Things to do in Moscow
Welcome to Moscow
The capital of Russia, superstate and global superpower, does not disappoint. In Moscow, imitable architecture—think onion domes, candy-cane stripes, and imperial grandeur—competes for attention with Communist monuments and political powerhouses. Due to the complexity of its history, Moscow’s captivating historic center is best discovered on a guided sightseeing tour. Cover the vast Red Square (Krasnaya Ploschad), the trippy St. Basil’s Cathedral, the handsome mansions of Nikolskaya Street, and the Bolshoi Theatre. In-the-know travelers opt for early morning tours of the Moscow Kremlin—home to Faberge eggs, royal crowns, and opulent jewels—in order to avoid crowds; while first-time visitors typically select a Moscow metro tour, which reveals the opulent decor and statues peppered across the network’s 180 stations. The art and artifacts inside the Tretyakov Gallery, the Gulag History Museum, and the Kolomenskoye Museum and Reserve will wow culture connoisseurs; thrill seekers can shoot Soviet army weapons during a visit to the Central Shooting Club; and foodies can sample staples of Russian cuisine, including borsch (beetroot soup) and schnitzel (breaded meat) on a culinary tour. Popular day trips from Moscow include Suzdal and Vladimir, rural, medieval towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites; and Sergiev Posad, all part of Russia’s Golden Ring travel route. Plus, with St. Petersburg only a four-hour train or one-hour plane journey away, Moscow serves as a convenient gateway to the rest of the former USSR.
Why you are seeing these recommendations
Top 15 attractions in Moscow
#1
Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center
Moscow’s iconic, brick-and-glass Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage was designed by avant-garde Russian architects Konstantin Melnikov and Vladimir Shukhov in 1926. By the dawn of the 21st century it was in disrepair but was restored by Roman Abramovich to house the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. That then moved and the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center subsequently opened at the Bus Garage in 2012. Now firmly on all the tours of Jewish heritage in Moscow, it is dedicated to the backstory of Russian Jews from medieval times to present day, with displays walking chronologically through spacious galleries making clever use of the very latest technology.Using personal narrative, film footage, holograms, multimedia touch screens and listening stations, this is a thoroughly modern museum with a surprisingly positive message. Yes, the subject matter deals thoughtfully with programs and the Holocaust but also dedicates space to the achievements of the Jews in Moscow and St Petersburg before World War I, when they successfully played a large part in civic and cultural life. There’s a small collection of Jewish ephemera and a permanent art exhibition as well as an animated 4D movie in the Beginnings Theater, which explains the beliefs fundamental to Judaism, but the heart of the museum lies with the panoramic film projected on to a massive, curved screen that combines wartime footage with testimonies from Holocaust survivors and deals with Jewish repression under Soviet rule.The Tolerance Center is a place in which to reflect and look forward; it houses a children’s center and the Schneerson Collection, a library of priceless Jewish books and manuscripts.More
#2
Circus of Dancing Fountains
At Aquamarine, The Dancing Fountains Circus, the show takes place with a backdrop of colorful water fountains that appear to dance. Both kids and adults enjoy this modern interpretation of a traditional circus, a fun complement to Moscow’s classical performing arts.More
#3
Garage Museum of Contemporary Art
Housed in a spectacular glass pavilion designed by the architectural practice OMA in partnership with Rem Koolhaas 2015 on the site of a derelict restaurant, Garage is the creation of Russian girl-about-town Daria Zhukova, the longstanding girlfriend of Roman Abramovich. Originally found in the Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage (hence the name), which is now the home of the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, the art gallery has a spectacular location on the fringe of Gorky Park. The temporary exhibitions held on the gallery’s two levels concentrate on promoting the work of international modern artists, while its permanent holdings specialize in the development of Russian contemporary art from the 1950s to present. Recent big names shown there include Louise Bourgeois and installation artist Rashid Johnson.Creative workshops are held for kids and there’s a stylish café with views over Gorky Park, an arty bookshop and a research library in the museum too. A welcome addition to Moscow’s burgeoning cool cultural scene, Garage should be on the itinerary of all visitors spending time in the city.More
#4
Suzdal
Riverside Suzdal is one of the undisputed highlights of Russia’s popular Golden Ring sightseeing route. Photo opportunities abound, from UNESCO-listed monuments to medieval wooden buildings, but it’s also a place to immerse yourself in Russian culture, tuck into traditional cuisine, and attend a folklore festival.More
#5
Cathedral Square
The grand epicenter of the Kremlin and the official residence of the Russian president, Moscow’s Cathedral Square (or Sobornaya Square) takes its name from the trio of magnificent cathedrals that stand watch over the plaza—the Cathedral of the Dormition, the Cathedral of the Archangel, and the Cathedral of the Annunciation.More
#6
Mosfilm Film Studio
Mosfilm Film Studio in Moscow is the leading film company in Russia, producing many of the country’s most beloved TV shows and movies. Visit to take a walk through the Hollywood-style film sets, see historic props, and observe the spots where classic Soviet movies were filmed.More
