Moscow River Walks: The Best Embankments
Your practical guide to Moscow’s riverside promenades
Moscow isn't the first city that springs to mind for riverside promenades, but the Moscow River cuts through the centre of the capital. Over the past decade, the city has transformed its embankments into some of Europe's most enjoyable public spaces. With 78 embankments in total, 42 of which have been significantly renovated, there's never been a better time to explore.
This guide covers the best embankments in Moscow for walking, photography, and river cruises — and the best things to do in Moscow along the water. No heavy history — just practical advice.
Why Explore Moscow Along the River?
The Moscow River is a practical spine for navigating the city. Many famous sights sit on or near the water: the Kremlin, Gorky Park, Moscow-City, and Zaryadye Park. Walking these promenades lets you see landmarks from a different angle. What makes a riverside walk special? The views — from Stalinist skyscrapers to futuristic glass towers. The riverside is both spacious and bustling, with parks and tree-lined promenades.
Explore on foot, by bike, or scooter. Or take a river cruise. The embankments work equally well for daytime exploring and evening walks in Moscow, when bridges and buildings light up and reflect in the water.
The Best Moscow Embankments to Visit
Pushkinskaya Embankment
Photo: mos.ru
The quintessential Moscow promenade along Gorky Park with green lawns, terraces, and food kiosks. Rent bikes or scooters from Fontannaya Square (250–350 RUB per hour). The largest Surf Coffee in Moscow has river views from a spiral staircase. It’s the starting point for an 8-km vehicle-free route through Neskuchny Garden and Vorobyovy Gory.
Kolomenskoe Embankment
Photo: mos.ru
Escape the crowds at this 3.5-km embankment with a 1.7-km wooden boardwalk floating above the river. The built-in lighting glows at sunset. Find pergolas with swings and an 850-seat amphitheatre hosting summer performances. The southern part has 12 beach volleyball courts and a workout area. In winter, the boardwalk becomes Russia's longest ice rink.
Marc Chagall Embankment
Photo: mos.ru
Moscow's newest embankment (2019–2023) on the former ZIL plant site. Runs 3.8 km with separate pedestrian and cycle paths, two playgrounds, and over 700 trees across four landscape zones. The highlight is a 150-metre open-air amphitheatre pier. Look for the giant golden arch at ZILART. Among the three piers is the permanent ZIL pier, used by river trams.
Kotelnicheskaya Embankment
Photo: mos.ru
The Stalinist high-rise — one of the ‘Seven Sisters’ — dominates the view. Built in 1952, it's most photogenic when lit up after dark. Radisson Flotilla cruises and Sinichka river tram pass by. Combine with nearby Zaryadye Park or continue towards the Kremlin. Patriarshy Bridge is within walking distance.
Zaryadye Embankment
Photo: ANO ‘Moscow Tourism and Hospitality’
The most convenient embankment, right next to Red Square and Zaryadye Park. The famous Floating Bridge offers panoramic views of the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and the Kotelnicheskaya high-rise. Magical at sunset and after dark. Zaryadye Park has a concert hall, a gastro centre, and an ice cave. Red Square is a five-minute stroll away. It’s a popular spot for Radisson river cruises.
Krymskaya Embankment
Photo: mos.ru
It is often called Moscow's answer to London's South Bank. Fully pedestrianised with wave-shaped architecture, Scandinavian wooden elements, and an interactive fountain. Rent a bike from Electra in Muzeon Park (250 RUB first hour, 150 RUB for each additional hour). Starting point for an 8-km cycling route. Muzeon Art Park has Soviet-era statues. Vernisage Market sells local art. Cafés include Kaffebröd.
Presnenskaya Embankment
Photo: mos.ru
Home to Moscow-City — Europe's largest business district. The main draw here is photography. Best at sunset when skyscrapers reflect the golden hour glow, followed by city lights. Bagration Bridge offers perfect skyline shots. Visit Federation Tower observation decks (open daily from 10:00 to 22:00). Radisson Flotilla cruises pass along this stretch.
Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment
Photo: mos.ru
Three kilometres of walking routes with views of Moscow-City, Bagration Bridge, Expocentre, and the Ukraina Hotel. Part of the Connecting Thread of Eras programme. Stop at Chaika — a double-decker restaurant on the river. Part of the Moscow Tea Time project, its signature set is dessert-forward — brownies, chocolates, and macarons — paired with red Mao Feng tea.
Yakimanskaya Embankment
In the historic Yakimanka district, this embankment offers a quieter riverside walk in central Moscow. It’s less crowded than more famous promenades, yet it offers excellent views and easy access to major attractions. Grab a coffee at Coffee Point with views of the Moscow waterfront. The embankment connects directly to Muzeon Art Park and Krymskaya Embankment, so you can easily extend your walk. For a meal, Waiters offers panoramic river views. Several parks nearby, including Gorky Park, make it a versatile starting point for a half-day exploration.
