.

Erin Udell reports on news, culture, history and more for the Coloradoan. Contact her at [email protected]. The only way she can keep doing what she does is with your support. If you subscribe, thank you. If not, sign up for a digital subscription to the Coloradoan today. 

Old Town Alexandria Food Tour

This tour explores parts of the historic and architecturally unique town that has prospered for over two hundred sixty years

Discover locally owned and operated restaurants off the beaten path in this historically rich town in our Alexandria Food Tour.

On this guided, narrated walking tour, you will experience and learn about Old Town Alexandria’s significance throughout the history of our country. During the tour, you will stop to sample specially made dishes at long standing family owned restaurants.

We pay homage to the city’s colonial roots, as well as its recently evolved food scene, as we discover both colonial and modern indigenous cuisine.

After finishing, you will be able to truly appreciate the heritage, history, and local food in Old Town Alexandria.

Your Food Tour may include the following specialties:

• American gastropub dishes
• Local artisan beer
• Virginia peanuts
• Regional Seafood from a restaurant featured on the Food Network
• Italian food in one of the city's oldest buildings
• Authentic Lebanese mezze sampler
• Fish and chips shop visited by Anthony Bourdain
• Old Town's indigenous dessert
• Freshly brewed coffee and tea

Join us as we bring you through a town of stately mansions, charming row houses, and tree lined streets. See what makes this former port town so charming, and delicious. All dishes Are Included in the Price.

Enough food is served that most participants will not need dinner after the tour. All dishes are served sitting down, so you can enjoy the ambiance of each restaurant while trying their specialties, and hearing their stories.

The restaurants and dishes have meticulously chosen to showcase the culinary variety that exists within Old Town. The different meals will compliment each other as you progress throughout the tour.

The tour price includes all food and drink served. At each stop, you will feel like a guest of honor, as you speak with the owners or their families, and enjoy their specialties.

We want you to have a truly unforgettable experience in Old Town Alexandria. After the tour, you will have the confidence to navigate the colonial streets, and enjoy Old Town like a local.

Tour Information

• When :Thursdays through Sundays between 1:00 and 4:30 pm (please see the event calendar for current availability)
• How long :The food tour will last approximately 3-3.5 hours
• Who :All age groups and fitness levels are encouraged to take the tour
• How much :$65 per adult ticket (plus a ticketing fee). We will be sitting for all dishes
• What to wear :Comfortable clothing and shoes
• Weather conditions :Food tours will take place rain or shine- tours may be rescheduled based on severe conditions

purchase food tour tickets here

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Private, Group, Corporate Events and Tours

• Culinary team building
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Old Town Alexandria Food Tour Reviews

Additional reviews.

Really enjoyed the food tour! I'm going to hopefully bring my company on a group outing this christmas.

"Please believe me when I tell you that we didn't need dinner that evening after enjoying the hospitality of our various restaurant hosts. Luckily the tour offered stretches of pleasant walking along cobblestone streets and historically important homes showcasing wrought iron gates and gas lamps. A casual stroll through the history of Old Town with great food is a wonderful way to spend a Saturday. - Ellen Lucas, Destination Food.

"I have nothing but great things to say about this tour. Great food, friendly guide, and just the perfect amount of history. The owner of the company even called me to make sure my food allergy was taken care of! Top notch! This is a great tour even for us locals. I didn't even realize some of these places exsisted in Old Town. I look forward to participating in the pub crawls and also checking out the Capitol Hill and Eastern Market tours. Thumbs Up!" - Leslie T.

"I decided to buy tickets for the tour as part of a day-out with my girlfriend. I didn't quite know what to expect before the tour started, but by the end, had had a really good afternoon. The guided tour of Alexandria was not the typical historical drawl - instead it was a combination of quirky facts, tidbits about the modern/historical neighbourhoods and some good (and varied) food. I would highly recommend the tour - especially as part of a fuller day-out in the area." - Kartik C.

Things To Do in Old Town Alexandria

Old Town Alexandria is bursting with life; a thriving, yet laid back community located only across the Potomac from Washington DC. Teaming with restaurants, nightlife, and other activities, and surrounded by 18th and 19th century buildings, the area is an ideal combination of old and new, and will be enjoyed for years to come. Some of our favorite things to do in Old Town Alexandria are listed below. National Harbor The new National Harbor project will bring an urbanized area to the Potomac river's waterfront nearly across from Old Town. The area, headed off by the Gaylord hotel, will be home to a host of new food and entertainment options. It will be one of the best places to see Old Town Alexandria- from the other side of the Potomac. George Washington Masonic Memorial The George Washington Masonic Memorial is a combination Masonic Temple, tourist attraction, museum, and library. The building erected in Old Town pays homage to Washington. More information can be found at http://www.gwmemorial.org

Alexandria Lyceum

Created by a group of gentlemen in 1839, the Lyceum society became a place for reading, lectures, and scientific experiments. The stately 19th century greek revival home has been fully restored and is now a museum paying homage to the history of Old Town Alexandria. More information cane be found at http://oha.alexandriava.gov/lyceum/

Gadsby's Tavern Museum The 18th century building is one of the few taverns left in Old Town Alexandria. Tour the museum that gives you access to both 18th century tavern and hotel.

Torpedo Factory Art Center

The former World War II factory built on Old Town's historic waterfront, is now home to over 80 different studios and galleries, as well as the Archaeology Museum.

Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum

The museum is considered by many to be one of the most well preserved apothecaries in the United States. Frequent customers included George Washington and Robert E. Lee.

Lee Fendall House

This home over a 120 year span served as residents to nearly 40 members of the Lee family! currently undergoing exterior remodeling, take the time to tour this Old Town home.

We will bring you additional things to do while visiting Alexandria, Virginia, or Washington DC soon.

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Group Events and Team Building

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• Culinary Team Building

Event Management

• Cooking Class
• Progressive Dinner

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WELCOME TO ARIZONA FOOD TOURS! THE TOP RATED AND LONGEST RUNNING FOOD TOUR IN ARIZONA. EST 2009.

Recently receiving the 2023 USAToday readers choice award as the #5 ranked food tour nationally, we are now celebrating our 15th year hosting food and wine tours in historic Old Town Scottsdale! Public and Private tours offered 7 days a week!

Arizona Food Tours opens your mind and palate with tales full of rich history, one taste at a time!

Arizona Food Tours has over 1,000 5-star reviews on Trip Advisor and a 5.0 Google rating. Led by local foodie enthusiasts, we are committed to providing an entertaining, fun, and fulfilling experience for any occasion. We look forward to hosting you!

“A Taste of Old Town Scottsdale” – Food Tour

The first ever food tour in Arizona! This tour visits 4-5 locally owned establishments, providing a full meal with dessert and 2 cocktails.

Scottsdale Wine Tour

Interested in a food experience with wine pairings? Spend your afternoon visiting a combination of 4 local tasting rooms and restaurants!

“Sip and Sample”- Happy Hour Tour

Spend an afternoon visiting 4-5 of Scottsdale's favorite saloons, restaurants, and tasting rooms, serving food and drinks at each location!

ALL TOURS BOOK HERE!

Plan you tour experience with us! Scottsdale food or wine tours available 7 days a week starting at 11:00am, 2:30pm, or 3:00pm.

#1 of 30 Food & Drink in Scottsdale. Top rated and longest running food tours in the Phoenix area.

"We are from Ohio and have done food tours in big cities like NYC and this was better! The history tidbits, awesome food, plentiful wine, an overall great time! Very well organized and run. They are true pros and it shows in the details. This is a Scottsdale must, 5 stars doesn't seem high enough!"

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walking tour - 3 hours |   Ages 12+ $80.00

walking tour - 3 hours |   Adult 21+ $95.00

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Phoenix, Scottsdale, & Gilbert Food Tours

Offering private tours for groups of 8 or more - as well as our public tours listed below, scottsdale waterfront food tour, old town scottsdale food tour, downtown phoenix food tour, downtown gilbert food tour, scottsdale's evening dine around, scottsdale taco food tour, we specialize in corporate events, team building, private groups, birthday parties & bachelorette parties.

On all of our walking food tours, you will get to try a variety of foods from 4-5 unique local establishments in a 2-3 hour time span. We always advise you to come hungry, wear comfortable shoes and an elastic waistband.

The best way to get a taste of Scottsdale, Phoenix, or Gilbert is by taking a food tour! Enjoying a food tour is much more than sampling dishes. It allows you to see the city from a local’s perspective, teaches you about Arizona’s history, and invites you to savor local cuisine and authentic classics.

Why Should You Choose Taste It Tours?

Partner with the best.

Arizona’s leading food tour company since 2010, with a 5-star average on Google, TripAdvisor, and Yelp. Get a VIP experience—with us, you never have to wait in line. We have experienced first-class tour guides.

Memorable Food Adventure

Why dine at one restaurant when you can try the best dishes from five? We’ve partnered with the top independently owned local restaurants and showcase their favorite farm-to-table menu options. Plus, you’ll enjoy several signature cocktails at no extra cost.

Get the Inside Scoop

Born and raised in Scottsdale, owner Jessica Combest and her team take you to the hidden gems preferred by locals. You’ll also learn about the history of each restaurant and neighborhood, and leave with an insider’s guide on the Phoenix area food scene.

