Things to see & do in Moscow
Russia’s iconic capital Moscow is founded on a turbulent history of revolution and conflicting ideologies. It’s a city of striking contradictions, where old Lada cars look out of place on streets lined with luxury bars, and opulent shopping malls rub shoulders with crumbling housing blocks. Moscow has experienced many changes since the fall of the Soviet Union and the arrival of international tourism. Capitalism has left its mark and, yes, you’ll even glimpse the inescapable yellow arches of a McDonald’s peeking out from behind the russet facade of the Red Square.
Despite its high concentration of oligarchs, poverty is still very much an issue in the capital. But forget the Cold War stereotypes; local people can be very friendly, and the slightest smattering of Russian will get you far. Tours usually allow for some free time to explore the city independently but, if the trip starts in Moscow but barely lingers there, you may want to arrive a few days earlier to take it all in.
Despite its high concentration of oligarchs, poverty is still very much an issue in the capital. But forget the Cold War stereotypes; local people can be very friendly, and the slightest smattering of Russian will get you far. Tours usually allow for some free time to explore the city independently but, if the trip starts in Moscow but barely lingers there, you may want to arrive a few days earlier to take it all in.
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Cultural Highlights of Moscow
Kremlin and Red Square
Moscow’s Red Square derives its name from the Russian word for ‘beautiful’, rather than the red brick of the formidable fortress walls. The squat vault housing Lenin’s Mausoleum, where the former Soviet leader’s embalmed body is on display to the public, is the only inconspicuous building here. In contrast, directly opposite the tomb, is the lavish three-storey GUM department store, stocked to the rafters with international, high-fashion brands. After visiting the gingerbread house-like State History Museum and the marshmallow swirls of St Basil’s Cathedral, you’ll have time to explore the imposing citadel of the Kremlin. Its great Armoury is home to some of the country’s most remarkable treasures, from entire coaches made of gold to a diamond throne. A trio of three magnificent cathedrals, Ivan the Great’s Bell Tower and the enormous, broken Tsar Bell complete this city within a city.
Art and architecture
Word has it that much of Moscow’s art is concealed in private collections, but you’ll find some of it hidden away in the most unexpected places. To see it, skip the taxi and the congested city streets and brave the busy underground world of Moscow’s metro. Your reward will be a series of spectacular station halls, adorned with crystal chandeliers, marble columns and elaborate frescos. Above ground, stop to see the jumbled collection of Soviet-era relics in the Fallen Monument Park, followed by a walk around leafy Gorky Park on the banks of the Moskva River. Browsing the fine art exhibitions at the Tretyakov Gallery or enjoying an evening at the historic Bolshoi Theatre are both popular ways to spend any free time in the city.Fairytale churches
The gleaming golden domes of Moscow’s churches are visible across the city skyline, although none are as impressive as those of the Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Unlike St Basil’s, which is now a museum, the cathedral remains a working church. You will find its glimmering interiors bustling with activity, under the gaze of the gilded icons which hang from every wall. Visitors should dress conservatively; women are expected to cover their heads, long skirts or trousers should be worn and men may not be allowed to enter if wearing shorts.Bite-sized history
It’s a misconception that Russian food is bland; there’s much more on the menu than caviar, cabbage and borscht. Food holds a special place in the heart and memories of many Russians, and Russian cuisine borrows dishes from many former Soviet countries. Try kebabs from the Caucasus, Georgian cheese pies or delicious rice dishes from Uzbekistan. If knocking back doubles of vodka doesn’t tempt you, try some kvass. This popular, low alcohol drink is made from fermented rye bread. It’s an old recipe that dates back to the Middle Ages, when it is said to have been consumed more than water.Our top Russia Vacation
Moscow to St Petersburg vacation in Russia
Fascinating history and architecture
From
US $1749 to US $1949
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2021: 19 Jun, 3 Jul, 17 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 23 Oct
2022: 19 Mar, 26 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 23 Apr, 14 May, 21 May, 11 Jun, 18 Jun, 2 Jul, 9 Jul, 16 Jul, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct, 8 Oct, 15 Oct
2021: 19 Jun, 3 Jul, 17 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 23 Oct
2022: 19 Mar, 26 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 23 Apr, 14 May, 21 May, 11 Jun, 18 Jun, 2 Jul, 9 Jul, 16 Jul, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct, 8 Oct, 15 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Russia or need help finding a vacation to suit you we're very happy to help.
