Historical Sites
Moscow, Russia, has a rich and diverse history that can be experienced through its many historical sites. From the iconic Red Square to St. Basil’s Cathedral, plenty of places exist to explore and glimpse the past.
In this section, we will go over some of the more famous historical sites and what they have to offer:
Red Square
Red Square is Moscow’s most iconic landmark, synonymous with the city, drawn into countless works of art, books, and films. Located on the western wall of the Kremlin, it served as Moscow’s main square since at least 1156 and encompassed multiple essential landmarks.
This area was first known as ‘Torg,’ or market square, in medieval times. Over the centuries, its boundaries shifted, reflecting historical events in or around Red Square. From here, you can also see the following:
- Saint Basil’s Cathedral from 1555-61 and its unmistakable colorful bulwarks.
- Lenin’s mausoleum.
- Kazan Cathedral.
- Bogoyavlensky Cathedral from 1624-25.
- The 18th century State Historical Museum.
- Lobnoye Mesto—the world’s only circular platform for public gatherings during tzarist times.
Annually attractions thousands of tourists to observe its spectacular events, such as the Easter procession and military parades held every May 9th to celebrate Victory Day. Going back in history, one can only imagine what life was like in Ivanovskoye Vremia (Ivan Time).
Kremlin
The Kremlin is a walled-enclosed fortress or palace found in the center of Moscow, Russia. This centuries-old site stands as a historical monument to the history and culture of Russia. It has become one of Moscow’s most popular tourist destinations, drawing millions of visitors annually.
The Kremlin stretches across two hundred and fifty-five hectares. It contains twenty towers, five palaces, and four cathedrals, including the iconic Church of Our Lady within Twelve Apostles, four state museums, and many other amazing sights. The architecture of The Kremlin is diverse and includes Russian Baroque and Soviet Solidity styles in its design. It also contains several beautiful parks within its grounds that are perfect for relaxing while exploring all that Moscow offers.
The Kremlin was initially founded in 1147 by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky as part of a campaign to control the Tver and Novgorod territories. Over time it underwent upgrades, expansions, and renovations until today, when it stands as one of the most impressive panoramas in Russia and Europe! The iconic red walls had stood testament to Russian history since 1537 when Tsar Ivan III laid out plans for them. During World War Two, it suffered heavy bombing but was proudly restored after victory was declared over Hitler’s armies in 1945.
Today it serves as both an architectural wonder with its intricate detail and immense size, along with hosting activities such as changing the guards outside The Senate or attending solemn mass on special occasions like Patriarchal celebrations at Red Square within its walls! With so much to see inside this gorgeous national treasure, it is worth a visit when you come to Moscow – once you experience breathtaking views from high atop Spasskaya Tower, you won’t forget them!
Basil’s Cathedral
St. Basil’s Cathedral is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Moscow, Russia. It is built in the Russian Orthodox style and is often referred to as the colors of Russia due to its colorful, multi-domed roof. Designed by architects Postnik Yakovlev and Barma Glovin, St. Basil’s was initially meant to commemorate Ivan the Terrible’s seizure of Kazan and Astrakhan.
The structure consists of nine individual chapels and cathedrals occupying a single building with two main lines creating an inward-facing cross symbolizing Jesus’ death on the cross and outward-seeming arms reaching from it representing eternal life and resurrection. Inside each chapel, visitors can discover a kaleidoscope of religious colors depicting biblical imagery on vibrant frescos seen all around the grand interiors for an unforgettable experience.
St. Basil Cathedral provides visitors with a beautiful glimpse into Russian history and architecture; from its historied past to its more modern symbolism, it has become one of the most iconic monuments in Moscow – making it a must-visit location when exploring all that this fantastic city has to offer!
Shopping
Shopping in Moscow is an unforgettable experience. With its famous designer stores, open-air markets, and never-ending department stores, there is something for everyone.
In this article, we’ll look at the best places to go shopping in Moscow, from iconic high fashion stores to traditional Russian shopping experiences:
GUM
GUM or Glavny Universalny Magazin, known as the “State Department Store,” is located on Red Square in Moscow. It is an exciting example of Russia’s history – built in the late 19th century in an exquisite architectural style to show Russia’s progress after serfdom and Stalinism.