TripAdvisor’s Favorite for 10 Years in a Row

Great experience. Visited some unique eateries and learned some interesting facts about the area. Lots of fun!!! Look forward to a repeat visit.

We booked the Downtown Phoenix Classic evening tour and enjoyed it so much that two days later we booked the Old Town Scottsdale tour and totally enjoyed the great job Jessica did in giving us great inside stories about local historic and landmark sites as well as feed us with more food than we expected.

Silvia Casillas

What a great experience. This was our first time, and it was totally worth it. Our tour girl was fantastic, so friendly!!! Thank you for a great memory.

Wendy Pecikonis

Taste it Tours (Taco Tuesday) food tour was so much fun! Taste it Tours really loaded the night with great eateries around Scottsdale. We enjoyed the very knowledgeable tour guide who share fun facts about the area along with information on our food destinations. We will definitely book again.

Lowell Keppel

Taking the Scottsdale Waterfront Food Tour was a very fun way to spend an afternoon with visiting family from out-of-town. Jessica was fabulous – providing us with lots of fun information as well as tasty food and beverages. All four of us left satisfied with the food and drinks and happy with the experience.

This was my first time in Scottsdale AZ. I truly enjoyed this tour and would recommend it to anyone willing to try it!

What Is A Food Tour?

The most common question we get asked is “What is a Food Tour?” Simply put, they are a culinary experience like no other. Whether you’re a short term visitor looking for a fun night out, a Valley resident hoping to celebrate a special occasion (anniversary, bachelorette party, birthday, etc.) or a foodie in search of the best new restaurants, food tours will not disappoint.

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Don’t hesitate to get in touch with our friendly team

10 episodes

Hello! Welcome to the Only Old Town Podcast. We know all the fun and exciting things that are going on in Old Town Scottsdale. Do you want to know? Well, get ready for the Only Old Town podcast! I’m Brian. And I’m James. We’ll be your guides for this exciting adventure through the streets of Old Town Scottsdale. Between the 2 of us, we’ve been exploring these parts for many years and have seen some amazing changes... that we want to share with you. Whether you live here or you’re just visiting.... let us fill you in on all the fun things to do in Old Town Scottsdale. We’ll explore the Museums, the Art Galleries, Tours, Concerts, Theaters, Restaurants and Shops! It’s always changing ‘round here, there’s always something new to do and enjoy-- and we’ll give you the scoop on what’s going on in Old Town Scottsdale. So, what are you waiting for? Get yourself over to Spotify, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts... for the Only Old Town Podcast.

Only Old Town James Beech & Brian Robinson

• Society & Culture
• APR 11, 2024

9. The Wine Collective Takes us to Cloud Wine

If you want to be able to read between the wines, meet the owner of The Wine Collective, Zoya. She owns a wine tasting room in the heart of Old Town Scottsdale where their mission is to represent the unrepresented. They feature all Arizona wine with a collection of over 20 smaller vineyards featured. The Wine Collective has even just launched their own label. They also offer sensory tastings, a wine club membership and events to meet the winemakers. Their staff is well educated and create an opportunity to learn about wine and develop your palette. If you're a wine lover, you'll need to add this spot to your list! Find all tours, events and businesses in Scottsdale on our website: Only Old Town Follow us on Instagram:  Only Old Town Check out The Wine Collective:  The Wine Collective

• APR 4, 2024

8. Urban Electrica Tours Us Around Old Town with Owner, Tyler Martinez

Do you want to see all of Old Town Scottsdale in one afternoon? Today we interview Tyler Martinez, owner of Urban Electrica. They not only sell E-Bikes, they also offer tours with Segways, E-Bikes and Golf Carts for a variety of options.  All of their tours explore local art, history and offer suggestions from a local tour guide. Their most popular tour, the E-Bike tour, takes you all through Old Town, Tempe, Phoenix and back. The Segway and Golf Cart tours give an indepth tour through every district of Old Town!  And most importantly, there's no experience needed for Segway and E-bike tours because they spend ample time training guests to feel confident and comfortable.  Find all tours, events and businesses in Scottsdale on our website: Only Old Town Follow us on Instagram Check out Urban Electrica

• MAR 28, 2024

7. Blues, Desert & Soul Owner Talks Behind the Scenes of Their Lifestyle Brand

Looking for a shop that transports you to the blues, desert and iconic landscapes...while offering a bright, grounded lifestyle? Today we interview Blues, Desert & Soul owner, Carissa Hewit. Together, Carissa and the artist Brian Bannish, are the heart of Blues, Desert & Soul... Brian’s art focuses on blues & soul artists, deserts, mountains and the whimsical sites of Route 66. Check out their shop and disappear into their world of amazing designs, including: paintings, hats, clothes, and more! Their grand opening is April 5th. Go support if you can. Find all events and businesses in Scottsdale on our website: Only Old Town Follow us on Instagram Check out Blues, Desert & Soul

• MAR 21, 2024

6. Everything You Didn't Know About Berry Berry Best Açaí Bowls and its owner Devon Greene

After a night of partying, want a late night healthy treat instead of the classic fast food? Welcome back to Only Old Town's Podcast with Brian and James and today we interview Devon, the owner of Berry Berry Best Açaí Bowls. Before we talk to him, we're going to highlight some new businesses and at the end talk about upcoming events this week. For our new businesses, a new apartment complex just opened up called Scottsdale on Main, and we have a brand new men's hat bar opening up on 1st Ave from the owner of Rooster Bus in 5th ave shopping district. We had the pleasure of interviewing Berry Berry Açaí Bowl's owner, Devon, who's a Arizona native and has grown up an athlete. He played basketball all the way up past college and traveled around the world. His experience as an athlete inspired him to open up his shop because he wanted more healthy options. For anyone looking to stay healthy, açaí bowls are for you! Devon hand picks his produce because he wants best for customers and he loves to enjoy them for himself as well. Plus, there's no extra charge to build your own bowl, so there are unlimited options! He owns two locations, one in Scottsdale and one in Sunnyslope. In Scottsdale, his shop will feature a takeout window open until 3:30 am, opening up soon. Follow them on instagram and make sure to try one of their delicious, fresh açaí bowls. Some upcoming events for this week are, of course the last week and a half of Spring training. On Thursday: An Art walk, Wine around the World, SF Jazz Collective show. On Friday: Mystery in the Museum, Floats at Maya Day Club, Open Mike night at Yellow Spruce Roasters, Karaoke night at Wok and Roll. On Saturday: Desert Sol Jam, Game night at Wok and Roll, Farmers Market, Coffee and Cars at FourtilFour, Broadway concert series. On Sundays: Sun and Sounds. On Wednesday: One Handsome Bastard's Trivia night. Thank you for listening or watching! See all events and businesses in Old Town on our website. Be sure to follow, like and subscribe if you're watching us on YouTube and rate and review if you're listening to us on Spotify or Apple. Follow us on Instagram to keep up with us! Thank you to PodPopuli for recording and editing this podcast.

• MAR 14, 2024

5. Discussing Food Tours with Taste it Tours owner, Jessica Veniard

What is a food tour? Welcome back to Only Old Town's Podcast with Brian and James and today we interview the owner of Taste it Tours, Jessica Veniard, where we learn all about food tours and her story. As always, we had to visit some great places this week. First Berry Berry Açaí and Well Seasoned restaurant for some delicious eats. Mon Cheri, a new restaurant for bachelorette parties, just opened up! This week's guest, Jessica Veniard, tells us how she started her company, Taste It Tours. She's a second generation Arizonian raised with an entrepreneur spirit. Taste it Tours started in Downtown Phoenix but when she looked more into Old Town Scottsdale, she found all the history fascinating. The Valley Ho Hotel's history was one of the biggest inspirations for this decision. What is a food tour? It's a walking tour that lasts about 2-3 hours and a perfect way to see a city through the food. The restaurants on tour are handpicked and food choices are carefully selected and paired. Expect lots of food! Meeting new friends on a public tour is one of the best parts, as well as connecting with your guide. Also, it's a great way to get out of your comfort zone with food. Jessica learns the story behind the restaurants from the owners and tastes the food to make sure its in line with her standards. Prices range from $85-95 per person. Taste it Tours offers a few tours including: Old Town Tour, Waterfront Tour, Downtown Phoenix and Downtown Gilbert. Check out these tours and book through the website Taste it Tours. Restaurants, if you are looking to work with taste it Tours, contact [email protected] We have some events coming up this week. The consistent ones that happen each week are One Handsome Bastard hosting DJ 310 Friday nights, every Saturday, Coffee And Cars at FourtilFour, Farmer's Market every Saturday, Karaoke at Wok and Roll Friday, Trivia at One Handsome Bastard on Wednesday nights. Some events that are just for this next week are St. Patrick's Day Block Party at Gilligan's happening all weekend, Boondocks has live Celtic, punk, folk, rock music on Saturday, Yoga Festival in Civic center on Saturday, Spring training games this weekend at Scottsdale Stadium, Saturday Giants vs. Guardians and Sunday Giants vs Rockies, Sunday pool party at Maya Day Club, Free concert Sun and Sounds and Wines around the world tour March 21st. Thank you for listening or watching! Be sure to follow, like and subscribe if you're watching us on YouTube and rate and review if you're listening to us on Spotify or Apple. Thank you to PodPopuli for recording and editing this podcast. See you next week with James and Brian in Only Old Town!

