Roberts Revival Petite 2 brings new features to its dinky, palm-sized radio

Wake me up before you go-go

Woman holds orange Roberts Revival Petite 2

Roberts has announced the next generation of its pint-sized portable radio, aptly named the Revival Petite 2.

Serving up the same retro styling as its predecessor in the same grab-and-go design, the Revival Petite 2 now includes a telescopic antenna, for a more consistent radio signal, USB-C charging and new alarm clock functionality.

There are 20 presets for your favourite DAB, DAB+ and FM stations, alongside Bluetooth connectivity for streaming from your phone or tablet.

The built-in alarm function makes the Revival Petite 2 a great addition to your bedside table this time round too, with an improved OLED display that offers adjustable brightness to suit your room.

As for the sound, it squeezes in a 40mm driver with a passive radiator to help the low-end – we were suitably impressed by the sound of the original Petite back in 2021, so we're hopeful for more of the same here.

On a full charge, you’ll get 20 hours of music playback, plus there’s a headphone output for when you might need to listen privately too. Great for those night-time podcasts when your partner wants to get to sleep.

The Roberts Revival Petite 2 is available now in a choice of six colours, and costs £99.99. A seventh colourway, Pastel Cream, will be available from April.

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Read our five-star review of the original Roberts Revival Petite

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Verity Burns

Verity is a freelance technology journalist and former Multimedia Editor at What Hi-Fi?. 

Having chalked up more than 15 years in the industry, she has covered the highs and lows across the breadth of consumer tech, sometimes travelling to the other side of the world to do so. With a specialism in audio and TV, however, it means she's managed to spend a lot of time watching films and listening to music in the name of "work".

You'll occasionally catch her on BBC Radio commenting on the latest tech news stories, and always find her in the living room, tweaking terrible TV settings at parties.

To help us provide you with free impartial advice, we may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site. Learn more

  • Bluetooth speakers

Roberts Revival Petite: Tiny radio, surprisingly big sound

  • Stuart Andrews

roberts revival petite travel case

The Roberts Revival Petite is an attractive, pint-sized DAB radio that comes very close to delivering full-sized Roberts sound

  • Compact, attractive aesthetic
  • Rich and spacious sound
  • Impressive battery life
  • Small display with tiny text
  • Slight distortion at high volumes

The Roberts Revival range is the James Bond of radio – a vintage classic that’s periodically reinvented to meet the needs of a new era – and the Roberts Revival Petite is perhaps the most radical entry in the series yet.

Over the past few years, we’ve seen Roberts add DAB and internet streaming to the Revival’s repertoire, and shrink the package down with the Revival Mini and Revival Uno . But neither of those options is as compact as the new Petite, which certainly lives up to its name and is probably the most surprising reimagining of the Revival yet.

It’s a titch of a radio, packing DAB+ and Bluetooth into a unit under five inches long and less than three inches tall (or 12.4cm and 7.3cm, to be exact). Even more surprisingly, it sounds fantastic. It’s the kind of radio you’ll buy for its stupidly cute looks, then find yourself grinning at the audio output.

Buy now from Amazon

Roberts Revival Petite review: What do you get for the money?

The Revival Petite costs £100 , which positions it as the cheapest entry in the series and, by Revival standards at least, the offering is pretty basic. It’s a DAB+ radio with Bluetooth, a 3.5mm line-in and a built-in lithium-ion battery with a stated battery life of up to 20 hours.

It charges over a micro-USB cable, with no charger supplied, and uses a simple cable antenna rather than Roberts’ usual extending mast. As previously mentioned, it’s really, really tiny, but the range of faux-leather finishes it’s available in is extensive. At launch there were six: Black, Duck Egg, Dusky Pink, Midnight Blue, Pop Orange and Sunburst Yellow, with Roberts adding an Electric Blue variant in May 2022. All seven colourways look great and feature the kind of detailed styling you’d expect from a brand with a keen eye for aesthetics.

