Moscow is the capital of Russia and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. The city is filled with history as well as as modern charm. Visitors get a chance to learn a lot about the history of Moscow and experience much of the Russian culture through the landmarks and must-see destinations.
Red Square
Anyone who visits Moscow as a tourist will find themselves in the Red Square at some point or another. The Red Square is a square in Moscow that serves as a gateway to many of the city’s most notable landmarks. It’s positioned to separate the Kremlin and a historic part of town that served as a merchant square. Surrounding the square include the Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the GUM store, and much more. It’s designed for pedestrians so you can easily walk around to the sights here. Many of the major roads originate from this square. With so much history create here, it’s an important destination in Moscow that you’ll enjoy visiting.
Kremlin
The main attraction of the Red Square is the Kremlin. The Kremlin is a fortified complex occupying one side of the public square. The historic complex holds buildings including palaces, cathedrals, Kremlin towers, and museums. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations for those visiting Moscow, receiving millions of visitors every year. The Kremlin is an active government space with offices for many government officials as well as the President of Russia currently residing in the Grand Kremlin Palace. It’s also open to the public to enter and explore the complex. You’ll be able to stop by the Armoury Chamber Museum, showcasing the wealth of Russia, or many of the cathedrals to admire the architecture. The entire Kremlin complex was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the top things to do while visiting Moscow.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
One of the most iconic buildings in Moscow is Saint Basil’s Cathedral, located opposite the Kremlin in the Red Square. It’s another important destination while you’re spending time in the square. The cathedral, officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, was built in the 1500s and was once the tallest building in Moscow. The architecture is a highlight feature of this tourist attraction. It can be seen from most parts of the Red Square with the towering domes and vibrant colors, built to resemble a bonfire. The cathedral includes a church as well as a public museum. Various galleries are available to browse while walking through the cathedral which showcase a variety of intricately designed murals.
Ostankino Tower
Moscow is a large city that’s worth seeing in its entirety. For the best view of the city, you’ll want to visit the Ostankino Tower. The Ostankino Tower is a television and radio tower that was built in 1967. It commemorates the 50th anniversary of the events of the Red October revolution. The tower is functional and plays a major role in network broadcasting around Moscow. It also serves as a popular tourist destination thanks to the observation deck that was included at the top of the tower. You’ll have 360 degree panoramic views over Moscow. With the tower standing at over 540 meters tall, it’s the tallest free-standing structure in Europe.
Gorky Park
Moscow is a major metropolis full of modern and historic buildings. If you’re looking for a place to escape the city-life, the best destination is Gorky Park. Gorky Park serves as Moscow’s central park, one of the largest green spaces in the city occupying over 300 acres of land. It’s a place to visit for both leisure activities and entertainment. The park was established in 1928 and has undergone several redesigns to make it more visitor friendly. It initially held a theme park which was later removed. To replace it, the park’s designers developed various zones throughout Gorky Park for activities such as skating, dancing, and even a kids’ zone. Events are hosted here frequently so there is always something to do when you get a chance to visit the park.
Victory Park
Victory Park is a well known tourist destination for those who want to explore a bit of Russia’s history through World War II. Victory Park stands on the former site of Poklonnaya Hill, who used to be the highest elevation point in Moscow. The hill was used as a strategic location during the war. The hill has since been leveled and replaces with the park, featuring vehicles and other artifacts from the second World War. It’s an open-air museum that includes many notable monuments and landmarks in itself. Visiting Victory Park, you’ll see the towering monument of Kutuzov, the large bronze columns, as well as an eternal flame.