Choose from 38 Fun Things to Do in Moscow
ShowingFilter 21-38 of 38 listings.
Tolstoy House Museum
One of the three museums dedicated to the life of Leo Tolstoy n Moscow, the Tolstoy House Museum was the winter home of the writer in the 1880s and 1890s. Containing more than 6,000 items belonging to Tolstoy and his family, the museum not only offers a glimpse into Tolstoy’s life, but also provides visitors a sense of how the nobility lived in the 19th century. The house sits on nearly a hectare of land lined with maple and linden trees and has remain mostly unchanged from when Tolstoy called it home.
The house’s 16 rooms have been carefully preserved, from Tolstoy’s raccoon coat hanging on the wall in the entrance, to the toys in his youngest child’s bedroom. The second floor study is where the writer penned many of his masterpieces and in the large living room, he and his wife hosted literary and musical evenings with the likes of Rachmaninov.
Practical Info
To visit the Tolstoy House Museum, take the Metro to the Park Kultury stop on the Circle Line. It is also a typical stop on any literary-themed tour of Moscow.
Address: ulitsa Lva Tolstogo 21, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday 12:00 to 8:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays and the last Friday of the month.
Admission: 200 rubles
From $ 83
Lenin's Mausoleum
Lenin’s Mausoleum is the current resting place of Vladimir Lenin, the former leader of the Soviet Union. Lenin’s embalmed body has been on display since he passed away in 1924 and his tomb has been visited by millions. Located near Red Square in the center of Moscow, the tomb is a small granite building that features elements derived from ancient mausoleums such as the Step Pyramid in Egypt and the Tomb of Cyrus the Great in Iran. Although a bit morbid, a visit to Lenin’s Mausoleum is considered a must for visitors to Moscow.
Practical Info
Before getting in line to visit the Mausoleum, you must check any bags and cameras in the Kutayfa tower cloakrooms. No cameras (including camera phones) are allowed inside. The line to enter the Mausoleum forms outside of the Kremlin walls. Once inside, it is quite dark and visitors are kept moving so you will only spend a few minutes inside before being ushered out.
Address: Krasnaya Ploschad (Red Square), Moscow, Russia
Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; closed Mondays and Fridays
From $ 36
Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center
Moscow’s iconic, brick-and-glass Bakhmetevsky Bus Garage was designed by avant-garde Russian architects Konstantin Melnikov and Vladimir Shukhov in 1926. By the dawn of the 21st century it was in disrepair but was restored by Roman Abramovich to house the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. That then moved and the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center subsequently opened at the Bus Garage in 2012. Now firmly on all the tours of Jewish heritage in Moscow, it is dedicated to the backstory of Russian Jews from medieval times to present day, with displays walking chronologically through spacious galleries making clever use of the very latest technology.
Using personal narrative, film footage, holograms, multimedia touch screens and listening stations, this is a thoroughly modern museum with a surprisingly positive message. Yes, the subject matter deals thoughtfully with programs and the Holocaust but also dedicates space to the achievements of the Jews in Moscow and St Petersburg before World War I, when they successfully played a large part in civic and cultural life. There’s a small collection of Jewish ephemera and a permanent art exhibition as well as an animated 4D movie in the Beginnings Theater, which explains the beliefs fundamental to Judaism, but the heart of the museum lies with the panoramic film projected on to a massive, curved screen that combines wartime footage with testimonies from Holocaust survivors and deals with Jewish repression under Soviet rule.
The Tolerance Center is a place in which to reflect and look forward; it houses a children’s center and the Schneerson Collection, a library of priceless Jewish books and manuscripts.
Practical Info
Ulitsa Obraztsova 11, Building 1a, Moscow. Open Thur–Sun 12pm–10pm; Fri 10am–3pm. Closed Sat and Jewish holidays. Admission adults RUB 400; seniors, students & younger than 17 RUB 200. Take the metro to Novoslobodskaya and Tram No. 19 from there.