#7
Moscow Metro (Moskovskiy Metropoliten)
With its underground network of trains and tunnels stretching for more than 190 miles (305 kilometers) across 200-plus stations, Moscow’s metro system covers a lot of territory. It’s more than just a transport hub though. Many metro stations are architectural landmarks, built in Soviet times and dubbed "the palaces of the people."More
#8
Sandunovsky Baths (Sandunovskiye Bani)
Visiting a traditional banya ( bathhouse is a quintessential Russian experience and there are few places more impressive than the Sandunovsky Baths. Founded in 1808, it’s Moscow’s oldest and most luxurious bathhouse, adorned with chandeliers, marble staircases, and gold frescoes.More
#9
Russia My History - Historical Park
Part of Moscow’s vast All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNK), the Russia – My History historical park chronicles some of the key moments in Russia’s history through an innovative series of interactive exhibits and multimedia installations. Organized throughout the country by the government and the Russian Orthodox Church, the exhibit offers a nationalistic view of historical events and figures.More
#10
Sky Town
Moscow’s Sky Town is the place to go if you or the kids are seeking some thrills and need to burn some energy. The high-ropes and obstacle courses include nets, ziplines, swings, climbing walls, and other challenging adventures.More
#11
Izmailovo Kremlin
Opened in 2003, the Izmailovo Kremlin on the outskirts of Moscow pays homage to the other kremlins around Russia. Built in a pseudo-Byzantine style, it was inspired by both Russian fairytales and the design of early Russian palaces. More than a half dozen museums can be found within the Kremlin walls, including the Museum of the History of Vodka, the Museum of Bread, the Museum of Miniatures, the Museum of the History of the Russian Navy and the Chocolate Museum. There are also a couple restaurants and a wooden church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of arts and crafts. Visitors can also learn more about traditional Russian matryoshka (nesting) dolls and even try painting their own.Adjacent to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo Vernissage, a large flea market where visitors can buy a variety of souvenirs and kitschy items such as fur hats, chess sets, Soviet paraphernalia and, of course, matryoshka dolls. Prices are generally lower than elsewhere in Moscow and bartering is expected; transactions are cash only. The Vernissage is open daily, but many vendors only come out on the weekends.More
#12
Moscow Kremlin
An imposing red-brick fortress stretching along the banks of the Moskva River, the Moscow Kremlin is the grand centerpiece of Moscow and one of Russia’s most recognizable landmarks. Originally the seat of the Russian grand dukes and later home to Soviet leaders such as Lenin and Stalin, the Kremlin is now the Russian president’s official residence.More
#13
Gulag History Museum
Telling the story of the Gulag—the forced labor camps set up by Stalin in the early 20th century—the Gulag History Museum provides a harrowing look at one of the darkest periods in Soviet history. Founded by a former labor camp prisoner, it’s an emotional tribute to those held captive in the camps.More
#14
Ostankino TV Tower
Towering 1,772 feet (540 meters) over Moscow’s All-Russian Exhibition Center (VDNK), the Ostankino TV Tower is one of the tallest structures in Europe. Visitors come to take in the view from the city’s highest observation decks, including an open-air platform that’s open only during the summer, or dine at the revolving restaurant.More
#15
Kremlin Armoury (Armoury Chamber)
The Kremlin Armoury houses the most precious treasures of the Russian czars, many of which were made right in the Kremlin. Some 4,000 glittering valuables are spread across two floors and arranged according to themes, from heavily embroidered royal regalia and carriages to weapons and jewel-encrusted Fabergé eggs.More
Trip ideas
Itineraries for your Moscow trip
All about Moscow
When to visit
Unless you’re used to freezing temperatures or prepared to brave the cold for a fairy-tale vacation over the holidays, winter in Moscow is best avoided. Late spring and early fall are some of the best times for sightseeing trips, as the weather is moderate, but attractions and popular traveler routes are far less crowded.
Moscow information
Number of Attractions | 52 |
|---|---|
Number of Tours | 0 |
Number of Reviews | 0 |
Currency | RUB |
Trending attractions
- Colosseum
- Eiffel Tower
- Hoover Dam
- Statue of Liberty
- Sagrada Familia
- Burj Khalifa
- Louvre
- Acropolis
- Road to Hana (Hana Highway)
- Roman Forum (Foro Romano)
- St. Mark's Basilica (Basilica di San Marco)
- Molokini Crater
- Uffizi Galleries (Gallerie degli Uffizi)
- Na Pali Coast
- Blue Lagoon
- Tower of London
- Stonehenge
- Milan Duomo
- Great Barrier Reef
- Ellis Island
Popular on Viator
- Statue of Liberty Tours and Tickets
- The White House Tours and Tickets
- Antelope Canyon Tours and Tickets
- Hoover Dam Tours and Tickets
- Alcatraz Tours and Tickets
- Stonehenge Tours and Tickets
- Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum Tours and Tickets
- Beverly Hills Tours and Tickets
- Colosseum Tours and Tickets
- Washington Monument Tours and Tickets
- San Diego Zoo Tours and Tickets
- Space Needle Tours and Tickets
- Eiffel Tower Tours and Tickets
- Pearl Harbor National Memorial Tours and Tickets
- Empire State Building Tours and Tickets
- Art Institute of Chicago Tours and Tickets
- Aquarium of the Pacific Tours and Tickets
- Blue Lagoon Tours and Tickets
- Burj Khalifa Tours and Tickets
- Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) Tours and Tickets