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Central Criminal Court

The old bailey.

Known as the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, is one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court.

Behind its dignified façade the Old Bailey is a centre of intense activity with thousands of people entering the building on a daily basis. As well as judges, counsel, jurors, witnesses and defendants, these include the many staff needed to run the courts and the building.

Guided tours

The Old Bailey is opening its doors to the public for guided tours this summer. Join a  City of London Guide to discover history, famous trials, unexpected artworks of the most famous court house in the world.

The public galleries

Access is free and based on a first come first served basis.

• Seating cannot be reserved under any circumstances
• Groups, maximum 20 people, need to call in advance

Please note

• Comprehensive security measures include 24/7 CCTV surveillance, X-ray screening, body searches, and regular patrols. Please cooperate during checks and report any suspicious activity to security staff.
• There is no admission for children under 14 and proof of age may be requested by security.
• Visitors who wish to watch court proceedings from the public galleries are requested to dress appropriately or entry to the court building will be refused.
• No large bags or rucksacks are allowed in the building, though handbags are acceptable. Also no electronic devices, food or drink are allowed. There are no facilities for the safekeeping of such items available at the entrance to the public galleries. Download the PDF for more details.

About the Old Bailey

The City of London Corporation owns and administers the building, as department headed by the Head of Operations. This handles security, maintenance and also deals with administration of the Shrievalty, which includes execution of writs and warrants.

Staff run the courts is headed by the Court Manager who is employed by the HMCTS. The work includes the huge and complicated task of assigning cases to courts, ensuring that there are always cases ready and waiting to be heard, with witnesses, defendants and counsel available

• Historic proceedings (1674 - 1834)

Now a crown court centre, it hears cases from the City of London and the Greater London area, and those remitted to it from England and Wales.

The figure of Justice standing commandingly above the streets of the City of London is an image familiar to millions, an instantly recognisable symbol from book covers, films and television news. The building she proudly crowns is almost as well-known as she is - the Central Criminal Court, universally known as the Old Bailey, the most famous criminal court in the world.

Did you know? Crowning the court the statue of Justice stands 60 metres above the street and is 3.7 metres high, cast in bronze and covered with gold leaf. Her outstretched arms span 2.4 metres; in her right hand she holds the sword of retribution and in her left the equally balanced scales of justice. She is especially distinguished from other statues of Justice, by not being blindfolded.​

Early history

Before the first courthouse was built in the 16th century, sessions were held in nearby rooms specially hired for the purpose or in Newgate, the 'notorious prison' used to house prisoners from at least the end of the 12th century.

The medieval Newgate had replaced the original Roman west gate to the City. All the courthouses have been built on the line of the Roman City wall, a section of which is still preserved in the basement of the present building.

New building

Extremely poor conditions for prisoners and the fast spreading of many diseases, meant a new prison was needed. Completed in 1785, the Old Bailey, named after the street besides the new prison, soon became popular as the scene of hanging of those sentenced to death. The last ‘beheading’ in the country took place outside the prison in 1820.

The building was further enlarged in 1824 when a second courtroom was added. 10 years later, an Act of Parliament extended the Central Criminal Court jurisdiction beyond the City and Middlesex to include parts of Essex, Surrey and Kent and to British ships on the high seas.

The 1907 courthouse

By the end of the century, more expansion work was needed and in 1898 the Royal Institute of British Architects nominated six architects to submit plans, putting no restrictions on style but requiring impressiveness and dignity without excessive ornamentation.

The design of Edward Mountford was selected, who chose to complement the nearby dome of St Paul’s, which then dominated the City skyline.

The first stone of the new Old Bailey was laid in 1902, and five years later the building, with four courts, 90 cells and stones from the demolished prison used in its façade, was completed. It cost the City of London Corporation nearly £400,000 and was opened in 1907 by King Edward VII.

The present building

After extensive damage caused by an air-raid in 1941, the building was restored and enlarged and more courts added. Further work was carried out in the 60s and 70s – when an IRA car bomb damaged the building.

Did you know? In all the 18 courts the central chair is always reserved for the Lord Mayor, who is the Chief Justice of the City of London.

Famous trials

• One case has earned a commemorative plaque in the courthouse: that of Quakers William Penn and William Mead. It is a legal landmark because of the jury’s refusal to convict them, which led to the establishment of the right of juries to give a verdict according to conscience.
• Many 18th century trials became famous through the writings of the Newgate Ordinary, the prison chaplain, who published pamphlets of the lives, trials and executions of criminals.
• Among the famous trials are those of Oscar Wilde, Dr Crippen, William Joyce (‘Lord Haw Haw’), John Christie, the Krays and Peter Sutcliffe, the ‘Yorkshire Ripper’.

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The Old Bailey – Guided Tour

• Attractions

www.eventbrite.co.uk

Central Criminal Court, Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EH

Known as the Old Bailey, the Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, is one of a number of buildings housing the Crown Court. Built on the site of the old Newgate prison, the current building was opened in 1907 by Edward VII and it’s still a working court today. The neo-Baroque building with elaborately carved decorations, is topped by a 12ft gold leaf statue of a ‘lady of justice’ holding a sword in one hand and the scales of justice in the other. It's a stunning building to look at from the outside. To go inside, you'll need to book a place on a public guided tour.

