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Journey to Moscow

   Welcome to Moscow - the capital of Russia, its political, scientific, historical, architectural and business centre, from which power and might of the Russian state developed.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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Moscow transport: metro, bus & taxi in Moscow | How does it work?

• August 15, 2023

Moscow transport: how does it work? Here we summarized all you need to know about Moscow city public transport (bus, metro, card Troika), but also taxi in Moscow.

Distances in Moscow: walking in Moscow

Walking. The geolocation of your accommodation in Moscow is important, because the distances are great. You’re definitely not going to be able to do it all on foot. Moscow is the largest city in Europe with more than 12 million intramural inhabitants. Besides, Moscow is made for giants, because everything is big: the avenues, the buildings, the metro stations! So, the place of your accommodation is very important. You can check our blog post: Where to stay in Moscow?

Good to know! We have written 2 other blog posts that could be helpful: Maps of Moscow and Moscow Airport Transfer.

Public transport in Moscow: prices and how does it work?

Even if you are going to be able to visit many interesting places around Red Square (see the article: Moscow Red Square ), you will certainly take the metro to get around, but also to see the most beautiful stations . Furthermore, among public transport the metro remains the fastest solution in Moscow.

Good to know! Public transport is free for children under the age of 7. More specifically, 1 adult may not purchase a ticket for 1 child under the age of 7. If you are 2 adults, it is therefore for 2 children that the trips will be free.

Tips for Moscow city transport

Here are my tips to make travel more pleasant and optimized:

• Avoid to take Moscow City transport during rush hours. Especially for ground transportation (lots of traffic jams). You will lose a lot of time, especially for city center trips by land transport. Peak hours correspond to office hours: the standard working day begins at 9 a.m. and ends at 6 p.m.
• Use a mobile application to estimate your journey time as accurately as possible. In Europe, as in Russia, we use CityMapper . It is a free application that allows you to calculate your trips and see all the possibilities to get from one place to another. For the application to work, you must have an Internet connection: either through your French package which can prove to be expensive; either by wifi, in your hotel, in a cafe (very common in Moscow) or by using the free Wi-Fi of the city of Moscow! To download CityMapper on your mobile, just type its name in AppStore or GooglePlay . Then choose the city where you want to use it.
• Buy a transportation card. If you plan to take public transport several times a day or if you come to Moscow for a university or work exchange, it is more economical to take a transport card. I talk about it later in the article.
• Further info about airport transfer here: How to get from airport to Moscow?

Moscow metro: the fastest way to get around Moscow

Beautiful! The Moscow Metro is considered the most beautiful in the world! You can find out which stations are worth a visit in my article: The most beautiful stations in Moscow .

Metro timetables. Times vary by station, but approximately the Moscow Metro is open from 5.30 a.m. to 1 a.m.

Below you can find a map of the Moscow metro, with an example of a metro station. You can find other Moscow maps here .

Metro prices in Moscow

• A single trip = 57 rubles (from February 1, 2020)
• Price for transporting a suitcase in the metro = 60 rubles
• With a transport card , the price of the journey decreases. Example: with the Troika card the price per trip increases to 40 rubles. More details about troika card below.
• You can also pay with ApplePay or GooglePay.

Where to buy metro tickets?

• At the cash desks , where you can buy everything: transport card or one-way tickets. Small flat: most of the time, the employees of the metro do not speak English very well. But they are used to it, you will be able to understand each other.
• At the English terminals , where you can also buy everything. See below for more details on terminal purchases.

Bus, trolleybus, tram in Moscow

Avoid at peak hours. The city center can be literally blocked! Mobile applications are very useful to estimate travel times.

Tram. Trams are very nice to do. It’s a bit special. Tram stops are hard on the road. The cars then stop and let the pedestrians get on or off the tram.

Price of a bus, trolleybus or tram ticket

• One way = 57 rubles (from February 1, 2020)
• With a transport card , the price drops. Example: with the Troika card the price per trip increases to 40 rubles. More details about transport cards below.

Where to buy bus, trolleybus or tram tickets?

To drivers. There are no controllers on each bus, as in St. Petersburg.

By purchasing a transport card in advance at a metro station. There are few terminals installed near bus, tram or trolley stations.

Good to know! It is possible to pay on the metro, but also on buses with your smartphone or a contactless card (Apple Pay or Google Pay)! The price is 44 rubles per way. Beware, however, of bank charges, as for other ruble payments in Russia. See article: How to pay in Russia?

