Moscow is not always the first destination on every travellers list but it has an awful lot to offer. It’s steeped in history and has a diverse range of culture and entertainment. A visit is likely to be an engaging, interesting but also an expensive experience.
Here are our must see places on a visit to Russia’s capital city.
1. Red Square
The views from Red Square are world class, and UNESCO has designated it a World Heritage Site. Everywhere you turn there is another famous building. Don’t miss out on the impressive tomb devoted to Lenin, one of the Soviet Republic’s founding fathers.
2. Kremlin
Get to the Kremlin early as this is one of the most popular sites in Moscow and gets very busy at all times of the year. The highlight of the visit for most people is the Armoury, and the Cathedrals and gardens are equally impressive. so it’s worth buying a combination ticket for the different sites. Leave plenty of time to get the most out of this historic site and be prepared to queue.
3. St Basil’s Cathedral
The coloured domes of St Basil’s are known the world over and the inside is equally impressive to visit, despite it being less well known than the exterior. It is also worth revisiting the cathedral at night, as the lighting gives a completely different effect from a daytime visit.
4. Metro
Metro stations in most parts of the world are functional and unremarkable, but in Moscow the metro stations are far grander and worth visiting even if you are not travelling. Avoid the rush hours so you have time to appreciate the magnificent stations properly.
5. Cold War Bunker Tours
Moscow had several bunker complexes in the city during the Cold War, which were designed to be used in the event of a nuclear attack. Some are now open to the public, and visiting a bunker is an unusual and interesting way to spend an afternoon in the city.
6. Space Monument and Museum
This museum takes you on a journey through the history of space travel from a Soviet perspective. There is a huge variety of different objects on display, but the only downside for many is that the labelling is only in Russian.
Photo by lonesome:cycler
