Things to do in Moscow
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Top 10 attractions in Moscow
Red Square
Red Square is the central square of Moscow and the world-renowned symbol of Russia. It is the site of several national military parades and major festivals throughout the year. Many tourist attractions are situated around Red Square, including the State Historical Museum to the north, GUM shopping complex in the east, St. Basil's Cathedral in the south and Lenin Mausoleum and The Kremlin in the west. Visiting these attractions is a great way to gain a deeper understanding of Russia's rich history and culture.Moscow · 303m from downtown
GUM
GUM is located on the east side of Red Square in Moscow, facing the Kremlin across the square. Its name is derived from the abbreviation of the Russian for "State Department Store," and it is also commonly referred to as "GUM." The current building was completed in the 1890s and was designed through a collaboration between architect Pomerantsev and engineer Shukhov. Its facade stretches over 200 meters along Red Square, featuring towers, spires, and stone carvings that evoke the vocabulary of medieval Russian architecture, yet it is supported by a steel frame structure that was quite advanced for its time. The continuous arched glass skylights were unique when the building was completed. The interior of the mall consists of three parallel shopping arcades spanning three levels, resembling a small city covered by a glass roof. The arched ceiling, composed of tens of thousands of glass panes, allows sunlight to flood the atrium, keeping the interior bright even when it is snowing outside. The fountain in the central arcade is the visual centerpiece of the entire mall and a common meeting point for Muscovites, with many tourists visiting specifically to take photos. The shops on both sides bring together hundreds of international and local brands, offering everything from fashion and jewelry to perfume and cosmetics. Even if you don't plan on shopping, it is worth coming in for a walk. The "Stolovaya No. 57" on the third level recreates the look of a Soviet state-run canteen, where you can carry a tray and choose traditional Russian home-style dishes. "Gastronome No. 1" replicates the grocery counters of the Soviet era, and its old-fashioned cream ice cream is quite famous. The "GUM ice cream" sold in small kiosks is another signature dessert that has been around for years. It is a great place to stop by and warm up after exploring Red Square, and when the lights come on at night, the glass arcades take on a different atmosphere.Moscow · 292m from downtown
Vorob'yevy gory
Vorob'yevy gory is located in the southwest of Moscow, on the right bank of the Moskva River. Known as Lenin Hills during the Soviet era, the name is derived from a village of the same name that once stood at the foot of the hill. It is one of the few high points in Moscow. The side facing the river features steep, forested cliffs, and the observation deck is located at the top of the cliff, dozens of meters above the river. Looking down from the railing, the Moskva River bends beneath your feet. On the opposite bank lies Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the opening and closing ceremonies of the 1980 Olympics. Further in the distance, the golden domes of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the towers of the Novodevichy Convent, and the skyscrapers of the Moscow City business district are also clearly visible. On a clear day, you can even see the church spires of The Moscow Kremlin, making it a classic spot for overlooking the Moscow cityscape. Looking back at the summit, the main building of Moscow State University stands prominently and can be seen from far away in the city. The hillside still retains a ski jump built during the Soviet era. After the winter snow falls, it becomes one of the few places in the city for skiing. When heading to the observation deck, take note of the Vorob'yevy Gory subway station located on the lower level of the bridge crossing the river. This glass-walled "station on the bridge" is an attraction in itself. You can also take a cable car across the Moskva River and look back at these heights from Luzhniki on the opposite bank. If you have time, come back in the evening. Moscow at twilight offers a completely different experience compared to the daytime.Moscow · 7km from downtown
Kolomenskoye
Kolomenskoye is situated on a high hill overlooking the Moskva River. Covering nearly 400 hectares, it is now a historical park that combines ancient architecture, historic orchards, and riverside meadows. As early as the 14th century, this was the estate of the Grand Prince of Moscow, and for centuries thereafter, it served as a suburban residence for Russian monarchs. The estate's landmark building is the Church of the Ascension, built in 1532 to celebrate the birth of Ivan the Terrible. Designed by an Italian architect, its white stone tower with a tent-like spire is an early masterpiece of Russian tent-roofed stone churches. The steep bank in front of the church is also a great spot for overlooking the Moskva River. In the second half of the 17th century, Tsar Alexis built a magnificent wooden palace here, featuring hundreds of rooms and thousands of windows, which amazed foreign envoys and was called the "eighth wonder of the world" by contemporaries. The original palace was dismantled in the 18th century, but it has