The Russian capital has its own, special, identity with attractions and activities for every kind of traveler. Either you visit it for a few days, or you devote more time, it will fill you with unforgettable images thanks to its history, architecture and culture. Apart from the important attractions in Moscow, you can visit interesting museums, parks and gardens, locations with amazing view, as well as impressive buildings. Learn about its history at the State Historical Museum, cross Gorky Park, enter one of the largest aquariums in Europe and enjoy a magical scenery from the 33rd floor of the Ukraina Hotel. Finally, the Russian delicacies and a basketball game will complete your trip in the most delicious and fun way.

Meet more attractions in Moscow

The State Historical Museum of Moscow is the reddest building of the…Red Square. Its exterior architecture, with the elaborate red bricks, renders it one of the most impressive and recognizable buildings in the world. However, this glamor is not transferred to the interior, as it is plain and rather impersonal. The museum’s collection includes hundreds of items of the Russian history, such as weapons, uniforms, manuscripts, paintings and more. Unfortunately, most descriptions are in Russian, so you will need an audioguide for your tour.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Monday-Thursday & Sundays 10:00-18:00, Friday-Saturday & summer months 10:00-21:00 Closed: Every Tuesday, June 11th, July 2nd & August 6th
Cost: 500RUB, Free with the CityPass

 The know-it-all says: The museum’s collection includes almost 5,000,000 items!

The impressive aquarium of Moscow is located on the north side of the city, inside the VDNKh park. The four-storey building surprises children and adults with its size and shape, as it looks like a giant orca(!). Inside it there are 80 water tanks that host more than 12,000 fish and plant species. Pass under the sharks and rays, look for the crocodiles, swim with dolphins, watch the shows with mermaids, seals and the famous killer whale, the orca. Apart from the aquarium, in the building there are shops with food and souvenirs.

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: Every day 10:00-22:00
Cost: Adults 950RUB, Children 3-12 years old 650RUB, Free with the CityPass.
Caution: It is the second largest aquarium in Europe!

 The know-it-all says: The museum’s collection includes almost 5,000,000 items!

The Pushkin Museum is one of the city’s most significant museums, as it includes exhibits of the ancient and more modern world art, such as jewel pieces, sarcophagi, sculptures and wall paintings. Most of them, of course, are exact replicas of famous artworks, which are currently showcased at famed museums like the Louvre, the British Museum and more. Even so, you have the chance to see from up close the Parthenon Frieze and the Caryatids, David’s statue, important paintings of Rembrandt and more.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: uesday-Sunday 11:00-20:00 & Thursday-Friday 11:00-21:00. Closed: Every Monday
Cost: Adults 500RUB, Children 7-17 years old 250RUB. Free with the CityPass.

 The know-it-all says: The museum hosts around 700,000 exhibits!

Despite the cold climate, the Russians have managed to create a culinary culture that is rich in flavor. The Russian cuisine is based mainly on soups, without excluding vegetables, meat, pies and fish. Some of the most well-known flavors are beef Stroganoff, the Russian salad (Olivier salad) and the fluffy piroshki. On cold days, try the Borscht soup (with beets) and the Shchi soup (with cabbage). Also, try the stuffed Pelmeni pasta, chicken Kiev and the tasty blini (crepes). Finally, combine your meal with local beers and, of course…with plenty of vodka.

 The know-it-all says: The authentic Russian salad included hazel grouse, beef tongue, caviar, lettuce, crayfish, caper, gherkin, cucumber, eggs and soya seeds, while it was “dressed” with a secret sauce!

Muscovites love sports, while the Russian teams take the lead in basketball. CSKA is, in fact, one of the biggest European basketball teams, which counts many trophies at national and European level. Each one of its games is a celebration for fans, who fill the stadium to enjoy some beautiful basketball spectacle. Book your seats for one of CSKA’s basketball games and enjoy the players giving all they got and the adorable mascot pepping up the fans to play, dance and cheer!

