We have collected the top 20 things to do in Moscow while you are in Russia
Moscow is the capital and most populous city of Russia. The city is one of the largest in the world, and has been a major hub economically, culturally and politically. It is the seat of power for the Government and President of Russia. Moscow is full of older buildings, since the city has preserved its history very well. There are a great number of places that tourists should visit while they are here, and for that, we have collected this list of the top 20 best things to do in Moscow.
- Moscow Kremlin
Perhaps the most recognizeable landmark in the city, the Moscow Kremlin is a giant fortress in the heart of the city, and the seat of power and official residence for the President of Russia. The red walls of this Russian citadel is famous among people, and its visited by touritst throughout the year. The name of these types of fotresses, the kremlin, is often used in the very sameway as the White House is to the United States. The fortress encompasses a few palaces and cathedrals inside ot it, most of which can be visited.
2. Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Just like the Kremlin, the Saint Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic landmarks in all of Russia. The onion-shaped colorful domes and the overall bonfire-like rising towers make it very distinct from cathedrals around the world. The cathedral was built on the orders of Ivan the Terrible himself. Tourists mostly visit the outside of the structure, as some find the inside of the building not as impressive as the outside.
3. Lenin’s Mausoleum
Just like its name suggests, Lenin’s Mausoleum is the final resting place of the famous Russian leader, Vladimir Lenin. His body was preserved and can be visited by people if they wish so. This “exhibition” might be disturbing for some, so it is recommended that only people who are interested in this sort of thing go there. Visitors should also be mindful as it is still a tomb, so photographs, smoking and keeping your hands in your pocket is prohibited. Standing around Lenin is not allowed, so people must walk along.
4. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts was named after the famous Russian poet, Alexander Pushkin, although it’s not a museum for poetry. This museum contains a large collecton of European art, both old and new, including the likes of Van Gogh and Picasso.
5. Tretyakov Gallery
While the Pushkin Museum contains European art, the Tretyakov Gallery is dedicated to Russian fine art. The gallery has a large collection of paintings, sculptures and other works of art. Artists whose work can be found here includes Kadinsky and Vrubel.
6. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
The current Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is actually the second church to stand at that place. The first one was built to remember those who have fallen while fighting Napoleon, but the church was destroyed by Stalin for one of his plans, which didn’t actually happen. Later the site became the Moscow Pool, but the new cathedral was restored some years ago.
7. Moscow Zoo
The Moscow Zoo is a large habitat for around 1000 different species, and 8000 animals overall. The zoo is perfect for those coming here with their children, as the zoo can be relaxing after the long lines at other attractions of Moscow. The zoo is evergrowing, so there is always something new, be it animals or exhibitions.
8. Tsar Bell
The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world, but it was never actually rung or used as a bell. This is actually the third bell, as the first two were destroyed in unfortunate accidents. While casting the third one, a fire broke out and the guards threw cold water on it, making it crack and a large piece broke off. The bell fell back into the pit as the supports burned away. While Napoleon occupied Moscow, he wanted to take back the bell as a trophy, but due to its size and weight they couldn’t take it out of the pit. It was removed from the pit about 100 years after the accident, and now it can be found on a stone pedestal. Some people use it as a chapel of sorts with the hole as a door.
9. Fallen Monument Park
The Fallen Monument Park is a park full of Russian sculptures that were either damaged, like the ones of Stalin and Lenin, or are simply not used anymore. The variety in size, material and style is astonishing, so it is advised to check them out at least once if you come to Moscow. A large Soviet emblem can also be found here.
10. Aquarelle Train
As one of the most interesting and fun attractions of Moscow, the Aquarelle Train is a train on the Sokolnicheskaya (Red) line of the Moscow Metro. This train comes and goes like any other, but it’s different as not only it looks like a painting from the outside, but it’s just like a museum in the inside of it with framed paintings on the wall, among others. Following the popularity of this eccentric train, three more were made: a Poetry Train, a Reading Train and a Retro Train.