This three-story building is home to over 200 shops selling luxury goods, from fashion and jewelry to electronics and popular Russian souvenirs. The interior contains galleries and cafés that offer a unique sightseeing opportunity for visitors to take in the beauty and grandeur of this structure. In addition, daily concerts and theatrical performances are held between Thirteenth Apostles Church (formerly Voskresenski Cathedral) and GUM. Visitors can also enjoy free Wi-Fi access at this location.
Whether you are looking for a shopping experience or want to admire its beauty, GUM offers something special for everyone!
TsUM
TsUM (Central Universal Department Store) is Moscow’s most esteemed and luxurious department store, and it’s a must-see for any visitor to Russia. It is the largest Department store in Europe, located in the center of Moscow. TsUM is an unmissable shopping experience offering more than 20,000 different varieties of designer goods. Situated on one of Moscow’s most famous shopping streets, Petrovka Street, TsUM features an impressive collection of designer items from world-renowned fashion houses such as Louis Vuitton and Prada, top international brands such as Hugo Boss and Ralph Lauren, local Russian designers such as Liza Odinokiy Volk (LOV) and Natalia Valevskaya – to name a few. You can also find jewelry stores like Cerruti with collections ranging from classic to innovative designs. TsUM’s cosmetics collection covers many essential European labels such as Lancôme, Yves Saint Laurent, and Estee Lauder.
An haute couture atelier on the 5th floor provides exclusive made-to-measure clothing for customers by appointment only. Aside from the fantastic product selection at TsUM, plenty of restaurants are onsite where you can take a break from shopping and enjoy great food or drinks!
Central Children’s Store
Central Children’s Store, located at 3 Red Square in the center of Moscow, is an excellent destination for the whole family. It is one of the largest department stores in Russia, specializing in everything children need – including toys, clothes, books, and stationery.
A visit to the Central Children’s Store will be an experience your family will not soon forget – from the colorful displays to all that can be found within its walls. From clothing for every age and size to cuddly plush toys and unique craftsmen’s creations from all over Russia, Central Children’s Store will surely delight your children. There are numerous opportunities for shopping and entertainment here and engaging educational activities – you will find a regional library with free audio-visual programs and 3D shows every day!
The store also offers countless special events throughout the year, such as readings by famous authors or meetings with characters from fairy tales prepared explicitly for young visitors – this spectacular place ensures an unforgettable experience! And since it opened its doors more than 150 years ago, hundreds of visitors have been passing through the Central Children’s Store gates daily. Its unique mix of entertainment, culture, and shopping experiences within an incredible historic building is a must-see destination during your stay in Moscow!
Cultural Attractions
Moscow is a city of incredible beauty and culture, with countless attractions and activities available to explore. From iconic landmarks to bustling markets and stunning cathedrals, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Let’s take a look at the cultural attractions that make Moscow a must-visit destination:
Bolshoi Theatre
The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the most iconic landmarks in Moscow, Russia. Located in the heart of Moscow’s historic theatre district, it is a significant tourist attraction and one of the world’s premier opera houses. Founded in 1776, it initially staged Russian ballets and operas exclusively before becoming an international theatre arts and entertainment center.
A symbol of grandeur and wealth, its interior features opulent designs with gold leafing, chandeliers, columns, cherubs, and velvet curtains. As one of the country’s major cultural attractions, it offers a variety of performances throughout the year, including classical ballet (Swan Lake / The Nutcracker), retellings from Shakespeare dramas (Hamlet) to modern adaptations (Jesus Christ Superstar), as well as concerts from world-renowned maestros like Muti and Thielemann.
The building also serves as a museum displaying centuries-old costumes from great early Russian masters like Andrei Serov. Therefore, performing here is a great honor for any performing artist or musician!
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts is one of the largest art museums in Russia and houses more than 650,000 works. Named after Russia’s beloved poet, Alexander Pushkin, the museum is a must-see attraction to Moscow.
