Things to see & do in Moscow
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.
Our Russia Vacations
Moscow to St Petersburg vacation in Russia
Fascinating history and architecture
Kamchatka vacations, small group tour
Explore Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula
Siberian Tiger & Amur Leopard tours in Russia
Track Siberian Tigers in the Russian winter wonderland
Trans Mongolian Eastbound, St Petersburg to Beijing
Overland from the Baltic Sea to the Chinese capital Beijing
Chukotka and Wrangel Island cruise, Russia
Authentic Arctic Festival & wildlife including Polar Bears
Russia vacation, St Petersburg and Karelia
Multi-activity cultural trip to Northern Russia, tailor-made
Kamchatka and Chukotka wildlife cruises, Russia
Explore wild Kamchatka's volcanoes, fjords and wildlife
Moscow and St-Petersburg vacation in Russia
The best of Russia in 12 days
Russia history and culture vacation
Explore Russian history and culture
Trans Siberian Railway vacation, Russian Summer
Remarkable Moscow to Vladivostok train journey, Tailor-Made
Moscow to St Petersburg vacation
See the Winter Palace and the Red Square
Armenia Georgia Azerbaijan hiking vacation
Get amazed by the scenery of the South Caucasus.
London to Beijing by rail vacation
An epic overland adventure from London to China
Festive Russia vacation by rail
Experience the frosty and festive delights of Russia
Mount Elbrus climbing expedition, Russia
Elbrus with an international guide and doctor
Imperial Trans Siberian tour, Russia to Japan
Russia, Mongolia & Japan on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Trans Mongolian west bound to St Petersburg
The most comprehensive Beijing to Russia overland adventure
Siberian tiger photography tour
A photopraphy unique tour to photograph wild Siberian Tigers
Maslenitsa winter cultural festival in Russia
Slavic vacation of Maslenitsa – exciting winter festival!
Trans Mongolian vacation, tailor made
Ride the Iconic Trans-Mongolian Railway in all it's glory.
Moscow to St Petersburg winter vacation
Enjoy Russian winter and its beautiful cities, tailor-made
Trans Mongolian 21 day tour
Visit Russia, remote Siberia, Mongolia, the Gobi Desert & Beijing
Kamchatka Peninsula wildlife cruise
Diverse, abundant wildlife, dramatic and volcanic landscapes
Russian Arctic cruise, High Arctic Odyssey
Explore the extreme regions of the High Arctic
Silk Road & Caucasus tour
Explore the secrets of Central Asia and the Caucasus
Tokyo to St Petersburg rail tour
Japan to Russia overland on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Chukotka and Wrangel Island wildlife cruises, Russia
Explore Russian Arctic - home to Polar Bears, walrus & more
Naadam festival & Moscow vacation
Take in the Naadam Festival and the Trans Siberian Railway
Finland wildlife vacation, whales and bears
Beluga white whales in Russia and brown bears in Finland.
Cultural Highlights of Moscow
Kremlin and Red Square
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
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
Safety in Moscow
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
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.