Things To Do
in Krasnogorsk

Krasnogorsk is a modern Moscow Oblast town just outside Moscow's northern edge, built around residential neighborhoods, business parks, and expansive shopping areas along the Moskva River. It hosts the Crocus City complex, including Crocus City Hall and Crocus Expo, drawing visitors for concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. The town blends green parks, riverside promenades, and family-friendly attractions with easy access to the capital by road and rail.

With strong infrastructure, Krasnogorsk serves as a convenient base for exploring both the city and the surrounding countryside.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Exploring the Historic Center of Krasnogorsk
morning
:

Start your day with a leisurely stroll through the picturesque streets of Krasnogorsk, soaking in the quaint architecture and local shops. Visit the historic Krasnogorsk City Museum, where you'll learn about the rich history and cultural heritage of the area. Enjoy a traditional Russian breakfast at a nearby café, savoring dishes like blini and kasha.

afternoon
:

After lunch, head to the stunning Krasnogorsk Park, where you can take a relaxing walk along the scenic paths lined with trees and flowers. Consider renting a bicycle to explore the park more extensively, or simply find a spot to sit and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. As the afternoon wanes, visit the iconic Church of St. Nicholas, renowned for its beautiful frescoes and serene ambiance.

evening
:

As night falls, indulge in dinner at a local restaurant that specializes in Russian cuisine, where you can try dishes like borscht and pelmeni. After your meal, take a leisurely walk along the riverbank, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the twinkling lights of the city. End your day with a visit to a cozy café for a warm drink and a sweet dessert, reflecting on your experiences.

day 2
Nature Retreat at Serebryany Bor
morning
:

Begin your morning with a hearty breakfast before heading to Serebryany Bor, a beautiful natural area just outside Krasnogorsk. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the serene beauty of the forest and lakes, breathing in the fresh air as you explore the various walking trails. Don't forget to bring along your camera to capture the stunning views of the lush greenery.

afternoon
:

For lunch, enjoy a picnic by the lakeside, surrounded by the sounds of nature. Afterward, engage in some water activities such as kayaking or paddleboarding, taking advantage of the clear waters and scenic surroundings. As you relax by the water, keep an eye out for local wildlife, including birds and small mammals.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a moment to enjoy the breathtaking views over the lake, watching the colors change in the sky. Return to Krasnogorsk for dinner at a lakeside restaurant, where you can indulge in fresh fish dishes. Wrap up your day with a walk along the lake's edge, enjoying the tranquility of the evening.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
Coffee in a cafe$2-5
🚆One-way public transport ticket$0.6-1.5
🍽️Three-course meal for two$25-40
🏨Mid-range hotel per night$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Proximity to Moscow and easy access to major attractions
  • Safe, well-developed infrastructure with modern amenities
  • Limited nightlife within Krasnogorsk itself
  • Weather can be cold and long in winter; crowds and traffic during peak hours
  • "Здравствуйте" - Hello (formal)
  • "Пожалуйста" - Please
  • "Спасибо" - Thank you
  • "Вы говорите по-английски?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Сколько это стоит?" - How much does this cost?
  • "Где туалет?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Krasnogorsk

Visit one of these nice places.

Moskva River Embankment near Krasnogorsk

Wide views of the river and bridges, especially at sunrise or sunset, with reflections on calm water.

Crocus City Hall and Crocus Expo Campus

Modern architecture and sculpted landscaped spaces offering dramatic lines and colorful lighting after dusk.

Victory Park (Pobedy Park) in Krasnogorsk

Green spaces, monuments, and paths ideal for portraits against a backdrop of trees and open lawns.

Moscow Canal and parkland viewpoints

Waterways with straight channels and small boat activity providing seasonal photographic interest.

Culinary Guide

Food in Krasnogorsk

Krasnogorsk shares in Moscow's rich culinary traditions, with comforting soups, dumplings, meat dishes, and fresh pastries. Expect hearty meals, seasonal produce, and plenty of bakeries offering breads and blinis.

Krasnogorsk Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Borscht

A beet-based soup served hot or cold with sour cream, commonly found in Russian homes and eateries.

Must-Try!

Pelmeni

Delicate dumplings filled with meat, typically served with sour cream or butter.

Beef Stroganoff

Sliced beef in a creamy mushroom sauce, usually served with potatoes or noodles.

Blini

Thin pancakes that can be savory or sweet, often paired with sour cream, jam, or caviar.

Shchi

Cabbage soup with rye bread notes, a rustic classic often enjoyed in winter.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Krasnogorsk Central Market

A hub for fresh produce, dairy, baked goods, and ready-to-eat snacks; try samplings of pickles, pelmeni, and pastries.

Market Street Food Corners

Temporary stalls and pop-up vendors around Crocus City area offering shawarma, draniki, and warm pastries.

