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Not all St. Petersburg residents have visited the main attractions of the Northern capital, but there are still many interesting places around that are usually not marked on tourist maps. Therefore, for citizens and tourists, we have compiled a list of important and interesting locations that are worth seeing in order to understand the city on the Neva.
The first cathedral on St. Isaac's Square appeared in the times of Peter the Great, since workers from the Admiralty needed their own religious building. The current Isaac is the fourth and largest in the city. Until now, it is one of the tallest buildings in St. Petersburg (204 meters). It was built under three sovereigns. The talented young architect Auguste Montferrand submitted his project to Alexander I in 1818; next to the temple under construction, the Decembrist uprising took place; the main curator of the construction was Nicholas I, who did not live to see the consecration of the cathedral. One of the most complex structures in the history of St. Petersburg, resources for the construction of which were brought from all over the country, was completed only in 1858. Its brilliant author, who managed to change the appearance of St. Petersburg in 40 years, died almost immediately after the consecration of the cathedral. Largely because of this, there is still a legend that Montferrand was told that he would die as soon as he completed the construction of Isaac, and that this is why the construction of the cathedral took so long. For now, Isaac is still a museum. There are still important artifacts there, like the Foucault pendulum, that are worth seeing. And you should definitely climb the cathedral colonnade and look at the city from above, reminding yourself that St. Petersburg is especially beautiful from a bird's eye view.
m. Admiralteyskaya, Isaakievskaya sq., 4
The Palace ensemble consists of the Imperial Winter Palace, the building of the Guards Corps, the General Staff building with the Triumphal Arch and the Alexander Column. It must be said that before there was a meadow here, cows grazed on it, and the current gloss of the Palace owes to the era of Alexander I, when the huge area was brought to a single style, and Montferrand erected the famous Alexandria Pillar, which became the new dominant feature. You should spend more than one day visiting the Hermitage and the General Staff Building: the number of exhibits in the luxurious halls is countless. However, one visit will be enough to feel the atmosphere of the main art repositories in the city on the Neva, and imagine the everyday life of the august persons who ruled the country in the past.
m. Admiralteyskaya, Dvortsovaya sq.
St. Petersburg is a city of bridges and embankments. City residents simply cannot do without walks by the water under the soothing rustle of the Neva, and tourists, one way or another, will at least once go out to the water artery of the Northern capital to at least admire the bridges being raised. This is where they begin to understand the city. But to experience the special romance of St. Petersburg, we suggest taking a walk along the Winter Canal embankment. This is a small canal connecting the Neva and Moika near the Winter Palace. The Winter Canal became famous for the tragic story of poor Lisa, who jumped from a bridge holding a portrait of her beloved in her hands. This story so impressed the great Russian composer Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky that he decided to insert a scene of the girl’s suicide into his new opera “The Queen of Spades.” However, today no one remembers this, but there are true romantics here who catch the dawn breaking through from under the arch before filling the city streets. And all this splendor is complemented by the cries of seagulls - a reminder that St. Petersburg residents live by the sea.
m. Admiralteyskaya, emb. Winter groove
The Buddhist temple “Datsan Gunzechoiney” is “the source of the holy teachings of the All-Compassionate Hermit Lord” and the northernmost Buddhist temple in the world, as well as the most expensive in Europe, built at the beginning of the 20th century. Permission to build the temple was received in 1900, after which in 1909, the representative of the 13th Dalai Lama in Russia, Agvan Dorzhiev, purchased a plot of land on the banks of the Malaya Nevka. The temple was built by the author of the Eliseevsky store in St. Petersburg, Baranovsky, with the involvement of several orientalists and specialists in Buddhism, who ensured that the building complied with all religious canons. The result is one of the most expensive Buddhist temples in Europe, which many people know about today, but have never been there. Although there, for example, you can admire the stained glass windows made according to the sketches of Nicholas Roerich, eat ethnic food and feel that you are no longer in St. Petersburg at all. And after visiting the temple, a tourist will note that the Northern capital is a city of many cultures.
m. Staraya Derevnya, Primorsky Ave., 91
In the 19th century, the merchant Ustinov, while rebuilding an ordinary apartment building, did not yet suspect that in a few years Masons would gather there. It is still believed that Satanists performed sacrifices in the building. As evidence, they show an eerie lattice pattern with a pentagram on it. And the building itself is made in the form of an inverted pentagram-pentagon with a five-pointed star (a symbol of Satanists). It is believed that many have visited this source of energy and continue to come here in order to exit through the portal into the Satanic world, and that there was even a story about a boy who climbed into some passage in the house, and then returned half an hour later as a decrepit old man. Now it’s easy to get into the building: the residents have set up a kind of museum in the front entrance.
m. Sadovaya, Gorokhovaya street, 57
Rastrelli begins construction of the cathedral by order of Empress Elizabeth in 1748. The Smolny Cathedral became for the architect a symbol of the violation of European Baroque traditions. He was able not only to introduce the traditions of European architecture into the construction, but also to recall Russian traditions, using them to give the cathedral rigor and solemnity. Even Giacomo Quarenghi, the author of the Smolny Institute, when passing by the cathedral, invariably exclaimed, taking off his hat: “What a temple!” However, we offer to admire not only the temple, but also the city from the height of the temple, climbing the cathedral belfry. Noticeably fewer tourists are trying to conquer the heights of Smolny, which is why it’s easier to breathe here, and the perspective is completely different. With the help of free binoculars you can see, for example, the Petrograd side and watch numerous boats sail along the Neva.
m. Chernyshevskaya, pl. Rastrelli, 1
This cruiser was better known in Soviet times as a symbol of the revolution, and now people come here to look at the colorful exhibition dedicated to one of the most tragic pages in the history of the Russian fleet - the history of the early 20th century: its crew witnessed all the sad events that befell Russia in those times. You don’t even have to walk through the cabins: the power and strength of the ship can be easily felt even while standing on the deck. However, inside visitors will find nine halls (there were six before the restoration of the Aurora) with modern multimedia installations. They will take the viewer back in time and allow them to immerse themselves in the events in which the cruiser happened to participate.
m. Gorkovskaya, Petrogradskaya embankment.
This complex includes the Narva Gate and Anikushin’s workshop, but its main part is the Necropolis of Art Masters. There are several cemeteries on the territory of the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. This necropolis is the most famous. It was founded at the beginning of the 19th century, when there was not enough space in the old cemetery at the monastery. It was here that most of the most important cultural figures of the 19th century were buried - from Dostoevsky to Karamzin. In the 30s of the 20th century, when the Soviet government began to bring here all the valuable tombstones from other cemeteries, many graves were destroyed and destroyed. Dostoevsky, Kramskoy, Karamzin, Cui, Kuindzhi, Delvig, Glinka, Pushkin’s second Danzas, Speransky, Demut-Malinovsky and more than a hundred people, without whom the 19th century would not have happened in Russian history, are buried there.
m. Alexander Nevsky Square, Nevsky Prospekt, 179
The Victory Orangery was built over a hundred years ago. Its main decoration is the swimming pool, which is considered one of the largest greenhouse reservoirs in the world. In the water greenhouse you can admire the largest water lily in the world, an inhabitant of the waters of the Amazon and Lake Titicaca - Victoria Amazonica, named after the British Queen Victoria. The diameter of its round leaves is almost two meters; these floating saucers can easily withstand a weight of up to 50 kilograms, so a child or a thin adult can calmly sit on it or even swim.
