1. Visit Red Square
Keywords: Red sentiment, Soviet memories
You’ve probably heard of the “Red Square Parade.” As a landmark square at the heart of Moscow, it serves as a testament to the city’s history and symbolizes Moscow itself. Red Square is small and narrow, only about 1/5 the size of Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, but it is surrounded by iconic buildings in true Russian style.
Practical Information:
Take the metro Line 1 to Okhotny Ryad station, Line 2 to Teatralnaya station, Line 3 to Ploshchad Revolyutsii, or Line 6/7 to Kitai-Gorod station. Alternatively, buses 25, 1, 2, 8, 12, 16, 25, and 33 can take you to Red Square.
Red Square is open all day, with no security checks, but it might be closed during events like Victory Day (May 9) or when foreign dignitaries visit. Visitors can only view the square from the outside during these times. Beware of pickpockets, as the square is often crowded with tourists and street vendors. Local police patrol the area, and they speak English if you need assistance.
The famous nine onion-domed churches on Red Square are among Moscow’s most colorful and unique churches, and you won’t want to miss the opportunity to see their interiors.
2. Tour the Kremlin
Keywords: Majestic, Presidential residence
The Kremlin, once the royal palace of the Russian tsars and later the headquarters of Soviet power, is now the official residence of the Russian president. The name “Kremlin” means “fortress,” and while many Russian cities have their own Kremlins, none compare in importance to Moscow’s. Inside the Kremlin, you’ll find two remarkable museums: the Armoury Chamber and the Diamond Fund, which house priceless treasures.
Practical Information:
The Kremlin is open Monday to Wednesday, and Friday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed on Thursdays). Tickets are sold from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Diamond Fund is closed from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM for lunch.
Note that the Kremlin has security checks, and large bags are not allowed. There are lockers to store your belongings. Dress appropriately; shorts and casual attire are not permitted.
From April to October, the Presidential Guard conducts a ceremonial horseback and infantry drill at noon every Saturday in Cathedral Square. Arrive early to get a good viewing spot! During the ceremony, the bell tower is closed to visitors.
3. Ride the Most Beautiful Subway in the World
Keywords: Opulent, Cultural heritage
The Moscow Metro, which opened on May 15, 1935, was originally named after Soviet politician Lazar Kaganovich. After his fall from power, the metro was renamed the Moscow Lenin Metro, which remains its official name today. The metro is widely regarded as the most beautiful in the world, with each station designed by famous Russian architects. The stations are decorated in opulent styles, resembling palaces more than subway stations.
Practical Information:
Moscow Metro operates a one-ticket system, with a single fare of 40 rubles. You can transfer freely between lines. Multiple-ride passes are available for 5 to 60 rides. Some interchange stations have different names on various lines, so make sure to pay attention.
Among the stations worth visiting are Kievskaya (Line 5), Novoslobodskaya (Line 10), Komsomolskaya (Line 2), Mayakovskaya (Line 3), and Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Line 3), all of which are known for their stunning architecture. With nearly 200 stations, 44 of them are classified as Russian cultural heritage sites.
Moscow’s metro is not just a means of transportation—it’s a journey through history and art!