Things To Do
in Khimki
Khimki is a suburban city directly northwest of central Moscow known for its proximity to Sheremetyevo International Airport and large green spaces along the Moscow River and Khimki Reservoir. The city blends residential neighborhoods, shopping centers (including MEGA Khimki), light industry and commuter infrastructure serving Moscow. Outdoor recreation is popular here: Khimki Forest and riverside embankments offer trails, birdlife and scenic views.
While not a major tourist hub, Khimki functions well as a convenient base for exploring northern Moscow and the surrounding natural areas.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the historic center of Khimki, where you can admire the architecture of the early 20th century buildings. Visit the Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a beautiful example of Russian Orthodox architecture, and take in its serene ambiance. Enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast at a local café, sampling dishes like blini and kasha.
After lunch, explore the nearby Khimki Forest, a vast green space perfect for a nature walk or bicycle ride. Stop by the Khimki Museum of History and Culture to learn more about the city’s rich history and its transformation over the years. As you wander, keep an eye out for local artists showcasing their work along the paths.
As the sun sets, head to a local restaurant for dinner, where you can try authentic Russian dishes such as borscht and pelmeni. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the banks of the Moscow Canal, enjoying the tranquil views of the water and surrounding parkland. End your evening at a cozy café with a warm drink, reflecting on the day's adventures.
Begin your morning with a refreshing hike through Khimki Forest, where the fresh air and lush greenery will invigorate your senses. Look for various trails that lead you deeper into the forest, allowing you to connect with nature while spotting local wildlife. Pack a light picnic to enjoy mid-hike, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the forest.
After your forest adventure, return to the city for a leisurely lunch at a nearby eatery, sampling some traditional Russian salads. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Klyazminskoye Reservoir, where you can take a relaxing boat trip or simply enjoy the picturesque views of the water and surrounding landscape. Bring a book or a sketchpad to make the most of the peaceful atmosphere.
As dusk falls, enjoy a casual dinner at a lakeside restaurant, savoring fresh fish while watching the sun set over the water. Post-dinner, stroll along the waterfront, taking in the vibrant ambiance of the area as locals gather with family and friends. Cap off your evening with a visit to a local pub for a taste of Russian craft beer.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $7-12 |
| ☕Coffee (regular) | $2-4 |
| 🚌Public transport single ride | $0.7-1.5 |
| 🚕Short taxi ride (3–5 km) | $3-10 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-90 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Very close to Moscow—easy access to city attractions and transport hubs.
- Plenty of green space and riverside areas for outdoor activities.
- Good shopping options and practical amenities for travelers.
- Proximity to Sheremetyevo Airport makes travel convenient.
- Limited standalone tourist attractions within Khimki compared with central Moscow.
- Some areas experience noise and traffic from the airport and major roads.
- Public transport can be crowded during rush hours; off-peak services may be less frequent.
- Khimki Forest has faced ecological pressures and some areas may be restricted.
- "Здравствуйте" - Hello (formal)
- "Привет" - Hi (informal)
- "Спасибо" - Thank you
- "Пожалуйста" - Please / You're welcome
- "Извините" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Где находится ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Сколько это стоит?" - How much does this cost?
- "Вы говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
- "Мне нужна помощь" - I need help
Places to Visit in Khimki
Visit one of these nice places.
Long riverside walks with reflections, boats and bridges — great at sunrise and sunset for calm-water photos and skies.
Dense woodland with meandering paths, seasonal colors and opportunities for nature and macro photography in spring–autumn.
Stadium exterior and match days offer sport-action, fan culture and urban architectural shots.
Areas around Sheremetyevo offer opportunities to photograph aircraft in varied light; be mindful of restricted zones and signs.
Contemporary glass-and-metal mall facades and interior scenes for urban, commercial photography.
Food in Khimki
Khimki Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Siberian meat dumplings served with butter, sour cream or vinegar; available at many local cafes and home-style restaurants.
Must-Try!
Beetroot soup often served hot with sour cream — a staple comfort dish you’ll find across Khimki eateries.
Thin Russian pancakes served sweet or savory; popular at local bakeries and street stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small neighborhood markets and stalls sell fresh produce, bread, pickles and seasonal berries — great for picnic supplies and tasting homemade items.