Transport cards in Moscow

Two most interesting solutions for taking Moscow City transport:

Troika card prices

• 1 metro, bus, trolley bus or tram journey: 40 rubles (instead of 57)
• 90 minutes in public transport (regardless of the number of changes): 62 rubles

How to buy a Troika card?

• Cost of purchase : 50 rubles. You can get it at all metro stations.
• Refill . Once the card is purchased, you must reload it. You can choose the amount freely.
• Where? It is possible to buy the card and recharge it at the metro cash desks or via automatic terminals, in cash or by bank card.

The Troika card is interesting if you:

• want to take advantage of lower transportation rates.
• stay in Moscow for a long time (language stays, expatriation, VIE, university exchange), but do not go for frequent daily trips.
• don’t stay long, but you know roughly how many trips you’re going to make or you don’t mind reloading the card often. Why? It is possible, but long and complicated to recover the initial amount of 50 rubles, as well as the rest on the card.

How much does the unlimited Yediny card (central Moscow area) cost?

• 1 day = 24 hours = 230 rubles
• 3 days = 438 rubles
• 30 days = 2170 rubles
• There are no unlimited cards for 2, 4, 5, 6 or 7 days.

More details: Moscow transport website

How to buy a Yediny card?

It is possible to buy the card and recharge it at the metro cash desks or via automatic terminals, in cash or by bank card. The card is activated (the countdown starts) at the time of validation and not at the time of purchase. The card must be activated within 10 days of purchase (day of purchase included).

Here are the pictures of the automatic terminal (in English), when buying a Yédiny card.

The Yediny card is interesting if you:

• stay in Moscow for a long time (language stays, expatriation, university exchange), but make frequent daily trips.
• do not stay in Moscow for a long time, but do not want to estimate your trips in advance (Troika card) while enjoying the unlimited.

Our experience with transport cards in Moscow

When I was working in Moscow, I used the Troika card. It was the most economical solution for me. We also used it later when we both went there. On the other hand, the last time we were there, we took the Yediny card and finally we found it more practical, even if it turned out to be less economical in the end.

Our verdict (compared to our travel habits): budget side, the Troika card is better. But for less headache (how much to put on the card? How much is left?…), The unlimited Yediny card is more practical.

Boat trips in Moscow

There are several boat trips on the Moskva River. In addition, it is even possible to buy an unlimited day ticket. For more information, you can then consult the article: Take a boat trip on the Moskva River.

Getting around in Moscow by taxi

There are several types of taxis in Moscow:

• First, official taxis (sign on the roof);
• Then individuals who do this out of the blue;
• And finally Moscow taxis via mobile applications (private drivers or taxi agencies).

Good to know. The cost of a taxi ride to the city center in Moscow is around 500 rubles. If you want to avoid negotiations, use the taxi apps in Moscow.

Uber Moscow: NO.

It works before, but not anymore, because Uber does not use the classic app in Russia (they have created a special app for Russia, only this app works now). So, you have to download the special Uber Russia app… but this application is only available on the Russian AppStore, so it cannot be downloaded for us. Uber’s competitors in Russia such as YandexTaxi or Gett can be used.

Use the YandexTaxi app to take a taxi in Moscow

The Yandex company is the Russian Google. Initially a search engine, it also offers several services. YandexTaxi is then the taxi service in Moscow, it works everywhere in Russia. You can download the app from the AppStore or GooglePlay . Thanks to this application, it is possible to pay the taxi in cash (by default) or by bank card directly (to be specified in the application). If you are thinking of paying in cash, then have rather small denominations so that the driver can give you change. The application is now in French.

How does YandexTaxi work?

• First, it detects your geolocation.
• Then you indicate your arrival position using the Latin or Cyrillic alphabet.
• It then offers you the estimated prices for each range (thrifty, business, etc.).
• You choose, confirm and wait for the driver to arrive.
• You identify the driver with the indicated license plate, then at the end YandexTaxi collects the race via your bank card (do not forget to put your card info before using the app, otherwise pay in cash).

Other solution. You can also book a taxi in advance on KiwiTaxi website . It’s easy!

Public transport and taxi in Moscow: summary

Getting around Moscow is quite simple, as Moscow City transport is well developed. However, because of traffic jams, the metro is the quickest solution. It isn’t an issue, because the Moscow metro is very clean and beautiful. Taxis are rather cheap and easy to find thanks to mobile applications like, for example, YandexTaxi.

Moscow travel tips:

• Bolshoi Theater: how to buy tickets?
• Where to eat in Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• How to get from airport to Moscow?