• MAR 7, 2024

4. Discussing the New Businesses and Events for Only Old Town

Scottsdale was named one of the top 10 happiest places to live. Want to find out why? We have some new businesses and exciting events to tell you all about from your hosts, James and Brian.  Some new businesses to highlight are Blues Desert Soul, a lifestyle and art gallery, that just opened up. Also, Caesar's Palace opened up March 2. And, Very Berry Best Acai Bowls, highly rated on yelp, that just opened! Unfortunately, there are some businesses closing. French's designer jewelry and Dennis June Art gallery closing in the next few months, so try to support them before they go. March is a big month for events because Spring Training is here! Some games happening here at the Scottsdale Stadium this week are the Dodgers and Giants tonight, March 7, then the Athletics and Giants on March 9, and the White Sox and Giants on March 10. Tickets range and are around 50-70$ per ticket. Next, we have some concerts! The Scottsdale Center for Performing Arts is starting their free concert series called Sun and Sounds that happens every Sunday in March. Desert Soul Jam, happening March 23 and tickets are $35-150. Pink Floyd Tribute concert on Friday, March 8. Tickets range from $30-50. If you're looking for wha to do in between the concerts, baseball games and shopping, check out a Segway tour with Scottsdale Segway or a food tour with Taste It Tours, to get to know Old Town Scottsdale. We’ll see you next week! Be sure to rate this podcast if you’re listening, and if you’re watching us on youtube, comment, like, subscribe. And as always, check out our website onlyoldtown.com for the most up-to-date information on places, events and things to do here in Only Old Town! Thank you to @podpopuli for recording our podcast.  https://onlyoldtown.com/ https://podpopuli.com/ https://tasteittours.com/ https://www.caesars.com/caesars-republic-scottsdale https://www.eventbrite.com/e/desert-sol-jam-tickets-796394997877

• © 2024, James Beech & Brian Robinson, All Rights Reserved

Top Podcasts In Society & Culture

Arbat Street and Arbat District in Moscow

Stroll Down the Street of History

Arbat Street, or Ulitsa Arbat, is also known as the Old Arbat (to differentiate it from New Arbat Street). Arbat Street once served as a main Moscow artery and is one of the oldest original streets in the Russian capital. The Arbat District, through which Arbat Street runs, was once a location where craftsmen set up shop, and the Arbat's side streets show evidence of their past with names that describe various trades or products, like Carpenters, Bread, or Silver. Arbat Street is within walking distance of the Kremlin, so it's possible to visit this free Moscow attraction when you visit the heart of ancient Moscow.

Arbat Street's Evolution

During the 1700s, Arbat Street began to be looked upon by Moscow's noble and wealthy community as a prime residential district, and it eventually began to be settled by some of Russia's most famous families and notable individuals. The famous Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin, lived on Arbat Street with his wife, and visitors can stop at a museum that preserves the house in his honor. Other famous Russian families, like the Tolstoys and the Sheremetevs, also had houses on Arbat Street. Fires damaged many of the oldest Arbat Street houses, so today its architecture is a mixture from different styles, including Art Nouveau.

It wasn't until the 19th century that Arbat Street gained a central location in Moscow because the city's prior development had meant that the street was on the outskirts until this time. Taking a stroll down this street, it is possible to imagine how Moscow might have felt during Pushkin's or Tolstoy's time, though now it is a highly touristed area that is congested with sightseers, buskers, and street vendors. Additionally, it was only in the 1980s that Arbat Street was closed to motor vehicle traffic and made a pedestrian street, so even Pushkin would have had to have dodged carriages and carts while taking a stroll outside his residence.

While Arbat street's significance lies in its history, Arbat Street today is a lively and interesting Moscow attraction. The Pushkin House-Museum, identifiable by a statue of the poet, can be visited--as the Father of Russian Literature, Pushkin deserves to be paid homage to at the sight of one of his former residences. One of Stalin's Seven Sisters, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is on Smolenskaya-Sennaya Square. Other attractions include a monument to the songwriter Bula Okudzhava; the Melnikov House, built by constructivist architect Konstantin Melnikov; the Wall of Peace; and the Spaso House; and the Church of the Saviour in Peski.

Tips for Visiting Arbat Street

Some visitors to Moscow complain about the touristy nature of Arbat Street. Buskers and beggars take advantage of its popularity, and street vendors take advantage of deep pockets. Pickpockets may be hiding out on Arbat Street, so keep your personal possessions close. Arbat Street, despite its popularity and the way it attracts those who prey on tourists, is still a Moscow must-see sight . If you've never been to Arbat Street, take time to see it at least once. Over the centuries, it has worked its way into the Russian cultural psyche, which means you'll find it referenced by Russian artists, musicians, and writers.

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City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise

• Hop-on or hop-off at any of Moscow’s main highlights
• Views of Moscow from an open-top, double-decker bus
• Learn about the city with recorded commentary
• Visit Red Square, Alexander Gardens, and more
• Bus pass inclusions: 48 or 72 hour bus pass + walking tour
• Boat pass inclusions: 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Bus & Boat pass inclusions: 48 hour bus pass + 60 minute boat trip + walking tour
• Vouchers valid for 12 months
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Food and drinks, unless specified
• Location Name: The route begins at Red Square but you can board at any stop
• Wheelchair accessible
• Stroller accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Red Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 25 minutes. Duration - 60 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Most travelers can participate
• Green Route runs from 10:00am - 6:00pm, every 60 minutes. Duration - 120 minutes. First stop - Bolotnaya Square.
• Orange Route (currently suspended) runs from 10:30am - 6:30pm, every 30 minutes. Duration - 140 minutes. First stop - Museum of Cosmonautics
• Walking tour runs daily at 10:45am. Duration - 2 hours 30 minutes. Meeting point - Next to monument of Saints Cyril and Methodius.
• Boat tour operates 5th May - 20th October, from 11:30am - 6:30pm. Duration - 60 minutes. Meeting point - Zaryadye Park Pier.
• Mobile and paper vouchers are accepted for this tour.
• Vouchers can be redeemed at any of the stops along the routes.
• Vouchers are valid for 12 months
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• DebbJ 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Great way to get oriented to Moscow We started our Moscow experience with the hop on hop off. It was a great way to get orientated to the city. The additional optional tours were also good, we did the Metro tour which I highly recommend, we also paid for the Kremlin tour. The hop on hop off has three different lines all included. Only fault was the bus was sometimes full and you had to wait for the next one which was about 15 minutes (in the cold). Read more Written January 6, 2020
• UmaDelhi 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles 2 days are required Very very good audio guides- the voice quality was also good and also the anecdotes of history were brilliant. Russia is truly beautiful Read more Written September 1, 2019
• BeverleyT 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat trip - TERRIBLE We got on the bus, but couldn’t buy a 1 day ticket. They suggested we do the 1 hour boat trip and said they would drop us to the dock. 1) they dropped us in the wrong place 2) they were lost because of the marathon Then the boat, after we finally found it: 1) stinking fumes, actually gagging 2) no commentary, in fact, no interaction unless you begged 3) offered us 2 for 1 icecreams as they had melted and refrozen as the fridge gets turned off at night Honestly, we enjoyed the afternoon in the boat but spent all of it laughing at just how awful it was!!! The worst thing in Moscow! Read more Written August 18, 2019
• niruDurbs 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Not the best value for the price The ticket is quite expensive and covers three different routes in a 24 hour period. The red route is quite exciting and takes about an hour. The bus comes every 10 to 15 minutes. However the other two routes take about two hours each and buses come every 30 to 40 minute period. If the bus is full then you have to wait at the stop for the next bus. So personally I feel that not much can be seen this way. I definitely was not impressed. However it must be noted that one can learn a lot about the history of Moscow Read more Written July 3, 2019
• IrishCueTravel 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles SLO Motion Not all their fault , but if you plan on trying this Attraction be patient! Traffic is a big problem first and foremost. But to add additional unnecessary delays; the bus stops at each site for 15 minutes at a time or More ! I gave up half way through ( 45 minutes) ; and walked back to the starting point in 10 minutes! Read more Written June 4, 2019
• michael g 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Worst hop on/hop off EVER Waited for 40 minutes in the cold rain for a bus that never came... unacceptable. Traffic is so bad that when on a bus the previos day it was barely moving. My advice-get a subway pass and a good travel guide book and do sightseeing on your own! Read more Written October 24, 2018
• Rebecca J 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Boat element was excellent We purchased a ticket online for the boat and bus for 2 days. The boat element was wonderful, we saw some amazing parts of Moscow along the river side. The bus element was very disappointing as it only started at 10am and was finished by 6:30pm. It was extremely warm when we were there and it would have been great to do the tour in the cool of the day. There was also no air conditioning in the down stairs part of the bus. They also turned away passengers at one of the stops as the bus was full and there was not another bus for 40 minutes. Read more Written September 26, 2018
• Monismith2014 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles it was very enjoyable it was very interesting seeing things we saw walking around from the bus. so much more to see. we had a lot better view of the attractions from the height of the bus.also the bus was reasonable slow which gave us time enough for photos. it stopped at sparrow hill for 10 minutes for picture taking Read more Written September 20, 2018
• fati666222 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles The best way to see Moscow We did both routes but if you have little time then only do the red route.Its very informative and it takes you to the important sights.The staff on the bus are very friendly and helpful. Read more Written August 20, 2018
• adolfo17 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles The worst hope-on hope-off service I've ever seen Diffiult to understand the route maps and stops. Staff wouldn't help either. Lengthy stops. No air conditioning. Read more Written August 4, 2018
• Peter F 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Two Routes There is a short red route which depending on the traffic takes about an hour. The route is generally around the Red Square area. The ear phones were small and sometimes the commentary did not link up with the sites you were seeing. The green bus takes you on a longer route and ours took two and a half hours due to the heavy traffic. I would not recommend this trip unless it is raining or you want to fill in time. The sights we saw were nothing outstanding with plenty of time at certain stops for photos. Also the driver stop for a bite to eat at one stop. Read more Written July 30, 2018
• Bernardo P 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Boat Trips Moscow, Russia Yesterday, I booked a boat trip with the GetYourGuide.com web page and was totally horrible, didn’t have audio guide as it shows on the picture-Nobody Talk-. The girl on the picture-light blue bag-ask for 100 Rubles for show her the QR Code while I had the Booking and PIN number cause she must see the vessel name-Didn’t say nothing and after she said board any vessel. I suggest take the trip and pay on site, avoid fake internet pages, there are many other services with a lot of entertainment, don’t take this ones. Read more Written July 14, 2018
• Kathrynowl91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good way to see some sites We usually do these tours when we travel. They get you round and you see the sight . The traffic is quite heavy so it is a bit slow but there is not a lot they can do about it. We only did the red route. Just a note people don’t queue here when the bus comes it’s a bit of a free for all. Read more Written July 13, 2018
• Daniyal91 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Was Ok.! Started our tour of moscow from here, We had got the 2 Day Pass with the boat ride. The route and the map was good but not well managed. The bus didn't stop at many points. Were were unaware a couple of times at what point we were and missed them. Headphones and maps were provided. Would recommend one should check out the route map before going and decide which places to stop in advance, this way one can manage and enjoy the tour more and us it more effectively.! The boat ride was Ok, a little crowded. No guide provided, just a boat ride with restaurant service Read more Written July 12, 2018
• WilliamDyer 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Poor service on boat and too many waiting times on buses For the price, you should expect at minimum English speaking tour guides with decent experience, but at least in my case that did not happen both in buses and boats. And in the boat even tough we were 90% English speaking tourist at least, the tour guide spoke 95% of the time in Russia, and only 3 sentences in English, I really counted how many times she spoke in English. And at the end she asks us if we have any questions? Of course I told her I couldn’t ask her anything since I didn’t understand 95% of what she was saying. The boat tour is not worth it, just take the bus that would be my advice. Second minus is the waiting times, in the boat they made us wait an hour before it departed, and in many stops with the buses waiting times of 20-30 minutes. I actually think I lost that day around 2 hours doing nothing. Be careful. Read more Written July 10, 2018

