Outskirts Travel Guide

Plan an unforgettable trip to Outskirts with our comprehensive travel guide featuring top-rated tourist attractions, accommodation, transportation, food, and more.


Introduction to Outskirts

Outskirts, located in Moscow Oblast, is an excellent destination for travelers looking to explore cultural and natural attractions. The area is known for museums, historical sites, scenic views, and outdoor adventures. Outskirts is easily accessible via bus, trains, and taxis, making it an ideal stopover destination for travelers.

List of Places to Visit in Outskirts

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Outskirts boasts of many museums and historical places that highlight the area’s culture and history. Some must-visit attractions include:

  • Kolomna Kremlin: A fortress constructed in the 16th century and home to Tsarist and Soviet troops.
  • Golutvin Monastery: An 18th-century monastery located on the banks of the Moskva River.
  • Royal Palace in Kolomenskoye: A stunning palace built during the reign of Tsar Ivan the Terrible.
  • Sergiyev Posad: A famous pilgrimage site and the home to the Holy Trinity-St. Sergius Lavra Monastery.
  • Zvenigorod: A town famous for its historic monuments such as the Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and the Church of the Transfiguration.

Natural Attractions of Outskirts: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Outskirts’ natural beauty attracts nature lovers and adventure seekers from all over the world. Some of the top natural attractions in the area are:

  • Losiny Ostrov National Park: A large nature reserve that offers hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and boating tours.
  • Kolomenskoye Park: A vast park sprawling with lush gardens, orchards, and walking trails.
  • Serebryany Bor: A popular natural reserve in Moscow Oblast, where you can find a beautiful beach, freshwater swimming, and picnic areas.
  • Sokolniki Park: A famous park known for its beautiful nature, sports facilities, a large pond, and a planetarium.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Outskirts

Outskirts is an ideal destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some popular routes to explore:

  • Kolomna-Kolomenskaya: A challenging 30 km route that starts in Kolomna and ends in Kolomenskaya.
  • Moscow-Central Russia: A 250 km bike route that passes through picturesque villages, forests, and rivers.
  • Moscow-Serpukhov: A scenic 70 km ride that takes you through the countryside of Moscow Oblast.

Best Things to Do in Outskirts: Activities and Tours

Outskirts offers several exciting activities and tours that cater to different interests and budgets. Some top-rated things to do in Outskirts are:

  • Boat Tour of the Moskva River: Marvel at the scenic beauty of Moscow Oblast from the water on a boat tour.
  • Cooking Class: Learn to cook traditional Russian dishes under the guidance of a local chef.
  • Horseback Riding: Experience the charm of the Moscow countryside by taking a horseback ride through the lush scenery.
  • Banya Experience: A traditional Russian banya (sauna) experience is a must-try when in Outskirts.
  • Cycling Tour: Explore the area’s scenic beauty by taking guided cycling tours.

Week-Long Itinerary for Outskirts

Day 1: Explore Moscow

Day 2: Visit Kolomna and its Kremlin

Day 3: Take a boat tour of the Moskva River

Day 4: Visit Serebryany Bor and Sokolniki Park

Day 5: Explore Zvenigorod and its historic monuments

Day 6: Head to Losiny Ostrov National Park for a day of hiking and wildlife spotting

Day 7: Visit Golutvin Monastery before departing for your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Outskirts

Must-Try Dishes

Outskirts is known for its delicious, hearty cuisine that includes traditional Russian delicacies such as:

  • Borscht: A tasty beetroot soup made with meat and vegetables.
  • Pelmeni: Small, savory dumplings filled with meat and served with sour cream.
  • Shchi: A cabbage-based soup often served with fish or meat.
  • Salmon in Smoked Salt: A dish of salmon smoked with salt, served with horseradish sauce.
  • Blini: Thin pancakes made with buckwheat flour and stuffed with sweet or savory fillings.