since been reconstructed on the site according to its original appearance. The park also houses the 16th-century Church of St. John the Baptist, the St. George Bell Tower, as well as the 17th-century Our Lady of Kazan Church, the main gatehouse, and water towers. It also brings together wooden houses and towers relocated from northern Russia, effectively serving as an open-air exhibition of wooden architecture. Peter the Great had a deep connection to this place during his childhood; as a youth, he drilled his "toy army" here, which later became the prototype for the Imperial Guard. The "Peter the Great House" in the park was his residence in 1702 while he was overseeing the construction of fortresses and warships at the northern river mouth, and it was later relocated to the estate. The apple orchards, which have been preserved since the Tsarist era, are planted with many ancient varieties of apple trees. They are in full bloom in late spring and heavy with fruit by late summer. Whether you are enjoying the flowers in spring, seeking shade in summer, watching the leaves turn in the fall, or admiring the snow-covered spires in winter, there is something to see in every season, making it a long-standing destination for Moscow residents to take walks and go on outings.Moscow · 10km from downtown
Arbat Street
Arbat Street is an old street in the center of Moscow, with a history dating back to the 15th century. It starts at Arbat Square in the east and ends at Smolenskaya Square in the west, spanning about 1 km, with its eastern end just a few hundred meters from The Moscow Kremlin. In the 1960s, a parallel modern avenue, "New Arbat Street," was built nearby, leading to the old street being commonly referred to as "Old Arbat Street." By the 1980s, the entire old street was designated as a pedestrian zone, prohibiting vehicle traffic. The old street is lined with classical buildings and retro-style street lamps, while the new street is filled with high-rises and dense shops, extending all the way to the Moskva River. Exploring the old and new side-by-side offers a glimpse into two different eras of Moscow. The underlying character of this street is a literary atmosphere that has persisted for over a century. Since the 19th century, writers, painters, and scholars have settled here one after another. Today, many old houses still have commemorative plaques embedded in their exterior walls, indicating which notable figures lived there and during which years. After his wedding in 1831, the poet Pushkin spent the first few months of his married life in the apartment at No. 53. This small building is now the Pushkin House Museum, with a statue of him and his wife, Natalia, standing in front, while the former residence of the writer Andrei Bely is next door. A bronze statue of the singer Okudzhava, who lived on this street and wrote several songs about it, also stands by the roadside. There are also two popular photo spots on the street: near the alley next to No. 37 is the "Tsoi Wall," a graffiti wall that fans have been painting since 1990 to commemorate rock singer Viktor Tsoi. It is covered with messages like "Tsoi is alive," and people still continue to add new ones to this day. In front of the Vakhtangov Theatre stands the golden "Princess Turandot" fountain statue, where tourists often stop to take photos. Strolling through the old street is an experience in itself: souvenir shops are lined up one after another, with Russian handicrafts like nesting dolls filling the windows. Street artists set up easels to draw portraits on the spot, musicians and mimes perform at any time, and the outdoor seating of cafes and restaurants is often packed. Start from the Arbat Square end and walk slowly westward along the pedestrian street, keeping an eye out for the plaques on the walls and the graffiti wall at the alley entrance. There is a subway station at both ends of the old street, making it convenient to travel to other attractions in the city center.Moscow · 1.8km from downtown
Moskva River
The Moscow River flows through the entire city of Moscow, from which the name Moscow comes. The Moscow River is 502 kilometers long, about 80 kilometers flowing through the urban area. The width of the river is generally about 200 meters, and the wider part is more than 1 kilometer. During the navigable season of the Moscow River, it is a pleasure to roam the Moscow River by yacht, you can see the Sparrow Hills, the main building of Moscow University, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the State History Museum, the Cultural Park Playground, the Kremlin and more. The water on the river is shimmering, the scenery on the bank is beautiful, and you can enjoy the beautiful Moscow architecture, which is refreshing. