Moscow

The Ultimate Guide to Travelling in Moscow

Moscow, the vibrant capital of Russia, is a city like no other. From its stunning architecture to its rich cultural heritage, Moscow has something to offer for every kind of traveller. In this guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, activities to enjoy, where to eat and stay, things to know, transportation options, tips, and more.

Places to Visit

The Kremlin

  • Address: Kremlinskie Naberezhnaya, Moscow
  • Metro: Borovitskaya, Lenin’s Library, or Okhotny Ryad
  • Hours: 9:30 am - 6 pm (April to October), 10 am - 5 pm (November to March)
  • Cost: RUB 500 (approximately USD 7.50) for a standard ticket

The Kremlin is Moscow’s most iconic landmark and a must-visit attraction. This fortified complex has been the residence of Russian tsars and presidents for centuries, housing numerous palaces, cathedrals, and museums.

Red Square

  • Address: Krasnaya ploshchad’, Moscow
  • Metro: Okhotny Ryad or Ploshchad Revolyutsii
  • Hours: 24/7 (but some attractions may have limited hours)
  • Cost: Free admission to the square, but individual attractions may charge a fee

Red Square is another iconic landmark in Moscow, surrounded by architectural marvels like St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.

  • Address: 10 Krymsky Val, Moscow
  • Metro: Tretyakovskaya or Park Kultury
  • Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (Tuesday to Sunday), closed on Monday
  • Cost: RUB 500 (approximately USD 7.50) for a standard ticket

The Tretyakov Gallery is one of the world’s greatest art museums, featuring an extensive collection of Russian art from the 10th century to the present day.

Gorky Park

  • Address: Krymsky Val, Moscow
  • Metro: Oktyabrskaya or Shabolovskaya
  • Hours: 24/7 (but some attractions may have limited hours)
  • Cost: Free admission to the park, but individual attractions may charge a fee

Gorky Park is Moscow’s central recreational area, offering boating, cycling, and ice skating in winter. It’s also home to numerous cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options.

Moscow Metro

  • Address: Various stations across Moscow
  • Hours: 5:30 am - 1 am (Monday to Thursday), 5:30 am - 2 am (Friday to Sunday)
  • Cost: RUB 28 (approximately USD 0.40) for a single ride, or RUB 220 (approximately USD 3.20) for a day pass

Moscow’s metro system is famous for its ornate stations, which are often referred to as “underground palaces.” Take a guided tour or explore on your own to admire the stunning architecture and artwork.

Izmailovo Kremlin

  • Address: 7 Izmailovskoye shosse, Moscow
  • Metro: Partizanskaya or Izmailovsky Park
  • Hours: 10 am - 6 pm (April to October), 10 am - 5 pm (November to March)
  • Cost: RUB 300 (approximately USD 4.50) for a standard ticket

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a cultural and entertainment complex, featuring a palace, museums, gardens, and a flea market.

Novodevichy Convent

  • Address: 1 Novodevichy proyezd, Moscow
  • Metro: Sportivnaya or Novodevichy
  • Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (April to October), 10 am - 4 pm (November to March)
  • Cost: RUB 300 (approximately USD 4.50) for a standard ticket

The Novodevichy Convent is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring stunning architecture, ornate churches, and a fascinating history.

Activities

Take a Guided Tour

  • Cost: Varies depending on the tour operator and type of tour
  • Duration: Typically 2-4 hours

Moscow has plenty of guided tours available, covering topics like history, architecture, food, or nightlife. Book in advance to ensure availability.

Visit a Banya (Russian Sauna)

  • Address: Various locations across Moscow
  • Cost: RUB 500 - 1,000 (approximately USD 7.50 - 15) per session
  • Duration: Typically 2-3 hours

Experience the traditional Russian sauna culture at one of Moscow’s many banyas. Be prepared for a hot and steamy experience!