m. Petrogradskaya, st. Professor Popova, 2
The Street Art Museum is one of the city's newest museums. It was opened in 2012, and, unlike the usual gallery, the exhibition is located on the territory of a partially abandoned industrial zone. There are no classical works in massive baguettes or under glass in the museum space: all works are exhibited in the open air, and all of them are of enormous size (sometimes the height of an entire house). The collection is updated annually, so each new visit will give you the same emotions as the first time. The territory of the museum is divided into two zones - a permanent exhibition, which is located in the area of the current production of the Laminated Plastics Plant, where an annually replenished collection of monumental paintings by contemporary street artists is located, and a public area where visitors can see temporary exhibitions, and various events are also held there.
m. Ladozhskaya, sh. Revolution, 84 (entrance from Industrial Avenue)
One of the strangest architectural structures in St. Petersburg. Located among the monuments of the Empire and Classicism eras, it looks like a foreign body, the brainchild of the reign of the Russian Tsar Alexander III himself, more suitable for Moscow than for St. Petersburg. Alexander III ordered the construction of this temple on the site of his father’s death from a terrorist bomb on the Catherine Canal. Designed by the architect Alfred Parland, it was opened only in 1907 in the presence of Alexander II's grandson Nicholas II. Inside the cathedral itself there is a piece of paving stones that has been preserved since March 1, 1881.
m. Nevsky pr., emb. Channel Griboedova, 2
After a long reconstruction, the island park ended the summer of 2016. On the island, neat paths were laid between the green lawns, and benches were installed on the linden alley. A gallery has been opened for visiting, where exhibitions are held. You can also have a snack at branches of famous city cafes. In the center of the events there is a large stage, where concerts are given on warm days and on the occasion of holidays. And in winter, there is a large skating rink in New Holland, which has become the main center of attraction for young people on frosty days. There is a restaurant on the island in a historical building, and several more interesting spaces are expected to open soon, where citizens can spend their free time. By the way, we have collected interesting facts from the history of New Holland .
m. Sadovaya, emb. Admiralteysky Canal, 2
St. Petersburg is a city of amazing courtyards, where miracles hide: mosaics made of pieces of colored glass, fairy-tale characters and ancient gods. The townspeople know this well, and it would be nice for tourists to experience it. You don't even have to look for all unique yards. It is enough to visit at least one. We offer - atmospheric mosaic. Benches, paths, house walls, sculptures and sundials are decorated with colorful mosaic designs made of colored glass. At some point, the unremarkable courtyard began to literally become overgrown with mosaics right in front of the local residents and over time became a kind of open-air museum. This landmark, which is better to see once than to hear about it a hundred times, was created by students of the Small Academy of Arts. By the way, the courtyard is famous not only because of the bright colors of the mosaic, but also because it was made by the hands of children.
m. Chernyshevskaya, emb. Fontanki, 2
On Nevsky Prospekt there is the famous “Eliseevsky” store, where you can not only admire the colorful display, but also, if you wish, taste delicious pastries. For a hundred rubles, the eclairs they serve here are wonderful - they not only melt in your mouth, but are also decorated with all the gloss of a historical store. The building was designed by one of the largest architects and public figures of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, G. V. Baranovsky. By the way, in the Soviet era, the “Eliseevsky” store on Nevsky Prospekt, 56 was called “Gastronom No. 1” - however, no one called it that then.
m. Gostiny Dvor, Nevsky pr., 56/8
The history of this pharmacy shop dates back to 1760 - that’s when its grand opening took place. True, it was then located on Bolshaya Meshchanskaya and had a different name. In 1770, the first owner of the shop, pharmacist Arik, moved it to the 7th line, where it is located to this day. The pharmacy changed owners several times. 1850 is a landmark year, this year Vasily Vasilyevich Pel became the owner of the pharmacy. From that time on, the pharmacy began to be called “Pel’s Pharmacy.” Pel transformed the pharmacy laboratory, introduced quality control of raw materials, created a warehouse of benign drugs, and in 1867 even founded the Russian Society for Trade in Pharmaceutical Goods. Since 1871, Pel began supplying medicines to the imperial court. After the death of Vasily Vasilyevich, his son continued the pharmacy business, and later his grandchildren and great-grandsons owned the pharmacy. After the revolution, the laboratory at the pharmacy ceased to function, and a little later the factory. The pharmacy changed its name and began to be called “Andreevskaya” - due to its location opposite the Andreevsky market. During the war, the pharmacy also functioned, even though the building was hit by a shell during the siege. The pharmacy closed only in 2005. The reason for this was a fire. In 2010, the oldest pharmacy shop in the city was restored, and in March 2010 it began accepting customers again. Since 2011, the pharmacy began to conduct excursions, and it annually takes part in the “Night of Museums” program.
m. Vasileostrovskaya, 7th line V.O., 16–18
It was here that the history of Russian railways began, when in 1837 the first train to Tsarskoe Selo departed from here. At first there was an ordinary one-story wooden building, more reminiscent of a station in a small town. Then the architect Ton (the author of the Moscow Station) built a building in the classical style. But it fell into disrepair, and in 1904, according to the design of the architect Brzhezovsky, a huge station complex in the Art Nouveau style was built here. The current Vitebsk station is still not inferior in beauty to European ones. Openwork lattices, modernist design, variety of architectural forms, sometimes far from the classicism usual for St. Petersburg - all this was new, unique for the Russia of that time. There are even elevators here (the platform is on the second floor), which, however, are no longer working.
M. Pushkinskaya, Zagorodny Prospekt, 52
Spiritual center of St. Petersburg. The construction of the Alexander Nevsky Monastery was started by Peter the Great. In 1797 the monastery received the status of a monastery. Only three churches have survived to this day; the rest were dismantled or rebuilt during the years of Bolshevik rule. Immediately behind the Alexander Nevsky Lavra is the Theological Seminary, a higher educational institution of the St. Petersburg Diocese of the Russian Orthodox Church, preparing clergy and clergy.
m. Alexander Nevsky Square, emb. Monastyrki River, 1
The Hermitage cats are one of the brands of St. Petersburg, but it is quite difficult to get to know them directly in the open spaces of the main museum: they often spend time in the basements of the Winter Palace. To meet the furry curators of the museum, you can go to one of the two St. Petersburg cat cafes, where one of the Hermitage cats always lives.
St. Petersburg is a city of bridges. There are more than three hundred crossings in the city. The most famous are Dvortsovaya and Troitsky, of course. But the most charming is the Peter the Great Bridge (Bolsheokhtinsky). Many, being near it, recognize London in St. Petersburg. There is also a legend that one of the rivets in Bolsheokhtinsky’s design is gold. But no one has found her yet.
m. Chernyshevskaya, Bolsheokhtinsky bridge
Peter and Paul Fortress is a fortress in St. Petersburg, located on Hare Island, the historical core of the city. The official name is St. Petersburg, in 1914–1917 it was the Petrograd Fortress. On its territory there is a beach beloved by the townspeople, and there are several museums (for example, the Museum of Cosmonautics). Everyone should visit the fortress at least once, and it’s even better to come here at noon and hear the midday cannon fire live.
m. Gorkovskaya, Peter and Paul Fortress, 3
Photo: Anton Vaganov, nemiga.info, instagram.com/idbronskiy/, Alexander Sheremetev, serg-degtyarev.livejournal.com, Sergey Kalinkin, instagram.com/candy__che/, instagram.com/wholedays, instagram.com/vittozfr/, instagram. com/mayammd/, instagram.com/sleepingneon/, @urayxor, @_kosmelia_
Experts from the world's largest travel site have compiled a ranking of 25 cities that were most highly rated by tourists from around the globe. And the city that took first place surprised even the authors of this list.
