Moscow is an incredible city to visit and one of the most visited places in Russia. There’s so much to do in this city, and it’s a big contrast from St Petersburg which I would recommend visiting beforehand. Most of the main tourist attractions in Moscow are going to be busy no matter what time of the year you go to them, so try to plan ahead as much as possible and leave plenty of time to spend in the queues. Before I get to the reasons to visit Moscow, here’s some practical information about visiting the city first.
Train from St Petersburg to Moscow
Taking the overnight train from St Petersburg to Moscow is the best way to save time and money. We spent the night in a private carriage and our train arrived into Moscow at 6am so we had a full day to explore the city. Russian Railways gives you all the train options for the day you’ve selected, and shows you the price for the various classes.
There are 3 classes to choose from. Third class is the cheapest but the least private. Both sides of the carriage are lined with bunk beds, so it’s essentially a giant hostel room. If you’re travelling on a budget or backpacking around eastern Europe, this would be a good option. Second class has 2 bunk beds in it (4 beds in total) so it’s a little more private. First class has 2 beds and you get other perks such as a television, slippers, and breakfast. They also wake you up in the morning with some fresh coffee.
We went first class because the train originated in Tallinn, so we didn’t want to be waking people up in the middle of the night climbing into a bunk bed. Some trains offer business class which provides you with a private bathroom as well. The prices vary depending on the train type and time of the day you travel, but for us, the first class option wasn’t much more than second class.
How to get around Moscow
One of the main reasons to visit Moscow is to see the attractions, and getting around Moscow is very easy with the metro system. It’s considered the world’s most beautiful metro with it’s over-the-top designs. There is an app you can download which helps a lot as some of the stations don’t have English translations for the lines. All you need to do is type Moscow metro in the app store and it will pop up.
You can either get the Troika card, which works like the Oyster card in London, or there is an option for 1, 2, or 3 day passes with unlimited rides, which we found to be a better and cheaper option. The Uber app wouldn’t work for us so we used Yandex instead which is the same concept as Uber. It’s a great choice if you’re too tired to walk around the metro, or want to get to the airport directly.
Getting to and from Domodedovo Airport
If you need to get to and from Domodedovo Airport, there is a metro line that connects it to the city centre. Or you can use Yandex like we did which doens’t cost much and is a lot comfier than lugging your bags up and down the stairs in the metro stations. Moscow has 3 airports to fly in and out of, so pay attention to your tickets or you could end up heading in the wrong direction for your return flight.
Russian Tourist Visa
Getting your Russian Tourist Visa isn’t the easiest process. Not only is it very expensive, it can take weeks to arrive depending on what option you pay for. As soon as you know for certain you’re going to Russia you should start your visa application process. There is an option to fast track it if you’ve left it to the last minute, but it’s more expensive and there is no guarantee it will be accepted.
The process and prices vary from country to country. I was in the UK at the time so I decided to use my British passport for my application. With all of the added documents you need to include it came out to just under £300 for a 20 day single entry visa. Make sure you know what kind of visa you need, because if you apply for the wrong one you will probably be denied entry. There are many websites that can help you out with your application, so there’s no need to stress.
How expensive is Moscow?
The currency in Russia is the Russian ruble. I would recommend bringing some cash with you but most places accept credit cards as well. I was surprised at how cheap eating out was, but the tourist attractions are expensive compared to other countries. Hotel prices in Moscow depend on what area you’re in and the quality you want, but overall they’re similar to prices found in Vienna.
How much money you bring to Moscow will depend on what you intend to do in the city, so plan ahead and research the entry fees of the attractions you want to go in. This will give you an idea of how much you’ll spend on activities, and then all you need to do is bring a bit of extra money for food and souvenirs. If one of your reasons to visit Moscow is to see as many of the sites as possible then you’ll need a larger budget than someone who’s visiting for a specific event.
21 reasons to visit Moscow
Spending 1 week in Moscow is definitely enough to see the entire city but it’s not necessary. We spent 5 days in Moscow during the summer and even though the weather decided not to cooperate, we had an amazing time in the city. There are quite a few free things to do in Moscow, so don’t despair once you’ve researched the entry fees for the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral.
Here are my top recommendations for reasons to visit Moscow, as well as some helpful tips that I wish I would have known before I visited the city.
1. St Basil’s Cathedral
St Basil’s Cathedral is an icon of Moscow, and certainly not to be missed. This is the main attraction in the Red Square and it’s packed with people taking photos outside of it. If you go very early in the morning you can get some great shots without the crowds though.
Entry isn’t cheap, and during the summer months the queue to get in is long, but going inside the cathedral is definitely worth it. It was unlike any other cathedral I’ve been inside. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the main reasons to visit Moscow so take your time here and admire this beautiful structure.
