Moscow, Russia-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Red Square

  • Morning: Arrive at Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo airport. Take a taxi or metro (red line from the airport) to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Visit the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral, located in the heart of Moscow - Red Square. This beautiful cathedral is a must-visit attraction in Moscow. You can enter the church and climb up to the observation deck for panoramic views of the city.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Gostiny Dvor (Kremlin’s historic trading center), where you’ll find a variety of food stalls serving traditional Russian cuisine, such as pierogies, borscht, and beef stroganoff.
  • 2:00 PM: Explore the Moscow Metro, which is like an underground museum. Take a ride on the metro to see its stunning architecture and beautiful mosaics. Get off at Novoslobodskaya station for some shopping or relaxation time.
  • 6:00 PM: Head back to your hotel to rest before dinner.
  • Dinner: Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine at Tsaritsyno, a restaurant serving dishes like beef stroganoff, pelmeni (Russian ravioli), and blini with caviar.

Day 2: Kremlin and Armory Chamber

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Moscow Kremlin, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the complex, including the Senate Square, the Archangel Cathedral, and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
  • 11:00 AM: Enter the Armory Chamber (Treasury), where you’ll see an impressive collection of Russian royal regalia, thrones, coaches, and other treasures.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at the Kremlin’s cafeteria or try some street food near the metro station.
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Diamond Fund, which features stunning jewels and precious stones.
  • 6:00 PM: Head to your hotel to rest before dinner.
  • Dinner: Try some international cuisine at Pierogi Cafe, a cozy spot for traditional Polish dishes.

Day 3: Tretyakov Gallery and Lavka of Art

  • 10:00 AM: Visit the world-famous Tretyakov Gallery, which houses an impressive collection of Russian art.
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Lavka of Art, a restaurant with a beautiful courtyard and serving modern Russian cuisine.
  • 2:30 PM: Explore the nearby Novodevichy Cemetery (Cathedral), where famous Russians are buried, including Tolstoy and Chekhov.
  • 5:00 PM: Visit the nearby Lenin’s Mausoleum, located on Red Square.

Day 4: Historical Moscow

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts (formerly the Hermitage), which houses an impressive collection of European art.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Café Pushkin, a cozy spot for Russian cuisine and desserts.
  • 1:30 PM: Explore the nearby streets, including the charming Tverskaya Street, lined with cafes, restaurants, and shops.
  • 4:00 PM: Visit the beautiful Smolny Cathedral (Moscow’s main Catholic cathedral).
  • 7:00 PM: Head to your hotel for some rest before dinner.

Day 5: Parks and Markets

  • 10:00 AM: Explore the stunning Izmailovo Park, one of Moscow’s largest parks.
  • 12:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at Izmailovo Village, an outdoor marketplace serving traditional Russian cuisine.
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby market stalls selling handmade crafts and souvenirs.
  • 4:30 PM: Relax in Gorky Park (Moscow’s famous park).

Day 6: Last Day in Moscow

  • 9:00 AM: Spend your last morning shopping for souvenirs or visiting any remaining attractions you might have missed earlier.
  • 12:00 PM: Grab lunch at Soviet Bar, a cozy spot serving traditional Russian cuisine and Soviet-themed decor.
  • 2:00 PM: Head back to the airport (by taxi or metro) for your departure.

Accommodation

  • Consider staying in the city center, near Red Square or the Kremlin. Some recommended hotels include:
    • Hotel Metropol Moscow
    • Radisson Blu Belorusskaya Moscow
    • Novotel Moscow City

Transportation

  • Metro: an efficient and convenient way to get around the city.
  • Taxis: be aware that some taxi drivers might not speak English; use a reputable company or ride-hailing app.
  • Buses: not as frequent, but still available.

Things to Know

  • Russia has strict laws regarding public behavior (e.g., no drinking in public).
  • Be prepared for crowds and lines at popular attractions.
  • Don’t drink tap water - stick to bottled or filtered water.
  • Learn some basic Russian phrases to help with communication.

Tips

  • Bring a power adapter (Type F) as Russian outlets might be different from those in your home country.
  • Stay safe by being aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
  • Respect local customs and traditions when visiting churches or cultural sites.

Other things that are of interest to tourists:

  • Moscow has a vibrant nightlife scene with numerous clubs and bars.
  • Visit the nearby city of Sergiev Posad (about an hour from Moscow) for its stunning Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius complex.
  • Consider taking a day trip to the scenic city of St. Petersburg, located about 4 hours away by train or car.

Have a wonderful time in Moscow!