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Paul Richardson

A British writer on travel, food and culture, Paul Richardson left London for Spain in 1989. He is a contributing editor on Conde Nast Traveler US/UK and works for the Financial Times and Daily Telegraph ; his published books include A Late Dinner: discovering the food of Spain (Scribner). Paul and his husband Nacho produce their own organic olive oil, wine, ham, fruit, and vegetables on their off-grid farm in Extremadura, Spain.

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Does Hating the Sagrada Familia Make You Cool?

I had been avoiding it all my life. Why? Partly because I was reluctant to join the tourist throng, fearful of being reduced to the level of a humble sightseer.

Barcelona’s Bars Were Named the World’s Best—but Are They?

My three-day mission: to boldly go into the heart of the local cocktail scene, to ask whether it was deserving, and to learn something about modern mixology in the process.

Humiliating Thongs and Grim Basements—Hotel Spas Mostly Suck

They are meant to sink you gently into a deep well of blissed-out serenity. The trouble is that they usually have the opposite effect.

Spain’s Cities Are Overrun with Tourists—but Not This Gem

Spain’s fifth-largest city is rarely at the top of the must-visit list—despite medieval Mudejar architecture, a rambunctious tapas scene, and its own signature folk dance.

The Remote Spanish Town That’s a Meat Lover’s Paradise

Jiménez de Jamuz may not be a name you’re familiar with, but it’s home to the iconic Bodega El Capricho.

Spain’s Hottest New Attraction Is ‘Freaky’—and Hairy

Few things make me happier than the prospect of seeing rare creatures in their natural habitat, and the fact that this seemed to be possible in Spain only added to the thrill.

Why Reading Proust Is the Perfect Big Lockdown Project

At more than 3,000 pages, “In Search of Lost Time” is a literary Everest, but in the midst of quarantine, one literary explorer decided to make the journey.

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Lindsey Tramuta is a culture and travel writer for The New York Times , Condé Nast Traveler , Fortune , and Afar Magazine . Based in Paris since 2006, she is the author of the bestselling book “The New Paris: the People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement” (Abrams, 2017) that addressed the French capital’s many evolutions in the last decade through a sociological and cultural lens. Her next book, about women shaping Paris, will be released by Abrams in April 2020. She lives in the 11th arrondissement with her husband and two devilishly handsome cats, Leo and Charlie.   

Lindsey Tramuta

The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Fortune, Afar Magazine

An acclaimed food and travel writer, Paul Richardson left London for Spain in 1989. He writes for some of the UK’s most prestigious publications, including Condé Nast Traveller and the Financial Times , and is the author of A Late Dinner: Discovering the Food of Spain (Bloomsbury). Paul and his husband Nacho produce their own olive oil, wine, ham, fruit, and vegetables, on their twelve-acre organic farm in Extremadura.

Paul Richardson

Condé Nast Traveller, Financial Times

A longtime Floridian and freelance travel writer since 2001,  Terry Ward  speaks several languages and has contributed to such publications as The Los Angeles Times Magazine , National Geographic Traveler and Scuba Diving Magazine . Over the years, she’s called France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand home. Terry once spent four months sailing the entire Norwegian coast and circumnavigating the Arctic island of Svalbard, home to more polar bears than people, on a friend’s small boat. She lives in Tampa with her Cuban husband and their two young children.

The Los Angeles Times Magazine, National Geographic Traveler, Scuba Diving Magazine

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Kasia Dietz is a handbag designer and writer from New York, with a passion for art, fashion, and travel, who followed her heart (and a handsome Italian) to Paris in 2009. Kasia writes about travel, lifestyle, and fashion for magazines and sites including CN Traveller , BBC Travel , Fodor’s , Architectural Digest , National Geographic , Fathom , France Today , Bonjour Paris , Thrillist , Hemispheres , Metropolitan , Evening Standard , and Independent .

Kasia Dietz

CN Traveller, BBC Travel, Fodor's, Architectural Digest, National Geographic

Anja Mutic is an award-winning travel writer who splits time between Croatia and New York. Having lived, worked and traveled on all continents except Antartica, Anja writes for publications like The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal , AFAR and National Geographic Traveler .

The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, AFAR, National Geographic Traveler

Mandy Sinclair swapped life as a communications professional in the Canadian public sector for life in Marrakech. With an updated black book of contacts and a desire to share her love of Morocco, Mandy works as a travel consultant, owns Tasting Marrakech food and cultural tours, and most recently launched Why Morocco , a podcast featuring the creative and inspiring personalities she meets while living in Morocco.