Photo: mos.ru
What Can You Do on Moscow Embankments?
- Walking — Short walk (just about an hour): Zaryadye to Kotelnicheskaya. Longer route (3–4 hours): Pushkinskaya, Krymskaya, and Yakimanskaya via Gorky Park and Muzeon.
- Photography — Top Moscow photo spots: Moscow-City from Presnenskaya, Kotelnicheskaya high-rise, Zaryadye Floating Bridge, Krymskaya for urban design, Kolomenskoe for the boardwalk.
- River Tram Sinichka — Moscow's electric river tram. Routes include ZIL pier (Marc Chagall Embankment) and Kievsky station. Holds 80 passengers. Take it one direction and walk back along the river.
- Radisson Flotilla — Year-round cruises from Ukraina Hotel pier and Gorky Park. The 2.5-hour cruise passes Kotelnicheskaya, Zaryadye, and Moscow-City with restaurant service.
Photo: ANO ‘Moscow Tourism and Hospitality’
Photo: mos.ru
- Bikes & Scooters — Pushkinskaya has multiple rental points. Muzeon Park has Electra. Ride the 8-km vehicle-free route from Krymskaya, or connect embankments into a 29-km ride.
- Cafés, Tea & Coffee — Surf Coffee (Pushkinskaya), Chaika (Krasnopresnenskaya), Coffee Point (Yakimanskaya), Kaffebröd (Krymskaya). Coffee with a river view is one of the best things to do in Moscow.
- Evening Walks — Embankments transform after dark. Moscow-City is most dramatic lit up. Kotelnicheskaya high-rise glows. Kolomenskoye boardwalk has built-in lighting. Start at Zaryadye around sunset, walk towards the Kremlin, finish at Kotelnicheskaya or Presnenskaya.
Best Moscow Embankment Routes
Whichever route you choose, these are the best embankments in Moscow for experiencing the city from its most beautiful angle. From photography and river cruises to peaceful walks and tea with a view, there's no shortage of things to do in Moscow along the water.
Classic Moscow
Walk along Zaryadye Embankment, watch Kremlin from the Floating Bridge, then cross Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge to view Kotelnicheskaya high-rise.
Art & Parks
Walk Yakimanskaya Embankment to Krymskaya, browse Muzeon sculptures, cross into Gorky Park, and end at Pushkinskaya Embankment.
Modern Moscow
Walk Presnenskaya Embankment to Moscow‑City, cross Bagration Bridge, continue along Krasnopresnenskaya, and stop for tea at Chaika.
Relaxed Day
Walk through Kolomenskoye park, visit the iconic Church of the Ascension, explore the Wooden Palace, and enjoy views from the embankment boardwalk.
Evening Moscow
Begin at Zaryadye Embankment, enjoy sunset on the Floating Bridge, then cross Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge to Kotelnicheskaya Embankment.
Embankments map
FAQ
What are the best embankments in Moscow for first-time visitors?
Zaryadye Embankment (near Red Square) is the top choice. Pushkinskaya is best for walking and cycling, Presnenskaya for Moscow-City views, and Kolomenskoe for a relaxed day out.
Where can I walk along the river in Moscow?
You can walk along the river at any of the embankments listed here. The most accessible central options are Zaryadye, Kotelnicheskaya, Yakimanskaya, and Krymskaya.
Which embankments are the best Moscow photo spots?
Kotelnicheskaya for the Stalinist high-rise, Presnenskaya for Moscow-City skyscrapers, Zaryadye for Kremlin views from the Floating Bridge, and Kolomenskoe for the wooden boardwalk over the water.
Where can I take a river tram in Moscow?
The Sinichka electric river tram operates on routes including the ZIL pier on Marc Chagall Embankment. The Radisson Flotilla departs from the Ukraina Hotel pier and Gorky Park.
Can I rent a bike or scooter near Moscow embankments?
Yes. Pushkinskaya has multiple rental points. Muzeon Park (next to Krymskaya) has an Electra rental point. Velobike also has 300 pick-up and drop-off points across the city.
Which embankment is best for an evening walk?
Zaryadye for the Floating Bridge at sunset, Presnenskaya for Moscow-City illuminated at night, or Kolomenskoe for the lit wooden boardwalk. The Bolshoy Moskvoretsky Bridge is also spectacular after dark.
Where can I see Moscow-City from the river?
The best views are from Presnenskaya, Krasnopresnenskaya, and Bagration Bridge. You can also see Moscow-City from river cruises.
Can I combine a Moscow embankment walk with a river cruise?
Absolutely. Start with a walk along Zaryadye or Kotelnicheskaya, then take a Sinichka river tram or Radisson cruise from nearby piers.