What’s more, the Revival Petite incorporates a bass radiator to accompany its pint-sized driver and add some low-end body to the sound.

roberts revival petite travel case

Roberts Revival Petite review: What features does it have?

Just the fundamentals. You can switch stations, adjust the volume and switch between the DAB, FM, Bluetooth and auxiliary-in modes using the dial and buttons on the front. A long press of the dial calls up a menu where you can rescan for stations or add the current station to the list of up to 20 presets (10 FM and 10 DAB) and, really, that’s about it.

If you want alarms or EQ settings, let alone internet streaming features, then you’ll need to move further up Roberts’ price and size range, but if you just want a compact, simple and easy-to-use radio, then this one has you covered.

It also has amazing levels of stamina. As I write, I’ve had it up and running with the volume around 50% for over 22 hours without a break, and there’s still a smidgeon of charge left in the meter. That’s fantastic if you want a radio you can carry around with you all day.

Roberts Revival Petite review: How does it sound?

The big surprise is how big and authoritative such a small unit can sound. I’ve tried previous radios of around this size from Pure, Sony and VQ, but even the best have suffered from a slightly tinny, boxy output, with little in the way of bass and most of the power in the mid-range and the treble. Some have been more listenable than others, and you put up with the audio compromises in the name of portability. With the Revival Petite, those compromises just aren’t that significant.

It’s punchy and energetic with rock and pop on Radio 2, Heart or 6 Music, with richer bass and a more spacious sound than you’d expect from a unit this size. Switch to Radio 4 and news reports, interviews and dramas and voices are communicated with clarity and weight.

Jazz can be near-unlistenable on compact radios, but on the Petite, it’s actually enjoyable, and while it’s hard to separate instruments in classical recordings on Radio 3 or Classic FM, the sound is still more than fine for background listening. In fact, it’s good enough to be distracting at times.

roberts revival petite travel case

The big caveat here is that there’s a definite volume ceiling. Up to 75% (or 15 out of the Petite’s 20 levels) it’s great, but that final 25% sees distortion creeping in on bass-heavy material and the tone becoming strident.

It’s also worth noting that music streamed via Bluetooth doesn’t sound quite as good as the DAB output. It’s only a little thinner, but there’s a slight reduction in the wow factor, especially if you’re used to larger Bluetooth speakers at the same kind of price point.

Roberts Revival Petite review: What could be improved?

Aside from the aforementioned distortion at high volumes and minor dip in sound quality while streaming over Bluetooth, there’s very little to dislike about the Revival Petite.

The display could be better, as it’s very small, with text to match, which can make reading menus or finding out what’s playing a bit of a challenge. It’s also very bright, and while you can reduce the brightness level, you won’t get it down to levels you won’t notice in a darkened room.

The Petite’s use of a micro-USB port for charging also feels a bit outdated when most of the competition are incorporating USB-C, but this is far from being a dealbreaker.

Roberts Revival Petite review: Should you buy it?

Absolutely. The Roberts Revival Petite is not just a good compact DAB radio but a good DAB radio full stop, especially if you don’t need one to double as an alarm clock and you’re not fussed about internet streaming features.

It’s easy to use, sounds fantastic, and will run for nearly a day straight from a single charge. It’s not the best compact Bluetooth speaker I’ve ever heard, but as DAB radios go, it’s in a class of its own.

Roberts Online Support

robertsradio.com

Roberts Radio Product Support

Roberts Radio Product Support

Revival petite user’s guide.

