Things To Do
in Moscow
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is a vibrant metropolis where historical grandeur meets Soviet-era monuments and modern skyscrapers. The city’s landscape is defined by the iconic onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the imposing walls of the Kremlin. World-class theaters, galleries, and museums sit alongside buzzing street markets and bustling boulevards.
Despite its size, Moscow offers hidden parks and riverside promenades that reveal a more relaxed pace of life.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Land at Sheremetyevo Airport and transfer to your centrally located hotel to settle in. Enjoy a leisurely stroll down Nikolskaya Street to take in the city’s atmosphere. Grab a light snack in a nearby café before heading further into the heart of Moscow.
Explore Red Square with its iconic landmarks such as St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Shop and wander through the historic arcades of GUM inside the square. Pause for photos and admire the colorful onion domes against the imposing brick walls of the Kremlin.
Dine at a traditional Russian restaurant overlooking Red Square and sample signature dishes like beef stroganoff. Take in the evening illumination of St. Basil’s Cathedral as it glows against the night sky. End the night with a relaxed walk along the Moskva River embankment.
Join a guided tour of the Kremlin’s grounds to learn about centuries of Russian history and politics. Marvel at the golden cupolas of the Dormition Cathedral and imagine coronations of past tsars. Explore Ivan the Great Bell Tower for panoramic views over the city.
Visit the Armoury Chamber to view its spectacular collection of tsarist treasures, including royal carriages and Fabergé eggs. Admire centuries-old weapons, armor, and ceremonial robes displayed in beautifully curated halls. Allow time to linger by the ornate weapons exhibition.
Enjoy a serene dinner cruise along the Moskva River, taking in illuminated landmarks. Relax on deck and savor Russian cuisine while classical music sets a refined atmosphere. Return to the hotel and soak up nighttime views of the Kremlin walls.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10–15 |
| ☕Coffee | $3–5 |
| 🚌Metro ride | $0.75 |
| 🍺Beer at a bar | $4–6 |
| 🏨Hotel (mid-range per night) | $70–120 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural and historical attractions
- Extensive public transportation network
- Harsh winter weather
- Language barrier outside tourist areas
- "Privet" - Hi
- "Spasibo" - Thank you
- "Pozhaluysta" - Please / You’re welcome
- "Gde tualet?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Moscow
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic backdrop of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin—best at sunrise or blue hour.
Panoramic vantage point overlooking the city skyline; ideal at golden hour.
Skyscraper district with reflective glass façades; night shots capture sparkling lights.
Food in Moscow
Moscow Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Siberian dumplings often served with sour cream; try them at Stolovaya No. 57 for an authentic budget-friendly meal.
Must-Try!
Beetroot soup usually served hot with sour cream; best enjoyed at Dr. Zhivago Restaurant near Red Square.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Historic market selling fresh produce, cheeses, and blinis; sample smoked fish and homemade syrniki.
Open-air market near the Kremlin replica, great for street-food shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and local snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A firm handshake with eye contact is standard; use titles and surnames until invited to use first names.
Expect to remove shoes when entering a home; hosts often provide slippers.
Stand in line patiently at bus stops, stores, and ticket counters—cutting is frowned upon.
Safety
Tipping in Moscow
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping 10%–15% in restaurants is appreciated but not mandatory; round up fares for taxis.
Credit cards are widely accepted; carry some cash (rubles) for market stalls and metro station kiosks.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm and sunny with occasional rain showers; parks and terraces come alive.
Cooler temperatures and colorful foliage—ideal for city walks and photography.
Long, cold, snowy winters; dress in layers and enjoy ice-skating and festive markets.
Variable weather with melting snow and blooming parks; bring a waterproof jacket.
Moscow at Night
Hiking in Moscow
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Vast forest reserve on city outskirts; trails lead through pine woods and marshlands.
Riverside park with sandy banks and forest trails; popular for swimming and picnics in summer.
Art and geological park two hours from Moscow offering open-air installations and hiking paths.
Airports
How to reach Moscow by plane.
Main hub for international flights; reachable by Aeroexpress train (35 minutes to city center).
Serves many domestic and budget airlines; Aeroexpress and highway buses connect to downtown.
Smaller airport with some international routes; VKO Express train or taxi service to metro.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority population with deep cultural ties to Orthodox traditions.
Communities from Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Eastern Europe contribute to cultural diversity.
Growing community of professionals in finance, IT, and diplomacy clustered around business districts.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
KHL games at VTB Arena attract passionate fans; attend a match for an electric atmosphere.
Home to Spartak, CSKA, and Lokomotiv clubs; Luzhniki Stadium hosts major national and international fixtures.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Moscow.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Strictly vegetarian options are available in most cafés; look for “vegetarianskiy” on menus and try mushroom julienne.
Several Central Asian and Middle Eastern restaurants offer halal meats; head to Povarenok or Didi for certified dishes.