Top places to see in Moscow:

• What to visit in Kremlin?
• Red Square Moscow: everything you need to know
• Saint Basil’s Cathedral: tickets & what to see inside?

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17 Places to Visit in Moscow on a Budget

Looking for honest, low-cost tips on what to do in Moscow? Here is my suggestion on places to visit in Moscow, which I created during my three-month stay in this Russian metropole.

Before we jump to the top places to visit in Moscow let’s talk about the transportation you will need to use. Ideally, you should get a map of Moscow that includes the metro map. If you love to carry a printed version with you, I suggest getting the Lonely Planet Moscow Travel Guide that includes the metro map. If you are fine without it, you should at least download the offline version of Google Maps to make it easier to navigate in Moscow.

Without further ado, let’s dive into the best things to do in Moscow.

Table of Contents

1. Visit the Red Square

The Red Square is without a doubt the most iconic place to visit in Moscow. It is located in the heart of Moscow close to the metro station Ploshchad’ Revolyutsii (blue line) , surrounded by the Kremlin and the famous shopping center GUM.

From the Red Square you can also visit further points of interest such as the St. Basil’s Cathedral, Kremlin, the Lenin Mausoleum or the Bolshoi Moskevsky most , which is a great spot to take pictures from.

The Red Square is on top of the list of places to visit Moscow since you can’t skip this when doing some sightseeing in Moscow.

The St. Basil’s Cathedral is beautiful to look at but not as breathtaking from the inside. If you are on a budget it is not a “must-visit” place in Moscow.

Click here to bookmark the location of the Red Square

2. Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum

Right in the middle of the Red Square, you will notice a strange building which will remind you on a pyramid. This is Lenin’s Mausoleum.

I highly recommend you to not skip this tourist attraction in Moscow. It’s an experience by itself. The area is surrounded by Russian soldiers which monitor every step you make.

Just make sure you are polite and show some respect when visiting Lenin’s Mausoleum.

There are no entry fees and it’s open daily from 10:00 to 13:00h. Be aware however that it is closed on Mondays and Fridays.

Click here to bookmark the location of Lenin’s Mausoleum

3. Try Russian Food at Teremok

The easiest and cheapest way to try local food is to go to the Russian fast food chain Teremok. You can find them everywhere. There is also one located close to Red Square.

It is a great opportunity to grab some food if you plan on taking the free walking tour , that ends right at Alexander’s Garden. Even if you like to explore Moscow on yourself. Alexander’s Garden is a great spot to watch the change of the guards, which might be of interest to you.

When it comes to Russian food I suggest you go for the Blini (Russian pancakes filled with various toppings) and Syrniki (Russian dessert made from cheesecake).

You can find the Teremok food court in the underground shopping mall next to the Alexander Garden. Learn more about the food I tried in Russia here.

Click here to bookmark the location of the Alexander’s Garden

4. Walk Through the City Center

The great things about Moscow city center are that you can walk to many points of interest by foot. Be aware however that the city center is quite big. Bring enough water with you to keep hydrated. Especially during the summer, it can get very hot.

From Alexander’s Garden, you can walk up the street to Bolshoi Theater and Tverskaya street. I personally enjoyed exploring the side streets where there isn’t too much traffic. You will find a lot of coffee places and local shops that will give you a sneak peek into Russian culture.

If you decide to visit the Bolshoi Theater you can view what’s being performed here . The tickets are usually around 3ooo rubles.

Click here to bookmark the location of the Bolshoi Theater

5. Walk to the Arbat Street

When exploring Moscow you should not miss the Arbat district with its icon Arbat street .

This one-kilometer long street belongs to the oldest streets in Moscow and is the place where you can spot local artist and musicians.

It is one of my favorite streets as it is for pedestrians only so you will not be bothered by any traffic. The best way to get there is by taking the metro blue line to Arbatskaja or walk from Red Square.

Click here to bookmark the location of Arbat street

6. Visit “Moscow City” the Highest Towers in Europe

If you want to admire some “modern” architecture, go see the Moscow city. It’s a complex of the highest skyscrapers in Europe. Apart from the skyscrapers, there is however not much to see.

If you have the budget and enjoy a nice view of the city you can visit the rooftop bar called, Sixty Bar which is located on the 60th floor in one of the towers at Moscow City. , The closest metro station to Moscow city is called Vystavochnaya (light blue line).

If you are on a tight time schedule, you can skip this attraction.

7. Visit VDNKH and the Museum of Cosmonautics

A place yo need to visit in Moscow is the VDNKH complex and the Museum of Cosmonautics. It is one of my favorite places to visit in Moscow.

