At the heart of Moscow lies Red Square and other world-famous landmarks, such as the State Department Store (GUM), St. Basil’s Cathedral and, of course, the Kremlin, with its ancient limestone churches and unique museums, including one of the most impressive – the Diamond Fund.
The city centre is encircled by three rings. The Boulevard Ring is an ideal route for leisurely walks among old houses, trendy cafes, stylish shops and monuments. The Garden Ring is slowly getting its gardens back, and between these two rings there is an abundance of sights, splendid buildings and museums.
If you fancy long walks out in the wild, the beautiful parks outside the third ring road will delight you. For those interested in the legacy of the Soviet Union, VDNKh is the best place to visit. Sokolniki Park hosts various festivals and exhibitions all year round. Izmailovo has majestic ponds and secluded paths for nature lovers, while former royal estate Kolomenskoye is known for its orchards and wooden architecture. Vorobyovy Gory is paradise for sport lovers, and Losiny Ostrov, also known as Elk Island, is the third largest forest in the city, an excellent choice for those who want to wander off the beaten track.
From Red Square, some visitors prefer to walk directly to the most popular park in the city, Gorky Park, one of the top destinations for Muscovites. On the way, there are picturesque embankments, bridges and the magnificent Christ the Saviour Cathedral.
Other noteworthy travel destinations are lively central streets such as Kamergersky Lane, Kuznetsky Bridge, Nikolskaya Street and of course the Arbat, a pedestrian paradise with street fairs, artists, musicians and an endless variety of souvenir shops and boutiques.
Winter is a perfect time to visit Moscow’s many museums, which are sure to delight even the most demanding art lovers. The Tretyakov Gallery, which every Russian knows from childhood, will give you a chance to see the artwork of famous Russian artists. The New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val has a unique collection of masterpieces from the 20th century. While you’re in the area, don’t miss on the extensive collection of the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, which contains real treasures of art from every era and nation.
Moscow’s ancient monasteries, such as Novospassky, Novodevichy, Pokrovsky, Andronikov and Krutitsy Patriarchal Metochion are also popular sights that form part of the city’s cultural heritage. A visit to the Oceanarium (Mosaquarium), the renovated Planetarium (one of the largest on the planet and Russia’s oldest)or the viewpoint in Moscow City provide a good, worldly contrast.
