Moscow Travel Guide

Overview and Things to Consider

Moscow is Russia's capital and largest city, home to Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral. It sprawls a long way. The metro is how you deal with that, and it's impressive in its own right.

It's one of Europe's most expensive cities. English is less common than in other European capitals, so Russian matters. The culture is serious: museums, theaters, ballet. Political tensions call for care.

Moscow isn't for casual visitors. You need patience and flexibility, and it's very different from Western Europe. Put in the effort and the culture and history are there. Winter is cold.

Getting There and Around

Most visitors fly into Domodedovo or Sheremetyevo airports. Trains and buses run into the city. Visa requirements are complex - most Westerners need visas in advance.

The metro is excellent and the main way to get around: buy a card and load credit. The center is good on foot. Taxis are metered but expensive, and the city is too big to skip transport.

What's Changed Since 2016

Moscow has become more expensive due to ruble fluctuations and economic sanctions. Visa requirements have become more complex for Western visitors. Some Western brands have left. The political situation has affected tourism.

Moscow remains really Russian - not Westernized. The metro remains impressively beautiful. Culture remains strong. Museums are world-class.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Start with Red Square, the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral. Give the State Tretyakov Gallery real time for Russian art. Go to the Bolshoi Theatre if you can get tickets. Ride the metro just to see the stations.

Walk the Moscow River embankment and visit the Pushkin Museum. Eat at traditional Russian restaurants, then go out for the nightlife or the classical music scene.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Moscow is expensive: meals cost 20-50 euros at decent restaurants, and accommodation is pricey. English is less common than in other European capitals, so Russian helps. Visa requirements are complex.

Winter is cold, down to minus 20. Some Western tourists stay away because of geopolitical tensions, and if you go, be discreet in political conversations. Some neighborhoods are rough at night.

If Moscow Is Part of a Longer Trip

Visa hassle means most visitors treat Moscow as a standalone trip. St. Petersburg is 4 hours by train and worth it. The Trans-Siberian Railway starts here if you want a much longer journey.

Three to four days covers Moscow's main attractions. More time lets you explore neighborhoods. Most visitors spend 3-5 days.

Yearly Things to Consider

May through September are best, warm and pleasant. April and October are cool. November through March are cold and grey, with snow and a holiday atmosphere in December. Winter is harsh.

Summer is pleasant. Winter is beautiful, but you have to accept extreme cold. Spring and fall are best for sightseeing.

Ideas for Itineraries

Day 1 - Red Square and Kremlin (4 hours)

Visit Red Square and see St. Basil's Cathedral. Walk around the Kremlin - tours are available but lines are long. Walk the Moscow River embankment. Have lunch at a traditional Russian restaurant. Afternoon exploring the surrounding neighborhoods.

Day 2 - Museums and Culture (5 hours)

Spend hours at the State Tretyakov Gallery for Russian art, and add the Pushkin Museum if time allows. Lunch at a traditional restaurant. In the afternoon, ride the metro and get off to see the stations, many of them beautiful. Evening at the Bolshoi Theatre if tickets are available.

Day 3 - Neighborhoods and Local Life (4 hours)

Get out of the tourist center into the neighborhoods. Visit local markets and have lunch at a neighborhood restaurant. This is everyday Moscow, not the famous sights.

Alternative: Day Trip to St. Petersburg (2+ days)

Take the train to St. Petersburg (4 hours). Russia's former capital has palaces, imperial architecture and the Hermitage Museum, and it's worth 2-3 days.