Public Tours

Join City of London Guides to discover history, famous trials, unexpected artworks of the most famous court house in the world.

Public guided tours take place on Saturdays - advance booking required via Eventbrite.

Listing location

London symphony orchestra, the lookout, carter lane, new street square, carter lane gardens, st botolph-without-bishopsgate, leadenhall building (the cheesegrater), smithfield market, lloyd’s of london, street food market at the leadenhall building, paternoster square, st lawrence jewry, city of london distillery, dabbers social bingo – city, bishopsgate institute, city bouldering, the london centre, dutch church, inner temple, gresham college, holy sepulchre, the national musicians church, barbican centre, barbican cinemas, swingers city, the garden at 120, la scuola cooking school at eataly, st bartholomew’s hospital museum, beers london, barry’s, the spa at four seasons london at ten trinity square, st dunstan in the east church garden, jeff wayne’s the war of the worlds: the immersive experience, barbican architecture tours, city of london information centre, axeperience, sculpture in the city, puttshack bank, city of london guides – private tours, the gunpowder plot, st bartholomew the great church, tower of london, bridewell theatre, guildhall school of music & drama, barbican art gallery & the curve, bloomberg arcade, eastcheap records, barbican theatre, concerts at the barbican, london stone, mansion house, guildhall great hall, guildhall yard, city of london heritage gallery, london’s roman amphitheatre, guildhall art gallery, billingsgate roman house and baths, barbican conservatory, heavenly spa by westin, st mary-le-bow, st. stephen walbrook, the charterhouse, city of london guides – daily guided walks, the monument, st paul’s cathedral, red eight gallery, dr johnson’s house, st bride foundation, the guild church of st dunstan-in-the-west, all hallows by the tower, bank of england museum, tower bridge, london mithraeum bloomberg space, leadenhall market, one new change.

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Discover Official Walks & Talks

The 'old bailey': saturdays.

The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, known the world over as the 'Old Bailey', is opening its doors to the public for guided tours this summer.

It is the most famous court house in the world but from the 1100s it was a prison, the notorious Newgate, and a place of execution. The last public hanging there was in 1868 and the last one behind its firmly closed doors in 1902.

The iconic ‘Old Bailey’ is packed with secrets, history, famous trials, unexpected artworks and is also a busy, working building. Come and explore it after hours with a professional City of London Guide.

NOW BOOKING FOR 2024

Please note:

This is a working court and even though the tours are on a Saturday:

• Everyone has to go through the security check on arrival.
• You will need to bring photo ID with you.
• There is no admission for children aged under 14 and proof of age may be requested by security.
• No large bags or rucksacks are allowed in the building, though handbags are acceptable.
• No photography is allowed in any Court room or the Cells.

BOOK YOUR TICKET HERE   Note: booking fee applies

We offer daily, weekly and monthly walks around the City of London 

Our daily walks run from the City Information Centre, just south of St Paul's. You need to book via Eventbrite to secure you place.  Note : the cut-off time for booking our daily walks is 21:00hrs the night before. If we don't have any bookings then the walk will not take place.

Our weekly walks have individual booking pages and earlier cut-off times, please see the individual listing.  

We've adde d 3 new walks for this season:

Secrets and Symbols, News from Fleet Street, and From Shakespeare to Oscar Wilde

Billingsgate Roman House and Baths open 

This unique site is now open for this season of tours.  Find out more.

Leadenhall Market: Beer, Bread and Beans!

This is a limited-edition, evening tour exploring the history of food and drink in and around the market in May and June.  Find out more

Private tours

If you'd like to organise your own walk , lecture or a virtual tour, then please use our  Find a Guide  section. If you're a member of an Arts Society or a U3A or other group we'd love to take you on a tour of the City. And if you're a company based in the City who'd like to organise a social event for your work colleagues, why not book a walk with us? 

If you've been on a walk recently we'd love to hear from you. Why not leave a review on our TripAdvisor  page? We've been awarded TripAdvisor's Travellers' Choice for 2023!

Normal price, concessions.

10:00, 14:00

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Dr. Samuel Johnson Guided Walks: Twice Monthly

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Guildhall: Monthly Tours

In Charles Dickens' Footsteps: Wednesdays

Guided Tour of the Old Bailey

A unique opportunity to visit this London icon.

Select date and time

• Saturday May 11 10:00 AM
• Saturday May 18 10:00 AM
• More options

Central Criminal Court

Refund Policy

About this event.

The Central Criminal Court of England and Wales, known the world over as the 'Old Bailey', is opening its doors to the public for out of hours guided tours .

It is the most famous court house in the world but from the 1100s it was a prison, the notorious Newgate, and a place of execution. The last public hanging there was in 1868 and the last one behind its firmly closed doors in 1902.

The iconic ‘Old Bailey’ is packed with secrets, history, famous trials, unexpected artworks and is also a busy, working building. Come and explore it after hours with a professional City of London Guide.