Address: Ulitsa Obraztsova 11, Building 1a, Moscow, Moscow Oblast 127018, Russia
Hours: Thur–Sun 12pm–10pm; Fri 10am–3pm. Closed Sat and Jewish holidays.
Admission: adults RUB 400; seniors, students & younger than 17 RUB 200
From $ 8
St Basil's Cathedral (Pokrovsky Sabor)
With its colorful onion-shaped domes, St. Basil’s Cathedral may be one of the most iconic sights in Moscow, if not in all of Russia. Finished in 1561, the cathedral sits on one end of Red Square and marks the geometric center of Moscow. For 40 years after its construction, it was the tallest building in the city, eventually surpassed by the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
St. Basil’s actually consists of 10 separate churches. When the building was first constructed, eight side churches surrounded the main Church of Intercession. A 10th church was added in 1588 over the grave of the local saint, Basil. While the cathedral was built to celebrate the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible, its side churches were designed to represent major events in Russian spiritual life in the second half of the 16th century.
The cathedral was confiscated from the Russian Orthodox community during Soviet times and now operates as a division of the State Historical Museum. It has been part of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Today, visitors can stroll through the galleries connecting the many churches while marveling at frescoes, oil paintings and Russian icons, many of which date to the 16th and 17th centuries.
St. Basil’s actually consists of 10 separate churches. When the building was first constructed, eight side churches surrounded the main Church of Intercession. A 10th church was added in 1588 over the grave of the local saint, Basil. While the cathedral was built to celebrate the capture of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible, its side churches were designed to represent major events in Russian spiritual life in the second half of the 16th century.
The cathedral was confiscated from the Russian Orthodox community during Soviet times and now operates as a division of the State Historical Museum. It has been part of the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. Today, visitors can stroll through the galleries connecting the many churches while marveling at frescoes, oil paintings and Russian icons, many of which date to the 16th and 17th centuries.
Practical Info
St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the southeastern end of Red Square, in the very center of Moscow. The nearest Metro station is Ploschad Revolyutsii, about a five minute walk from the cathedral. The ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Address: Red Square, Moscow 109012, Russia
Hours: During Winter: Open Daily 11am - 5pm
During Summer: Open Daily 10am - 7pm
Admission: Adults: 250 rubles ($8), Students: 50 rubles and Under 18 years old: Free
From $ 22
Monino Central Air Force Museum
Located 24 miles from Moscow along the Gorky Highway in a wooded area, the Monino Central Air Force Museum is the premier aviation museum in Russia and one of the largest aviation museums in the world. A bit out of the way, it is well worth a visit for anyone with a serious interest in aviation or Russian military history.
An operational air force base between 1932 and 1956, the museum was founded in 1958 and opened in 1960. It was off limits to civilians during Soviet times and until 2006, advance permission was required for non-Russians to visit. Using the base's original structures, the museum features more than 170 aircraft and more than 120 aircraft engines, including fighter planes, passenger planes and helicopters. The most impressive of all is arguably the Ilya Muromets, the largest aircraft of the 20th century. Also on display are a variety of weapons, spy instruments and uniforms from the Cold War era.
Practical Info
The Monino Central Air Force Museum is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, except for Wednesdays, and from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. However, opening hours may be more sporadic than officially posted. A guided tour from Moscow is a great way to visit the museum, but you might also visit independently. To get there on your own, take the train from the Yaroslavsky station in Moscow (adjacent to the Komsomolskaya metro station) to Monino. Alternatively, take minibus or bus number 362 from the Schelkovskay metro station to Monino.
Address: Monino, Russia
Hours: Monday-Tuesday & Thursday-Friday - 9:30am-5pm; Saturdays 9am-2pm
Admission: Adults 350 rubles
From $ 103
Winzavod Centre for Contemporary Art
The Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art in Moscow is the heart of the city’s contemporary art scene. The seven industrial buildings that make up the center include the former home of Moscow’s oldest winery and what was once the second largest brewery in Moscow. The complex was later bought by one of the richest men in Russia, who established an art gallery with more than 500 paintings, making the Winzavod Center the oldest art gallery in Moscow.