The museum is home to world-renowned collections of European art from many eras, including Renaissance and Baroque art by artists such as Botticelli, Titian, Rembrandt, and Rubens. In addition to its collections of classic European masterpieces, the museum also holds pieces by famous Russian Impressionists like Repin and Sergeev-Tsvetayev. Art fans will find plenty to see in the modern art section featuring works by Malevich and Kandinsky.
One highlight of a trip to this incredible museum is the lower ground floor gallery dedicated to ancient Egypt, showcasing everything from jewelry and sarcophagi to intricate statues from Egyptian tombs.
Moscow Zoo
Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe and has been in operation since 1864. This world-class zoo is on 25 hectares and provides a fantastic experience for all ages. Moscow Zoo is home to over 6,000 animals from 1,000 species – some rare and endangered. It also boasts an impressive collection of birds, reptiles, and fish.
Among the notable attractions are Asian brown bears, snow leopards, white tigers, and hippopotamuses. This unique collection makes Moscow Zoo a must-visit destination in the Russian capital.
The zoo’s interactive exhibits provide visitors with an excellent opportunity to learn about the animals on display in their natural environment. In addition, special events are hosted year-round at the zoo, including annual exhibitions, lectures, and interactive programs for children, making for an enjoyable educational experience for the whole family. There is also a petting zoo where children can safely feed and pet some animals under supervision.
In addition to its animal exhibits, Moscow Zoo has a restaurant that serves delicious dishes made from local ingredients and souvenir shops where you can pick up keepsakes for your visit.
Parks and Gardens
Moscow, Russia, has several beautiful parks and gardens perfect for sightseeing and spending quality time with family or friends. From Gorky Park to Kolomenskoye Park, there is something for everyone in this vibrant city.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the best parks and gardens in Moscow, Russia:
Gorky Park
Gorky Park, located in the historical part of Moscow near the Moskva River barriers, is one of the most popular parks in the city. The park was opened in 1928 as a public park and recreation area and today welcomes more than 14 million visitors per year.
Gorky Park offers lots of recreational activities for people of all ages. It houses several children’s attractions, such as a carousel, trampoline, shooting stands, and boating on the river. In addition, there are:
- Numerous restaurants and cafes (some open late at night).
- Skate parks.
- Mini-golf courses.
- Skiing tracks.
- Even an amusement center with roller coaster rides.
The park’s botanical garden is also popular among tourists for being home to many species of flowers and plants. Other attractions include live events such as theatre performances, concerts, art exhibitions, and cinema projections in the park during the summer months. Those looking for some respite from their urban lives can find peace at Gorky Park’s pavilions by sitting or walking along its many paths, which can turn into romantic places with their beautiful fountains during evenings or even nighttime.
Visitors should also not miss Gorky City Museum near its entrance to learn more about its history and discover cultural heritage displayed through sculptures that ornament this beautiful site – with some made by world-renowned sculptors like Ernst Neizvestnyi or Viktor Ivanovin, etc.
Kolomenskoye Estate
Kolomenskoye Estate is one of Moscow’s most beloved parks and gardens. Located on the south bank of the Moskva River, it has been a popular destination since the 16th century. With its rolling landscape and landmark churches, Kolomenskoye offers visitors an unforgettable immersion into Russian history.
Popular attractions include the majestic Ascension Church, built in 1532 to commemorate the birth of Russian Tsar Ivan IV (the Terrible). The sprawling parkland also features a series of landscaped ponds, gardens, pavilions made from wood and stone, and recreational activities such as fishing, rowing boats, and even visiting a petting zoo. With over 600 trees representing 30 species of tree found within its grounds, there’s no shortage of peaceful explorations at Kolomenskoye Estate.
Upcoming events at Kolomenskoye include the exhibition “The Ancient Country Houses From Fountains to Fires,” which explores architecture from the 17th-19th centuries, and April open-air concerts featuring Jazz artists across Russia and neighboring countries.
Visitors can take advantage of summer festivals celebrating Russian culture or stroll through the picturesque grounds with panoramic views over Moscow City in all directions – bringing alive Russia’s past while building bridges with its modern-day incarnation.