2. Walk around the Red Square
Apart from St Basil’s Cathedral, the Red Square is home to many other interesting sites. The walls of the Kremlin are shown in this photo, but you can also catch a glimpse of Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, Resurrection Gate, and GUM. If you want photos without the crowds then you need to wake up very early in the morning.
3. Lenin’s Mausoleum
Lenin’s Mausoleum is a very surreal experience, with guards lining the entire route and watching your every move. It’s only open for 4 days of the week, from 10am-1pm, and is free to enter but you’ll have to wait in a very long queue. Once you’re inside you’ll be able to see Lenin’s body on display but you’re not permitted to take photos or even stop for a closer look. The opening days can vary so make sure you double check before visiting.
4. The Eternal Flame
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier was moved from Leningrad to Moscow, and sits just outside of the Kremlin walls. You’ll pass by the Eternal Flame if you’re walking from the Red Square to the ticket office of the Kremlin. One of the many reasons to visit Moscow is to see the monuments but this one is completely unique and very moving.
5. Nikolovskaya Street
Nikolovskaya Street is by far my favourite street in Moscow. It opens out into the Red Square and runs along the side of GUM. There are many great shops and restaurants on this street, a couple of which we went inside. In the evening, these low-hanging lights are beautiful to walk under. Arbat Street is another main street in Moscow filled with souvenir shops, restaurants, and, as if you needed more reasons to visit Moscow, a Cinnabon as well!
6. GUM Department Store
GUM is a famous luxury department store and shopping centre, and for people who like to shop it’s one of the biggest reasons to visit Moscow. It’s incredibly beautiful inside, and there are lots of opportunities to sample some of its famous ice cream too. The shops are very expensive, but as long as you don’t start spending your money, this is one of the best things to do in Moscow on a budget.
7. Enjoy the views of the Kremlin from the Ivan the Great Bell Tower
One of the main reasons to visit Moscow is to go inside the Kremlin. Buying a ticket to the Kremlin can be quite stressful if you buy one on the day due to the huge queue. There are several variations of tickets for you to purchase, each with their own separate ticket boxes. The armoury is very popular, but costs just as much as the ticket to Cathedral Square, so we opted to skip that and save some money.
The Cathedral Square ticket allows you to enter the various cathedrals within the Kremlin. Getting into Ivan the Great’s Bell Tower means getting an additional ticket, which is surprisingly very cheap. The tickets are available 45 minutes before entry and you can only buy them on the day. There are under 10 tickets available for the bell tower so it’s a very unique experience in Moscow to have.
8. Iberian Gate and Chapel (Resurrection Gate)
The Iberian Gate is the main entrance to the Red Square, and traditionally you’re supposed to stop at the chapel before entering the square or the Kremlin. It sits between the city hall and State Historical Museum. The gate that now stands is a replica of the original 16th century gate, which was torn down in the 1930’s to allow large vehicles to enter the square for military parades. Visiting this gate is one of the top things to do in Moscow.
9. Eliseevsky
Eliseevsky is a very famous grocery store in Moscow, and was once where the nobility shopped for foreign imports. This is probably one of the more unusual things to do in Moscow, as you wouldn’t normally put a grocery store on an itinerary. One of the many reasons to visit Moscow is for the food so make sure this stop is on your list.
10. Zaryadye Park
Zaryadye Park is a newly built park in Moscow located right behind the Red Square, and offers some amazing views of the city. You can also find some less crowded points of interest here such as the Old English Yard and Romanov Boyar Residence.
11. Novodevichy Cemetery and Convent
Novodevichy Cemetery is the most famous cemetery in Moscow and many important Russian figures are buried here with elaborate headstones. There’s a fee to enter, and it’s a little confusing to navigate without a map, but there is an option of doing a walking tour too. There’s a convent located next to the cemetery, and the lake in front of it was the inspiration for Swan Lake. There are lots of reasons to visit Moscow besides the usual tourist attractions!
12. Bunker 42/Stalin’s Bunker
Bunker 42 (aka Stalin’s Bunker) is a phenomenal experience situated 5 minutes from the closest metro station. The bunker was designed by Stalin, but he died before its completion. It was once a very active command post and that was fully equipped with everything needed for a nuclear attack. Above ground, it posed as a military library so no one knew its actual purpose.
Since the bunker sits very close to one of the metro lines, they built a secret tunnel connecting the bunker to the metro for easier access. It sits 18 floors underground, and even has its own restaurant which I would recommend trying out for the unique Soviet inspired cocktails and food.
The tour lasts about an hour and you see some interesting rooms during this time. From the command centre, visitors are encouraged to try one of the simulations and launch their own rocket. If you’re looking for reasons to visit Moscow, this is one of them.
