- Things to Do
- Restaurants
- Vacation Rentals
- Travel Stories
- Rental Cars
- Add a Place
- Travel Forum
- Travelers' Choice
- Help Center
Fantastic! - ABS Travel Group - Day Tours
- United States
- South Dakota (SD)
- Rapid City
- Rapid City - Things to Do
- ABS Travel Group - Day Tours
If you have problems planning an exciting adventure-contact ABS travel group in Rapid City, SD... read more
A 12 day trip with Stuart Hall with not one dull moment, luxury hotels and no fast food meals... read more
I did a couple of tours with ABS and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I did Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse plus a private tour of Bear Country USA. Jackie was an amazing tour guide. She was very friendly and informative. I was given plenty of time at each place to wander around, watch any videos and visit the gift shops. Jackie would also point out plenty of interesting things on our way to and from the main attraction from quirky art installations to ghost towns. As an Australian with a weird fascination with Mount Rushmore, I was so delighted to finally see it. Booking the tour was very simple and they pick you up and drop you back at your hotel. I would definitely use ABS again.
Ali34xxxx, Thank you for your kind review. We are happy that Jackie was able to provide with you a high level of service and made the tours interesting for you. We encourage you to come back to the Black Hills again. We hope to see you again and don't forget, we assist with booking private travels and holidays all across the world. Cheers!
- United Arab Emirates
- Switzerland
- The Netherlands
- Puerto Rico
- United States
- New Zealand
- ➨ Choose from World Map
- Budget Travel
- Family Travel
- Getting Around
- Visas & Passports
- Work with Us
Browsing Category
- Czech Republic
- Saint Martin
- Uncategorized
Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]
· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.
Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.
The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.
This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.
The Best Things to Do in Moscow
1. explore the red square.
The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.
The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.
2. Check Out the Ziferblat
The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.
Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.
For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .
3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral
St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.
St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church
4. Explore the Kremlin
The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.
5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum
Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.
There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.
6. Wander Along Arbat Street
The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.
7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre
As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.
8. Visit the State Historical Museum
The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.
The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.
9. Wander Around GUM
GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.
While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.
10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.
It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.
How to Get to Moscow
Flying to moscow.
Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.
Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.
I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.
Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in my post about finding cheap flights that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.
READ OUR CHEAT SHEET
Train or Bus to Moscow
Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.
Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.
If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.
How to Get Around Moscow
METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES
Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.
The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.
Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.
But wait; there’s more!
The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.
Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.
The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.
In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.
How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?
Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!
I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.
Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.
If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.
When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?
There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.
We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.
If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.
The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.
Is Moscow Safe to Visit?
While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.
In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.
Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.
To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.
If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.
Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.
Is Moscow Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.
While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.
That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.
Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!
Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.
Leave a comment
Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Meet The Author - Greg
Recent Post
How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown
March 10, 2024
Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]
March 1, 2024
Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain
February 20, 2024
11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing
February 12, 2024
10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)
February 3, 2024
Call 1-888-788-6777
- Why Escorted Tours?
- Booking Forms
- Newsletters
- Travel Insurance
ESCORTED GROUP TOURS
All of our Group Tours are fully-escorted. What does that mean? When you book your vacation with us, one of our experienced Tour Directors will be with you throughout the entire trip, ensuring that you travel safely with no hidden costs or stresses - all helping to ensure that your vacation is worry-free.
Read More »
vip prIVATE CHARTERS
We pride ourselves on our Private Charter work - not only meeting Clients at their Jets here in Rapid City, South Dakota but at Private FBO Terminals across the entire nation, coast to coast. If you are an Executive Assistant looking for that extra touch of class for your VIP, you have found the right place.
SELF SERVICE TRAVEL
If you like to plan your own vacations and travel on your own schedule BUT would appreciate the comfort of experienced travel professionals in your corner - you're in the right place! Book through our Self Service Travel Tools and receive our support at no additional charge for your entire trip.
Just give us a call - 1 (605-791-2520
We'll Make Your Vacation The Most Memorable!
ENJOY YOUR VACATION WITH US
We make sure all of the details are taken care of so you can start your vacation relaxed and ready to have fun! With everything arranged from flights to accommodations, transportation, sightseeing and more, ABS Travel Group puts the F-U-N back into travel!
DISCOVER new places
From Cruises to Road Trips to Train Trips and everything in between, we have a trip for every style of traveler both domestic and international! Don't see the destination you're looking for? Just let us know where you'd like to go and if we can make it happen, we will!
TRAVEL OPERATOR JUST FOR YOU
Stuart Hall and his team are all experienced travel professionals that go above and beyond for each and every one of their clients. The goal of ABS Travel Group is to take the stress and hassle out of traveling, leaving you worry-free to just enjoy your well earned vacation.
ABS Travel Group | 945 Enchantment Road, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, USA 1-888-788-6777 | 1-605-791-2520 | Fax 605-791-2618 © 2023 ABS Travel Group Inc.
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
ABS Travel Group offers fully-escorted group tours and private charters for various destinations and occasions. Whether you need a worry-free vacation with a tour director, a VIP experience with a private jet, or a self-service travel plan, they can help you plan your trip with ease and convenience.
