Introduction

With its iconic onion domes, brooding Stalinist architecture, and lively cultural scene, Moscow offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Russia’s complex history and identity. The capital has undergone a remarkable transformation since the fall of the Soviet Union, emerging as a cosmopolitan metropolis that retains its quintessentially Russian charm.

Founded in the 12th century, Moscow became the center of power following the Mongol invasion that destroyed medieval Rus. Ivan the Terrible declared it the capital in the 16th century, and the city rapidly expanded under successive tsars. During the Soviet era, Moscow was the nucleus of the communist regime.

Today, Moscow is Russia’s beating heart – a bustling capital brimming with energy, artistry, and intrigue. This guide will walk you through the top sites and experiences to discover on your visit to this dynamic city.

Getting There

By Plane

Moscow has four international airports, with Sheremetyevo being the largest and most connected. Many major airlines offer nonstop flights or one-stop routes to Moscow from North America and Europe. Travelers from Asia can find direct flights from Beijing, Seoul, Tokyo, and elsewhere.

Once you arrive, the Aeroexpress train offers speedy connections to the city center. Taxis are also widely available.

By Train

Moscow is a major rail hub, linked by direct trains to cities across Russia and Europe. Luxury overnight trains provide a comfortable option for long journeys. Travel from St. Petersburg takes around 4 hours on the high-speed Sapsan train. There are also connections from Berlin, Prague, Budapest, and other European cities.

Visa Requirements

Most foreign visitors require a tourist visa approved in advance to enter Russia. Start this process early, as Russian visas can take time to process. Have all your documentation ready and use a visa agency if needed.

When to Visit

Moscow has four distinct seasons, so your travel plans should factor in the city’s weather and event schedule.

Summer sees long daylight hours and mild weather, though occasional rain is likely. Locals flock to parks and beer gardens to enjoy the fleeting warmth. Unfortunately, summer is also peak tourist season, so hotels fill up quickly.

September and October offer mild temperatures, beautiful fall foliage, and fewer crowds. It’s an ideal time for sightseeing. Winters are bitterly cold but dry, with abundant snowfall. Visiting during December lets you experience the magic of Russian Christmas before the extreme cold hits.

Spring is a mixed bag of chilly weather and mud that persists into late April. By May, the city emerges with long, sunny days perfect for strolling.

Major events like Victory Day, Russia Day, and New Year’s Eve also draw big crowds. Book accommodations well in advance if visiting during these times.

Where to Stay

Moscow offers diverse accommodation ranging from world-class luxury to Soviet-style budget picks. Consider proximity to the sights you want to visit when booking.

Luxury Hotels

Splurge on Ritz-Carlton Moscow or the storied Hotel Metropol to enjoy premium amenities and service. Boutique hotels like the Savoy offer plush, intimate digs. Oozing old-world elegance, the iconic Seven Sisters skyscrapers contain upscale hotels like the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya.

Budget Accommodations

To save money, opt for a hostel like the Friends on Chekhova or look into budget business hotels like Ibis Moscow Dynamo. While lacking frills, they provide clean, comfortable rooms. Apartments are also cost-effective for longer stays.

Short-Term Rentals

Sites like Airbnb open up options like renting centrally located apartments. Consider homestays as a local experience. Just be aware of registration laws for longer stays.

Top Sights

Red Square and the Kremlin

The heart of Moscow, magnificent Red Square hums with history. The Kremlin’s iconic redbrick walls and golden spires rise at one end. Lenin’s Mausoleum continues to draw crowds on the south side, with extravagant GUM department store facing it from the north. The State Historical Museum commands an impressive spot at the square’s north end.

Inside the Kremlin, glimpse Russia’s former rulers and icons in the Armoury chamber before touring golden-domed cathedrals. Outside, see the Tsar Cannon and Bell and explore Ivanovskaya Square. Top it off by walking the Kremlin Wall for incredible views.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

This church is utterly unforgettable with its candy-colored onion domes and fairytale vibe. Ivan the Terrible commissioned the cathedral in 1555 to commemorate a military victory. Legend has it that he then blinded its architect so another cathedral could never match its singular beauty.

The cathedral interior has narrow winding corridors and intimate chapels rich with medieval icons and artwork. Don’t miss the basement containing a small museum illuminating the church’s history.

Bolshoi Theatre

Founded in 1776, the iconic Bolshoi stages some of the world’s most spectacular ballet and opera performances within an opulent gilded interior. Lavish productions here carry huge cultural significance for Russians.

The main ballet and opera season runs from September to July. Book well in advance, or line up early to snag cheap tickets for the same evening. Don’t miss a behind-the-scenes tour to glimpse the elegant backstage area when matinees aren’t running.

State Historical Museum

This impressive edifice facing Red Square traces Russia’s fascinating and turbulent past through over 4.5 million exhibits. Wander galleries covering prehistoric times through the Space Age, and see items like jewel-encrusted 14th-century icons, Napoleon’s saber, and Stalin’s copy of the Gulag Archepelago.

Don’t miss the museum shop for unique souvenirs, from hand-painted matryoshka nesting dolls to Soviet posters.