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

City Sightseeing Moscow Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour with Optional Cruise provided by City Sightseeing Moscow

H-Town institution Cleburne Cafeteria in spotlight for Good Morning America’s comfort food tour

Cleburne Cafeteria , an 83-year-old institution that generations of Houstonians have turned to for nostalgia as much as the restaurant’s chicken fried steaks, is featured among a handful of U.S. cities in the Comfort Food America tour on “Good Morning America.”

The ABC network spotlighted the restaurant, 3606 Bissonnet, on Wednesday morning after airing previous episodes in Cleveland and Denver.

Before diving into fried chicken with a side of mac and cheese for breakfast, ABC correspondent Ike Ejiochi shared a slice of the restaurant’s history in Houston and ties to the community, where Houstonians have been ordering dishes from a cafeteria-like setting since 1941.

“From meatloaf and mashed potatoes to some fried chicken, Texans have been lining up for Cleburne’s most comforting dishes,” Ejiochi said.

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“Good Morning America” has spotlighted Houston’s culinary scene over the past few years, from crowning Bun B’s Trills Burgers as the best in the country to highlighting Dandelion Cafe as among the country’s best breakfast joints .

The show gave Cleburne owner George Mickelis a plaque with a gold-colored plate and fork for being featured on his Comfort Food America tour.

The roughly five-minute segment pointed to Cleburne’s focus on its comfort food, “where every day is Thanksgiving,” remaining popular in the community as various food trends come and go.

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Nick and Pat Mickelis bought the Cleburne Cafeteria in 1953, when it was located downtown at Cleburne and Fannin, from owners Anabelle Collins and Martha Cavanaugh, according to the restaurant’s website.

They moved the restaurant to its current location on Bissonnet in 1969, and the Mickelis' son George eventually took over ownership and operation. 

Two separate fires in 1990 and 2016 nearly ended the historic restaurant’s run.

“Thank you for being a staple in this place for 80 years,” Ejiochi said. “It’s phenomenal, and I hope it goes on for 80 more years.”

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72 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in Moscow

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Sure, Moscow is the Russian political capital and the nation’s most populous city, but describing it as such couldn’t be any further from the truth. More accurately, Moscow is a city of contrasts.

It exudes history — its Kremlin dates back centuries, nodding to royalty and leadership old and now, while the famed Red Square, the poster child of the city, blends striking color with ancient tradition and religion.

On the other hand, it’s a city of modern pop culture and towering skyscrapers; a place where you’ll come across new-age museums, arts centers, manmade parks, and an efficient transportation system that’s one of the most beautiful in Europe.

It’s a city of longstanding culture — the Bolshoi Theater is an international symbol for excellence in classical dance, while Russia’s National Ballet Company remains renowned worldwide — as well as upbeat nightlife, with some of the world’s most celebrated rooftop bars and nightclubs.

While it’s a city filled with opposites, there remains no shortage of things to do in Moscow for all types of travelers — from those who want cultural immersion to those looking for an epic night out, you’ll be spoiled for choice. And if you’re not sure where to start, here’s a list of suggestions!

The Moscow Kremlin

If there’s any particular district begging to be the first place you visit on your trip, it’s the Kremlin.

Built in the 16th century by Ivan the Terrible, the UNESCO-listed area has since become the heart of Russia’s capital city, where you’ll find several churches, palaces, and other noteworthy buildings.

We’ll dive into each of its main attractions in a second, but regardless of what you visit, try to make it to the Kremlin in time for sunset — because seeing its golden domes glinting in the late-afternoon light makes for one spectacular tourist photo!

Click here to learn about Kremlin tickets prices .

1 – Admire the abundance of Kremlin towers | the Kremlin

As your eyes dart down the towering red-brick Kremlin wall, the first thing you’ll notice is its large towers of all different styles and sizes.

With a whopping 20 separate minarets towering above the historic area, each with its own name, colors, features and history, a guided tour to learn each of their fascinating stories is a must.

To give you a little taste, the Konstantin-Yeleninskaya Tower once housed a torture chamber. Saviour’s Tower at the main entrance boasts a famous chiming clock, the Secret Tower houses a secret escape tunnel, and the Trinity Tower is the tallest of them all.

• Moscow Kremlin tours

2 – Visit the enormous Grand Kremlin Palace | the Kremlin

A remarkable attraction in terms of both beauty and history, the Grand Kremlin Palace is an ornate rococo-style building that was commissioned during the reign of Nicholas I, and today acts as the official residence of none other than the Russian president, Vladimir Putin.

Perched atop Borovitsky Hill, its 125-meter-long facade is unmissable, making for impressive photos.

Take note: guided tours are few and far between, so you’ll have to book a few weeks in advance if you want to check out the decorated inner sanctum.

Directions in Google Maps

3 – People-watch in Cathedral Square | the Kremlin

One of the most popular areas in all of Moscow (sometimes called Sobornaya Square), with multiple massive churches at its heart, Cathedral Square is flanked by several historic buildings and is never shy of a tourist crowd.

The three main churches — each spectacular works of architecture in their own right — are the Cathedral of the Assumption (the oldest and the biggest of all Kremlin churches), the 16th-century Cathedral of the Archangel Michael (known for its beautiful Corinthian gables and turrets), and the golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation (which connects to the Grand Kremlin Palace’s main building).

Throw in the 60-meter-high Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the lesser-known Church of the Twelve Apostles , the Church of the Deposition of the Virgin’s Robe (underrated yet famous for its marvelous stained-glass windows), and the medieval residence-turned-museum that is The Patriarch’s Palace, and you can see why this square is regularly number one on any visitor’s list of things to do in Moscow.

4 – See a show at the State Kremlin Palace | the Kremlin

Just like the Grand Kremlin Palace , this theater and prestigious concert hall — with its grandiose facade and multiple sculptures — is another ornate building that’s worth admiring.

A popular place to hold conferences, the State Kremlin Palace was originally built as part of a larger complex for Communist Party meetings, but today hosts some of the biggest events in Moscow — we’re talkin’ sold-old ballet performances, world-famous concerts, opera shows, and festivals.

Check the website to see what’s on the calendar for your visit!