P lease note:

The only way to reach the cells is by stairs. For other levels of the building there is a lift

T his is a working court and even though the tours are on a Saturday:

• E veryone has to go through the security check on arrival.
• You will need to bring photo ID with you.
• There is no admission for children aged under 14 and proof of age may be requested by security.
• No large bags or rucksacks are allowed in the building, though handbags are acceptable.
• Mobile phones are allowed on the tour but no photography is allowed in any Court room or the Cells.
• United Kingdom Events
• Greater London Events
• Things to do in London
• London Tours
• London Arts Tours
• #historywalk
• #unique_experience
• #guided_tour
• #history_tour
• #guided_walk
• #city_of_london
• #newgate_prison

Organised by

Old Bailey Insight & Legal London

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Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

OLD BAILEY INSIGHT & LEGAL LONDON - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

A family day out

Family reviews of attractions, events, walks and cycle rides, mostly in the UK.

Visiting the Old Bailey and Inns of Court, London

Have you ever watched a court case? I’ve wanted to visit the Old Bailey ever since I realised the general public were allowed to observe trials. When a recent child free day came along I jumped at the opportunity to see the Old Bailey and other law related places in the city.

The Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court)

The Old Bailey deals with major criminal cases, mainly from the Greater London area. There are eighteen courts covering serious cases such as murder, terrorism and drug related crimes.

Despite being on the right side of the law I was a little nervous walking towards the public gallery entrance. I rang the doorbell, hidden down Warwick Passage, and waited to be called up for the security check. After passing through security I asked one of the guards about the best trial to visit.

The courts were relatively quiet on the day of my visit and the only option was a terrorism trial. The case related to four defendants, accused of supporting the funding of terrorism. The case had already been ongoing for several days; I entered the public gallery as the prosecutor was giving his closing speech to the jury.

The court room was smaller than I expected but familiar from TV court dramas. Visitors sit in a small balcony area, opposite the jurors. To my right sat the four defendants, to the left the judge. In the middle sat the Court Clerk and barristers. Their wigs intrigued me. Made from horsehair, evidently the older and grubbier they look the better!

It was really interesting to listen in and watch the workings of the court. I’m not going to write about the trial itself as it impacts real lives. Suffice to say the evidence was compelling and the subsequent outcome wasn’t a surprise.

Once in the courtroom there is a 30 minute minimum stay. However time passed quickly and I stayed for a couple of hours. Leaving as quietly as possible I crept out of the galleries and headed to my next destination, Temple Church.

The Temple Church

It’s hard to imagine that the serene Temple Church is just a couple of minutes walk from Fleet Street. Founded in the 12th Century by the Knights Templar it’s modelled on the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem. In 1608 the Temple was granted to two societies of lawyers, the Inner and Middle Temple, who look after it to this day.

The most distinguishing feature of the church is its round nave. Certainly impressive but I enjoyed the interior stonework just as much. On the floor of the nave lies the effigies of nine knights, whilst all around are grotesque gargoyles.

The nave contains a lot of display boards detailing the history which I really should have read.  But I was more interested in climbing the winding staircase to the clerestory for views back across the church.

Inns of Court

The area around Temple Church is surrounded by two of the Inns of Court. These are the professional associations for barristers; every barrister needs to belong to one of them. There are four Inns in London; Gray’s Inn, Lincoln’s Inn, Middle Temple and Inner Temple; I explored the lanes and gardens of the latter two.

Wandering down the lanes it was hard to believe I was in central London. Lined with barristers’ chambers and intercepted by gardens and courtyards it feels more like a film set. I half expected Sherlock Holmes to walk down the street. There are maps dotted around the area but it’s more fun just to stroll around.

The buildings themselves are off limits to casual wanderers. Fortunately I didn’t need to be a barrister to enjoy the gardens. The borders were in full bloom, perfectly demonstrating the beauty of high summer. If I ignored the background sound of car horns, I could almost imagine I was enjoying a town garden.

As I reached the front of one garden, bordering Victoria Embankment, I realised the last time I’d been near here was whilst running the London Marathon . I’d struggled the last few miles and this section didn’t hold particularly good memories! It was good to reminisce in less painful times.

Royal Courts of Justice

Close by is one of the other major legal buildings, the Royal Courts of Justice, and my last stop of the day. The Law Courts house the High Court and Court of Appeal and preside over civil, not criminal, trials. It’s a huge Victorian Gothic style building on the Strand, just opposite Temple Inn.

Although there was an airport style scanner to pass through once in you appear to be free to wander. I picked up a self-guided tour leaflet from the entrance desk; it’s also possible to book guided tours. I walked around the Main Hall, past a small costume display to the Painted Room and then along past court rooms.

In a similar way to the Old Bailey it’s possible to watch trials. Although personally I think criminal trials sound much more interesting! I’d definitely like to visit another Old Bailey trial at some point, and I highly recommend it to anyone interested in the workings of our legal system.

• The Old Bailey is for those aged 14+ years only; you may be asked for photo identification. Court generally sits on weekdays from 10am-1pm and from 2-4.30pm but do check before you visit. Security is strict. Cameras, mobile phones, large bags and refreshments are not permitted. You can leave mobiles at the nearby Capable Travel Agent at a cost of £1 per device. Details of the cases are posted on the boards outside.
• The Temple Church website details its varied opening times. It’s generally open on weekdays from 10am-4pm. Entry charge is £5 for adults, free for under 16s.
• Middle and Inner Temple Gardens are open to the public from 12-3pm on weekdays during the summer. There is no entrance charge.
• The Royal Courts of Justice  is open on weekdays from 9am-4.30pm. Entry is free.