Overall, if you're still undecided on your vacation plans, this roundup has some great ideas. And for the next few holidays too.
25. San Francisco, USA
The City by the Bay is full of adventures and attractions—you can take the ferry to Alcatraz, sample the cuisine of Little Italy, or explore the surrounding hills. The ethnic and cultural makeup of San Francisco residents is one of the most diverse in the United States. Be sure to grab breakfast at Mama's before heading to the Golden Gate Bridge or Coit Tower.
24. Chiang Mai, Thailand
Chiang Mai is much greener and quieter than other cities in Thailand. Called the "Rose of the North", this place combines all the unique Thai features, including the famous temples.
23. Lisbon, Portugal
Lisbon features a combination of medieval and Moorish architecture. The city is under the supervision of the huge castle of St. George. Even the trams in Lisbon can be called a historical heritage - most of them are over a century old.
22. Sydney, Australia
The city of Sydney is famous for its Opera House, Harbor Bridge and its luxurious beaches. Residential areas of greater Sydney are surrounded by national parks. The coastline (both external “sea” and intra-city) is extremely indented. It abounds in numerous bays, coves and islands.
21. Budapest, Hungary
Surrounded by the Danube, the Buda Hills to the west and the Great Plains to the east, Budapest is surrounded by stunning scenery. The city's neoclassical architecture is still magnificent, although it bears the scars of World War II. Budapest is built on numerous thermal springs, so its baths should definitely be on your list of attractions.
20. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok manages to combine the magical beauty of Buddhist temples and absolutely crazy nightlife. Plus, it's a relatively cheap place to travel.
19. Cape Town, South Africa
Cape Town is surrounded by miles of ocean and pristine beaches on one side, and stunning mountain ranges on the other. It is one of the most cosmopolitan African cities, with colonial roots still visible in its architecture.
18. Chicago, USA
Chicago is a stronghold of the American Midwest, the birthplace of the blues and a hotbed of jazz culture. The world's first skyscrapers appeared here, and modern Chicago is considered the home of the best comedy shows in the United States.
17. Dubai, UAE
If you are not very interested in historical sites and want to see a futuristic metropolis, then Dubai is the place to be. It is famous for the Burj Khalifa tower - the tallest building in the world, as well as amazing artificial islands and the best beaches on them. This is even more admirable when you know that until the 70s of the twentieth century, Dubai was a small tribal settlement.
16. St. Petersburg, Russia
Travelers around the world consider St. Petersburg the most European of all Russian cities, due to its neoclassical architecture, numerous art galleries and underground clubs.
15. Barcelona, Spain
Barcelona combines old and new in a very special way. Much of the city, like centuries ago, consists of narrow streets and ancient buildings, while along the shore you will find luxurious modern apartments and hotels.
14. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is called the Paris of South America due to the city's rich European heritage and stunning architecture. However, it retains its Latin American passion, the coziness of its sidewalk cafes and the beauty of its shady parks.
13. Florence, Italy
Florence is a city that seems frozen in the past. It is home to many of Italy's best museums, cathedrals, galleries, piazzas and shops. We recommend starting your tour of the city from the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and Piazza della Signoria.
12. New York, USA
New York can be called the center of modern Western culture. Take a leisurely bike ride through Central Park, explore the downtown skyscrapers, and eat pizza at one of the legendary cafes, and you'll realize that this city has a place for everyone.
11. Berlin, Germany
Just like London and Paris, Berlin is a center of unique, centuries-old culture, art and architecture. This is a kind of time capsule containing fragments of historical periods from the Middle Ages to the present day, from the Brandenburg Gate to the Berlin Wall.
10. Shanghai, China
In Shanghai, life on the streets is in full swing. Visit the Shanghai Museum, Jade Buddha Temple and Dongtai Road Market for an insight into the city and a completely different life experience.
9. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Although Siem Reap is a relatively new settlement, it is located close to Angkor Wat - the City of Temples and the greatest religious monument in the world. And if Angkor Wat offers you discovery and adventure, then Siem Reap offers relaxation and tranquility.
8. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi is a charming blend of East and West, combining traditional Vietnamese culture with a French colonial flair. Luckily, decades of war have left the city untouched, and it is now even more vibrant and active than ever. While in Hanoi, don't miss the Old Quarter - one of the world's greatest markets, the Vietnamese Women's Museum and numerous theaters.
7. Paris, France
It is difficult to overestimate all the cultural riches that Paris has. It is definitely worth a visit, not only to the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower, but also to famous restaurants such as Le Fumoir.
6. Marrakesh, Morocco
This city is thoroughly saturated with spices that have been traded in Marrakech for centuries. Its buzzing markets and colorful souks are the perfect place for those who want to experience the spirit of traditional Moroccan life.
5. Prague, Czech Republic
In medieval Europe, Prague was one of the main political, cultural and economic centers. Today the city is experiencing a renaissance. If you visit the modern Dancing House and historic Prague Castle, you will see how the city has found the perfect balance between new and old.
4. Beijing, China
Beijing is one of the oldest settlements in the world. Its history goes back more than 3000 years. It houses the most important monuments for China, including the Great Wall of China and the famous Forbidden City.
3. London, UK
Formerly the capital of the largest empire on earth, today London is a bubbling cauldron of diverse cultures. Three hundred languages are spoken within its borders. Here you can find food, art and entertainment from all corners of the globe, as well as wonderful examples of classic English architecture.
2. Rome, Italy
Even in Antiquity, Rome was often called Eternal. One of the first to call Rome this way was the Roman poet Albius Tibullus (1st century BC) in his second elegy. Ideas about the “eternity” of Rome were largely preserved even after the fall of ancient Roman civilization, bringing the corresponding epithet into modern languages.
1. Istanbul, Türkiye, for thousands of years combining European and Asian origins, as well as Islam and Christianity. It is known for its delicious food, delicious coffee, oriental markets and ancient architecture. At the end of a long day, be sure to stop by the Turkish bath - it's a great way to relax.
The idea of summing up your impressions and presenting them to the public in the form of a list is not new, but it is still relevant. Firstly, although subjective, here is a rating of those places in Moscow that impressed us. Secondly, it is always easier to navigate through catalogs than to try to systematize scattered information. So we decided, based on our impressions of the trip to Moscow, to compile the top 10 places in Moscow that are worth visiting in order to feel the atmosphere of not only modern Moscow, but also ancient, pre-revolutionary Moscow, or even plunge into the Middle Ages itself. Let's start the top 10 from the end and end with the top three.
10. River trip along the Moscow River by boat
A boat trip along the Moscow River can hardly be called a place or an attraction, but it is a river walk, like no other, that will allow you to make a first impression of Moscow or simply feel the idleness of the atmosphere of the walk. The ship departs from the pier at the Kievsky railway station and sails through the very center of the capital. In an hour and a half you can see the main attractions of Moscow, such as the Kremlin, Gorky Park, Bolotny Island, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and much more.
Choose a warm day for a walk and the coolness of the river will refresh and invigorate you, and the beauty of the capital will set the mood for the whole day.
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9. Gorky Park
Gorky Park, a legendary park from the times of the Soviet Union. The park has survived several eras and literally rose like a phoenix from the ashes. The Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure attracts hundreds of citizens every day, from couples in love to real athletes. Representing a single territory with Neskuchny Gardens. There are bicycle paths along the Moscow River, which are enjoyed by cyclists, rollerbladers, and skateboarders. Gorky Park has a very long territory, and if you include in your route the Muzeon Park and Sparrow Hills, which are located on both sides of Gorky Park, then your walk will take the whole day. 
