Red Square, Moscow-7-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring the Kremlin

  • Morning: Arrive at Sheremetyevo International Airport and take a taxi or metro to your hotel. Check-in to your accommodation.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Moscow Kremlin, the official residence of the President of Russia. Walk through the historic walls and see St. Basil’s Cathedral, Ivan the Terrible’s Palace, and the Cathedral Square.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Kofe-Kafe, a cozy café serving traditional Russian dishes.

Day 2: Red Square

  • Morning: Start your day at Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad), one of the most iconic landmarks in Moscow. Take a stroll around the square and see:
    • The State Historical Museum
    • Lenin’s Mausoleum
    • The Alexander Garden
  • Afternoon: Visit the nearby GUM shopping center, built in 1890. Even if you’re not interested in shopping, it’s worth visiting for its stunning architecture.
  • Evening: Try traditional Russian street food at Elvis’ Street Food, near Red Square.

Day 3: St. Basil’s Cathedral

  • Morning: Visit the colorful and beautiful St. Basil’s Cathedral (Pokrovsky Sobor). Take a guided tour inside to learn about its history.
  • Afternoon: Explore the surrounding streets, which are lined with souvenir shops, cafes, and street performers.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Korchma Taras Bulba, a Ukrainian restaurant serving delicious borscht and pierogies.

Day 4: Lenin’s Mausoleum

  • Morning: Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum (Lenin’s Tomb), where the Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin is buried. Take a moment to reflect on Russia’s history.
  • Afternoon: Explore the nearby streets, which are lined with interesting shops and cafes.
  • Evening: Relax at your hotel or explore other areas of Moscow.

Day 5: Tretyakov Gallery

  • Morning: Visit the Tretyakov Gallery (Tretyakovsky Galey), one of Russia’s most famous art museums. See an impressive collection of Russian art, including works by Kandinsky and Malevich.
  • Afternoon: Explore the surrounding streets, which are lined with interesting shops and cafes.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Tsaritsyno, a restaurant serving traditional Russian cuisine.

Day 6: Izmailovo Park

  • Morning: Visit Izmailovo Park (Park Izmalofov), a large park on the outskirts of Moscow. Take a stroll through the beautiful gardens and see:
    • The Tsaritsyno Museum and Reserve
    • The Vasilyevsky Spusk Fountain
  • Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch in the park.
  • Evening: Return to your hotel or explore other areas of Moscow.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning: Check-out of your accommodation and head to the airport for departure.
  • Tips: If you have time, consider visiting the nearby Victory Park, which commemorates Russia’s victory in World War II.

Getting Around:

  • Metro: The Moscow Metro is an efficient way to get around the city. Buy a ticket (around 55 RUB) and take a ride on one of the many metro lines.
  • Taxi: Use a licensed taxi service, such as Yandex Taxi or Uber, to get around the city.
  • Walking: Walking is also a great way to explore Moscow’s streets and discover hidden gems.

Other Things to Know:

  • Language: Russian is the official language, but many people speak English in tourist areas.
  • Currency: The Russian Ruble (RUB) is the local currency. You can exchange your money at airports or banks.
  • Tips: Leave a small tip for good service (around 10% of the bill).

Safety:

  • Be aware of pickpocketing: Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, such as Red Square and metro stations.
  • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting churches or other cultural institutions.

Additional Tips:

  • Try traditional Russian cuisine: Sample dishes like borscht, pierogies, and beef stroganoff at local restaurants.
  • Visit the Moscow Flea Market: Browse the stalls selling vintage goods, souvenirs, and clothing.
  • Take a stroll along the Moscow River: Enjoy the views of the city from the riverbank.

Additional Information:

  • Weather: Moscow’s climate is temperate, with cold winters (December to February) and warm summers (June to August).
  • Opening Hours: Some attractions may have limited hours or be closed on certain days. Check before visiting.
  • Getting a SIM Card: Purchase a local SIM card for convenient data and phone access.

Accommodation:

  • Hotel: Consider staying at a hotel near Red Square, such as the Hotel Metropol Moscow or the Grand Kremlin Palace.
  • Hostel: For budget-friendly options, stay at a hostel like the Meininger Moscow Central Station or the Hostel Mostovik.

Enjoy your trip to Moscow!