Best attractions in Moscow: Top 31

There is an endless list of things to see in Moscow. Read our review, and you will learn about the main sights of Moscow, without seeing which your trip around the capital would be incomplete.

What to see in Moscow first of all?

In compiling our rating “interesting places in Moscow”, we took into account the reviews of tourists and recommendations of experienced guides. Arriving in the capital, you should definitely see:

1. Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

Moscow’s most famous and most visited sights. The towers of the Kremlin, decorated with chimes and five-pointed ruby stars, are considered a symbol of the metropolis. The construction of the Kremlin, as an object for the defense of the city, began back in the 12th century. Later it was reconstructed and rebuilt many times. If you do not know where to go in Moscow during national holidays, be sure to visit Red Square. Here are organized cultural festivities, all sorts of fairs and celebrations.

Official site: https://www.kreml.ru

2. St. Basil’s Church

The construction of the temple complex began in honor of the capture of Kazan by order of Ivan the Terrible. Initially the facade was painted in white and red, and the dome was gilded. After a fire in the 13th century, however, the temple “acquired” its present delightful multicolored domes.

Official website: http://www.patriarchia

3. Moscow City

The business center of the city, represented by futuristic modern high-rises. The project of the quarter is unique not only for our country, but also for all Eastern European countries. It was conceived as a domestic analogue of the business districts of New York and London. Among others, you will see here a building that is 235 meters high. By the way, each high-rise has its own name.

Official website: http://citymoscow.ru/

4. Cathedral of Christ the Savior

An Orthodox cathedral presented to the city to commemorate the victory in the Patriotic War. The construction work lasted more than 40 years, the idea was carried out by the famous architect K. Ton. Ton. During the Soviet government the temple was almost completely destroyed. However in 1994-1997 it was reconstructed and made one of the main historical monuments of the capital.

Official website: http://new.xxc.ru/

5. Novodevichy Monastery

Moscow’s most ancient monastery for the fairer sex. According to legend, it stands on a site where, in the days of the Golden Horde, women were selected to be sent into slavery. The temple was built over 500 years ago by order of Vasily the Third. Later in the Novodevichy monastery there were many persons of the royal family, women of boyar and princely blood. Some were imprisoned here at the will of others. In fact, the building is a reliable fortress with high walls.

Official site: http://novodev.msk.ru/

6. Church of the Ascension in Kolomenskoye

Just like many other of Moscow’s best sights, this one is on the banks of the capital’s river. It is believed that the church was erected by architect P. Small (Italian by birth). The building, cross-shaped with beams, was one of the first stone architectural masterpieces in Russia. The height of the bell tower is 62 meters.

Official site: http://www.mgomz.ru/

7. Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary

One of the main temples of Catholics in Moscow. The architectural style is neo-Gothic. The legendary building is decorated with colored stained-glass windows, ascending decorative figure towers and lancet arches. In addition to seeing the exterior and interiors, as well as church services, you can drop in here for organ concerts.

Official website: http://www.catedra.ru/

8. Kolomna Palace

The 17th century wooden building is located in Kolomensky Park. The interiors amaze numerous guests with its luxurious and expensive appearance. During the reign of Catherine II, it was decided to dismantle the structure. However, thanks to the detailed drawings of the building, later it was rebuilt in its original form. Today this palace is included in any reviews “The best sights of Russia“ - every tourist should visit it.

Official site: http://www.mgomz.

9. Tsaritsyno museum-reserve

Don’t know what to see in Moscow in 1 day with the whole family? Come to this palace and park complex, which occupies an area of a hundred hectares. All the main buildings on the territory were created in pseudo-Gothic and Gothic styles back in the 18th century. At one time, the current museum was a residence for the royal family. Now there are concerts of folk and classical music, festivals and exhibitions. Many guests and residents of the metropolis come here for a quiet rest in the fresh air, to explore the amazing architecture and landscapes of Tsaritsyno.

Official site: http://tsaritsyno-museum.ru/

10. Kremlin in Izmailovo

If your trip to the capital involves an introduction to Russian architecture, head to see this 17th-century landmark. The current building was erected according to ancient drawings and sketches of the time as an attraction for travelers. Today, the territory of the Izmailovsky Kremlin has a temple, several taverns, a museum and craftsmen’s shops.

Official site: http://www.kremlin-

11. Krutitskoye podvorye

An example of 17th century architecture on Taganka. Originally there was a church here, after that a residence for the higher clergy. A visit to the patriarchal courtyard will allow you to understand what the metropolis was like a few centuries ago.

Official website: http://krutitsy.ru

12. Kuskovo Estate

A beautiful building, surrounded by an equally beautiful park. Previously, the Sheremetev family arranged theatrical premieres and society balls in the manor complex. Now there is a museum with exhibits made of ceramics. Besides, musical performances and all sorts of exhibitions are held here.

Official website: http://kuskovo.ru/

13. Bolshoi Theatre

The key ballet and opera scene of our country in different eras. The date of construction of the first building of the theater - 1825. Later it was restored and rebuilt several times. An ideal place for those interested in excursions in Moscow dedicated to the world of art.

Official website: https://www.bolshoi.ru/

14. State Tretyakov Gallery

The museum has become famous for its many exhibits (an average of about 180,000 specimens) - icons, prints, and paintings by the greatest artists of various years. More than 150 years ago the Tretyakov Gallery received as a gift a collection of paintings that belonged to the family of P. Tretyakov. The gallery is one of the brightest examples of what a person of any age and interest should visit in Moscow.