8. Kolomenskoye Park
Kolomenskoye is not only a large walking park in Moscow, it is also a historical place where the most ancient examples of Russian architecture have been preserved. It’s worth seeing with your own eyes the Church of the Ascension, built in 1532, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Other ancient buildings, due to the fact that they were built from short-lived material, were not preserved and were recreated from sketches. Such modern buildings are the palace of Alexei Mikhailovich and other buildings from the park of Russian architecture. The palace has exhibitions, including those demonstrating the life of ancient Russian princes. 
There is a beautiful apple orchard in Kolomenskoye Park, where it is pleasant to walk in the shade of the trees. A wonderful panorama of the Moscow River opens from the hill, and after descending from the hill you can take a ride on the river tram yourself. The house of Peter I was moved here to Kolomenskoye Park, next to which a monument to the owner of the house was erected. Kolomenskoye Park is a protected area, so you cannot walk dogs in the park.
7. Tsaritsyno - park and estate
Tsaritsyno is a unique place in all respects, where the history of several centuries grows before us in full splendor. And the point is not even that the royal estate in Tsaritsino is more than two hundred years old, but that this estate was built with varying success during all this time. The history of the Tsaritsyno estate, as well as photographs, can be viewed at. In addition to all the architectural splendor, you will also discover a beautiful park with winding shady paths, a large pond and a light and music fountain, which is best admired in the evenings. 
6. Old Arbat
In terms of beauty and the length of the walk, Arbat is of course inferior to the Moscow parks Tsaritsyno and Kolomenskoye, but walking distance from the main attractions of Moscow puts Arbat in sixth place in our rating. If your goal is to plunge into the color of Moscow streets, then you won’t find a better place than Arbat. Here you will find entertainment, restaurants and souvenir shops with nesting dolls and earflaps. In addition, Arbat is one of the oldest Moscow streets and it has absorbed several centuries of Moscow history. After reading, you will be able to better understand which buildings should be given close attention. 
5. Sparrow Hills
As a person who does not live in Moscow, I can say what Moscow looks like to a tourist. And it does not seem to be a single whole city, but rather disparate objects that are connected to each other by branches of the Moscow metro. It is difficult to combine everything into a single picture when moving around the city underground. But I really want to understand Moscow as a whole, and not in fragments. That is why the observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory crept into our top 10 places in Moscow.
From this platform there is a view, if not of all of Moscow, then of most of it. Located in the southwest of Moscow, the observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory offers views of the center of the capital. And even if he is not tall, it is for this reason that the eye can easily cling to Stalin’s high-rise buildings, the Ostankino TV tower, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Kremlin behind it, the monument to Peter I, the works of Zurab Tsereteli. The Luzhniki Olympic complex is visible in the foreground. And it’s really hard not to notice the modern Moscow City residential complex, which towers over the entire capital. 
In addition to a beautiful view of Moscow, Vorobyovy Gory is a park area where you can walk and admire the Moscow River. In addition, you can walk from Vorobyovy Gory Park to Gorky Park. And the observation deck of the Sparrow Hills itself is located just opposite the legendary Moscow Institute of Moscow State University, named after Lomonosov. The monument to the founder stands opposite the entrance to the university. 
Thus, a trip to the observation deck of the Sparrow Hills can be regarded as an independent excursion, or you can combine it with a visit to other Moscow attractions. Well, you can get to Vorobyovy Gory by metro. The station is called Vorobyovy Gory and it is located right on the bridge over the Moscow River.
3. Zamoskvorechye - Pyatnitskaya, Bolshaya Ordynka
The top three of our top 10 places in Moscow is opened by a walking route around Moscow. The route passes through the most beautiful and oldest district of Moscow - Zamoskvorechye, part of which are Pyatnitskaya and Bolshaya Ordynka streets. What makes this route special is its walking distance from Bolotny Island, behind which the Kremlin is located. And the main highlight of this route is that literally two blocks from Pyatnitskaya Street in Klementovsky Lane is the main art gallery in Moscow - the Tretyakov Gallery. 
And if you decide to make your walking route along Pyatnitskaya Street, then you should definitely include a visit to the Tretyakov Gallery. In the end, it was because of the Tretyakov Gallery that this route made it into the top three of 10 places in Moscow where you can go. And it will be difficult to imagine how many treasures there are in the Tretyakov Gallery. The works of all the most significant representatives of Russian painting are collected under one roof. And even if you are not a fan of visiting museums, a visit to the Tretyakov Gallery will not make you yawn. Paintings known to every child from childhood are stored here. Repin “We Didn’t Expect”, Savrasov “The Rooks Have Arrived”, Serov “Girl with Peaches”, Shishkin “Morning in a Pine Forest”, Aivazovsky, Kuindzhi, Vrubel, Kramskoy and many more legendary names. All these pictures evoke awe and reverent admiration. Views of Pyatnitskaya Street and paintings of the Tretyakov Gallery in. 
2. Kremlin Cathedral Square
The honorable second place in the ranking goes to the very heart of the Kremlin - Cathedral Square. Cathedral Square of the Moscow Kremlin is one of the main attractions of Moscow. The oldest churches and buildings in Moscow are located here; after all, this is where the development of Moscow began. As the name of the square suggests, there are several cathedrals and temples located on it, each of which is of historical value. On Cathedral Square there is a beautiful shady square where you can sit and admire the masterpieces of Russian architecture. In addition to churches and chambers, on Cathedral Square there are the legendary Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell, which inspire real admiration with their appearance. Details about the attractions of Cathedral Square are written in the article 
1. Red Square, GUM and St. Basil's Cathedral
The palm of our top 10 places in Moscow goes to Red Square. Red Square is the main square of our country; every year it attracts thousands of tourists and guests from abroad. Being on Red Square, you can feel real delight and succumb to the general excitement that reigns here. Red Square, without exaggeration, is the most visited place in Moscow. In addition to the Kremlin walls, there is much to admire and visit. Red Square is complemented by St. Basil's Cathedral, without the colorful domes of which it is difficult to imagine Red Square. And opposite the Kremlin is the legendary GUM, a place that has ceased to be just a store, but has become a real landmark of the city of Moscow. You can see more details about the sights of Red Square in the article. 
Our Top 10 places in Moscow cannot pretend to be objective, if only because as tourists, we also did not visit all the sights of the capital. But of the places we visited, the 10 presented are the most optimal, in our opinion, for getting to know the capital. Of course, to visit all 10 places, it will take at least a week and that’s if you combine some of them. In fact, visiting these places and walking around the city is designed just for a ten-day vacation.
Moscow is multifaceted and grandiose; every time it turns to the traveler with thousands of different sides. Here, the multi-colored domes of Orthodox churches coexist with monumental high-rise buildings in the “Stalinist Empire” style. Rich estates of the aristocratic families of the Russian Empire stand next to fashionable restaurants and clubs, the spiers of glass high-rise business districts sparkle against the backdrop of picturesque Kutuzovsky Prospekt.
Moscow has a huge number of cultural sites - more than 400 museums, about a thousand monuments, 130 theaters and dozens of concert halls. Most of the events in the country's social life, from premieres to international exhibitions, take place in the capital. You need to come to Moscow for a long time to feel the spirit and energy of this dynamic city.
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What to see and where to go in Moscow?
