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Ola S1 Pro review, test ride

Can the hotly tipped Ola S1 Pro match the massive hype the company has built around it? We get our first impression in a short test ride.

Published on Nov 15, 2021 12:00:00 PM

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That the future of mobility is electric seems to be doubtless at this point. But how that electric vehicle market is going to be carved up amongst the players is a very interesting story that’s yet to completely pan out. In the realm of competent high-speed electric scooters, the market is currently ruled by Ather Energy, with major players like Bajaj and TVS slowly catching up. But the biggest splash so far has been made by Ola Electric, and its impressive (on paper) S1 and S1 Pro e-scooters. We recently had a short go on the latter, the more premium of Ola’s offerings, and these are our findings.

Ola S1 Pro: design

Getting up close to a vehicle for the first time is always a special affair, especially when it’s one as neat-looking as the S1 Pro. I hadn’t had a chance to check it out at the launch event three months ago, and even if I had, the scooters were cordoned off at that point, rather dampening the intimacy. So, this was my first impression of the Ola scooter, and it was a rather positive one. It doesn’t exactly wow you with its design, since it sports a rather understated look that’s defined by clean lines and no frills. But it’s a crisp and modern look befitting an electric scooter, and I certainly found it pleasing to look at. Whether this subtle design will be welcomed by a market that’s full of chrome inserts and loud graphics, time will tell.

Diving in for a closer look only reinforced the positive first impression, thanks to good quality and finish levels. Shut-lines and panel gaps are tight and consistent, switchgear quality is good, and the materials used don’t feel cheap, even if they don’t feel plush either. Overall, the S1 Pro looks and feels like a well-finished and production-ready vehicle, barring a few exceptions like a flimsy side-stand and oddly rubber-mounted grab rails.

Ola S1 Pro: features

The exploration then extended to the 7.0-inch TFT touchscreen and it made a fine first impression of its own, with great resolution and brightness, and excellent responsiveness. Ola’s UI is fairly intuitive, but while I could get my phone paired up via Bluetooth, I couldn’t check out the navigation feature due to a persistent network issue with the scooter’s built-in eSIM. It also features the usual music playback control and phone call control, but the more unique features promised by Ola – like cruise control and music playback through the scooter’s own speakers – were not activated and will apparently only be made available at a later date via OTA updates.

Everything so far had been quite novel, but the beginning of the ride experience is where it all became radically different. The S1 Pro has no physical key of any kind, the scooter is unlocked by either entering a six-digit code on the touchscreen or by using a mobile phone app. Ola says that, in the future, it will also roll out a proximity unlock feature supported by Bluetooth. Unlocking the S1 Pro’s large but unlit 36-litre underseat storage compartment is also done using the touchscreen, which does raise the concern about what happens if the scooter runs out of charge and you have belongings inside the boot. Well, Ola says that the battery will always have a certain amount of residual charge, which will be enough to open the boot when a command is given from the mobile phone app. The app in question isn't available on any online app store yet, so we'll have to get to that at a later stage.

After much tinkering at a standstill, I finally set off, hoping to explore the scooter’s three riding modes – Normal, Sport and Hyper – the latter of which the non-Pro S1 misses out on. Our ride was restricted to a gated colony, where we circuited a roughly 2km loop that comprised paved roads sparsely littered with uneven manhole covers, undulations and bumps, patches of gravel and sand, and some inclines. So, it was reasonably representative of what our roads are like, with the exceptions being the lack of any massive potholes, speed breakers, and of course, traffic.

Ola S1 Pro: performance

Of course, it’s wonderful how EVs have zero operational emissions and fewer moving parts, and are silent and smooth, but my favourite thing about them has to be their instant torque and acceleration. So, of course, I started my testing in Hyper mode. In this mode, Ola claims the 8.5kW permanent magnet motor takes the S1 Pro to 40kph in 3.0sec, which sounds quite rapid. And from the seat, it felt quite rapid. There was a slight sluggishness off the line, but once past that, it pulled with a ferocity that you don’t really expect from an urban scooter. We didn’t have a chance to carry out our performance tests, but I’m quite certain that this is one of the fastest accelerating scooters you can buy in India today.

