Best things to do in Moscow
Find out more about those top places in Moscow
Moscow, Russia: Where Medieval Might Meets Modern Mania (Think Red Square Stares, Metro Marvels, and Maybe a Borscht-Fueled Adventure!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This Gigantic Russian Gem!
Privet (that's still "hello" in Russian, and you'll need it!) and welcome to Moscow, Russia's colossal and undeniably gritty capital where the echoes of medieval times clang against the relentless roar of modern life. While the city today is basically capitalism doing cartwheels on a trampoline, the imposing legacy of the Soviet Union is still very much on display, like a stern but slightly eccentric uncle at a very modern party.
Undoubtedly, Moscow's main draws are clustered around the iconic Red Square. Picture this: the imposing red-walled medieval Kremlin, looking like it's ready to fend off a horde of (very stylish) invaders; the utterly dazzling onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, a psychedelic swirl of colors that looks like a gingerbread house on a serious sugar rush; and, of course, Lenin’s mausoleum, where you can pay your respects (or just gawk) at the preserved leader. All this historical heavy-hitting is conveniently located within spitting distance (though maybe don't actually spit). This is sightseeing on an epic scale!
But wait, there's more! Just when you thought Moscow couldn't get any more impressive (or slightly surreal), you descend into its metro system, which is arguably the world’s most spectacular. Forget dingy tunnels and graffiti; we're talking about underground palaces adorned with breathtaking frescoes and mosaics proudly detailing the (somewhat romanticized) triumph of the proletariat. Riding the Moscow metro is like taking a mobile art tour – definitely one of the top things to do!
Now, despite these world-class attractions that could rival any European capital, Moscow is in many ways a hidden gem. Why? Well, Russia's visa process can be a tad… enthusiastic, making venturing beyond the well-trodden paths of St. Petersburg a bit more of an adventure in paperwork. However, trust us on this one: Russia’s captivating capital, with its unique blend of historical grandeur and modern madness, is undoubtedly worth the extra trouble. Think of it as a little bureaucratic hurdle you have to jump to unlock a treasure chest of experiences!
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this gigantic Russian gem. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from standing in awe of Red Square and descending into the metro's artistic depths to exploring grand museums, indulging in hearty Russian cuisine (borscht is your friend!), and experiencing the city's unique energy, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Moscow a truly special and hilariously unforgettable destination. Just be prepared for a city that's as vast as its history and as vibrant as its future – and maybe pack your warmest hat! Do vstrechi (see you soon) in Moscow!
Top Attractions: Red Square Icons and Underground Art!
Moscow offers a colossal blend of historical landmarks and surprising modern marvels:
Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad): Heart of the Nation
Stand in the iconic Red Square, surrounded by the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and Lenin's Mausoleum. A must-see attraction for quintessential Moscow sightseeing.
St. Basil's Cathedral (Sobor Vasiliya Blazhennogo): Colorful Wonder
Marvel at the dazzling onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, a unique and unforgettable architectural masterpiece. A key place to visit for its visual splendor.
The Kremlin: Medieval Fortress
Explore the imposing red-walled Kremlin, the historic seat of Russian power, housing cathedrals, palaces, and museums. A key place to visit for historical sightseeing.
Moscow Metro: Underground Palaces
Ride the Moscow Metro and admire its spectacular stations adorned with frescoes and mosaics. A must-do thing to do for a unique art and transportation experience.
GUM Department Store: Luxurious History
Wander through the opulent GUM Department Store on Red Square, a historic shopping arcade with stunning architecture. A noteworthy place to visit for a glimpse into Moscow's grandeur.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this gigantic Russian gem!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Moscow vibe:
- Visit the Bolshoi Theatre: Experience world-class ballet or opera.
- Explore the Tretyakov Gallery: Admire a vast collection of Russian art.
- Stroll Through Gorky Park: Enjoy this popular urban green space.
- Indulge in Russian Cuisine: Sample traditional dishes like borscht, pelmeni, and blini.
- Take a River Cruise on the Moskva River: Enjoy scenic views of the city from the water.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a colossal blend of medieval history, stunning (and sometimes surreal) architecture, a breathtaking metro system, and a unique urban energy, Moscow, Russia, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared for a city on a grand scale – and maybe learn a few basic Russian phrases to navigate like a local! Do vstrechi!
-
The Moscow Kremlin
For around 1000 years a procession of autocratic tsars, communist dictators, modern day presidents and Orthodox patriarchs have held sway over Russia from the Kremlin. As the political and spiritual heart of the country, it is no surprise that this fortified hilltop is packed with world-class attractions. For the best experience, guides take visitors on fascinating tours encompassing the iconic red walls, the Senate Palace, residence of the Russian president, and the complex’s plethora of cathedrals and historic monuments.
-
Red Square
Bounded by the colorful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the monumental walls of the Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum and the twin spires of the Historical Museum, Red Square is the focal point of any trip to Moscow. The square has been the epicenter of Russian history for centuries and any visit will conjure evocative images of Tsarists coronations and Soviet May Day parades.
-
St. Basil's Cathedral
Standing beneath Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is a blindingly gaudy profusion of onion domes, spires and crucifixes. Built by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate the 16th century capture of the Tatar stronghold of Kazan, the cathedral actually contains nine individual chapels. Today, the cathedral also houses a museum and has become the de facto symbol of the Russian nation.
-
Bolshoi Theater
The Bolshoi Theater has been Russia’s premier venue for ballet and opera since it opened over 240 years ago. With a dazzling auditorium comprised of six tiers and capped by a monumental glistening chandelier, it is also one of the world’s most jaw dropping impressive theaters. Fortunately the performances match the exquisite interiors with a host of Russian and foreign works put on throughout the year.
-
Lenin's Mausoleum
Sitting beneath the Kremlin walls is the monumental mausoleum of the instigator of the Bolshevik Revolution and the first leader of the Soviet Union, Vladimir Lenin. After trooping past his embalmed body alongside the daily stream of ordinary Russians paying their respects, make sure to explore the neighboring Kremlin Wall graveyard where other notable communists are buried, including Joseph Stalin and Leonid Brezhnev.
-
Moscow Metro
Few cities can boast a metro system as impressive as Moscow’s. With glistening chandeliers, mosaics and reliefs detailing the triumph of the proletariat and marble clad stations, the metro is an attraction on its own and is well worth a guided tour.
-
The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the largest art museum in Moscow with a collection that ranges from Ancient Egypt to the Italian Renaissance and the masters of modern art, including Picasso. With over 700000 items the museum can seem overwhelming but private guided tours are on offer to help visitors navigate the sprawling collection.
-
Bunker 42
Located deep beneath the streets of Moscow lies Bunker 42 – a former Cold War communications center that has been transformed into a fascinating museum where visitors can relive the nuclear paranoia of the age. To explore the vast bunker beyond the modest museum, visitors are recommended to book a guided tour of the subterranean facilities.