The most interesting and beautiful places for walks. Photos and brief description.
The most recognizable and visited places in the Russian capital. The red towers of the Kremlin, crowned with stars, are an established brand, a symbol of Moscow. Since the 12th century, the Kremlin served as a defensive structure; over the centuries it was repeatedly burned and rebuilt. Red Square has more than once become the site of important state events. It hosted public meetings, fairs, parades, and various cultural events.
The cathedral was founded by order of Ivan the Terrible as gratitude to the Lord for his help in the capture of Kazan. The building originally had golden domes and red and white walls. After a fire in the 18th century, as a result of restoration, the temple was decorated in bright colors and now it towers over Red Square like a multi-colored gingerbread. The name was given in honor of the holy fool Vasily the Blessed, who collected part of the money for the construction of the temple and gave it to Ivan the Terrible.
Public space in the historical district of the capital of the same name. Construction took place in 2014-2017, after the demolition of the Rossiya Hotel located on this site. The park presents 4 landscape zones of Russia. The total number of trees planted is 752, and shrubs are about 7 thousand. In different parts of Zaryadye there are zones with an artificial microclimate. In 2018, a concert hall opened in the park.
The business district of the capital, consisting of modern skyscrapers of futuristic design. The project is unique both for Russia and for the whole of Eastern Europe. The tallest tower of the Federation complex reaches a height of 235 meters; other buildings also have their own names. Moscow City was nicknamed “Moscow Manhattan”; the quarter was conceived as a Russian analogue of the London and New York business districts.
Moscow Cathedral, where the Patriarch holds services. The temple was built in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812 according to the design of Konstantin Ton; the work lasted more than forty years. During the Soviet era, the building was blown up, and in its place appeared the Palace of Soviets, and later the Moscow swimming pool. The cathedral was rebuilt in 1994-1997. and now has maximum external resemblance to the original.
The oldest convent in the capital. According to legend, it stands on the spot where, during the rule of the Golden Horde, girls were selected to be sent into slavery. The monastery was founded in 1524 by Vasily III. Subsequently, many royal persons, as well as girls from princely and boyar families, received tonsure at the monastery. Many came here not of their own free will. Architecturally, the monastery is a real fortress with powerful walls.
A 16th-century temple on the banks of the Moscow River on the territory of a park complex in Kolomenskoye. Presumably, the Italian architect Petrok Maly took part in the construction of the building. The church is one of the first examples of stone tented churches on the territory of Rus'. The structure was built in the form of an equal-ended cross with a 62-meter bell tower. The architecture of the temple is considered unique.
The main Catholic cathedral of Moscow, built in the neo-Gothic style at the expense of the Polish community. The main buildings were erected at the beginning of the 20th century according to the design of F. O. Bogdanovich-Dvorzhetsky. The cathedral is a typical example of the architecture of Catholic churches - pointed arches, soaring figured towers, colored stained glass windows. The temple regularly hosts organ music concerts and other cultural events.
The palace and park ensemble, covering an area of more than 100 hectares, is located in the south of the capital. All buildings were created in the 18th century in the “pseudogothic” or “Russian Gothic” architectural style. Previously, the ensemble served as a royal residence. Nowadays, the park houses exhibitions, museums, concert halls, and greenhouses. Thanks to the beautiful landscape, the Tsaritsino ensemble has become a popular place for wedding photo shoots.
Wooden palace in Kolomenskoye Park, which belonged to Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. It opened to visitors in 2010. The building was founded in the 17th century, its appearance was designed to emphasize the power of the Russian state and the greatness of the Tsar. The interior decoration was distinguished by pomp and luxury. Under Catherine II, the palace was dismantled, but detailed drawings of it were first made. Based on these drawings, the complex was completely restored later.
A landmark of the New Age in the spirit of Russian architecture of the 17th century, the stylized residence of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. The ensemble was built according to ancient sketches and drawings. The Kremlin appeared in 2007 near the Partizanskaya metro station. There are handicraft shops, museums, taverns, and a church on the territory. The Kremlin was created according to the project of A.F. Ushakov as an attraction to attract tourists.
An 18th-century mansion that belonged to the count family of Sheremetyev. The magnificent estate, surrounded by a landscaped park, was used for lavish receptions, balls, celebrations and theatrical performances. The museum on site exhibits one of the world's largest collections of ceramics. Exhibitions, concerts, and celebrations in old Russian traditions are constantly held in Kuskovo.
An architectural monument of the 17th century in the Tagansky district of the capital. Since 1991 it has served as a patriarchal courtyard. The Department for Youth Affairs of the Russian Orthodox Church is also located here. The history of the place began in the 13th century. At first there was a monastery here, and then the residence of senior clergy. The Krutitsky courtyard is a place where you can imagine what Moscow looked like in past centuries.
The country's main opera stage and one of the best theaters in the world. The theater was built in 1825, but in 1853 the building burned down. Three years later, the Bolshoi was rebuilt. Large-scale reconstructions were carried out in 1886-1893, in 1958 and in 2005-2011. The monumental theater building is decorated with massive columns; the interior decoration is striking in luxury. The crystal chandelier in the main auditorium deserves special attention.
An art museum with a rich collection, founded by the Tretyakov merchant family. In 1861, in his will, Pavel Tretyakov transferred the family gallery to the city and determined sums of money for its maintenance. In 1893, the museum officially opened to the public. The Tretyakov Gallery is the largest (more than 180 thousand exhibits) collection of Russian paintings, engravings, and icon paintings.
They are located in the same building on the territory of the Moscow Kremlin. The Armory Chamber has been functioning as a museum since 1806. It houses art and artifacts, both made in local workshops and donated by embassies of other countries. The Diamond Fund is an impressive exhibition of masterpieces of jewelry art. The best examples of the collection date from the 18th-20th centuries. In addition, the exhibition features precious stones and nuggets with a rich history.
It is located on Red Square and is one of the main capital museums. Collections covering all eras in Russian history from ancient times to the 20th century are exhibited in countless halls. There are also extensive exhibitions on the history of other states. The museum was founded by decree of Alexander II in 1872. In 1990, the building was included in the UNESCO heritage list along with Red Square.
The circus was built in 1880 with the money of the merchant Danilov. From the very opening, the administration tried to invite only the best groups and attract more visitors to the performances. In 1996, in honor of the 75th artist Yu. Nikulin, the circus was given the name “Moscow Nikulin Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard.” The auditorium can accommodate 2,000 people, and modern equipment is used during performances.
The museum gallery was opened in 1913; the collection was based on exhibits from the collection of the Cabinet of Fine Arts and Antiquities of Moscow University. Later, original samples of the culture of Ancient Egypt were acquired. During the 20th century, the museum developed and expanded, and now it contains about 700 exhibits. The halls constantly host various exhibitions of world-famous authors.
Cold War Museum, located 65 meters underground. The bunker was built in the middle of the 20th century; it was conceived as a completely autonomous shelter in case of a sudden nuclear strike. A supply of water and food was stored here for a long time. The entrance to the museum is a one and a half ton door, behind which a long staircase begins. Visitors can explore the bunker's interiors on a guided tour and watch a film about the Cold War.
A park complex with memorials dedicated to the Victory in the Second World War of 1941-1945. Before construction began in 1987, the hill on Poklonnaya Hill was partially razed. The park officially opened in 1995. The central monument is an obelisk topped with a statue of the goddess Nike, 141.8 meters in height. In 2009-2010 The Eternal Flame burned here, moved during the reconstruction period from the Alexander Garden.
