Moscow is multifaceted and grand, each time it turns to the traveler in thousands of different sides. Here, the multi-colored domes of Orthodox churches coexist with monumental skyscrapers in the Stalinist Empire style. The rich estates of the aristocratic families of the Russian Empire stand next to trendy restaurants and clubs, the spiers of glass skyscrapers of business districts sparkle against the backdrop of the picturesque Kutuzovsky Avenue.
Moscow has a huge number of cultural sites - more than 400 museums, about a thousand monuments, 130 theaters and dozens of concert halls. Most of the events of the country's social life, from premieres to international exhibitions, take place in the capital. You need to come to Moscow for a long time to feel the spirit and energy of this dynamic city.
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What to see and where to go in Moscow?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walking. Photos and a short description.
Moscow Kremlin and Red Square
The most recognizable and visited places in the Russian capital. The red towers of the Kremlin, crowned with stars, are an established brand, a symbol of Moscow. Since the 12th century, the Kremlin has served as a defensive structure, over the centuries it has been repeatedly burned and rebuilt. Red Square has repeatedly become the site of important state events. It hosted popular meetings, fairs, parades, various cultural events.
St Basil's Church
The cathedral was founded by order of Ivan the Terrible as gratitude to the Lord for his help in the capture of Kazan. The building originally had golden domes and red and white walls. After a fire in the 18th century, as a result of restoration, the temple was decorated in bright colors and now it rises above Red Square like a multi-colored gingerbread. The name was given in honor of the holy fool Basil the Blessed, who collected part of the money for the construction of the temple and gave it to Ivan the Terrible.
Park "Zaryadye"
Public space in the historic district of the same name. Construction was carried out in 2014-2017, after the demolition of the hotel "Russia", located on this site. There are 4 landscape zones of Russia in the park. The total number of planted trees is 752, shrubs - about 7 thousand. In different parts of Zaryadye, there are zones with an artificial microclimate. In 2018, a concert hall was opened on the territory of the park.
Moscow City
The business district of the capital, consisting of modern skyscrapers of futuristic design. The project is unique both for Russia and for the whole of Eastern Europe. The highest tower of the "Federation" complex reaches a height of 235 meters, other structures are also given their own names. Moscow City was nicknamed "Moscow Manhattan", the quarter was conceived as a Russian analogue of London and New York business districts.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Cathedral of Moscow, where the Patriarch conducts divine services. The temple was built in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 by the project of Konstantin Ton, the work lasted more than forty years. During the Soviet era, the building was blown up, and in its place appeared the Palace of Soviets, and later - the pool "Moscow". The cathedral was rebuilt in 1994-1997. and now has the maximum external resemblance to the original.
Novodevichy Convent
The oldest convent in the capital. According to legend, it stands at the place where, during the reign of the Golden Horde, girls were selected to be sent into slavery. The monastery was founded in 1524 by Vasily III. Subsequently, many royal persons, as well as girls from princely and boyar families, took tonsure in the monastery. Many did not come here of their own free will. In architectural terms, the monastery is a real fortress with powerful walls.
Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye
Temple of the XVI century on the banks of the Moskva River in the territory of the park complex in Kolomenskoye. Presumably, the Italian architect Petrok Maly took part in the construction of the building. The church is one of the first examples of stone hipped-roof temples on the territory of Russia. The structure was built in the form of an equal-pointed cross with a 62-meter bell tower. The architecture of the temple is considered unique.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The main Catholic cathedral in Moscow, built in the neo-Gothic style at the expense of the Polish community. The main buildings were erected at the beginning of the 20th century according to the project of F.O.Bogdanovich-Dvorzhetsky. The cathedral is a typical example of the architecture of Catholic churches - pointed arches, upward-directed figured towers, colored stained-glass windows. The temple regularly hosts organ music concerts and other cultural events.
Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve
The palace and park ensemble, covering an area of more than 100 hectares, is located in the south of the capital. All buildings were created in the 18th century in the "pseudo-Gothic" or "Russian Gothic" architectural style. Previously, the ensemble served as a royal residence. Today, the park houses exhibitions, museums, concert halls, greenhouses. Thanks to its beautiful landscape, the Tsaritsyno ensemble has become a popular destination for wedding photo shoots.
Kolomna Palace
Wooden palace in Kolomenskoye Park, which belonged to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It opened for visitors in 2010. The building was founded in the 17th century, its appearance was conceived in such a way as to emphasize the power of the Russian state and the greatness of the tsar. The interior decoration was distinguished by splendor and luxury. Under Catherine II, the palace was dismantled, but its detailed drawings were previously made. According to these drawings, the complex was completely restored later.
