Moscow, Russia’s gorgeous capital, is a bustling city filled with brilliant architecture, history, culture and much, much more. Moscow is alive, hip, elegant, luxurious, and alluring with a fabulous nightlife to top it off. This city offers visitors endless amounts of things to do – you won’t get bored in Moscow.
I quickly fell in love with Moscow. Its sense of wonder and excitement captivated me. Plus, the language barrier was a huge task to overcome, but it was a task I enjoyed. Getting around on the metro (that’s only in Russian, no other language) and asking for help was a challenge, but it opened me up and allowed me to discover this fascinating city in a different light. I left Moscow wanting more.

 

Where To Stay
While you’re visiting Moscow, it’s wise to stay near Red Square. This area is the most central area in the city. From here, you can access public transportation to easily get to other areas of the city. Red Square and the surrounding area offer plenty of shopping and dining. Within walking distance is (of course) Red Square, Moscow Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and more.

 

What To Do

• Moscow Kremlin
  No visit to Moscow is complete without a visit to the Moscow Kremlin. The Kremlin’s history dates back centuries and its large complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. Make sure to take the Ivan the Great Bell Tower tour so you can climb to the top for the best views of the Kremlin and surrounding Moscow. Construction on Ivan the Great Bell Tower started in 1329 and it officially opened in 1508. Moscow Kremlin is open daily, except Thursdays, from 10-17:00.

• Red Square
  Moscow’s Red Square is one of the most historic, famous, and recognized squares in the world. Located in the center of the city, all of the city’s major streets originate from Red Square. Red Square truly is a magical and beautiful place – particularly when lit up in the evening.

• Lenin’s Mausoleum
  Easy to find (it’s a black box in the middle of Red Square), and super cliché, visiting Lenin’s tomb is a must when in Moscow.
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
  Opened in 1561, St. Basil’s Cathedral is a colorful church that sits at one end of Red Square. This structural work of art is open daily from 11-17:00. I must admit, after being inside the elaborate Church of the Savior on Blood in Saint Petersburg, the interior of this cathedral disappointed me. For travelers on a budget – skip the inside.

• Almazny Fund
  The Diamond Fund is a large collection of imperial Russia’s jewels and artifacts. This collection will dazzle you.
• Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
  The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts houses the largest display of European art in Moscow. It is open daily, except Mondays, from 11-20:00.
• Krutitskoe Podvorye
  Offering visitors a different atmosphere and vision of Moscow, this section of the city dates back to the 15th century. Here, you’ll find architecture unlike elsewhere in Moscow.
• Moscow Metro
  Not only is the metro the cheapest and most efficient way to get around the city, it is also a work of art and an attraction on its own. Many of the metro stations are extravagantly made with intricate details and designs. Each metro station is different.

• Kuskovo Palace
  Built in the mid-18th century, this colorful neoclassical building served as a summer home to the famed Sheremetev family. Located on its grounds are a church, bell tower, and a large well-manicured garden.
• Museum of Cosmonautics
  Located within the base of the massive Monument to the Conquerors of Space, the Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration. Open daily, except Mondays, from 10-19:00.

• Christ the Savior Cathedral
  This massive Orthodox Christian church is the tallest in the world, standing at an overall height of 103 meters. Christ the Savior Cathedral is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10-17:00, and on Mondays from 13-17:00.

• Novospasskiy Monastery
  This beautiful fortified monastery was the first monastery to be founded in Moscow in the early 14th century. Located in the southeastern area of the city, Novospasskiy Monastery is open daily from 07-20:00.
• GUM and TSUM
  Interested in shopping during your stay in Moscow? These malls, which are home to designer stores galore, are some of the most extravagant malls you will ever lay your eyes on.