Mandy Sinclair

The New York Times, Condé Nast Traveler

An American journalist based in Hong Kong, Kate Springer covers dining, design, culture, and travel for international publications such as CNN Travel , Condé Nast Traveler , Vogue , Travel & Leisure , Food & Wine , Tatler , National Geographic Traveler , Sotheby’s , Forbes Travel Guide , and more. She’s known to drop everything for the promise of xiao long bao, a road trip, or a negroni—preferably all at once.  

Kate Springer

CNN Travel, Condé Nast Traveler, Vogue, Travel & Leisure, National Geographic Traveler

Sarah Khan has lived in Canada, Saudi Arabia, India, South Africa, and the U.S., and throughout her peripatetic upbringing, India has remained the one constant—Hyderabad is perhaps the city where she feels most at home. As a travel journalist, she’s written about various parts of the country for The New York Times , Wall Street Journal , Condé Nast Traveler , Travel + Leisure , Saveur , and others, winning multiple awards for her work.

The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Saveur

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Paul Richardson

Critically acclaimed travel writer and expert on Spanish culture and gastronomy, Paul Richardson has lived in Spain for the last quarter century - first on the island of Ibiza, then in the wilds of northern Extremadura, where he and his partner produce their own food, wine and olive oil on their 12-acre organic farm. Paul writes for some of the UK’s most prestigious publications, including Condé Nast Traveller and the Financial Times . His books include Our Lady of the Sewers and other adventures in Deep Spain and A Late Dinner: discovering the food of Spain .

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With sandy beaches, snowy peaks and silent valleys where bears still roam, this northern region is a verdant, versatile ‘climate refuge’

Exploring the river’s tributaries on a wooden yacht, Paul Richardson finds perfect beaches, clear blue waters and pristine rainforest

An obsession with indigenous Peruvian ingredients has taken Virgilio Martínez to number one in the World’s Best Restaurants list

Richard Branson’s much-anticipated new hotel is drawing fresh attention to the island’s rugged, romantic north

The newly renovated Son Net is a swoon with a view

Where to catch the best waves (and pintxos) around Bilbao

Paul Richardson swapped London for a farm in Extremadura, the sparsely populated region whose open landscapes and ancient cities are only now being discovered by visitors

Better known as a place for bargain winter-sun breaks, the island is enjoying a culinary renaissance

A kayaking excursion to a floating island takes on a dreamlike tinge nearly 4km above sea level

A slick new Standard hotel and a Parador in an ancient castle could make the island capital a destination for a very different kind of weekend away

A former local finds the creative spirit alive and well on the island’s softer, smarter side

With culture, cuisine and scenery — and none of the crowds — these destinations are ideal for an end-of-year city break

In Spain and Portugal, Paul Richardson visits two organic farms offering a sophisticated update to the rural retreat

A hotel in a lighthouse, a village in a cave, volcanic vineyards and dragon trees — the small island is big on the unusual and unexpected

A revamped Ritz and an opulent new Four Seasons hope to capitalise on pent-up demand for the high life

Rancho Santana, a cattle ranch turned laidback resort, is attempting to draw visitors back to the country’s Pacific beaches

The city that once ‘lived with its back to the sea’ has been transformed — and now has a fine new place to stay

Chic habitués, gorgeous villas, an emerging art scene: the unsung Balearic island is finally coming into its own. We sample its low-key charms and get a look at its most exciting new hotel

Enticed by economic stability and a dynamic cultural scene, collectors are looking to the country to establish permanent premises

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Paul Richardson

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Hidden Valley

The story of the real 'good life' of an off-grid existence in rural Spain Paul Richardson fled the city to live on the land in…

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Everybody loves chocolate. From Willy Wonka to Ferrero Rocher, the Cadbury's Flake girl to the man from Milk Tray, it is embedded in our culture…

Our Lady Of The Sewers

Paul Richardson's mission - 'to sieve out the ancient, perverse and eccentric from the new, nice and normal' - took him from coastal plain to…

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We found paradise — in a Spanish bramble patch! Paul Richardson explains how he fell in love with the rural land of a tranquil island

• READ MORE: How to be a happy, healthy Super-Ager

By Constance Craig Smith For The Daily Mail

Published: 18:04 EDT, 16 March 2023 | Updated: 18:19 EDT, 16 March 2023

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Hidden Valley 

by Paul Richardson  (Abacus Books £20, 288pp) 

Thirty years ago, journalist Paul ­Richardson left London to make his home on the island of Ibiza, where rents were cheap and life was idyllic. 