5 – See centuries worth of national treasures at the Armoury Chamber | the Kremlin

For anyone with an interest in historical weaponry and armor, this museum — which dates back to the early 1500s when it was created as the royal armory — is a must-see.

The Armoury Chamber (as well as the Diamond Fund Exhibition) is home to some of the most valuable objects that were originally owned by Russian monarchs — from jeweled heirlooms and intricate boxes to ornately decorated pistols and swords — many of which are centuries old.

Within the armoury chamber, you’ll also find the Russian historical regalia, a collection of artifacts that belonged to Russian tsars and emperors between the 13th and 20th centuries, highlighted by the Ivory Throne and the Monomakh’s Cap.

• Armoury Chamber tours

6 – Step inside the Palace of the Facets | the Kremlin

The Palace of the Facets is one of the most underrated buildings in all of Moscow, largely because it’s not as widely promoted or photographed even though its exterior adorns some postcards.

From the outside, it blends in with the crowd. But step inside and you’ll discover a world of beauty and wonder — its frescoes, golden columns and enormous rooms are a sight to behold

The Palace of the Facets is not only a piece of art (literally, with painted walls), dating back over 500 years, but also acted as the dining hall for the Tsars.

7 – Feel small next to the Tsar Bell | the Kremlin

Making Philadelphia’s famous Liberty Bell look diminutive in size, this monument , which never actually functioned as a bell due to its immense size (at 205 tons and standing 20.1 feet high!), has found fame in recent years for being the heaviest attraction inside The Kremlin.

With the bronze landmark’s claim to fame of being the biggest bell in the world, it presents as a great, quick photo op when roaming through the Kremlin.

8 – Check out the Senate Palace | the Kremlin

Another architectural masterpiece that’s tucked away within the Kremlin, this palace is famous for being one of Moscow’s most beautiful buildings — its yellow façade curves around to face inward and truly engulf anyone who stands near it.

Built back in the late 1700s, today it houses the Russian presidential administration and, unfortunately for us, is off limits to the general public.

Still, admiring it from outside, with the nearby Tsar Cannon, is certainly good enough.

9 – Grab a photo in front of the Tsar Cannon | the Kremlin

One of Moscow’s most iconic symbols, Tsar Cannon (or Royal Cannon) is a cannon that was manufactured in 1586 and resides — yep, you guessed it — within The Kremlin.

Following the theme of the enormous Tsar Bell, it weighs a whopping 39 tons — making it one of the world’s largest cannons even though it has never been shot.

And while its size may be impressive on its own, what makes this cannon so special is that it’s adorned with intricate carvings, ornaments, inscriptions, and a figure of a horse-riding Tsar Feodor the Bellringer.

• walking tours in Moscow

10 – Join a tour of the Terem Palace | the Kremlin

A stunning, fairytale-like palace that’s steeped in history and detail, the five-story Terem Palace is one of the most underrated attractions within The Kremlin. However, as part of the official residence of the Russian President, much of it is off-limits to snap-happy tourists.

That said, there’s still plenty to be seen in the accessible areas by joining a group tour: a beautiful white-stone carved staircase; curved, decorated, and painted ceilings; and an enchanting low-vaulted Antechamber with lancet windows.

The Red Square

As we move away from the Kremlin, our next stop is the most photographed, picturesque public area in the country.

Flanked by gorgeous, colorful towers and buildings, the Red Square is the most famous square in all of Russia — and one that’s steeped in history, patriotism, and communist symbolism.

Home to some of Moscow’s greatest landmarks including St Basil’s Cathedral (featuring its iconic onion domes), Lenin Mausoleum, GUM department store (an architectural masterpiece that is the most famous shopping mall in Russia), The State History Museum, and more, it’s not just a sight to see in Moscow but also one that has been seen by hundreds of millions from around the world.

11 – Make your way inside St. Basil’s Cathedral | Red Square

Built back in the early 1500s, this quirky-looking, 65-meter-tall Orthodox church is so unique and detailed that it’s earned its place as one of 16 UNESCO cultural sites in Russia — and, thanks to many Hollywood productions like Bond: Skyfall (2012), has only continued to increase in fame.

Its exterior boasts multi-colored domes crowned with golden onion top spires. Meanwhile, inside, you’ll find nine small, separate chapels, and plenty of decorated walls and windows — all best viewed as part of a walking tour of Red Square.

• Red Square tours in Moscow

12 – Visit the State Historical Museum | Red Square

One of seven museums that can be found around the expansive Red Square, the State Historical Museum is one of Moscow’s most revered.

Housed in a neoclassical building (the same as GUM), it features more than 4 million items relating to Russian history — making it so vast and incredible that you’ll need at least two hours inside to see just a fraction.

While you’re in the area, be sure to check out the Marshal Georgy Zhukov Monument, a towering horse-riding statue of arguably the most famous and heroic Soviet military commander of WWII, which can be found in front of the museum.

13 – Shop till you drop at GUM | Red Square

The official state department store of Russia, having opened in 1893 and become one of Moscow’s most iconic attractions for shopaholics over the years, is known for its gorgeous architecture that looks more like a palace than anything else.

Entering through its massive golden doors, you’ll be surprised to find an extensive shopping center with more than 100 luxury and world-renowned brands of clothing and accessories for men, women, and youngsters.

Even if you don’t plan on buying anything, stop into the Gastronom №1 for a bite to eat or take a stroll through its corridors to appreciate the building’s history and beauty.

14 – Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum | Red Square

Another iconic Red Square attraction is Lenin’s Mausoleum, a small yet foreboding building that houses the embalmed corpse of Communist leader Vladimir Lenin (who led Russia through the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917).

Opened in 1930 after his death and standing at more than 12 meters tall, it presents as both a unique and macabre site — and, considering the life-like nature of the body, certainly isn’t for the faint of heart.

Note: Entrance is free of charge, but expect to be searched by security before being allowed in.

15 – Ride the Moscow Metro, enjoying the beautiful stations along the way

As we leave the Red Square, the next cab off the rank is Moscow’s unbelievable artistic Metro network (rivaled only in beauty by that of Stockholm). Constructed between the 1930s and 1950s, its stations were built by hand with a wide range of artistic themes — from socialist realist to Slavic pagan.

Tips: The best way to experience them is as part of a Moscow Metro tour, which can be booked online. However, if you prefer exploring solo, then make sure to visit the Mayakovskaya Metro Station which is known for its seemingly endless archways.

You may also check out Dostoyevskaya, named after a famous writer with murals depicting his stories. The Ploshchad Revolutsii Metro Station is another option where a handful of Socialist statues provide a wonderful contrast to the red marble arches.

• metro tours in Moscow

16 – Spend the afternoon exploring the State Tretyakov Gallery

Boasting the reputation of being one of the world’s leading art museums, the State Tretyakov Gallery is home to a stunning collection that features well over 100,000 works from Russia and around the globe.

Featuring everything from ancient Russian icons to Soviet-era artifacts and contemporary pieces, the museum also houses a charming green garden perfect for recharging.

Visitors are advised to allocate at least three hours inside to properly appreciate everything on show — or consider booking a private VIP tour to skip the lines and focus on the best sections.

• Tretyakov Gallery tickets

Click here to find out the best Moscow tours .

17 – Get out of town to the Tsaritsyno Museum & Nature Reserve

Located a short drive from the hustle and bustle of the Red Square, this incredible attraction is both a palatial museum and cultural center, with an enchanting open-air garden to boot — spread across 405 hectares altogether.

Boasting beautiful 18th-century baroque architecture, it was originally built as a country retreat for Catherine the Great. However, it has since been transformed into an outdoor museum with several museums inside — including exhibits dedicated to Russian history and culture.

18 – Tick off the main haunts with a hop-on hop-off bus ride

Short on time or just can’t be bothered walking around anymore? Then make sure to check out the double-decker Hop-on-Hop-off Bus, a convenient and cheap way of seeing all the main attractions in one go.

With unlimited-ride tickets lasting between 24 and 72 hours, there’s plenty of flexibility to soak in must-see areas like Red Square, the Kremlin, Arbatskaya Square, Theatre Square, and the Red October neighborhood — and with a free audio tour (in English) throughout the ride, you’re sure to learn a thing or two as well.

Busses usually run every 15 minutes, with the full city loop taking roughly an hour — of course, you can disembark and reboard to your heart’s content.

• bus tours in Moscow

19 – Learn about military history on Poklonnaya Hill

For an up-close and personal experience with the past, make sure to check out Poklonnaya Hill — a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 20 minutes out from the city center that’s home to several relics from Russia’s pre-revolutionary era.

It has everything from Great Patriotic War memorials dedicated to fallen soldiers of the Russian military forces, to the Eternal Flame and the Museum of Great Patriotic War. This is an unmissable opportunity for history buffs.

Hot tip: While you’re in the area, be sure to stop into the Victory Museum (the nation’s biggest military history museum) and check out the gold-tipped Church of St. George the Victorious .

20 – Get artsy at the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

Home to one of the finest and most significant art collections in Russia, the highly-regarded Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts showcases everything from medieval icons and paintings. With over 500,000 pieces of works by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Karl Bryullov and Rubens, the museum is undeniably one of the best things to do in Moscow for art lovers.

