Moscow's Must-See Sights

A visit to the Motherland won’t be complete without a tour of its dynamic capital city. From the iconic Red Square to the lavishly designed metro stations, here’s what you can’t miss in Moscow.

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The Kremlin

Sitting on Borovitsky Hill and overlooking the Moscow River, the Kremlin is a historic complex that features 5 palaces, 4 cathedrals and the enclosing Kremlin Wall and towers. While it’s the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation, visitors can access its museums to see Russia’s historic artifacts on display.

Red Square

First stop on your Moscow sightseeing tour should be Red Square, the heart of Russia and the center stage for many important moments in Russia’s history. Here you’ll find Moscow’s most well known sight, St. Basil’s Cathedral, a masterpiece of Orthodox architecture with its iconic colorful domes.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This imposing and grandiose cathedral high in the Moscow skyline is the tallest Orthodox cathedral in the world. The original church was built to commemorate Russia’s victory over Stalin, but it was rebuilt in 2000 after Stalin destroyed it.

All–Russian Exhibition Center

Travel back to the USSR with a visit to the All-Russian Exhibition center. This massive complex has it all -- parks, amusement rides, cafes, restaurants and plenty of photo ops with its Soviet pavilions, statues and fountains. The “Friendship of the Nations” fountain (pictured) symbolizes the 15 republics of the USSR.

Alexandrovsky Garden

On your way to the Kremlin, stop at the Alexander Garden, the first public park in Moscow. Every hour, the soldiers perform the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Cafe Pushkin

No matter how tired you are after sightseeing, it’s never too late to visit this iconic 5-star restaurant. Open 24 hours a day, Café Pushkin gives its diners a taste of traditional Russian fare, including black caviar, borscht and pelmeni, and best washed down with a few shots of vodka, of course.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

A visit to Moscow won’t be complete without taking in the spectacular multicolor domes of St. Basil's Cathedral. Built between 1555 and 1561 on the orders of Ivan the Terrible, the Orthodox cathedral commemorates the capture of Kazan and Astrakhan.

Novodevichy Cemetery and Convent

Escape the hustle and bustle of Moscow, and head to the peaceful churches located in the Novodevichy Convent grounds. Tour the 17th-century convent complex, and see where many of Russia’s most famous public figures, writers and politicians were laid to rest.

Mayakovskaya Metro Station

Riding the metro in Moscow is like taking a ride through an art museum. You won’t believe you are in a metro station when you see the lavish chandeliers, gilded halls and ceiling murals of skydivers and airplanes.

Lenin Mausoleum

Visit the final resting place of Vladimir Lenin, “The Father of the Revolution,” located in the Red Square. See Lenin’s wax-like, embalmed body on permanent display in his mausoleum. Tourists should take note that it’s forbidden to carry a camera inside, and it’s considered disrespectful to put your hands in your pockets (see more Russian etiquette tips).

Gorky Park

For a look at what’s cool in Moscow, head to Gorky Park, the city’s hipster hangout. In winter, this neighborhood is full of ice skaters when it transforms into one of Europe’s largest ice-skating rinks, and in there summer, there’s an open-air theater. Any time of year, you can take advantage of the neighborhood’s trendy galleries, bars and restaurants.

Trans-Siberian Railroad

Looking for a bucket-list train adventure? Hop aboard the Tran-Siberian Railroad, the world’s longest train journey that spans 6,000 miles across 2 continents. The Classic Line travels from Moscow to Vladivostok on Russia’s far eastern coast.

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Russia

Moscow's Must-See Sights

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The Kremlin

Red Square

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

All–Russian Exhibition Center

Alexandrovsky Garden

Cafe Pushkin

St. Basil’s Cathedral

Novodevichy Cemetery and Convent

Mayakovskaya Metro Station

Lenin Mausoleum

Gorky Park

Trans-Siberian Railroad