Vorobyovy Gory is considered the main observation deck in Moscow, offering views of the Moskva River valley, Luzhniki, Stalinist high-rise buildings and Moscow City skyscrapers. The Moscow State University building is located nearby. The Sparrow Hills park area is a great place for walking, cycling, rollerblading, and jogging. Moscow bikers have been gathering near the observation deck for many years.
Opened in the 50s of the last century, it was rebuilt many times. The area exceeds 180 hectares. Hosted some events of the 1980 Olympics. In the 90s it turned into a huge clothing market, which was liquidated by 2003. Now the complex consists of dozens of facilities, including a sports arena with 78 thousand seats, football fields, tennis courts, swimming pools and a golf academy. The final match of the 2018 World Cup was played at Luzhniki.
The largest metro in the former USSR. The first line was launched in 1935, it connected Sokolniki and Park Kultury. Currently, 15 lines with a length of almost 400 km have been laid. Of the 230 active stations, 48 are recognized as Russian cultural heritage sites. The design of some metro halls resembles museums; excursions, including night ones, are held here.
One of the oldest in Europe, it has been welcoming visitors since 1864. Currently, the zoo contains about 6 thousand individuals. They represent more than a thousand species of animals. The territory is divided by topic. There are both open and closed exhibitions and enclosures. Anyone can register for guardianship of an animal they like, finance its maintenance and receive a number of privileges. The living symbol of the zoo is the giraffe Samson.
A large park area in the North-East of the capital with numerous exhibition pavilions, well-groomed alleys, fountains, cafes, and concert venues. VDNKh is one of the most popular places for city residents to relax on weekends. Here you can visit an aquarium, a historical pavilion, innovative exhibitions, farmers' markets, a theater and even a “port” with a swimming pool and beach. There are many cyclists, roller skaters and other athletes at VDNKh.
The television tower is another important symbol of the capital. The tower provides television broadcast throughout Russia; television studios and offices of the main channels are located here. The height of the building reaches 540 meters. The Ostankino Tower was built in the period 1963-1967; at that time it was considered the tallest building in Europe. For visitors there are special excursions to the tower with a visit to the observation deck.
Arched gate on Kutuzovsky Prospekt, erected in honor of the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812. The structure was built according to the design of the architect Bove in 1829-1834, later in 1936 the arch was dismantled. The reconstructed gate reappeared on the avenue only in 1968. The inscription on the top of the old structure glorified the deeds of Alexander I in Russian and Latin, the new inscription immortalized the feat of Russian soldiers in 1812.
Seven high-rise buildings built in the pompous “Stalinist Empire” style in the mid-20th century. These unique structures, as conceived by the leader, were supposed to symbolize the power and greatness of Moscow and the entire USSR. The buildings house the Moscow State University, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hotels, and residential apartments. In Soviet times, housing in these elite houses was allocated only to prominent scientists and government officials.
It is located on Red Square and is one of its main attractions. The history of the building began in the 19th century with the opening of shopping arcades. During the 20th century, GUM gradually became the main and most coveted store in the country - all business travelers strive to get into it to purchase scarce goods. Nowadays, GUM is the territory of expensive boutiques, historical shops and designer showrooms.
The capital's famous promenade, where street performers perform and artists paint portraits, surrounded by charming Moscow mansions from previous centuries. Arbat has a large number of souvenir shops, restaurants and small interesting museums. The street is included in the mandatory visiting program for foreign tourists, so you can see them here in considerable numbers.
A small park in the city center, a popular place for walking among locals. The garden was founded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ya. Shchukin at the end of the 19th century. The last serious reconstruction was carried out in the late 90s. XX century. On the territory of the park there are three theaters and an open stage for summer concerts. During the warmer months, festivals and various events are often held here, attracting many visitors.
A large art area located on the Crimean embankment. The art area includes open-air exhibitions, landscaped gardens, fountains, modern art installations and numerous walking paths. The Crimean embankment itself is a picturesque pedestrian area on the banks of the Moscow River, a cozy and romantic place that quickly gained popularity among tourists and Muscovites themselves.
Numerous art workshops, galleries, design studios, exhibition halls occupying the former building of the Red October confectionery factory. This is a kind of bohemian center of the capital, where events constantly take place with the participation of the fashionable public and famous people. The red brick factory building itself is a classic example of industrial architecture of the early 20th century.
The park is located on the embankment of the Moscow River. In recent years, the place has been transformed and has become a point of attraction for the sophisticated public. Events dedicated to environmental protection, vegetarian festivals, skateboarding competitions and other events are constantly organized here. The park often becomes the venue for large-scale city festivals; in winter, an ice skating rink has been operating on the territory for several years.
Going to Moscow, I constantly thought about why this city never became a popular tourist destination among our compatriots. It is beautiful, interesting and more than colorful here. Everyone understands this. But for some reason such things always remain behind the scenes - as if somewhere on the sidelines. On the one hand, Belarusians travel to Moscow regularly. On the other hand, only a few will have a camera with them. As if Moscow does not exist for this at all. “Peter, yes. And Moscow? Well, what is there to photograph?”
Probably, just six months ago, when my passport proudly displayed a Schengen visa, I myself would hardly have gone here. But now I am not at all disappointed that I decided to take this trip. The capital of Russia is truly a great city. And there is not an ounce of politics in these words now. I liked it here. Even though the cold weather is literally driving me crazy for the second trip in a row. And even despite the fact that for me personally this was not my first trip to this city. Oh well... Enough chatter.
Read further in our article about what interesting places in Moscow a tourist should visit, as well as how Tanya and I personally spent a weekend in this city. I’ll try to show you the capital of Russia as only Chinese tourists see it. As Gagarin said: “Let's go!”
Interesting places in Moscow: where to go as a tourist and what to do in the Russian capital
Visit the Moscow residence of Catherine II.
For lovers of antiquity and classical Russian architecture, the Tsaritsyno museum complex, located near the metro station of the same name, is a real “must see”. It’s beautiful, cozy and somehow un-Moscow quiet. In general, when you get here, it’s as if you’re falling into some other reality. I could imagine such a building somewhere in St. Petersburg. But in Moscow it looked like an alien from some parallel world.
Well, imagine: you are walking through the city. On the one hand, there is some kind of shabby market. On the other hand, high-rise apartment buildings. And then suddenly you cross the road and a huge palace appears in front of you. There is a large park around, a crystal pond with an unreal number of ducks, forged lanterns and numerous bridges with mysterious Masonic symbols. It feels like in just a few minutes you have wandered into some other - completely unfamiliar world. It's just a brain dump.
Bridge over the ravine. And a bunch of Masonic symbols.
In general, the Tsaritsyno museum complex is not only the famous Grand Palace (which does not want to fit entirely into the frame). But also a large number of other historical buildings. The bread house, ancient greenhouses, figured bridges, the Temple of the Icon of the Mother of God - all these buildings fit organically into the territory of one large Moscow park. It is very difficult to talk about this complex “in a nutshell”. Therefore, a little later I will publish a separate article on this topic. And now I’ll just sketch out a few more photographs here so that you can appreciate the beauty and grandeur of this museum. Not a single list of the most interesting places in Moscow is complete without mentioning the Tsaritsyn complex.
Bread House (aka Kitchen Building). A canteen, in short. 
Grand Palace
Tanya and I. Selfie inside the imperial palace
Well, I think you recognize this lady.