Kremlin in Izmailovo
A landmark of the New Age in the spirit of Russian architecture of the 17th century, a stylized residence of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The ensemble was built according to old sketches and drawings. The Kremlin appeared in 2007 near the Partizanskaya metro station. There are craft shops, museums, taverns and a church on the territory. The Kremlin was designed by A.F.Ushakov as an attraction to attract tourists.
Manor Kuskovo
An 18th century mansion that belonged to the Sheremetyevs' count family. The magnificent manor house, surrounded by a landscaped park, was used for lavish receptions, balls, festivities and theatrical performances. The museum on the territory of the complex exhibits one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Kuskovo constantly hosts exhibitions, concerts, festivities in the old Russian traditions.
Krutitsy courtyard
An architectural monument of the 17th century in the Tagansky district of the capital. Since 1991 it has been serving as a patriarchal courtyard. The Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church is also located here. The history of the place began in the 13th century. First, there was a monastery, and then the residence of the highest clergy. Krutitskoye courtyard is a place where you can imagine what Moscow looked like in the past centuries.
Big theater
The main opera stage in the country and one of the best theaters in the world. The theater was built in 1825, but in 1853 the building burned down. Three years later, the Bolshoi was rebuilt. Large-scale reconstructions were carried out in 1886-1893, in 1958 and in 2005-2011. The monumental building of the theater is decorated with massive columns, the interior decoration is striking in luxury. The crystal chandelier in the main auditorium deserves special attention.
State Tretyakov Gallery
An art museum with a rich collection, founded by the Tretyakov merchant family. In 1861, in his will, Pavel Tretyakov transferred the family gallery to the city and determined the amount of money for its maintenance. In 1893, the museum was officially opened to the public.The Tretyakov Gallery is the largest (over 180 thousand exhibits) collection of Russian painting, engraving, icon painting.
The Armory and the Diamond Fund
They are located in the same building on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. The Armory has been functioning as a museum since 1806. It houses art objects and artifacts, both made in local workshops and donated by the embassies of other countries. The Diamond Fund is an impressive exhibition of jewelery masterpieces. The best examples of the collection date from the 18th-20th centuries. In addition, the exhibition presents precious stones and nuggets with a rich history.
State Historical Museum
It is located on Red Square and is one of the main museums in the capital. In countless rooms, collections are exhibited covering all eras in Russian history from ancient times to the 20th century. There are also extensive exhibitions on the history of other states. The museum was founded by order of Alexander II in 1872. In 1990, the building was included in the UNESCO heritage list along with Red Square.
Nikulin Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard
The circus was built in 1880 with the money of the merchant Danilov. From the very opening, the administration tried to invite only the best teams and attract more visitors to the performances. In 1996, in honor of the 75th artist Yuri Nikulin, the circus was named "Nikulin Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard". The auditorium is designed for 2000 people; modern equipment is used during the performances.
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
The museum gallery was opened in 1913; the basis of the collection was made up of exhibits from the collection of the Cabinet of Fine Arts and Antiquities of Moscow University. Later, the original samples of the culture of Ancient Egypt were acquired. During the XX century, the museum has developed and expanded, now it contains about 700 exhibits. Various exhibitions of world famous authors are constantly held in the halls.
Bunker 42 on Taganka
Cold War Museum, located 65 meters underground. The bunker was built in the middle of the 20th century, it was conceived as a completely autonomous shelter in case of a sudden nuclear strike. A supply of water and food was stored here for a long time. The entrance to the museum is a one and a half-ton door, behind which a long staircase begins. Visitors can explore the bunker halls on a guided tour and watch a film about the Cold War.
Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill
Park complex with memorials dedicated to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Before starting construction in 1987, the hill on Poklonnaya Gora was partially demolished. The park officially opened in 1995. The central monument is an obelisk crowned with a statue of the goddess Nike, 141.8 meters high. In 2009-2010 here the Eternal Flame burned, transferred for the period of reconstruction from the Alexander Garden.
Sparrow Hills
Vorobyovy Gory is considered the main viewing platform in Moscow, from where you can see the valley of the Moskva River, Luzhniki, Stalin's skyscrapers and Moscow City skyscrapers. The building of Moscow State University is located nearby. The park area of Vorobyovy Gory is an excellent place for walking, cycling and rollerblading, and jogging. Moscow bikers have been gathering near the observation deck for many years.
