Russia

Moscow

Moscow: onion domes, metro palaces, and endless ambition.

Local time
UTC+3
Population
13.0M
Safety

Cost of a day

$$$$$
Moderate
  • Food$$$$$About $50 a day: light breakfast, cheap lunch, mid-range dinner
  • Stay$$$$$3-star hotel about $92 a night for two
  • Transport$$$$$About $4.0 a day: 4 public transit rides

Exchange rate

🇷🇺 RUB =
Rates from 2026-10-23, refreshed monthly.

Getting in

SVOSheremetyevo International AirportAeroflot hub, 27 km northwest of the centre.
HowCostTime
Bus 851Rechnoy Vokzal metro₽5740-60 min
Cheapest; validate your ticket on board.
Aeroexpress trainBelorussky station₽52550 min
Runs every 30-60 min, 05:00-00:30.
Night bus H1City centre₽6140-60 min
Every 30 min, 00:30-05:30.
Taxi / Yandex GoCity centre₽1,000-1,50040-70 min
Book in the app; ignore touts.
DMEDomodedovo International AirportMain airport for foreign airlines, 43 km southeast.
HowCostTime
Bus 308Domodedovskaya metro₽10030 min
Runs 24 hours, every 15 min.
Commuter trainPaveletsky station₽12075 min
Cheaper but slower than Aeroexpress.
Aeroexpress trainPaveletsky station₽52550 min
Every 30 min, 06:00-00:30.
Taxi / Yandex GoCity centre₽1,000-1,50050-90 min
Traffic can be heavy; allow extra time.
VKOVnukovo International AirportSmaller airport, 29 km southwest.
HowCostTime
Bus 911Salaryevo metro₽36-5535-40 min
Troika card is cheaper than paying the driver.
Metro line 8ACity centre₽60-8060-75 min
Direct metro link; no changes needed.
Night bus H11Salaryevo metro₽5535-40 min
Covers the overnight gap.
Taxi / Yandex GoCity centre₽1,000-1,50040-70 min
Official app is the safe choice.

Estimates, checked October 2026. Wikivoyage: Moscow

Getting around

Metro for almost everything; it is fast, cheap and the stations are sights themselves.

  • Metro ★Runs about 05:30–01:00. Fast and cheap; a Troika card cuts fares. Stations are attractions in themselves.
  • BusBuses, trolleybuses and trams fill the gaps. A Troika card cuts fares.
  • Taxi / ride appsYandex Go is the main app. Taxis are metered, but agree the price first.
  • Rental carDriving in the centre is slow and parking is costly. Use park-and-ride instead.
  • WalkingCentral streets are walkable. Bike lanes are limited and winter is icy.
  • FerryNo useful ferry service in the city.
Recommended stay★ 3 nights (4 days)

Three nights covers the Kremlin, Red Square, the big museums and the metro stations without rushing.

Best for
  • CultureThe Kremlin, Red Square and the metro palaces.
  • HistoryCathedrals, Soviet landmarks and war memorials.
  • ArtTretyakov, Pushkin and the Garage galleries.

Weather by month

-5°-10°Jan🌧 13d
-3°-8°Feb🌧 10d
2°-6°Mar🌧 9d
11°1°Apr🌧 10d
18°7°May🌧 11d
23°12°Jun🌧 10d
24°15°Jul🌧 14d
23°13°Aug🌧 8d
17°9°Sep🌧 9d
9°3°Oct🌧 12d
2°-2°Nov🌧 11d
-2°-6°Dec🌧 14d

Average daily high / low (°C), sea temperature and rainy days. Typical figures, not a forecast.

Climate

Continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. Rain falls in every month, so pack a layer and an umbrella.

  • Best time: May to SeptemberHighs of 17–24°C and long days. Ideal for walking, parks and the river.
  • Winter is long and coldDecember to February highs sit near -2 to -5°C. Wear a warm coat, hat, gloves and boots.
  • Rain in every monthExpect 8–14 rain days monthly. July and December are wettest; August is driest.
  • Icy streets in winterPavements can be slippery from November to March. Choose shoes with grip.
  • Short winter daysDaylight is limited in December and January. Plan indoor sights and start early.
  • What to packSummer: light clothes and a rain jacket. Winter: heavy coat, thermals, hat, gloves and waterproof boots.

Landmarks 37

Must-see · 10

  1. 1

    Red Square

    The vast cobblestone heart of Moscow, ringed by the Kremlin, St. Basil's and GUM, and the first place every visitor heads. Come early morning or after dark to dodge the crowds and catch the buildings lit up. It's free and open around the clock; the nearest metro is Okhotny Ryad.

  2. 2

    Moscow Kremlin

    A walled city of cathedrals, palaces and armouries that has been the seat of Russian power for centuries. Buy tickets online and go on a weekday morning; the Armoury Chamber needs a separate timed ticket. Enter from the Alexander Garden side via metro Biblioteka imeni Lenina.

  3. 3

    St. Basil's Cathedral

    The candy-coloured onion domes on Red Square are Russia's most recognisable silhouette. Step inside to see the maze of chapels, and photograph it from the Zaryadye Park side at sunset. Tickets are sold at the door; modest dress is respectful.

