thiruvambady alappuzha tourist places

30 Best Places to Visit in Alappuzha

Explore the enchanting Alappuzha. Uncover the best places to visit in Alappuzha, from serene backwaters to historic landmarks. Explore our Alappuzha tourist places travel guide. Read now!

List of Best Places to Visit in Alappuzha

Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is a picturesque district in the South Indian state of Kerala. Located along the Arabian Sea and backwaters of Vembanad Lake, it's one of India’s most popular tourist destinations. From the lush green landscapes to its vibrant culture and heritage, Alappuzha tourist places have something for everyone. Whatever experience you want, Allapuzha can offer.

Nature's Beauty

Alappuzha’s backwaters.

Alappuzha’s backwaters are a sight to behold. A network of canals, rivers, and lagoons comprise the majestic backwater system stretching almost 2000 kilometres in Kerala. Cruise along its tranquil waters for an experience like no other – observe the traditional country life as you pass through villages, marvel at the lush vegetation around you and spot some exotic wildlife. It's a must visit tourist spots in Alappuzha.

Marari Beach

Marari Beach is another must-visit destination in Alleppey. This beautiful stretch of golden sand lies between two palm tree forests and offers stunning views of the Arabian Sea. Enjoy swimming or sunbathing on this pristine beach while watching fishermen catch their daily catch from offshore boats - it's a truly mesmerising experience! Be sure to try some delicious seafood dishes here, too. 

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary

Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is home to many rare birds, such as cormorants, Brahminy kites, egrets and other species of migratory birds that come here during winter months! Take a boat ride through this sanctuary for breathtaking views of nature’s beauty – watch out for rare sightings like pelicans soaring high above your head or kingfishers darting about with their vibrant colours shining against the clear water below them.

Historical and Cultural Sites

Alappuzha lighthouse.

Alappuzha Lighthouse is a beautiful structure located near the beach in Alleppey. This majestic lighthouse stands tall at almost 30 metres and was built in 1862, making it one of the oldest lighthouses in Kerala. Climb to its top for panoramic city views – you can even spot some dolphins frolicking about in the nearby waters. The lighthouse also offers great insight into the maritime history of this region. 

Krishnapuram Palace

Krishnapuram Palace is another must-visit destination while touring Alleppey. Built by Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma, King of Travancore. This magnificent palace boasts intricate carvings, elegant paintings, and grand architecture that will take your breath away! Visit its antique gallery, which includes artefacts such as weapons used during wars with Dutch forces and even sacred statues from Hindu temples around Kerala.

Mannarasala Temple

Mannarasala Temple is one of Kerala’s most famous shrines dedicated to serpent worshipers. This small yet beautiful temple complex houses hundreds of images depicting serpents throughout its premises - including those carved onto walls or placed atop pillars inside courtyards. Take part in special ceremonies conducted here, like ‘Ayilyam Pooja’ or ‘Nagapooja’, while learning more about India's rich cultural heritage.

Religious Destinations

St. mary’s forane church.

St. Mary’s Forane Church is one of the oldest churches in Alappuzha, dating back to the 9th century AD. This stunning church is a testament to this region's ancient history and religious tradition. Inside its walls lies a relic said to be from St. Mary herself; there are also several paintings depicting scenes from her life, which make for an exciting visit! Don’t forget to attend Mass here during your stay in Alleppey – it’s sure to be an unforgettable experience!

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is another iconic religious destination in the Alappuzha district. Located on the banks of river Pamba, this temple has been described as the ‘Dwaraka of South India’ due to its historical importance and spiritual significance. Here, you can explore multiple shrines dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his avatars, such as Rama, Krishna, Narasimha, etc., or witness traditional rituals like Pooja being performed every day by devout worshippers - it's truly a mesmerising sight.

Mullakkal Temple

Mullakkal Temple is another important pilgrimage site near Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple. Dedicated to Goddess Rajarajeshwari (a form of Parvati), this beautiful temple complex was built around 500 years ago by King Devanarayanan Thampuran – making it even older than Amabalpzhu Sree Krishna Temple itself. Take part in special ceremonies held at Mullakkal Temple or admire its stunning architecture while learning more about Kerala's vibrant culture. 

Unique Experiences

Alappuzha beach.

Alappuzha Beach is a beautiful beach in the south Indian state of Kerala. With its tranquil waters and white sand, it's one of the most stunning beaches you can visit in India! Take a romantic stroll along this picturesque beach and enjoy some amazing views of the Arabian Sea and the many different bird species that flock here daily. Be sure to try some delicious seafood dishes while you’re here – Alleppey has great restaurants serving fresh catches from local fishermen daily.

Pathiramanal Island

Pathiramanal Island lies on Vembanad Lake and is a must-visit for any nature lover. This small island is home to more than 90 migratory birds, such as egrets, cormorants, terns, etc., making it a paradise for birdwatchers! Enjoy watching these majestic creatures or participate in exciting activities like boating or fishing around Pathiramanal Island. Whatever your preference, there's something here for everyone to explore.

Alleppey Canal Cruise

An Alleppey Canal Cruise is one experience you cannot miss when visiting this beautiful region. Hop onto a traditional houseboat and cruise through its tranquil backwaters to get an insight into rural life in Kerala. Marvel at lush green vegetation gliding by and witness traditional country lifestyle first-hand; spot exotic wildlife like kingfishers darting about with their vibrant colours shining against clear waters below them - it truly is an unforgettable journey.

Hidden Gems

Pandavan rock.

Pandavan Rock is a unique geological structure in the Alappuzha district of Kerala. It takes its name from the Pandavas, the five legendary heroes of Hindu mythology who are said to have taken refuge here during their exile. This rock is an interesting combination of sedimentary and igneous rocks. It offers great landscape views - watch out for exotic birds flying around or spot some dolphins in nearby waters.

Karumadi Kuttan

Karumadi Kuttan is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Buddha located near Alleppey. Constructed over 1800 years ago, this beautiful shrine stands as proof of the rich heritage of Kerala state. Inside its walls lies a rare black granite statue believed to be that of Lord Buddha himself; there are so many other carvings depicting scenes from Buddhist stories throughout the temple complex, which make for an interesting visit! Be sure to attend special ceremonies conducted at Karumadi Kuttan temple.

Kuttanadu is one of India's most fertile regions due to its abundant paddy fields spread across miles! Take part in traditional farming activities like sowing or reaping crops during your stay here - it's sure to be a truly unique experience you won't find anywhere else! Touring through these lush green fields can be therapeutic, too; marvel at nature’s beauty as far as your eyes can see or sit back and relax while watching villagers go about their daily lives.

Shopping and Markets

Mullakkal street.

Mullakkal Street is one of the most popular shopping destinations in Alleppey. These bustling streets are lined with various shops selling everything from traditional spices to handmade souvenirs, making it the perfect place to pick up some unique items for your trip! Don’t forget to explore its famous food stalls, too – they serve delicious local dishes like Puttu (rice and coconut pancakes) or Appam (coconut milk-based pancakes). 

Alleppey Coir Products

Alleppey Coir Products offers visitors a chance to explore Kerala’s vibrant culture through its wide selection of coir products. From colourful rugs to pottery, this store has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a gift for someone special or want to buy something unique as a souvenir, Alleppey Coir Products are sure not to disappoint.

Adventure and Wildlife

Chettikulangara devi temple.

Chettikulangara Devi Temple is an important pilgrimage site located in Alleppey district. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, this temple is known for its spectacular annual festivals and colourful processions that attract thousands of devotees nationwide. Inside its walls lies a golden idol of the deity, which makes it even more special. 

Kayaking in the backwaters is one experience you cannot miss when visiting Alleppey. Explore these tranquil waterways as you paddle through lush green vegetation and spot exotic wildlife like kingfishers, eagles, etc., while getting close to nature – a mesmerising journey that will stay with you forever! Be sure to take plenty of pictures.

Punnamada Lake

Punnamada Lake is another popular destination not far from Chettikulangara Devi Temple. This large freshwater lake offers stunning views of nearby paddy fields and traditional houseboats dotting its waters - it's truly a sight worth seeing! Take part in exciting activities such as fishing or birdwatching. At the same time, sit back and soak up some sun on the shoreline.

Food and Cuisine

Kerala sadya.

Kerala Sadya is a traditional vegetarian feast that locals have enjoyed for centuries. This elaborate meal consists of dishes cooked in coconut oil and served on banana leaves - it’s an absolute must-try when visiting Alleppey. Enjoy local delicacies like Avial (mixed vegetable curry) or Thoran (stir-fried vegetables with grated coconut); they make for an exquisite combination with steamed rice.

Seafood Delights

You cannot miss out on Seafood Delights during your stay here. From succulent prawns to juicy crabs, the seafood options available in Alleppey will leave your mouth watering. Head to one of the many shacks along the beachfront and try some freshly caught fish prepared in various styles - be sure not to miss out on their signature Kerala Meen Curry either.

Toddy Shops

Toddy Shops can be found around every corner in Alleppey. These rustic establishments offer more than just drinks - they also serve fantastic food! Try tasty snacks such as Kappa Biryani (rice cooked with tapioca) or Pazham Pori (banana fritters). Wash them down with some strong toddy made from palm tree sap – it makes for quite an interesting experience you won't find anywhere else.

Accommodations

Houseboat stays.

Houseboat stays are a great way to experience the beauty of Alleppey. Enjoy luxurious amenities in a traditional setting while travelling through backwaters and spotting wildlife - it’s truly an unforgettable journey! Relax on board your houseboat as you cruise past paddy fields and quaint villages or participate in exciting activities such as fishing, birdwatching, etc.

Luxury resorts

Luxury resorts offer visitors a chance to enjoy unparalleled comfort during their stay in Alleppey. From sumptuous meals served by expert chefs to magnificent views of riverside landscapes, these properties provide all the necessary ingredients for a perfect holiday. Enjoy indulgent spa treatments or fun activities like kayaking or mountain biking. Luxury resorts have plenty of options to keep you entertained throughout your stay.

Tips for Travellers

Best time to visit alappuzha.

The best time to visit Alappuzha, also known as Alleppey, is during the winter months of November to February. The weather then is pleasantly cool and dry. This period allows you to enjoy the backwaters, lush landscapes, and cultural festivals without the discomfort of heavy rains or scorching heat.

Local transportation options

Alappuzha offers various transportation options for getting around the city, including auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and public buses. However, the most iconic way to explore the backwaters is by renting a houseboat or taking a traditional wooden canoe ride, providing a unique and scenic experience.

Safety and cultural considerations

While Alappuzha is generally safe for tourists, respecting local customs and traditions is advisable. Dress modestly, mainly when visiting religious sites, and avoid public displays of affection. Also, be cautious while swimming in the backwaters, as water currents can be unpredictable. Stay hydrated and use sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun's strong rays.

Alleppey is a paradise for those seeking to explore the wonders of Kerala. Many things make this place special, from its vibrant culture to the stunning natural landscapes. With so much to offer, it’s no wonder why Alleppey visiting places is one of India’s top tourist destinations – see what makes this place so amazing.

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Best Places to Visit in Alleppey | Alappuzha Tourism

Alleppey vacations promise to offer loads of fun, beauty and adventure. If you want to take a break from the stressful daily life travel to Alleppey and make your holidays the most memorable one. Alleppey also known as Alappuzha is the city of canals and lagoons. Alleppey is the hub of backwater tourism . This huge backwaters of canals, lagoons and lakes provide the lifeline of Alleppey.

You might be surprised to know that Alleppey is the only city in Kerala without forests. But the exotic blend of serene backwaters, lush greenery and the scenic beauty made Alleppey one of the most beautiful place.

The life in Alleppey revolves around water. There are unique small man made islands in Alleppey which houses various migratory birds.

The prime attraction in Alappuzha is the backwaters and traditional houseboats . A journey through the backwaters in houseboats gives you the amazing opportunity to watch closely the greenery, scenic beauty and marine life of Alleppey. No other place offers you such a unique experience.

Boat race is the trademark of Alleppey. The snake boat race conducted in the backwaters during the harvest season is world famous. You will get amused by the large crowd coming to watch boat race from different part of the world. The speed and thrill of the boat race is really amazing.

For nature lovers Alleppey is going to be a lifetime experience. The precious aquatic life in Alleppey is charming. Beautiful little flowers, coconut trees and the green paddy fields will catch your eyes while you travel through the waterways. You will not get bored for a single second in Alappuzha.

The peaceful Alleppey beach with the old lighthouse is the best place to relax enjoying the soft murmuring of sea and the gentle sea breeze. Alleppey holds everything beautiful and pristine to make your holiday a lifetime experience.

Places to Visit in Alleppey

The charm of Alappuzha is the backwaters. Begin with a cruise and explore the pristine beauty of this land. Look for the paddy fields and heritage structures.

1. Alappuzha Beach

The exotic Alappuzha beach is one of the major attraction. The beach is a famous picnic spot with a children’s park and boating facilities. The old lighthouse and 140 year old pier which extends into the sea is an amazing view. The pier was built by Hugh Crawford in 1862.

2. Mullackal

Mullackal is a Konkani Brahmin settlement built around Alappuzha Town. It is in here the Bhagavathy Temple is located. The main deity of the temple is Goddess Bhagavathi. The Konkani Brahmin resides here are specialises in making sweets.

