Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia. Every year it attracts millions of tourists from all over the world, because there really is something to see here: museums and theaters, parks and estates. Only one Red Square with the Kremlin and the Mausoleum are worth something! To explore the main sights of the capital, 1, 2 or 3 days are enough, but it is better to allocate at least 4-5 days for a trip around Moscow to enjoy the beauty of this city without haste.
The Moscow Kremlin
What to see in Moscow first of all? Of course, the Kremlin. The main symbol of the Russian state is an old brick fortress, it is also a repository of museum exhibitions and church relics, it is also a presidential residence, it is also a cemetery of high members of the Soviet party era. The Moscow Kremlin is twenty interconnected towers, the main of which is Spasskaya, with the most accurate clock in the country and the famous chimes, under which all of Russia celebrates the new year.
Red Square
Paved with cobblestones, majestic and always crowded, Red Square - although not the largest in the country - this proud title is held by Palace Square in St. Petersburg - but the most important. It is here that the Victory Day parades take place, it is here that foreign tourists rush first of all. Red Square is the most beautiful during the New Year holidays: a large Christmas tree is set up in the center, everything is decorated with bright festive illumination, music is playing, and the famous fair with caramel cockerels, carousels and a skating rink unfolds around.
St. Basil's Cathedral
The famous temple was erected in 1561 by order of Ivan the Terrible and marked the capture of Kazan. Initially, it was called the Pokrov-na-Moat, and it acquired its present name later, when the holy fool Basil the Blessed, loved by the people, died. St. Basil's Cathedral is beautiful not only inside, but also outside: generously painted, it attracts attention with its bright variegated domes.
State Historical Museum
When wondering what to see in Moscow, you should definitely pay attention to the main museum of the country. Here you can trace the entire history of the Russian State, the USSR, modern Russia - from the beginning of time to the present day. Almost forty rooms, detailed expositions, a reasonable combination of museum traditions and the comfort of modern equipment, a chronicle of all the most important wars, the development of Siberia, culture and art - you can spend many hours wandering the halls of this amazing museum.
State Department Store (GUM)
In fact, GUM is not that universal: you cannot find household goods and food here. In Soviet times, it was possible to buy scarce goods here, and today GUM is the concentration of world brands, fashion boutiques and author's showrooms. But you can come here without the purpose of shopping: just walk along the inner bridges, go down to the historic toilet, sit in the cozy cafe "At the Fountain", admire the bright design. And, of course, try the legendary Gum ice cream, which is sold for a hundred rubles in the stalls on the ground floor.
Zaryadye park
Indigenous Muscovites like to argue about the beauty of this place: some people really like the new landscape park, built not far from Red Square, while others consider it a senseless investment of budgetary funds. But tourists will almost certainly be delighted: an unusual V-shaped observation deck overhanging a "soaring bridge" over the Moscow River, several landscape zones, a concert hall and even an underground museum, as well as a host of various installations, sculptures and gazebos - all this disposes to pleasant rest at any time of the year.
The Bolshoi Theatre
What else to see in Moscow? Of course, the Bolshoi Theater! Today's repertoire includes the operas Anna Boleyn, Carmen, The Queen of Spades and the ballets Anna Karenina, Don Quixote, Romeo and Juliet, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and, of course, Swan Lake". Every self-respecting tourist who gets to the capital of Russia should visit at least one of these legendary performances. In addition, the Bolshoi Theater regularly hosts tours of other Russian and world theaters. The main thing is to buy tickets in advance: for some performances, seats are sold out six months before the performance.
Old Arbat
Tolstoy and Bulgakov, Akhmatova and Okudzhava wrote about this street in their books. It has its own atmosphere: a little theatrical and a little rocker, with street musicians and artists, unusual performances and performances, cozy cafes and delicious coffee. Once Arbat was an ordinary Moscow street, where cars drove, but a quarter of a century ago it was given to pedestrians, and since then it has been one of the favorite places of local youth and creative people.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
What to see in Moscow from church attractions, besides the Cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed? For example, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. By the way, he has the honorary prefix "most": the largest Orthodox church in the world. And it’s true: walking in the center of Moscow, you can hardly miss this majestic structure with snow-white walls and golden domes. The current temple is completely new: it was built in the 90s of the last century, but once in its place there was another temple of the same name, blown up by the Soviet authorities in 1931.
Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery is the most famous collection of paintings in Russia. Only the St. Petersburg Russian Museum can compete with it. The gallery was founded in 1892 and named after its creator, collector Pavel Tretyakov, in love with art. The main exposition of the museum is paintings by Russian and foreign artists, but also among the exhibits you can find graphics, icons and sculptures. It will take several hours to get around all the halls. You can join a group tour or take an individual one.
Moscow Zoo
Once about this zoo and how steadfastly it survived the years of the Great Patriotic War, Vera Chaplina, her employee, a famous naturalist and writer, wrote with love. The Moscow Zoo has always strived not only to show the animals to visitors, but also to really take care of its pupils: large open-air cages have been built for the inhabitants of the zoo, divided by climatic zones, there is its own “animal canteen”, and active scientific and educational work is underway. Anyone can come and get acquainted with tigers, giraffes and camels at any time of the year. The latest acquisition of the Moscow Zoo is two pandas. A spacious enclosure was built for the little ones, and bamboo is delivered to them on weekly special flights from China.
VDNKh
In Soviet times, the Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy - and this is how the abbreviation VDNKh stands for - was intended to visually show all the economic, national, industrial, and technical victories of the union republics. It also served as the largest city park with a fountain, paths and gazebos. After the collapse of the USSR, for some time VDNKh was more like a market where everything was sold. Then the landmark was put in order, a grandiose reconstruction was started, today its official name is the All-Russian Exhibition Center.
Ostankino Tower
Or just Ostankino. Even after the construction of Moscow City, Ostankino remained the tallest structure not only in the capital, but throughout the country. In addition to the corporate premises and filming pavilions, there is the Seventh Heaven restaurant located at an altitude of 330 meters. Revolving in a circle, the restaurant provides its visitors with a panoramic view of the whole of Moscow. There is also a beautiful viewing platform above the restaurant.
Sokolniki
A huge park in the center of Moscow is a real island of peace and quiet in this large, noisy, crowded city. In Sokolniki, you can find entertainment for the whole family, have an active rest or just relax, eat tasty food and feed squirrels from your hand, breathe fresh air and escape from the hustle and bustle of a modern metropolis for a couple of hours.
Moscow City
Moscow City is the focus of the capital's business life. What to see in Moscow when it seems that all the other sights have already been explored? Go to the most futuristic and cosmic quarter of Moscow, climb the observation decks of this Russian Manhattan, admire the views of the city from the tops of skyscrapers.
Moscow is a big and beautiful city. But going here for the first time, you need to be prepared: the capital will capture the traveler entirely and completely, whirl in the bustle of its crowded streets, deafen with car sirens, carry him through the crowd in the city subway. In order not to be confused, it is best to think over the route in advance, use the services of professional guides or the help of local residents. Open Moscow correctly!
