Moscow sightseeing
Wherever you are in Moscow during your CiryBreak Moscow, the rich history of the city is reflected in your surroundings. Starting at the Red Square, reserve at least half a day for the touristic sites you will find here, although it will probably take you the whole day. Another must-see are several stations of the metro system, you can visit them on your way to some of the highlights outside the center. There is so much to see and do in Moscow, so be prepared if you want to get to most out of your City Break Moscow!
Red Square
The Red Square is the perfect starting point for a day of sightseeing in Moscow. It is the center of Moscow and surrounded by major tourist sites, such as the Kremlin, the GUM and the Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It is an impressive square with to your left the impressive GUM shopping center and to your right the Kremlin. The square is mainly used nowadays for pop concerts. The Russian ladies who make their way on the cobblestones wearing 4-inch heels are impressive too. If you are visiting the Red Square on a Saturday during the summer, you are likely to spot some beautiful Russian brides.
Adress: Red Square; Metro: Ohotniy Riad
Kremlin
In the old Soviet Union, the Kremlin was regarded as ‘the heart of the Soviet Union’. The whole of Russia was governed from this impressive complex and major historical decisions are made here. Nowadays, the government is still seated in parts of the complex, as is reflected by the amount of security and police forces. Located to your right hand when entering the Red Square, it is hard to miss the Kremlin. Since some of the buildings are still in use by officials, not every building is public, but the ones that are, are a definite must-see during your CityBreak Moscow! The total size of the Kremlin is a 28 hectare and is fully surrounded by a thick wall with circa 20 large towers. Be sure you arrive on time, there can be a queue for the ticket office and you do not want to miss out on this. At the ticket office you can buy a headset with a tour in different languages.
Adress: To your right when standing at the Red Square; Metro: Ohotniy Riad
St. Basil Cathedral
When you see a picture of Moscow somewhere, ten to one that the St. Basil’s Cathedral is in it. With its coloured and varied towers, it is the symbol of Russia. The cathedral is built between 1555 and 1560 by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate the victory on the Tatars. The cathedral is open on Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Be on time because there will likely a queue and be aware you have to pay when you take pictures.
Adress: Red Square; Metro: Ohotniy Riad
Lenin Mausoleum
In the middle of the Kremlin wall on the Red Square you can find the mausoleum of Lenin, a distinct red and black building. Over the entrance, the name of Lenin (ЛЕНИН) is inscribed in red. Lenin did not want to be put up for show in a mausoleum like this, but it was decided to give him this last honour anyway. After he died in 1924, his body was embalmed in a secret way (still unknown today), and apparently successful since he is still there. After you paid your respect to Lenin (do not take picture nor talk!) you can go on to the necropolis behind the mausoleum, where almost every important Russian politician has found his or her last resting place.
Adress: Red Square; Metro: Ohotniy Riad
Novodevichy Convent
The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most beautiful convents in Moscow. It is built at the beginning of the 16th century and has been a witness of important historical events. This is still reflected in the graveyard, where some of the most influential Russian personalities are buried. The convent comprises of several beautiful churches, a bell tower, some exhibitions of old Russian art and an impressive graveyard. The site was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004.
Address: 1 Novodevichy proyezd; Metro: Sportivnaya
Poklonnaja Mountain
Poklonnaja Mountain is suited in the western part of Moscow and gives the visitor a tremendous view over the city. In 1995 a memorial complex was opened in honour of the ones that had fallen in the Great Patriotic War, although the Mountain itself was established in 1985, with only a sign that said: "Here there will be a monument to the Victory of Soviet people in Great Patriotic War". You will find the Central Museum of Great Patriotic War, the Victory Monument and three temples on the hill, in addition to the stunning view over Moscow.
Metro: Park Pobedy or Kutuzovskaya
Kuskovo Estate
The Kuskovo Estate or Palace used to be the summer residence of the Sheremetyev family and is built in the 18th century. It is also called the Moscow Versailles because of the French gardens surrounding the palace. Visit the Kuskovo Estate for a taste of the Russian nobiliary life a couple of centuries ago and enjoy the beautiful garden. The total territory of the Kuskovo Estate is over 300 hectares and contains three parks, a good way to escape the hectic of the city!
Address: Ulitsa Yunosti 2; Metro: Ryazansky Prospekt + Bus 133 or 208 stop at the main entrance