About a kilometer away from Mullackal is a temple to Mariamman, the twin sister of mullakkal Bhagavathy. Chirappu is the main festival of the temple and during this time there is a fair displaying vessels and many other items. One can purchase this from here.

3. The Alleppey Backwaters

The most attractive feature of Alappuzha is the backwater. One can’t miss a houseboat cruise through this serene backwaters. A backwater cruise on the Punnamada lake offers you the wonderful sight of scenic islands, villages dotted with coconut groves and paddy fields, Chinese fishing nets and toddy tapper at work.

Boats can be hired from the Boat Jetty. Punnamada Kayal is the starting point for boat races in Alappuzha. The biggest snake boat race Nehru Trophy Boat Race is conducted here.

4. R and QST Block Islands

The charm of Alappuzha lies in its man made islands also. These islands enclosed by mud walls are a haven for migratory birds. The fields stands below sea level. R block islands is famous for the fresh toddy and delicious dishes made of crabs, clams, prawns and many variety of endemic fishes. If you want to take a dip R and QST blocks are the ideal place.

Some of the places which worth a visit because of its beauty and history are Arthunkal and Cherthala.

Shopping in Alleppey

Shopping in Alappuzha is a pleasure. There are several shops in and around Alappuzha which will satisfy your needs. Some of the best shopping places is located in the central area of Alappuzha town called Mullackal. Alappuzha is a thriving centre of Pepper and spices.

Some of the oldest and best stationers in Kerala like PA George Company are based on Alappuzha. The streets of Mullackal are filled with vendors sailing cloves, pepper and lime.

One can also find a number of gold and silver shops in Mullackal. The ‘Gold Silver and Diamond street’ is famous. This is a popular area for wedding shopping. There are some shops selling fine muslin, bronze items and copper ware.

The famous umbrella brands in Kerala Poppy and St Johns are based on Alappuzha. Alleppey is most famous for shopping coir products and carpets as these two items are easily available and have a reasonable price.

The mattresses, rugs and doormats of Alappuzha are always in high demand. One can find great collection of carpets. One can choose from different sizes, shapes and colours.

Places to Stay in Alleppey

Alappuzha have some of the best hotels, resorts and homestays on land and offshore. Many of the visitors to Alleppey prefer to stay in Houseboats or Kettuvallams. Some of the best places to stay in Alappuzha are Anamika The Villa, Raheem Residency, Gowri Heritage Home, and Alleppey Beach resort.

Also check Alleppey Prince Hotel, Motel Aaram, Government Guest House, Homestays like Dazzle Dew, Villa Brook Heritage Home, Pagoda Resorts, Puzhayoram Beach Resort, Marari Beach Resort, Marari Fishermen Village Beach resort etc.

Places to Eat in Alleppey

The proximity to Sea made seafood, especially fish an integral part of Alappuzha cuisine. Apart from this there are some other food items you can try here. There are many variety of delicious vegetarian dishes also.

Some of the best places to dine in Alappuzha are Hotel green Corner, Hotel Aryaas with excellent vegetarian food. Near the beach there is Gujarathi street offering special North Indian food. There is some of the best good Udupi Vegetarian fare near the Mullackal area.

For experiencing true local delicacies taste Kappa (tapioca) with Karimeen Pollichathu (Pearl Spot fish fry) or Karimeen curry, prawns etc. Visit any toddy shop serving delicious fish curry and tapioca. There the preparation is little different with more spice.

Some other hotels offering delicious seafood and other vegetarian dishes are Kalpakavadi Inn, Motel Aaram, Prince Hotel and Cafe Venice. There are some of the best bakeries in Alappuzha.

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8 Must Visit Tourist Places to Visit in Alappuzha (Alleppey)

The ‘Venice of the East’, as Alappuzha is fondly known as, is a beautiful place and indescribable by words. The mesmerizing backwaters, the picturesque canals, beaches, stretches of paddy fields and brackish lagoons are what makes this district so attractive to people.

1) Backwaters of Kuttanad

When you go along the backwaters of Kuttanad, you will get a chance to glimpse the bucolic way of life of the people and marvel at the exotic aquatic and avian life. The entire length of Kuttanad stretches for a distance of approximately 150 kilometres right from Kollam to Kochi and can be enjoyed through rice barges or houseboats.

The houseboat ride from Kollam to Alappuzha is a divine experience, but must be pre-booked if you want to enjoy it to its full advantage. You can make it a full-day tour or an overnight one if you want to savour a beautiful night under the stars.

Also Read: Valiyaparamba Backwaters: Enjoy the most beautiful third biggest backwater in Kerala

2) Marari Beach

If you prefer a feel of remoteness, then Marari beach is the place to get to. Just 14 kms from Alappuzha town, this beach is near the fishing hamlet of Mararikkulam village.

The beach is great; the negative though is that you may have to stick to the cleaner areas, as not all areas are as clean as we prefer.

3) Krishnapuram Palace

In and around, Alappuzha tour places have many interesting places to visit. Krishnapuram Palace in Kayamkulam is a fine example of art, architecture, and glamour. The palace is 47 km away from Alappuzha and should be included in Alappuzha sightseeing. Presently the palace is looked after by the Archaeological Department of Kerala and it has plenty of attractions maintained from the past. Kayamkulam Vaal, Gajendra Moksha-a mural painting that spreads over 53 square feet is also another historically prominent attraction of the palace.

The palace set on the backdrop of a hill is adorned with a beautiful garden, fountains, ponds, and lawns. This unique architectural beauty is a worth visiting destination that lies closer to Alappuzha.

4) Arthunkal Church

At a distance of 23 Kms from Alappuzha Railway Station, Arthunkal Church, also known as St. Andrew's Forane Church is one of the oldest churches in Kerala. It is situated on the shores of Arabian Sea.

Dedicated to St.Sebastian, this church comes under the Latin order. The Arthunkal Feast is celebrated for 11days. The highlights of the concluding day of the festival include a special ritual in which the devotees crawl on their knees all the way from the nearby beach to the church.

5) Ambalapuzha Temple

Lord Sri Krishna, the stealer of hearts has thousands of temples all over Kerala, but Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple stands out from among them. It is one of the most visited Hindu temples in the entire state and is even known as Guruvayoor of the south. The temple is also known for its pal payasam, an offering made to the Lord, and later enjoyed by the devotees. This ancient Hindu temple was built during the 15th century and still retains its ancient heritage charm and beauty.

6) Karumadi

Karumadiis a village near Ambalappuzha (3 km away), where you can find the famous Buddha statue, Karumadikuttan. Karumadikuttan is a black granite statue, which is said to be built between 9th and 14th century. This statue is historically significant as it is a unique evidence for Buddhism in Kerala. You can see Buddha in sitting position, placed in the banks of 'Punnamada Lake'. Don't miss to visit the only Buddhist temple in Kerala, while your trip to Alappuzha. The place is around 16.9 km away from Alappuzha.

7) Chavara Bhavan

The house of blessed Kuriakose Elias Chavara is a major attraction among Alappuzha Sightseeing. One can reach this blessed shrine only by boat. The ancestral home of blessed Kuriakose Chavara and a chapel are the attractions of this place.

Tourists from around the world visit Chavara Bhavan to offer prayers and seek blessings. This well-maintained house and chapel are surrounded by water and greenery. The construction of the house resembles the houses built in olden days. A 250-year-old “Beacon of Light” is still preserved here. A walk to the shrine through the narrow pathways that are surrounded by waterways is a memorable experience.

8) Pathiramanal Island

The tiny island in the middle of Vembanad Lake is a stop by location for backwater tours. The 20-hectare islet is a bird haven. Pathiramanal is only 4 kms from the boating hub of Kumarakom. From Alappuzha, the island can be reached by about 40 minutes’ boat ride.

Although near the border to Kottayam, Pathirmanal still makes it to the list of tourist attractions in Alappuzha.

How To Reach Alappuzha

Alappuzha is well-connected with all major cities of Kerala. This district can be accessed by air, road, and rail.

By Rail : Alappuzha is one of the prominent railway stations that lie between Ernakulam and Kayamkulam railway line. Almost all the trains that connect with the northern and southern parts of India have a halt at Alappuzha. From the station, taxis or rickshaws are available.

By Air: Alleppey is 90 Kilometers away from Cochin. It takes almost 2 and a half hours to reach Alappuzha from Cochin International Airport. All the prominent international and national airlines operate from Cochin.

By Road : Alappuzha is well-connected with other parts of India. There are inter-state and inter-district buses that connect with Alappuzha. The most popular bus routes include Coimbatore, Alleppey, Thalassery, Trivandrum, Mangalore, Bangalore. Manipal, Calicut, and more.

Best Time to Visit Alappuzha

November to February: Winters are the best time to visit Alappuzha (Allepey) as the weather is mild and pleasant. The average temperature during this time is between 17 degrees to 32 degrees Celsius. This is the perfect time to go on a houseboat ride and explore the backwaters of Allepey.

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Places to visit in Alleppey

Alleppey, alias Alappuzha is a city situated on the Laccadive Sea in the southern part of India in the state of Kerala. Alleppey is one of the favourite and frequently visited tourist destinations in Kerala. The place is famous for its houseboat cruises, beautiful beaches, canals, lagoons, and the famous annual event Punnamada Lake’s snake boat race. Alleppey is blessed with amazing flora and fauna, coconut, palms, green paddy fields, backwaters and more. If we look back to the 3rd Century BC – 4th Century AD, Alleppey was a cultural destination in Kerala since then. It has a rich culture and heritage.

The place seems to be really beautiful and amazing. Make your plan and we will help you finds all the tours and activities, sightseeing and more to make your holiday unforgettable. Don’t miss the chance to have a glimpse of the mesmerising beauty of Alleppey.

Alleppey at a Glance

Famous For – Backwaters, Beaches

District – Alappuzha

Altitude – Sea level

Best Season to Visit – September – March

Weather – Summer 20 to 36°C, Winter 16 to 32°C

Modes of Transportation to reach Alleppey

Reach Alleppey by these three modes of transportation.

The Cochin International Airport is the nearest airport to Allepey about located at a distance of 75 Km. It connects to all the major cities Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore, Ahmedabad, Pune and Hyderabad.

You can take the 66 National Highway. Air-conditioned buses are available from Chennai, Mysore, Bangalore and Coimbatore to Alleppey.

The Alleppey Railway Station is 4 km away from the city centre and connects Alleppey to all the major cities like Trivandrum, Cochin, Vellore, Coimbatore, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai.

Is your Holidays Coming up Next? Plan for Alleppey – the Venice of the East

Our main priority is to satisfy our smart and handsome couples, families, groups, and all the valuable customers who are dreaming of visiting Alleppey. Here is the list of attractions in Alleppey that is must to pay a visit.

• Explore the Gorgeous Beaches in Alleppey:

Refresh your mind visiting the clean and beautiful beaches in Alleppey. Here is the list of beaches in Alleppey that our visitors will love to make a memory.

• Alleppey Beach:

Alleppey Beach, which is also known as the Alappuzha Beach, is famous for its amazing breath-taking beauty with a long coastline. The beach is surrounded by palm trees, an ancient lighthouse, green and flourishing garden in the shore and more. Walk in the white sand of Alleppey and you will be mesmerised by the natural scenic beauty of the beach. You will get to view the fishing techniques by the local people. There is also a garden beside the beach named as “Amaze World”, which is especially for kids. They can have fun out there.

“Sing, dance and have fun with the crystal clear waves of the sea water”

Things you will get near the beach

• Coconut water
• Famous street foods of Kerala
• Local vendors sell or rent umbrella to beat the hit of the scorching sun.
• You will also find many things in the shops near to the beach
• Vijay Park is near to the beach. You can spend some good times with your loved ones.

Address of Alleppey Beach: Alleppey is very near to Alappuzha railway station in Alleppey District, Alappuzha 688007, India.

• Marari Beach :

Marari Beach is another beautiful beach located in Alappuzha District of Kerala and is 11 Km from Allepey/Alappuzha town of Maraikulam. This small, clean and tidy beach is one of the best picnic spots for visitors who come from across the globe. Tourist can have an amazing time in the beach.

• Home-stay accommodation
• Swimming clothes and more
• Local Snacks and toys

Address of Marari Beach: Alappuzha-Arthunkal-Chellanam- Thoppumpady Rd, Mararikulam, Alappuzha, Kerala 688523, India

• Visit the Cool, Calm and Serene Alleppey Backwaters:

Your dream of sailing through the backwaters with your loved one will be fulfilled in Aelleppy right here. The jaw dropping beauty of the place will give you a memory for lifelong. You will get to see the village life of people staying right there, their living style, their culture and more. You can book a houseboat and enjoy the serene beauty of the still water. Apart from that, enjoy the lip-smacking food inside the houseboat. The backwaters re surrounded by long coconut trees, flowers and more. This backwater attracts array of tourist from across the world.

You can try the houseboats and shikara ride in Alleppey. Check Alleppey shikara boat booking

Highlights of the place

• Snake boat races and the houseboat cruises
• Stay and enjoy the backwater trip on a houseboat
• It is a perfect destination to capture your adorable and lovely memories.
• Try a Shikara ride
• Do try sea food

“Pose with the serene beauty of the backwaters”

• Krishnapuram Palace:

Located in Kayamkulam near Alappuzha, there is a beautiful palace and a museum named as “Krishnapuram Palace”. The palace was built in a Kerala architectural style with gabled roof, narrow corridor and dormer windows. The museum has different paintings and mural painting, which is titled “ Gajendra Moksham ” of 154 square feet (14.3 m2) size. Visit the palace to have the glimpse of the historical beauty of paintings, know about the lives of the South Indian people. Rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.