Within a few years, though, Ibiza had begun to change, becoming ‘a fiefdom of the super-rich’ and a raucous party destination. 

Dismayed by the transformation of their tranquil island, Richardson and his partner Nacho decided to move to the Extremadura, a rural region in the far west of Spain which couldn’t have been more different. 

Paul Richardson and his partner moved the a rural part of western Spain and transformed the surroundings. At first their new plot was nothing more than ‘a clearing in a forest of brambles, like something out of a fairy tale’, but they could imagine building their own house there and living surrounded by orchards of citrus fruit, cherries, peaches and apricots, with a vegetable garden and contented animals grazing nearby

They bought some land and set about pursuing their dream of a pared-down, self-sufficient lifestyle, where they could eat ‘clean’ food: ‘Not in the prissy Gwyneth Paltrow sense, but food that tastes vibrantly of itself and, importantly, doesn’t need to be paid for,’ Richardson writes. 

At first their new plot was nothing more than ‘a clearing in a forest of brambles, like something out of a fairy tale’, but they could imagine building their own house there and living surrounded by orchards of citrus fruit, cherries, peaches and apricots, with a vegetable garden and contented animals grazing nearby. 

This memoir is firmly in the mould of Peter Mayle’s A Year In Provence and Chris Stewart’s Driving Over Lemons: bumbling outsiders move into a rural area in southern Europe, make lots of mistakes, meet eccentric locals and are eventually embraced as part of the community. What makes Hidden Valley different is that Richardson is far more interested in the land than in the people. 

He revels in the beauty of the countryside, from the nightingale’s ‘peals of melody’ in spring to the ancient fruit trees which emerge from the brambles that had swamped them for years. 

As they get to grips with the terrain, Richardson writes lyrically of their increasingly bountiful harvests, ‘the year’s first lustrous black aubergines, the green peppers and courgettes, the strawberries and apricots, the French beans so fresh they squeaked as you bit them’. 

Be warned, there are also some graphic accounts of the despatching of the rabbits and pigs they raise. 

Richardson doesn’t shy away from the pitfalls of this lifestyle. Building their eco-friendly house takes forever, not least because the builders disappear for a whole year before returning, with no explanation, to complete the work. Drought and wildfires are a constant worry; one summer the fire races right up to their property, leaving the surrounding countryside blackened and scorched, yet miraculously sparing their house. A violent hailstorm wrecks the garden, wiping out that year’s harvest. 

Other disasters, amusingly, are self-inflicted. The couple’s attempts to make drinkable wine are an epic failure: ‘The harder we tried to correct our errors, the worse our wines became,’ Richardson laments. 

Dismayed by the transformation of their tranquil island, Richardson and his partner Nacho decided to move to the Extremadura,(pictured)  a rural region in the far west of Spain which couldn’t have been more different

There is some compensation in the fact their vinegar, topped up with bottles of ‘failed wine’, is superb. 

Although there is much talk of living off the land, Richardson concedes that true self-sufficiency is almost impossible to achieve. They still have to buy salt, sugar, pasta, rice, tea, coffee, and fuel for their car. 

Luckily they have their other jobs to sustain them: Nacho travels the world as an agricultural consultant for aid projects, while Richardson regularly comes back to Britain for his journalistic career. 

When they first moved to their hidden valley, Richardson was fearful that their new neighbours would be hostile to a gay couple. 

The book ends with his marriage to Nacho in the local town hall. Guests come from all over the world, ‘but a greater number of the well-wishers are villagers, who crowd the square to hurl rice, confetti and compliments’. 

It’s a happy ending to a beguiling book about a lifestyle that many of us dream about, but few achieve

Share or comment on this article: Paul Richardson explains how he fell in love with the rural land of a tranquil island

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A clearer view.

Pushing some of life’s subtle distractions to the side brings life into greater perspective. Combine that with inviting God to search us and know us and to pull the weeds of sin clears our view so that we can truly fix our eyes on Jesus. As we look forward to Easter Weekend the cross standing in the distance comes into focus, and with every day of preparation we take a step closer.

There is a danger in removing the things that have cluttered our lives. Sometimes the clutter and the weeds have crowded out so much that when we remove them we end up with nothing left. Empty, hollow, and meaningless are not good feelings. So we put our focus on filling back up. On being filled by God’s word and by His Spirit.

