What to Do in Moscow
Iconic Landmarks, Culture, and Hidden Gems
Home to some of the world's most recognisable Moscow attractions — from the fairytale spires of St. Basil's Cathedral to the monumental Stalinist skyscrapers — Moscow is a city that immediately etches itself into your memory. But beyond the postcard-perfect views of the Kremlin and Red Square lies a metropolis of incredible depth. This guide explores the iconic sights that define Moscow's skyline, delves into its rich cultural institutions, and uncovers the hidden gems that give the city its unique and irresistible character.
Wondering what to see in Moscow first? We’ve broken down the essential sights and local favourites below.
Iconic Landmarks
No list of things to do in Moscow would be complete without its world-famous landmarks. These are the places that define the city's identity.
Red Square
As one of the top Moscow attractions, Red Square has played many roles over the centuries. It has been a marketplace, a place where royal decrees were announced, and a setting for demonstrations and parades.
Its architectural ensemble took shape gradually. The Kremlin walls, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, GUM, and Lenin’s Mausoleum each reflect a different historical period. Together they form the unique image of Moscow’s historic heart.
Today, Red Square remains a lively public space. Festivals and fairs are held here throughout the year. In winter, an ice rink opens in front of GUM, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Among the best places to visit in Moscow, Saint Basil’s Cathedral brings together the finest features of medieval Moscow stone architecture: tented roofs, ornate domes, and decorative details.
In the late 16th century, a heated chapel dedicated to Saint Basil was added to the north-east side of the church, built over the saint’s burial place. That is why the cathedral is commonly known by his name. Originally, the domes were painted green. The bright colours appeared only at the end of the 18th century.
If you look closely, the domes even symbolise the cardinal directions. The blue-and-white dome faces north, recalling snow and frost. The red dome faces south, symbolising warmth and the sun.
The Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin stands on a hill above the Moscow River. From outside, it looks like a fortress, with thick walls and defensive towers. Step inside and the atmosphere changes completely.
Across its 28 hectares you’ll find cathedrals, palaces, gardens, and quiet squares. It is a city within a city, shaped over centuries.
Moscow sightseeing is not complete without:
- Assumption Cathedral, where Russian tsars were crowned. Frescoes from the 16th and 17th centuries have been preserved inside.
- Archangel Cathedral, the burial place of princes and tsars, combining Italian Renaissance elements with traditional Russian interiors.
- The Armoury Chamber, the former treasury of the royal family. Here you can see coronation robes, imperial regalia, Fabergé eggs, and weapons associated with Peter I.
Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is the largest church in Russia and the main cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church. It dominates the skyline near the Moscow River.
The original building was constructed in the 19th century to mark victory over Napoleon. It was demolished during the Soviet era and rebuilt in the 1990s. The mosaics were recreated according to historical designs.
You can visit the museum inside or climb to the observation platform between the bell towers. From more than 40 metres above ground, the view stretches across central Moscow.
Moscow City
Moscow City represents the capital’s modern face. Construction began in 1996, and today the district is filled with high-rise towers that house offices, banks, restaurants, and apartments.
Afimall City shopping centre sits at the heart of the complex. For panoramic views, head to Panorama360 on the 89th floor - it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Moscow. Another viewing platform is located on the roof of Oko Tower, known by the slogan “#OnlyLoveIsAbove”. Sunset is the best time to go.
On the 85th floor of Oko Tower, the restaurant Ruski serves traditional dishes such as pies, shchi and pelmeni. On the 90th floor of Federation Tower East, you’ll find Mume which is known for its Chinese cuisine, including Peking duck and Cantonese pork.
Ostankino Tower
Built in 1967, Ostankino Tower was once considered an engineering miracle. It remains the tallest television tower in Europe and one of the best Moscow attractions.
You can admire it from Ostankino Park, but going up to the observation deck is far more impressive. On a clear day, Moscow seems endless — a highlight of any Moscow sightseeing tour.
VDNH
VDNH is both an exhibition complex and a vast open-air park. Around 70 pavilions represent different regions and industries. Fountains, amusement rides, and the Moskvarium aquarium add to the atmosphere.
In spring and summer, lilac and apple trees bloom. In winter, one of Moscow’s largest ice rinks opens here. It’s a favourite spot for families and relaxed walks.
Moscow Metro
The Moscow Metro opened on 15 May 1935. Today it is one of the city’s symbols. Forty-eight stations are officially protected as cultural heritage sites.