Take a Cooking Class

  • Address: Various locations across Moscow
  • Cost: RUB 1,500 - 3,000 (approximately USD 22 - 45) per class
  • Duration: Typically 2-3 hours

Learn the secrets of Russian cuisine with a cooking class, where you’ll prepare and enjoy traditional dishes like borscht, blini, or pierogi.

Go Ice Skating (Winter)

  • Address: Various locations across Moscow, including Gorky Park and the All-Russia Exhibition Centre
  • Cost: RUB 100 - 300 (approximately USD 1.50 - 4.50) per session
  • Duration: Typically 2-3 hours

Moscow offers plenty of outdoor ice skating rinks during winter. Rent skates and enjoy the crisp Russian air.

Take a Day Trip to Sergiev Posad

  • Address: Sergiev Posad, Moscow Oblast (approximately 70 km northeast of Moscow)
  • Cost: RUB 1,000 - 2,000 (approximately USD 15 - 30) per person for a guided tour
  • Duration: Typically 8-10 hours

Visit the picturesque town of Sergiev Posad, famous for its stunning Trinity Lavra monastery and beautiful countryside scenery.

Where to Eat

Cafe Pushkin

  • Address: 26A Tverskoy Blvd, Moscow
  • Metro: Pushkinskaya or Mayakovskaya
  • Hours: 10 am - midnight (Monday to Thursday), 10 am - 1 am (Friday to Sunday)
  • Cost: RUB 500 - 1,000 (approximately USD 7.50 - 15) per meal

This charming cafe is a Moscow institution, serving traditional Russian dishes like borscht, blini, and pelmeni in an elegant setting.

Stolle

  • Address: Various locations across Moscow
  • Metro: Varies depending on the location
  • Hours: Typically 9 am - 11 pm
  • Cost: RUB 200 - 500 (approximately USD 3 - 7.50) per meal

Stolle is a popular Russian bakery chain, offering delicious pies, pastries, and sandwiches at affordable prices.

Dacha na Volge

  • Address: 13/1 Petrovka St, Moscow
  • Metro: Teatralnaya or Okhotny Ryad
  • Hours: 12 pm - midnight (Monday to Thursday), 12 pm - 2 am (Friday to Sunday)
  • Cost: RUB 500 - 1,000 (approximately USD 7.50 - 15) per meal

This cozy restaurant serves traditional Russian cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients and homemade recipes.

Mari Vanna

  • Address: 10 Spiridonovka St, Moscow
  • Metro: Pushkinskaya or Mayakovskaya
  • Hours: 12 pm - midnight (Monday to Thursday), 12 pm - 2 am (Friday to Sunday)
  • Cost: RUB 500 - 1,000 (approximately USD 7.50 - 15) per meal

This stylish restaurant offers modern Russian cuisine with a focus on seafood and molecular gastronomy.

Where to Stay

Luxury Hotels

  • Hotel Metropol Moscow: A historic hotel located in the heart of Moscow, offering luxurious rooms and excellent service.
    • Address: 2 Teatralny Proyezd, Moscow
    • Metro: Teatralnaya or Okhotny Ryad
    • Cost: RUB 15,000 - 30,000 (approximately USD 220 - 450) per night
  • Four Seasons Hotel Moscow: A luxurious hotel located in the historic city center, offering spacious rooms and world-class amenities.
    • Address: 2 Okhotny Ryad St, Moscow
    • Metro: Okhotny Ryad or Teatralnaya
    • Cost: RUB 20,000 - 40,000 (approximately USD 290 - 580) per night

Mid-Range Hotels

  • Hotel Perekrestok: A comfortable hotel located in a quiet area of Moscow, offering cozy rooms and a relaxing atmosphere.
    • Address: 12/2 Perekrestok St, Moscow
    • Metro: Baumanskaya or Kuznetsky Most
    • Cost: RUB 5,000 - 10,000 (approximately USD 75 - 150) per night
  • Ibis Moscow Dynamo: A modern hotel located near the iconic Luzhniki Stadium, offering affordable rooms and a convenient location.
    • Address: 15/1 Leningradsky Ave, Moscow
    • Metro: Vorobyovy Gory or Luzhniki
    • Cost: RUB 3,000 - 6,000 (approximately USD 45 - 90) per night