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on the Moscow River is a magnificent church. The church was originally built to commemorate Russia's victory over Napoleon in the 1812 Anti-French War. It has five gilded onion-shaped domes, and the central dome is 102 meters high. The church you see now was rebuilt in 1995. Opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, on the Moskva River, there are statues of Peter the Great and ancient Roman battleships. With a boat as the base, the statue stands on the river and is 60 meters high, like a public artwork designed for the natural landscape. The Moscow River has a unique mystery and beauty. There are many beautiful rumors. On June 21, 1547, Moscow suffered a great fire. It is said that desperate residents threw "crystal clear pearls and priceless gems" into the river; in the early 19th century, Napoleon's army approached the city, and a ship full of gold and silver jewelry sank to the bottom of the river. The French tried their best, but still got nothing... There are many such rumors. There is also a saying that diving equipment is not allowed to enter the section of the Moscow River that flows through the city center without a special permit. This is because the waterways here allow access to heavily fortified state powerhouses, including the Kremlin. Guarding the underwater gateway to the Kremlin is the Federal Security Service's diving unit, known locally as "Frogmen". The soldiers of the unit are all the best swimmers in the Northern Fleet and have undergone strict military training. Soldiers in wetsuits patrol the area where the Moscow River flows through the Kremlin several times a day.Moscow · 843m from downtown
Moscow State University
Moscow State University is a comprehensive university in Russia with a long history. It has a particularly deep tradition in basic disciplines such as mathematics and physics, and many Nobel laureates have emerged from among its faculty and students. Cultural figures such as Turgenev, Belinsky, and Herzen all studied here in their youth, and Chekhov even completed his studies in the medical department here. In the 1950s, a large number of Chinese students traveled far to study at this school, forging a special bond between it and China. Most tourists come specifically to see its main building standing on Vorob'yevy gory. This behemoth, which began construction in the late 1940s and was completed in the early 1950s, belongs to Moscow's famous "Seven Sisters" group of skyscrapers. The central tower, including its spire, is approximately 240m high and has 36 floors. Its four wings feature tiered setbacks that arch around the center. It is said that the total length of the corridors inside the building exceeds 30 km, with thousands of rooms. For more than 30 years after its completion, no building in Europe was taller. The five-pointed star at the tip of the spire, weighing about 12 tons, is a striking symbol of the entire building; it is said that a small room is hidden inside the star. On the outer walls of the side towers, the huge clock face with a diameter of nearly 9m, along with the functional thermometer and barometer, are very eye-catching. Even the minute hand is over 4m long. Embedding giant instruments directly into the exterior wall is rare in world architecture. The main building is still used for teaching today, and the interior is not an attraction open to the public at will. The upper floors house the Earth Science Museum and an observation deck, where you can climb high to overlook the entire city. Even if you don't enter the building, there is plenty to explore: in front of the building is an open fountain square and a statue of Lomonosov, and the nearby Scientists' Alley features twelve granite busts of distinguished scholars. If you go around to the observation deck on the hillside behind the main building, you can take in the view of the Moskva River, the stadium on the opposite bank, and the city skyline all at once.Moscow · 8km from downtown
Alexander Garden
Alexander Garden is a strip of parkland stretching along the west wall of The Moscow Kremlin, extending from the side of Manege Square to near the Borovitskaya Tower, and is composed of three sections: the Upper, Middle, and Lower Gardens. This green space was originally the riverbed of the Neglinnaya River. During the reconstruction of Moscow after the Great Fire of 1812, architect Bové diverted the river into an underground conduit and created the park on the vacated riverbed, which has been a place for Muscovites to walk and relax for two hundred years. The core attraction in the Upper Garden is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Inscribed on the dark red tombstone are the words "Your name is unknown, your deed is immortal." The Eternal Flame in the five-pointed star in front of the tomb has been burning continuously since it was lit on the eve of Victory Day in 1967. An honor guard performs a changing of the guard ceremony every hour, and the site is often surrounded by tourists watching. Foreign delegations visiting Moscow often come here to lay wreaths, and many newlyweds in Moscow also make it a habit to offer a bouquet of flowers at the tomb on their wedding day. The Middle Garden faces the Kutafya Tower of The Moscow Kremlin. Tourists visiting The Moscow Kremlin usually enter the complex from this tower via a stone bridge, and it is easy to stop by the park after visiting Red Square. In the middle section of the Upper Garden, there is also the "Ruins Grotto," built from stones salvaged from the ruins after the Great Fire of 1812, and an obelisk commemorating the Romanov dynasty. The northern end of the park is connected to the underground shopping mall of Manege Square, and the area next to the fountains and sculptures on the square is a popular spot for taking a break and taking photos.Moscow · 462m from downtown
All-Russian Exhibition Center