Covering 20,000 square meters, the center is now home to four of Russia’s most prestigious contemporary art galleries, as well as artists’ studios, fashion showrooms, a photography studio, an avant-garde clothing store, a bookstore, an art-supply store and an art-café. Eight different halls within the complex can be used for special events such as lectures, festivals or art exhibitions. It also hosts the annual national photo contest, Best of Russia, which receives tens of thousands of entries from all over the country.
Practical Info
To visit the Winzavod Center, take the Metro to Chkalovskaya or join an in-depth tour of Moscow or one that focuses on the city’s art scene.
Address: 4th Syromyatnicheskiy Lane, 1, Bld. 6, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Admission: Free, although admission may be charged for special events.
From $ 23
Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics
The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics in Moscow was built to commemorate the achievements of the Soviet Union in space exploration. Sitting at the base of the Monument to the Conquerors of Space that was erected in 1964, the museum opened in 1981, on the 20th anniversary of the first manned space flight. Among the 85,000 objects in the museum’s collection are the first Soviet rocket engine, the moon rover Lunokhod, the first Soviet satellite, the personal belongings of the first Soviet astronaut, specimens from the moon and propaganda posters reflecting the “space race.”
The museum exhibitions provide an overview of how the Soviet space program evolved, from the first man-made satellites to the first space walks and moon exploration programs. Closed for renovations for three years, the museum re-opened in 2009 with three times the original space and new exhibitions on international space programs, including the USA, Europe, China and the International Space Station. Outside, Cosmonauts Alley that connects the museum with the Metro feature large stone sculptures of the most important figures in the Soviet space program.
Practical Info
To reach the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, take the Metro to the VDNKh station and then follow Cosmonauts Alley to the museum. The price of admission includes a ticket to Sergey Korolev’s Memorial House nearby. Audio guides are available for and additional cost, as is admission to the interactive Buran-2 space flight.
Address: 111 Prospekt Mira, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday to Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Ticket office closes 30 minutes before closing time.
Admission: 250 rubles; photo pass, 230 rubles
From $ 50
Kubinka Tank Museum
The Kubinka Tank Museum is the largest museum in the world of armored vehicles. Located just outside of Moscow, it houses more than 300 tanks and vehicles from throughout the 20th century. One of the most unique vehicles on display is the German super-heavy tank prototype known as the Panzer VIII Maus—one of just two made and the only one still in existence.
Other exhibits include the Troyanov heavy tank and a Karl-Gerat self-propelled artillery, as well as single and limited edition prototypes from Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union and Cold War era tanks that were war trophies from the Middle East, Africa, Vietnam and Latin America. The vehicles are displayed throughout seven hangars, including four for Soviet and Russian armor alone, divided into heavy, medium, light and wheeled vehicles hangars. In 2000, all of the old vehicles were repainted in their original manner by Russian historical specialists.
Practical Info
It was only recently that the museum began permitting foreign visitors to visit without pre-registration, but you must still provide a copy of your passport and visa. Admission is 600 rubles and a photo permit costs an extra 600. To get there, take a train from Moscow’s Belorusskaya station to the Kubinka train station. From there, it’s a short taxi ride to the museum. Alternatively, join an organized tour from Moscow.
Address: Kubinka, Russia
Hours: Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday-Sunday 10am-7pm
Admission: Ticket 600 rubles; photo permit 600 rubles
From $ 138
Trinity Lavra of St Sergius
Located in the town of Sergiev Posad, the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius is the most important monastery in Russia and the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Founded in 1345, the monastery originally centered on a wooden church surrounded by several buildings and became the model for more than 400 similar cloisters throughout Russia. After the first church burned down, a stone cathedral was built, dedicated to the Holy Trinity.
It still stands today, housing relics of St Sergius and works by some of the greatest iconic painters in Russia. Over the centuries, additional buildings were added to the monastery complex, including the Church of the Holy Spirit, the Assumption Cathedral, the Church of John the Baptist’s Nativity, a royal palace and a patriarch’s palace. Once the richest monastery in Russia, it was closed after the Russian Revolution and many relics were lost or destroyed. It was returned to the Russian Orthodox Church in 1945 and was restored throughout the 1960s and 1970s. The monastery was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993.