At the end of the block, some useful information that my Tanya always insists on... The Tsaritsyno Museum is open all week except Monday. Working hours:
- Tuesday–Friday: from 11:00 to 18:00
- Saturday: from 11:00 to 20:00
- Sunday: from 11:00 to 19:00
- The park adjacent to the complex is open from 6 a.m. to midnight.
A comprehensive ticket to all halls and exhibitions costs 650 Russian rubles. A ticket to the Grand Palace and the Bread House will cost less - 350 rubles. A visit to the greenhouses alone costs 250 rubles. The third Sunday of every month - admission to all halls is free (as, by the way, to other museums in Moscow). More detailed information about the Tsaritsyno Museum and current exhibitions can be found on the website www.tsaritsyno-museum.ru.
Take a walk along the Kremlin walls.
The Grand Palace in Tsaritsyno is a very beautiful and picturesque place. But there is one ancient fortress in Moscow, which will still always remain number one for tourists. I think you know what I mean.
The Moscow Kremlin is a symbol of Moscow. And at the same time, it is also a symbol of all of Russia. From its walls, soldiers went to the front in 1941. The great Victory Parade took place at its walls four years later.
As for me personally, I really liked this place. You can feel the spirit of modern Russia in it. It’s as if everything that this distant and near country lives with is embodied in the features of one building. Ruby stars, an honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the famous clock on the Spasskaya Tower are all worth seeing. As, indeed, many other colorful little things scattered in the immediate vicinity of the Kremlin walls. Here, for example, is the “Minsk” star on the alley of “Hero Cities”. 
Monuments to characters of Russian fairy tales.
A fountain with galloping horses (which, unfortunately, was not yet open in March).
All this gives the city a special charm, showing tourists that the most interesting places in Moscow can sometimes be found in the most unexpected places.
Look into Lenin's mausoleum.
I’ll be honest: Tanya and I personally never made it here during our three days in Moscow. Therefore, I will write about this iconic place (at least for the Russian capital) in a nutshell. So, guess the riddle: how is Minsk different from Moscow? It’s clear that you can find hundreds of answers to this question. But in this case, I would note only one difference: in Minsk Lenin is vertical, and in Moscow he is horizontal. Although both of them are more of a monument than a person. The body of the leader of the world proletariat has been in the mausoleum since 1924. And since then, the “human” remains of Vladimir Ilyich, as many experts note, have been preserved by less than 10 percent.
Wander around Red Square.
Just wander around, because taking pictures of anything here is practically useless. Clouds of Chinese are constantly creeping into the frame, for whom Moscow, after the collapse of the Russian ruble, has become the most popular travel destination. To say that there are a lot of them is to say nothing. Instead, I will note another interesting fact - many inscriptions in the center of Moscow are already duplicated in Chinese. Here, for example, is what the price tags look like in Moscow GUM.
Eat ice cream at the Moscow GUM.
By the way, about GUM... For me personally, this store became the most vivid impression of this entire spring trip. And the point here is not at all about shopping, but about the atmosphere itself that reigns under the glass arches of this ancient building. If you name the most interesting places in Moscow, I would boldly put the main department store of this city in first place. Why? I personally can find several answers to this question at once.
When you get here, you seem to be immersed in the atmosphere of Soviet Moscow of the 60-70s. Under the vaults of the store, melodies of USSR hits sound. Soviet posters hang on the walls. And colorful and strict ice cream makers deliver branded Soviet ice cream in waffle cones (1 = 50 rubles) through the long galleries of GUM.
I understand that in the CIS space the words “Soviet”, “USSR-ovsky”, as well as the word “GUM” itself, sound at least ambiguous. Many see them as unnecessary, moldy relics of the past. Or some kind of Soviet dullness. But Moscow GUM has nothing in common with all this. Here the atmosphere of the USSR does not repel, but on the contrary – fascinates, attracts and inspires. I want to get into it. And take it with you. Like the music of Eduard Khil. Or the song “White Steamer” from the comedy “Guardian”, which still plays in my head. Remember her?
What else do I remember about Moscow GUM? Painted benches, colorful dining room No. 57, romantic bridges hovering somewhere under glass arches, and this unusual tree, studded with dozens of colorful birdhouses with the names of various stores. It’s hard not to fall in love with a Moscow like this. After all, this city knows how to be not only frowning and stern, but also open, romantic and soulful like spring.
Admire the ancient Moscow churches
The ancient churches of the Russian capital have long become symbols known throughout the world. Russia may not be understood. You don't have to love Russia. But it’s very, very difficult not to admire the beauty of ancient Russian architecture. And, with my hands on the sacred buttons of my laptop keyboard, I can absolutely honestly say that Moscow's St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the most beautiful buildings I have ever seen in my life. But in the Russian capital there are many other interesting churches... The Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Epiphany Cathedral, the Church of St. Sophia and many others - each of these places is a full-fledged attraction. We only found a few of them. Below I am attaching a couple of photos.
Go to a performance in one of the Moscow theaters
I probably won’t deviate too much from the truth if I say that Russian theatrical art has been and remains, if not the best in the world, then definitely one of the best. The Bolshoi Theater, the Vakhtangov Theater, the Moscow Art Theater - all these names are known far beyond the borders of Russia. Although, to be honest, now I somehow don’t want to burden you with serious stories about high art. Therefore, instead of long enumeration, I will say only one thing: in most Moscow theaters you can watch live the performance of many stars of modern Russian TV series. For example, Tanya and I were going to go to a performance with the participation of some actors from the famous television project “Kitchen”. Unfortunately, this plan was never realized. But maybe you can find time to go to the theater during your trip?
Ride the Moscow metro.
What you really won't miss during a trip to the Russian capital is the Moscow metro. Without it, moving around the city is almost impossible. Especially if you drive mainly through the central part of the city, which regularly suffers from traffic jams.
However, this is probably for the best. After all, the metro in the Russian capital is another full-fledged tourist attraction, which can easily be considered one of the most interesting places in Moscow. Many guidebooks call this subway “an underground masterpiece of architecture” and the most beautiful subway in Europe. Although, in my subjective opinion, not all local subway stations really deserve attention. The only exceptions are the oldest stations of the Moscow metro - Revolution Square, Kyiv (ring), Mayakovskaya, Novoslobodskaya. Personally, I also really liked the Vorobyovy Gory metro station, where Tanya and I found some random exhibition of folk items. And also the Vystavochnaya metro station, combined with the glass Bagration Bridge. This bridge offers an excellent view of the Moscow River embankment, as well as the skyscrapers of Moscow City. Uncleaned windows everywhere add a bit of ointment to the ointment. But these are, so to speak, the little things in life.
Oh yeah... I also really liked those subway stations where the trains pop up to the surface. You drive and drive through the dark tunnels of the subway and then suddenly - wow - there is such beauty all around.
Take a photo of the tallest building in Europe.
Honestly speaking, for me personally, the skyscrapers of the Russian capital and the local business center in general have been and remain one of the most interesting places in Moscow. Each building is a separate masterpiece. Just look at the twisted spiral of the Evolution Tower (No. 1 according to Tanya) or the “City of Capitals” complex, as if made of giant cubes. All together it looks very beautiful and impressive. And the glare playing on the waves of the Moscow River only enhances this impression.
As for the tallest buildings, there are three of them (no matter how strange it may sound). The Mercury Tower held this title in 2013. OKO Tower - in 2014. And the eastern part of the Federation Tower is the tallest building in Europe at the time of writing this article. Its height is 374 meters. Damn... I don't know about you, but I just love skyscrapers.
Skyscraper Mercury is the first on the right; Federation Tower is the double building to its left. In the center is the twisted spiral of the Evolution Tower.
