20 must-visit places in Moscow (PHOTOS)

1. Moscow Kremlin

New park inside the Moscow Kremlin

Even if you've already visited the capital's main fortress, a major renovation took place in 2026 – a new park has been laid out on the site of a demolished administrative building! Now, you can see Spasskaya Tower and Ivan the Great Bell Tower from a new perspective!

Read our detailed guide to the Moscow Kremlin here.

2. Red Square

St. Basil's Cathedral on Red Square

Stroll along the ancient cobblestones, visit the famous St. Basil's Cathedral (to get inside, you need to buy tickets online in advance) and see Vladimir Lenin's mummy in the mausoleum.

3. ‘GUM’ department store

Flower festival at the ‘GUM’ department store

You can wander for hours through the galleries under the lacy glass dome in this famous department store on the Red Square, built in the Neo-Russian style at the end of the 19th century. Of course, aside from admiring the architecture, the main attraction here is shopping! But, you can try to limit yourself to a cup of the legendary exclusive local ice cream.

4. Zaryadye Park

The “floating” bridge in Zaryadye Park

You can walk along green paths and take a virtual journey across Russia or a digital flight over Moscow in its underground museum. And, while on the “floating” bridge over the Moskva River, remember to take a selfie with a view of the Kremlin!

You can check for more detailed information and tickets on the park’s website: zaryadyepark.ru

5. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery's main building

This is the main national treasure trove of Russian art. In the historic building in Lavrushinsky Lane, you can see icons and classical painting up to the end of the 19th century.

You’ll find a detailed guide to the Tretyakov Gallery and its branches here.

6. Moscow Metro

Komsomolskya station

Without exaggeration, this is the most beautiful subway in the world! It's not just efficient public transportation, but a real underground museum, where each station is an architectural masterpiece with a unique design.

Find out how to use the Moscow Metro subway system here.

7. VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy)

VDNKh's 'Friendship of nations' fountain

This is a huge Soviet-era park, where pavilions in the Stalinist Empire style coexist with the latest modern installations. You can spend a whole day there, ride the new cable car and try the cuisines of the many peoples of Russia on offer.

8. ‘Moscow-City’ business center

View to ‘Moscow-City’ skyscrapers

This complex of skyscrapers has two observation decks: in the ‘OKO Tower’, you can go up to the 92nd floor (354 meters) and in the Federation Tower – to the 89th floor (327 meters).

9. Gorky Park

Renewed Pushkinskaya embankement at Gorky Park

Recently, the Pushkinskaya Embankment in this Moscow park has been transformed beyond recognition. It’s been fully renovated and updated and, now, it has a whole series of food pavilions, green areas and fun places to relax.

10. Bolshoi Theater

The Bolshoi Theater

It's better to buy tickets in advance, but you absolutely must go! Read more about the performances definitely worth seeing here.

11. Arbat Street

Arbat pedestrian street

The name of this pedestrian street has become a household name. On it, you can feel the spirit of old Moscow, immerse yourself in quiet side alleys, grab a souvenir and, of course, sit comfortably in one of the many cafes!

12. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

Christ the Saviour Cathedral and 'Patriarch' bridge

This is the main cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church. From there, you can also walk across Patriarch's Bridge to Bolotny Island to the new cultural art space called ‘GES-2’.

13. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent is a UNESCO World Heritage site

One of Russia's most beautiful monasteries with a rich history and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Nearby are the lovely green Novodevichy Ponds. You can also stroll through the local cemetery, where many Russian celebrities are buried.

14. Kuskovo estate

Grotto pavillion at Kuskovo estate

A luxurious garden and park ensemble within the city limits. The residence of the wealthy Count Sheremetev family was lucky enough to be turned into a museum (and not demolished!) when the Soviets seized power, which is why the atmosphere of the 18th century has been preserved.

15. ‘Pushkin’ restaurant

'Pushkin's' crepes

Moscow is famous as a gastronomic capital and boasts an incredible level of service. It’s one of the many iconic places, where you can have a luxurious time is this Russian cuisine restaurant and its adjacent confectionery and pastry store.

16. ‘Illusion’ cinema

'Illisuion' cinema at the Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building

You can watch old movies in their original language with subtitles.

Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Building

But, that's not the only reason to go – the cinema is literally located inside one of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers!

17. Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

Copies of ancient statues in the Pushkin Museum

Ancient Egyptian mummies, Sumerian artifacts, original works by Rubens and a huge collection of Impressionists – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!

18. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve gothic vibe

This pseudo-Gothic palace was commissioned by Catherine the Great for herself, but the project remained unfinished. In the 19th century, the park was opened to the public and it remains a popular place for walks and picnics to this day.

19. Kolomenskoye park

Kolomenskoye gates and Ascension church

You will find the unique Church of the Ascension, the first stone tent-roof church in Russia, in this park in south Moscow, as well as the colorful wooden palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

20. Zamoskvorechye district

'Novokuznetskaya' metro station and Pyatnitskaya street

This district on the opposite side of the Moskva River from the Kremlin will immerse you in the atmosphere of low-rise merchant Moscow. Many historic buildings and churches (as well as a historic mosque) coexist with the area's vibrant restaurant and bar scene.