Climate Guide

Weather

Krasnogorsk experiences a temperate continental climate: cold winters with snowfall from late November to March, and warm summers with temperatures typically in the 20s Celsius. Spring and autumn are transitional, with variable weather and possible rain. Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed through the year, with higher rainfall in late spring and early autumn. Overall, plan for layering and readiness for rapid weather changes, especially near the Moskva River.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greet with a handshake

A firm handshake with direct eye contact is a common greeting; use a respectful address.

Patronymics matter

Use first name and patronymic when possible (e.g., Ivan Sergeyevich) in formal contexts.

Shoes and gifts

In homes, remove shoes; if invited to someone's home, bringing a small gift is appreciated.

Direct communication

Russians value directness; avoid overly confrontational tones but be clear about preferences.

Safety Guide

Safety

Krasnogorsk is generally safe for visitors, but standard urban precautions apply: stay aware of pickpockets in crowded places, particularly near markets and transit hubs; use licensed taxis or ride-hailing apps; keep valuables secure near tourist sites. Road safety is important in winter due to ice; follow local guidelines for pedestrians and crossing signals. In case of emergency, dial 112 for general emergency services or 103 for ambulance in Russia.

Tipping in Krasnogorsk

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

In Russia, tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes; 10-15% is typical if service is not included.

Payment Methods

Cash and cards are widely accepted; contactless payments common in larger venues; keep some rubles for small markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild days with occasional rain; early blossoms in parks make for gentle outdoor photography and street walks.

Summer

Warm, long days with lush greenery; expect crowded parks and markets; ideal for riverfront photography and sunset shoots.

Autumn

Golden foliage and cooler temperatures; pleasant for outdoor walks and countryside hikes.

Winter

Cold with potential snow; shorter days; great for festive lights and icy riversides if safe.

Nightlife Guide

Krasnogorsk at Night

Krasnogorsk has a modest but vibrant nightlife scene concentrated around the Crocus City complex and nearby Moscow venues. Expect a mix of laid-back bars, lounges, and live music spots, with larger concerts and events at Crocus City Hall. For a broader night out, short trips to central Moscow provide a wider range of nightclubs, jazz bars, and theatrical performances. Most venues attract a mixed local and international crowd, especially on weekends.

Hiking in Krasnogorsk

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Krasnogorsky Forest Trail

Forest trail system near the town offering easy to moderate hikes and nature photography.

Moscow Canal Walks

Rivered-side trails and parks along the canal, suitable for day hikes and scenic views.

Airports

How to reach Krasnogorsk by plane.

Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO)

Moscow's northern airport serving international and domestic flights; reachable by road or rail from Krasnogorsk.

Domodedovo International Airport (DME)

South of Moscow; a major international hub accessible by highway and rail from the Krasnogorsk area.

Vnukovo International Airport (VKO)

Southwest of Moscow; convenient for connections and regional flights; accessible by car and taxi.

Getting Around

Walkability

Krasnogorsk is reasonably walkable within its city center and along the river embankments, with good pedestrian paths in parks. However, some neighborhoods require short rides or public transit to reach major attractions, especially Crocus City complex and parks. Traffic can be heavy during rush hours around Moscow-adjacent areas, so plan trips accordingly.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Residents

A mix of families, professionals, and long-term Moscow commuters; primarily ethnic Russians with minority groups from neighboring regions.

Commuters

Many residents commute to Moscow for work and return home to Krasnogorsk for a more suburban environment.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Ice Hockey

A popular sport across the Moscow region with local teams and ice rinks.

Football (Soccer)

Local and regional leagues; easy to catch a match in the Moscow area.

Tennis

Public courts and clubs throughout Krasnogorsk and nearby towns.

Basketball

Indoor arenas and community leagues available in larger facilities.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in the Krasnogorsk area can be heavy during morning and evening rush hours as people commute to and from Moscow. Public transportation includes buses, rails, and taxis; weekends may see slower traffic around shopping districts. For international visitors, plan extra time when traveling to Crocus City complex or central Moscow for events.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Krasnogorsk.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Russian cuisine centers on meat, but many cafes offer vegetarian borscht, mushroom dishes, oat meals, and salads. When dining out, look for vegetable soups, buckwheat kasha, and veggie plates; ask for no meat or dairy substitutes if needed.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is available through local clinics and hospitals in Krasnogorsk and nearby Moscow; for specialized care, residents often rely on Moscow hospitals. Visitors should consider travel insurance and carry essential medical information; emergency numbers are 112 and 103 in Russia. Pharmacists are widely available, and many medications can be obtained with a prescription or over-the-counter in larger pharmacies.

Discover Russia

Read more in our Russia 2025 Travel Guide.

Russia Travel Guide