All-Russian Exhibition Center is located in northeastern Moscow and covers an area of approx. 3 million square meters, making it a massive exhibition park. Its history dates back to the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition that opened in 1939. For decades, it was known as the "Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy." After the dissolution of the Soviet Union, it was briefly renamed the "All-Russian Exhibition Center," and today it has reverted to its historical name. Dozens of Soviet-era pavilions within the park have been well preserved, each with a distinct style. From agriculture, industry, and technology to the cultures of various ethnic groups, the exhibition themes almost lay out a three-dimensional picture of Soviet society. Walking through it feels like visiting an open-air architectural museum. The park's highlights are quite concentrated: the Fountain of Friendship of Peoples consists of 16 gilded statues of young women in traditional ethnic costumes surrounding a golden sheaf of wheat, making it an iconic photo spot; the Stone Flower Fountain is based on the stone flower from Ural folklore, with colorful mosaics covering the pool walls; and standing next to the main entrance is the stainless steel sculpture "Worker and Kolkhoz Woman" created by sculptor Vera Mukhina. Today, it also brings together a large aquarium, the "Cosmos" aerospace-themed pavilion, an interactive robotics pavilion, and an urban farm. Outdoors, there are wide tree-lined avenues, ponds, and landscaped parks, which connect with Ostankino Park and the Main Botanical Garden. Locals often come here for walks and cycling. In winter, the park opens a large outdoor ice rink, and near the south entrance, there is a Ferris wheel that offers a bird's-eye view of the entire park.Moscow · 8.4km from downtown
Triumphal Arch of Moscow
Triumphal Arch of Moscow was built to commemorate the Russian army's victory over Napoleon's army in 1812. It was designed by architect Bove, with sculptures by Vitali and Timofeyev. Built between 1829–1834, it originally stood in Tverskaya Zastava Square. It was dismantled in the 1930s due to urban redevelopment and rebuilt in 1968 on Victory Square near Poklonnaya Hill according to the original design, making it a monument that was "born twice." The arch is 28m high. Between the six pairs of cast-iron columns stand statues of soldiers wearing pointed helmets and armor, with one hand holding a shield and the other a spear. The reliefs in the niches above depict the scene of the French army being expelled from Moscow and the city's liberation, while the frieze is embedded with dozens of medallions cast with the coats of arms of the cities that participated in the war. At the top of the arch is a Chariot of Glory pulled by six horses, with a winged Goddess of Victory holding a laurel wreath overlooking the city. On the bronze plaque below the chariot is engraved Kutuzov's famous quote: "You saved the motherland with your blood, and each of you is a savior of the motherland." The entire sculpture group is rich in detail and magnificent, making it a popular photo spot both day and night. It is adjacent to Victory Park. Not far away, in front of the cylindrical Museum-Panorama The Battle of Borodino, stands an equestrian bronze statue of Field Marshal Kutuzov. As part of the same architectural complex commemorating the War of 1812, it is worth including them in the same itinerary.Moscow · 6.5km from downtown
Free things to do in Moscow
Red Square
Moscow · 303m from downtownGUM
Moscow · 292m from downtownVorob'yevy gory
Moscow · 7km from downtownKolomenskoye
Moscow · 10km from downtownArbat Street
Moscow · 1.8km from downtownMoskva River
Moscow · 843m from downtownMoscow State University
Moscow · 8km from downtownAlexander Garden
Moscow · 462m from downtownAll-Russian Exhibition Center
Moscow · 8.4km from downtownTriumphal Arch of Moscow
Moscow · 6.5km from downtown
More ways to travel from Moscow
What travellers say about Moscow
YoYo_0T9A3B0L2 November 2025
5.0
Red Square, picturesque and poetic, unfolds quietly in the heart of Moscow, Russia, like a historical scroll. The red buildings and the weight of history are all embodied in this unique square, making one feel as if immersed in a long river of history, experiencing the changes of the times and the vicissitudes of history.
Red Square
Exploreit23 October 2025
5.0
Right beside Red Square, GUM is a masterpiece of architecture and elegance! By day, it’s full of life — sunlight streams through the beautiful glass roof as people stroll between luxury shops, cafés, and ice cream stands. You can feel both history and modern charm blending perfectly inside this grand shopping gallery.Whether you come for a quick coffee, some shopping, or simply to enjoy the view — GUM is an unforgettable part of the Red Square experience!
GUM
陌染MM16 January 2021
4.0
Traveling to Russia, this stop came to Moscow, came to this place, this place is called Sparrow Hills, Sparrow Hills without sparrows, just a name. This place was formerly called Lenin Hill, located in the southwest of Moscow, Russia, on the south bank of the Moscow River. It is also the highest point in Moscow, but it is only 220 meters, haha. There is a famous observation deck here, located 85 meters above the river level, where you can see part of the city view of Moscow, including the famous Luzhniki Stadium and Ukraine Hotel. Not far from the observation deck is the Luzhniki Railway Bridge, and this observation deck is also facing the gate of Moscow University. There is a ski jump on Sparrow Hills, built in 1953, and various mountain bike and racing competitions are often held on the mountain.