The museum also houses impressive exhibits dedicated to ancient Greece, archaeological collections, decorative arts and a 200,000-item Numismatic library.

21 – Take a charming stroll down Arbat Street

Boasting everything from galleries and craft stores to souvenir shops, cafes, and some of Russia’s finest restaurants and hotels — as well as top-notch street performers (like jugglers and caricaturists) — Arbat Street is one of Moscow’s most famous pedestrian hubs for good reason.

The entire walkway, flanked by colorful buildings, stretches about a kilometer through the historic district, making it the perfect start to any day of inner-city exploring.

22 – Lounge around at the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

One of Moscow’s biggest and most beloved green spaces, Gorky Central Park is a must-visit for anyone looking to soak in some fresh air.

The park boasts 45 hectares of picturesque grassland, forests, Golitsinsky Ponds (home to squirrels and ducks), walking trails, fountains and the Neskuchny Garden. This place is also home to the wooden Olivkovy beach, a hot spot for photographers looking to appreciate the Moskva river.

Plenty of cafes line the well-manicured park, likewise public art projects and picnic spots and an open-air cinema in the summertime!

While a relaxing day in the gardens is never a bad idea, if you’re looking for something a little more interactive, there’s the 18-meter-tall Observation Platform and a handful of museums on site. The Gorky Park Museum , Muzeon Park of Arts , Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and New Tretyakov Gallery are all noteworthy stops within walking distance.

23 – Stare at the ceiling of the Christ the Savior Cathedral

On an easy stroll from the southwest side of the Kremlin, you’ll find a majestic memorial cathedral doused in history: the 5-golden-domed Christ the Savior Cathedral .

With a beautiful color-contrasting exterior that still falls short of the intricately painted inner walls and ceiling, this underrated (due to not being in Red Square with the other main cathedrals) attraction is a must for the bucket list.

24 – Zoom around town in a Soviet van

If a hop-on-hop-off bus screams of cliche tourism, why not get a little more cultured by skirting around the city’s main haunts in a real, war-era soviet van?

Undeniably one of Russia’s most emblematic vehicles as both a symbol of a Soviet past and a comical cultural nod to its boring exterior (dubbed the “loaf of bread”), the UAZ-452 vans are iconic.

So whether you opt for a pub crawl, landmark sightseeing tour, or day of adventure with wintertime off-roading, be sure to ride shotgun in one of the loaves of bread at some stage!

• soviet tours

25 – See sharks up close at the Moskvarium

The mightiest aquarium in Europe (by size), the Moskvarium is an impressive modern space dedicated to the beauty and diversity of aquatic life.

Located right on the outskirts of Moscow’s city center (about 20 minutes drive from Red Square), this huge complex encompasses over 70 interactive exhibits. These include live shows, and the chance to go swimming with dolphins — that are sure to impress the whole family.

26 – Go underground at the Bunker 42 Cold War Museum

In the depths of Moscow’s shadow-strewn streets, hidden 65 meters beneath the tourist crowds are a Cold War-era bunker and former secret communications center.

Bunker 42 was built in 1955 as a nuclear-proof hideaway, but today you can book tours that reveal its secrets and stories — a must for the common history buff.

• Bunker 42 tickets

27 – Immserve yourself in the soviet culture at the VDNKh theme park and exhibition space

Sprawling across the Ostankinsky District, VDNKh is a massive open-air museum and theme park paying homage to Russian industry and Soviet values.

The enormous complex is decked out with several gold-clad statues and palatial pavilions, each uniquely designed to represent different Soviet interests and endeavors, such as geology and the space race.

Hot tip: For a wonderful view of the Moscow skyline, be sure to jump on the Ferris wheel after riding the small roller coasters and merry-go-round.

28 – Take a trip to the Kolomenskoye Palace

Overlooking the sparkling Moskva River about 20 kiometers south of central Moscow, the postcard-worthy Kolomenskoye Palace is a former royal estate. It’s now open to the public as an extensive park with carefully-kept gardens, including one of Russia’s oldest white stone churches (the tent-looking UNESCO-listed Ascension Church ).

It has walking trails through peaceful wooded areas and gorgeous views out over the region from its high hilltop location. The park has long been considered one of the hidden gems when it comes to things to do in Moscow.

29 – Enjoy the view from the Ostankino TV Tower

With the coveted claim to fame of being the tallest free-standing structure in Europe (and 11th tallest in the world) — standing above the Empire State Building, for reference — the 540.1-meter-tall Ostankino Tower is picturesquely located next to Park Dubovaya Roshcha, not too far from VDNH, the Moskvarium, and the widespread Park Ostankind.

So long as you’re not left lighthearted by heights, the 337-meter-high observation deck is the go-to spot for panoramic views.

30 – Blast off at the Museum of Cosmonautics

One for the space nerds and future astronauts, the Museum of Cosmonautics is dedicated to the history, present-day relevance, and future possibilities of space exploration. It provides a spectacular insight into the Soviet perspective of the 1960s space race.

Located on a lovely green site in one corner of VDNKh, the museum features an outdoor planetarium, interactive displays for children, as well as inside exhibits that showcase original spacecraft parts.

For the best experience, consider a pre-arranged tour that includes access to both the Museum and VDNKh.

31 – Complete your Moscow culinary experience with a food tour

Foodies, listen up! Moscow has gained a reputation for being one of the finest cities in Europe for foodies, with an excellent range of restaurants and bars.

For those looking for a complete Moscow culinary experience that includes some of the best hidden gems and experiences, food tours are an ideal way to go.

Depending on your tour of choice, expect to sample a few Pelmeni (dumplings), Blini (wafer-thin pancakes), and world-famous Ponchiki doughnuts. Then wash it all down with some locally-distilled vodka or Nalivka (a sweet berry-infused liquor).

• food tours in Moscow

32 – Smell the flowers at the Main Botanical Garden — the largest botanical garden in Europe

Constructed in 1945, the Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences is a 340-hectare space of plant collections and lakeside walkways to explore.

It’s one of those places that gets better as you make your way around it on foot (or even rollerblades). There are many well-kept gardens, beautiful ponds filled with turtles and waterfowl, a charming Japanese Garden and some very rare trees.

33 – Wander around the Novodevichy Monastery

The Novodevichy Convent and surrounding Kremlin-style walls combine to be one of Moscow’s most picturesque sites — a UNESCO-listed complex that was founded in the 1500s and includes an interweaving of churches, cathedrals, bell towers and a cemetery.

After admiring the buildings, check out the monastery which is surrounded by green spaces perfect for a stroll and a snack.

To learn all about its architecture and history, opt for a guided tour as recommended by most travelers.

34 – Ride the coasters at Family Park SKAZKA

If you’re traveling with youngsters who seem to never be able to burn off their energy then make a beeline for the Krylatskoye District neighborhood, home to the popular SKAZKA adventure park.

Kids can enjoy everything from bumper cars to the petting zoo, while parents might want to pop into one of the cafes or restaurants.

Even if you don’t have kids in tow, the adrenaline-pumping roller coasters invite thrill-seekers of all ages.

35 – Understand the deeper meanings of “Soviet Jew” at the Jewish Museum & Centre of Tolerance

Opened in 2012, the Jewish Museum and Centre of Tolerance is a fascinating institution dedicated to exploring and honoring the diverse complex Russian-Jewish history and culture.

Explore every facet of the role of Russian Jewry throughout the centuries — including food, artifacts, religious beliefs and cultural traditions. Visitors can also see an array of exhibits made from testimonial footage, as well as a large collection of works of Jewish artists.

For history buffs, the museum dives into the intriguing role that Jewish soldiers played during World War II.

36 – Cruise down the Moscow River!

For those looking for a unique perspective on the city, there are stacks of tours (romantic, sightseeing, luxury-themed or party-vibed) that explore Moscow from its riverfront.

Take in some of the most iconic landmarks around the Kremlin and Gorky Park on a boat. Cruises can also take you underneath bridges, entertain you with live music and offer insights into the landmarks that pass by with live audio narration.

• boat tours in Moscow

37 – Grab a table at Café Pushkin

A favorite of many Muscovites, Cafe Pushkin on Tverskoy Boulevard is an intimate spot to enjoy some authentic Russian dishes.

It’s hand-picked by locals for its traditional décor resembling a nobleman’s house and charming atmosphere (thanks largely to the rustic bookshelves). You’ll find that the menu consists mainly of classic European cuisine mixed with a few local favorites. It’s complemented by a wooden bar with a fine collection of vintage wines and regular live music.

38 – Spend the day at the Karibiya Aquapark

After a hard day exploring the city, why not spend some time out to relax and unwind at one of Moscow’s largest water parks?

Karibiya has a handful of pools (including a heated salt-water spa) and fun but not too wild slides, plus a bowling alley for the kids, a fitness center and bar for the adults. There’s something to keep everyone entertained.

39 – Take a day trip to Sergiev Posad

A photographer’s dream with blue-and-gold cupolas contrasted by snow-white walls, the ancient town of Sergiev Posad (just over an hour’s drive from Moscow) is a quaint tourist favorite. It’s famous for being home to one of Russia’s most important and sacred monasteries — the free-to-visit Trinity Lavra St. Sergius monastery complex.