Novoslobodskaya is known for its stained glass. Kievskaya features mosaic panels. Smolenskaya has a bas-relief dedicated to defenders of the Motherland during the Great Patriotic War.
At Park Pobedy and several other stations, you can even spot fossils embedded in the marble walls — small reminders of ancient seas beneath the city.
Arbat Street
Arbat is one of Moscow’s most atmospheric pedestrian streets.
In the 18th century, it was one of the city’s most prestigious districts. Writers such as Alexander Pushkin, Nikolai Gogol, Marina Tsvetaeva, and Alexander Herzen once lived in its mansions.
Today, Arbat is lively and creative, filled with cafés, musicians, and souvenir shops.
Culture
Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts
The Pushkin Museum holds around 700,000 original works created by masters from different eras, from Ancient Egypt and Greece to the present day. The Main Building displays works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Botticelli.
The Gallery focuses on French Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, and early 20th-century avant-garde art.
Tretyakov Gallery
Founded by Pavel Tretyakov more than 165 years ago, the Tretyakov Gallery, one of the most popular Moscow attractions, houses over 190,000 works of Russian art. Here you can see medieval icons, paintings by the Peredvizhniki, avant-garde masterpieces, and contemporary works.
It’s the best place to understand Russia through its art.
Bolshoi Theatre
The Bolshoi Theatre stands proudly in Theatre Square. Its historic building, with columns and Apollo’s quadriga, is one of Moscow’s architectural icons.
The repertoire includes The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, Spartacus by Yuri Grigorovich, John Neumeier’s opera Anna Karenina, and Dmitri Tcherniakov’s opera Sadko. Book tickets well in advance, especially during peak season.
MAMT
The Moscow State Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theatre (MAMT) is another major opera and ballet venue. Its repertoire includes Don Quixote, Don Giovanni, Eugene Onegin, Giselle, Carmen, Swan Lake, Madama Butterfly, The Queen of Spades, Romeo and Juliet, and The Nutcracker.
GES-2 House of Culture
Opened in 2021 on Bolotnaya Embankment, GES-2 House of Culture transformed a former power station into a major art venue. It’s easily among the best places to visit in Moscow.
Exhibition halls, workshops, a cinema, a library, and a café create a lively cultural space. It is the main platform of the V–A–C Foundation and regularly hosts festivals and talks.
Multimedia Art Museum
Russia’s largest museum of photography and multimedia art, the Multimedia Art Museum, has no permanent exhibition.
Displays change often and include Russian and international artists, video installations, and VR projects.
State Historical Museum
Located in Red Square, the State Historical Museum traces Russian history from ancient times to the present. Its collections range from a Greek sarcophagus and mammoth tusks to works by Mikhail Vrubel and Ilya Repin.
Only a small fraction of its vast holdings is permanently displayed, so temporary exhibitions are worth checking out.
Learn more about the culture
Local Experience
Kitai-Gorod
Looking for things to do in Moscow in a hip neighbourhood? The streets around Kitai-Gorod metro station — Solyanka, Maroseyka, Pokrovka, and Zabelina Street — are ideal for slow walks.
Bambule is known for relaxed breakfasts and sparkling wine. Black Swan bar attracts evening crowds. Veladora specialises in mezcal and creative cocktails. The area feels intimate and slightly hidden.
Patriarch’s Ponds
Patriarch’s Ponds blends history and modern elegance. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it became a centre of intellectual life. It’s one of the best places to visit in Moscow, for sure.
Alexander Blok, Vasily Polenov, Mikhail Bulgakov, and Maxim Gorky spent time here. Notably, the Mikhail Bulgakov Museum is located in the famous “Bad Apartment” from The Master and Margarita.
Gorky Park
Gorky Park was immortalised by the band Scorpions in “Wind of Change”. Herbert Wells called it a “factory of happy people” in 1934. Today, people cycle along the embankment, watch outdoor films, and relax in cafés. There is even a public observatory in the Park.
Ryabushinsky Mansion
Designed by Fyodor Shekhtel, the Ryabushinsky Mansion is a jewel of Art Nouveau. The staircase curves like a wave. A jellyfish-shaped lamp hangs above.
Built for Stepan Ryabushinsky, it later became home to Maxim Gorky. Today it operates as a museum-apartment.
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
On Malaya Gruzinskaya Street stands a Neo-Gothic cathedral inspired by Rouen Cathedral and Milan Cathedral. In the evening, when illuminated, it looks like a medieval castle.