Join ABS Travel Group for escorted group tours to various destinations in 2024. Enjoy the benefits of time, money, language and experience savings, and make new friends on your trip.
ABS Travel is a wonderful experience. Our driver and host gave us information we would not have received had we done this on our own. He was humorous, full of local knowledge and right on time. We did 2 half day tours: Badlands and Mt.Rushmore/Crazy Horse. Both were excellent experiences. Recommend to anyone making this trip to take ABS.
ABS Travel Group offers premium, half-day sightseeing tours in the Black Hills, private charters and more. With more than 15 years of experience, they can help you plan your itinerary and receptive work for your travel needs.
ABS Travel Group, Rapid City, SD. 1,766 likes · 15 talking about this. We take the stress and hassle out of traveling - leaving you to simply enjoy your trip and relax. With our upfront inclusive...
ABS Travel Group offers premium, half-day sightseeing tours in the Black Hills (Mount Rushmore National Memorial, Crazy Horse Memorial, Badlands National Park, the northern Hills, Deadwood and Custer State Park), private charters and much more. With more than 15 years of experience, ABS can help you with your every need. Full itinerary planning and receptive […]
ABS Travel Group, located in Rapid City, was founded to offer tours to travelers in and around the Black Hills of South Dakota. The company's new Sprinter Van offers reclining leather seats, a carpeted floor and a 22-inch drop down movie screen, providing luxurious cross-country travel.
ABS Travel Group - Day Tours: Fantastic! - See 7 traveler reviews, 5 candid photos, and great deals for Rapid City, SD, at Tripadvisor.
ABS Travel Group is a travel agency that offers tours, travel planning and booking services. Located at 945 Enchantment Rd, Rapid City, SD 57701, it has a 5.0 star rating from 1 reviewer and can be reached by phone at (605) 791-2520. See more details about its services, hours, directions and key contacts on the web page.
ABS Travel Group offers various tours for different seasons and interests, such as leaf peeping, fall foliage, Smoky Mountains, Smoky Mountains, and Dominican Republic. See the availability, departure dates, tour lengths, and more info for each tour on their website.
512 Main Street, Suite 240 | Rapid City, SD 57701 | 605-718-8484 | 800-487-3223. ABS Travel Group provides fully escorted tours and has been for more than 20 years. ABS specializes in providing quality vacations for small groups as well as planning individualized itineraries.
Business Profile for ABS Travel Group. Sightseeing Tours. At-a-glance. Contact Information. 945 Enchantment Rd. Rapid City, SD 57701-9217. Get Directions. Visit Website (888) 788-6777. Customer ...
ABS Travel Group is a fully-escorted tour operator based in Rapid City, South Dakota, offering worry-free vacations with experienced Tour Directors to ensure a stress-free travel experience. With a focus on personalized service, ABS Travel Group caters to both individual and group travelers, providing a range of options from private charters to ...
ABS Travel New York, New York, New York. 389 likes · 12 were here. ABS offers a single source to support the full spectrum of the travel experience.By strategically fo
There are lots to see in the city centre of Moscow, so we decided to start our series of Russia travel videos by showing you around the most historical part ...
3. Marvel at St. Basil's Cathedral. St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil's Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style.
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 ...
r/travel is a community about exploring the world. Your pictures, questions, stories, or any good content is welcome. Clickbait, spam, memes, ads/selling/buying, brochures, classifieds, surveys or self-promotion will be removed. My trip to Moscow, Russia Dec. 2021 - January 2022. would love to go if russia ever becomes a democracy.
Climate change is causing widespread impacts to hydrological systems and altering ecosystems across the circumpolar north. Indigenous peoples have a rich knowledge of environmental changes in their territories and the social-ecological impacts of shifting conditions, which can inform our understanding of how these systems are changing. In this study, we used a participatory, mixed methods ...
The goal of ABS Travel Group is to take the stress and hassle out of traveling, leaving you worry-free to just enjoy your well earned vacation. ABS Travel Group | 945 Enchantment Road, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, USA 1-888-788-6777 | 1-605-791-2520 | Fax 605-791-2618
Holiday travel and accommodation-7.1-1.3-3.9: ... The ABS collects prices for the CPI in a range of frequencies including monthly, quarterly, and annual. The frequency of price collection is determined by how often prices change. Where price change occurs frequently, such as for food and petrol, monthly price data is collected. ...
Travel Insurance; Contact Us; If you have a group of 6 to 10 family or friends we'll make a private tour just for you! EXCITING NEW TOURS COMING SOON Ireland Scotland & England Duro River Cruise Portugal ... ABS Travel Group | 945 Enchantment Road, Rapid City, South Dakota, 57701, USA
The growth in availability of large-scale GPS mobility data from mobile devices has the potential to aid traditional travel demand models (TDMs) such as the four-step planning model, but those processing methods are not commonly used in practice. In this study, we show the application of trip generation and trip distribution modeling using GPS data from smartphones in the state of Indiana ...