Moscow 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Moscow

Morning

  • Start at Red Square: Begin your day at the iconic Red Square, surrounded by architectural marvels like St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
  • Visit the Kremlin: Take a guided tour of the Kremlin, the official residence of the President of Russia, and explore its majestic palaces, cathedrals, and gardens.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Cafe Pushkin: Head to Cafe Pushkin, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine, including borscht, blini, and pelmeni.
  • Explore the Tretyakov Gallery: Visit the Tretyakov Gallery, one of Russia’s premier art museums, featuring an impressive collection of Russian art from the 10th to the 20th centuries.

Evening

  • Dinner at Stolle: Enjoy dinner at Stolle, a popular chain of pie shops offering a wide variety of savory and sweet pies.
  • Take a Moscow River Cruise: End your day with a scenic river cruise along the Moskva River, offering stunning views of the city’s landmarks.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Metropol: Stay at the historic Hotel Metropol, located in the heart of Moscow, with comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Tips and Essentials

  • Buy a Moscow Metro Pass: Purchase a metro pass for convenient travel throughout the city.
  • Learn Basic Russian Phrases: Familiarize yourself with basic Russian phrases to enhance your experience.
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Be prepared for large crowds at popular attractions, especially during peak season.

Day 2: Discovering Moscow’s Hidden Gems

Morning

  • Visit the Novodevichy Convent: Explore the beautiful Novodevichy Convent, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Russia’s most important cultural landmarks.
  • Walk through the Moscow Botanical Garden: Stroll through the peaceful Moscow Botanical Garden, home to over 20,000 plant species.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Ferma: Enjoy lunch at Ferma, a trendy cafe serving farm-to-table cuisine and delicious pastries.
  • Explore the Museum of Cosmonautics: Visit the Museum of Cosmonautics, showcasing Russia’s achievements in space exploration and featuring interactive exhibits.

Evening

  • Dinner at Varenichnaya No. 1: Savor dinner at Varenichnaya No. 1, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian dishes with a modern twist.
  • Enjoy a Performance at the Bolshoi Theatre: Catch a performance at the iconic Bolshoi Theatre, one of Russia’s most renowned cultural institutions.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Savoy: Stay at Hotel Savoy, a stylish boutique hotel offering comfortable rooms and excellent service.

Tips and Essentials

  • Dress Modestly: Dress modestly when visiting churches and monasteries.
  • Try Traditional Russian Cuisine: Be adventurous and try traditional Russian dishes like beef stroganoff and blini with caviar.

Day 3: Exploring Moscow’s Modern Side

Morning

  • Visit the Gorky Park: Spend the morning exploring Gorky Park, a popular recreational area featuring modern art installations, gardens, and scenic views.
  • Explore the Flacon Design Factory: Visit the Flacon Design Factory, a hub for creative industries and innovation in Moscow.

Afternoon

  • Lunch at Stolle on Novinsky: Enjoy lunch at Stolle on Novinsky, another popular pie shop with a wide variety of options.
  • Visit the New Tretyakov Gallery: Explore the New Tretyakov Gallery, featuring an impressive collection of modern Russian art.

Evening

  • Dinner at White Rabbit: Savor dinner at White Rabbit, a trendy restaurant serving innovative, farm-to-table cuisine.
  • Take a Moscow Night Tour: End your trip with a guided night tour of Moscow, offering breathtaking views of the city’s illuminated landmarks.

Accommodation

  • Hotel Azimut Smolenskaya: Stay at Hotel Azimut Smolenskaya, a comfortable hotel located near the city center with modern amenities.

Tips and Essentials

  • Be Prepared for Traffic: Be prepared for heavy traffic in Moscow, especially during peak hours.
  • Download a Moscow Map App: Download a map app like Google Maps or Citymapper to navigate the city easily.

Transportation

  • Metro: The most convenient way to travel around Moscow is by metro. Buy a metro pass for unlimited rides.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available, but make sure to use official services like Yandex Taxi or Gett.

Things to Know

  • Language: Russian is the primary language spoken in Moscow, but many locals speak some English, especially among younger generations.
  • Currency: The Russian ruble (RUB) is the local currency. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand.
  • Safety: Moscow is generally a safe city, but take normal precautions to protect yourself and your belongings.

This itinerary provides a mix of cultural experiences, historical landmarks, and modern attractions, giving you a well-rounded taste of Moscow. Enjoy your trip!