Suggested visit time: 2-3 hours
Open: On every game
Cost: From 8€ to 300€ a ticket

 The know-it-all says: Next to the CSKA Arena you can find the Avia Park, the largest shopping center in Europe!

Gorky Park is located in the center of Moscow and it is a huge green recreation oasis in the Russian capital. Inside it you will find gardens with fountains and kiosks, sports courts, ponds, food and coffee stands, museums, as well as an outdoor theatre-cinema. Cross it by bike, take a boat-ride or have a picnic, exercise and enjoy Moskva and the imposing statue of Peter the Great. During the winter, Gorky Park hosts one of the city’s largest ice-skating rinks (15 acres), while an outdoor market of artworks operates all year round.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The statue of Peter the Great (94 meters tall) is considered to be the largest statue in Europe and the eighth largest in the world!

The Museum of the Patriotic War of 1812 is housed in an imposing red building, behind the Red Square. The bright and spacious museum includes exhibits of the French invasion in Russia and Napoleon’s defeat on Russian territory. Among them you will find French and Russian uniforms, weapons, canons, wall paintings, as well as documents that recount the events of the Russian victory. In every room there are interactive boards and video projections, which, however, are in Russian.

Suggested visit time: 1 hour
Open: Monday-Thursday & Sundays 10:00-18:00, Friday-Saturday & summer months 10:00-21:00. Closed: Every Tuesday, June 11th, July 2nd & August 6th
Cost: 350RUB, Free with the CityPass

 The know-it-all says: The French army, during their advance in Russia, lost more than 500,000 men and 200,000 horses!

The Observation Deck of the Ukraina Hotel is one of the highest spots in Moscow and offers a panoramic 360° view of the city. The deck is located on the 33rd floor of the historic hotel and offers unobstructed view of the most important attractions, such as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Moskva River and the skyscrapers of the new city. The ticket includes a refreshment or coffee, which you can enjoy ideally during the sunset, with the golden domes and red-painted buildings at the background.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Every day 12:00-17:00 Closed: Winter months & bad weather days.
Cost: 1000RUB, Free entrance & Drink with the Moscow CityPass

 The know-it-all says: The hotel is known as “Stalin’s skyscraper or one of the “Seven Sisters”!

The Zaryadye Park is located in Moscow’s historical center and it is the ideal place to combine a walk in nature, history, technology, music and architecture. Inside the lush green area you will go through Russia’s four vegetation zones (tundra, steppe, forest and fields) while you will have the chance to visit botanical gardens, museums, ice caves and the Music Hall. Sit at the amphitheater with the impressive glass ceiling and walk on the floating bridge (240m long) with the excellent view of the city and River Moskva.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Park: Free / Museums, Music Hall etc: Ticket entrance (See HERE)

 The know-it-all says: On its location there used to be one of the biggest hotels in the world with 3,000 beds!

Moscow’s modern area goes by the name of Moscow City and it is the largest commercial and architectural center in the city. The new city comes in complete contrast with the historical center, as it consists of towering glass skyscrapers, which remind something of Dubai. Enjoy a meal with a panoramic view from one of the roof tops, do your shopping at the large Afimall shopping center and take dozens of photographs during the sunset with the colorful buildings at the background.

Suggested visit time: 1-2 hours
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The second tallest building in Europe is on it (Federation Tower 373m)!

Aleksandrovskiy Sad (Alexander Garden) stretches along the walls of the Kremlin (visitors entrance). Though small, they attract, on a daily basis, thousands of people who want to spend a few quiet moments inside the buzzing historical center. Watch the change of guard in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, walk along the small canal and do your shopping at the hidden, underground Okhotny Ryad shopping center. During the Christmas season, next to the gardens, one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the city is set up.

Suggested visit time: 30 minutes-1 hour
Open: Always
Cost: Free

 The know-it-all says: The Neglinnaya underground river passes beneath the park!

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