9 Interesting, Fun and Cheap Things to Do in Moscow

There are plenty of things to do in Moscow. From shopping to sightseeing, there are lots of fun activities to enjoy. Here are some ideas for things to do in Moscow

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Moscow is the capital city of Russia, and its residents have some incredible things to offer tourists who visit their city. If you want to see these unique places or do fun activities in Moscow, take a look at our suggestions below.
Moscow is often considered as the third largest city in Europe, behind London and Paris. There are several reasons why many visitors choose to go to Moscow. One thing that stands out is the fact that it is home to over 12 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Kremlin, Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral, the Tretyakov Gallery, the State Hermitage Museum, and much more.

Things to Do in Moscow

Visit the city center
Moscow city center is home to many historic sites including Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin, Red Square, and GUM department store. The city center has plenty of cafes, restaurants, bars, clubs, museums and theaters to enjoy. Stroll down Gorky Street where you’ll find a variety of stores selling souvenirs, traditional Russian dress and accessories, crafts, fresh fruits and vegetables, and sweets. You may even want to stop at the famous Kursk market that sells thousands of items, ranging from food products to handmade rugs and antiques.

If you are looking to learn about Russia’s rich history, there are many museums around the city center. One great place to start is the State Historical Museum where you can see exhibits on art, architecture, religion, military history, science and technology. In addition, the museum houses a collection of ancient artifacts, manuscripts, books, maps and photographs dating back as far as the 13th century. Another popular attraction in Moscow city center is the Tretyakov Gallery, located just across the street from the Kremlin wall.

The gallery was founded in 1847 by Ivan Sergeyevich Tretyakovich who began collecting the best works of European painting and sculpture. The gallery’s permanent collection consists of more than 21,000 pieces. Notable highlights include paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, Vermeer, Van Dyck, Titian, Raphael, Michelangelo, Monet, Degas, Sisley, Cézanne, Manet, Renoir, Picasso, Matisse, Rodin, Kandinsky, Pollock, Rothko, Warhol, Lichtenstein, Rauschenberg, Bacon, Lichtenstein, Dalí, and Dali.

Go shopping
Shopping in Moscow is a fun way to spend time and get a glimpse into the culture of each region. Many shops line the streets of the city center and offer everything from handcrafted jewelry and high-end clothing to handicrafts and inexpensive trinkets. You might also want to take some extra time to browse the markets and flea markets around the city center. There are several markets scattered throughout the city, including the Kalashny Market, Vorobyovy Gory, and Pushkin square. Each market offers unique goods like fresh produce, spices, fabrics, herbs, nuts, honey, tea, and much more. You can also shop online and have your purchases delivered to your doorstep.

Eat local foods
When visiting Moscow, make sure to try the cuisine from different regions. A dish called kvas is a favorite of Muscovites and Russians. It’s a sweet beverage filled with vodka (or sometimes milk) and flavoured with berries, cherries, or other fruit. A classic meal in the summertime is borscht, a hearty soup made with beetroot. You’ll also find a huge range of dishes made with beef and pork. In the winter, you should definitely try the delicious mulled wine and apple cake, which are both perfect to warm you up after spending time outside.

Explore the suburbs
While the city center is bustling with activity, the suburbs tend to be less crowded and quieter. Take a trip out to Novogireyevsky Park, a green space located 15 minutes away from the city center. The park features numerous lakes, ponds, playgrounds, and a zoo. Or if you need something a bit closer then check out the nearby suburb of Arbat, which is filled with cute boutiques, bakeries, cafés, and bookstores.

Pay homage to Mother Nature
As mentioned earlier, Moscow is known for its abundance of parks, trees, fountains, and nature reserves. These spaces provide respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and allow visitors to escape for a few hours. Head over to Gorky Park, which contains nearly 5,500 acres of protected forest land and is considered the largest park in Europe. While here, you can walk along wooden trails, cycle paths, cross country ski tracks, play tennis, volleyball, or simply sit under a tree and read a book. Another interesting spot is the Garden Ring Park, which spans 695 acres and includes a lake, gardens, a zoo, and public facilities.