Opening and Closing Time: · 9AM–1PM, 2–4:30PM

Address : Oachira Rd, Near Kayamkulam, Alappuza Dist, Krishnapuram, Kerala 690533, India

• Vembanad Lake:

Vembanad is one of the the longest lake in India, and the largest lake in the state of Kerala. The area of the lake is around 785 mi² and length around 59.96 mi. It is one of the best backwater tourism destinations for tourists. The lake is surrounded by coconut trees and you can just imagine the beauty of the place. The expanse is very vast and people can have lots of fun in the open air of the place. The lake is 13 km from the Kottayam railway station.

• Great sightseeing experience
• the snake boat race
• watch oarsmen
• Houseboat experience

Kuttanad is popularly known as the “rice bowl of Kerala”. The place has vast paddy fields situated in the Alappuzha and Kottayam Districts, in the state of Kerala. It is famous for producing rice from ancient times. The region is also famous for boat race in the Ramankari Backwaters. Visitors love the socio-cultural life of the place. The green paddy fields will just give you a mesmerising feeling. You will see the busy farmers engrossed in different farming activities in the field.

• Go for a boat riding
• Try the local dishes in the nearby eateries
• Experience the backwaters
• A great picnic spot
• A great place to see different birds
• Best place for photography
• Alappuzha Lighthouse:

• Get some picture getting in the light house
• Great view of the Arabian Sea form the light house
• Amazing sunrise and sunset view

Explore the Religious Side of Alleppey

• Karumadi Kuttan – A Granite Idol of Lord Buddha:

Opening and Closing Time: Sun – Saturday: 09:30 AM – 04:30 PM (Karumadi Kuttan is closed on Mondays)

• Discover the healing power of Lord Buddha
• Enjoy the local delicacies in local restaurants
• Ambalappuzha Sri Krishna Temple:

Opening Closing Time: 5:30 am to 10 pm

• Go religious
• Attend the Ambalapuzha Temple Festival
• Try the Ambalapuzha Palpayasam (sweet milk porridge)
• Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple:

  Located in the city of Alappuzha, Mullakkal Bhagavathy Temple is one of the great attractions in Alleppey. The temple is also known as the Mullakkal Rajarajeswari Temple and Mullakkal Bhagwati Temple. The temple is surrounded by green trees, jasmine flowers, and a pool in the campus of the temple. There is a large Banayan tree inside the temple. You will feel the heaven out there.

• Take Prasadam, the famous Prasad given to the worshippers made in the form of ‘Vada’ and is prepared by Urad dal.
• Attend the famous festival “Mullakal Chirappu Festival” held in November.
• Navaratri festival is another festival celebrated in the Temple.
• Edathua Church:

Mass Timings

• Sundays : 06:00 AM, 08:00 AM, 10:00 AM and 16:00 PM
• Wednesdays : 06:00 AM and 07:00 AM
• Fridays: 04:00 PM
• Attend the annual feast
• Enjoy the great ambience of the Church during the feast which is celebrated for long 11 days
• Amazing architectural view inside the Church
• Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal:

  St. Andrew’s Basilica, Arthunkal is also known as the St. Andrew’s Forane Church. It is located in the Arthunkal, Alappuzha district in Kerala. The Church was built by the Portuguese missionaries in the 16th century. It is believed that the place possessed magical powers to heal the body and mind. It is the first Basilica in the diocese of Alleppey and the seventh Basilica in Kerala. Pay a visit this amazing place to get other mesmerising beauty of wildlife, bird sanctuary, migratory birds and animals and more.

• Daily Mass : 5.30 am, 7 am, 4.30 pm
• Sunday : 5.30 am, 7 am, 9 am, 5pm
• Baptisms : 2nd and 4th Sundays after 9.30 am
• Sebastain Novena : Thursday 11 am, 4.30 pm
• Attend the annual feast of St. Sebastian held in January every year
• Railway station is Cherthala
• Green Surroundings
• Enjoy bird watching activities
• Capture each and every moments
• World Wetlands Day is celebrated and different activities are organised for the visitors.
• Tour to the St. Mary’s Forane Church:

It is one of the oldest Churches in India. The Church is situated on the bank of the backwaters about 11 Km from Allepey. You will love the murals paintings and the sculptures in the Church. The surrounding of the Church is pretty calm and clean. Every year a huge number of visitors pay a visit to the place. The Church is one of the world-renowned centres of pilgrimage. Here people can know about the culture and lifestyle of the Christians. Apart from that, the Church is providing housings to around 2500 families.

• Visit the Church during the rainy days; it adds more beauty to the place.
• Capture the amazing architecture
• Attend the feast on the third Sunday of September, which is held twice in a year
• Participate in the festival and enjoy the amazing fireworks during the feast.

Must visited Eateries in Alleppey

Without tasting the cuisines in Alleppey, your trip is incomplete. Ty different cuisines in Alleppey from Masala Dose, Appam to Sea foods. Have a look into the famous restaurants in Alleppey.

• The Harbour Restaurant
• Kream Korner
• Dreamers Cafe and Restaurant
• Halais Restaurant
• Cafe Catamaran
• Sisir Palace
• Royale Park Hotel
• Hotel Hot Kitchen – Pure Vegetarian Restaurant
• DAD’s CAFE
• Avees Puttu House and more.

Note – Don’t forget to drink coconut water. You will get plenty of it.

Wow! Now its Shopping Time. Shopping Destination

Add this few destinations for your shopping in Alleppey.

• Floating Triveni – Floating Triveni is a floating mall in the Vembanad Lake. Happy shopping with Floating Triveni.
• Chandra Babu Shopping Complex – a supermarket where you can find all the things.
• Canal Bazaar – Famous for different spices

For more details, stay tuned to our website. If you have any query feel free to connect with us.

Author:  Kerala Tour Packages Guide

Kerala Tour Packages Guide is one of the fastest growing tour operator in Kerala. We help foreign tourists and Indian tourists to enjoy Kerala. Our Expert tour coordinators will help you to choose the best destinations, hotels, houseboats in Kerala.

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10 Mesmerizing Tourist Places To Visit in Alappuzha During Your Kerala Trip

• Post author: TRISOJ
• Post category: Kerala
• Reading time: 19 mins read

If there is any all-season wetland in this world, then you must visit Alappuzha in south Kerala, India. Blessed with many aquatic places to visit in Alappuzha will soothe your eyes in all seasons. This part of the land has backwaters and islets that are located near the Arabia Sea. The dotted island with palm groves, monsoon clouds, cool weather, monsoon rain, and spending your Alleppey tour is best for couples and honeymooners from June to November. Boathouse tourism is the only way to explore Alappuzha District in Kerala. Tourists can book Alleppey Houseboat Booking from KTDC and private boathouse operators in Vembanad Lake . 

Explore The Backwaters Of God’s Own Country – Alappuzha Tour with Alleppey Boathouse

There is no other similar place on earth than the backwaters of the Alappuzha that why Alleppey full thousands of foreign tourists yearly under the Alappuzha Tour. A weeklong tour is the best to visit Alleppey Tourist Places mentioned below and Boathouse can be a part of it that can add more memories to your Kerala Trip. There are many boats with a shelter to stay, dine and tour islets and attractions to visit in Alappuzha. The backwaters of the Vembanad Lake are crystal clear, and you can see marine life with your naked eye. You will explore on a boat to see the paddy fields, settlements in the backwaters, Chinese fishing nets, churches, temples, and sea beaches. There are many places to visit in Alappuzha that can be added during your trip to Kerala.

1. Punnapra Beach

Is there any Golden Beach in Kerala? It is Punnapra Beach in Alappuzha and the most famous tourist places to visit in Alappuzha. Punnapra Beach has one of the finest golden sans with palm grove shores. It is a hidden tourist place in Alappuzha as the beach location favours young couples and honeymooners paradise near the coast of the Arabian Sea. During the day and evening, you can find many pre-wedding photo shoots happening here. Sunset on the Arabian Sea makes the Golden sands look like a mix of gold and orange colour. It is a quiet beach with scenic places to take photos along blue skies, pristine seawater, and clean golden sandy shores. 

Entry Cost: Nil

Explore Timing : Half Day

Opening and closing Timing: 06:00 AM to 07:00 PM

2. Marari Beach

This is a famous beach resort that comes among the world’s top 5 Hammock Beaches. Tourists seeking luxury beachfront resort tourism must stay here while on a weeklong Alappuzha Tour. Marari Beach’s shoreline is the plunge with lush green coconut trees. The best season to visit this beach is from December to May and during Monsoon (June to November), the Arabian Sea looks amazing with rainy clouds and cloud bursts. Marari Beach Resorts are booked in all seasons for honeymoon and wellness tourism to take Ayurvedic or herbal spa facilities available in premium and luxury resorts in Marari Beach.

Opening and closing Timing : 24 Hours

3. Pathiramanal

The meaning of Pathiramanal, literally in Malayalam, is ‘midnight sand.’ It will be a surprise to see this beach-like natural sand formation in the middle of Pathiramanal Iselt in Alappuzha. You will find a similar sand formation in only some of the islets of the Vembanad Lake backwaters. Pathiramanal Sand colour looks bright and shining during a full moon day, a rare geographical phenomenon happening here. It is an uninhabited islet and also a place for migratory birds. This islet is a paradise for birds, nature, and marine lovers. It is a lonely islet with palm groves on its shores and native floras and pathways to hike around.  

Entry Cost : Nil

Explore Timing: 1 Hour

Opening and closing Timing : 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM

4. Alleppey Lighthouse

This lighthouse on the seashores of Alleppey has a longstanding trading history on the Arabian Sea. It is the first lighthouse in Kerala , which Travancore King Marthanda Varma-II built. This 1862-built lighthouse is still in good condition and is an important landmark. The boats on the sea can spot this lighthouse within the 24.5 nautical miles range, which is just 92 feet tall. Tourists must visit here during Alleppey lighthouse timings to see this lighthouse’s light source history on display. You will find the oil-lit lamp to the modern-day electric lamp. You can have scenic views of the Arabian Sea, the Alleppey Sea Bridge, sailing fisher man’s boats and ships, and the views of Alleppey mainlands between the backwaters and sea coast.

Entry Cost: INR 20 for Indians and INR 50 for foreign tourists

Explore Timing: 1 hour

Opening and closing Timing: 03:00 PM to 04:30 PM

5. Kuttanad

This place, Kuttanad is the rice bowl for the state of Kerala. Believe it or not, Kuttanad farming is 4 to 10 ft below the mean sea level in the backwaters of Kuttanad Lake. During your boathouse tour, you will find this part of the islet’s land is falling lower than the normal landmass seen in other islets. Yet, it is the most fertile land in Kerala, and rice is ploughed here year-round. This vast islet is with lush green paddy fields and you will reach the Kuttanad lowest point if you hike in the paddy field. You will not find a glimpse of backwaters from this point.  

Entry Cost: Nil 

Opening and closing Timing: 06:00 AM to 06:00 PM

6. Krishnapuram Palace

Palace history dates back to 1729–1758 CE. Anizham Thirunal Marthanda Varma built it after defeating the Odanad ruler in Odanad–Travancore War of 1746. This palace is the finest example of Kerala Architectural style. Today, this palace is maintained by the Archaeological Department of India. The art and crafts inside this palace are the Anchal Post box, Durbar Hall, Gajendra Moksham, Palace pond, Murals, wall paintings, Kayamkulam Vaal (Double Edged Sword), Buddha’s statue, and many antiquities of Travancore Kingdom. Krishnapuram Palace almost resembles the Padmanabhapuram Palace in Trivandrum. It is the best place for history buffs, designers, and architects.

Entry Cost: Adults INR 10 and Children INR 5

Explore Timing: 2 Hours

Opening and closing Timing: 09:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 02:00 PM to 04:30 PM

7. Mullakkal Rajeshwari Temple

Tourists must visit this temple in the last week of December to see the full glory of its Mullakkal Chirappu or annual festival occasion. This 500-year-old temple is still in good condition. People of any religion can visit this temple year-round. The main deity of this temple is Mullakkal Devi (Durga or the form of Shakthi among Hindu Malayalees). The newlyweds and childless couples must visit this temple and get blessings for fertility and happiness. This temple’s interiors include many Hindu deities carved out of monolith rocks, wood, and masonry works on laterite stones.

Explore Timing: 1 to 2 Hours

Opening and closing Timing: 05:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 05:00 PM to 09:00 PM

8. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple

This temple tops the 7th place in the list of old temples of Kerala. The Chembakasserry Pooradam Thirunal-Devanarayanan Thampuran of the Travancore Kingdom built this temple in 790 CE. The devotees of Lord Krishna and other tourists must visit this temple during Chambakulam Moolam Water Festival in June and Aaraattu Festival between March to April. You must taste the mouthwatering Ambalappuzha temple offering the ‘Ambalapuzha Payasam,’ or a semi-liquid milk-based sweet served in the temple daily. It is a beautiful Hindu temple with a huge temple gate, a large pond, and sculptures. Huge and old Ficus Religiosa trees surround this temple. Ambalapuzha Sree Krishna Temple is counted as one of the most famous tourist places to visit in Alappuzha and you must include this destination in your Kerala Trip .

