The main destinations for those visiting Moscow during the World Cup are quite obvious – Luzhniki Stadium and Otkrytiye Arena – both of which will host the matches. But supposing that many people won’t hesitate to explore the glorious capital apart from the hotel-stadium-hotel route, we would like to point out that there are many interesting things you can do in Moscow. Here we go.
1. See the city’s brand new face
Vedyashkin Sergey / Moscow Agency
In recent years, Moscow has changed beyond recognition. There are more pedestrian-friendly areas; central streets, such as Tverskaya and Novy Arbat, have wider sidewalks and are far more comfortable for walking. Today, Moscow, from the Kremlin to the Garden Ring that goes around the city center, is the perfect place for just wandering and enjoying a sunny day.
Sergei Bobylev / TASS
A very good point from which to begin your walk is the new Zaryadye Park a stone’s throw from the Kremlin. Its unique concept includes four different climatic zones (recreated artificially), a “floating bridge” over the Moskva River, and a philharmonic. It’s much worth a visit – just check out these pictures.
Nearest metro stations: Ploshchad Revolutsii, and Kitai-Gorod
2. Embrace history and art
The new and old coexist everywhere in Moscow. So, after visiting Zaryadye it’s natural to cross the street and find yourself in Red Square, which has St. Basil’s Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, Soviet and Imperial era statues, and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Each has its own peculiar story, so it’s a good idea to find the time, buy a ticket, book a tour and go.
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The same applies to the Kremlin, the centuries-old citadel of Russian rulers. You also have to buy tickets, but it’s absolutely worth it. Where else can you see the treasures of the Russian tsars, which are kept in the Kremlin Armory?
Moscow’s fantastic museums aren’t confined to the Kremlin and Red Square. The State Tretyakov Gallery, the leading Russian repository of national fine art is also a must, as well as the State Pushkin Museum on Volkhonka Street. But remember – the collections in these museums are big so a visit can take a few hours.
Metro stations: Kremlin and Red Square – Okhotny Ryad, Tretyakov Gallery – Tretyakovskaya; Pushkin Museum – Kropotkinskaya
3. Pass the time in Moscow parks
Evgenya Novozhenina / Sputnik
Aside from Zaryadye, Moscow has a lot to offer those enjoying a walk in the park. Several years ago, city authorities turned Gorky Park into a mecca for youngsters with facilities ranging from an open-air cinema and a museum of contemporary art, to sport centers and dance floors, not to mention zillions of cafes.
The usually crowded Gorky Park leads to more serene places – Neskuchny Garden and Sparrow Hills – where one can roam quietly, listening to the whispers of Russia’s natural beauty. Another great place in the center, across the street from Gorky Park, is Muzeon Park with its huge collection of old Soviet monuments.
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To have an even closer encounter with the past you can visit VDNKh in the northeast where there are many pavilions dedicated to the former Soviet republics, as well as scientific achievements. If the USSR is not your cup of tea, then go to Tsaritsyno, a marvelous royal estate found by Catherine the Great in the 18th century; or Kolomenskoye, a wooden residence of the tsars dating from the 16th – 17th centuries.
Metro stations: Gorky Park, Muzeon, Neskuchny Garden – Park Kultury, Oktyabrskaya; Sparrow Hills – Vorobyovy Gory; VDNKh, Tsaritsyno and Kolomenskoye, respective stations by same names.
4. Enjoy the views from above
The chance to behold this 12-million inhabitant city from a bird’s-eye view is surely an unforgettable experience, especially when the weather is excellent. There are several places in Moscow from where you can do this. First, Ostankino TV Tower – the well-seen, needle-like building in the northeast. Here is a detailed instruction on how to get there. Then, Moscow City has two skyscrapers with viewing platforms on the 58th and 87th floors, respectively.
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Last but not least, the absolute classic is the lookout on Sparrow Hills, where the whole center of Moscow, three of the seven “Stalin’s Sisters” skyscrapers, Luzhniki and Moscow City, are set before you. Almost anyone visiting Moscow for the first time must come here.
Metro station: Ostankino Tower – VDNKh; Moscow City – Vystavochnaya, Mezhdunarodnaya, Delovoy Tsentr; Sparrow Hills – Vorobyovy Gory
5. Go underground
There’s one beautiful Moscow destination that can’t be seen from a viewing platform – the Moscow metro. More than a transportation system, its many stations, especially in the center, resemble palaces and are listed as part of the national cultural heritage. So, while hurrying from one place to another, try stopping and take in the beauty around you. Here’s a simple list of how to ride the metro like a local.
…and that’s just the beginning
We would need a book to describe all the fantastic places that you should see in Moscow. Russia’s largest city has it all: from graceful churches and avant-garde buildings that embody a wondrous architectural spirit, to countless restaurants and bars for tourists to rest after exploring all that beauty. Have a nice trip.
While walking around Moscow you’re likely to communicate with Muscovites. To be prepared, read our article on what they’re like.