In Ephesians 5:18 the Apostle Paul encourages the Christ follower to be continually filled by the Spirit of God. He already resides within the believer, yet too often He is crowded out. The challenge is to give Him full access to every area of our lives. Allow Him to fill our thoughts and direct our actions. He does that when we Make Room for Him to intervene in times of prayer and reading the scriptures.

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Some of the recommended scripture reading:

Psalm 63:1-8 (The MSG – Worth reading just for the steak and gravy reference), Isaiah 55:1-10, and John 7:37-39

Ninja Night And Then Some..

I am not even playin’ when I say life is rockin’ and rollin’ right now! We are planning for Community Makeover at Engage Atlanta. At West Ridge we are starting a New Series Called Make War, getting ready for Last Saturday (April 30th), and partnering with others to try and serve families impacted by storms in the Southeast. That’s just the tip of the iceberg folks! Did I mention I’m getting up at 4AM to watch a wedding with my wife of two people I will never even meet!

Thanks to New Orleans Towing for helping the folks in that area!

I would invite you to click on all the links above and get in the game!

With all of that said you may be wondering, “Where can you find calm in the storms of life?” I have two words for you, Ninja Night!

Straight up! My kids want to be ninjas, and I think that would be cool. I don’t know anyone who can claim that their kids are ninjas. I can’t either, but we are on our way. The last Friday night of every month is Ninja Night at Breakthrough Martial Arts. This is the best Tae Kwon Do instruction on the planet. Mr Jerrod Hicks and his staff are phenomenal with kids. Our kids confidence and strength has been raised from being a part.

Ninja Night is four hours of the best childcare you will find. It is the last Friday of every month from 6:00-10:30 (April 29th this time around). It is $20 per child. They feed your kids, and plan activities for all 4 and half hours. You don’t have to be members to participate in Ninja Night.

They are incredible! My kids ask to go to this, and it gives me time with my awesome wife!

We really like these people, so I am giving them a shout out! I’ll remind you again next time around. Call them and let them know your kids are coming so that they can prepare. The number is 678-333-6949.

By the way, Jerrod teaches the Martial Arts portion of SURGE Camp. The sports and arts camp that the KidQuest Ministry does at West Ridge Church every Summer. Brent Moxey pulls together an amazing group of volunteers from our church and community to make this happen. More on that later.

Be honest. It would be really cool if your kids were ninjas.

Unforgettable Water Need

She had been in school the morning we came to her village on a trip assessing the water needs in some of the most untouched villages in Burkina Faso. There are easily 75-100 children in her elementary classroom. When she gets thirsty she doesn’t go ask her teacher if she can go get a drink of water. Why bother? They will never even know she is gone. She’s not being mischievous, just thirsty.

There is one well in this village. Though we don’t know the exact population it is well beyond the capacity of one. Rather than wait her turn at the water pump, or elbow her way to the front, this sweet, meek little girl goes for a walk. On this day, the distance she walked away from the school and the local drilled well is not the issue. What’s more important is what she found for a water source. It was just a local cistern. A hole in the ground designed to catch some rain from the months before and be used for whatever is convenient like bathing, or watering animals. The bottle she was carrying to fill says it all; this water should not be drunk.

I think of this little girl often. She is another face of the water need all over Burkina Faso. Engage Burkina and our partners are currently raising funds to bring drilled wells to this and as many other villages in this region as we can later on in 2014.

At Engage Burkina we are working to bring hope and the water that sustains life to villages just like this one. We thank the team at columbiaelectrical.com for there help.

You can help us at http://engageburkina.com/donate Paul Richardson Engage Burkina

Things I Couldn’t Tweet From Burkina Faso

Internet access was not as easy this time around in Burkina Faso. That meant less tweets. I take lots of notes on these trips, so if I could tweet as often as I do in the US here are some things I would have shared.

Meeting my Compassion Child was an amazing experience. I can’t imagine a better way to spend $38 a month. Next time I’m bringing the boy some shoes.

The Pastor at the LAC (Agabuse) has as big a heart for Student discipleship as anyone I’ve ever met.

Dang, it’s hot!

After doing 26 wells in the first two years we have request for 124 more with ‘more on the road’ as our friends on the ground say. We have request from over 300 km away. That’s what credibility will do for you.

“You have no idea how many people will be converted from the digging of one well.” (Pastor Tomas, Central Church, Ougagadougou)

More than 500 people have trusted Christ in the last year from the animist people group we have adopted called, ‘The Pugli’. We hope to build churches in more than three dozen villages among this group

The men that pastor these bush villages are no joke. We can learn a lot from them about leadership, dedication, and expanding the kingdom.