11. Red Square
The Red Square is probably one of the most famous parts of Moscow. This place can be considered the central square of Moscow due to its location near the Kremlin, the St. Basil’s Cathedral and many of the major streets that originate from here. Events and performances are often held here, including musical performers like t.A.T.u, Shakira, Paul McCartney, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park and Roger Waters, among others. Military parades were held here as well both in the past and in the present, to commemorate the victory of World War II. This place is a must-see on the list of things to do in Moscow.
12. Museum of the Moscow Railway
The Museum of the Moscow Railway was originally named something else, the Museum of Lenin’s funeral train, as it displayed the train that brought Lenin’s body back to Moscow from where he died. The interest in the museum slowly waned, so it was closed, but a few years ago it was reopened with other exhibitions. It now tells the history of the Moscow railway system, with many old trains on display, including the one that it was originally built for.
13. Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices
Located at a park in Moscow, the Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices is the name of a group of 13 bronze sculptures that depict adult vices that can be harmful for children. The sculptures all close in on two unsuspecting kids, a boy and a girl. The vices that are shown are alcoholism, exploitation of child labour, indifference, drug addiction, prostitution, sadism, ignorance, pseudoscience, war, poverty, theft, capitol punishment, and advocating violence. The display can be quite disturbing, so it is not advised for everyone, especially not at night.
14. Lubyanka
The Neo-Baroque building of Lubyanka was once the headquarters of the KGB, and also served as a prison. It was later used by the secret police organization under many names. Today, the Federal Security Service, the Border Control and the KGB Museum are all located here.
15. State Darwin Museum
The State Darwin Museum is, just like its name suggests, a museum dedicated to Charles Darwin. It was the first museum built in his honour. The museum has a large of collection of around 5000 items. Most of these are dedicated to the evolution and natural selection. Dinosaurs and exotic birds are all on display.
16. Novodevichy Cemetery
The Novodevichy Cemetery is the most popular cemetery in Moscow, as it is the final resting place for many famous Russians. Poets, artists, political leaders were mostly buried here. Special mention has to go to the graves and monuments of cosmonauts who ventured into space, but other spectacular statues can be found here as well, like the one of Yuri Nikulin.
17. Bunker-42
Bunker-42, also known as the Tagansky Protected Command Point, was a secret bunker and command center in Moscow. The bunker was built after the first nuclear tests of the USSR, and was kept in top secret, deep under the grounds of Moscow. The bunker was first planned to be used by Stalin, but later it became an airstrike command base. Today, it is a museum and exhibition telling the story of the bunker, the Cold War and the life on the Soviet side of the Iron Curtain.
18. Public Museum of the Moscow Metro
As one of the first cities with a metro system, the Moscow Metro System quickly became one of longest and busiest systems. The Public Museum of the Moscow Metro is dedicated to this. It showcases the beautiful architecture of the stations, the history of the metro system and the mechanics behind it. It is high on the list of things to do in Moscow for those that find the underground metro systems interesting.
19. Monument to the Conquerors of Space
During the space race, showmanship was important, and so a monument for the breakthroughs of Russia was built. This massive titanium pillar with a rocket at its top is dedicated to the space programs of Russia, and even today it is a fascinating landmark in Moscow. Scientists and cosmonauts are depicted on its side at the bottom for their hard work. The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is also located nearby.
20. Laika Monument
Selected as the first animal to be launched into space on the Sputnik 2, the Laika Monument now commemorates the little dog Laika. She was chosen for her adorable appearance, as the scientists knew that the media would like that, and they were right, as she quickly became famous people. Unfortunately, she died not long after the launch due to an accidental error that caused overheating. Her cause of death was only revealed a few years ago, as before that they said she died days after the launch due to lack of oxygen, or that she was euthanized just before that. Nevertheless, this small monument now stands in her memory, as a hero of Russia.
If you want to see places that are not as open to the public as the Bunker-42, see this page. Or if you want to see statues that are not as wonderful as some of the ones in Moscow, then check out our list of ugly statues here.