If anyone is interested: some towers of the complex are equipped with separate observation platforms. I personally don’t know how cool the view is from there. But this pleasure is quite expensive - 500 Russian rubles (at the time of writing this article - 150 thousand Belarusian rubles). For 5500 rub. You can even arrange a date in the Moscow City complex. More detailed information about this is presented on the website moscow-city-observovaya.rf.
View Moscow from Sparrow Hills
However, several excellent viewing platforms in Moscow can be found absolutely free. The most popular of them is the observation deck on Vorobyovy Gory, located near the metro station of the same name. The only drawback in this case is that you will have to walk a little more to get there. Part of the path goes uphill – along the roads of a local park. The other part is along the highway, on ordinary asphalt. In total, it takes 10-15 minutes to walk from the doors of the metro station to the Vorobyovy Gory observation deck. Oh, yes: also dress warmly. It is quite cool and windy at the observation deck.
Find all seven Stalinist skyscrapers.
Russian Foreign Ministry building
The Vorobyovy Gory observation deck is also notable for the fact that it is from here that you can see all seven Stalinist skyscrapers, which were and remain one of the main symbols of modern Moscow. To be honest, I personally counted only six similar buildings from this site. I saw two more similar buildings a long time ago in Riga and Warsaw. And in Moscow itself, I was able to see only two such buildings up close - the Moscow State University skyscraper (near Vorobyovy Gory) and the building of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (near Old Arbat). I saw all the others only in the distance - somewhere in the distance or even on the horizon.
The Moscow State University building, which for 37 years was the tallest building in Europe. It is believed that materials from the destroyed Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the German Reichstag were used in the construction of this tower. And according to one of the projects, a monument to “Worker and Collective Farm Woman” should have stood next to it.
And again the building of the Russian Foreign Ministry
Tanya freezing in Moscow
Why was these buildings so interesting to me? I don’t know... Maybe I was somehow attracted by their sacred meaning, which is constantly attributed to them, coupled with the numerous secrets of their creation. Moscow skyscrapers are called “places of power”, “space conductors” and “analogues of the Egyptian pyramids”. Fans of various stories related to aliens say that Stalin built them as “communication switchboards” with extraterrestrial civilizations. And native Muscovites claim that under some buildings there are hidden entrances to secret subway lines (the so-called Metro-2).
Which of this is true and which is fiction, I, of course, don’t know. However, it is known for certain that initially there should have been not seven, but eight high-rise buildings. For the sake of one of them, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior was even specially blown up in 1931. A few years later, the grandiose construction of the Palace of the Soviets began on this site, which was stopped due to the outbreak of World War II. Subsequently, the project to construct the eighth and most important high-rise building was never implemented. However, the original sketches of the building have survived to this day. Therefore, it is still possible to imagine what this architectural giant, topped with a gigantic monument to Lenin, would look like.
photo stroi.mos.ru
See the famous monument to “Worker and Collective Farm Woman”
Another symbol of the Soviet empire and at the same time one of the most famous monuments of our time is located near the VDNH metro station, not far from the Cosmos hotel. The steel sculpture stands on a separate pedestal. And it looks gloomy, but impressive. This is probably what the real symbol of the Soviet Union should be.
Immerse yourself in the history of space exploration.
In fact, it’s worth coming to the VDNKh station not only for the famous monument to Vera Mukhina. In addition to it, there is the Museum of Cosmonautics, the famous (but also rather gloomy) Cosmos Hotel, as well as the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which appears before your eyes almost immediately after exiting the metro. In March 2016, against the backdrop of the leaden Moscow sky, this pointed stele looked very unusual and even somehow mystical. The monument seemed surprisingly cold to me. But at the same time, it was difficult to look away from him.
Find the Belarusian pavilion at the Exhibition of National Economic Achievements.
The golden fountains of VDNKh and the pavilions of this all-Union exhibition themselves were one of the main reasons for me to travel to Moscow. I don’t know why, but personally I expected a lot from them. And in the end, it was this place on the map of the Russian capital that disappointed me the most. Golden fountains disappeared behind piles of scaffolding. The alleys of the adjacent park were somehow gloomy and lifeless due to bad weather. It seemed as if some kind of endless, depressing autumn reigned in this place. Although, probably, in warm weather VDNKh looks much brighter and more welcoming.
One way or another, we still managed to find the Belarusian pavilion of this old exhibition. Does it look really cool? No. But it’s still worth visiting this interesting corner of Moscow. Personally, I remember this space rocket much more here. 
Colorful, isn't it?
Take a walk along Moscow Arbat.
We ended our trip to Moscow with a walk through another famous corner of the Russian capital - the old Arbat. And I remember it for some huge number of unusual and amazing little things.
For example, here is a replica of the imperial crown in one of the local souvenir shops.
Tsoi's Wall.
A huge portrait of Zhukov on one of the walls.
And an unusual blue trolleybus, turned into one of the iconic Moscow cafes.
Also on the old Arbat there is a huge green Gulliver, the “golden” princess Turandot and an inconspicuous house where Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin once lived. All these pleasant little things turn Moscow's Arbat into a very colorful and unusual street - one of the most interesting in Moscow. Personally, we walked here with pleasure. Even though at that moment I had two loaded bags hanging on me.
Pushkin House
In general, this trip to Moscow met my expectations by about 70-80 percent. I liked this city. But I can’t say that I just fell in love with him. In general, my impressions after this trip are a topic for a full-fledged separate article. Therefore, now I will wrap up (and the text has turned out to be very large). Bye, comrades!
Excursions in Moscow
If you’re still somehow not used to walking around the Russian capital on your own, here’s another piece of free advice for you. You can find many unusual signature tours. There are programs for every taste, many of which will surprise even native Moscow residents. In addition, all excursions also have descriptions, ratings and reviews from previous tourists. Pay attention to such nuances, and you are guaranteed to get an excellent tour and a lot of vivid impressions from exploring the city.
As confirmation, here is a small selection of excursions in Moscow from professional guides.
Apartments for a day in Moscow
It is believed that Moscow is a rather expensive city. However, compared to European cities or even the Baltic countries, housing prices here are very reasonable. Therefore, finding a normal option for a trip to Moscow is not at all difficult. The main thing is to make sure that the housing you choose is located in close proximity to the metro - without it it is very difficult to move around the Russian capital.
Personally, Tanya and I, during our trip to Moscow, rented a large room in a huge four-room apartment near the Sevastopolskaya metro station. And at the same time they paid absolutely ridiculous money for it - something like 4 euros per day. Yes, I understand, you are probably all thinking now: “What kind of housing is this?” Therefore, here is a description of this apartment itself, as well as the method by which you could rent it for only 4 euros per day.
In general, a modern apartment in the Russian capital not far from one of the local metro stations can be rented for 25-35 dollars per day. Of course, if you wish, you can find an apartment for less. However, I repeat: it is difficult to move around Moscow without the metro, so it is very important that the option you choose is within walking distance from a particular station.
You can find the best options and get a small bonus upon registration on the website AIRBNB. And don’t forget that this site has its own discount coupons and promotional codes, by entering which you can reduce the cost of your chosen home by 11 or even 50 dollars in just two clicks.
Hotels in the Russian capital
There are also a lot of hotels in Moscow. But, if you choose this option, be sure to remember that the same number on different sites can cost completely differently! Therefore, it is best to look for options through search engine sites (for example, such as RoomGuru). These services allow you to compare prices in different booking systems and book hotels exactly where they are cheapest.