Moscow Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Moscow with this comprehensive travel guide, including must-visit attractions, tips for getting around, where to stay, and local customs and traditions.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Moscow

Are you planning a trip to Moscow, the capital of Russia? Well, you are in for a treat as Moscow is not only the largest and most vibrant city in Russia but also home to some of the world’s most significant cultural and historical landmarks. Known for its stunning architecture, museums, galleries, and rich history, Moscow is the perfect destination for travelers who want to explore the best of Eastern Europe. This comprehensive guide will provide you with a detailed itinerary and information on everything you need to know to make the most out of your trip to Moscow.

List of Places to Visit in Moscow

There are so many things to do and see in Moscow that it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. Here is a list of must-visit sights and attractions that you should include in your itinerary:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Kremlin and Red Square
  • Saint Basil’s Cathedral
  • The State Hermitage Museum
  • The Tretyakov Gallery
  • The Bolshoi Theatre
  • Gorky Park
  • Lenin’s Mausoleum

Natural Attractions of Moscow: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sparrow Hills
  • Izmailovo Park
  • Victory Park
  • Zaryadye Park
  • Moscow River Cruise
  • Kolomenskoye Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Moscow

Moscow offers some fantastic hiking and biking routes to explore the city’s beautiful natural scenery. Here are some routes you shouldn’t miss:

  • Moscow Ring Road
  • The Moscow River Trail
  • Vorobyovy Gory Park Circuit
  • Lefortovo Park Trail

Best Things to Do in Moscow: Activities and Tours

Moscow is packed with fun activities and tours to keep you entertained. Here are a few options:

  • Vodka tasting tour
  • Soviet history tour
  • Moscow river cruise
  • Space museum tour
  • Moscow metro tour
  • Nightlife tour

Week-Long Itinerary for Moscow

If you have a week to spend in Moscow, you can use this itinerary to plan your days and activities:

Day 1 - Visit Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the Kremlin Day 2 - Explore the State Hermitage Museum and Gorky Park Day 3 - Take a Moscow river cruise and visit the Tretyakov Gallery Day 4 - Visit the Bolshoi Theatre and go on a vodka tasting tour Day 5 - Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum and Izmailovo Park Day 6 - Take a day trip to Sergiev Posad and the Trinity Lavra Day 7 - Visit Kolomenskoye Park and go on a Soviet history tour

Food and Drink Scene of Moscow

No trip to Moscow is complete without trying out some of the delicious local dishes and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Borscht
  • Chicken Kiev
  • Pelmeni
  • Shashlik
  • Blinis

Local Beverages

  • Vodka
  • Kvass
  • Birch juice
  • Russian beer
  • Tea with jam

Where to Stay in Moscow: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Moscow has something for every budget, from 5-star luxury hotels to comfortable hostels and guesthouses. Here are some recommended options:

  • Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
  • Marriott Moscow Grand Hotel
  • Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow
  • Park Inn by Radisson
  • Godzillas Hostel

What to Buy in Moscow: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Moscow is renowned for its traditional crafts and souvenirs. Here are some things to consider buying:

  • Matryoshka dolls
  • Gzhel ceramics
  • Orenburg shawls
  • Pavlo Posad scarves
  • Zhostovo trays

Local Culture and Customs of Moscow

Russia has a rich cultural heritage, and Moscow is no exception. Here are some insights into local customs and traditions:

  • Show respect for religious sites by dressing modestly
  • Russians follow a strict protocol when it comes to greetings and handshakes
  • When eating out, it is customary to pour tea for others before yourself
  • Russians are proud of their literary history, so it’s essential to familiarize yourself with some significant authors’ works

Best Time to Visit Moscow

The best time to visit Moscow is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is sunny and warm. However, the city can be crowded during this period, so try to avoid the peak tourist season if possible.

Do’s and Don’ts of Moscow

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Moscow:

Do:

  • Try to learn some basic Russian words and phrases
  • Dress appropriately for the weather and religious sites
  • Be patient when dealing with locals, as they may not speak English
  • Explore outside the city center for a more authentic experience

Don’t:

  • Photograph military or sensitive areas or buildings
  • Discuss politics or religion in public places
  • Smoke in public areas, including restaurants and bars
  • Accept drinks from strangers or people you don’t know

Safety and Health

Moscow is generally a safe city, but travelers should still exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings. Here are some tips to stay safe and healthy:

Safety in Moscow

  • Avoid flashing valuables such as cameras and jewelry in public places
  • Be aware of your surroundings when using ATMs or exchanging currency
  • Only use official taxis or ride-hailing services
  • Keep your passport and other important documents in a safe place

Health in Moscow

  • Ensure that your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, including evacuation
  • Be aware of the risk of mosquito-borne diseases during the summer months
  • Drink bottled water and avoid tap water
  • Take precautions when eating street food or in restaurants with poor hygiene standards

Getting to Moscow: Transportation Options and Logistics

Moscow is well-connected by air, road, and rail from major Russian and international cities. Here are some options to get to Moscow:

Airports Near Moscow

  • Sheremetyevo International Airport
  • Domodedovo International Airport
  • Vnukovo International Airport

Bus Stations Near Moscow

  • Komsomolskaya Bus Station
  • Shchelkovskiy Bus Station

Other Options

  • Train: Moscow has several train stations, including Kazansky, Leningradsky, and Paveletsky, offering connections to major Russian cities and Europe.
  • Car rental: Self-driving is not very common in Moscow, but there are several car rental companies available at the airports and downtown.

How to Get Around in Moscow

Moscow has an extensive public transportation network, including the metro, buses, and trams. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and self-driving cars are also widely available.

Where to Go Next from Moscow: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you have time, here are some nearby destinations and excursions that you can consider:

  • St. Petersburg
  • Golden Ring towns, including Suzdal and Vladimir
  • Kazan
  • Lake Baikal

Conclusion

With its fascinating history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, Moscow is a city that you won’t forget. This comprehensive guide aims to provide everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip to the Russian capital. So pack your bags and set off on an adventure to discover the best of Moscow.

Red Square, painting by Fedor Alekseev, 1802 Red Square, painting by Fedor Alekseev, 1802 Bus and train map (2019) Bus and train map (2019) All aboard the Trans-Siberian! All aboard the Trans-Siberian! Moscow rail systems map 2018 with planned extensions up to 2022 Moscow rail systems map 2018 with planned extensions up to 2022 The Metro in Moscow The Metro in Moscow Validation of ticket Validation of ticket Mosgortrans bus in current blue transport livery on Spartakovskaya Street and Yelokhovo Cathedral on the foreground. Mosgortrans bus in current blue transport livery on Spartakovskaya Street and Yelokhovo Cathedral on the foreground. Bus on night route н5 on 01:26 Bus on night route н5 on 01:26 Map of Moscow tram (2023) Map of Moscow tram (2023) Moscow State University Moscow State University Russian borsch Russian borsch Patrol Police vehicle Patrol Police vehicle


    Central-East
    Central-North
    Outskirts
    Zelenograd and New Moscow