Practical Info
To visit, take a train from Moscow’s Yaroslavsky train station to Sergiev Posad. Trains leave every 30 minutes throughout the day and the journey takes about an hour and a half. From the train station in Sergiev Posad, the monastery is about a 10-minute walk away. The grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., but the churches are not open to the public on the weekends. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Address: Sergiev Posad, Moskovskaya, Russia
Hours: Grounds: Daily 8am-6pm; Churches: closed weekends; Museum: closed Mondays
From $ 57
Novodevichy Convent and Cemetery
Novodevichy Convent & Cemetery comprise one of Moscow’s most beautiful attractions. Also known as the New Maiden’s Convent, the convent may be best known as the place where Peter the Great imprisoned his half-sister Sofia after deposing her and taking over as tsar of Russia. He later confined his first wife to the convent as well. Originally built as a fortress in 1524 to commemorate the conquest of Smolensk, the convent features 12 battle towers. Most of the current buildings, however, date to the late 17th century, when the convent was substantially rebuilt.
The largest and most important church in the convent is the five-domed Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. It was finished in 1525 and contains impressive icons dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. Almost as impressive as the Cathedral is the red and white Church of the Assumption, built in 1680.
The Novodevichy Cemetery sits adjacent to the convent and is one of the most prestigious resting places in all of Russia – as well as the third most popular tourist destination. Over 27,000 people are buried there, including Russian and Soviet notables such as writers Anton Chekhov and Nikolai Gogol, poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, former Soviet leader Nikita Krushchev and former Russian president Boris Yeltsin.
For those interested in locating particular graves, a map is available at the entrance.
The largest and most important church in the convent is the five-domed Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. It was finished in 1525 and contains impressive icons dating to the 16th and 17th centuries. Almost as impressive as the Cathedral is the red and white Church of the Assumption, built in 1680.
The Novodevichy Cemetery sits adjacent to the convent and is one of the most prestigious resting places in all of Russia – as well as the third most popular tourist destination. Over 27,000 people are buried there, including Russian and Soviet notables such as writers Anton Chekhov and Nikolai Gogol, poet Vladimir Mayakovsky, former Soviet leader Nikita Krushchev and former Russian president Boris Yeltsin.
For those interested in locating particular graves, a map is available at the entrance.
Practical Info
The Novodevichy Convent & Cemetery are located along the Moskva River, just a few blocks from the Sportivnaya Metro station. Admission for the grounds is free.
Address: 1, Novodevich'ya Naberezhnaya, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Convent: Open Daily 10am - 6pm (closed the last Monday of every month)
Cemetery: Open Daily 9am - 5pm
Admission: Cemetery Admission: 50 rubles and Churches and Exhibits: 150 rubles
From $ 37
Sandunovsky Baths (Sanduný Banya)
No visitor to Russia should leave without experiencing a traditional Russian bathhouse, and the Sandunovsky Baths may be the best place to do so. Founded in 1808, this bathhouse is the largest and most impressive in Moscow, with high ceilings, marble staircases and gold frescoes throughout the interior. It also features a beauty salon, restaurant and laundry service. Called the "czar of bathhouses," the Sandunovsky Baths are frequented not just by tourists but by Russian businessmen and socialites alike.
To follow the traditional Russian routine, head to the steam room for about 10 minutes, then jump into a pool of cold water and then do it all over again. Take a break in between to have a snack, enjoy a beer or sip a cup of tea. You might also get "beaten" with birch twigs while in the steam room"”another longstanding Russian tradition. The women's side of the baths today feels more like a modern salon, with other typical spa treatments also available.
Practical Info
Located at Neglinaya Ulitsa 14, the Baths are accessible from the Kuznetsky Most metro station. They are open daily from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., except for Tuesdays, and are separated into men's and women's sections. There is a charge for admission, plus additional costs for specific treatments or experiences and to rent bath towels and slippers.