Can’t help but wonder how much impact my African American friends in the states would have on these people.

500,000 people died in Burkina from a famine that happened less than 5 years ago. Why doesn’t anyone know about that?

I can’t believe how hot it is!

Every woman in the US should come build relationships and encourage women here. It would be empowering for both parties.

Looking forward to putting Tony Morgan’s books in French and seeing how these principles transfer over

Answered prayer is the first step in creating ministry strategy

Our friends in the bush just spent a month salary feeding our team three meals. That’s humbling.

Great test of friendship and the people you work with is traveling like this. It’s a little strange to me, but I still like all these people.

A frozen Tampico is the nectar of the gods. Thanks to Linderman Builds – Outdoor Fire Pits

The more people come over here, the more impact we will have in Burkina and in our own families and churches.

Bigger Than You

The other day I went by a home on the Cobb/Paulding that had been devastated by last September’s flood. It is now late February. Nearly five months have gone by. All the belongings from the home are out in the yard, and once again… it is raining. I come to these homes representing a church, considering how we can help, and God whispers ‘It’s bigger than you’.

There are hundreds of families in Paulding, Cobb, and Douglas County, GA that are trying to live in homes that they can’t afford to put back together. Most of their valuables left in a dumpster sometime last fall. I believe the local church is the best vehicle of Hope that has ever been created. I also believe we have entered into a season where God has opened the eyes of church leaders so that they would see that the challenges faced by communities are bigger than any one church.

This little note is a reminder that we are continuing to ask churches to come together so that all of us can lead the way in helping to restore what was lost. West Ridge Church and our church partners at Engage Atlanta are all partnering together with Samaritan’s Purse to help rebuild homes in this community.

When there is this much work to do it can be paralyzing to the point that you never get involved. Let me make it simple, and give you some basic ways you can get involved using the skills, talents and resources that God has given you:

• Volunteer to work  – Tuesday – Saturday is the work schedule that our friends at Samaritan’s Purse have established. If you would like to volunteer, and bring some friends along, call 770-222-2125, and ask for extension 372. You’ll probably get a voicemail, but we are checking it. It helps us to plan for volunteers in advance for these kinds of projects so give us a call. If you are out of state you can volunteer on the  Samaritan’s Purse website .
• Volunteer to feed  – Every week from now until the end of April we have volunteers here from all over the country. We are trying to save construction funds by using local groups to feed these incredible volunteers. If you would like to help with this, please send me a note by using the contact form on this blog. While I’m at it, if there’s anyone with connections to ticketed events around Atlanta we would like to hook up these volunteers. We have tons of college students giving up their Spring Break in March and April to be a part of this. I hope they get to experience a little fun in the ATL while they are here.
• Contract Labor  – A lot of money can be spent on HVAC, plumbing and electrical just in labor. If you are a licensed professional and are willing to volunteer your skills, please let me know.
• Adopt a home –  Engage Atlanta has been inviting churches to adopt a home. Several in our local area already have including Burnt Hickory Baptist, Cedarcrest Church, Bethany Christian, and others are considering it. If you would like more information about that, let me know.

Looking forward to sharing the stories of what can happen when a whole group of people find what they have in common and make a difference.

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DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Moscow Paperback – March 18, 2013

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You'll find detailed listings of the best hotels, restaurants, bars, and shops for all budgets in this fully updated guide, plus insider tips on everything from where to find the best markets and nightspots to which attractions appeal most to children.

This DK Eyewitness Travel Guide 's in-depth coverage of unforgettable sights is completed by the free pull-out city map, clearly marked with sights from the guidebook and an easy-to-use street index. The map has detailed street views of major areas, plus transportation maps, a chart of walking distances between major attractions, and other information on getting around the city.

DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Moscow shows you what other guidebooks only tell you.

• Print length 264 pages
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• Publisher ‏ : ‎ DK Eyewitness Travel; Revised edition (March 18, 2013)
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Paul Richardson says he’s ‘back where I belong.’ Now, where does he fit in Seahawks’ receiving corps?

RENTON — Paul Richardson is wearing a different number than during his first stint with the Seahawks — 8 instead of 10, which is currently being used by backup quarterback Danny Etling.

He’s since experienced some of both life’s miracles (becoming a father earlier this year) and harsh realities (suffering the death of a grandmother).