  4. 4

    Lenin's Mausoleum

    A starkly modern tomb on Red Square holding the embalmed body of the Soviet founder. It's free but opens only a few short morning hours and closes on some weekdays, so check ahead; no bags, phones or photos inside, and expect a queue.

  5. 5

    Tretyakov Gallery

    The definitive collection of Russian painting, from medieval icons to the Blue Dancers and the great 19th-century masters. Allow at least half a day and book a timed ticket online to skip the line. Metro Tretyakovskaya is right outside.

  6. 6

    GUM

    The elegant 19th-century arcade facing the Kremlin, now a department store with a glass roof and historic cafés. It's a good rain shelter and a classic photo spot; go in the evening when the facade is illuminated. Metro Ploshchad Revolyutsii.

  7. 7

    Moscow Metro Stations

    Moscow's underground palaces — chandeliers, mosaics and marble — are a sight in themselves and the cheapest way to cross the city. Ride the circle line and stop at Komsomolskaya and Novoslobodskaya; avoid rush hour for photos. A single trip costs a few dollars.

  8. 8

    Bolshoi Theatre

    One of the world's great opera and ballet houses, with a gilded auditorium that alone justifies the visit. Book ballet or opera tickets well in advance online, or take a guided backstage tour if performances are sold out. Metro Teatralnaya.

  9. 9

    Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

    A colossal white-and-gold cathedral rebuilt in the 1990s, dominating the Moskva River bank near the Kremlin. Go up to the viewing gallery for river views and dress modestly; entry to the main church is free. Metro Kropotkinskaya.

  10. 10

    Novodevichy Convent

    A serene walled convent with red-and-white towers and a famous cemetery of Russian artists and leaders next door. It's a peaceful half-day away from the centre; combine it with a walk around the pond. Metro Sportivnaya.

1Red Square2Moscow Kremlin3St. Basil's Cathedral4Lenin's Mausoleum5Tretyakov Gallery6GUM7Moscow Metro Stations8Bolshoi Theatre9Cathedral of Christ the Saviour10Novodevichy Convent

Cultural

Christian 4

Old Town 2

Urban Hub 1

Palace 1

Modern History 3

Statue 2

Castle 1

Modern Architecture 2

Museum 4

Tower 2

Historical Square 1

Garden 1

Natural

River 1

Unique Landscape 1

Activities

Amusement Park 5

Painting 1

Theater 1

Food 1

Football Stadium 1

Aquarium 1

Zoo 1

Overview

History & significance

Highlights

    Plans

    Moscow rewards visitors with grand history, world-class art, and a fast, cheap metro. Pick how long you have and what you enjoy most. Prices checked October 2026; ≈ marks estimates.

    How long?

    What do you enjoy most?

    3 nights · Culture ★ Recommended length

    First-timers who want the Kremlin, Red Square and the metro palaces without rushing.

    Tickets & tours
    ≈ RUB 4,360
    per person
    Taxis
    ≈ RUB 2,143
    per taxi, up to 4 people
    Day 1

    Arrive and Red Square at dusk

    Tickets ≈ RUB 1,000 pp · taxis ≈ RUB 600
    123
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      16:00–16:45 · Free to enter

      Red Square Landmark quest

      Open 24 hours, but check for event closures. Cobbles are uneven, wear flat shoes.

      Open Open 24 hours; closed to cars. Check for event closures.

    2. Taxi · 355 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RUB 300
    3. 2

      16:50–17:50 · ≈ RUB 1000 entry; check on the day

      St. Basil's Cathedral Landmark quest

      Usually 10:00–18:00; closed some days in winter, so check on the day.

      Open Usually 10:00–18:00, closed some days in winter; check on the day.

    4. Taxi · 398 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RUB 300
    5. 3

      18:00–18:45 · Free to enter; shops and cafes priced separately

      GUM Landmark quest

      Usually 10:00–22:00. Stay for dinner inside; it is lit up in the evening.

      Open Usually 10:00–22:00 daily · Source

    Day 2

    Kremlin morning, metro afternoon

    Tickets ≈ RUB 1,560 pp · taxis ≈ RUB 900
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      10:00–13:00 · ≈ RUB 1000 for the grounds; cathedrals and Armoury cost extra. Check on the day.

      Moscow Kremlin Landmark quest

      Closed Thursday. Usually 10:00–17:00; check on the day. Buy tickets ahead.

      Open Closed Thursday. Usually 10:00–17:00; check on the day. · Source

    2. Taxi · 433 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RUB 300
    3. 2

      13:15–14:00 · Free

      Lenin's Mausoleum Landmark quest

      Usually Tue–Sat 10:00–13:00. Often closed Monday and Sunday. No bags inside.

      Open Usually Tue–Sat 10:00–13:00; often closed Monday and Sunday. Check on the day.

    4. Taxi · 465 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RUB 300
    5. 3

      14:15–15:00 · ≈ RUB 350–700 a bowl at a sit-down cafe

      Borscht (classic Russian soup) Landmark quest

      Lunch nearby in Kitay-Gorod. Most cafes 10:00–23:00.