Entry Cost:  Free

Opening and closing Timing : 03:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 05:00 PM to 08:00 PM

9. Andrew’s Basilica

St Andrews Basilica in Arthunkal is aka Arthunkal church , locally in Alappuzha. The Europeans call this church in the name St. Andrew’s Basilica of Arthunkal St. Sebastian’s International Shrine. It is due to Portuguese traders behind the building of this church in 16th CE in Arthunkal. It is one of the vast churches of St Sebastian in this world. Yearly, millions of Latin Catholics and other sects of Christian pilgrims visit Alleppey during Arthunkal Perunnal or St. Andrew’s Basilica church festival. It is an annual festival that takes place in January annually. This basilica is a Portuguese architectural marvel in Kerala. It is worth visiting to see people of any religion. Daily holy mass takes place in this church.  

Explore Timing : 1 hour

Opening and closing Timing : 05:00 AM to 09:30 PM 

10. George Forane Church

This is the most visited tourist place in Alappuzha in locally famous as the Edathua Pally locally in Alappuzha, Kerala. The Edathua church’s history dates back to 1810 CE, believed that the miracles of the St. George Forane do exist today. People of all faiths visit this church during the Edathua Pally festival, which takes place annually during the last week of April. People of any religion can visit this church. This church belongs to the Syro-Malabar Catholic denomination. It is a beautiful church on the Banks of the Pampa River in Azhapuzha. Tourists and pilgrims can visit this holy church in any season.

Explore Timing : 1 Hour

Opening and closing Timing : 05:00 AM to 08:00 PM

Frequently Asked Questions?

A. The depth of the backwaters of Alappuzha ranges from 5 ft to 21 ft. The locals walk on the backwaters from knee to neck level and reach nearby islets. Yet, Vallam, or the traditional boat, is used as local transit.

A. Currently, no crocodile attacks are happening with thor native people or tourists. It is safe to explore these backwaters through a traditional boat, and boat house meant for tourists.

A. The boathouse price depends on the boat type and the hours you need to explore the Alleppey tour. It is inclusive of stay, food, and visiting islets. A standard boat house is cheaper than a luxury boat house.

A. If you wish to see the backwaters during rain, the monsoon season from June to November is the best time to spend your leisure time in an all-inclusive boathouse on the backwaters of Alappuzha. 

These top 10 places to visit in Alappuzha are on the backwater islets and mainland on the Malabar coast. Your Kerala tour will be empty without a boathouse tour on Vembanad Lake in Azhapula. Alappuzha offers many Tourist places to visit in Azhapula tour which makes this destination great. It is advisable to book an all-inclusive boat house tour which includes food, stay, and sightseeing on the backwaters of Azhapuzha. It is an international tourist destination, where thousands of foreign tourists visit here during Alleppey’s peak season December to May. Kerala is a tourist-friendly destination where its locals speak Hindi and English apart from their native language. 

You Might Also Like

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TOURIST PLACES IN THIRUVAMBADY

Thiruvambady Boasts Many Popular Tourist Places, Offbeat Places & Amazing Nearby Weekend Destinations. Find Homestays in Thiruvambady, Kerala and Enjoy Incredible City Sightseeing Places & Tourist Spots.

• THIRUVAMBADY TOURIST PLACES
• BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN THIRUVAMBADY IN (2024)

EXPLORE PLACES TO VISIT IN THIRUVAMBADY

Best tourist places to visit in thiruvambady , kerala.

ClearHolidays, a leading travel website, provides extensive travel information to assist travellers in planning their holidays to Thiruvambady. Our website offers travel help, online travel guide and best possible travel information related to Thiruvambady tourism. We recommend the top tourist destinations & best sightseeing places, places to visit in Thiruvambady , offbeat places & weekend destinations in Thiruvambady, cheap homestays in Thiruvambady, and available outdoor activities.

Thiruvambady boasts many other incredible tourist attractions for city sightseeing and amazing weekend destinations for short weekend trips from Thiruvambady. Nearby weekend getaways from Thiruvambady , within 100-300 km, offer a very good chance to help you explore more sightseeing places, tourist spots, and offbeat places to visit in some of the most beautiful weekend getaways from Thiruvambady. You can search for all the possible weekend destinations in and around Thiruvambady within 100-300 km on www.clearholidays.com/weekend-getaways.

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• Thiruvambady

Thiruvambady, Anantha Narayanapuram, Alappuzha

Alappuzha, Kerala, India

Thiruvambady is an sublocality in Anantha Narayanapuram, Alappuzha, Kerala, India.

Paravoor, Kainakary North, Kuppapuram, Kainakary, Aryad South, Kainakary South, Kuttanad Taluk, Mullakkal, Alappuzha are the nearby cities to Thiruvambady.

Explore neighbourhood

• Alappuzha Railway Station Bus Stop
• Pallathuruthy West Bus Stop
• Cheramankulangara Bus Stop
• Seethas Theatre
• Raiban Cine House RGB 4K 3D
• KSFDC Kairali Sree Theatre Alappuzha
• AEC CINEMAS

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Top Things to Do in Alappuzha, Kerala

Places to visit in alappuzha.

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• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

31. Mullakkal Market

32. Kurattikadu Pattambalam Devi Kshethram Temple

33. Eruva Sreekrishna Swamy Temple

34. Adichikkavu Sree Durga Devi Kshetram Temple

35. Pandavan Rock

36. Padanilam Parabrahma Temple

37. Matt India Ayurveda Centre

38. Sree Venu Gopala Swamy Temple

39. nalpathaneeswaram sree mahadeva temple.

40. National Cartoon Museum and Art Gallery

41. Vethalan Kavu Mahadeva Temple

42. Jain Temple, Alleppey

43. Vijay Beach Park

44. Saras Exotic Birds Center

45. golden flower hall.

46. Sree Ganesh Temple Mullackall

47. Kurattikkadu Mutharamman Devi Temple

48. SanthiSukham Ayurveda Panchakarma Centre

49. Nehru Trophy Boat Race

50. Rejula Noushad

51. Ann's Artcade

52. Samanga Ayurveda Wellness Centre

53. Champions Boat League

54. Nehru Trophy Boat Race Finishing Point

55. pulickattil handicraft emporium, 56. kalavoor.

57. Ayurbhadra Ayurveda

58. Pulikunnoo

59. Marari Taxis

60. Fiyas CJ

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Moscow’s Top 13 – The Main Attractions of the Russian capital

13 Moscow Attractions

One of the most fascinating metropolis, breathtaking city, and a vibrant European capital, Moscow is a powerful mix of history and edginess, full of world famous sites and attractions that are worth exploring. However, it would take weeks to really explore all facets of the Russian capital – unfortunately hardly any traveler has that much time, which is why you should concentrate on the absolute Moscow top attractions and highlights. Here is the list of top 13 Moscow attractions you can choose on your next Russian travel journey.

What Times Square means to New York, Pariser Platz with the Brandenburg Gate to Berlin, or Trafalgar Square to London – Red Square means to Moscow. The heart of Russia’s capital it is the central meeting point and the most famous photo opportunity. No place stands for Russia and Moscow more than “krasnaja ploshchad”, as Red Square is called in Russian.

It is arguably one of the Moscow main attractions and most visited. With the gigantic military parade on Victory Day in World War II, which takes place every year on May 9, the pictures of the square go around the world year after year. But for the rest of the year you will mainly meet local and foreign tourists here, who take peaceful pictures and soak up the unique spirit. The square looks spectacular illuminated at night, but you should visit the square at least once in daylight as well.

If you stand in the middle of the huge cobblestone square, in the clockwise direction you can see the Kremlin and the Kremlin Wall with a total of 20 individually designed towers, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Historical Museum built with red bricks, the little Kazan Cathedral, the impressive luxury department store GUM, the imposing St. Basil’s Cathedral and, the bridge over the Moskva River. This unique ensemble offers more sightseeing highlights at one stroke than any other tourist attractions in Moscow or the world.

So it’s no wonder that Red Square is UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers the most popular photo opportunities worldwide. When visiting Moscow, there is no reason not to visit to Red Square and a selfie is practically also a must – getting there is easy even for Russia newcomers. Although Red Square does not have its own metro station, it is still child’s play to find the way there – especially since the Square is the absolute geographical center of the city.

There are four metro stations in the vicinity, from which it is only a short walk to Red Square, Okhotny Ryad and Teatralnaya directly at the northwest entrance of the Square at the Historical Museum; further to the west is the Lenin Library station, from which one arrives at the same entrance through the Alexander Garden. As well as the station Revolution-square behind the GUM department store, which leads past to the northeast side of the Square.

The Kremlin

This is the biggest active fortress in Europe offering a week’s worth of attractions. For more than 70 years, the Kremlin was the power center of the Soviet Union, which the US President Ronald Reagan called the Empire of Evil exactly 35 years ago, one of the symbols of the East-West conflict in the Cold War. People in the West feared the «dark» plans that were built behind the thick walls of the Kremlin.

The Kremlin is built in a triangular shape on the natural elevation above the Moscow River, known today as the Kremlin Hill. Today’s metropolis Moscow has expanded in a circle around it and the road around the Kremlin is considered the first of several ring roads in Moscow counting.

Now Kremlin has lost its terrifying image, although it is still the seat of the Russian President and thus one of the most important places in World political events. It is an inviting, historical sight for tourists, and one of the famous Moscow tourist attractions which can be visited for just a few dollars.

The large parts of the 28 hectare site can be visited by tourists – with the exception of the Kremlin towers, the presidential Grand Kremlin Palace and the Senate Palace. The first port of call on the site is the so-called Cathedral Square, which is the geographical center of the Kremlin and at the same time the highest point on the Kremlin Hill and contains the three oldest structures in the complex. The three 15 th -century cathedrals of the Kremlin (the Dormition, Archangel Michael and the Annunciation Cathedrals), which together with the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the Cathedral of the Deposition of Mary, make the most famous ensemble of the Kremlin. Also to be visited here are primarily the Armoury and the Patriarch’s palace.

To get to the Kremlin, you have to pass a security gate at one of the two publicly accessible entrances – these are located at the Kutafja and Borovitsky towers. Tickets cost from 700 rubles upwards, the admission to the Armoury, the Ivan the Great bell tower and the Patriarch’s Palace being paid for separately.

More about the Kremlin

Lenin’s Mausoleum

This is the ultimate love it or hate it tourist attractions in Moscow It may be mistaken for a gloomy performance, but Lenin remains an absolute attraction almost a hundred years after Vladimir Lenin death. The founding father of the Soviet Union is not only a fascinating historical figure of world renown for supporters of communism. Despite ongoing discussions about a final burial of the leader of the communist October Revolution in 1918, hundreds of thousands come year after year to the dark marble building on Red Square, right next to the Kremlin wall, to see the embalmed body of the legendary Russian revolutionary.

First opened to the public in 1924, the Mausoleum attracts 2.5 million visitors every year, so, visitors have to wait a long time to get into the illustrious building. Also, photos from inside the Mausoleum are prohibited. But a visit is still a must for Moscow visitors, especially since the visit is free. Please note that the Mausoleum is only open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The queue starts behind the Historical Museum and before you get into the actual mausoleum, you have to pass an airport-like security gate – cameras and cell phones are not allowed into the Mausoleum, but can be safely placed in a cloakroom for a small fee. On the way out of the Mausoleum, after the visit, you pass the graves of the other Soviet heads of state. Including the grave of Josef Stalin, who was briefly kept next to Lenin in the Mausoleum after his death. But in the course of de-Stalinization, the cruel dictator was moved to the less prominent place behind the Mausoleum.

More about the Lenin Mausoleum

The Alexander Garden (Alexandrovsky Sad)

If you visit Moscow in summer, the hustle and bustle in the metropolis of millions can get over your head. The city, best known for its icy winters, can turn into an absolute burning furnace in summer. It sometimes takes over an hour to get to the edge of the metropolis. The perfect retreat, located in the center of Moscow, is therefore the Alexander Garden and one of the Moscow top attractions.

Located directly on the western wall of the Kremlin, the Alexander Garden is just a small, but all the more well-kept park that extends to the nearby Manege Square (Manezhnaya Ploschad). The garden undergoes a lot of changes, with old trees cut down in 2012 and over 200 planted, the authorities also claim that there will be a rosary of 3000 roses. As soon as the first rays of sun warm up the Muscovites, tormented by the long winter, they set off into the countryside. If you are right in the center, you can choose the small park right by the Kremlin.

With a café in hand, which you can get yourself on Manege Square, you can linger here between the carefully tended flower beds. With the Grave of the Unknown Soldier and the regular changing of the guard, there is even a real tourist attraction on top. Entry is free.

The Moscow Metro

In no other metropolis in the world would the subway be declared a sight. Yes, that is truly right as riding this one of the top Moscow tourist attractions is an experience in itself or just a walk through the station is amazing in itself. Whether in New York, Berlin, London or Paris – the big city inhabitants of the world metropolises have a love-hate relationship with their metro. It’s different in Moscow – the residents of the Russian metropolis love their metro and there is a reason for that: in the early days of metro construction, dictator Stalin had built the stations into “palaces for the workers”.

