Moscow from a Fresh Angle
Seeing many of the capital's main attractions in just one day is not a pipe dream, but a pleasant reality. All you have to do is change your point of view and choose an unusual way to look at Moscow — from the water.
Public River Transport and Boat Trips
First of all, we recommend taking note of the electric boats that cruise along the Moscow River all year round. Actually, these are part of the city’s fabulous public transport system and are a hit among tourists! The comfortable seats on board, affordability (you pay with a Troika transport card, and one ride costs a little over a dollar), reliability, and the unique opportunity to see many of the capital’s sights during a short trip are extremely appealing.
Two routes — Kievsky–Fili Park and ZIL–Pechatniki — are now open on the Moscow River. Depending on which one you opt for, you will be able to look at the stunning Radisson Collection Hotel, the House of the Government of the Russian Federation, the Moscow-City skyscrapers, the Bagration Bridge, a textile factory built way back in the 18th century, the Dream Island amusement park, and many other sights.
Make sure to take a longer river cruise, too. There are fairly affordable, no-frills options tailored to guests looking to check out the city from the water. Some ships have bars or restaurants — enjoy a snack or sip coffee during the trip. If you want to spice up your leisure time, choose one of the fancier ships. Admire the sights floating past and complement your cruise down the Moscow River with a full dinner, a musical performance, workshops, and even spa treatments.
Paddleboarding Spots
In Moscow, standup paddleboarding is gaining momentum every year. Grab a paddle, stand on a board, and slice across the water in the city itself, not only at popular resorts outside the capital. You will have a great experience no matter where you go!
Stroginskaya Poima (Strogino Floodplains)
This protected natural area, which is part of Moskvoretsky Park, is a great spot for those who are just starting to paddleboard. The aquatic space here is quite wide, so there is a lot of room for manoeuvring and the likelihood of colliding with someone on the water is very low. Come with your own board or rent one at one of the schools along the shore. Also, this is a fantastic place to learn the basics of paddleboarding from qualified instructors.
Serebryany Bor
This lovely park in the northwest of the capital is very popular among both Muscovites and visitors. It is also one of the most well-known locations for paddleboarding enthusiasts. Paddle along Bottomless Lake or the park’s many beaches or head towards Picturesque Bridge, where you’ll get great photos. Relax, forget about work for a few hours, and be at one with nature. If you're looking for something more active, rent a board or sign up for a lesson with an instructor at one of the aquatic clubs.
Krylatskoye Rowing Canal
The Krylatskoye Rowing Canal is one of the largest in Moscow. There is no current and the water is perfectly still, which makes it an ideal place for those looking to learn how to paddleboard. The route is four kilometres long and will suit both beginners and more advanced paddleboarders. During the peak season, there is a rental service, parking for cars, and a place to leave bicycles. Do keep in mind that professional athletes train and compete in the Krylatskoye Rowing Canal, so amateurs are not allowed to enter the area during their training sessions. Therefore, it is better to check out their schedule in advance before heading to the canal.
Borisovo Ponds
Borisovo Ponds (actually, it’s just one big, elongated pond) and their calm water are part of the nature and historic park Tsaritsyno. At the same time, it is surrounded by modern high-rises and gorgeous greenery, a picturesque combination of an urban landscape and nature, which may be admired from the water. This is the largest pond in the capital, so there will be more than enough space for a boat trip. During the peak season, there are rental services on the shore. Relax on cosy beanbags, snack on fruit between dips, and take wonderful photos with your paddleboard on bright bridges and near colourful wooden houses.
Wakeboarding Spots
Enjoy an active rest on the water by choosing wakeboarding. In Moscow, once the season begins, wakeboarding clubs open their doors to athletes of varying abilities. Generally, the cost of the training session, in addition to the provision of a boat, includes the necessary equipment (wakeboard, suit, and helmet) and a basic class from an instructor.
Strogino
Wake Park
There is a large park for outdoor, year-round recreation activities for the whole family right on the bank of the Moscow River. In winter, there is a kite skiing school, a skating rink, and a cross-country skiing trail, and in summer, wakeboarding is open to anyone who wants to try their hand at it. After class, guests often go to the restaurant or leisure area, walk around the park, or just rest.
WakeShark
At WakeShark, you can ride the waves on your board by following a towing boat. The vessel accommodates up to eight people - a great opportunity to spend time with friends and cheer each other on. You’ll certainly get great action photos to forever preserve your memories of conquering the waves. After your lesson, warm up inside the club with hot tea and coffee (provided to guests free of charge).
Serebryany Bor
WakeDivision
One of the chain’s several clubs is located on the banks of the Moscow River in serene Serebryany Bor. Coming here with a group is your best bet. In addition to several towing boats, visitors enjoy well-equipped recreation areas and free parking near the pier. Everything you need for wakeboarding (wetsuits, protective helmets, wakeboards, and vests) is provided free of charge at the club, and they also provide classes with an instructor on request.
Borisovo Ponds
Wakesummer Park
This club offers guests a chance to try cable skiing: visitors stand on a board and slice through the water while their rope and handle are pulled by an electrically driven cable. Admire the scenic landscapes and take wonderful photos at sunrise or sunset, as the club is open from five in the morning until late in the evening. After an active day, you will be able to relax on the bank of the river in the barbecue area, lie on the beach on a sun lounger, soak in the pool, or play volleyball.