      Open Most cafes 10:00–23:00

    6. Taxi · 478 m · ≈ 6 min · ≈ RUB 300
    7. 4

      15:30–17:00 · ≈ RUB 60 per ride; day passes available

      Moscow Metro Stations Landmark quest

      About 05:30–01:00 daily. Quieter mid-morning, but afternoon works. Buy a single-ride card.

      Open About 05:30–01:00 daily · Source

    Day 3

    Art and the river

    Tickets ≈ RUB 1,800 pp · taxis ≈ RUB 643
    1234
    Approximate route · map © OpenStreetMap contributors
    1. 1

      10:00–12:30 · ≈ RUB 700–900; check on the day

      Tretyakov Gallery Landmark quest

      Closed Monday. Usually 10:00–18:00, later some days. Weekday morning is calmest.

      Open Closed Monday. Usually 10:00–18:00, later some days. · Source

    2. Taxi · 1361 m · ≈ 9 min · ≈ RUB 304
    3. 2

      13:00–13:45 · Free to enter; small fee for the viewing platform

      Cathedral of Christ the Saviour Landmark quest

      Usually 08:00–20:00; check on the day. Late afternoon light is best.

      Open Usually 08:00–20:00; check on the day

    4. 3

      15:00–16:30 · ≈ RUB 700–1500 for a 1-hour cruise; check on the day

      Moskva River boat cruise

      Usually 11:00–22:00 in season. Sunset trips sell out in summer.

      Open Usually 11:00–22:00 in season

    5. Taxi · 2 km · ≈ 11 min · ≈ RUB 339
    6. 4

      17:00–18:00 · Free; some attractions cost extra

      Zaryadye Park

      Open 24 hours. Good sunset spot over the river.

      Open Open 24 hours · Source

    Swap in instead

    • Add a day for a country estate or monastery outside the centre; check opening days and transport first.
    • Art lovers can swap a museum for a gallery afternoon in the former factory districts.
    • In warm months, spend an evening on a river cruise or a walk in Gorky Park.

    Getting around

    • Metro is fast, cheap and runs about 05:30-01:00; stations are attractions in themselves.
    • Buses, trolleybuses and trams fill the gaps; a Troika card cuts fares.
    • Yandex Go is the main ride app; taxis are metered but agree the price first.
    • Driving in the centre is slow and parking is costly; use park-and-ride.
    • Central streets are walkable; bike lanes are limited and winter is icy.
    • No useful ferry service in the city.

    Where to stay

    • Tverskoy · ≈ RUB 6,000–18,000 a night
      Central and walkable. Close to Red Square, the Bolshoi and good restaurants. Metro everywhere.
    • Kitay-Gorod · ≈ RUB 5,500–15,000 a night
      Steps from Red Square and the Kremlin. Quiet lanes, easy metro links.
    • Arbat · ≈ RUB 5,000–13,000 a night
      Lively pedestrian street, cafés and shops. Walk to the Kremlin in about 20 minutes.
    • Khamovniki · ≈ RUB 5,500–16,000 a night
      Quieter, greener area near the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and Gorky Park.

    Food & drink

    • Try Russian classics: borscht, pelmeni dumplings, blini and syrniki pancakes.
    • Look for stolovaya canteens for cheap, filling lunches; prices vary, check the day's menu.
    • Georgian food is everywhere and good: khachapuri bread and khinkali dumplings.
    • Coffee and pastry culture is strong in the centre; many cafés open early.
    • Book popular restaurants ahead for weekend evenings. Tipping of about 10% is common.

    Tips

    1. The Moscow Metro is not just a transit system but an underground museum — admire the station art
    2. Red Square and the Kremlin are essential, but book tickets for the Armory Chamber in advance
    3. Winters are extremely cold; ensure you have high-quality insulated clothing and boots
    4. The city is massive, so rely heavily on the Metro to bypass surface traffic
    5. English is not widely spoken, so having a translation app is highly recommended
    Sources for prices and hours

    Taxi costs are estimates from straight-line distance and the metered fare. Map positions are approximate.

    Tours & activities

    Souvenirs

    Matryoshka nesting dolls

    RUB 1500–80001 set · estimate

    Painted wooden dolls that fit one inside another. They are a classic Russian souvenir, and Moscow's Izmailovsky Market is famous for them.

    Where: Izmailovsky Market
    Look for hand-painted sets with 5 to 10 pieces, since hand-painting is more detailed than printed designs.

    Pavlovo Posad shawl

    RUB 4500–100001 shawl · estimate

    A wool shawl decorated with bold Russian floral patterns. The town of Pavlovo Posad near Moscow has made these shawls for centuries.

    Where: Pavlovo Posad Shawl Manufactory official Moscow store
    Check the wool content and make sure the authenticity label is attached.

    Flights

    Dates are departure dates at each airport, which may differ from your itinerary arrival date. Select your flight and complete payment on Trip.com.

    Search flights · Trip.com

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