All the splendor of the tsars, which the ordinary Russian never saw, is now open to everyone, regardless of their origin. Indeed, a number of stations on the Moscow Metro, each built shortly before or after the war, are unmatched architectural masterpieces. Mayakovskaya station is often compared to a ballroom for its chandeliers and ornaments. The Teatralnaya stop, located directly below the world-famous Bolshoi Theater, shines with decorations reminiscent of the country’s theater and ballet tradition. Colorful glass windows, almost like in a sacred building, adorn the Novoslobodskaya station.

But the uncalled queen among Moscow’s metro beauties is Komsomolskaya station, named after the youth organization of the Soviet Union. With its huge chandeliers and detailed ceiling decorations, it is the crown jewel among the 331 metro stations. It is not uncommon for tourists to stand in the middle of the platform and take photos under the glances of passengers who just want to walk past the annoying tourists to and from work as quickly as possible.

A ride on the metro currently costs 57 rubles, which is less than one dollar. You should plan a few hours for a tour of the most beautiful stations, but the good news is, once behind the turnstile, a single ticket is enough to stay in the metro system as long as you want.

The Bolshoi Theater

To see Tchaikovsky Swan Lake or the Nutcracker by the same legendary Russian composer on the famous Bolshoi stage – that is the dream of every ballet fan. Home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, nowhere else is the fine art of musical dance lived as much as in Russia – and has been since the times of the tsars.

The Bolshoi itself has been shining back to its former glory since it was built in 1776 since its extensive renovation that cost almost a billion dollars a few years ago. The large historical hall of the building impresses with its opulent golden decorations and creates a very special atmosphere – this was also used by the communist leaders of the Soviet Union, who held their congresses in the building directly at the Kremlin. The Theater is so famous that it currently adorns the 100 ruble banknote and is among the Moscow main attractions.

If you’d like to go to what is probably the most famous ballet theater in the world today, it’s easier than ever. The program can be found months in advance on the official website bolshoi.ru  and can be ordered at very reasonable prices. The cheapest seats in the hall can be booked for as little as 100 rubles, i.e. less than $ 2. However, you should reserve tickets early, as the performances are usually booked weeks in advance. Even for good seats, you pay very moderate prices compared to Western Europe.

There are a few things to watch out for, however, proper, appropriate clothing is welcome, but apart from the obligation to wear trousers, it is not an exclusion criterion for men. If you arrive late, you have to wait outside until the next break so as not to disturb the other guests during the performance. The best way to get to the Bolshoi is by taking the Moscow Metro via the Teatralnaya station, which was built especially for the theater and which stairs are right in front of the main entrance.

More about the Bolshoi Theater

The GUM department store

The Russian abbreviation GUM means main all-purpose shopping center and sounds quite formal for such a shopping temple. Located in front of the Kremlin on Red Square, GUM has existed as a department store since 1920 and was previously a market. It is the most iconic and largest department store in Russia and among the Moscow tourist attractions .   The facade of the building, built in 1890, fits perfectly into the overall picture of Red Square and is illuminated photogenically at night.

In contrast to the scarcity economy of the Soviet era, the GUM today really has everything to offer that one can imagine. It has become the flagship of the shopping and fashion metropolis Moscow. But today you will mainly find smaller luxury shops here. From western high-couture boutiques such as Prada or Gucci to fur for the icy Russian winter, a well-to-do Muscovite or a tourist will find everything their heart desires here.

People can walk through the wide and beautifully decorated arcades of the GUM, free of charge. Cafes invite you to linger. A delicatessen shop on the ground floor sells Russian specialties at affordable prices. Chocolate, honey and caviar, as well as the all-round vodka in Russia, can be bought here as souvenirs for friends and family at home. In addition, the Soviet-style cafeteria on the upper floor is very cheap for lunch.

The GUM offers a special highlight every winter when the department store administration built an ice rink in front of the building directly on Red Square. For only 200 to 300 rubles per hour, depending on the time of day, you can lace up your skates and glide over the ice with the unique panorama of Red Square.

More about the GUM department store 

The Historical Museum

The Historical Museum is a museum of Russian history wedged between Red Square, Lenin Mausoleum, small Kazan Cathedral, and Manege Square. The red brick building of the Museum is a real eye-catcher and Moscow top attractions located on the opposite side of St. Basil’s Cathedral. It is dedicated to Russian history and is built in the Old Russian style, the building did not open until 1883.

The Museum houses everything from an exhibition on the archeology of Russia, through the technological achievements, to the art of the gigantic empire in 16 sections and has a total of 5 million exhibits. So if you are interested in the history of Russia, you cannot avoid visiting this Museum and should plan enough time for it.

A visit costs 150 to 500 rubles, depending on which exhibition you want to visit. The Museum is open in winter, autumn and spring from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., closed on Tuesdays. In the summer months, the extended Saturday times apply daily.

It is probably the most famous park in the Russian capital and the top Moscow tourist attractions – a novel and its film adaptation and a Russian rock band have its name and numerous songs by Russian and international bands and TV series, such as House of Cards, mention it or act here. Gorky Park is a premier green space offering entertainment for every taste. Located southwest of the center of Moscow on the Moskva River, it is designed more for family attractions and rest and the classic park on the other side – has become one of the meeting places for Muscovites of all kinds in recent years.

Whether for a yoga class, a family picnic or beach volleyball match, skateboarding, and cycling – people meet here often. Because even in the Gorky there is an ice surface in winter, the largest in Moscow, which attracts many Moscow residents as well as tourists.

A large-scale renovation in 2011 breathed new life into the park – the roller kiosks were removed and more emphasis was placed on the maintenance of the green spaces. The park remained free of charge and developed into one of the most popular places in the capital. Whether with the rental bike through the green lungs, the pedal boat across the numerous ponds or simply watching the goings-on on the park bench – a visit to Gorki is also absolutely worthwhile for tourists.

Day trip to the Golden Ring

As much as the metropolis Moscow is fascinating, the side effects of a cosmopolitan city like Moscow – the noise, the traffic and the crowds – can overwhelm any tourist. What could be better than a day trip to escape the organized chaos of the cosmopolitan city?

The places on the Golden Ring near Moscow are an ideal destination for this and among the Moscow main attractions – located north-east of the metropolis, these old Russian cities, some of which have existed for much longer than Moscow itself, offer a welcome change from the hectic hustle and bustle of the capital.

Developed in the late 1960s uniting several mediaeval Russian cities located to the north-east of Moscow it is the most popular route around provincial cities of central Russia. More than a thousand year old city of Yaroslavl on the Volga is the largest, but at 260 km from Moscow also the most distant city of the Golden Ring. For only 650 rubles, however, you can take the three-hour train ride there.

Yaroslavl has been part of the world cultural heritage since 2005 and is best known for its two monasteries – the Monastery of our Savior and Transfiguration and the Monastery of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Tolga are located directly on the Europe’s longest river Volga and its inflow Kotorosl. Both testify to the long history of the Russian Orthodox Church. The cityscape of Yaroslavl is also really worth seeing with its classicist buildings – walking through the streets of the city with 500,000 inhabitants is a welcome contrast to Moscow. Things are even more slow in the small towns of Suzdal and Vladimir, both of which can still be reached with the Moscow suburban train network (known as Elektrichka) for a good 500 rubles. In both cities time seems to have stood a little – large sacred buildings dominate the cityscape.

Especially the Assumption Cathedral, located in the center of Vladimir, and the Golden Medieval Gate are the main attractions for tourists. The church, built in the early 12th century, is best known for its almost 700 year old wall paintings and frescoes and is a World Heritage Site. The Suzdal Kremlin is also part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and was first mentioned in writing in 1024.

Suzdal with its only 10,000 inhabitants has still retained the character of a small Russian town and in the town, which will celebrate its millennium in 2024, you can still find numerous wooden buildings typical of rural Russia – whether churches or houses, the colorful buildings are ideal as Photo motif and give an impression of the simple Russian provinces life away from the metropolises.

The exhibition of the achievements of the national economies is not in every travel guide as a classic Moscow main attractions and a must see of the Russian capital. But no other place in the modern mega-metropolis exudes the spirit of the Soviet Union as much as the enormous VDNKh (All Russian Exhibition Centre) in the north of Moscow. It was built as an agricultural exhibition before World War II, but was then renamed world exhibition for the 15 individual Soviet states and their achievements.

From the Armenian, Estonian and Kyrgyz culture, to the Soviet achievements in space travel and nuclear power, to statues about the heroes of the Soviet history, the VNDKh (Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyastva) was an absolute attraction until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. After that, the old charm fell into disrepair and the large central pavilion, which was built in the splendidly pompous Stalinist style, was filled with small traders selling souvenirs and matryoshkas.

Since its renovation in 2014, the exhibition in the park-like area is absolutely worth a trip again and with the metro station of the same name you can get from the center to the VDNKh quickly and without problems. There are still strange souvenirs, plus huge Soviet monuments worth seeing, as well as numerous rides for children. The Kosmos exhibition still exists and is now part of the Cosmonaut Museum, which is located at the front end of the park when coming from the metro station.

Here you can experience the various achievements of Soviet and Russian space travel vividly. From the very first Sputnik satellite, the spacesuit of Yuri Gargarin, the very first human in space, to the Buran space shuttle, you can learn an incredible amount about the conquest of the cosmos here. However, you should plan several hours just for a visit to the Cosmonaut Museum.

More about the cosmonaut museum

The Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery

To complete the cultural program in Moscow, you should definitely make a tour to the Pushkin Museum and the Tretyakov Gallery when visiting the Russian capital. It is the largest museum of European art and among the Moscow top attractions. The former Museum of Fine Arts was named after Alexander Pushkin’s death in 1837 – it is still one of the most important art collections in the world today.

It boasts one of the richest collections of foreign art in Russia, showcasing global artistic developments from early times to the present day in expositions numbering 700,000 works of art.  Not far south of the Kremlin, exactly opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the Museum is housed in a classic building specially built for this purpose in 1898. From early Byzantine art to the famous Madonna by Lukas Cranach, the Italian masters, Peter Paul Rubens and masterpieces of Expressionism, for example by Paul Cézanne, you can admire a huge selection of important art here.

The regular entry ticket costs 800 rubles and the Ьuseum is open on weekends from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., during the week until 8 p.m. – only Monday is closed.

The second important art collection in the capital is the State Tretyakov Gallery. It is the national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. Started by the textile entrepreneur and philanthropist Pavel Tretyakov as a collection of local contemporary art in 1851, the gallery has now developed into one of the cultural highlights of Russia. In contrast to the Pushkin Museum, you will primarily find Russian art from the 19th century and older icons.

Entry cost is 400 rubles and the Gallery is open daily from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. – Monday is also the day off.

Take a stroll across Red Square, meet Lenin and see the world-famous Kremlin?

Then first of all you need a visa! !

Alexander Popov

Welcome to Russia! My name is Alexander, I was born in Moscow and I'm a passionate tour guide. I want to share my passion for Russia and my hometown with you. On my website you will find useful information to make your individual trip to Russia as interesting as possible.

The Museum of Cosmonautics and the Planetarium in Moscow

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Woman dies after childbirth at Alappuzha MCH: Minority Commission takes case suo motu

Alappuzha: The State Commission for Minorities on Monday took suo motu cognizance into alleged medical negligence at TD Medical College Alappuzha, following the death of a woman within 35 days after childbirth.  Shibina (31), wife of Ansar from Karoor in Purakkad panchayat, died while receiving treatment for an infection acquired post-childbirth.

The commission acted upon a complaint from Shibina's relatives, who alleged that doctors disregarded her complaints of persistent discomfort and stomach pain at the time of discharge. It has summoned explanations from the health department principal secretary, director of medical education, state police chief, and superintendent of the medical college regarding the incident. This decision was made during the commission's meeting chaired by AA Rashid in Thiruvananthapuram. The commission also directed the officials to submit their explanations during the upcoming session at the Alappuzha collectorate on May 7.

Shibina was admitted to the hospital on March 21 for delivery and gave birth to a baby girl on March 26. A few days after getting discharged from the hospital, she was readmitted after her health conditions worsened due to infection. She was then shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) on March 30 and underwent dialysis. She was put on a ventilator on Sunday morning, but could not be saved. Following her death, relatives staged a protest at the hospital alleging medical negligence. They have also filed a complaint with the police and the Chief Minister seeking a probe. 

Teen dies soon after discharge from hospital; family alleges medical lapse

Woman, newborn death in Alappuzha MCH: Doctor asked to go on mandatory leave

However, hospital authorities contend that Shibina received all necessary treatments and attribute her death to successive cardiac arrests. “A surgery was carried out following which the condition of the patient was gradually improving. However, two back-to-back cardiac arrests in the last two days worsened the condition of the patient, eventually leading to her death. A medical board would be constituted to further probe the matter,” said the hospital superintendent. 

• Medical College
• Medical Negligience

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• #Luxury travel
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• #Jewish Heritage
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Top 10 places for a day trip from Moscow

• #Russian History
• #Special Interest
• #Suburbs of Moscow

Moscow offers tourists many great sights to see, but if you ask locals, they will tell you that Moscow is not all there is to Russia, so it’s worth getting away sometimes. Without exploring further, you miss something of the Russian unique character. If you wonder what to visit near Moscow, we recommend you 10 places where a tourist can go for a refreshing recreation, new impressions, and acquaintance with Russian history and culture.