Funded by the Polish community in the early 19th century and led by Leon Dauksha, a master of Moscow Art Nouveau, it remains one of Moscow’s most striking churches. Visitors often come for organ concerts.
Sanduny Baths
Sanduny Baths have welcomed visitors for more than 200 years. Chekhov, Pushkin, Tolstoy, Rachmaninoff, Chaliapin, and Eisenstein all came here.
The complex looks like a palace, with eclectic façades combining elements of Baroque, Rococo, Gothic, Renaissance, and Classicism. Even if you don’t plan to try the steam rooms, the eclectic interiors are worth seeing. Follow the link to discover other bathhouses.
Zaryadye Park
Wandering what to see in Moscow? Opened in 2017 on the former site of Hotel Rossiya, Zaryadye quickly gained international attention. Zaryadye was included in the list of the world’s best places by Time magazine. The park recreates different Russian climate zones in one space.
Walk across the Floating Bridge for sunset views. Visit the Ice Cave or attend a concert at Zaryadye Concert Hall.
Stalinist Skyscrapers
Known as the “Seven Sisters”, these Stalinist Empire skyscrapers define parts of Moscow’s skyline. The building on Kotelnicheskaya Embankment was completed in 1952.
In 1953, the Main Building of Moscow State University (MSU), designed by Rudnev, became Europe’s tallest building. It held the record until Germany’s Messeturm was completed in 1990.
Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve
Commissioned by Catherine II and designed by Vasily Bazhenov and Matvey Kazakov, Tsaritsyno is the only imperial residence in Russia built in Neo-Gothic style. Today it hosts exhibitions and concerts, with more than 60,000 items in its collection.
Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve
Kolomenskoe and Izmailovo were former royal residences. Ivan the Terrible was born in Kolomenskoe, and Izmailovsky Island is linked with Peter the Great.
The Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoe is one of the earliest tent-roof churches in Russia.
Northern River Terminal
Built in 1937 by Alexei Rukhlyadev, the Northern River Terminal resembles a river steamer. Fully restored in 2020, it now feels both historic and fresh.
Photo Spots
Sparrow Hills
From Sparrow Hills, you can see Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow City, and several Stalinist skyscrapers. Bulgakov’s characters once looked out over the city from here.
Sun of Moscow
Opened in September 2022, the Sun of Moscow rises 140 metres above the city. From its cabins, you can spot more than 30 landmarks, including VDNH and the Bolshoi Theatre.
Winzavod
Winzavod began as a brewery and winery in the 19th century. Since 2007 it has operated as a Centre for Contemporary Art, supporting Russian artists.
Kremlin in Izmailovo
The Kremlin in Izmailovo recreates a traditional Russian courtyard. Museums here include the Museum of Russian Toys, the Museum of the History of Vodka, and even the Museum of the History of the Foundation of the Russian Navy.
Seasonal Ideas
Spring
Apple trees have bloomed here since the 17th century. Varieties include “Shtrifel”, “Korichnoye”, “Antonovka”, and “Pepin Shafranny”, bred by Ivan Michurin.
Lilac Garden
This lilac garden near Izmailovsky Park is one of Moscow’s hidden gems. It was created in 1954 on the initiative of Leonid Kolesnikov — this is where the breeder developed new varieties.
Summer
Eco-Trails
In Moscow’s parks, you can walk almost as if you were in a forest. In Bitsevsky Park, there are eco-trails built on raised wooden paths with railings. One of them, “Touch Nature”, is designed especially for visually impaired visitors, with information boards in Braille.
Along the way, you will pass an apiary, animal enclosures, a herb garden, and a rock garden that recreates a mountain landscape. The historical and ecological trail introduces visitors to the hydrology, flora, and fauna of the Bitsevsky Forest.
Autumn
Kuskovo Estate
For autumn photos among golden leaves, visit Kuskovo Estate. Once the residence of the Sheremetev family, it is now one of Moscow’s largest museums. The main house, the pond, and the tree-lined avenues with white sculptures create a perfect setting for photography.
On a crisp autumn day, you may have to choose between exploring the museum exhibitions and taking photos. Dress warmly, take your time, and enjoy the atmosphere.
Winter
Ice Skating at GUM
In winter, go skating in Red Square at the rink beside GUM. The festive mood here is unforgettable. New Year music plays, a brightly decorated tree shines, and the smell of hot pastries comes from the nearby fair. Well-known figure skaters often perform here, and masterclasses are held regularly. Tickets are sold for one-hour sessions.
