Moscow's 10 Unmissable Destinations
- To Those Who Travel
- Mar 29, 2024
- 7 min read
I am sure you’ve seen some of the iconic and fascinating sights of Moscow. I want to ensure you know more about some of the must-visit places so that’s why I’ve made a top 10 must-visit places in Moscow. Despite what many may think, Moscow has a lot to offer- discover it with me!
1) Probably the most recognizable and iconic in Moscow - The Red Square. There are very few people in the world who haven’t seen an image of this remarkable place. Nevertheless, there are other fascinating sights, not to mention several great festivals in and around the square itself year-round.
Lenin’s Mausoleum, the most mysterious place in the country, and the leader of Russia’s 1917 Revolution, Vladimir Lenin’s mausoleum. Click here for the virtual tour.
The State Historical Museum is a Russian architectural masterpiece, built during the 19th century under the order of Tsar Alexander II. For more information, click here.
St. Basil's Cathedral was built by Ivan the Terrible in the XVIth century in memory of the annexation of Kazan and the victory under the Khanate of Kazan. A small hint for readers: it's worth not only exploring from the outside but also having a look inside – the murals inside the cupolas are stunning.
The GUM store, comprising scores of high-end shops, is one of the most luxurious malls in the whole country, but we usually only buy delicious ice cream there. Interestingly, GUM used to be a big trade market back in time.
2) The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
The tallest Orthodox Christian Church in the world is situated not far from the Red Square. When you leave the Kropotkinskaya metro station, you'll be able to admire its greatness and beauty. But you won't see the original cathedral that was built 40 years ago during the second half of the 19th century and was dedicated to the Russian victory over Napoleon. The church was demolished by the Soviet power in 1931 and was supposed to be replaced by the Palace of the Soviets. However, due to the mysterious circumstances the only thing that was built there was an open-air swimming pool. After the collapse of the Soviet Union it was decided to rebuild the church and the cathedral was reopened in 2000.
After standing near this building, thinking about its complicated history and being fascinated by its immense beauty both inside and out.
Inside the cathedral, you will experience its spiritual atmosphere and will see the magnificent interior. After if you feel like reaching the sky, you can go up to the viewpoint there (but only with the excursion group). If you're lucky enough, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Moscow from above.
This is my favorite church in the world. I’ve always been fascinated with churches when I travel but there’s something about this that I can’t quite put my finger on that I love. It’s also situated in a great area of the city with nightclubs and restaurants with patios all along the river.
But even if you don't go to the viewpoint, you can admire the view just by walking down the Patriarshy Bridge. We assure you that you can take Instagram-worthy photos there, especially during the sunset.
From the bridge, you'll see the former factory building of the "Red October" confectionery. In Soviet times it used to be the place where the most famous Russian sweets were made. Today you can find not only many offices, bars, and clubs, but also one of the official shops of the famous treat for every sweet-tooth named "Алёнка" (Alyonka) and buy some traditional sweets.
The chocolate is amazing, it is a great place to pick up something unique to bring home with you. This is also the same area where I saw Ludacris perform at a nightclub during the World Cup.
Remember the chance to visit the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, which is located just opposite the cathedral. This museum turned me onto art, I felt a spark about art that I hadn’t before. I always thought of art museums as something to do when you visit a new city. This one is comprised of original pieces of art that I had only ever studied in school. Most of the art in my home now are replicas of original pieces from the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Art. You can find information about upcoming exhibitions and events here.
3) A visit to Gorky Park (named after Maxim Gorky, a Russian and Soviet writer) is a must for everyone, and it doesn’t matter, if it’s winter or summertime. In winter you can enjoy ice skating or ice hockey with your friends (all prices and timing may be found here), and in summer Gorky Park is the best place for spending the whole day. Have a good time cycling by the Moskva River or feeding local ducks. Of course, don’t forget to visit Neskuchny Garden, Andreevsky Monastery, and Trinity Church to feel the Russian authenticity! Also, I highly recommend a visit to the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and Muzeon.