The taper-off isn’t drastic as the speeds rise, and we just about managed to cross an indicated 100kph on our route, but the road surface on this straight stretch was quite bumpy, so the scooter didn’t exactly feel sure-footed. How stable it will be at its claimed 115kph top speed on its small 12-inch wheels, we’ll have to find out at a later date.

But all this performance came at a cost. After about 10 minutes of sustained riding in Hyper mode, there was a drastic reduction in performance that came without any warning or error message on the TFT dash. Top speed and acceleration were both significantly dulled, and by the end of it, the scooter felt downright lethargic, barely able to pick up speed going up an incline. After leaving it stationary for about 5-10 minutes, the performance began to return, indicating that this is probably a thermal issue with either the motor or the battery. Ola says that it will work on this, and that it can be fixed with better software management, but we'll have to see how that pans out. As things stand today, a number of scooters at the test location faced a severe reduction in performance after about 10 minutes of riding in Hyper mode.

Under full throttle acceleration in Hyper mode, we also encountered a droning vibration through the seat and floorboard that became noticeably more pronounced as the miles racked up and as the performance drop-off increased. There was also one instance where the motor completely died, not responding to throttle inputs at all, in any of the modes. This rectified itself after a couple of restarts.

It's also worth noting that we rode these scooters on a crisp, cool winter morning in Bengaluru, and the thermal issues pertaining to the powertrain could well be more pronounced in a hotter environment and when stuck in traffic. With Ola targeting the entire nation with these scooters, it's unquestionable that swift progress needs to be made on this front.

But the more pressing issue, though, was throttle calibration. The throttle works quite similarly to something like the Ather 450X, where you twist it conventionally to accelerate, and twist it the wrong way to dial-in regen. But a number of scooters on site continued to surge forward for about half a second after the accelerator had been completely released, which is a little startling to say the least, and very much a safety hazard. Again, Ola says that it is working on this and should be able to fix it with a software update, but we'll have to wait and see how that plays out. If Ola can indeed sort these things out with a software update, it will be interesting to see if they can do so without watering down the performance.

Ola S1 Pro: ride and handling

Undeniably, the powertrain has room for improvement, but one area where Ola has excelled is the chassis. The Gabriel-sourced single-sided front suspension and horizontally-mounted rear shock delivered excellent ride quality that put many conventionally-sprung scooters to shame. It’s a very well-balanced setup that manages to flatten out most bumps while still offering great body control, and the ride felt plush, irrespective of whether it was my lone lightweight frame or a pair of occupants on board. And while this is no corner carver, it did have that scooter-typical razor-sharp turn in, and felt confident enough when leaned over, so long as the lean angles were kept reasonable.

The brakes stopped the scooter quickly and felt quite sharp; perhaps a little too sharp for a vehicle of this nature, especially since there is no ABS and little modulation or feel at the lever, leading to easy lock-ups, especially at the rear.

This is a scooter, so convenience and practicality are high up the priority list, and the S1 Pro helps its cause with features like a reverse mode. But the large underseat compartment is just as well, because the floorboard isn’t the most accommodating. There is a lack of space, which is exemplified by the curvature from the apron to the floorboard, as well as the prominent spine section, which will limit the ability to carry stuff on the floorboard – something we Indians love to do with our scooters. The lack of space is a function of the scooter’s compact dimensions, and that extends to the seat as well, which felt cramped with two full-sized occupants on it.

Ola S1 Pro: should you buy one?

There certainly is a lot of potential in the Ola S1 Pro. At a price of Rs 1.10 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi, after FAME-II and state subsidies), it’s considerably more affordable than something like an Ather 450X (Rs 1.32 lakh), and more affordable than even the 450 Plus (Rs 1.13 lakh). This is a very attractive price point, and a lot of things on the S1 Pro are in place – the design is nice, finish levels are good, and the chassis is well sorted out. But there are also some fundamental shortcomings with the powertrain that Ola needs to address. Moreover, given our brief time with the scooter, we cannot comment on vital factors like the range and charge times.

