2018 FIFA World Cup Russia: TOP 5 sights in Moscow

sophiebe (25)in #travel • 6 years ago (edited)

As much as I love my hometown, I have to admit that Moscow is not Rome or London with hundreds of attractions, historical buildings, and museums. You really can see it all in 2 days. Still, you might get confused when you google “what to do in Moscow” by all these long lists of sights. Trust me, you don’t really need to go to Tretyakov’s gallery. It is not like Louvre, the building is not even pretty.

Let me help you get organised and not to waste your time on something insignificant and less important. Here are my top 5 sights you must see on your first trip to Moscow.

1. KREMLIN

Address: Kremlin, ticket office (Alexander Garden side)

Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe and the main attraction in Russia. From here, autocratic tsars, communist dictators and modern-day presidents have done their best – and worst – for Russia.

The entrance ticket covers admission to all five church-museums and the Patriarch's Palace. You will see gorgeous views on Moscow, Putin’s heliport and lots of security. Make sure you had your meal before entering Kremlin, there’s no cafe or restaurant inside.

Depending on your love for history and how much time you will spend in Armoury Chamber museum (I spent about 40 mins wandering around Russian treasures), overall this experience might take up to 2 hours. There’s a nice summer terrace not far from Kremlin, that I highly recommend to visit for a refreshing drink or a proper meal: Wine & Crab (read more about it here).

2. RED SQUARE

Address: Red Square

Red square and Kremlin are located in the same place so it is obvious that you will see them both at the time. This square remains, as it has been for centuries, the heart and soul of Russia. Once you’re there you will feel like you’re in the Disneyland, every building is so surreal and pretty, and also doesn’t look like anything else.

Here you will see a fairy-tale like colorful St Basil’s Cathedral (my favourite!), History Museum, GUM (Russian version of Harrods), Spasskaya Tower (Russia's main clock - think Big Ben), and Lenin Mausoleum. I suggest you don’t spend much time at the square, take a picture by the Cathedral, walk towards History Museum, perhaps pop in GUM and treat yourself with Russian ice cream or have a drink at Bosco cafe outside.

3. CHRIST THE SAVIOR CATHEDRAL

Address: Ulitsa Volkhonka, 15

Impressive inside and out, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is the tallest Eastern Orthodox Church in the world. On the slope of the hill to the right of the cathedral are the monumental statues of Russian tsars - Alexander II and Nicholas II. The cathedral square is graced by several chapels, designed in the same style as the cathedral itself.

If you walk down the footbridge across the river, you will not only have a great angle for a picture but also will get really close to Strelka summer terrace (read about Strelka here) for a nice lunch or couple of drinks.

4. NOVODEVICHY CONVENT

Address: Novodevichy passage, 1

There are a few parks in Moscow that are worth a visit but if you ask me to choose one, it would definitely be Novodevichiy Convent. Protected by UNESCO and unlike other Moscow cloisters, it has remained virtually intact since the 17th century.

There is a picturesque park near at the convent on the shore of two ponds. The grounds are so serene you can almost forget you are in the middle of Russia's largest city. You can enjoy wonderful views of the mighty walls and towers, take picture by a lovely sculpture “A Duck with Ducklings” (that was presented to the children of the USSR by the children of the United States), and then perhaps wander inside the complex too.

Once you’re done, you might want to get a quick cab to Villa Sumosan (more details here>) which is located nearby.

5. OLD ARBAT STREET

Address: Old Arbat Street (better to start from Arbatskaya metro station)

This is my #5 suggestion for your sightseeing tour around Moscow. Like, don’t you need to try various traditional Russian hats or maybe even to buy one as a souvenir? Old Arbat is the pedestrian street full of small souvenir stalls, street artists, soap-box poets, buskers and, of course, tourists.

Try to avoid numerous restaurants, pubs and cafes on this street as you might get disappointed by the quality of food and service - these places are super touristy! If you start your journey from the side that is closest to Kremlin (or as you can explain to your taxi driver: Arbatskaya metro station), then you will be walking down Arbat street towards White Rabbit rooftop restaurant and bar that I mentioned in my previous blog.

BONUS: MOSCOW METRO

Address: Kievskaya or Ploschad Revolyutsii metro stations

Moscow metro is really unique. Only here you will see the stations decorated in marble, granite, colourful mosaics and chandeliers. But of course, not all of them look like a Royal Palace. I recommend you see two stations that, to my opinion, are the most extraordinary: Kievskaya (on the “ring line” - brown colour) and Ploschad Revolyutsii (on the dark blue line).

BONUS: BOLSHOI THEATRE (if you’re into ballet)

Address: Theatre Square, 1

Another thing that you might do while in Moscow is experiencing a proper Russian ballet that is so famous around the world. I took here my English boyfriend back in 2015 and it was really a good idea. You can buy tickets online or at their box office.

In case, you missed my blog about other important parts of Moscow:

#guide #moscow #worldcup #sightseeing