13. Bolshoi Theatre
For those of you trying to get a ticket to a performance at the world famous Bolshoi Theatre, I’d recommend buying it a few months in advance when they’re at their cheapest. If you can’t get a ticket, it’s only a short walk from the Red Square so you might as well as take a look at it from the outside. Many people consider attending a show here one of the top reasons to visit Moscow.
14. The Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovichin Kolomenskoye
The Palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovichin Kolomenskoye, or the Wooden Palace, is a 17th century palace considered to be the best surviving example of Russian wooden architecture. It’s a little bit outside of the city centre, but it’s very easily accessible through Moscow’s metro. There’s an option to go inside the palace as well but we arrived as it was closing so we were unable to. Although this isn’t one of the main reasons to visit Moscow, it’s another unique and off the beaten track thing to do in the city.
15. Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve
If you visit the wooden palace, Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve is only a short ride on the metro from there. It’s an enormous park, with many buildings to look at, but my favourite is the enormous palace on top of the hill. It was founded by Catherine the Great in the late 18th century and now stands as a museum. If you’re looking for more reasons to visit Moscow in the summer, this park should be one of them.
16. VDNKh/All-Russian Exhibition Centre
VDNKh, or the All-Russian Exhibition Centre, is considered a Stalinist theme park designed to show off the socialist economy and lifestyle. There are a lot of impressive things to see here, and many of the structures are enormous. Attending an exhibition here is one of the top reasons to visit Moscow for a lot of people so if you happen to be in the city when one’s on you should check it out.
17. Café Pushkin
Café Pushkin is a beautiful traditional dining venue set inside a former nobleman’s home. Visitors can either stop by for a drink or try some food from the Russian-inspired menu. It’s a very popular place to eat in Moscow and although many people now know about it, this dining venue is still considered one of the key reasons to visit Moscow.
18. Sparrow Hills
The closest metro station to Sparrow Hills is located at the bottom of the hill but the climb to the top is worth it for one of the best views in Moscow. The viewpoint is packed with tourists, unless you get there early though. If you’re looking for something unique to do in Moscow, there are walking tours that take you around the Stalinist skyscrapers that you can see in the distance.
Across the road from the viewpoint lies Moscow State University. There’s an observation deck at the top that you can visit if you have some free time which is another top thing to do in Moscow. If you’re feeling hungry you’ll often find different food stalls set up around this area selling food such as corn on the cob.
19. Gorky Park
Gorky Park as been totally reinvented and is now home to many different art installation and activities. Even on a rainy day it’s nice to walk around and there’s a unique part of the park that’s dedicated to the communist regime, with statues and busts of former leaders. Don’t forget to take a walk along the Moscow River too to get some nice views of the city.
20. Izmailovo Kremlin and Museum
Izmailovo Kremlin is one of my favourite parts of the city and is one of the many reasons to visit Moscow. It’s another spot you need to get the metro to, but it’s 100% worth the trip. It looks like something out of a fairy tale and is home to the Vodka Museum and some other interesting museums as well.
If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Moscow souvenir, there’s also a large market around this area where they sell everything you could ever need. There are lots of stalls selling antiques and other Russian secondhand items but there are just as many handmade items being sold. The stalls only take cash but you’ll find an ATM in the hotel across the road if you don’t have any.
21. Dumplings
Wondering what to eat in Russia? Dumplings, of course! You can’t travel to Russia without trying at least one of the many versions of dumplings they have here. Most traditional restaurants will have dumplings on their menu, as well as other delicious dishes, so you won’t need to look far to find them. In my opinion, food is one of the many reasons to visit Moscow so make sure you do some research beforehand so you don’t get stuck eating at tourist traps.
Where to stay in Moscow
Hotel Yakimanka 38
In terms of accommodation, we stayed at Hotel Yakimanka 38 which is perfectly located next to Gorky Park and right along a metro line. It’ll take you less than 15 minutes to get to the Red Square from the hotel and there are lots of nice places to eat in the area. This is a very budget friendly hotel in Moscow and it has different themed rooms to choose from, as well as ensuite bathrooms. If one of your reasons to visit Moscow is to explore the main attractions, you should base yourself at Hotel Yakimanka 38.
>> Click here for the most up to date prices at Hotel Yakimanka 38 <<
Moscow is a beautiful destination full of culture and history, and it’s perhaps best well known for its Russian architecture prominently on display throughout the city. There are more than 21 reasons to visit Moscow, but these are my top picks and I hope they help you plan your trip to the Russian capital.
Don’t forget to check out my tips on what to do in St Petersburg if you’re planning to visit there as well. You can also follow me on my travels through Instagram for more tips and travel advice.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission from the discount codes used or when a link/ad is clicked. All purchases made will come at no extra cost to you, and I only include products and services that I would personally recommend.
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