Summer in Moscow: Top Locations

Must-see spots for every tourist: From a giant strawberry in the business district to a golden samovar in the city centre

The Summer in Moscow festival is a large-scale city programme running from 1 June to 14 September. Markets, free concerts and performances, eye-catching art installations — with so many events and locations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. So we’ve picked out eight of the most exciting spots where you can soak up the city’s vibe and snap some impressive photos.

Manezhnaya Square

One of the most spectacular corners of the festival is the pop-up botanical garden right in Manezhnaya Square. Rare plants from all over the world have been brought together here, giving you a round-the-world experience without ever leaving the heart of Moscow. An eight-metre waterfall and a koi pond add to the tropical atmosphere. Grab a seat at the open-air café and enjoy the sound of rushing water with a cool glass of lemonade.

Address: Manezhnaya Square, 1

Berry Pavilion at Moscow-City

Why not break away from the typical tourist trail and head to this giant strawberry-shaped pavilion? You can sample and buy fresh local berries, as well as iced drinks made from them. Everything is sourced from nearby farms — it’s as fresh as it gets.

Address: Presnenskaya Embankment, 2

Green Market in Bolotnaya Square

This lush, greenhouse-like market is covered in floral installations and even has its own indoor waterfall. Locals and visitors come here to browse goods made in Moscow — from clothes and accessories to cosmetics, home décor, and Moscow official merch. It’s a brilliant place to pick up a souvenir or two. There’s a full programme of activities as well, from workshops for curious minds to a free roller-skating zone for more energetic folks. No skates? No problem — you can hire a pair right on site. There’s also a nearby bar and food court to recharge. The pavilion is open from 10am to 10pm (Tuesday to Thursday and Sunday), and from 10 am until 11 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.

Address: Bolotnaya Square

Balloon Art Pavilion

This cheerful balloon-shaped pavilion is all about family fun. Inside, you’ll find colourful goods from Moscow-based children’s brands, as well as a packed events programme: balloon-modelling workshops, interactive games, bubble shows, and prize giveaways. It’s located opposite the Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard.

Address: Tsvetnoy Boulevard

Samovar Art Pavilion on Arbat Street

Arguably the most eye-catching of all the pavilions, this enormous samovar — the iconic Russian tea urn — stands tall on historic Arbat Street. It’s a magnet for visitors and the perfect photo opportunity. Inside, you’ll find workshops, tea and sweet treats tastings, as well as shelves of tableware and souvenirs in traditional Russian designs — plus a selection of exclusive Moscow merch available for purchase. You can also try the signature Moscow Ice Tea, part of the larger Moscow Tea Time project.

Address: Arbat Street, 2/1

Box of Sweets Art Pavilion on New Arbat

You might not be able to take ice cream home in your suitcase, but you can bring back some Moscow sweets. This candy-themed pavilion features chocolates, biscuits, and — of course — Moscow tea, one of the city’s favourite beverages. A must-stop for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Address: Arbat Street, 1a

Fridge Art Pavilion

Yes, Moscow can get hot — and what better place to cool off than inside a giant fridge? This frosty-looking installation is stocked with refreshing drinks and good old-fashioned Moscow ice cream. Free tastings and giveaways are held daily, courtesy of local producers.

Address:

Boulevards

Moscow’s famous Boulevard Ring is a chain of ten leafy boulevards encircling the historic centre. It’s not just a lovely place for a stroll — it’s also full of historical and cultural landmarks. During the Summer in Moscow festival, the boulevards come alive with a wide range of activities: themed areas, and interactive spaces, giant chess boards, games like rock-paper-scissors, and much more — turning the entire ring into a vibrant celebration of summer in the city.

Here are the main themes and locations currently on offer:

From Tsvetnoy Boulevard to Lubyanka Square — follow in the footsteps of famous poets through the city’s hidden alleyways. For example, Sretensky Boulevard has transformed into a literary zone, complete with themed installations for book lovers.
From Gogolevsky Boulevard to Pushkin Square — visit the church where Pushkin married Natalia Goncharova and hear tales of Silver Age poets.
From Chistye Prudy to Lubyanka — discover the haunts of 19th-century merchants and find out where their ghosts are rumoured to linger.
Chistoprudny Boulevard has also become a dance hotspot, hosting breakdance and hip-hop battles, as well as open lessons in salsa, bachata, and kizomba.