01 Sergiyev Posad

Sergiyev Posad is one of the most beautiful towns located around Moscow. It’s not only famous for its monastery, the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, but also for the fact that it’s the only town in the Moscow Region that is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities. Its cities and towns influenced the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church. But the main thing which one should visit Sergiyev Posad is the Lavra for sure. You may spend there all day, walking around and enjoying the sense of its power and strength. You absolutely have to buy some honey cakes as souvenirs for friends and feed Lavra’s pigeons when entering the monastery. Besides, you may visit Sergiyev Posad State History and Art Museum-Reserve, which has quite an impressive collection, take a look at the displays in the National Museum of Toys, and taste truly Russian food in local cafes and restaurants.

You can reach Sergiyev Posad by suburban electric train, by bus, or by car. The electric train departs from the Yaroslavsky rain terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts for an hour and a half. You may take a bus near the ‘VDNKh’ metro station, and you’ll be in Sergiyev Posad in an hour and a half at least and in two hours at most. Your car will take you there in an hour and a half at most, too. You should drive the Yaroslavskoye highway. 

If you want to look at a city that combines hi-tech and historical past, you should absolutely visit Kolomna. It is one of the most famous ancient cities in Russia, a beautiful port on the Oka River. Kolomna has its own Kremlin, which is made of red brick, like the Moscow Kremlin. Inside it, you may find many monasteries and churches, including the one in which Dmitry of the Don, Prince of Moscow, and Grand Prince of Vladimir, had his wedding to the Grand Duchess of Muscovy Eudoxia of Moscow. There is still a reserved residential area which is called Posad, right in the Kremlin territory. The buildings date back to merchants’ times. There are some interesting churches, too. In 2006, the Kolomna Speed Skating Center, known as the Kometa Ice Rink, was opened. Its futuristic look contrast the picturesque views of the ancient Kolomna Kremlin and its beautiful churches.

The best way to reach Kolomna is an electric train that departs from the Kazansky rail terminal. The trip lasts for two and a half, or one hour and forty minutes by the Ryazansky express. You can also choose a bus from the Vykhino metro station (1.4 to 4 hrs due to traffic jams) or a car.

03 Shakhmatovo

Shakhmatovo was a manor of the well-known Russian lyrical poet Alexander Blok. His grandfather Andrey Nikolaevich Beketov bought it, and young Blok used to spend it there every summer. Later, he moved there with his wife Lyubov Mendeleeva, who was the daughter of the famous chemist Dmitri Mendeleev. Blok’s grandfather decided to buy Shakhmatovo because of its picturesque views. They are really very nice, and the better time to visit this place is spring and summer. According to his own project, Blok’s mansion is a wooden house built by the poet but burnt by peasants in 1921. It was rebuilt in 2001, and since that time, it often holds big events and excursions. There is also a stable in Shakhmatovo territory, and everyone interested may ride a horse, or rent a bicycle in the summertime, or ski in wintertime.

Shakhmatovo can be reached by car because other options combine train departs from the Leningradsky rail terminal, then changes to bus till the Tarakanovo manor, then goes by foot, or bus from the Vodny stadion metro station, and then also by foot. Travel time is 1.4 hrs.

04 Zakharovo

It is a manor located in the Odintsovo District of the Moscow Region, where everybody interested may learn more about the greatest Russian poet Alexander Sergeevich Pushkin. In 1804, Zakharova was bought by his grandmother Mariya Alexeevna Gannibal, and young Pushkin was brought here every summer from 1805 through to 1810. He recalled Zakharovo in his poems as well. Now, the house which Pushkin visited as a child doesn’t exist anymore, but it was rebuilt at the beginning of the 20th century on the former basis. Now it is a quiet and nice place with a museum dedicated to the famous poet's childhood, where one may spend a day enjoying the spirit of the time when young Pushkin ran across manor’s paths. From that time, linden park, approach alleys, and pond were saved. Not very far away from Zakharovo, another place connected to Pushkin’s name is located. It’s called Bolshiye Vyazyomy, and there the young Pushkin’s brother Nikolenka was buried after his death at the age of six.

The best way to go there is by train, which departs from the Belorussky rail terminal and goes to Zvenigorod. You should leave at the Zakharovo station. Travel time is an hour and a half.

05 Borodino

Borodino is truly a sacred place for all those who honor the great Russian past. The Borodino Battlefield held the most important fighting during the Patriotic War of 1812. This place was made a museum area in 1839, just after 27 years after the battle. More than two thousand memorable things are stored in the museum, including some monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to the 19th and 20th centuries, and fortification facilities. Besides, there is also an exhibition dedicated to the famous novel ‘War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy, who visited Borodino in person and described this battle in his book. Every year, reconstruction events occur in Borodino, which is considered the best for visiting. But if you want to feel the spirit of the battle past, it’s better to visit it in more quiet time.

To go there, you should take a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, leave in Mozhaysk, and then change to the bus. The whole travel time is about 2 hrs.

06 Melikhovo

Melikhovo is considered one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov, one of the brightest Russian writers and playwrights. Chekhov had been living in Melikhovo from March 1892 until August 1899 with his parents and close relatives. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “Uncle Vanya” and “The Seagull.” He sold this manor before going to the Crimea, and it became vague after the revolution. But in 1939, it was decided to establish a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew initiated the process, and the museum opened its doors in 1941. Now Melikhovo shows the path of Chekhov not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. Some paintings of famous artists such as Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends, are being stored. It’s a nice place to visit to learn more about Chekov’s life and work.

The best way to reach Melikhovo is by bus, which departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station, and goes to Protvino, Obolensk, or Serpukhov, or by the direct 365 bus. Also, you may choose an electric train from the Kursky rail terminal. Travel time is 1,5 hrs.

07 Abramtsevo

This is another manor connected to the lives of important Russian people — not only writers but also artists. Abramtsevo, located close to Sergiev Posad, was a property of Sergey Aksakov, a writer and a Slavophiles, and later of Savva Mamontov, a well-known patron of the arts. Abramtsevo used to be visited by writers Ivan Turgenev and Nikolay Gogol, poet Fyodor Tyutchev, and such artists as Isaac Levitan, Vasily Polenov, and Mikhail Vrubel, and by the great Russian singer Fyodor Shalyapin as well. The exhibition in the museum is dedicated to famous Abramtsevo owners and guests. It was made a museum in 1917, and its first curator was Alexandra Mamontova, Savva Mamontov’s daughter. The main sightseeing view is a wooden building made in the 18th century and saved in Savva Mamontov's form in the 19th century. There are also some bright buildings such as hut pavilion or hut bath-house. You have to remember that the main manor house may be visited only with an excursion group on the weekend.

Electric train to Abramtsevo departs from the Yaroslavsky rail terminal and goes to Sergiyev Posad or Aleksandrov. You may reach Abramtsevo by bus as well. Travel time is an hour and a half.

08 Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnaya Polyana is known as a place of residence of the famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy. He was born there, wrote his novels ‘War and Peace’ and ‘Anna Karenina,’ died and is buried. He’d been living in this manor for fifty years. Yasnaya Polyana is located in the Tula Region, 200 km from Moscow to the south. This manor consists of many interesting and significant objects. For example, the interior of the main house where Tolstoy lived is being kept like it was in 1910 — it was the last year for the writer. All things in the house are considered to be personal belongings of Tolstoy and his family. Besides the main house, the Yasnaya Polyana ensemble includes the so-called Volkonsky house — the house of Tolstoy’s grandfather, the Kuzminskiye wing, which is a part of the oldest house where Tolstoy was born, now non-existent, the birch alley made by Sofya Andreevna, Leo Tolstoy’s wife, stable, ponds, and favorite Tolstoy’s bench. Leo Tolstoy’s tomb is located close to the ravine's edge — it’s where he wanted to be buried.

The whole travel time to Yasnaya Polyana is about 4 hrs as long as it’s located near Tula. It can be reached by train, or by car. First, you should go to Tula by train from the Kursky rail terminal or by bus from the Tsaritsyno, Domodedovskaya, Prazhskaya, or Ulitsa Akademika Yangelya metro stations, and then change to bus, or by trolley bus for Yasnaya Polyana.

09 Polotnyany Zavod

This place which title can be translated into Russian as ‘linen factory,’ is known for its connection to the Goncharov family, from which Natalia Goncharova, Alexander Pushkin’s wife, originated. The real linen factory was built on the bank of the Sukhodrev River in the Kaluga Region in 1718 by Peter the Great order. Goncharov, Natalia’s great grandfather, was one of the companions who participated in the factory’s development. Every companion built his own manor close to the factory’s building, and even for those times, it was quite an uncommon situation. Polotnyany Zavod was visited by the empress Catherine the Great, the Field Marshal Mikhail Kutuzov, and Nikolay Vasilievich Gogol. In 1999, when everybody celebrated the bicentennial of Alexander Pushkin, Polotnyany Zavod was made a museum, and now it welcomes many guests who come to see dramatized excursions and to learn more about Pushkin times. The poet himself visited this place two times, in 1830 and 1834. Polotnyany Zavod has the most picturesque panoramic view in the Kaluga Region.

To go to Polotnyany Zavod, you should take a bus from the bus station near the Tyoply Stan metro station, and go to Kondorovo. It takes a little more than three hours.

Tarus is just another little town in Kaluga Region, which is considered to be typical Russian. It’s located on the left bank of the Oka River and has really magnificent views. It feels like time stands still there. Tarusa managed to preserve the best from the past, and even now, it consists mostly of one-storeyed houses made of wood or stone. They say it’s because Tarusa residents declined railroad construction. This town became popular among Russian intellectuals at the beginning of the 20th century when famous artist Vasily Polenov discovered it and told about Tarusa to anyone in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Tarusa is known to be a hometown for Russian writer Marina Tsvetaeva, whose family spent summertime there. Tsvetaeva museum is a museum every guest of Tarusa should visit for sure. Besides, Konstantin Paustovsky, another famous Russian writer, lived there till his death and was buried in Tarusa. The absolutely must-do in Tarusa is to walk along the embankment of the Oka River.

The best way to reach Tarusa is by direct bus which departs from the bus station near the ‘Tyoply Stan’ metro station. Travel time is about two hours.

• Baikal Lake read
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• The Altai Mountains read
• Siberia read
• Mountain Elbrus read
• 1. Sergiyev Posad
• 3. Shakhmatovo
• 4. Zakharovo
• 5. Borodino
• 6. Melikhovo
• 7. Abramtsevo
• 8. Yasnaya Polyana
• 9. Polotnyany Zavod

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

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Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

90+ Moscow tourist attractions: what to see in Moscow, Russia

A huge list of the best Moscow tourist attractions.

Before the pandemic I used to visit Moscow every year. I would usually go there for a week, and I would still find new places to visit and things to do. Many people don’t realise how huge Moscow is and how many tourist attractions are there. Unfortunately, not all of these fantastic places are maintained, some are abandoned and can be enjoyed from outside only. Still, Moscow has attractions to satisfy the taste and requirements of any tourist and here I have a huge list of more than 90 places.

But let’s start with one of the most famous Moscow landmarks: the Kremlin!

NB : the post is very long, so just go to the table of contents and click on the section that interests you.

The Kremlin and its surroundings

The Kremlin should be in every list of Moscow tourist attractions 😊 You can easily spend a day exploring it and the surroundings.

1. The Kremlin : here you should definitely visit the Cathedral Square with its ensemble of old churches. Their interior is truly amazing with painted icons and graves of famous Russian rulers (in the Archangel Cathedral) – as Ivan the Terrible, for example. You can climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to see the square from above. Then there is the Armoury Chamber with its huge collection of royal regalia and gifts and everyday objects and the Diamond fund with, well, diamonds and other jewelry.

2. The Mausoleum . Frankly, despite visiting Moscow so many times, I have never been to the Mausoleum. Somehow, the thought of seeing Lenin doesn’t seem appealing to me, but, maybe, you want it. The entrance is free, at least.

3. The Red Square is the first place where every tourist goes. It is the center, the heart of Moscow and many tourist attractions are located there.

4. GUM is a huge shopping center on the Red Square. It is quite expensive, so not so many people go there for shopping. Still, it is a fancy place. In addition, there is a huge supermarket there and the famous canteen Stolovaya 57, so go there for a quick lunch.

5. Kilometer Zero of Moscow is at the Resurrection (Voskresensky) Gates at the Red Square. It symbolises the beginning of all roads in Russia. It is a square with a circle in the center: the edges have depictions of animals.

6. Aleksandrovsky Garden is at the Kremlin walls. It has amazing flower beds, fountains with fairytale sculptures, and there are lots of benches to rest your feet. The garden is famous for the monuments of the wars in 1812 and 1941-1945. And the eternal flame is here.

7. St Basil’s Cathedral is the most famous one in Moscow. Its colourful onion domes are easily noticed from afar. Ivan the Terrible ordered its construction to commemorate the capture of two cities, Kazan and Astrakhan. Now it is a symbol of Russia alongside other notable monuments.