Kiosks and fast-food carts around the mall and transport hubs offer blini, pirozhki (filled buns), shashlik-style grilled skewers and hot drinks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use formal greetings (Здравствуйте) with strangers and older people; a firm handshake and eye contact are normal. First names may be used after introductions.
Respect queues and wait your turn. Public interactions are often more reserved than in some Western countries—don’t be overly loud in public transport or small shops.
If invited to a local home, bringing a small gift (flowers, sweets) is polite. Hosts may ask guests to remove shoes on entry; offering to keep shoes on is customary only if the host indicates.
Avoid heated or confrontational political debates with strangers; discussions about history and politics can be sensitive.
Safety
Tipping in Khimki
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not always mandatory. In restaurants a 5–10% tip for good service is common (sometimes added to the bill); round up taxis and leave small change for cafe staff. For guides and hotel porters a small tip is appropriate.
The Russian ruble (₽) is the currency. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in malls, hotels and many restaurants; carry cash for small kiosks, markets and some taxis. Contactless payments and mobile wallets are increasingly common.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm days (20–28°C / 68–82°F), long daylight and comfortable conditions for hiking, boating and outdoor dining. Expect occasional thunderstorms; bring sunscreen and insect repellent for wooded areas.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage in Khimki Forest; wet and muddy trails are common, especially in late autumn—waterproof footwear recommended.
Cold, snowy and icy conditions (often −5 to −15°C / 23 to 5°F but can drop lower). Pavements may be slippery; dress warmly in layers and allow extra time for travel.
Variable weather with thawing snow and muddy paths, gradually greener landscapes; bring rainproof outerwear and boots for early spring hikes.
Khimki at Night
Hiking in Khimki
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Closest natural area with mixed woodland, marked paths for walking and running, and seasonal wildlife — good for short hikes and nature photography.
Large protected pine forest and parkland on the Moscow side offering sandy river beaches, trails and scenic viewpoints — reachable by short drive or public transport.
Extensive forest park northeast of Moscow with longer trails, wetlands and more remote-feeling hikes—ideal for day trips to escape urban areas.
Trail loops along the Khimki Reservoir and riverbanks suitable for easy hikes, birdwatching and sunset walks; some sections may be unpaved.
Airports
How to reach Khimki by plane.
Main international airport bordering Khimki — fastest access by taxi, local buses and Aeroexpress trains to Moscow. Convenient for arrivals and departures; expect heavy traffic on approach roads during peak times.
Southwest of Moscow and further from Khimki; reachable by ground transport for alternative flight options, typically a 40–70 minute drive depending on traffic.
Major international airport southeast of Moscow; further away but an option for some international and domestic flights, accessible by rail and road links to Moscow.
Smaller international/regional airport used for some charter and low-cost flights; less frequent services but can be a useful alternative depending on airlines.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Large portion of residents commute daily to Moscow for work; population is oriented toward metropolitan employment and services.
Many families live in apartment blocks and residential neighborhoods, attracted by green spaces and relative affordability compared to central Moscow.
Employees related to Sheremetyevo Airport, logistics and retail form a significant segment of the local workforce.
Younger residents and students often live in Khimki due to transport links and housing options; the demographic mix includes various ethnic groups common in the Moscow region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Home to FC Khimki, football is the most popular spectator sport; local matches draw fans to the stadium and nearby bars.
Winter sports are popular regionally—ice rinks and amateur hockey are common activities during the cold months.
Riverside paths and park trails make running and cycling accessible year-round (weather permitting).
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Khimki.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available but more limited than in larger cities; look for salads, blini with cheese or mushrooms, and vegetable soups. Large malls and modern cafés increasingly offer meat-free dishes — ask staff using the phrase "Есть ли вегетарианские блюда?" (Any vegetarian dishes?).
Vegan choices exist but may require asking for modifications (no butter/sour cream). Supermarkets have plant-based products; Moscow has more dedicated vegan options if you’re willing to travel.
Gluten-free items are less common; order simple grilled meat/vegetable dishes and ask about ingredients. Pack any specialty items you need.