Things to see & do in Moscow
Despite its high concentration of oligarchs, poverty is still very much an issue in the capital. But forget the Cold War stereotypes; local people can be very friendly, and the slightest smattering of Russian will get you far. Tours usually allow for some free time to explore the city independently but, if the trip starts in Moscow but barely lingers there, you may want to arrive a few days earlier to take it all in.
Our Russia Holidays
Moscow to St Petersburg holiday in Russia
Fascinating history and architecture
Kamchatka holidays, small group tour
Explore Russia’s Kamchatka peninsula
Siberian Tiger & Amur Leopard tours in Russia
Track tigers in snowy Russian backcountry, accompanied by an expert guide of Durminskoye Reserve
Chukotka and Wrangel Island cruise, Russia
Authentic Arctic Festival & wildlife including Polar Bears
Russia history and culture holiday
Explore Russian history and culture
Kamchatka and Chukotka wildlife cruises, Russia
Explore wild Kamchatka's volcanoes, fjords and wildlife
Moscow and St-Petersburg holiday in Russia
The best of Russia in 12 days
Trans Mongolian Eastbound, St Petersburg to Beijing
Overland from the Baltic Sea to the Chinese capital Beijing
Russia holiday, a taste of Russia
Russia a land of mystery and intrigue
Russia holiday, St Petersburg and Karelia
Multi-activity cultural trip to Northern Russia, tailor-made
Moscow to St Petersburg holiday
See the Winter Palace and the Red Square
Trans Siberian Railway holiday, Russian Summer
Remarkable Moscow to Vladivostok train journey, Tailor-Made
Sea of Okhotsk wildlife cruise, Russia
Rarely visited Okhotsk Sea - full of wildlife & history
Kamchatka photography holiday in Russia
Photograph brown bears in remote Far Eastern Russia
Trans Mongolian explorer holiday
Experience China, Mongolia, Siberia & Russia’s Golden Ring.
Trans Mongolian railway holiday
Ride the Iconic Trans-Mongolian Railway in all it's glory.
North Caucasus holiday in Russia
Epic journey from the Black Sea to the Caspian Sea
Wrangel and Herald Islands expedition cruise
Diverse, abundant wildlife, dramatic and volcanic landscapes
Mount Elbrus climbing expedition, Russia
Elbrus with an international guide and doctor
Grand Trans Siberian rail tour
From the Pacific to the Baltic on the Trans-Siberian Railway
Armenia Georgia Azerbaijan hiking holiday
Get amazed by the scenery of the South Caucasus.
Silk Road & Caucasus tour
Explore the secrets of Central Asia and the Caucasus
Trans Siberian rail tour for 18-35
Want to hit the highlights without breaking the bank?
Russian Arctic cruise, High Arctic Odyssey
Explore the extreme regions of the High Arctic
Trans Siberian 13 day tour, 18-35
Want an epic journey across three countries & 7 time zones?
London to Beijing by rail holiday
An epic overland adventure from London to China
Moscow to St Petersburg winter holiday
Enjoy Russian winter and its beautiful cities, tailor-made
Trans Mongolian west bound to St Petersburg
The most comprehensive Beijing to Russia overland adventure
Russian Arctic Circle cruise with Wrangel Island
Unique expedition across the top of the world
Kuril Islands cruises, bird watching cruise, Russia
Explore wildlife-rich Kamchatka, Commander & Kuril Islands
Cultural Highlights of Moscow
Kremlin and Red Square
Art and architecture
Word has it that much of Moscow’s art is concealed in private collections, but you’ll find some of it hidden away in the most unexpected places. To see it, skip the taxi and the congested city streets and brave the busy underground world of Moscow’s metro. Your reward will be a series of spectacular station halls, adorned with crystal chandeliers, marble columns and elaborate frescos. Above ground, stop to see the jumbled collection of Soviet-era relics in the Fallen Monument Park, followed by a walk around leafy Gorky Park on the banks of the Moskva River. Browsing the fine art exhibitions at the Tretyakov Gallery or enjoying an evening at the historic Bolshoi Theatre are both popular ways to spend any free time in the city.Fairytale churches
The gleaming golden domes of Moscow’s churches are visible across the city skyline, although none are as impressive as those of the Christ the Saviour Cathedral. Unlike St Basil’s, which is now a museum, the cathedral remains a working church. You will find its glimmering interiors bustling with activity, under the gaze of the gilded icons which hang from every wall. Visitors should dress conservatively; women are expected to cover their heads, long skirts or trousers should be worn and men may not be allowed to enter if wearing shorts.Bite-sized history
It’s a misconception that Russian food is bland; there’s much more on the menu than caviar, cabbage and borscht. Food holds a special place in the heart and memories of many Russians, and Russian cuisine borrows dishes from many former Soviet countries. Try kebabs from the Caucasus, Georgian cheese pies or delicious rice dishes from Uzbekistan. If knocking back doubles of vodka doesn’t tempt you, try some kvass. This popular, low alcohol drink is made from fermented rye bread. It’s an old recipe that dates back to the Middle Ages, when it is said to have been consumed more than water.Our top Russia Holiday
Moscow to St Petersburg holiday in Russia
Fascinating history and architecture
2021: 19 Jun, 3 Jul, 17 Jul, 31 Jul, 7 Aug, 14 Aug, 11 Sep, 18 Sep, 25 Sep, 2 Oct, 9 Oct, 23 Oct
2022: 19 Mar, 26 Mar, 2 Apr, 9 Apr, 16 Apr, 23 Apr, 14 May, 21 May, 11 Jun, 18 Jun, 2 Jul, 9 Jul, 16 Jul, 23 Jul, 30 Jul, 6 Aug, 13 Aug, 20 Aug, 10 Sep, 17 Sep, 24 Sep, 1 Oct, 8 Oct, 15 Oct
Safety in Moscow
Scams targeting tourists are also a concern, although these can be avoided by only booking transfers with a licensed taxi company or choosing one of our small group holidays, where your group leader is on hand to take care of all the details.
Practicalities
Trips tend to run from March to October, but there is the option to experience a Christmas in Russia. Moscow is magical in the winter months, but be sure to come prepared for temperatures as low as -15°C. Summer heatwaves, when temperatures can soar to 30°C, aren’t uncommon, whereas spring and autumn tend to be cooler and less crowded. The best time to visit if you want to make the most of the daylight hours is between April and May, when the evenings are lighter.