Budget Accommodation

  • Hostel Dom 7: A cozy hostel located in the historic city center, offering dorms and private rooms at an affordable price.
    • Address: 7 Bolshaya Dmitrovka St, Moscow
    • Metro: Teatralnaya or Okhotny Ryad
    • Cost: RUB 1,000 - 3,000 (approximately USD 15 - 45) per night
  • Moscow Hostel: A modern hostel located near the city center, offering comfortable dorms and private rooms at a budget-friendly price.
    • Address: 14/2 Petrovka St, Moscow
    • Metro: Pushkinskaya or Mayakovskaya
    • Cost: RUB 1,000 - 3,000 (approximately USD 15 - 45) per night

Getting Around

Metro

  • The Moscow Metro is an efficient and affordable way to get around the city.
  • A single ride costs RUB 28 (approximately USD 0.40).
  • You can purchase a Troika card for RUB 220 (approximately USD 3.30) and top it up with rides.

Bus and Trolleybus

  • Moscow’s bus and trolleybus network covers most areas of the city.
  • A single ride costs RUB 28 (approximately USD 0.40).
  • You can purchase a Troika card for RUB 220 (approximately USD 3.30) and top it up with rides.

Taxi

  • Taxis are widely available in Moscow, but be prepared to negotiate the price or use a ride-hailing app like Yandex Go.
  • A typical taxi ride costs around RUB 200 - 500 (approximately USD 3 - 7.50).

Safety Tips

Be Aware of Pickpocketing

  • Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
  • Consider using a money belt or securing your bag with a padlock.

Avoid Scams and Overpricing

  • Be cautious of overly friendly locals who approach you with offers of help or guidance.
  • Always check prices before purchasing anything, and be wary of inflated prices at tourist-oriented businesses.

Respect Local Customs and Laws

  • Russia has strict laws regarding public gatherings and protests. Avoid participating in any unauthorized events.
  • Dress modestly when visiting churches or monasteries, and respect local customs and traditions.

Language and Currency

Language

  • Russian is the official language of Moscow, but many locals speak some English, especially among younger generations.
  • Consider downloading a translation app or carrying a phrasebook to help you communicate with locals.

Currency

  • The Russian ruble (RUB) is the local currency in Moscow.
  • You can exchange currency at banks, currency exchange offices, or use an ATM to withdraw cash.
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in major tourist areas, but it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand.

Weather and Climate

Winter (December to February)

  • Moscow experiences harsh winters with average temperatures ranging from -10°C to -20°C (14°F to -4°F).
  • Be prepared for cold weather by packing warm clothing, including a hat, gloves, and scarf.

Spring (March to May)

  • Moscow’s spring season is mild and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 0°C to 15°C (32°F to 59°F).
  • Expect some rainfall during this period, so pack accordingly.

Summer (June to August)

  • Moscow experiences warm summers with average temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F).
  • Be prepared for occasional heatwaves and humidity by packing light, breathable clothing.

Autumn (September to November)

  • Moscow’s autumn season is cool and pleasant, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F).
  • Expect some rainfall during this period, so pack accordingly.

Additional Tips

Learn Some Russian Phrases

  • Learning a few basic Russian phrases like “Здравствуйте” (Zdravstvuyte) - hello, “Спасибо” (Spasibo) - thank you, and “До свидания” (Do svidaniya) - goodbye will go a long way in showing respect for the local culture.

Be Prepared for Crowds

  • Moscow is a popular tourist destination, so be prepared for crowds at major attractions and public transportation hubs.
  • Consider visiting popular sites early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak hours.

Respect Local Environment

  • Moscow has made significant efforts to reduce waste and increase recycling. Do your part by disposing of trash properly and reducing your use of single-use plastics.
  • Be mindful of local parks and green spaces, and avoid littering or damaging these areas.

I hope this guide helps you plan an unforgettable trip to Moscow!