8. Kazan Cathedral is another church on the Red Square. It’s not as lavishly decorated as St Basil’s, but it is a functioning church, so everyone can go inside. It’s not the original church, but a reconstruction: the original one was destroyed by Stalin’s order.

9. Change of guards happens every hour at the eternal flame in Aleksandrovsky Garden. It is quite a show with soldiers marching and music playing and many tourists gather at the spot to see it.

10. Monument to Vladimir the Great is a recent addition to the list of tourist attractions of Moscow: it was mounted in 2016. Vladimir the Great is one of the greatest rulers of Kievan Rus. The monument is 17,5 meters high and is located close to the Kremlin.

Parks and gardens

11. Zaryadye is not far from the Kremlin on the historical Varvarka Street. In addition to being a park, its floating bridge offers spectacular views of the Kremlin, the Moskva River, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and one of Stalin’s skyscrapers.

12. Gorky Park : shadowy alleys with benches to rest, fountains with music, a roller-skating rink, a pond with boats: Gorky park has everything! You can rent bicycles, skateboards, rollers, boats, and have some fun!

13. Sokolniki Park is huge and has numerous activities on offer like skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycles, ping-pong tables, a swimming pool, etc. Sometimes concerts and performances are held there.

14. Museon is next to Gorky Park and is famous for its weird sculptures and statues of Soviet rulers.

15. Aptekarsky Ogorod or the Apothecary Garden is the most famous garden in Moscow. It was founded by Peter the Great as a place to grow medicinal herbs, but expanded its collection of plants greatly.

16. Ermitazh Garden is one of the most beloved in Moscow. It was opened in 1894 and offered open-air concerts. Today performances and art exhibitions are held in the park. There are a couple of theaters in the territory and classes for kids.

17. Yekaterininsky Park is a monument to garden art. It has amazing flower beds and a huge pond with boats for rent. There are designated places for doing sports and a covered stage for live performances.

18. Patriarch’s Ponds are surrounded by trees today, but about 300 years ago it was a marshy place. At the end of the 17th century these marshes were dried and three ponds were dug. Later two of the ponds were filled up and trees were planted around the remaining one. The ponds became famous because namely here Mikhail Bulgakov’s masterpiece ‘The Master and Margarita’ starts.

19. Ostankino Park is now a part of VDNKh. It is huge and has plenty of facilities like bicycle tracks, paths for horse riding, open-air gyms, and the biggest open-air skatepark in Europe. Naturally, locals love it and it’s always full of people.

20. Clean Ponds : in the 17th century the place was called ‘Filthy marshes’ or ‘pagan marshes’ (depends on the interpretation). Later it was cleaned and nowadays it is a long pond which turns into a skate-rink in winter. Quite often artists put their paintings alongside the pond for passers-by to see. And there is an amazing song by famous I. Talkov about the place.

Did you know that there are more than 400 museums in Moscow? Of course, you can’t visit them all, so here I have a list of the most well-known and beloved ones in the city.

21. Tretyakov Gallery has several buildings, one of them dedicated to the 20th century art of Russia and the Soviet Union, and the other one to the Russian art at much earlier period till the 19th century. The latter one exhibits Vasnetsov’s, Shiskin’s, Serov’s, Ayvazovsky’s masterpieces. The vaults of the museum house a huge collection of old icons, the majority from the 14th century.

22. State Historical Museum : the dark red building of the museum on the Red Square is hard to miss. It houses huge collections of gold artifacts, manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics, old books, religious paintings, historical costumes, etc. Its coin collection has more than 1,7 million units!

23. Just like Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the right place for art lovers. There are about 700,000 exhibits in the museum collection, including masterpieces of Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Degas, Rubens, etc. It includes a huge collection of sculptures and archeological objects.

24. The Archaeological Museum of Moscow is an underground museum and is dedicated to the archeological diggings in the city. There are about 2,000 exhibits from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages.

25. Moscow Museum of Modern Art . It is the project of the famous Zurab Tsereteli and his private collection is the core of the museum. There are numerous paintings and sculptures by the artists of the 20th century, including those of Picasso, Dali and Miro.

26. State Darwin Museum . This huge museum houses a collection of 400,000 exhibits, mostly stuffed animals. From what I have seen kids enjoy it immensely.

27. The Orlov Museum of Paleontology : as the name suggests, it houses everything related to paleontology. There are more than 5,000 exhibits from the Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mezozoic and Caenozoic ages: ammonites, reptiles, skeletons of dinosaurs, etc.

28. The Museum of Cosmonautics is not far from the VDNKh and its collection includes technical devices, documents, personal belongings of cosmonauts, pictures, paintings, stamps, coins, etc.

29. The State Museum of Oriental Art was founded in 1918 to preserve the cultural heritage of the Eastern republics of the Soviet Union. Now it houses huge collections of Japanese, Korean, Arabian, Indian art in addition to those of the Soviet republics. In 2017 the famous Russian painter Nicholas Roerich’s collection was handed over to the museum.

30. Bulgakov Museum : the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Mikhail Bulgakov, the author of ‘The Master and Margarita’. It includes about 3,000 exhibits: letters, documents, pictures, furniture and personal belongings.

31. Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines : do you want to play an old Soviet arcade game? Just go to this museum! At the entrance you buy coins/tokens that you can use to play on any machine inside the museum.

32. Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill is dedicated to soldiers who fought and fell during the war of 1941-1945. It has several thematic halls, panoramas and a memory book.

33. Military exhibition on Poklonnaya Hill : this is another museum on Poklonnaya Hill and has a huge collection of military equipment, including tanks, planes, artillery, etc.

34. Museum-panorama “Battle of Borodino” : this museum is dedicated to one of the most famous battles of 1812 during the war between the Russian Empire and France. It is interesting that both sides claimed later that they won this battle.

Other places

35. Varvarka Street : there are some magnificent churches on the street and some historical buildings like the Old English Court, the oldest office of another country in Moscow, and the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars exhibiting the residential and household interior of the 16th-17th centuries.

36. VDNKh or the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy or All-Russian Exhibition Center is one of the most popular places in Moscow. It was built in the 1930-ies to showcase the achievements of the Soviet Union in the field of agriculture. Every building has its own style and was to either represent a Soviet republic or house a specific collection. The highlight is the fountains with famous sculptures like the Friendship of Peoples and the Stone Flower on the central alley. And, I guess, everyone is excited to see the replica of the famous Vostok rocket.

37. Moscow Planetarium is the oldest one in Russia. It houses multiple exhibits and replicas, but my favorite parts are the hall with a huge dome for watching movies and the exhibits on the roof.

38. Poklonnaya Hill : its name can be translated as bow-down hill and the monuments and park on it are dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Wait here until it gets dark: the fountains and columns get illuminated with red color, which is a magnificent sight.

39. Monument to Peter I on the Moskva River designed by the famous Zurab Tsereteli is 98 meters high. It is quite noticeable, but while it looks imposing, not everyone likes it. They even wanted to dismantle it and move it to another place, but it proved to be too expensive. By the way, this monument was in the top 10 of the ugliest ones in the world according to Virtual Tourist platform.

40. Krutitskoye Podvorye . This is the place where the spirit of olden times still lives: the buildings are old, it is quiet and cosy here. This courtyard belonged to Krutitsky Metropolitans, and a couple of churches from the 17th century are preserved along with palaces and houses.

41. Izmaylovsky Kremlin . You just have to see the colorful buildings, which replicate terems, houses in the traditional Russian architectural style. The Kremlin is packed with museums, there are several places to eat, so you won’t starve there. The biggest part of the Kremlin is a flea market with dozens of stalls with souvenirs, matreshkas, coins, boxes with traditional ornaments, furs, paintings, clocks, amber, shawls, clothes, books, icons, Soviet times items.

42. Stalin’s Bunker in Izmaylovo was built in the 1930-ies. There is a 17 kilometer long underground road that leads from the bunker to the center of Moscow. There is another bunker in Taganka.

43. Bolshoi Theater is one of the most well-known opera and ballet theaters in the world. It’s located not far from the Red Square, so just take some time to see it. If you are lucky to get tickets, lucky, because you should buy them long in advance, then you will see some of the best performances.

44. Metro tour . Moscow metro is one of the most beautiful in the world, it’s a fact. You can see everything here: stucco, paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, gilded walls, vibrant colours… some stations are true masterpieces! Pay a visit to Mayakovskaya, Kievskaya, Novoperedelkino, Komsomolskaya, Rasskazovka, Elektrozavodskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square), Novoslobodskaya, Novokuznetskaya, Arbatskaya, etc.

45. Trubnaya Square/Tsvetnoy Boulevard is a magnificent place! Just make sure you go there in summer when everything is green and flowers are blooming. The boulevard is famous for Nikulin’s Circus. I have not been to the circus, so I like the boulevard for its park with circus-related sculptures and arches with blooming flowers and the views from the nearby Trubnaya square.

46. Strastnoy Boulevard is one of the most important streets in Moscow. It is a nice area with an alley and monuments. And there are many notable buildings along the boulevard.

47. Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow: it starts at Smolenskaya metro station and runs almost till the Red Square. Arbat is full of fancy buildings and restaurants.

48. Alley of the rulers of Russia  is a place to see all the rulers at once. It is a small exhibition of busts hidden from the eyes of tourists. When I was there, I saw only three other people around. This is the place to see Ivan the Terrible, Alexander Nevsky, emperors from the Romanov family, Lenin and Yeltsin.

49. Triumphal Arch at Poklonnaya Hill was erected in the 1830-ies to commemorate the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.

50. Moscow Mosque . The first mosque was built in 1904, but in 2011 it was demolished to erect a new one. Now it is a huge building with vibrant colors and minarets of different sizes. By the way, they used 12 kilograms of leaf-gold to decorate the dome and minarets.

51. In Russia there were many merchant courts ( gostinyy dvor in Russian), where people used to sell their goods. The one in Moscow was built in the 17th century, but it suffered a lot during the years, especially during the siege of Moscow in 1812. Now the building doesn’t house shops anymore, it is used for exhibitions.

52. Eliseyevskiy Supermarket isn’t a simple supermarket, it’s an experience. The interior is amazing, with intricate decoration, columns, chandeliers. Some people visit it like a museum. There are rumours that they want to close the supermarket, because it’s unclear who the actual building belongs to.

53. The teahouse on Myasnitskaya Street is a special building as well. It is easily recognisable thanks to the pseudo-Chinese decorative elements on its facade. At the beginning of the 20th century it was a tea shop and had apartments for rent. Now the first floor is a shop and they still sell tea there.

54. Bogdan Khmelnitsky (Kievsky) Pedestrian Bridge : this pedestrian glass-covered bridge offers stunning views of Moscow. And, naturally, it is more beautiful at night, when the lights are on.

55. Zhivopisny Bridge : this bridge is famous for its bright red arch, which is very photogenic at night.

Panoramic decks

56. Sparrow Hills : this panoramic deck is right in front of the Moscow State University building. From here visitors can see the famous Luzhniki Stadium, Stalin’s skyscrapers, Moscow-City, etc. Getting there requires a bit of effort: first you have to get to Vorobyovy Gory metro station which is under the bridge and then follow a path up the hill. Frankly, it is better to follow the crowd after exiting the station.

57. Deck at the Academy of Sciences is closer to the city center and offers views of Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow-City, the Kremlin, the statue to Peter I, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Frankly, this view is much better than the one from Sparrow Hills. Getting here is easier: just get to Leninsky Prospect metro station and follow a straight road to the deck.

58. Moscow City is a group of skyscrapers at the riverfront. Every skyscraper is built in its own fashion and has a name. Many of them are higher than 330 meters! The highest one is Vostok Federation Tower: it is 374 meters high! The 360 panoramic deck in the above-mentioned Federation Tower offers stunning views of Moscow.

59. Ostankino Tower : this place offers the farthest view of Moscow and it is not a wonder: the panoramic deck is at about 330 meters height. Personally, I prefer the other three decks, as this one is quite far from the city center.

Estates and mansions

As you probably know, Peter the Great moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg in 1712, so, naturally, many noble families built estates in the new capital, and the royals erected palaces there. Still, there are some in Moscow, and you should definitely see them.

NB: I have another post on some of the residences below with more information: click here to read it.

60. Kolomenskoye : before Peter I moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg, Kolomenskoye was the main royal residence. Michael I Romanov loved the place, but it was his son Alexis I the Quietest who built a magnificent wooden palace. While almost all the buildings in the area were erected in the 16th-18th centuries, the wooden palace is not the original one: Catherine the Great ordered its demolition to build another palace. The one visitors see now is an exact modern replica built between 2008-2010. However, the majority of the objects inside the palace are authentic.

61. Izmaylovo under the Romanovs started as a farm and a production unit and included glass and brick plants, bee garden, linen manufacture, livestock, etc. In addition, they built churches, towers and a wooden palace. According to some historians Peter the Great was born in Izmaylovo. Anna of Russia opened a zoo there, the biggest one in the empire, and tigers and lions lived there. During the reign of Catherine the Great many buildings were demolished, and many years after that Nicholas I ordered to build an asylum for the military. Some of the gates, churches and the asylum can still be seen today. Izmaylovo estate is close to the Izmaylovsky Kremlin I mentioned above.

