Things to see & do in Moscow

Russia’s iconic capital Moscow is founded on a turbulent history of revolution and conflicting ideologies. It’s a city of striking contradictions, where old Lada cars look out of place on streets lined with luxury bars, and opulent shopping malls rub shoulders with crumbling housing blocks. Moscow has experienced many changes since the fall of the Soviet Union and the arrival of international tourism. Capitalism has left its mark and, yes, you’ll even glimpse the inescapable yellow arches of a McDonald’s peeking out from behind the russet facade of the Red Square.

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.

Moscow’s Red Square derives its name from the Russian word for ‘beautiful’, rather than the red brick of the formidable fortress walls. The squat vault housing Lenin’s Mausoleum, where the former Soviet leader’s embalmed body is on display to the public, is the only inconspicuous building here. In contrast, directly opposite the tomb, is the lavish three-storey GUM department store, stocked to the rafters with international, high-fashion brands. After visiting the gingerbread house-like State History Museum and the marshmallow swirls of St Basil’s Cathedral, you’ll have time to explore the imposing citadel of the Kremlin. Its great Armoury is home to some of the country’s most remarkable treasures, from entire coaches made of gold to a diamond throne. A trio of three magnificent cathedrals, Ivan the Great’s Bell Tower and the enormous, broken Tsar Bell complete this city within a city.

None of our tours are based solely in Moscow; instead you’ll get to visit the city as part of a larger exploration of Russia, alongside other great cities like St Petersburg and Novgorod. Small group tours based in western Russia tend to run for 8-9 days, with 2-3 days spent in the capital. You may also want to visit Moscow as part of a longer tour, by way of the Trans Siberian Express or the Trans Mongolian Railway. These trips can also be tailor made to offer the best experience for you.

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.