Founded in 1340 AD by Saint Sergius, today it serves as an active monastery where visitors are free to attend daily services. Admire its truly remarkable artworks and historic museum collections.

• Sergiev Posad day trip

40 – Spot starfish (and monkeys?) at the Crocus City Oceanarium

One of the latest attractions in Moscow, Crocus City Mall’s iceberg-shaped  Oceanarium is a vast three-floor aquarium. It has more than 5,000 species swimming gracefully under one roof — not to mention the reptiles, birds, and monkeys that also call this place home.

Since the mall also boasts shopping centers, a pair of concert halls and a skating rink, there’s no shortage of activities on offer to whisk away a rainy day.

41 – Button-mash at the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines

Where are the gamers at?

For anyone curious about the video games and technology of Russia’s yesteryear, there’s no better place to visit than this retro museum (complete with Soviet-era soda).

Filled with an impressive collection of more than 100 vintage arcade machines dating back as far as the late 1970s (like ”Pull the Turnip”), it’s sure to take you on a trip down memory lane.

42 – Take a walk through the Alexander Garden

While the majority of Moscow’s other top attractions require a ticket or entry fee, there is at least one gem that doesn’t. It happens to be right on your doorstep if you’re staying anywhere near the Kremlin.

Alexander Garden (also known as Alexandrovsky Sad) is an expansive park that stretches the entire western wall of the Kremlin (nearly 1km in length). It’s filled to the brim with colorful flower beds, winding walkways and calming fountains.

Don’t miss the tomb of the Unknown Soldier while you’re there.

43 – Sign up for a dog sledding adventure!

Cliche? Sure, maybe a little. Seriously fun? You better believe it!

Winter is coming, and that means it’s time to get out there and experience Russia the way only locals can — by dog sledding.

Typically lasting seven or eight hours, these outdoor adventures (which include hotel pick up and drop off) are a wonderful way to experience nature and immerse yourself in ancient Russian traditions — and hang out with a handful of adorable huskies, of course!

Seriously though, this is one of those things you’re going to want photos (and videos) for when you get back home because, really, words just wouldn’t do it justice.

44 – Walk beneath the Iberian Gate and Chapel

Facing away from the Red Square and linking Manezhnaya Square, the Iberian Gate and Chapel (sometimes called the Resurrection Gate) is overflowing with history. It acts as the spiritual entrance to the Red Square and the home of the wooden chapel that houses icons of the Iberian Virgin.

Many believe it is customary to kiss the Iberian icon before entering the gate and for boys to take off their hats. For an insight into the local culture, join a walking tour and learn more about the gate’s significance to religion and history.

To add to the importance, the gate is also the location of ‘Kilometer Zero’ — the official central point of Moscow.

45 – Play all day at the Dream Island theme park

After opening its gates early in 2020, Dream Island earned itself the coveted title of being the largest indoor theme park in Europe (yep, that means it’s even open in the harsh winter).

It’s a delight for kids and adults alike. Throughout the park you’ll find an array of rides themed around classic cartoons like Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Pinocchio, the Smurfs, Hotel Transylvania and Hello Kitty. It also has charming and well-arranged streets that transport you to bustling cities like London and Barcelona!

Throw in live performances, plenty of eateries, a cinema and a hotel, and you can see why it’s become all the rage recently.

46 – Race against the clock in an escape room

An unmissable and quick activity for any budding Sherlock Holmes out there, escape rooms challenge your mind and require wit, teamwork, and logic. Figure out the puzzles and escape from each room before time runs up.

Moscow’s escape room games usually last around 60 minutes and cover a range of themes (like a USSR Nuclear Bunker or even an outdoor, app-led scavenger game) — perfect for the whole family.

47 – Chill out by the Patriarch’s Ponds

Surrounded by residential buildings in the fancy downtown Presnensky District, the enormous (9,900 square meters, to be exact) the Patriarshiye Prudy is a beautiful oasis. It’s frequented by dog walkers, picnickers, artists and musicians alike.

In summertime, you’ll find people picnicking on the grassy banks or sunbathing by the ponds. In the winter, it transforms into a magical wonderland of snow and ice, morphing into a popular public skating rink.

Directions on Google Maps

48 – Go behind the scenes at Luzhniki Stadium

Moscow’s Lujniki Stadium is one of Europe’s biggest soccer complexes, capable of hosting some 80,000 fans with an electric-like atmosphere — as we saw during its phase as the main stadium of the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Besides being the current home ground of Russia’s National Football Team, it also hosts concerts by some of the biggest international acts and was also the focal point of the 1980 Olympic Games.

If your trip doesn’t line up with any sellout matches, you can still join a backstage stadium tour that explores the dressing rooms, press conference room and the field.

49 – Head to Suzdal and Vladimir for a day

A fantastic option for anyone who wants to get out of the chaos of Moscow for a minute, these two towns are parts of the Golden Ring of ancient Russian cities. They present as perfect day trips, thanks to their rich history, diverse culture and white-drenched architecture.

In Suzdal , the Kremlin fortress is the main event, with the Cathedral of the Nativity (and its 13th-century Golden Doors) captivating visitors year after year. In Vladimir , the awe-inspiring Assumption Cathedral (Dormition Cathedral) teaks center stage, with its five golden domes making for a wonderful photo backdrop

Don’t feel like hiring a car? Take the hassle out of your getaway and book a pre-arranged tour that visits both ancient towns on the same day.

50 – Escape the crowds at the Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University

Wielding the title of Russia’s oldest botanic garden, the Botanic Gardens of Moscow State University (founded in 1706) is a fantastic place to escape the city and learn about Russia’s rich flora.

The beautifully arranged garden boasts more than 6,000 plant species that span various climates across the world, allowing visitors to see everything from roses and tulips to cacti and bamboo trees!

51 – Climb inside a tank at the Kubinka Tank Museum

A must-see for any military history buff, the Kubinka Tank Museum showcases dozens of tanks and armored vehicles from across the globe, with a particularly heavy focus on Soviet Union models (to be expected, right?).

The collection includes everything from Polish TKS tankettes to the only remaining Panzer VIII Maus, a captured WWI British Mark V and the Object 172 — as well as plenty of cannons, weapons and missiles.

Serving traditional Russian military meals and national staples, even the cafe-restaurant is military-themed!

52 – Sit front row at the Moscow International House of Music

A world-renowned performance complex on the picturesque Kosmodamianskaya Embankment, this state-of-the-art venue is best known for hosting Vladimir Spivakov’s Virtuosi of Moscow Chamber Orchestra. It showcases everything from classical concerts to jazz, folk music and more!

The venue’s three magnificent concert halls welcome an array of local and international performers. Check the website to see who’s taking center stage during your visit!

53 – Drift through fresh powder on a snowmobile!

While it’s not always winter (though if you want to make the most of your snowy trip, come between December and March), as soon as that first snowfall hits, it’s time for snowmobile tours. Make for a fantastic way to explore the out-of-the-way locations and magical forests beyond Moscow’s city limits.

Even if you’ve never ridden a ski-doo or snowmobile before, the friendly expert instructors will be with you every step of the way, with safety and enjoyment always priorities.

54 – Crank your head skywards in Moscow City

A stark contrast to the ancient and colorful onion domes in the Red Square, Moscow City’s skyscape (aka the Moscow International Business Center ) is full of towering, modern glass-heavy (even twisting) skyscrapers. Many of which are vying at the top of the list of Europe’s tallest buildings.

At 374 meters tall and with 95 floors — and a wonderful restaurant on its 60th floor — the Moscow Federation Tower is a popular choice for tourists. Meanwhile, the 85th and 86th floor of the OKO Towers play host to a Russian restaurant and skating rink respectively.

Be sure to walk through the modern Bagration Bridge and, for the shopaholics, check out the stores and IMAX theater inside AFIMALL City.

55 – Check out Zaryadye Park

Within arm’s reach of the famed Red Square, the peaceful slice of greenery that is Zaryadye Park is a breath of beautiful and natural air amidst the concrete jungle. It’s the first new city park to be opened in Moscow for more than half a century.

At various points around the 10-hectare park, you’ll find a few restaurant pavilions, a media center, a museum and a botanical collection housing over a million plants. It also houses the two-stage Zaryadye Concert Hall where thousands of passersby take a seat on the steps every day.

While you’re there, don’t miss the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars, an unusual museum above the northern side of the park.

56 – Stroll around the cozy Hermitage Garden

Small yet incredibly charming and found conveniently smack-bang in the middle of the city, the Hermitage Garden is a perfect spot to relax and unwind after a day of learning about Russia’s vast history.

Surrounded by the Sfera Theatre and The Kolobov Novaya Opera Theatre of Moscow , this lovely, leafy garden can be both a relaxing oasis or the prelude to an entertaining evening out.

57 – Treat yourself to a ballet show at the Bolshoi Theatre

With a reputation that precedes it, the impressive and world-famous Bolshoi Theatre is a must for any theater lover. Its rich history is making it one of the most iconic theaters in Europe.

While there are several performances to choose from throughout the year — from ballet to opera, classic dramas and even acrobatic shows — you can also get your own private backstage tour.

58 – Get artsy, then party at ArtPlay

This old tea factory turned cultural hub of Moscow’s creative arts is heaven on earth for rotating exhibitions by local artists.