He’s also now 28, which in the Not For Long NFL makes him older than all but 16 players on Seattle’s current 80-man roster.

But Richardson insists that during his travels of the last few years — two seasons spent in Washington after signing there as a free agent in 2018 — he hasn’t lost a step.

Richardson had the fourth-fastest time among all receivers at the NFL combine in 2014 at 4.4, which helped compel the Seahawks to take him with their first pick in the draft that year, at 45th overall.

Now he’s back, after four years in Seattle and two more in Washington, and says his goal is “to bring some speed to the team. To add to it, actually. There’s a lot of fast guys. We’ve got some playmakers. And I just want to add to the group where I can.”

Richardson officially signed with the Seahawks on Sunday, the move coming in the wake of injuries to three other receivers that had Seattle going through camp for a few days last week with just seven healthy enough to participate.

“The receiver group has been really low in numbers, so it’s been a concern,” said head coach Pete Carroll.

Carroll, though, said the team had been in talks with Richardson for a while, indicating the move might have been made even if there hadn’t been injuries, though he also said “the timing was right for us to get him in.”

Seattle’s investment wasn’t heavy — Richardson agreed to a one-year deal for the minimum salary benefit (an option that was created as part of the league’s new collective bargaining agreement) of $1.05 million for the 2020 season.

That’s actually just a little bit more than Seattle gave Phillip Dorsett II (who got a one-year deal at $910,000), who Richardson will now compete with for the third receiver role, along with David Moore.

Dorsett is one of the three receivers who have been injured in recent days, the others being John Ursua and Cody Thompson.

To fill the void, the Seahawks signed Richardson as well as free agent Lance Lenoir on Monday.

Moore has taken over as the third receiver in the absence of Dorsett, and could well hang onto that role — he seems just about a lock to make the roster, though his $2.1 million restricted free agent salary continues to lead to speculation of whether the team could make a move to try to reduce that payout in some way.

Dorsett, meanwhile, has been slowed for more than a week by a sore foot that Carroll said is not a new specific injury and instead is something “he’s felt over the years.”

“We’ve just got to take care of it and manage it,” Carroll said of Dorsett, who did not take part in any of the team’s three mock games.

Dorsett was back on Tuesday for the first time in almost two weeks. Still, a player needing injury management with less than two weeks before the regular season is obviously not ideal and now allows a wide door for Richardson to make a significant impact immediately, assuming he can get back to playing shape quickly.

Ursua’s bid to win a spot also has taken at least a little bit of a hit with the recent hamstring injury though he was back on Tuesday. Rookie Freddie Swain was also slowed early in camp by an ankle injury and while he is now back, it’s unclear yet how ready he is to assume a major role this year.

Enter, or re-enter, Richardson who will have to answer some injury questions of his own.

Richardson played just 17 games in two seasons with Washington, ending up on IR last season with a hamstring injury.

But he said in a Zoom call with media Sunday that he is healthy now. He did not take part in any team drills Sunday as the team is easing him in, but should ramp up pretty quickly (he did not take part in team drills Tuesday).

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Richardson will have some work to do learning the playbook as the Seahawks have a different offensive coordinator now, Brian Schottenheimer, than in Richardson’s previous tenure, Darrell Bevell.

Richardson said the tempo of the offense “has picked up a lot” but said “there’s a lot of carryover” in the playbook, indicating he should be able to pick it up relatively fast.

Richardson had something of a star-crossed first tenure with the Seahawks, missing all but one game in 2015 due to injuries. But when healthy he was an undeniable big-play threat, averaging 16 yards per reception during his final Seattle season of his first tenure with the team in 2017, ninth in the NFL.

That helped him earn a five-year deal with Washington worth up to $40 million, with $16.5 million guaranteed.

He made it through just two years of that contract before a new Washington regime led by Ron Rivera began making significant changes in the offseason (and that he’d missed 15 games in two years was also a factor).

Richardson said he knew it might be coming and actually had his agent tell the team that if it was going to release him to do so quickly, which Washington did, cutting him on Feb. 14.

Richardson said that allowed him to focus on being with his family for the birth of his baby and the death of his grandmother.

“My family really needed me,” Richardson said. “Most importantly my kid really needed me.”

If Richardson’s Washington story didn’t quite pan out the way he hoped, he’s at least glad it led him back to something of a second home.

“I’m back where I belong,” Richardson said.

Now to see where he fits in.

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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thanks a lot and travel safe, Paul.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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