roberts revival petite travel case

  • DAB / DAB+ / FM RDS digital radio
  • Bluetooth audio streaming from smartphone, tablet or laptop
  • Built-in rechargeable battery – up to 20 hours of play time
  • Stores Bluetooth pairings for up to 8 devices
  • Battery charge time – approx. 6 hours
  • 40mm loudspeaker with passive radiator
  • 20 radio station presets (10 DAB and 10 FM)
  • Adjustable display brightness
  • Search / manual tuning
  • Internal antenna and external antenna for improved reception
  • Included Micro USB lead (used to charge the battery)
  • Auxiliary input 3.5mm jack for legacy devices

roberts revival petite travel case

  • Battery charging indicator (red LED)
  • Bluetooth indicator (blue LED)
  • OLED display
  • Volume Up button
  • Volume Down button
  • Tuning / Select / Info / Menu control
  • Mode button
  • Power button
  • External antenna socket
  • Auxiliary input socket
  • DC in 5V / 1A micro USB charging socket
  • Passive radiator
  • External wire antenna
  • Micro USB charging lead

roberts revival petite travel case

Charge & play DAB radio

Your radio operates on a built-in Lithium-ion battery that can be recharged either using a USB charging port or from a USB power adaptor (not included) with a rated output of DC5V, 1000mA.

Note: You can begin using the radio whilst charging. Make sure the USB power source can provide 5V 1A of electrical current. If not, it may damage the USB power source.

Charging your Radio

Before operating your radio for the first time please fully charge the battery. This may take up to 6 hours.

roberts revival petite travel case

  • Place your radio on a flat surface.
  • Connect the Micro USB plug to the micro USB charging socket on the rear of the radio as shown.
  • Connect the standard USB plug (the other end of the lead) to a USB power outlet.
  • When the battery is charging, the battery indicator light will be solid red. When fully charged, the charging indicator will turn off.

Fit the external antenna

roberts revival petite travel case

Insert the external antenna plug into the antenna socket located on the rear of your radio. The antenna is used for both DAB and FM radio reception.

• It is recommended that the DAB band be used wherever possible as better results in terms of quality and freedom from interference will usually be obtained than on the FM band.

Switch on your radio

  • Press and release the Power button to switch on the radio. A start up screen will be displayed after a short delay and a station scan will be performed.
  • If this is the first time the radio is used a scan of the Band III DAB channels will be carried out. After each use the radio will remember the mode used and then switch on in that mode the next time it is used. To switch off your radio, press and release the Power button.

• Note: If no signals are found it may be necessary to relocate your radio to a position giving better reception and carry out a scan for new stations.

Select a DAB radio station

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  • If needed, press and release the Mode button until the DAB mode is selected.
  • Rotate the Tuning control to step through the list of available DAB stations.
  • Press the Tuning control to select the station.
  • Press the Volume Up or Down buttons to adjust the Volume .
  • Some radio stations may have one or more additional broadcasts associated with them. If these are available they will appear immediately after the main station.

• Press and release the Tuning / Info control to cycle through the various DAB display options. Choose from, scrolling text, program type, multiplex name, date, frequency, bit rate, audio type, coding information and signal strength.

Scan for DAB stations

roberts revival petite travel case

As time passes new stations may become available or you may have moved to a different part of the country.

  • When in DAB mode, apply a long press on the Tuning control to enter the DAB menu.
  • Rotate the Tuning control and select ‘Scan’.
  • Press Tuning . Your radio will perform a scan of the Band III DAB channels. As new stations are found, they will be added to the list stored in the radio.

Manual fine tuning – FM

  • Turning the Tuning control starts auto scan. To stop the scan in the desired area, turn the control one more step.
  • To change the frequency a small amount, first press the Tuning control, then turn. Each click changes 50 kHz.
  • After a few seconds the control will return to auto scan mode.

roberts revival petite travel case

C onnecting Bluetooth Devices:

  • Ensure Bluetooth is enabled on your smart device.
  • With your radio switched on, press and release the Mode button until the Bluetooth mode is selected on your radio.
  • The Bluetooth indicator will flash blue and your radio will become ‘discoverable’ .
  • On your smart device select ‘Revival Petite’ . Once the connection is established you may play your music. The Bluetooth indicator will remain steady.
  • Adjust the volume using the volume controls on the radio and on the connected Bluetooth device.