Local Beverages

Outskirts is famous for its classic Russian drinks such as:

  • Medovukha: A traditional Russian beer brewed with honey instead of hops.
  • Sbiten: A hot spiced drink made with honey, herbs, and spices.
  • Kvass: A refreshing, non-alcoholic beverage made from fermented bread.

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

Outskirts offers accommodation options to suit every budget and taste. Some of the top-rated hotels in the area are:

  • Sheraton Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Hotel: A luxury hotel offering scenic views and exceptional service.
  • Marriott Moscow Royal Aurora Hotel: A five-star hotel located in the heart of Moscow, offering a beautiful view of Red Square.
  • Golden Apple Boutique Hotel: A design-rich hotel in the city center of Moscow
  • Hostel Netizen Moscow Airport: A budget-friendly option that offers modern amenities.

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

Outskirts offers an array of fine-quality souvenirs and local products to take home, such as:

  • Matryoshka dolls: A uniquely Russian souvenir, these wooden dolls are several dolls of decreasing size placed one inside the other.
  • Russian Oreshki: A traditional pastry filled with nuts, honey, and caramel.
  • Paintings and Artwork: The area is renowned for its artwork and paintings that depict rural life in Russia.

Local Culture and Customs of Outskirts

Outskirts follows the traditional Russian way of life, where family values and hospitality are highly valued. Respect for elders and the etiquette of conduct are very important.

Best Time to Visit Outskirts

The best time to visit Outskirts is during the summer months of June to August. The weather is pleasant, and the natural beauty of the area is at its best during these months.

Do’s and Don’ts of Outskirts

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try Russian cuisine and culture.
  • Carry cash along for local purchases

Don’t:

  • Don’t be disrespectful to elders or the culture of Outskirts.
  • Don’t visit dangerous areas alone.
  • Don’t drink tap water.

Safety and Health

Safety in Outskirts

Outskirts is a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always advisable to take regular safety precautions such as staying alert, not venturing into unsafe areas, and avoiding flashing money in public.

Health in Outskirts

Russia has excellent medical facilities, and medical care is readily available in Outskirts too. Make sure to carry travel insurance to take care of any medical emergencies that may arise.

Getting to Outskirts: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Outskirts

Sheremetyevo International Airport is the closest airport to Outskirts, and it takes approximately 30-35 minutes to get to the town from the airport. Other options include Domodedovo International Airport and Vnukovo International Airport.

Bus Stations Near Outskirts

The town has a few well-connected bus stations to reach the nearby towns and cities. The closest one is the Moscow Bus Station in the city center.

Other Options

Taxis and trains are available to reach Outskirts from Moscow.

How to Get Around in Outskirts

Public transport in Outskirts is pretty limited and mostly involves taking a taxi or a tram. Renting a car or bicycle is another option.

Where to Go Next from Outskirts: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Outskirts is an ideal place to explore central Russia, and there are several other nearby destinations worth a visit:

  • Moscow: Russia’s capital city is just an hour away from Outskirts and is home to many tourist attractions.
  • Suzdal: A fairy-tale town known for its picturesque churches, monasteries, and other historic sites.
  • Yaroslavl: A UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its excellent architecture.

Conclusion

Outskirts, Moscow Oblast, is a unique destination that offers a range of cultural and natural attractions, outdoor adventures, and excellent food. Plan your trip to Outskirts, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Church of the Ascension Church of the Ascension Nikolo-Perervinsky Monastery on the banks of the Moskva River Nikolo-Perervinsky Monastery on the banks of the Moskva River Izmailovo Kremlin Izmailovo Kremlin Kuskovo Estate Kuskovo Estate Facade of Kuskovo Palace Facade of Kuskovo Palace Monument to the Conquerors of Space Monument to the Conquerors of Space Soviet Union Statue in Gorkey Park Soviet Union Statue in Gorkey Park Otkrytie Arena (Spartak Stadium) Otkrytie Arena (Spartak Stadium)