In an open space on Sparrow Hill, the angle is very good. On one side, you can see the city, and on the other side is the designated place for taking graduation photos of Moscow University. Once graduation arrives, you may see groups of graduates gathering here to take graduation photos. The background of the photo is the teaching building of Moscow University, a very beautiful background. If the weather is good, the photos will be taken with a large piece of blue sky and white clouds, but the weather in Moscow is often dim, and there are only more than 70 days of sunshine a year. When we arrived, it was winter, that is, it was snowing. The section of road facing Moscow University was already buried in snow, and we couldn't see the road. Maybe there was grass there. Everyone stood on it. The snow was very thick, so we had to be careful. It would go down when we stepped on it. There were some benches next to it, and it felt like a small park.
Vorob'yevy gory
游侠半仙16 August 2026
5.0
A favorite rural resort, this place even boasts a wooden palace built by Tsar Alexander Pavlovich, unfortunately destroyed in the 18th century; only a model of the palace can be viewed in a museum.
Now, this outdoor architectural museum preserves several 16th and 17th-century churches, as well as wooden buildings of various styles moved from different regions. The most famous is a cruciform cabin once inhabited by Peter the Great, a temporary residence during his visits to northern Russian cities.
The Church of the Assumption in Cromenskoye is a historically significant traditional church, built to celebrate the birth of Ivan IV. It holds a pivotal position in the history of Russian architecture because it was the first time a wooden structure was built in brick, laying the foundation for the construction of St. Basil's Cathedral 25 years later.
Kolomenskoye
Lavender and Sun25 February 2022
5.0
Arbat Street is a famous pedestrian street in the center of Moscow. It originated in the 15th century and is about 1 km long. It is close to the Moscow River and is one of the oldest streets in Moscow. A beautiful street.
Arbat Street
_We***9523 November 2022
5.0
The Moscow River is a left-bank tributary of the Oka River in western Russia. It is located in the Volga River Basin. It originates from the Smolensk-Moscow Upland, is 502 kilometers (312 miles) long, and has a drainage area of 17,600 square kilometers (6,800 square miles). It is an important water source for the city of Moscow.
Moskva River
喜欢猫的虎24 May 2021
5.0
Lomonosov Moscow State University (Russian: московский государственный университет имени М.В.Ломоносова, МГУ) is the full name of "Moscow State University Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov", referred to as "Moscow University". It was initiated and founded by Tsarist Russian educator Mikhail Vasilyevich Lomonosov in 1755. It is the largest and oldest comprehensive research university in the Russian Federation, a top European and world-renowned institution of higher learning, and a member of the International Public University Forum, the European Capital University Alliance, and the European University Association.
If you pass by Moscow University, you can visit the school.
Moscow State University
遇见美景，快乐欣赏2 March 2023
5.0
Alexander Garden is located outside the red wall of the Kremlin. It is a rectangular garden and one of the favorite places for Muscovites to relax and play. There is also a famous Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the garden for people to pay their respects.
Alexander Garden
je ne sais quoi7 September 2025
5.0
VDNKh (ВДНХ), officially the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy or the All-Russia Exhibition Centre, is a place you should definitely dedicate an entire day to if you visit Moscow. Located in the northeastern side of Moscow, VDNKh is like an entire city in itself, filled with exhibitions, museums, restaurants, canteens and gardens. It was built during the Stalinist period to highlight the different aspects of the Soviet economy and the cultural diversity of the different republics. You can get here by metro, just take the train to the VDNKh metro station, and it would take less than 30 minutes from the city centre.Once you are there, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. The place is massive and you should not expect to see everything. You should definitely head to the information centre and get a map first, as it would be so helpful in helping you navigate around the giant complex. After that you should decide on which areas to focus on.After the main entrance you can see the pavilions of the different former Soviet states such as Kazakhstan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Entry to these pavilions is free and you should definitely check them out to get a glimpse into these exotic lands, and it might even fuel your desire for your next travel adventure.Walk further down and you can see a canteen where you can savour food from all different parts of Russia. Remember, while Moscow is the capital, Russia is the world’s largest country with landscapes and cultures that are very varied. Personally I really liked the cuisine from the Caucasus region. After that, for people interested in science and technology, there are exhibitions (ticket required) about subjects like nuclear power, agriculture, aviation, etc. There is really a lot to check out and this is a place a recommend everyone to go, and I would love to go again.#russia #moscow #россия
All-Russian Exhibition Center
송사자이31 October 2022
5.0
The Arc de Triomphe is not only in Paris, France~! There is also a beautiful Arc de Triomphe in Moscow, so I recommend visiting it!!
Triumphal Arch of Moscow
