Moscow Russia 6 Day Itinerary

Moscow, Russia: A 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the City Center

Morning

  • Arrive at Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) or Domodedovo Airport (DME)
  • Take a taxi or bus to your hotel in the city center
  • Check-in to your hotel and freshen up

Afternoon

  • Visit Red Square (), one of Moscow’s most iconic landmarks
    • See the colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral ()
    • Explore the Kremlin Walls and Towers ()
    • Take a stroll through the historic GUM Department Store ()

Evening

  • Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine at Cafe Pushkin (Кафе Пушкина)
  • Watch a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre (), if schedules permit
  • Take a leisurely walk along the Moscow River Embankment ()

Morning

  • Visit the Kremlin Armory Chamber (), home to imperial artifacts
  • Explore the Diamond Fund (), featuring Russia’s largest diamond collection
  • Tour the Kremlin Palace (), official residence of the President of Russia

Afternoon

  • Head to the Tretyakov Gallery (), showcasing Russian art from the 10th to 20th centuries
    • Marvel at works by Kandinsky, Chagall, and Malevich

Evening

  • Dine at Stolle (Столле), a popular pie shop with various flavors
  • Take a stroll through the trendy Patriarshiye Prudy neighborhood ()

Day 3: Moscow Metro and Izmailovo

Morning

  • Explore the stunning Moscow Metro (), known for its ornate stations
    • Visit the Mayakovskaya Station, featuring mosaics by Alexander Deineka

Afternoon

  • Head to Izmailovo Park (), a scenic retreat with walking trails and lakes
    • Visit the Izmailovo Kremlin (), a cultural center with museums and exhibitions

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Cafe Mu-Mu (Кафе Му-Му), serving modern Russian cuisine
  • Take in a panoramic view of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills ()

Day 4: Novodevichy Convent and Gorky Park

Morning

  • Visit the Novodevichy Convent (), a UNESCO World Heritage Site
    • Explore the Smolensky Cathedral and its ornate bell tower

Afternoon

  • Stroll through Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure (), a popular recreational spot
    • Rent a boat and enjoy a relaxing ride on the lake

Evening

  • Dine at Khachapuri (Хачапури), serving Georgian cuisine
  • Take in a show or concert at the Moskva River Musical Theatre ()

Day 5: Lenin’s Mausoleum and Arbat Street

Morning

  • Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum (), located in Red Square
    • Pay respects to the Soviet leader and founder of the USSR

Afternoon

  • Explore Arbat Street (), a pedestrian shopping and dining street
    • Browse souvenir shops, cafes, and restaurants

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Turandot (Турандот), serving Asian-inspired cuisine
  • Take in a performance at the Moscow Academic Musical Theatre ()

Day 6: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for last-minute souvenirs or exploring a local market
  • Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for departure

Transportation

  • Use the convenient Moscow Metro () or buses/trolleybuses (Троллейбус) to navigate the city
  • Taxis are also readily available, but be sure to negotiate prices beforehand

Tips and Essentials**

  • Visa requirements: Check if you need a visa to enter Russia; some nationalities may require an invitation letter
  • Language: While many Muscovites speak English, it’s still helpful to learn basic Russian phrases (e.g., “Hello” - Здравствуйте (Zdravstvuyte), “Thank you” - Спасибо (Spasibo))
  • Currency: The Russian ruble (RUB) is the local currency; credit cards are widely accepted, but have some cash on hand for smaller transactions
  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots
  • Weather: Moscow can be quite chilly, even in summer; pack layers and waterproof gear

Where to Stay

  • Consider staying in the city center (e.g., Tverskoy District) for easy access to main attractions
  • Book a hotel or hostel that suits your budget and preferences

Budget-friendly options:

  • Hostel 33 () - from 1,500 RUB (~ $22 USD) per night
  • Hotel Peking () - from 3,000 RUB (~ $45 USD) per night

Mid-range options:

  • Hotel Azimut Moscow Olympic () - from 6,000 RUB (~ $90 USD) per night
  • Hotel Ibis Moscow Centre Tverskaya () - from 7,000 RUB (~ $105 USD) per night

Other tips and recommendations

  • Try local cuisine: Sample traditional Russian dishes like borscht, beef stroganoff, and blini with caviar
  • Explore beyond the city center: Visit the scenic Moscow River Embankment or take a day trip to Sergiev Posad ()
  • Be prepared for crowds: Popular attractions can be quite busy; plan your itinerary accordingly

Enjoy your time in Moscow!