Depending on what piques your interest, you can join in on everything from live music to dance classes, art studio workshops, flea markets and film screenings here. However, after the sun goes down, its alter-ego comes out to play.

So, if you’re feeling peckish, stop into the Domozhilov restaurant nearby for a shashlik. Then wash it down at the English pub with a beer before partying it up at Rodnya, a pumping techno club.

59 – Head to the PANORAMA360 Observation Deck

A surefire hit for the social media feed, the observation deck at the top of Moscow’s Federation Tower skyscraper — PANORAMA360 — is a must-see selfie stop for its killer views and … ice cream factory.

From the 89th floor, you can soak in the wonder of Moscow old and new from above. It has floor-to-ceiling windows providing 360-degree vistas, a rotating restaurant and mini-cinema to boot.

60 – Throw down a picnic blanket in Sokolniki Park

One of the largest green spaces in Moscow, Sokolniki Park is a very popular gathering place for locals and visitors alike.

Spread across the northeastern Sokolniki District, it’s the perfect distance from the city’s main haunts where the crowds remain small but the accessibility stays high.

With its many activities — from sports to live music to festivals — not much beats this park when it comes to outdoor fun!

61 – Catch a traditional Russian dance show

To get a true sense of the rich and diverse culture in Moscow, you can’t go past one of its many folk dance shows.

While there are several to choose from, “Kostroma” and “The Golden Ring” are two crowd favorite choices. Each is thoroughly unique with traditional music and costumes sure to make for a once-in-a-lifetime night of entertainment.

Of course, due to high popularity, be sure to book in advance.

62 – Book a table at the White Rabbit restaurant bar

Perched above the historical center of Moscow on the 16th floor of the Smolensky Passage building, this lavish restaurant is a must-visit for any foodie-obsessed traveler. Why? Because it continually ranks as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world.

The drool-worthy menu made by fifth-generation chef Vladimir Mukhin consists of creative, beautiful plated meals. The coveted eaterie also boasts 360-degree panoramic views of the city and a fine collection of wines and cocktails.

63 – Have dinner inside the Vysoko-Petrovskiy Monastery

Whether you’re an architecture or history buff, while visiting Moscow, it would be a shame to miss out on the rare chance to eat in an actual monastery.

This one is particularly special as it dates back some 700 years. Not only will you get to dig into an authentic Russian menu, but learn about the history of the building and (depending on your booking package) get a guided tour too.

64 – Pass by the ‘Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices’ sculpture

This free public art installation in Bolotnaya square was created by Mihail Chemaikin in 2001. A somewhat controversial landmark, it depicts how children are influenced by vices — alcohol, theft, ignorance, violence, addiction, poverty and war, to name a few.

The sculpture’s uniqueness and thought-provoking nature makes it an essential stop on any day of wandering around.

65 – Get wild on a pub crawl!

You’re on vacation, so it’s time to let your hair down, mingle with some fellow thirsty travelers and party it up Moscow-style!

High-energy pub crawls are a great way to get acquainted with new friends while seeing Moscow’s unique nightlife scene first-hand. Let the locals lead you to hidden gems, tourist hot spots and quirky dive bars.

If you don’t feel like walking, why not join a Soviet minivan crawl instead (where you can drink Soviet champagne onboard!)?

66 – Roll up for the Nikulin Circus!

If you haven’t had the chance to see a live circus before — and especially if you’re traveling with kids — why not head over to the Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard?

It blends traditional Russian acrobatics with modern-day technology, animals, and the classic circular circus stage. This beloved local entertainment is also considered one of the most enjoyable things to do in Moscow!

67 – Get romantic on a Moskva River dinner cruise

What better way to take in the city’s skyline than from a luxury yacht as you enjoy entertainment, fine dining, and (strong) specialty drinks?

Whether you’re looking for something large that can accommodate groups of friends or something smaller with a bit more VIP style, there are several dinner cruises available to suit any taste and budget.

68 – Explore the wonderful Izmailovo District

One of the city’s best-kept secrets, Izmailovo ‘s focal point is its Kremlin, a colorful wooden complex. Built in 2007, it has had unique museums and flea markets pop up nearby in the years since.

Throughout the area, you’ll uncover museums dedicated to vodka, break and Russian folk art. The district’s charming open-air flea market has all kinds of crafts and souvenirs are haggled on the daily.

Don’t miss Izmailovo Park , which is an enormous 300-hectare space that plays host to souvenir vendors, forest walking paths and even an ice rink in winter.

With so much to see in the district, savvy travelers typically opt for a guided tour.

• Izmailovo tours

69 – Sip on a cocktail at the award-winning City Space Bar and Lounge

Self-dubbed as one of the world’s top 10 bars, with accolades like Luxury Travel Guide’s Bar of the Year 2018, this iconic and luxurious watering hole doesn’t need much of an introduction.

Perched sky-high on the 34th floor of Swissotel Krasnye Holmy, the circular lounge bar slings signature cocktails and dishes up truly stunning views of the city.

Hot tip: While there’s never a poor time to visit, aim to arrive an hour or so before sunset, that’s when the city will truly sparkle below.

70 – Pamper yourself at the Sanduny Baths

If you’re looking for something to ease that throbbing headache after a night of pub crawling, why not try the famous Sanduny Baths , a quintessentially Russian experience?

Famed as one of the world’s most beautiful public bathhouses, Sanduny’s steam rooms and pools are said to be some of the best in Moscow. But for something totally unique, you can’t go past the birch twigs massage (read: beating).

71 – Spruce up your social media feed at some Insta-worthy restaurants

While a good meal is always part of the restaurant experience, getting a good pic for Instagram is half the fun!

Luckily, there are tons of excellent eateries that combine great food with gorgeous aesthetics.

Big Wine Freaks has a fantastic drink selection (naturally), and its dark, classy rooms full of elegant light fixtures and plush furniture bring to mind a spy’s hideout.

Meanwhile, Sempre adopts more of a naturalistic approach, surrounding diners with ferns and greenery.

And at Black Market Moscow , you can choose between indoor and outdoor spaces, each featuring their own unique designs and dining experiences.

Take a bite and snap some pics!

72 – Unleash your inner party animal at the Night clubs

When the sun goes down, you’ll get to see a whole new side of Moscow: its amazing nightlife!

Head to Propaganda for a bite or a beverage, then dance to some quality club tunes.

Or get a little wild at Chesterfield , where you can pay a flat fee and drink as much as you want – the perfect recipe for fun!

And at Rock’N’ Roll , there’s a new form of excitement every day, from DJ sets to live bands, all playing a lively mix of rock music from across the decades.

With all this excitement, you won’t want to book anything early the next day!

How to get to Moscow?

Unless you’re feeling up to the challenge of a long train journey, you’ll most likely be flying into Moscow.

Luckily, it has three international airports to choose from: Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, and Domodedovo.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll be able to easily reach the city via the Aeroexpress train.

Where to stay in Moscow?

Golden Ring Hotel  will make you feel like you’re on top of the world, whether you’re getting pampered at the beauty salon or enjoying a meal in the rooftop restaurants.

Or check in to Radisson Slavyanskaya Hotel & Business Center , which boasts everything from riverside views and a gym to nearby shopping areas and relaxing Turkish baths.

At AZIMUT Hotel Olympic Moscow , the massages, international cuisine, sauna, and swimming pool will keep you happily occupied in between excursions.

And at sister property AZIMUT Hotel Smolenskaya Moscow , you can savor a nice meal or admire the scenery from the lounge, or stroll over to Gorky Park or roam along Stary Arbat Street.

Meanwhile, Oblaka Hotel blends simple charm and a convenient location, with charming red brick exteriors and easy access to historic sites and a metro station.

• best hotels in Moscow

Visiting Moscow on a budget?

There’s nothing like seeing a city on foot… especially on a free walking tour !

These excursions aren’t just a way to save money while still learning a lot; they also offer a wonderful opportunity to gain local perspectives, courtesy of your guides.

But despite the name, they do accept tips for a job well done, so bring a bit of money with you!

Where to go next?

If you’re short on time but still want to see the best of Moscow, try some multi-day tours ; they’ll provide all of the coolest sights and experiences in an efficient format.

After that, it’s time to start exploring further afield!

Though it’s a bit of a trek, St. Petersburg is well worth the journey!

With its famously decadent buildings to its lively arts scene, this is the perfect place to soak up some culture; but there are also some more offbeat options, like folk shows, vodka tastings, and even an amusement park!

And from the jaw-dropping designs of the metro stations (yes, you read that correctly) to the glimmer of Faberge eggs, it showcases beauty at every turn.

Ready to go beyond Russia?

Dive into the best places to visit in Europe , a smorgasbord of art and history, nature and architecture, showcasing some of the most beloved cities and countries in the world.

Final thoughts

While Russia’s capital may seem imposing, its dynamic culture, live-wire entertainment scene, and remarkable history make it an unbeatable destination, with unique adventures that will linger in your memory long after you’ve returned home.

You may feel a little overwhelmed by all of the incredible things to do in Moscow… but that’s all the more reason to come back!

If you have any other must-see suggestions, noteworthy day trips or quintessential tours worth booking, feel free to write in the comments!

As always, happy travels!