Address: Neglinnaya ul. 14 bldg 3"“7, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Wednesday-Monday 8 a.m.-11 p.m.
Admission: 1000 rubles for three hours
From $ 136
Moscow Zoo
Founded in 1864, the Moscow Zoo sits in the center of Moscow, a natural escape from the bustling city streets. When it opened, the zoo covered 10 acres and held fewer than 300 animals. Continuously expanded over the past century and a half, the zoo today is the largest in Russia, covering over 50 acres and featuring more than 6,000 animals. The entrance, shaped like a large rock castle, is conspicuous among the modern architecture on the surrounding streets.
In the old area of the zoo, visitors can find animals such as bears, large cats and elephants, as well as the popular dolphin aquarium and penguin pool. A footbridge crosses Bolshaya Gruzinskaya street and leads to the new area, which is home to the primate house, the children’s zoo and several cafes. Renovations to the zoo in the 1990s added features like waterfalls and streams to give it a more natural feeling.
With an emphasis on the children’s education and entertainment, the zoo is an ideal destination for families visiting Moscow.
In the old area of the zoo, visitors can find animals such as bears, large cats and elephants, as well as the popular dolphin aquarium and penguin pool. A footbridge crosses Bolshaya Gruzinskaya street and leads to the new area, which is home to the primate house, the children’s zoo and several cafes. Renovations to the zoo in the 1990s added features like waterfalls and streams to give it a more natural feeling.
With an emphasis on the children’s education and entertainment, the zoo is an ideal destination for families visiting Moscow.
Practical Info
The Moscow Zoo is located near the corner of Krasnaya Presnya and Bolshaya Gruzinskaya. The entrance is across the street from the Barrikadnaya Metro station.
Address: 1, Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street, Moscow 123242, Russia
Hours: Closed: Monday
During Summer Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 8pm
During Winter Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm
Admission: Adults: 100 rubles (about $3.50) and Children under 18 and Students: Free
From $ 10
Tverskaya Street
Tverskaya Street is Moscow’s version of Main Street, running uphill from near the north end of Red Square out toward St Petersburg. The street existed as early as the 12th century and connected Moscow with the cities of Tver and Novgorod. It was the center of Moscow’s social life in the 17th and 18th centuries and was often used by the Russian tsars as a promenade through the city to their residence in the Kremlin. By the end of the 19th century, grand residences had been largely replaced by commercial buildings in a mix of styles, and during the Stalin era, many churches and historical buildings were torn down to widen the street and to make room for large apartment blocks and government buildings.
Today, Tverskaya Street is the most expensive shopping street in all of Russia, and in 2008, it was the third most expensive street in the world for real estate. In addition to being a high-end shopping mecca, it is a center of nightlife, culture and entertainment. On or near the street, you can find the Yermolova Theater, the Museum of Traditional Russian Art, the Moscow Contemporary Art Museum, the Moscow Town Hall and monuments to Pushkin and the founder of Moscow, Prince Yuri Dolgoruky.
Practical Info
If you’re staying in the center of Moscow, Tverskaya Street may be an easy walk from your hotel. If not, you can take the Metro to any of the Okhotny Ryad, Teatralnaya, Tversakaya or Pushkinskaya stations.
Address: Tverskaya Street, Moscow, Russia
From $ 22
Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow is known as the finest collection of Russian art in the world and is a must-see for any visitor to the city. Its history dates back to 1856, when a Moscow merchant, Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov, began collecting pieces from Russian artists with the hope of one day establishing a museum of national art. In 1892, he donated his collection, consisting of around 2,000 pieces, to the city of Moscow. The current gallery building opened a few years later and today it holds more than 170,000 works of art displayed throughout 62 rooms.
The gallery expertly traces the development of Russian painting from the 10th century through the end of the 19th century and features some of the most notable Russian artists, although many may be unknown outside of Russia. It also showcases the world’s best collection of Russian icons and a collection of portraits of great Russian figures such as Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy and Turgenev.