Sports complex "Luzhniki"
Opened in the 50s of the last century, it was rebuilt many times. The area is over 180 hectares. He hosted some of the events of the 1980 Olympics. In the 90s, it turned into a huge clothing market, which was liquidated by 2003. Now the complex consists of dozens of objects, including a sports arena with 78 thousand seats, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and a golf academy. The final match of the 2018 World Cup was played at Luzhniki.
Moscow subway
The largest metro in the former USSR. The first line was launched in 1935, it connected Sokolniki and Park Kultury. Currently, 15 lines have been laid with a length of almost 400 km. 48 out of 230 active stations are recognized as objects of cultural heritage of Russia. The decoration of some metro halls is reminiscent of museums, there are guided tours, including night ones.
Moscow Zoo
One of the oldest in Europe, has been welcoming visitors since 1864. Currently, the zoo contains about 6 thousand individuals. They represent over a thousand species of animals. The territory is divided by subject. There are both open expositions and aviaries, as well as closed ones. Anyone can arrange guardianship for the animal they like, finance its maintenance and receive a number of privileges. The living symbol of the zoo is the Samson giraffe.
VDNKh
A large park area in the North-East of the capital with numerous exhibition pavilions, well-groomed alleys, fountains, cafes, concert venues. VDNKh is one of the most popular weekend getaways for city dwellers. Here you can visit an aquarium, a historic pavilion, innovative exhibitions, farmers markets, a theater and even a "port" with a pool and beach. There are many cyclists, skaters and other athletes at VDNKh.
Ostankino Tower
The television tower is another important symbol of the capital. The tower provides TV coverage throughout Russia, and houses TV studios and offices of the main channels. The building is 540 meters high. The Ostankino tower was built in the period 1963-1967, at that time it was considered the tallest building in Europe. For visitors there are special excursions to the tower with a visit to the observation deck.
Triumphal gates
The arched gate on Kutuzovsky Prospect, erected in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. The structure was built according to the project of the architect Bovet in 1829-1834, later in 1936 the arch was dismantled. The reconstructed gate reappeared on the avenue only in 1968. The inscription on the upper part of the old structure glorified the deeds of Alexander I in Russian and Latin, the new inscription immortalized the feat of Russian soldiers in 1812.
Stalin's Skyscrapers
Seven high-rise buildings built in the pompous "Stalinist Empire" style in the middle of the 20th century. These unique structures, according to the idea of the leader, were to symbolize the power and greatness of Moscow and the entire USSR. The buildings house the University of Moscow State University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hotels, residential apartments. In Soviet times, housing in these elite houses was distributed only to prominent scientists and statesmen.
State Department Store (GUM)
It is located on Red Square and is one of its main attractions. The history of the building began in the 19th century with the opening of a shopping arcade. Over the course of the XX century, GUM is gradually becoming the main and most coveted store in the country - all business travelers seek to get into it in order to purchase scarce goods. Nowadays GUM is the territory of expensive boutiques, historical shops and author's showrooms.
Old Arbat street
The famous promenade of the capital, where, surrounded by charming Moscow mansions of previous centuries, street performers perform and portraits of artists. A large number of souvenir shops, restaurants and small interesting museums are concentrated on the Arbat. The street is included in the compulsory visiting program for foreign tourists, so here you can see them in considerable numbers.
Hermitage Garden
A small park in the city center, a popular walking area with locals. The garden was founded by the entrepreneur and philanthropist Y. Shchukin at the end of the 19th century. The last major reconstruction was carried out in the late 90s. XX century. The park has three theaters and an open stage for summer concerts. During the warmer months, festivals and various events are often held here, attracting many visitors.
MUSEON Art Park
A large area of the arts, located on the Crimean embankment.The art area includes open-air exhibitions, landscaped gardens, fountains, contemporary art objects and numerous walking paths. The Crimean Embankment itself is a picturesque pedestrian zone on the banks of the Moskva River, a cozy and romantic place that quickly gained popularity among tourists and Muscovites themselves.
Art cluster "Red October"
Numerous art workshops, galleries, design studios, exhibition halls that occupy the former building of the Krasny Oktyabr confectionery factory. This is a kind of bohemian center of the capital, where events constantly take place with the participation of the fashionable public and famous people. The red brick factory building itself is a classic example of industrial architecture of the early 20th century.
Gorky Park
The park is located on the embankment of the Moskva River. In recent years, the place has changed and has become a point of attraction for an advanced audience. It constantly organizes events dedicated to the protection of the environment, vegetarian festivals, skateboarding competitions and other events. The park often becomes a venue for large-scale city holidays; in winter, an ice rink has been operating on the territory for several years.