Experience the nightlife
For those seeking entertainment, Moscow has many options. From going clubbing to enjoying live music venues, there are lots of places to choose from. The trendiest area is Moscow River embankment. Here, you’ll find trendy bars, pubs, clubs, cabarets, live music venues, theatres, and cafes. To listen to some jazz and blues, check out the Jazz Club “Tatlin”. Nearby, the popular “Sretenie Mysli” pub is a good option for drinks and dancing. For classical music lovers, the National Opera and Ballet Theatre is worth checking out. Alternatively, head over to Gorky Park to catch some live performances.

Immerse yourself in the arts
If you are interested in experiencing some of the arts while you are in Moscow, you should definitely make plans to attend one of the many cultural events happening throughout the year. Museums in Moscow showcase exhibitions of fine arts, photography, and visual arts. The State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow houses the world’s second-largest collection of Russian art, featuring

Places to visit in Moscow

Moscow is a great place for tourists, whether it’s winter or summertime. There are many things to do and places to visit throughout the year. Below we have listed 10 places to visit in Moscow for your travel experiences.

1. Red Square

Red Square is known as the center of Moscow. Here visitors find picturesque buildings, quaint restaurants, and souvenir shops. The square is open daily until midnight.

2. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The church of the Savior on Spilt Blood is located on the right bank of The River Moskva at Nikolskaya Street Number 4. It was built in 1824 according to a design by architect Saviour. The surrounding area is called Streltsy, which is a reference to the Russian military order of the same name.

3. Kremlin

The Kremlin (Kremlin means “fortified citadel), was originally established under Vladimir Monomakh’s rule around 1000 AD. After years of neglect and ruin, Soviet planners erected the massive structures that give today Moscow its distinctive appearance. This is where the government resides, the president lives, and all the world leaders make their way inside.

4. GUM or Grand Hotel de France

Also known as Bolshoi Theatre, the Grand Hotel de France is a former luxury hotel and now a museum. A monument of high architecture, the building occupies the entire block between Liteiny Ave and Lubyanka St. Today, the building houses several museums including the State Museum of Decorative Arts and Design and the International Centre of Photography.

5. Cathedral of Christ the Savior

Located in the heart of Moscow, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is an enormous Eastern Orthodox temple dedicated to Christ the Savior. Construction began in 1896 and ended in 1914. Inside the cathedral, gold-plated domes and frescoes add to the occasion.

6. Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1900, the gallery is named after Sergei Mikhailovich Tretyakov, a wealthy merchant and patron of the arts who funded the establishment. The gallery boasts of an impressive collection of over 23,000 works. In addition to the galleries, the complex also contains two museums. The first, the House of Fyodor Dostoyevsky, is devoted to the work of the great writer; while the second, the House of Composers, preserves musical instruments owned by some of the famous composers.

7. Cathedral of the Archangel Michael

The Cathedral of the Archangel Michael stands on the bank of the river Moskva, close to the Garden Ring Road. The cathedral is a landmark of the Moskva River. The structure is an icon among Moscovites and foreign travelers alike. Its tall golden dome is visible from miles away. The cathedral played host to the World War II victory parade of General Eisenhower.

8. Biblioteka imeni Lenina

Named after the wife of Vladimir Lenin, the library opened in 1990. The sprawling facility holds about 30 million items in its collections. About 1,500 manuscripts dating back to the 14th century were given to the library, along with about 8,000 books published before 1923.

9. St Basils Cathedral

The Cathedral of St Basil the Great is the oldest standing Russian Orthodox cathedral. The cathedral was commissioned by the stately 1320. Standing on Red Square, the cathedral is an imposing site that attracts tourists and locals alike. On both sides of the red brick structure, white stone bas relief carvings depict Old Testament scenes.

10. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the biggest theatre in the world. Construction started in 1776 and took more than 200 years to complete due to the lack of technology and money. Since its opening, the theatre has been the stage for many notable singers and dancers. One of the highlights of experiencing a performance is the music that is performed during intermissions.