Visitors will appreciate cards throughout the gallery providing background information in English on many of the artists whose work is on display.
The gallery expertly traces the development of Russian painting from the 10th century through the end of the 19th century and features some of the most notable Russian artists, although many may be unknown outside of Russia. It also showcases the world’s best collection of Russian icons and a collection of portraits of great Russian figures such as Dostoyevsky, Tolstoy and Turgenev.
Visitors will appreciate cards throughout the gallery providing background information in English on many of the artists whose work is on display.
Practical Info
The Tretyakov Gallery is located at 10 Lavrushinsky lane and is accessible from the Tretyakovskaya, Novokuznetskaya or Polyanka Metro stations. The ticket office closes at 6:30pm. Audio-guides are available for 360 rubles. A photography permit costs an additional 200 rubles.
Address: 10, Lavrushinsky Lane, Moscow 119017, Russia
Hours: Closed: Monday
Tuesday - Sunday: 10am – 7:30pm
Admission: Adults: 450 rubles
From $ 10
The Moscow Metro
In Moscow, grand boulevards and massive buildings that seem to stretch for miles are the norm, but some of the city’s most impressive sites are actually found below the streets, in the underground metro system used that transports millions of residents each day.
Moscow’s metro system is one of the busiest in the world and, at 190 miles (305kms) long with 185 stations, it’s also one of the largest. The stations aren’t just transit hubs – they’re a sort of free public art exhibit, and one that tells the history of the city in their design and decoration. The stations were designed so lavishly in the hopes that their beauty would inspire workers on their way to dreary jobs under Soviet rule. These ornate stations eventually became known as “the palaces of the people” for their extravagant architecture. Later, new stations were designed in a slightly more understated way, their appearance reflecting a more austere time in the city’s history.
Some of the most beautiful stations include Novoslobodskaya, with its 32 colored glass panels and mosaics; Prospekt Mira, decorated in marble, granite, and chandeliers; Ploshchad Revolyutsii, an homage to Soviet heroes represented by 76 bronze sculptures; Kievskaya, which celebrates the Ukrainian people with beautiful murals framed by gold-leaf borders; the subdued Mayakovskaya station, with massive overhead lights and large mosaics; and the undisputed crown jewel, Komsomolskaya station with its marble columns, yellow ceilings with white trim, and gold mosaics.
A single ride on the Moscow metro costs just 28 rubles (about 85 cents) so you could easily and cheaply spend an afternoon riding from station to station to see each one on your own. However, a guided tour will help you focus your exploration and provide you with more information as to what makes each station special. Many of the design elements aren’t just pretty; they often symbolize certain aspects of Russian culture or pay tribute to important historical figures and events.
Moscow’s metro system is one of the busiest in the world and, at 190 miles (305kms) long with 185 stations, it’s also one of the largest. The stations aren’t just transit hubs – they’re a sort of free public art exhibit, and one that tells the history of the city in their design and decoration. The stations were designed so lavishly in the hopes that their beauty would inspire workers on their way to dreary jobs under Soviet rule. These ornate stations eventually became known as “the palaces of the people” for their extravagant architecture. Later, new stations were designed in a slightly more understated way, their appearance reflecting a more austere time in the city’s history.
Some of the most beautiful stations include Novoslobodskaya, with its 32 colored glass panels and mosaics; Prospekt Mira, decorated in marble, granite, and chandeliers; Ploshchad Revolyutsii, an homage to Soviet heroes represented by 76 bronze sculptures; Kievskaya, which celebrates the Ukrainian people with beautiful murals framed by gold-leaf borders; the subdued Mayakovskaya station, with massive overhead lights and large mosaics; and the undisputed crown jewel, Komsomolskaya station with its marble columns, yellow ceilings with white trim, and gold mosaics.
A single ride on the Moscow metro costs just 28 rubles (about 85 cents) so you could easily and cheaply spend an afternoon riding from station to station to see each one on your own. However, a guided tour will help you focus your exploration and provide you with more information as to what makes each station special. Many of the design elements aren’t just pretty; they often symbolize certain aspects of Russian culture or pay tribute to important historical figures and events.