23 thoughts on “Visiting the Old Bailey and Inns of Court, London”

I’m generally not the nosey type but I’ve always been curious about what goes on in court. I’m guessing the reality is far less exciting than I imagine it to be though. Some beautiful buildings, I guess they can be quite intimidating if you are ever there to answer charges. Yikes!

A lady I work with is on jury service this week but I’ve been told there’s a lot of sitting around and waiting which is very boring. I’d still love to do it though.

What an interesting experience to watch the trial of accused terrorists. I think that would give me the hibbie jibbies to be that near! #CityTripping

I don’t think the accused had really thought too much about what they were doing. It felt more like they were helping out a friend (although probably with full knowledge of why), rather than helping fund terrorism.

What an interesting place to visit – I would love to do this and see our justice system in action. #citytripping

Definitely worth a visit if you get the chance.

I just love the detail about the grubby wigs! How fascinating, to witness a trial like this. I’m going to look into visiting – I’d love to go inside the building as it always looks so imposing from the outside.

I really wouldn’t want to wear a dirty wig made from horsehair – although I guess you get used to it pretty quick.

I would love to do this #citytripping

I walked by both courts on my last trip to London and I wanted to visit the Temple Church but it was closed. I’m sorry I didn’t explore Inns of Court with its gardens. #city tripping

I think Temple Church is often closed, hope you do get to visit soon.

On the one occasion I tried to attend a trial at the Old Bailey we were defeated by the ban on mobile phones and the lack of anywhere to leave them. #citytripping

The local travel agent has certainly cottoned onto this, I’m sure they must make quite a bit of money from it.

Wow I didn’t even know you could do this. I would love to go and watch for a bit. I can understand why it would be for teens+, I kind of expected the minimum age to be 18!

I think the judge can make a decision as to whether the trial is suitable and can choose to send under 18s out if necessary.

What an interesting day out…I have been to the courts a couple of times when I was doing my journalism course…although have since managed to avoid court reporting. It is fascinating although it doesn’t sound as though the ones I went to were as interesting as the Old Bailey trial you attended. #citytripping

I can imagine some of the local trials are less than riveting!

This looks like a really interesting day out for an adult! I worked briefly at solicitors and I used to visit Holborn for court. I can’t remember did I ever go to Old Bailey or other court rooms but it is really fascinating to sit on the court cases isn’t it. It used to be my favourite part of the day. These gardens look gorgeous too. Didn’t even know all these things were close by there! #citytripping

Years ago I worked briefly as a court reporter and it was fascinating to see the court cases and procedures – there is something unique about the Old Bailey though. And I have always wanted to visit the Templar church but somehow never got around to it so I must rectify that. Thanks for linking up with #citytripping

Hi Christine, what an interesting day out you had. It’s funny how just entering a building of law sets us on edge. I get edgy just driving past our local police station and I promise you I am law abiding… That woman in the dock just looked like me honest!

I’d certainly enjoy witnessing a trial in progress given the chance.

The buildings all look very interesting and grand too.

I love finding the hidden places between the big buildings. A beautiful, peaceful garden, I’m sure. Part of me would be fascinated to go to a trial. If only to see how it all works. I really interesting trip choice.

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Visit Cenotes in the Yucatan Peninsula

M exico’s Yucatan Peninsula is a land steeped in ancient history and full of beauty, mystery and wonder. With its centuries-old Maya civilization, the tropical jungles, and grand temples, it’s a place that offers a unique glimpse into the past. But the real magic of this area lies in its natural phenomenon – the cenotes. Visit cenotes in the Yucatan for an experience like no other.

Honestly, this is one of our family’s favorite things to do in all of Mexico. We love to visit cenotes and have probably done this more than five times over the last several years.

What is a Cenote?

First things first. Cenotes are like natural swimming holes that have been formed over time from pockets of limestone, fed by fresh rainwater and filtration from above. They are interconnected by a network of tunnels that flow the clean water through the rivers and out to sea. These cenotes are like deep water wells, with refreshing, clear water.

Since they are millions of years old, their origins are uncertain. However, many scientists conclude that cenotes were formed as part of the Big Bang. A meteor hit the Earth nearby, forming the Gulf of Mexico and spraying rock and debris for hundreds of miles. Looking at a map, the cenotes encircle the meteor’s impact point like an arc.

Regardless of origin, cenotes today beckon visitors to take a dip in their calm, clear waters. Visit cenotes for recreation, a bit of lore and perhaps a glimpse into our ancient history.

Types of Cenotes

There are different kinds of cenotes, each with its unique features. The Maya believed these cenotes were sacred gateways to the underworld, where their gods and ancestors resided.

Open Cenotes – Where sunlight dapples the water, fern grottos form along the walls, and vines dangle down the sides.

Semi-Open – Where natural light still filters through, but mostly under a rocky overhang.

Cave Cenotes – Where visitors climb down man-made staircases into darkened caverns, many with stalactites, stalagmites, and other interesting rock formations.

Ancient Cenotes – Where they have been designated as special to the local Mayan and Aztec people, who used them for religious rituals and spiritual honors.

Day Trips to Visit Cenotes

The Yucatan Peninsula is famous for having thousands of cenotes that dot the thick, tropical jungles. Many of them have been discovered and prepared for visitors to enjoy. Some are trek-worthy from most major resort destinations around the area, while others are even located in city centers, within restaurants, and on hotel grounds. Most are privately owned.