But the scooter is just one small part of the puzzle. Another big piece of this puzzle is Ola's attempt to rewrite the rules of sales and service. If you want a test ride, they will send a scooter home; if you then book a scooter, it will be delivered to your doorstep. When you need to service it, you call them home and they service it for you; even if you have a small squeaking sound that's bothering you, you ring them up and they come home – it's all quite radical and will take some figuring out. Ola needs to figure all this out quite quickly, because its claims suggest that it has close to 1 lakh scooters to deliver. Hype can only go so far and it's now time for the company to start delivering on its incredible claims. The next few months will be very interesting.

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Ola Adventure Review

Ola Electric is set to introduce the Ola Adventure , a new electric adventure motorcycle. It is expected to feature a high seat, long-travel suspension, and spoke wheels. In this Ola Adventure Review, we’ll delve into the specifications, top range, and price range.

Ola has unveiled its new motorbike lineup, which includes a Cruiser, Adventure, Roadster, and Diamondhead. The Ola Electric Adventure is designed with characteristics that are great for thrilling rides. The motorcycle is distinguished by its contemporary, crisp, and athletic design, capturing the essence of its category in terms of appearance and intended function.

Ola Adventure Launch Date

It is a high-end feature bike that is expected to be released before the end of 2024. Ola has not confirmed any official release dates for its motorcycles, but it is speculated that the company is going to announce its official launch date pre-booking procedures in advance well in advance.

Also, check out Ola Roadster Launch Date .

Ola’s Electric Motorcycle Look and Design

The Ola Adventure idea is appealing to motorcycle enthusiasts. The motorcycle has the following features:

• It boasts a chain drive drivetrain and guarantees efficient power delivery.
• The bike’s long-travel suspension emphasizes rider comfort across varied terrains, with a USD (Upside-Down) fork up front and a mono-shock in the rear.
• Its 5-inch display is intended to offer important information, with details on connectivity possibilities still pending.
• The bike has a set of wide tyres, making it suitable for adventurous trips.
• It has a stylish body design with a distinctive high mudguard.
• Its front windscreen and all-LED headlamp give it the appearance of an off-road bike.
• The Adventure model has a sleek look with a tank panel and seat that is seamlessly integrated.
• New features include a digital display, hand safeguards, and modern mirrors .
• Other features include luggage attachments and an LED taillight.

Also See: Ola Cruiser Launch Date

Ola Adventure Top Speed and Range

Electric bikes, given their design and build, are expected to offer greater speed and range than electric scooters. The Ola Adventure stands out in this category with an impressive top speed of around 123 kilometres per hour .

Designed for long adventures and equipped with rapid charging, the vehicle is expected to travel up to 250+ kilometres on a single charge . This impressive distance is backed by its robust 5 kWh battery. Such capabilities set electric motorcycles like the Ola Adventure distinctly apart from scooters in terms of range. Although the bike has not yet made its official debut, and precise mileage figures may vary, this Ola Adventure review highlights the bike’s suitability for extended, adventurous journeys across a variety of terrains.

You can also take a look at Ola S1 Vs. S1 Pro Comparison: Range and Specs

Ola’s Electric Motorcycle Specs

The Ola bike, ideal for thrill enthusiasts looking to tackle tough paths, promises a blend of power and energy efficiency . This is emphasised even further by potential features such as quick charging, many modes, and cruise control. The following are Ola’s Electric Motorcycle specifications. Nevertheless, until Ola Electric releases official information, these data are based on estimations.

Also Read : Ola Diamondhead Review

Ola Adventure Estimated Price

Ola Adventure electric motorcycle, which is designed similarly to conventional motorcycles, might be priced around Rs 2.5 to 3 lakhs . Keep in mind that the Ola Adventure estimated price will likely be higher due to the addition of RTO registration, road tax, and insurance. Prices can also fluctuate based on location, dealership, and ongoing promotions.