Address: Russia
Admission: 28 rubles
From $ 36
Russian State Library
Founded in 1862, the Russian State Library features more than 43 million items in more than 240 languages, including 17.5 million books. The collection includes maps, sheet music, newspapers and audio recordings, as well as at least one copy of every book published in the country between 1922 and 1991. With more than 170 miles of shelves, it is the largest library in Russia and the fourth largest in the world. The main collection includes more than 200 private book collections belonging to popular Russian figures in science, culture and education, and a collection of rare books has more than 300,000 volumes. The State Library also holds regular educational and cultural events and has more than 30 reading rooms available for visitors to reserve.
Practical Info
The Russian State Library is located in the center of Moscow at Vozdizhenka ulitsa 3/5. It is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays. The library is closed on Sundays, as well as on the last Monday of the month. To get there, take the Metro to the Biblioteka imeni Lenina, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovsky Sad or Borovitskaya stations.
Address: Vozdvizhenka St, 3/5, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Monday-Friday 9am-8pm; Saturday 9am-7pm; closed Sundays & last Monday of the month
From $ 150
State Historical Museum
The State Historical Museum in Moscow is a must for anyone interested in learning more about Russian history. Opened in 1894, the museum was the result of a 20-year project to consolidate multiple archaeological and anthropological collections into a single museum. Set just off Red Square in a large Russian Revivalist building, the museum is home to more than four million objects covering 1,000 years of Russian history and the history of northeastern Eurasian civilizations.
Exhibits are presented mostly chronologically across 39 rooms, each of which focuses on a different era or region, such as Eastern Europe and Asia in the Middle Ages, the Old Russian State in the 9th to 12th Centuries, Craft and Trade in the 16th and 17th centuries, the era of Catherine the Great, the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian culture in the early 20th century. The entire second floor is devoted to Russia’s imperial period, with many personal items, palace decorations and furnishings on display. Other highlights include Scythian gold figures, funerary masks from Russia’s Altai region and the death mask of Peter the Great.
Practical Info
To get to the State Historical Museum, take the Metro to Okhotny Ryad, Ploschchad Revolyutsii or Teatralnaya. The museum building stands to the right as you enter Red Square through Resurrection Gate. The ticket office closes an hour before closing time. English labeling in the museum can be scarce, so visiting with a guide or as part of a tour is recommended.
Address: Red Square, 1, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.; Thursday and Sunday 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Closed the first Monday of each month.
From $ 52
Izmailovo Kremlin
Opened in 2003, the Izmailovo Kremlin on the outskirts of Moscow pays homage to the other kremlins around Russia. Built in a pseudo-Byzantine style, it was inspired by both Russian fairytales and the design of early Russian palaces. More than a half dozen museums can be found within the Kremlin walls, including the Museum of the History of Vodka, the Museum of Bread, the Museum of Miniatures, the Museum of the History of the Russian Navy and the Chocolate Museum. There are also a couple restaurants and a wooden church dedicated to St. Nicholas of Myra, the patron saint of arts and crafts. Visitors can also learn more about traditional Russian matryoshka (nesting) dolls and even try painting their own.
Adjacent to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo Vernissage, a large flea market where visitors can buy a variety of souvenirs and kitschy items such as fur hats, chess sets, Soviet paraphernalia and, of course, matryoshka dolls. Prices are generally lower than elsewhere in Moscow and bartering is expected; transactions are cash only. The Vernissage is open daily, but many vendors only come out on the weekends.
Practical Info
To visit the Izmailovo Kremlin, take the Metro to Partizanskaya. Exiting the station, take a left and it is a short walk to the Kremlin. Note that there is also a Metro stop called Izmailovo, but it is actually quite far from the Kremlin.
Address: 73G, Izmailovskoye Shosse, Moscow, Russia
Hours: Daily 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Admission: 10 rubles
From $ 79