There are plenty of cenotes located very close to the major destinations in this area, including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, Tulum, and Merida.

Visit Cenotes Near Cancun

Nearest to Cancun is the Ruta De Los Cenotes (Route of the Cenotes) with more than ten options within a 30-minute drive of the Cancun resorts. Some of the best include Kin Ha, a cave cenote that has deep blue waters you can step into or jump from a platform, and La Mojarras, one of the more active cenotes equipped with ziplines where you can drop directly into the water below.

Another exciting option is Siete Bocas (Seven Mouths), which has seven entrances (or mouths) to the underground network of rivers that flow into a beautiful turquoise pool. And for those who like a little adventure, La Noire is a darker cave cenote with zipline and jumping platform, as well as bats lurking in the hollows.

Tour companies near Cancun: Maritur DMC is a destination management company that is great for larger groups and organized tours from a number of destinations including Cancun.

Visit Cenotes Near Playa Del Carmen

If you’re staying in Playa Del Carmen, you must check out the Cenote Azul, one of the most beautiful cenotes in the area and popular because it is open to the sky and great for visitors of all ages.

You can also book a special Xenotes Tour with Xcaret that visits several special cenotes. The tour includes Ha Cenote, a semi-open cenote with vines and tree roots hanging down from the rocky cliffsides. Snorkeling and kayaking are available here. At nearby Iik Cenote, you can enjoy ziplines over the water, along with a cliff jump more than 20 feet high. Another exciting option is the Lu’um Cenote, where you can rappel into a cavern cenote with ancient rock formations and an underground pool for swimming. There’s also K’aak’ Cenote, which is like a waterpark with natural water slides, ziplines, and cliff jumps into the blue waters.

Tour company near Playa Del Carmen: The Xcaret Tour called Xenote is great for guests staying at any of the three Xcaret resort properties. Tours are available daily from Cancun and Playa Del Carmen areas. Even if you are not a resort guest, it’s possible to book their tours.

Visit Cenotes Near Tulum

If you’re staying in Tulum, there are several great cenotes nearby. One popular option is the Cenote Dos Ojos Park, which is an all-purpose cenote. It offers ample sunlight, beautiful cave formations with stalactites and stalagmites, and even hammocks for relaxing.

There are also several underground cenotes located near the Mayan ruins at Coba, including Cenote Choo-Ha, Tamcach-Ha, and Multum-Ha, all with interesting rock formations. For an Instagram-worthy experience, check out the Suytan cenote, famous for its stone path and circular platform that juts out into the deep blue pool.

Tour company near Tulum: AllTournative Adventures is a private tour company with many options for authentic adventures and excursions that include cenotes in a respectful and educational approach. We had a blast spending the day with them and touring the ruins at Coba along with some fantastic cenotes nearby.

Visit Cenotes Near Merida

If you’re staying in Merida, there are several great cenotes nearby, including the Ik Kil Cenote, located in the city of Valladolid near Chichen Itza. This enormous cenote is popular as a refreshing and beautiful reward after visiting the Mayan ruins. Another popular option is the Santa Barbara Cenotes, the most visited in the Merida area. This location offers three gorgeous cenotes, each offering a different experience, one blue, one green, and one turquoise. For a more gentrified experience, check out the Cenote Hacienda Mucuyche. It’s located on the property of a private 18th-century plantation, complete with a restaurant, shop, and other amenities.

Tour company near Merida: Merida Gay Tours , owned by Ricardo Godoy, is an excellent guide for cenotes, ruins, and other excursions in Merida and throughout the Yucatan. (Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community – allies welcome!) His tours include cenotes near Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Tulum in addition to Merida. He also has other tours of interest if you want to visit the ruins, etc.

Grab Your Swimsuit. Or Don’t!

Visiting cenotes is an absolute must-do activity when visiting the Yucatan Peninsula. With thousands of cenotes to choose from, you’ll have no trouble finding one that suits your interests. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, a place to relax and cool off, or a bit of both, cenotes are the perfect destination for adventuresome travelers. Some locations are private and you could even do a little skinny dipping.

So grab your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a sense of adventure, and take a dive into these cool cenotes.

Other Stories About Cenotes

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Literary City Tour of Moscow with Leo Tolstoy House Museum

• Professional guide's services
• Entry/Admission - L. Tolstoi's Khamovniki Memorial Estate
• Transportation to/from attractions
• Departure Point: Your centrally located hotel Please contact the local operator at least 48 hours prior to the departure of your tour to arrange pick-up from your hotel
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Most travelers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 2 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• You'll get picked up See departure details
• 1 L. Tolstoi's Khamovniki Memorial Estate Stop: 4 hours - Admission included Museum-estate of Leo Tolstoy in Khamovniki is a memorial complex and preserves realities of the times of Tolstoy’s life there. House at Khamovniki is a place where Tolstoy wrote about one hundred novels including “The Death of Ivan Ilyich”, “The Kreutzer Sonata”, novel “Resurrection”, pieza “The Power of Darkness”, ”Harvest of education”, “Living corpse”. Read more
• You'll return to the starting point