In this Ola Adventure review, we explored the bike’s robust design and off-road capabilities. Its expected longer battery life and quick charging capabilities make it an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts. For more content on electric vehicles, keep scrolling through the website.

Note: The model mentioned in the blog has not been launched in the market. All information provided above is sourced from market research, with no assumptions made from our side. While current specifications and pricing are based on market speculations, we recommend checking the official site or our blog post for the most recent updates.

Recommended: Gas Cars Vs Electric Cars: Pros and Cons

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Here’s how to rent a Moscow city bike

A young man rides a public bike on a Moscow street.

Finally, it’s sunny and warm in the city, and Muscovites are dusting off their bikes .If you don’t own no worries, it’s a piece of cake to rent a city bike.

1. How to rent a bike

First , you need to register on Moscow’s bike sharing website ( https://velobike.ru/en/ ), on the app (App Store, Google Play), or on a terminal. The app shows the nearest rental station to you. When registering you need to give your name, email, and mobile phone number  – the system will send you an SMS with your personal pin code. You can also add a Troika card  – you cannot pay using it but it's easier to use the system if you do have one.

Choose your bike, press “ok” on its dashboard, enter your login and password (from your SMS), or attach the registered Troika card. Wait until the beep and start riding.

If you would like to know how much time you have left, just press “ok” and you’ll see the timer and mileage.

When you finish, you don’t need to return the bike to the same station – any will do. Push the bike into the lock, press “ok” on its dashboard, and again wait for the sound (one signal means that the rental is over, three signals indicates an error). Important note: You should receive an SMS at this point end and on the bike’s dashboard “ Vozvrat ok” (“The return is ok”) will appear.

If you would like to rent an e-bike, check its battery power: A bike with green, yellow, and red indicators can ride 18 km, yellow and red – 10 km, red - 5 km. The e-bike should can only be returned to the same e-bike station. If you don’t you’ll be fined 1,000 rubles ($16).

2. Find a rental bike station

There are 430 stations across the city with over 4,300 cycles, including 260 e-bikes. You can spot them near metro stations, parks, and on touristic routes. Next to the bikes you’ll find an electronic terminal – use it to take your wheels.

3. Choose the right bike

Look at the pedals: It’s better to choose big ones with plastic spikes as they’ll stop your feet from sliding.  Then adjust the height of the bicycle saddle – and memorize the number on the bike’s ruler under the saddle. It will save you time in future.

Some Russians also note that it’s more comfortable to use the classic side kickstand instead of the center ones as it’s easier to operate.

Don’t take bikes with a twisted saddle because this is how users show that a bike needs to be repaired.  Moreover, if you see a damaged bike at a station, turn the saddle down and technical workers will understand that they need to repair it. (the phone of the helpdesk is +74959664669)

4. The money issue

The price of  renting a bike in Moscow for one day is only 150 rubles and 600 rubles for a month: It includes 30 minutes of riding. The system will freeze 1,000 rubles on your card as a safety deposit, it will be returned after the rental is over. If you plan to ride for more than 30 minutes, the extra time will be paid from your deposit. More than 30 minutes costs 30 rubles ($0.5), two hours – 100 rubles ($1.5), three hours – 450 rubles ($7), and so on. If you ride for more than 48 hours, you’ll be fined for 30,000 rubles ($480).  

The Moscow bike-sharing system accepts Visa and MasterCard. The price for the e-bike is the same.

5. Riding a bike in Moscow

It’s better to ride on the special cycling paths: You’ll find them in the city center and parks. In Russia, cyclists can ride on the right part of the roadway, as well as sidewalks. You cannot use a bike on highways (like Moscow’s Ring Road) and pedestrian areas. You should follow the traffic rules and signal before turning.

If you need to stop for a while, use the retractable cable to lock the bike. Enter the pin code to lock the cable. Enter the pin code again or attach your Troika to use the bike.

You can take your wheels on a commuter train (you need a special ticket), on the bus, and the Moscow Central Circle.

Here are some routes to inspire you to ride . 

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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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