5 Things to Do in Moscow Russia
In Moscow, it is not rare if you see women wearing heels and short skirts walking for miles on cobblestone streets and men parading their Ferrari or Porsche near fancy restaurants. Moscow is filled with millionaires, posh restaurants, cafés and grand historical buildings.
With almost 12 million people, Moscow is the largest city in Europe. It takes
11 hours 17 minutes (excluding connecting time) to fly to Moscow from Atlanta,
10 hours 28 minutes (excluding connecting time) from Chicago and
nine hours 52 minutes from New York City.
Moscow has so much to offer. Here are Travelmath’s 5 things to do in Moscow Russia:
One: Moscow Kremlin and Red Square Tour
Listed by UNESCO as one of the Heritage Sites, Moscow Kremlin and Red Square are not to be missed. Inside the Kremlin are the Armoury Chamber, Assumption Cathedral, Archangel’s Cathedral, Annunciation Cathedral, Artillery Pieces, Tsar-Cannon, Tsar-Bell and more.
Every Saturday at 12 pm from April to October visitors can see the demonstration of the ceremonial of the equestrian and pedestrian procession of the President regiment at Cathedral Square in Moscow Kremlin.
Information:
Kremlin
Moscow Kremlin is an ancient square of the city with medieval architecture that dates back to 1156. The Red Square on the east side of the wall houses one of the most beautiful Orthodox churches in the world. The famous Cathedral of St Basil the Blessed is the only church at the Red Square that survived the communist era.
Two: Armoury Chamber
One must visit museums in the Moscow Kremlin area is the Armoury Chamber. The Armoury displays the coronation garments with embroidered precious gems, carriages of all sizes, Faberge eggs, fine china, religious relics, historical artifacts, Tzars’ treasures and armors and weapons.
A separate ticket is required to enter the Armoury Chamber. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance 45 minutes prior to the 10:00 am, 12:00, 2:00 and 4:30 pm visits.
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Armoury Chamber
Three: Metro Tour
Walking into a metro station in Moscow could be like walking into a museum, a concert hall or a library. The platforms are extremely clean, organized and well equipped with good ventilators. Most of these metro stations are built deep where a ride on the escalator could take you as long as three minutes.
Every station is unique. Each has its own theme, colors and decorations. Some of the amazing ones are Mayakovskaya, Kievskaya, Kursyaka, Komsomolskaya, Ploschad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square Station) and Novoslobodskaya. Inside Revolution Square Station you will find 72 bronze sculptures of the Soviet people.
The metro stations of Moscow were Stalin’s idea. He wanted the masses to enjoy fine architectural beauty just like the Tsars’ dwellings. Some of these underground wonders were used as meeting places during the early communist era.
Four: Communist Tour
One unusual tour in Moscow is the Communist Tour organized by Moscow Free Tour. The tour starts at 6 pm for 1,200 rubles per person. A knowledgeable English speaker guide is at hand to walk with you to the former KGB headquarter, Revolution Square, Bolshoi Theater to see the CCCP sign, the Gulag museum, Tverskaya Street (Gorky Street), a bookstore and many more.
Information:
Moscow Free Tour
Five: Souvenir Shopping
Apart from GUM the premier shopping in Red Square and Arbat Street, the open air bazaar at Izmailovsky Park is the best place to find quality Russian souvenirs at a cheaper price and unique Russian antique pieces. Izmailovsky Park is just outside Moscow. It is worth going only during the weekends.
You may have to pay a small entrance fee depending on which entrance and if there is an attendant during your visit. Get thousands of matryoshka nesting dolls, mink hats and scarfs, jewelry, lacquer boxes, Soviet propaganda posters and magnets, hats, t-shirts and lots more.
Also walk on The Arbat, one of Moscow’s oldest cobblestone streets. Here you will find cafés, restaurants and souvenir shops.
Have you been to Moscow? What are your favorite things to do in Moscow?