• Jeffrey H 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful show Entertaining. Beautiful costumes. Athletic dancing. Kind of a history of Russia through dance. Just what we were looking for. Made for a wonderful evening. Read more Written September 23, 2019
• PeterK567 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Interesting souvenir market and great matryoshka painting Workshop - rest very touristic we did visit the izmailovo kreml which is a bit outside of the centre but well connected by Metro. We did the matryoshka Workshop which was fun and a good experience. The rest of that kreml is very touristic. There are plenty of souvenirshops and locals are selling personal items on a fleamarket. Negotation skills are of help. overall: Nice but not a must. Read more Written September 1, 2019
• Ramin-Raiszadeh 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Must see The story of creation of Russia and what happened to it is told by beautiful and exciting dance. The costume of the dancers is changed frequently to show you the different folks of Russia. Read more Written August 21, 2019
• tigger2594 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Part of 2 day tour This is a place where the Kings showed off to foreign dignitaries and keep them off their game. We were lucky to have a ticket through the tour which meant today we could Go inside making it less crowded. The entry is easy, you put Covers on your shoes to protect your floors and commence. The floors are lovely and the size of the buildings special. There are numerous rooms but the use of gold is prominent throughout. The furniture and details are amazing. Place was nearly destroyed but rebuilt using the same techniques over the years. A place not to be missed. Whilst special the lower gardens also needs a mention. Amazing. Read more Written July 30, 2019
• Xanerin 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Wonderful Tour It is a good idea to get on an early tour as this place gets extremely busy and lines are worse than Disneyland. I would suggest a guided tour as you will miss so many important things. Be careful with your purses as this place is prone for pick-pockets. While you could be shopping at the market stalls you can be stalked so be very careful. This is a wonderful place. Read more Written June 1, 2019
• Sunshine115685 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice spectacle The show is very entertaining. It lasts for about two hours and gives you a good overview of many aspects of Russian history with class and humour. I highly recommend it. Read more Written September 11, 2018
• Desley L 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Opulence and beauty We were on a guided tour of Peterhoff, arrived fairly early in the day. Much marshalling and following orders, such as, we will all go to the toilets now. You don paper shoe covers, these can be a bit risky to walk in, they are to protect the floors. There is much beauty and of course history in the Palace. The gardens and fountains are spectacular. A must on any visit to St. Petersburg. Read more Written June 25, 2018

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Literary City Tour of Moscow with Leo Tolstoy House Museum provided by Travel Russia

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Something about Moscow: a new look at a great city – archive, 1959

26 February 1959 : Michael Frayn writes about the Russian capital while covering Harold Macmillan’s 10-day visit to the USSR

Moscow, 25 February It is a pity Mr Macmillan had to be out of town to-day for talks at his dacha. He leaves for Kyiv and Leningrad to-morrow and all he can have seen of the Russian capital so far – unless he creeps out of his house in Pomerantsev Lane at night disguised as a muzhik – is a flickering of flashbulbs and a hovering of journalists.

Today in the crisp February cold, with a few snowflakes falling out of a grey sky, it was bracing weather for a stroll round town. Moscow is a city which needs to be seen – to be believed as much as for any other reason. “Why do they have such high walls round the Kremlin, Mummy?” the Moscow child is supposed to ask his mother. “To keep the robbers in, dear,” replies mother. The really intelligent mother might say, however, “To keep the Soviet architects out.” For the Kremlin, with its three onion-domed cathedrals, is almost the only relic of roaring old Moscow – and almost the only object left in the city which it is not painful to look at.

Great, but ugly With a population of some eight million, Moscow is one of the world’s great capitals. Was there ever another capital so blindingly ugly, so devoid of taste or style, and so dull? The best bits are probably the slums around Novoi Alekseyevskaya Street – old timber houses of one and two storeys leaning drunkenly in the snow and due for clearance if they do not fall down of their own accord first. But the majority of the city’s housing consists of apartment blocks of indeterminate age. Everywhere the paint is coming off the window frames and the window frames off the hinges. Inside them, there are often two families to a room, communal kitchens, and no baths.

The housing problems have always been a millstone round the Muscovite’s neck. But things have got noticeably better the last few years – conservative sources reckon that three out of 10 families have been rehoused since 1956. The skyscraper blocks of flats lined with marble and speckled with steeples to which Soviet architecture sank a few years ago (dragging with it human taste to what must be its lowest watermark ever) were found to be too expensive – to the resounding credit of Soviet accountants, and the authorities have now switched to building enormous apartment blocks which are free of any evidence of design whatsoever.

These have sprung up fastest and thickest in the south-western district of the city, the so-called “New Moscow”. Here the uniform blocks, built in a curiously depressing grey brick stretch as far as the eye can see; and the forest of power cranes is still at work. It is an odd experience seeing slums actually being built in front of one’s eyes. But inside they are light and equipped with bathroom, lavatory, and kitchen, which probably counts for more than setting with the Muscovites.

“You’ll be lucky” But it is still extremely difficult to find accommodation. The noticeboards which are to be found on nearly every street carry many advertisements offering to exchange rooms (“Exchange room with all conveniences 12 square metres in Kazan for a room in Moscow”). But few are offering accommodation for those with nothing to exchange. The ones that do, look sinister – “Offer part of a room near Metro station. All conveniences except bath.” Two women who are searching the advertisements demand suddenly: “What do you want to exchange, young man?” “I haven’t got a room in Moscow.” They laugh derisively “You’ll be lucky,” they say.