4) The Kremlin in Izmailovo
A cultural complex, which was built in 2001 in the place of the former country residence of the House of Romanov. Today you'll find different museums such as the Museum of Russian Vodka History, and Chocolate Museum. The Kremlin houses the market of new crafts Vernissage, a viewpoint on the Bell Tower, and much more on its territory. It's one of the most fascinating tourist places, where you can feel the spirit of Tsarist Russia and try to do something in traditional Russian style. More information here.
5) Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill
This park is dedicated to victory in the Great Patriotic War. But there are also monuments devoted to the Russian victory over Napoleon (during the Patriotic War of 1812), to the heroes of World War I and the Afghan war. Among the most famous monuments:
Victory Monument is a 141.8 meters tall obelisk (this height reminds me of 1418 days and nights of the Great Patriotic War)
The Monument to the Anti-Hitler Coalition countries
Monument to the Defenders of Russia
Memorial mosque Shuhada in memory of Muslim soldiers killed during World War II
Holocaust Memorial Synagogue
Apart from finding out something more about Russian history, in this park, you can enjoy outdoor activities in summer (there's a rental service of bicycles, rollers, and so on) and admire ice sculptures in winter. More information here.
My favorite museum in Moscow is here! I think it’s worth visiting the Victory Museum at the end of the park. It is primarily about Russia’s participation in World War II. I, like many Americans, know their fair share of history surrounding World War II but never from anyone else’s perspective. The way Russia describes and details World War II is eye-opening to how the country views itself in the world.
6) Zaryadye Park
The newest park in Moscow. opened to visitors on September 9, 2017, it has quickly become a must-visit destination not only for tourists but for locals as well. The massive project cost 13 billion rubles ($223.9 million) according to officials, and if you believe the unofficial estimates - twice as much. There is a lot to do and watch there. What’s more, there are a few things you will be surprised about, such as a non-melting glacier, a bridge without a single support, a Philharmonic Hall "embedded" in a hill, a year-round amphitheater, and so on. Make sure to visit this place, which is right next to the well-known Red Square.
7) Most of you probably know about the world-famous VDNKh (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva means Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy). The Exhibition was opened on August 1, 1939, and every year it is visited by about 25 million people which is the number of people living in Moscow agglomeration. Quite impressive, huh? Ostankino Park, business exhibitions, and the Country's Main Skating Rink in winter are our to-go destinations. For more information, click here.
This is where the aquarium is- it’s depressing, do NOT recommend it.
8) Arbat Street
Right in the historical center of Moscow from Arbatskaya to Smolenskaya metro stations you can walk down Old Arbat Street. This pedestrian street is full of souvenir shops, cafes, street musicians, and artists. It's also one of the most prestigious districts in Moscow, many famous Russians, including Pushkin, lived there. If you go a little bit further Smolenskaya station and turn to the left, you'll see the main building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which is one of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers.
9) The Bolshoi Theater
It is one of the most significant theaters in the world, which is famous for its impressive ballet and opera performances. It is considered one of the main sights of Moscow since its opening in the middle of the 19th century. You can simply watch a performance by getting very cheap student tickets for 100 RUB (it’s a whole process that I can tell you about if you’re interested). But apart from that you can attend a tour and find out more about the history of the theatre. More information here.
The theater is jaw-droppingly stunning. I know I am saying everything is a must but I would take every person I know to a show here if I could. It’s so fun to get dressed up and go to the theater.
10) Moscow International Business Centre (MIBC)
Also known as “Moscow City” represents “new” and “modern” Russia. Construction of the MIBC takes place on the Presnenskaya embankment of the Moskva River, where you can take wonderful pictures for your Facebook page. Moreover, Moscow city is the capital’s financial district, where deals worth billions of rubles are being made. But surprisingly there’s also a lot to offer tourists.
For instance, enjoy splendid cuisine in Sixty restaurants or swim over the city in the highest fitness club in Europe - The Nebo sports complex. Finally, enjoy the cinema on the 29th floor of the Federation Tower.
I lived just a couple of blocks, walking distance from this area when I studied abroad in Moscow. I liked to jog through this area. It feels like unlike anything else in the entire city.
Now you’re aware of Moscow’s top 10 places. Make sure to visit them all, discover something new, and finally влюбиться в прекрасную Москву (fall in love with beautiful Moscow)!
Comments