22.2°C | Today, 26 Apr
See All Photos

Moscow

Moscow

It should be no surprise that a city as big and as populous as Moscow is a city of contrasts. In Moscow, the bohemian and the glamorous merge in an idiosyncratic fusion where a 16th-century church looking straight out of a fairytale is standing tall within short range to ultra-modern glass skyscrapers. Here, caviars are washed down with bubbly champagne and worn-out commuters travel daily by the elaborately decorated, elegant metro—one of the city's main attractions, the busiest in Europe, and the fifth longest in the world.

Get to Know Moscow

Take a tour of this destination's highlights

Travel Tips for Moscow

What you need to know before traveling here

Getting Around Moscow

A guide to Moscow's local transportation

Metro
Bus
Tram
Trolleybus
Marshrutka
Aeroexpress

The Moscow Metro offers a wide range of routes across the city and covers most of the urban area. The metro is an efficient and popular mode of transportation for both locals and tourists. Moreover, the metro stations are famous for their magnificent and beautiful architecture, featuring impressive wall decorations, paintings, statues, and ornaments. Some stations are even regarded as underground art galleries. It is no surprise that many tourists not only use the metro to get around but also enjoy visiting its stations. The metro generally runs from 05.30 until midnight, with varying operating schedules for certain routes and stations. To ride the metro, simply purchase tickets at counters or machines located at each station. Alternatively, you can use a reloadable smart card, "Troika," which can be used to ride the metro and other public transportation. A single metro ticket costs RUB 55. You can use this single ticket to travel on multiple trains without limitations on distance or time.

Practical Tips for Moscow

Things to prepare and best way to visit

When is the best time to go on vacation to Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is April and May, as the temperature is pleasant for sightseeing. During these months, days tend to be sunny. Hotel prices are generally more affordable during this period.

What is the recommended duration for a vacation in Moscow?

If you want to visit Moscow, plan on spending two or three days there. This duration is enough to explore all the interesting places in the Russian capital.

Which interesting places in Moscow should a first-time tourist visit?

If you're interested in historical tours, make sure to visit the Kremlin. It's the oldest masterpiece in Moscow and a favorite among tourists. Another popular site is Red Square, also known as Krasnaya Ploshchad in Russian, which has been on the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1990. St. Basil's Cathedral is another must-see spot. Its unique architectural design has made it an iconic symbol of Moscow, with its ornate roof resembling a mosque dome adorned with dominant red accents. Apart from these three places, there are other attractions you can explore, such as Lenin's Mausoleum, The State Tretyakov Gallery, and the Bolshoi Theatre. Don't forget to visit the State Historical Museum, Gorky Central Park Of Culture and Leisure, The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, and more.

What are the must-try foods when you visit Moscow?

They have plenty of signature dishes. One of them is pelmeni. It's a Russian dumpling with minced meat, onions, and spices. Another one is borshch moskovsky, or Russian meat soup. Try blini, Russian pancakes made from buckwheat flour and served with various toppings. The last one is monchiki or Moscow doughnuts. Moscow has a typical breakfast menu, too. Try shchi, a cabbage soup served in the summer. Then there is kasha, which is a wheat porridge seasoned with butter and served with fried onions. Don't miss pirozhki, toasted or fried bread filled with meat, salmon, mashed potatoes, mushrooms, onions, and eggs. Pastila, Russia's signature dessert, has a rich history dating back to the 16th century. This treat combines mashed fruit with egg whites, sugar, or honey.

What souvenirs should one consider bringing back after a vacation in Moscow?

Make sure to take matryoshka home with you. The typical Russian wooden doll is uniquely crafted in a set, stacked together. The amount varies depending on the size you buy. You must also bring home a lacquer box, which was the most beautiful craft in Russia in the 20th century. This special wooden decorative souvenir displays paintings with various Russian themes. Another wooden craft for souvenirs is bogorodsk. This toy is a wooden carved figure of animals doing various tasks, for example, a bear chopping wood or a rabbit playing a musical instrument. In Russia, these souvenirs are often used as educational tools for children. Consider bringing back souvenirs adorned with Russian designs. Get a miniature of St. Basil Cathedral, a bottle of vodka (a customary Russian alcoholic drink), or a fabergé egg.

Set off your journey to Moscow

Plan smart & save big! Use discount code BISAYUK only for you

Flights

Hotels

In This Guide

Get to Know Moscow

Travel Tips for Moscow