The noticeboards are interesting windows of Moscow life. They are covered with offers of jobs. There are advertisements, too, inserted by private individuals who want to teach English, typing for the blind, theoretical mechanics, and dress-making. There are also plenty of signs of the new rich – the intelligentsia; demands for a daily help and even for servants to live in. One offers “350 roubles a month (about £9 at a reasonable rate of exchange). Separate room. References essential.”

The signs one sees in the streets offer another perspective: “Sputnik Cafe” on the Lenin prospect in the south-west district; a significant absence of any names at all on what used to be the Lubyanka, now the headquarters of the KGB – the secret police; few hoardings everywhere: “Don’t Cross in Front of the Bus – It’s Dangerous”, “Save Time – Try Powdered Soups”, “Save Money”, “Work and Live in the Communist Way”.

Eating out In the centre, the buildings are all marble magnificence. But the true Moscow lies farther out. A good way to see it is to take a stroll along the rather slummy Baumanskaya Street. In the scruffy “Dietary Dining Rooms” here you can buy about five roubles’ worth of meal tickets from the cashier, exchange them at the self-service counter for a sloshy meal and eat alongside men in suits and ties.

Farther down the road is a beer shop. Here everyone is in fur hats and felt boots, drinking beer and eating bread and cheese. A sign on the wall says: “‘It is forbidden to bring and consume spirits.” A man buys a paper cup of cherry juice with his beer, empties it into the ashtray, and fills it from a half bottle of vodka which he takes out from under his coat. In the corner two very drunken men are holding one another up, kissing each other’s cheeks, and explaining to anyone who will listen, “We haven’t seen one another for 23 years.”

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There are far fewer drunks on the streets now than there were two years ago and the swarms of beggars who used to shove the raw stump of their amputated arms in your face have disappeared. There is far more traffic on the wide streets, too. There are still peasants up from the country for a few days and their appearance has changed very little since the last century.

Smell of Russia There is something about Moscow which grips one in spite of all the seaminess of the place. Perhaps it is just the unforgettable smell of Russia. A combination, it seems, of stale smoke, sweat, pickled cucumber, and cheap scent which goes wherever Soviet rule extends – to Russia’s embassies abroad, even to her aircraft. Perhaps it is the spirit of the people still profoundly Slavonik which bursts forth in the supreme brio of the ballet dancers at the Bolshoi and in the intense, humility of the thousands of Muscovites, many of them old and bent, who pack the churches every Sunday to chant the Orthodox mass and bow their foreheads to the ground, rapt in the service, surrendering all hope of any high station in life simply by being there.

Anyway, whatever it is, Moscow has plenty of admirers. There is a fountain in Sverdlovsk Square in front of the Bolshoi theatre into which people throw coins and wish that they may come back to Moscow. Now the fountain is silent and choked with snow, but in summer the water is full of 10 kopek pieces. Anyone who is prepared to pay 10 kopeks for the privilege of returning to Moscow must think something of the place.

For a report on the results of the visit see Further blow to hopes based on premier’s visit: cool company in Kremlin .

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Your 48-hour tour guide of Moscow this winter!

9 am – Visit the Red Square 

Christmas market on Red Square

The first thing that every tourist should do by default is visit the very heart of Moscow – it’s main and most beautiful (which ‘krasnaya’ actually meant in Old Russian) square! 

There are several ways to explore it:

• Take a selfie with Spasskaya Tower
• Have a warm drink at the Christmas market (which lasts until mid-January)
• Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum
• Shop in the gorgeous adjacent GUM department store
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral (and learn that it’s actually several churches under one roof).           

11 am – It’s Kremlin time! 

Inside the Moscow Kremlin

Entering the Kremlin is, actually, a bit of a quest, as it’s a presidential facility with no general access. You need to buy a ticket or, better still, book a guided tour. Inside the Kremlin’s walls, you will find ancient cathedrals, in which Russian tsars used to be crowned and buried, as well as explore the magnificent architecture of the Kremlin that reflects the rich history of the country. And, finally, you could also make a quick visit to the Moscow Kremlin Museums and admire artifacts from various Russian tsarist eras: carriages, thrones, crowns and the most incredible armory and jewelry. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Kremlin . It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm (and it’s closed on Thursdays) in winter.

2 pm – Watch the changing of the Guard

The honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very spectacular (and free) thing to do is watch how the honor guard does their ceremonial change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, situated in Alexander Garden, right next to the Kremlin wall. Every hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, the 1st Company of the Kremlin (Presidential) Regiment performs this rather old and beautiful tradition. But, be warned, it's often overcrowded. 

3 pm – Enjoy a green oasis just in the center

Florarium in Zaryadye

Just a few steps from the Red Square, you will find the fabulous Zaryadye park. Opened in 2017, it is designed by renowned American architect bureau ‘Diller Scofidio + Renfro’. You can walk among the very cozy botanical decorations and explore Russia’s climate zones, as each of them is represented in dedicated areas, complete with flora from those zones.

The floating bridge in Zaryadye Park

The park also has an underground museum, an “ice cave” and a 3D cinema, where you can take part in a virtual adventure – a flight over Moscow! However, the piece de resistance is a floating boomerang bridge over the Moskva River, one of the best places to take a selfie.

