1. Red Square (Красная площадь)
Overview: Red Square is the most iconic square in Moscow and Russia. Historically, it has been the site of public gatherings and military parades, and today, it remains a central location for both locals and tourists to relax. It is a symbol of Moscow and Russian history.
Time to Spend: 2-4 hours
Transport:
• Metro: Okhotnyy Ryad, Ploshchad Revolutsii, or Biblioteka imeni Lenina stations
• Free entry.
Opening Hours: Open during the day, closed at night.
2. State Historical Museum (Государственный исторический музей)
Overview: Located on Red Square, the museum is a major cultural landmark, with its red walls and white domes resembling a gingerbread house. It displays Russia’s rich history and offers a deep dive into its past.
Time to Spend: A few hours
Transport: Metro: Okhotnyy Ryad or Teatralnaya stations
3. Saint Basil’s Cathedral (Собор Василия Блаженного)
Overview: Saint Basil’s Cathedral is famous for its unique architecture, with nine onion-shaped domes, each distinct in color and design. It’s a landmark near the Kremlin and Red Square.
Time to Spend: 2 hours
Transport:
• Metro: Okhotnyy Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshchad Revolutsii, or Kitay-Gorod stations
• Bus: Trolleybuses 1, 2, 8, 25, and 33
Admission: 350 rubles for adults and foreign tourists
Opening Hours:
• June to August: 10:00-19:00
• May, September to November: 10:00-18:00
• December to April: 10:00-17:00
4. GUM (Государственный Универсальный Магазин) Department Store
Overview: Situated on the eastern side of Red Square, GUM is an iconic shopping mall with a European classical style, offering luxury goods. Built in 1921, GUM is famous for its high-end stores and even for the ice cream carts inside.
Time to Spend: As long as you like
Transport: Metro: Okhotnyy Ryad, Teatralnaya, Ploshchad Revolutsii, or Kitay-Gorod stations
Opening Hours: 10:00-20:00
5. Kremlin (Кремль)
Overview: The Kremlin is a monumental fortress located in the heart of Moscow, recognized as one of the largest and most significant architectural complexes in the world. It serves as the seat of the Russian government and is one of Russia’s most iconic symbols.
Time to Spend: Half a day to 1 day
Transport:
• Metro: Biblioteka imeni Lenina, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Aleksandrovsky Sad, or Borovitskaya stations
Admission:
• Ivan the Great Bell Tower: 250 rubles (children under 14 are not allowed)
• Cathedral Square: 500 rubles (free for those under 16)
• Armoury Chamber: 700 rubles (free for those under 16)
Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00 (Ticket office open 9:00-17:00)
Note: Closed on Thursdays.