Playing Bluetooth audio

  • The audio player in your smart device may be able to respond to the Play/Pause , Next track or Previous track controls on the radio.
  • Press the Tuning control to pause playback. Press the control again to resume playback.
  • Rotate the Tuning control clockwise or anti-clockwise to skip to the next or previous track. Note: Not all player applications or devices may respond to all of these controls. Displayed information such as title, artist and album will cycle periodically. To disable the auto scroll, enter the menu and choose the ‘Info Scroll’ menu item and then choose ‘No’ . In this case it will only display the name of the connected device. Choose ‘Yes’ if you wish to cycle the information again.

Connect a different device

roberts revival petite travel case

  • To connect a different device, apply a long press on the Tuning control. Choose ‘Disconnect’ . Your radio will become discoverable by other devices.
  • To clear all Bluetooth pairings, apply a long press on the Tuning control. Choose ‘Clear Pairing’ .

Selecting menu options

roberts revival petite travel case

  • To access your radio’s menu system, apply a long press on the Tuning / Menu control.
  • To select menu options, rotate the Tuning control to highlight the option.
  • Press the Tuning control to select the menu option.
  • To exit a menu, apply a long press on the Tuning control. Alternatively, select the ‘Back’ option in the menu.

DAB / FM menus

roberts revival petite travel case

When in DAB mode, apply a long press on the Tuning / Menu control to access the following DAB menu options. Rotate the control and press to select an option.

Scan – Choose ‘Scan’ to scan the band III DAB channels.

roberts revival petite travel case

Prune – Choose ‘Prune’ to remove any stations that are no longer available.

roberts revival petite travel case

Manual tune – Choose ‘DAB Advanced’ and then choose ‘Manual Tune’ and then choose the desired DAB channel. The signal strength will be displayed. The signal marker ( ) shows the minimum strength needed for good DAB reception.

Station order – Choose ‘DAB Advanced’ , ‘Station Order’ and then choose either Alphanumeric, Ensemble or Valid (available stations).

DRC – Choose ‘DAB Advanced’ , ‘DRC’ and then choose ‘Off’ , ‘Low’ or ‘High’ . The DRC facility can make quieter sounds easier to hear when your radio is used in a noisy environment. Note: Not all DAB broadcasts use the DRC function.

roberts revival petite travel case

When in FM mode, apply a long press on the Tuning / Menu control to access the following FM menu options. Rotate the control and press to select an option.

Scan setting – Choose ‘Scan Setting’ and then choose ‘Distant’ (your radio will scan for both weak and strong signals) or ‘Local’ (your radio will scan for stations with good reception).

Preset radio stations

roberts revival petite travel case

There are 20 memory presets, 10 for DAB and 10 for FM. Presets are remembered in the event of a power failure.

To store a preset

  • Tune to the required radio station.
  • Apply a long press on the Tuning / Menu control.
  • Choose ‘Save Preset’ .
  • Use the Tuning control to scroll to an unused preset or a preset you wish to change.
  • Press the Tuning control to save the preset. ‘Preset 2 Saved’ will be displayed. The preset number will be shown on the playing display.

To recall a preset :

  • Choose DAB or FM mode.
  • Choose ‘Recall Preset .
  • Use the Tuning control to scroll to the desired preset.
  • Press the Tuning control to select it.

System settings

Apply a long press on the Tuning / Menu control to access the current menu options. Rotate the control and press to select an option.

Sleep Timer

roberts revival petite travel case

Sleep Timer – Your radio can be set to turn off after a preset time (between 15 and 120 minutes) has elapsed. Choose ‘Sleep Timer’ and then choose the desired sleep time. The sleep symbol will appear on the display. If you wish to switch off the sleep timer, press the power button to cancel the sleep timer and switch your radio off.

Brightness – Choose ‘Brightness’ and then choose the desired brightness level.

Time Update – Your radio will usually set the time using the DAB signal. From the current menu choose ‘System’, and then ‘Time Update’. Choose to set the time from ‘DAB’, ‘FM’ or ‘ANY’ .

Language – Choose ‘System’ , ‘Language’ and then choose a desired language from the list.