The Museum of Cosmonautics tells the story behind Russian space exploration. You can also learn about the two dogs Belka and Strelka that made it to space. The entrance is only 200 rubles which is a good deal.

VDNKh is an amusement and exhibition park and in winter the home of the largest ice skating rink in Russia. The atmosphere at VDNKh is great.

Both points of interest are close to each other. The closest metro station is called Prospekt Mira.

Click here to bookmark the location of VDNKh

8. Visit Zarizyno Park

Moscow is full of beautiful parks, one of them is called Tsaritsyno. It’s located approximately one hour south of the city center. If you feel like escaping the noise of busy Moscow this is the place to relax and connect with nature.

You can get to Zarizyno Park with the green line all the way to the Metro Station Tsaritsyno.

Be aware that the visit of the Zarizyno Park will probably take you at least 4 to 5 hours as the park is quite big and it takes a while to get there.

Click here to bookmark the location of the Zarizyno-Park

9. Visit Kolomenskoye

Another place to visit in Moscow is the former royal estate complex called Kolomenskoye. This place is a bit off the beaten path and is usually not visited by many tourists. You can connect the visit with the above mentioned Zarizyno Park if you have some days left in Moscow and you need a break from the city center.

The walk around Kolomenskoye gives you a better impression of the Russian culture as it is located in one of Moscow’s suburbs.

Click here to bookmark the location of Kolomenskoye

10. Visit the Gorki Park the Riverside of Moskva

Closer to the city center, right next to the river Moskva you will find Gorki Park. In summer this spot is the place to go, relax, socialize and enjoy the vibes at the river. In winter it’s a great spot for ice skating.

It is a good place for a date as well :)

Click here to bookmark the location of Gorki Park

11. Watch an Ice Hockey Game

If you happen to be in Moscow around the ice hockey season you need to visit one of the games. A thing to do in Russia is to see a KHL ice hockey game.

The atmosphere is absolutely worth it. The tickets start at 200 rubles and you can buy it in front of the stadium or buy it online. View the schedule of upcoming games here .

Click here to bookmark the location of the VTB Arena

12. Visit the Moscow State University MGU

The building of the Lomonosov Moscow State University is one of the seven sisters, a group of seven skyscrapers which look the same. If you ever visit Moscow you will notice that there are few buildings which look alike.

This one is located south of the city close to the metro station Universitet and Vorobyovy Gory. You will need to walk for another 40 minutes from the metro station to get there.

The building is quite impressive, unfortunately, you can’t access it without a valid student ID, but you can enjoy the view over the city from the observation deck in front of it.

I would suggest visiting this place also only if you have more days to spare in Moscow as it’s quite far from other points of interest.

Click here to bookmark the location of the MGU

13. Izmaylovo Kremlin and Market

A place that you should however not skip is the Izmaylovo Kremlin.

Did you know that Moscow has more than one Kremlin? This one is located in the east at the metro station Partizanskaja (dark blue line).

I personally prefer this Kremlin over the one on Red Square, which is not worth visiting in my opinion. Izmaylovo Kremlin is however definitely a place to visit in Moscow.

At the Izmaylovo Kremlin, you can find a market where people sell various Russian products. It’s also a great place to buy some souvenirs for a much better price than in the center. Here you can always negotiate if you dare :)

Apart from the market, you need to try another Slavic specialty Shashlik, the best one I have had in Russia was here. The Izmaylovo Kremlin is a must-visit place in Moscow.

You can also walk through the nearby park from where you can have a quite impressive view on the Kremlin.

Click here to bookmark the location of the Izmaylovo Kremlin

14. Visit Krutitskoe Podvorye

Krutitskoe Podvorye is another off the beaten path attraction. It’s a historical building, built some 400 years ago although it looks much older.

It’s really impressive and worth the visit if you have time to spare in Moscow. It’s a few minutes walk from the metro station Proletarskaya (purple line).

Click here to bookmark the location of the Krutitskoe Podvorye

15. Explore Novodevichy Convent

Similar to the visit of Krutitskoe Podvorye Novodevichy Convent is also a place to visit if you have planned more time for Moscow. It is probably the best-known cloister in Moscow.

It’s interesting to look at and surrounded by a lake which creates a cozy atmosphere. From here you can also get a nice view of the skyline with the Moscow City in the background.

Click here to bookmark the location of the Novodevichy Convent

16. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is by far the most impressive cathedral in Moscow. It’s gigantic and absolutely worth the visit.

You should definitely include it to your list of things to do in Moscow. It’s just a short walk from Kremlin and the entrance is free.