Tsaritsyno Park
Tsaritsyno Park is one of Moscow’s most picturesque and popular parks and gardens. It covers over 860 hectares and features various visitor attractions near the city’s center.
The park was established in 1775 and was designed by renowned architect Matvei Kazakov. The park layout was brilliantly designed to capture visitors’ attention, with a 40-meter cascade in the center, surrounded by follies, small palaces, pavilions, and bridges.
One of Tsaritsyno Park’s main attractions is a series of beautifully landscaped grounds known as “pleasure gardens,” which offer visitors a variety of activities to enjoy. These include boat rides on its ponds, horseback riding along its paths, birdwatching in its forested area, and trails through meadows full of wildflowers that stretch toward nearby hillsides. The park also features numerous statues and monuments that pay homage to some of Russia’s most renowned historical figures, such as Ivan III (Grand Prince Grand Duke of All Russia), Dostoyevsky (author), Gogol (writer), Lermontov (poet).
Tsaritsyno Park is also home to many art galleries scattered throughout the grounds specializing in Russian art from different eras. Additionally, there are plenty of cafés around the park where visitors can take a break from sightseeing or grab food or drinks before exploring somewhere else in Moscow.
Food and Drink
Moscow offers a wide variety of cuisines and drinks. From traditional Russian fare to modern interpretations of international dishes, there is something to please almost any palate. With its long history and rich cultural influences, Moscow is the perfect destination to explore traditional Russian dishes, such as borscht, pelmeni, and bliny. But there are also some attractive international options for visitors.
Let’s explore the food and drink of Moscow:
Cafe Pushkin
Café Pushkin is an iconic restaurant in Moscow, Russia, that greatly exemplifies the culture found throughout the city. Located near Tverskoy Boulevard, it appeals to a wide variety of guests. The cafe’s design has been very well thought out, as it contains décor ranging from 1820s tin and silverware to vintage photos of old Russian society. For instance, the restaurant’s lighting resembles what you would find if you were exploring a castle or palace.
The atmosphere of Café Pushkin is known as cozy and warm due to its proximity to living quarters and their surrounding streets, enriched with beautiful trees found beside its entrance. In addition to this wonderful ambiance, quality Russian cuisine is served up, accompanied by a large selection of alcoholic beverages – containing some of the best beer in the entire city.
For those looking for a great dining experience in Moscow that combines history and culture with fantastic food, Café Pushkin is the perfect spot for all occasions!
Stolovaya 57
Stolovaya 57 is a famous Soviet-era cafeteria in Moscow, Russia. Located in Moscow’s famous Red Square, it is conveniently located close to the city’s iconic landmarks and tourist attractions. This cafeteria has become a must-visit destination for tourists wanting to taste traditional Russian cuisine.
At Stolovaya 57, customers can enjoy freshly cooked food at meager prices. The menu includes hearty traditional dishes such as borscht (beet soup), beef stroganoff, and chicken Kyiv. Salads, pirozhki (Russian pies), baked vegetables, and soups are also available. Drinks include soft drinks to Russian hottie tea or kompot (fruit drink). Not only does Stolovaya 57 offer affordable meals, an authentic atmosphere, and an insight into Russian culture.
If you’re looking for an authentic Russian dining experience in Moscow without breaking the bank, Stolovaya 57 should be on your list!
Mu-Mu
Mu-Mu is a famous Russian fast food chain in Moscow, offering many familiar meals. However, they are best known for their signature bliny, traditional Russian pancakes with fillings such as potatoes, meats, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Additional menu items include types of pelmeni (dumplings), salads, and soups.
Mu-Mu is a great place to grab a quick bite to eat and try local delicacies. All of their food is made from local produce that adheres to the highest standards of quality and preparation techniques. One unique aspect of Mu-Mu is that the decorations on their walls are made from popcorn! This colorful display adds to the fun atmosphere of this casual eatery.
Whether you’re looking for a light meal or something hearty before heading out for an evening in Moscow, Mu-Mu is sure to please!