Official website: http://www.tretyakovgallery.

15. State Historical Museum

In the exhibition complex of 1872, built by order of Alexander the Second, numerous collections with artifacts from various centuries - from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century - are offered to the attention of guests.

Official website: http://www.shm.ru

16. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

Date of establishment - 1913. The exhibition contains about 700 items - unique ancient Egyptian specimens, products from the collections of Moscow University and the Cabinet of Fine Arts.

Official website: https://pushkinmuseum.

17. Nikulin’s Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard

At all times, only the most famous and talented circus artists and troupes have performed in this legendary circus. That is why the institution thrives to this day. In 1980 it was completely rebuilt, leaving only the facade of the former construction unchanged.

Official website: http://www.circusnikuli

18. Bunker 42 on Taganka

A specimen of the last century, located 65 m underground. It was built as an autonomous command post in case of a nuclear attack on the Soviet Union. Now a museum is set up here, on the displays of which the best guides in Moscow give their fascinating tours. There is also a restaurant open here.

Official site: http://bunker42.com/

19. Ostankino TV Tower

The 540-meter TV tower can be called one of the most recognizable symbols of the metropolis. It broadcasts throughout our country. Inside there are offices and studios of the main Russian TV channels. Guests are invited to buy a ticket for a guided tour. During the program you can go up to the observation deck, and enjoy the views of the entire city.

Official website: http://www.tvtower.ru/

20. Sparrow Hills

Talking about the main sights of Moscow, it is impossible not to mention briefly the key observation deck of the capital. From it you can see multistory buildings of the Moscow City district, Stalin’s high-rise buildings and the Moskva River. Here people ride bicycles, make morning jogs and simply have a walk. Besides it is a place for various celebrations and socially important events.

Official site: http://vorobyovy-gory.ru/

Moscow sights: what else to visit in Moscow?

Hotels in Moscow should be booked in advance. Otherwise, instead of viewing historical and cultural monuments you will be busy looking for accommodation. In addition to the above-mentioned sights, your attention in the city deserves such objects as:

21. Victory Park on Poklonnaya Hill

An object created to commemorate the great victory in the Great Patriotic War. On the territory of the exhibition complex there are museums, whose exhibits tell about the events of the terrible war. Not so long ago, a memorial was opened in the park square dedicated to the soldiers of World War I.

Official website: http://www.poklonnaya

22. VDNKH (ALL-RUSSIA EXHIBITION CENTRE)

A popular vacation spot for Muscovites and tourists from all over the world. Interesting museums, organized cultural, entertainment and business events, reconstructed historical pavilions, high quality of leisure are the reasons for the “attendance boom” of the modern VDNKh.

Official website: http://vdnh.ru/

23. Triumphal gates

The object was arranged to commemorate the successful conclusion of the Patriotic War. The architect Bove was in charge of the design of the arch. The location of the architectural masterpiece is Kutuzovsky Avenue.

24. Stalin’s Heights

The seven high-rises built in the 20th century in the style of “Soviet monumental classicism” or the opulent “Stalinist Empire”. Designed by Stalin himself, the original high-rise buildings were to be symbols of the greatness and power of the capital and the Soviet Union. During the years of the Soviet Union only the largest and most important figures in science and politics could get apartments in such prestigious buildings. However, the cost of real estate in these elite houses and today is incredibly high, even by Moscow standards.

25. Old Arbat Street

It’s hard to imagine a Russian who wouldn’t know about the capital’s main pedestrian street. There are many souvenir stores, cafes and museums of various kinds. You can order your own portrait from a street artist or listen to performances of musicians, spend time looking at local architectural treasures.

26. State Department Store (GUM)

One of the main sights of Red Square. The majestic 19th century building will welcome you with its numerous shopping aisles. Today GUM has author’s showrooms, historical stores and expensive boutiques of the most famous brands on Earth. If your aim is high-class shopping, and you can afford really expensive purchases, a walk through the department store will bring you a lot of pleasure.

Official website: https://gum.ru/

27. Hermitage Garden

A massive park area that locals most often choose for walking. The date of the complex’s foundation is the 19th century. There is now a summer concert stage and several theaters. Recommended for a visit at any time of the year.

Official website: http://www.mosgorsad.ru

28. MUZEON Art Park

A vast area consisting of walking paths, contemporary art objects, landscaped areas, outdoor exhibitions. The park is set up on the colorful Crimean embankment.

Official website: http://park-gorkogo

29. Moscow Zoo

The capital’s “menagerie” was created in order to conduct educational and research activities, to preserve various animal species. At the moment, the number of inhabitants is about 1,100 species and about 8,000 representatives of fauna from all over the world. A visit will be equally interesting for children and adults.

Official website: http://www.moscowzoo.ru/

30. Art-cluster “Red October”

A center for Moscow’s bohemians, located in the brick house of a famed confectionery factory. The city’s most famous celebrities and fashionable crowd gather here. The center has many exhibition halls, design studios, art galleries and workshops.

Official website: http://www.redok.ru/

31. Gorky Park

The park area is located on the bank of the Moskva River. Recently the area has been one of the main places for entertainment of locals and guests of the megalopolis - in the cold season there is an ice rink, in summer large-scale celebrations, skateboarding competitions, performances of environmentalists, vegetarian festivals, other entertaining and sometimes unusual events are organized here.

Official website: http://park-gorkogo.com/

We hope that those sights of Moscow, photos with names and descriptions of which you have now seen, have aroused your interest. When you come to the capital, be sure to find time to visit them.

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