Moscow is one of the most enigmatic destinations in Russia and Europe. Its fascinating history, awe-inspiring architecture, and world-famous attractions give it a vibrant and colorful feel. While it is one of the most populated cities globally, it hasn’t wavered from its strong cultural and social traditions. So here’s the ultimate first-timer’s list of things to do in Moscow.

Things not to miss in Moscow – the capital of Russia

Izmailovo Kremlin

Everyone is aware of the Kremlin in Moscow’s Red Square, but there is another! This less-known Kremlin is located in the northeast part of the city and has an unexpected, fairytale wonderland-like feel. The word Kremlin means citadel or fortress. While you can find these in many cities across Russia, the Izmailovo Kremlin came up in 2007.

Unlike others built for protection, they made it a cultural center and marketplace. It was inspired by the architecture and fairytale depictions of Old Russia. The bustling complex is home to many museums, and next to the building lies the Izmailovo District’s landmark open-air market, dating back to the 17th Century.

Bunker-42

Believe it or not, there’s an elaborate tunnel system snaking beneath the streets of Moscow, leading to Bunker-42, a secret cold war fortress. It was designed and built right after its first nuclear tests (then Soviet Russia). The workers built this, and the secret passages without damaging the existing infrastructure or alerting the public are commendable.

Strategically located inside a hill, the bunker was for Stalin and other premier government officials within the USSR. Though they completed it in 1956, they never used it entirely. Today, it only lies as a historical marvel and is equal parts museum to help people see what life was like during the Cold War era.

Lenin’s Mausoleum

One of Moscow’s most macabre attractions, this is perhaps the most famous modern mummy around the globe! The building holds the embalmed remains of Vladimir Ilych Lenin for visitors to gaze upon in the extraordinary, dark tomb. The famed Bolshevik Revolution died in January 1924, and the government planned to bury him, but the general masses wouldn’t have it. Instead, the people asked for the leader to be preserved for future generations. Thus, in response to the public outcry, the government commissioned the mausoleum in 1929 and later unveiled it in 1930.

Moscow Metro Stations

In Moscow, the gorgeous gateways into the city’s underbelly look more like stunning halls than subway stations! In the Russian capital, these are absolute architectural stunners. Every station is different, and they all look exquisite. Colorful mosaics, stained-glass windows, and chandeliers all together make the stations more inviting. This is thus also part of the top things to do in Moscow.

 

Golosov Ravine

This famous verdant sanctuary lies in the heart of Moscow and has a charm of its own. It cleaves Kolomenskoye Park into two halves. Though once a royal estate, this public wilderness is now an inviting place for a stroll. However, the place has an air of mystical intrigue, and the earliest tale of mystery regarding it dates back to 1621. However, back in the 19th Century, two local fellows decided to take a shortcut through the ravine and turned up again 20 years later. They claimed to have been trapped in a dense fog and were shocked to find that two decades had passed. When the police started an investigation, they again vanished into the fog and never returned.

 

Pushkin Museum

One of Moscow’s renowned foreign art museums, Pushkin Museum, showcases a wide selection of European masterpieces. The collection includes the masterpieces of ancient civilizations, the glorious phase of the Italian Renaissance, and the Dutch Golden Age. These incredible collections attract visitors from far and wide with historical interest. The finest masterpieces of Botticelli, Veronese, and Tiepolo will mesmerize you and make you experience the rich art and culture of those days. Don’t miss out on visiting this museum during your vacation in Moscow.

Tretyakov Gallery 

Moscow is the most vibrant capital city in Europe, offering world-famous places and attractions. The history and rich culture of this city are truly worth exploring. Tretyakov Gallery showcases over 17,000 masterpieces and the fantastic collections of Russian art that represent ancient religious paintings and the modern forms since the early stage. Founded by and named after Pavel Tretyakov, this museum is one of the most famous and finest art galleries worldwide. So, are you not feeling excited to visit the place representing artistic heritage? If yes, then add it to your bucket list now.

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

It is one of the iconic architectural structures and famous sites in Russia. The whimsical structure adds an appealing look to the structure and allures the tourists to experience the beauty that lies in it. It was built between 1550 and 1560. It is located close to Moscow’s Kremlin. The structure looks like it came out of a fairytale and is sure to awe-inspire you. To visualize the state-of-the-art structure, you can search on the internet, and indeed, it will attract you. 

GUM

GUM is the shopping lovers’ paradise as it is the prime department store in Russia. The stunning interior design and the wide variety of boutique stores genuinely make it a must-visit destination. The legendary store is not only the home to more than 200 luxury boutique stores, but also it’s an architectural structure with glass-roofed arcade faces. Constructed between 1890 and 1893, GUM represents timeless legacy and luxury. Along with the premium boutiques, the classy eateries are the attractions of this place.

 

Arbat Street

History is still alive in each nook and corner of Moscow. Arbat Street is one such example that makes you take a tour of the city’s historic sites. Besides historical facts, the cafes and restaurants with lip-smacking delicacies and live musical shows are worth visiting. The souvenir shops, tattoo salons, and theatres all draw tourists every year across geographical boundaries. Let your eyes experience something beyond the imagination with a walk along Arbat Street. 

 

Gorky Park

It’s the lush green space in the city of Moscow that offers unlimited entertainment. From outdoor dancing sessions to yoga and fitness programs during the summer months and numerous sports activities make this place a famous tourist spot in the country. You can enjoy rollerblading, ping-pong, cycling, skateboarding, and many more during the visit. In the winter, it attracts tourists as the park turns to be the biggest skating rink in Moscow. Also, one can enjoy the excitement of watching movies in the open-air theatre. Make sure to add it to your bucket list before booking the holiday packages to Moscow.

 

Sparrow Hills

As we said, Moscow has endless things to offer. Sparrow Hills is one such tourist attraction in the city. Located a few walks away from Gorky Park, Sparrow Hills is a legendary park that views the Stalinist Skyscrapers. You can go for the cable car ride for a more exciting view.

Moscow food tour

Don’t forget to embark on a journey of exploring the authentic taste of Moscow. The small alleys of the city are the home to some of the world’s most refined tastes that will satiate your soul. You can book the food tour packages or walk along the streets of Moscow to discover delectable Russian Cuisine. Also, you can visit the oldest eatery in the city to relish the taste for a gastronomic delight. 

Key takeaway

When visiting a famous city like Moscow, you should first go through the iconic landmarks. But then, there’s no point following the herd! The city offers much beyond the top spots – destinations that do not get enough recognition but should be part of your list of things to do in Moscow. So, if you too are eager to visit the unusual places in the city, feel free to connect with us. Please stay connected with us and follow our latest posts for more information.