Safety in Moscow
As with any large city, visitors should be aware of pick pockets, especially on the underground. Be sure to keep valuables out of sight, especially your passport, which you will be required to carry with you at all times. If traveling to or from Moscow on an overnight train, store any valuable items in a compartment under the bed or seat while sleeping.
Scams targeting tourists are also a concern, although these can be avoided by only booking transfers with a licensed taxi company or choosing one of our small group vacations, where your group leader is on hand to take care of all the details.
Scams targeting tourists are also a concern, although these can be avoided by only booking transfers with a licensed taxi company or choosing one of our small group vacations, where your group leader is on hand to take care of all the details.
Practicalities
None of our tours are based solely in Moscow; instead you’ll get to visit the city as part of a larger exploration of Russia, alongside other great cities like St Petersburg and Novgorod. Small group tours based in western Russia tend to run for 8-9 days, with 2-3 days spent in the capital. You may also want to visit Moscow as part of a longer tour, by way of the Trans Siberian Express or the Trans Mongolian Railway. These trips can also be tailor made to offer the best experience for you.
Trips tend to run from March to October, but there is the option to experience a Christmas in Russia. Moscow is magical in the winter months, but be sure to come prepared for temperatures as low as -15°C. Summer heatwaves, when temperatures can soar to 30°C, aren’t uncommon, whereas spring and autumn tend to be cooler and less crowded. The best time to visit if you want to make the most of the daylight hours is between April and May, when the evenings are lighter.
Trips tend to run from March to October, but there is the option to experience a Christmas in Russia. Moscow is magical in the winter months, but be sure to come prepared for temperatures as low as -15°C. Summer heatwaves, when temperatures can soar to 30°C, aren’t uncommon, whereas spring and autumn tend to be cooler and less crowded. The best time to visit if you want to make the most of the daylight hours is between April and May, when the evenings are lighter.
More about Russia
From Moscow to Kamchatka, St Petersburg to Siberia, our month-by-month weather guide details the sizzling highs and freezing lows, so you can discover the best time to go to Russia.
Our Russia travel guide grapples with this vast nation, exploring its history, explaining its customs, currency and cuisine and whetting your appetite for an exciting vacation to the world’s biggest country.
Our Russia map and highlights page picks out 13 of the most interesting and exciting destinations in the country, plus we have included some travel times and possible itineraries, to help you make the most of your time here.
Soaking up the art and architecture in Russia’s two most famous cities, Moscow and St Petersburg, is a great introduction to this enormous country, but we have a few suggestions for other things to do in Russia.
Petrograd, Leningrad, St Petersburg... Russia’s second city has gone through many incarnations. Its history of revolutions and assassinations has shaped the history of the whole country and, consequently, the world.
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The little-known region of Kamchatka is an isolated peninsula on Russia’s far eastern coast, best known for its untouched landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Big cat safaris in Russia are a truly spectacular experience, and a fantastic opportunity for those with the patience to wait on the appearance of Siberian tigers and Amur leopards, venturing out in search of prey.
For some invaluable advice, we have talked to our expert local suppliers who know Russia well and pulled together their most useful Russia travel tips.
You may not approve of Russia’s actions on the global stage, but it pays to know a little more about its approach to the domestic life of its citizens before you visit.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Alvesgaspar] [Intro: pxhere]
[Kremlin and Red Square: Jorge Láscar]
[Practicalities: Mos.ru]
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