Red Square, Moscow-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Moscow

  • Morning: Arrive at Sheremetyevo or Domodedovo airport and take a taxi or metro to your hotel.
  • 10:00 AM: Check-in at Hotel Metropol, a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Moscow, within walking distance from Red Square.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Tsaritsyno Restaurant, a cozy restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine. Try their famous pelmeni and borscht!
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby GUM Department Store, a historic shopping complex that offers stunning views of Red Square.
  • 4:00 PM: Explore the Lenin’s Mausoleum (free admission), where you can pay your respects to the founder of the Soviet Union.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Russian folk music and dance at Sukharevsky Khutor, a lively club located near Red Square.

Day 2: Red Square

  • 9:00 AM: Start your day with a visit to the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral, one of the most recognizable landmarks in Moscow (free admission, but consider purchasing a guided tour for 500 RUB).
  • 10:30 AM: Visit the nearby Kremlin Walls and Towers (free admission), which offer breathtaking views of Red Square.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Pyshka, a popular fast-food chain serving delicious pierogies, pelmeni, and other Russian comfort food.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the Museum of Modern Religious Art (300 RUB admission), which features an impressive collection of contemporary art inspired by Orthodox Christianity.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at White Rabbit, a Michelin-starred restaurant offering modern European cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 3: Kremlin and Palaces

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the majestic Grand Kremlin Palace, where you can explore the opulent halls, throne rooms, and even take a peek at the Russian Crown Jewels (800 RUB admission).
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Café Pushkin, a charming café located in the heart of Moscow’s historic district.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby Kremlin Armory (500 RUB admission), which features an impressive collection of Russian military history and art.
  • Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Alexander Garden, a tranquil oasis in the heart of Moscow.

Day 4: Explore More of Moscow

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the colorful Pokrovsky Monastery, a historic Orthodox monastery located near Red Square.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Pivovarenna 47, a cozy restaurant serving an impressive selection of craft beers and delicious pub-style food.
  • 1:30 PM: Visit the nearby State Tretyakov Gallery (free admission, but consider purchasing a guided tour for 500 RUB), which features an extensive collection of Russian art from the 18th to the early 20th centuries.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Butovo, a trendy restaurant serving modern European cuisine with a focus on local ingredients.

Day 5: Relaxation Day

  • 9:00 AM: Treat yourself to a rejuvenating massage or spa treatment at Radisson Blu Hotel Moscow’s Spa Center.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Café Mimo, a charming café serving delicious sandwiches, salads, and soups.
  • 1:30 PM: Spend the afternoon exploring the nearby Kuznetsky Most, a historic pedestrian shopping street lined with boutiques and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the beautiful Museum Park, a peaceful oasis in the heart of Moscow.

Day 6: Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend your last morning exploring the nearby Savoy Hotel’s Café, where you can enjoy a leisurely breakfast or snack.
  • 12:00 PM: Lunch at Tsaritsyno Restaurant once again, or try something new from the many restaurants in Moscow!
  • 2:00 PM: Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Getting Around: The most convenient way to get around Moscow is by metro. You can purchase a reusable Metro Card (500 RUB) at any metro station.
  • Safety: Be aware of pickpocketing in crowded areas, especially near Red Square and the Kremlin.
  • Language: While many Russians speak some English, it’s always helpful to learn basic Russian phrases like “Zdravstvuyte!” (hello), “Spasibo!” (thank you), and “Dovoretsya” (goodbye).

Tips

  • Tipping: Tipping in Russia is generally around 10-15% of the total bill.
  • Budgeting: Moscow can be expensive, so budget accordingly. Average prices for meals: 500-1000 RUB per person.
  • Weather: Moscow’s weather can be quite unpredictable. Bring warm clothing and waterproof gear to prepare for any conditions.

Other Things to Do

  • Take a stroll along the Moskva River: Enjoy the scenic views of Moscow from the riverbank.
  • Visit the Bolshoi Theatre: Catch a performance of ballet, opera, or classical music at this iconic theater (tickets start at 500 RUB).
  • Explore the trendy neighborhoods of Taganka and Chistoprudnyi: Discover unique boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in these hip areas.

Additional Transportation Options

  • Taxi: You can hail a taxi on the street or use services like Uber or Yandex.Taxi.
  • Scooter Rental: Rent a scooter to explore Moscow’s streets at your own pace (around 200-300 RUB per hour).
  • Bus: Take the bus to get around Moscow, but be aware that buses can be slower and less convenient than the metro.

Bonus Tip

  • Learn some basic Russian phrases: Impress your local friends and fellow tourists by learning basic Russian words like “Privyet!” (hello), “Blahodarnost!” (thank you), and “Otchego?” (why?).

Enjoy your trip to Moscow!