Click here to bookmark the location of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

17. Moscow’s Metro Tour

If you have not noticed yet, Moscow is also known for the most beautiful metro stations.

All of them are unique in their own way. My favorite is the Mayakovskaya station (dark green line).

You can read more about metro sightseeing in Moscow in my post about Metro sightseeing in Moscow . If you happen to be in Moscow on a rainy weekend, driving around and do some sightseeing of Moscow’s metro station can be a fun thing to do. During the week it’s mostly too crowded to be able to even take a picture of the metro station.

If you are intersted in to learn about the stories of Moscow’s metro, I suggest you book a guided tour. 

Planning a short trip to Moscow?

As you can imagine, to visit all of the above-mentioned places in Moscow is not possible within a few days. If you plan to stay in Moscow just for about three to four days these are the places you need to visit in Moscow.

Places to visit in Moscow in three days:

• Red Square, Alexander’s Garden, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Cathedral of the Christ the Saviour
• Izmaylovo Kremlin and Market, Gorki park, Arbat street
• VDNKH and the Museum of Cosmonautics

Here are a few suggestions for accommodation for your trip to Moscow:

Hostels from 8,76 EUR per night: Godzillas Hostel / Vagabond Hostel / Kremlin Lights

Mid-Range from 61 EUR per night: Holiday Inn Moscow Sokolniki / Vega Izmailovo Hotel & Convention Center / Moscow Point – Red October

Luxury from 99 EUR per night: Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre / Hotel Sadovnicheskaya / Savoy

This post about things to do in Moscow covers the most interesting places I have visited during my three months stay in Moscow.

What I love about this city is that most of the activities are for free compared to many other western cities where you need a much higher budget.

Travelers who only have a few hours to explore Moscow should book a tour to get the most of their time. This Moscow Tour covers all the major sights of the city in one day. 

If you plan to visit St. Petersburg don’t forget to check my post about cool places to visit here .

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19 comments.

I did 15 out of 17 and can say, that everything is worth seeing. Nice list :-)

Thanks Markus, I am glad you enjoyed it :)

Wow, Moscow has so much to offer! :) I bet some of those things are free of charge. Me and Cez are planning to visit the city this summer. We would definitely visit the Gorky Park and walk at the riverside of Moskva :)!

indeed Agness :) be sure to plan a longer stay, Moscow is huge and it takes quite some time to see everything, if you have the time also check out St. Petersburg, you can get there by train (cheap if you book in advance) if you need some help with that let me know :)

Wow! Moscow looks beautiful, I have always wanted to visit Russia. St. Petersburg in particular. One day… Thanks for sharing your journey

You are welcome Shelly, I am glad you like it, St. Petersburg is great, you will love it. I have also published a post about Things to do in St. Petersburg feel free to check it out if you want :)

Thank you for a nice list. I really hope to be able to visit Moscow one day soon :)

Glad I could help you out :)

By chance we found the Cosmonautic Museum is free on the 3rd Sunday in every month. Moscow is just unbelievable…I need to go back to see more.

I did not know that, thanks for your comment, I am glad you enjoyed the city :)

Thank you for the article. These are all I want to see in Moscow. I am sure I will like their food.

You are welcome Kishor, my favorite food experience was at Izmaylovo Kreml, go for saslik :)

So many architectural gems! Even their metros look like art galleries. Will totally use these recommendations, thanks!!

Thanks for the interesting and helpful article. I am in Moscow right now with my teenage son and we’re looking for more things to do. Now we have few more ideas! Thank you!

You are welcome Joanna, enjoy the trip :)

I am gonna visit Moscow this June. But I will be there for only 5 days. I don’t think I will be able to cover it all in just 5 days. So, which ones are must visit places out of these? I am curious. And are there any places where we can interact with the locals and experience true Russian culture? Thanks for this post though! I am very excited!

Hi Lakshya, 5 days is indeed to short for Moscow. It takes at least two weeks to explore the city (visit the main points of interest). Definitely check out the (day 1) red square, mausoleaum, (day 2) vdnkh, (day 3) Izmaylovo Kremlin, (day 4) Arbatskaya street. While moving through the city you will have the chance to explore the Metro stations as well (better on the weekends when it’s not that busy). Also check out one of their “Anti-cafe” concepts such as the one called Ziferblat :)

Very interesting & informative. Plan to visiting Russia end of December this year. 5 days Moscow, 4 days St. Petersburg, and 5 days Murmanks. Thanks 🙏❤

Hope you will enjoy it! Don’t forget to get some shashlik ;)

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