62. Tsarytsyno is strongly associated with Catherine the Great. Though St Petersburg was the capital of the country during her reign, Catherine the Great bought Black Mud manor, renamed it into Tsaritsyno (tsaritsa is czarina is Russian) and ordered the construction of a huge complex. She died before the construction finished, and her son wasn’t interested in the project.

63. Liublino is located quite far from the center of Moscow. In 1800 a rich merchant Nikolay Durasov bought the place and built a palace in the form of a cross. It is luxurious, with exquisite furniture, silky drapes, columns, but what makes it special is its decoration. Nicholas Durasov adored theater so he decorated his home with scenes from ancient mythology. Just lift your head up, look at the ceilings and walls and you will see the muses, Apollo, Cupid, Gratiae…

64. Kuskovo Manor was a summer residence of the Sheremetev family, one of the wealthiest in the Russian Empire. There are many buildings in the complex, including the palace itself, kitchens, the Dutch house, the Grotto with naval decorative elements, the Italian house with some exhibits and the Great Stone Orangery. The main palace is built right in front of a pond. The decoration is rich, with tapestries, colorful fabric wallpaper, chandeliers, furniture. One of the most beautiful parts of the palace is the Mirror Hall.

65. Vorontsovo estate belonged to many people, including Ivan the Terrible. The place was first mentioned in the 14th century and since then changed owners frequently, until it was gifted to N. Repnin in the 17th century: he and his heirs erected the main buildings of the estate. At the beginning of the 19th century the place was rented out as summer residences and one of the tenants planned to build a dirigible there, but it didn’t work out. During the Soviet period it served as a collective farm, prison, then a scientific institute. Many buildings were either destroyed or reorganized, so not much is left of the original estate. Nowadays Vorontsovo is more of a park with different facilities, but some buildings are still there to see like the entrance gates, service premises and the church.

66. Kuzminki-Blachernae was a huge residence that belonged to Golitsyns, one of the most prominent noble families in the Russian Empire. The complex included numerous buildings, but at the moment almost all of them are in decay. The main palace burnt down in 1916, and after the revolution they gave the estate to the Institute of Experimental Veterinary. Many buildings were converted into laboratories and administrative premises, but the place is abandoned now, except one building that houses a museum.

Monasteries

Monasteries in Russia weren’t only places for religious ceremonies and monastic life. No, many of them were built to serve as fortifications to defend the city, and sometimes the defenders would find shelter behind its walls. That’s why don’t be surprised when you see thick walls: if it weren’t for church domes, one would think that it is a proper fortress. All the monasteries and convents were extremely important and the rulers of the country would usually donate money to build additional premises and decorate the churches.

The ones I mention below are very old. Some of them were used as prisons for the members of the royal family, some served as shelters during wars, others had facilities to care for the wounded, but many of them were located outside the city walls and served as a barrier: during attacks they would take the first blow giving Moscow time to prepare. Nevertheless, when the Soviet rule came, they all shared a similar fate.

67. Novodevichy Convent is the most famous one in Moscow. It was founded in 1524 and the buildings are still preserved. Many noble women took monastic vows and ended up living in the convent, some were forced to do it. During troublesome times, the royals hid there. The monastery was rich: for example, at the beginning of the 18th century 15,000 serfs belonged to the convent. Its cemetery is well-known as well, some notable people are buried there, so many people visit it just to see the graves. The convent was declared a UNESCO site.

68. Novospassky Monastery was founded in 1490, but became popular after the Romanovs came to power as it was their family burial vault. Before Peter I moved to St Petersburg, it was a burial place for many noble families like Naryshkins, Sheremetevs, Trubetskoys, etc., but during the Soviet times many graves were brought to ruin or moved to other places. The monastery was turned into a prison, and later was given to the NKVD.

69. Donskoy Monastery : this red-walled monastery was founded in 1591 after the victory over a Crimean khan, but many buildings were added later by tsars and noble people. During the siege of Moscow in 1812 soldiers were stationed there and they ruined the monastery and stole many valuables. Many famous people are buried in its territory, including Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. When the Soviets came to power, they turned it into a museum.

70. Conception Convent or Zachatyevsky Monastery: the fate of this monastery wasn’t easy. It was founded in the 1360-ies, but its main cathedral was built at the end of the 17th century. This very cathedral was later destroyed to erect a neo-gothic one. During the Soviet times it was turned into a prison, the cathedral and other premises were demolished, so after the collapse of the USSR they had to build a new one. Now the main church of the monastery, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, is a recent addition.

71. Vysokopetrovsky Monastery is hidden behind walls and few people, even fewer tourists, know of its existence. Founded in 1315 by Metropolitan Archbishop Peter, its first churches were wooden, the stone ones were built later. In 1812 the French ransacked the monastery, they passed death sentences here and buried people at the bell tower. In the 1920-ies monks organised a backstreet monastic community here, but some of its members were later executed. The Soviets opened a library, a plant and shared flats in the monastery. It would be fair to say that restoration works started during the Soviet rule.

72. Andreevsky Monastery : the fate of this monastery is weird, frankly. It was founded in the 17th century, but there weren’t many monks there. In 1724 Peter I ordered to move the monks to Donskoy Monastery, and turn Andreevsky one into an orphanage and prison. Later it became a home for the insane and an asylum. In the meantime, some churches of the monastery were still active, and in 1991 it became a fully functioning monastery when all its churches opened.

73. Danilov Monastery : the monastery got its name because its founder was Daniel of Moscow, one of Alexander Nevsky’s sons. It was founded in 1282, but shortly after that it was moved to another place. Ivan the Terrible gave the place a new life and ordered to build a new church close to Daniel’s grave. Because the monastery was at the epicenter of many battles, it was ransacked often. During the Soviet times it was turned into a warehouse and Charles Crane, an American businessman, bought its bells and took them to Harvard University, but they were returned in 2008.

74. Sretensky Monastery was founded in 1395. Initially, there was only a church, but, according to a legend, an icon from the church helped to avoid the invasion of khan Tamerlane, so the ruler of the country ordered to build a monastery around it. It was enlarged during the next centuries, but in the 18th century it lost its significance and fell to decay, but the situation changed in the middle of the 19th century when the area was renovated. By the end of the 19th century it was the most famous monastery in Moscow. During the Soviet times some of its premises were demolished, icons were handed over to museums, and the rest of buildings were given to the NKVD. A new cathedral was built in the 21st century, but to do it they had to demolish some of the remaining buildings.

75. Ivanovsky Convent : it was founded as a friary, but was later turned into a convent. It served as a kind of prison as well for royal wives. When the capital was moved to St Petersburg, the convent fell into neglect, in 1812 it was burned and restored in 1865 only. Soldiers wounded during Russo-Turkish war would be sent to the convent. During the Soviet times it was given first to the NKVD and turned into a concentration camp, and later to the Department of Internal Affairs. Even nowadays, when many buildings are restored and religious services are held, some of the premises still belong to the department.

76. Simonov Monastery was named after boyar Stepan Khovrin, who donated lands to start it. He later became a monk and took Simon as his monastic name. Just like in the case of the monasteries above, the new buildings were added gradually, and the monastery was quite rich: at the end of the 17th century about 25,000 serfs belonged to it. During the reign of Catherine the Great it was turned into a sickbay, but the place was later restored. During the Soviet times many buildings were blown up to build a Hall of Culture.

Personally, I am a big fan of the Slavic church architecture. The churches are so vibrant, have intricate decorative elements, and just please the eye. Whenever I go to a Russian city, I dedicate some time to exploring churches. If you aren’t like me, just skip this section, but, maybe, a couple of pictures will change your mind 😊

77. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour : this is the main cathedral in Moscow, and you definitely have to see it. Its white walls and golden domes are seen from afar, inside it’s vibrant and bright. For a price you can climb up to its dome. In addition, get to the bridge nearby: the views of Moscow are stunning!

78. St Clement’s Church : this red and white church with blue and golden domes is located at Tretyakovskaya metro station relatively close to Tretyakov Gallery, so you might as well spend some time to admire its colors. It is built in Baroque style, which is unusual for Moscow, and is dedicated to Clement, a Roman pope, which is surprising as well.

79. Cathedral of St Nicholas in Klenniki is relatively close to the Kremlin, but if you are not in the area, there is no need to go to specifically see it. My hotel (I loved it, by the way), was nearby, and I passed by the church a couple of times a day. The church was built in 1657, but was damaged a lot in fires, so was constantly restored and renovated.

80. Temple of the Holy Trinity in Ostankino : this one you should definitely see! It is not far from the Ostankino Tower and VNDKh, so you can easily do it. The church was built at the end of the 17th century, and its distinctive feature is its decorative elements. It’s a monument of old Russian cult architecture.

81. All Saints Church in Kulishki : this one is really close to Zaryadye Park, so you can walk another 200 meters to see it. Its architecture is quite interesting as well, when you look at the windows, you can easily recognize old Russian style. When the Soviets came to power, they wanted to demolish the church, but used it for state security needs.

82. Resurrection Church in Kadashi Sloboda : this is another church not far from Tretyakov Gallery. It has peculiar architecture, and some parts of its facade are different from the other churches. It was ransacked in 1812, and during the Soviet times it housed the archive of the KGB. But today, after being restored, the golden domes of this red- and orange-walled church are seen from afar.

83. The Church of St. Vladimir in the Old Gardens : if you come to visit Ivanovsky Convent, this church will be across the road. The original church was built in 1516, but was rebuilt in the 17th century and lost almost all of its original elements. In 1980 a fire destroyed the books and frescoes and it was restored later. Today it is hard to miss this church with white walls.

84. The Church of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple in Barashi isn’t far from the Clean Ponds I mentioned above. It was built in Naryshkin’s baroque style in the 17th century and was richly decorated. During the Soviet times they handed the most previous icons over to Tretyakov Gallery and wanted to demolish it, but changed their mind and turned it into an electrical goods plant.

85. The Church of Deposition of the Robe on Donskoy : this church is close to Donskoy Monastery and Gorky Park, so you can as well go to see it. The stone church in Moscow baroque style was built in 1680 and was restored at the end of the 19th century. Interestingly, it didn’t close during the Soviet rule.

86. The Church of the Epiphany in Elokhovo : this one is quite far from any other Moscow landmarks, so it is unlikely you will go to see it 🙂 Unlike the churches I mentioned above, the walls of this one aren’t red, but light blue. It is said that Alexander Pushkin was baptised there.

Amazing buildings in Moscow

If you are into architecture or old Russian architectural style, you can spend some time looking for these buildings. Unfortunately, they can be enjoyed from the outside only (as far as I know, but I may be wrong), but if you are not far from them, why not have a look? 😊

87. House of Pashkov : it will be really hard to miss this white colossus not far from the Kremlin and the monument to Vladimir. It was built at the end of the 18th century and was later turned into a university. Now it houses the Russian State Library and it is possible to visit it during a tour : it is expensive and it looks like they accept groups only.

88. Egg house on Mashkov Street : this truly weird building looks like … an egg and was inspired by Faberge eggs. It was built in 2000-2002, so it is a relatively new addition to the architectural masterpieces of the city. Because it is weird, many people don’t like it and criticize the architect. And, frankly, it looks totally out of place. Nobody lives there: as the architect himself claims, the house isn’t very comfortable. If you have about 409 million rubles, you can buy it 😊

89. Arseny Morozov Mansion : the first owner of the building Arseny Morozov was inspired by Pena Palace in Sintra. Some say that Casa de las Conchas from Salamanca served as an inspiration as well, because there are shells on its façade. In any case, you won’t miss this snow-white building on Vozdvizhenka Street. By the way, the building was so weird for its times, that it was called ‘a fool’s house’. I think it is amazing!

90. Apraksins-Trubetskoys House at the Clean Ponds: the first owner of the baroque building was Count Apraksin, but it was later sold to the Trubetskoy family, hence the name of the mansion. In 1861 it became a school where some famous people like C. Stanislavsky studied. During the Soviet period the mansion was turned into an apartment building and then into a student dormitory. Now it could use some kind of renovation.

91. Volkov-Yusupov Chambers : unfortunately, this amazing building in Bol’shoy Khariton’yevskiy Pereulok (relatively close to the Egg house) isn’t open to the public, so you can see its façade only. It was turned into a museum for a couple of years, so it was possible to see its lavish interior, but not anymore. Now this building with red walls is hidden behind a neglected garden.

92. Stalin’s Seven Sisters or skyscrapers are 7 buildings commissioned by Stalin. There should have been 8 of them, but they didn’t finish the last one. These monumental buildings are a representation of the so-called Stalinist empire architectural style and are easily recognizable as they are so different from the surrounding cityscape. Sparrow Hills are a nice place to see them: actually, one of these skyscrapers, the building of Moscow State University, will be behind you 🙂 Another one you will see from the bridge in Zaryadye Park.

93. Averky Kirillov Chambers : if you come to see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, just cross the Patriarshy Bridge and turn left. After about a hundred meters you will see an old house with red walls which can easily go unnoticed because of the huge buildings nearby. It belonged to Averky Kirillov, a notable merchant and state official. Built in the middle of the 17th century, it boasted exquisite decoration, but time and new owners didn’t spare it. It housed the Russian Institute of Culturology, but I am not sure what is there now.

Are there any other tourist attractions in Moscow that I missed? Tell me about them in the comments! 🙂

What to do in Moscow for free

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