You can also grab a quick lunch or relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the park.

7 pm – Arrange a ballet night

The Bolshoi Theater

Of course, the most fancy way to finish your day in Moscow would be to go to the ballet at the Bolshoi Theater (in a perfect world, to see ‘The Nutcracker’!). However, getting tickets to the Bolshoi is not an easy task and should be done well in advance of your visit. 

But, don’t be upset if you don’t manage to get tickets to the Bolshoi. Moscow has dozens of other options to see a ballet (or opera). No less brilliant performances can be seen in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater or in The State Kremlin Palace (by the way, this is another way to get a quick glimpse inside the Kremlin!).

10:30 pm – Have a late dinner in a fancy restaurant

Dr Zhivago restaurant

There are not so many other cities with such a big choice of restaurants in a range of tastes and styles. In 2021, the authoritative Michelin guide announced their pick of the best of Moscow’s restaurants. And here’s our guide to all the places with Russian cuisine for any budget. But, if you happen to be in the area of the Bolshoi or Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, then ‘Dr. Zhivago’ would definitely be a nice option (and it’s open around the clock).

DAY 2 

9 am – grab a moscow coffee.

Winter festivities mood in Moscow

Moscow is definitely a coffee city! You can find coffee shops on every corner and they all offer a huge range of drinks. Try a ‘raf’ coffee, a sweet, creamy drink that was created in Russia, or dare to pick one of the very unusual offers, like cheese coffee or a Soviet candy style one (check out our coffee guide here ).

10 am – Take a river cruise

Winter boating along the Moskva River

Another exciting way to explore Moscow is to observe it from the water. Boats cruise along the Moskva River all year round. Most begin their route from the Hotel Ukraine, one of Stalin's ‘Seven Sister’ skyscrapers, and will bring you back to the same spot after passing the medieval Novodevichy Convent, Moscow State University and Luzhniki Stadium, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and giant monument to Peter the Great and many other sightseeings. 

It’s always at optimum temperature inside the boat, which also has huge panoramic windows. Select boats also offer a full dining experience, so it is also a nice place to have breakfast or lunch.

If you are not a water person, then discover other, unusual sides of Moscow – pick one of the activities we’ve prepared for you here ! 

1 pm – Visit ‘Russia’ Expo and taste a bunch of Russian regional cuisines

Russia Expo at VDNKh

Until April 2024, the Soviet-era VDNKh exhibition park is hosting the huge ‘Russia’ expo, with tons of activities and expositions devoted to Russia, its culture, science and nature. Check out our special guide on what to do there!  

An entire ‘House of Russian Cuisine’ has been opened at the expo. You will find 15 food stands with flagship dishes from Kamchatka, Siberia, Karelia and other regions of Russia. Imagine trying a range of cuisines and dishes in one place without even having to travel anywhere, be it Altai pelmeni, Tula kalach or Caucasian pies! A perfect place to grab some lunch.

House of Russian cuisines at VDNKh

The VDNKh exhibition park is a great place to visit, in general! Its pavilions are the perfect example of Stalinit Empire style architecture and you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! You will also find several interesting museums in the park – devoted to space exploration, Russian history and even a ‘Special Purpose Garage’, which showcases the various vehicles used by the country’s leaders. 

'Sun of Moscow' wheel

And, finally, you can ride Europe's tallest panoramic wheel – ‘Sun of Moscow’ – that will give you panoramic views of the city – from a height of 140 meters!

5 pm – Ice skate with view & mulled wine

Ice skating rink on Red Square (GUM department store on the background)

Ice skating is one of the most popular and affordable activities in Moscow. There are several great ice skating rinks in picturesque locations that are open all winter long. One of the biggest rinks in Europe is also at the aforementioned VDNKh or you can visit the one in Gorky Park, another very popular Moscow spot, or the small, but fancy rink – right on Red Square! 

All the parks offer ice skate rental, so the only things you need are warm clothes, a charged phone to record your memories and a good mood!  Moscow also gets dark at 4:30 pm in winter and hundreds of lights are switched on, turning the city into a giant fairy tale! 

A mulled wine with a view

And, if you are not a sports person, we’ve picked several other unusual activities that you could do in Moscow instead. For example, did you know that there is an entire district of dacha (countryside) houses, just 10 minutes from the center, surrounded by giant new highrises? How about taking a stroll there and feeling the early Soviet atmosphere?

8 pm – Warm up & laugh out loud

After all these outdoor activities, what could be better than a warm cozy bar with a hot drink and nice company? Moscow is a city full of entertainment for all tastes. So, if you know the Russian language or want to practice it, go to a theater or catch a stand-up comedy show. Moscow even has comedy shows in English, where you can hear both Russians speaking fluent English or foreigners (including Brits and Americans) who live in Russia speaking in broken or heavily-accented Russian (Check their show dates on the ‘ Moscow English Comedy ’ Telegram channel)!

11 pm – Finish by partying the night away!

Propaganda club in Moscow

Moscow never sleeps, as you might have heard. Which means there are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can have a drink (or two or three; be sure to check out how Russians make Black Russian and White Russian cocktails) and chat with incredibly different people. Have fun and don’t miss your flight (or miss it and stay longer in the best city in the world!)!

That's it! See you soon in Moscow

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