Culinary Highlights

Moscow’s dining scene has flourished in recent years. Beyond lavish traditional restaurants, you’ll find inexpensive street food, coffeehouses, diverse cuisines, and contemporary spots blending Russian flavors with modern sensibilities.

Start by sampling quintessential Russian dishes like borscht, beef Stroganoff, pelmeni dumplings, blini pancakes, and hearty stews like shchi or solyanka. Be sure to try zakuski – the array of appetizers accompanying any Russian meal – like pickles, black caviar, or salted fish.

For quick bites, kiosks and stands offer snacks like chebureki meat pies, olivier salad, and shawarma wraps. Or stop for the beloved blini at Teremok chain.

The cafe scene has blossomed, with cozy spots like LavkaLavka Café for homemade old-world dishes and Coffee Bean cafe for freshly roasted java. For fine dining, splurge on views and nouvelle cuisine at panoramic Sixty or book a chef’s table experience at trendy White Rabbit.

Nightlife

When the sun goes down, Moscow comes alive with cosmopolitan nightlife. Gorky Park morphs into an open-air bazaar and party scene. Shimmering skyscrapers like Moscow-City provide glitzy backdrops for rooftop lounges and clubs. And the city’s old factories and warehouses host everything from intimate jazz joints to raging techno clubs.

Sip Moscow mule cocktails inside the retro Soviet-era bar at Propaganda, or pull up a seat in the low-key beer garden Noor for local drafts and a lively crowd. As evening progresses, dance and drink with friendly Muscovites amid flashing lights at Duran Bar or Le Boudoir. And for live music, catch acts at newcomer Glavclub or the underground Godzillas Bar.

Wherever your night takes you, don’t miss your chance to experience Moscow after dark.

Shopping

Moscow offers no shortage of places to shop, from glamorous malls to open-air markets.

Kit yourself out in Russian style with embroidered shirts, fur hats, nesting matryoshka dolls, and painted wooden khokhloma spoons found at souvenir shops on Arbat Street. For edible treats, load up on chocolate and caviar at cavernous Yeliseev Grocery Store, or browse sweets at izmailovsky Market.

Prestigious department store GUM showcases high-fashion boutiques along with specialty gourmet foods. Nearby, the glitzy atrium of DLT houses luxury brands. For big international chains, Meadow Mall and Evropeisky offer expansive shopping opportunities.

Don’t miss haggling for quirky communist memorabilia and art at Izmailovo Vernissage market. And bibliophiles will think they’ve died and gone to heaven at Moscow’s grand old bookshops like the historic Dom Knigi on New Arbat Street.

Day Trips from Moscow

After exploring the capital’s central sights, get a change of scenery with easy day trips.

Sergiev Posad

Founded in 1340, this golden-domed monastery complex has been an important pilgrimage site for centuries. Marvel at the 50+ elaborately embellished churches and cathedrals, with brilliant blue and gold onion domes sparkling against the forests around town.

Tsaritsyno

Eclectic Tsaritsyno Palace whisks you back to imperial Russia, with expansive gardens and an intriguing Gothic-style castle containing a museum of the era’s fine arts. Wander the rolling lawns, wooded paths, and ornate bridges before touring the palace’s grand state rooms.

Kolomenskoye

This former royal estate on the ancient city’s southeast edge allows a peaceful escape from modern Moscow’s hustle. Highlights include the UNESCO-listed Ascension Church rising majestically over the Moskva River and a reconstructed 17th-century wooden palace.

Conclusion

Whether you seek imposing architecture, artistic marvels, nightlife thrills, or immersion in Russia’s complex identity, Moscow delivers. Beyond its star attractions, part of Moscow’s allure lies in wandering side streets to uncover quirky galleries, cozy restaurants, or crumbling vestiges of times gone by. With an exciting cultural renaissance underway, now is an ideal time to discover the Russian capital’s dynamism and depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to get around Moscow?
The metro offers the fastest way to zip around central Moscow and hits all the major sights. Buy a Troika travel card for easy use. For shorter distances, walk or hail an affordable taxi via apps like Yandex or Uber.

What types of Russian cuisine should I try in Moscow?
Be sure to sample classics like borscht, pelmeni, blini, Beef Stroganoff, and zakuski appetizer platters when visiting Moscow. Also try the local street food such as chebureki meat pies.

How much time do I need to see the top attractions in Moscow?
You can hit highlights like Red Square, the Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral in 2 full days, but 3-4 days allows time to dive into museums and attend performances without feeling rushed. Plan a full week to take day trips and fully immerse in Moscow’s culture.

What is the best way to buy tickets for the Bolshoi Ballet or Opera?
For specific productions, book tickets online as far in advance as possible for the best seats and prices. If you don’t mind where you sit, you can line up on the day for cheap tickets released just before performances.

Are restaurants and museums in Moscow expensive?
Moscow has options at all price points. Splurge on landmark restaurants like Turandot or White Rabbit for a fine dining experience. For more affordable local fare, try cafeterias like Grabli or self-service Varenichnaya No1. Many museums offer free admission or discounted tickets on certain days.