SW Version – The software display cannot be altered and is just for your reference. Choose ‘System’ then ‘SW Version’ . Press Tuning to exit the software display.

Factory Reset – If you wish to completely reset your radio to its initial state perform a factory reset. Choose ‘System’ then ‘Factory Reset’ and then choose ‘Yes’ . All user entered settings will be erased.

Auto power off

Note: If the unit is in the Bluetooth or Auxiliary input stop mode position for more than 15 minutes it will automatically switch off. To use the radio again, simply press the Power button.

Auxiliary input

roberts revival petite travel case

Connect a stereo or mono audio source to the Auxiliary input socket. Press and release the Mode button until Aux In mode is selected. Adjust the volume. Note that audio will be played in mono through the speaker.

Battery safety

Please also read the safety leaflet provided before charging your radio.

  • Do not puncture, crush, modify, or cause any unnecessary shock to the battery. The battery may present a risk of fire, explosion or chemical burn if mistreated.
  • Do not dispose of the battery in a fire or incinerator.
  • Do not leave, charge or expose the battery to a heat source such as in a car under direct sunlight. Do not expose the battery to moisture.
  • Do not use or charge the battery if it appears to be abnormally hot, swollen, leaking or damaged in any way.
  • Do not leave a charging battery unattended. Do not use any alternative power source as a charger.
  • Check the room temperature range is between 5-35°C (41-95°F) before charging the product / battery.

Note: Reduced power, distortion and stuttering sounds or the battery indicator in low are all signs that the battery needs to be recharged.

Specifications

Circuit features.

Auxiliary input socket – 3.5mm dia. Aerial System – DAB / FM external antenna

Bluetooth standards A2DP, AVRCP Bluetooth codecs supported SBC and AAC

Frequency coverage FM 87.5 – 108MHz, DAB 174.928 – 239.200MHz Bluetooth 5.0 frequencies 2.402 – 2.480GHz Bluetooth BLE EIRP POWER (MAX.) 3.71dBm Bluetooth EDR EIRP POWER (MAX.) 3.68dBm

Product markings

roberts revival petite travel case

Please handle with care. The leather-cloth finish may be susceptible to damage if mistreated. Avoid all contact with any abrasive material, chemical substances or cleaning solutions. Your radio may be wiped with a clean lightly damp cloth. Please ensure that the product is unplugged before attempting this procedure.

The nameplate is located underneath the radio. The company reserves the right to amend the specification without notice.

Designed & Engineered in the UK Made in China.

Recycling Information

roberts revival petite travel case

What do I do with my old and unwanted unit? Our friends at Recycle Your Electricals have an electrical Recycling Locator where you can find your nearest drop-off points for electricals and batteries. see https://www.recycleyourelectricals.org.uk/

Recycle Your Electricals is a UK-wide recycling campaign motivating and making it easier for everyone to reuse and recycle unwanted electricals, ensuring we make the most of the valuable materials in them.

roberts revival petite travel case

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HiFi BLOG

Roberts Revival Petite – Tradition in a small format

Photo of Michael Holzinger

Roberts Radio Ltd. describes its latest product, the Roberts Revival Petite, as a small companion with a big sound. This features everything that distinguishes solutions from the proven specialist for stylish radios.

Roberts Revival Petite, a compact, even delicate radio with a long tradition and a great sound, according to the English specialist Roberts Radio Ltd , which continues the Roberts Revival Series.

For once, they want to prove that a classic radio is by no means obsolete, as long as one understands how to implement it in the most modern form, as Roberts Radio Ltd. does.

Roberts Revival Petite – Timeless Design…

For years, Roberts Radio Ltd. has stood for solutions that somehow seem to defy quickly changing fashion trends. This is probably also true for the new Roberts Revival Petite, because it skilfully plays with a retro touch that clearly reminds us of the heyday of portable radios, namely the 1950s.

In this context, the manufacturer itself speaks of a timelessly elegant design, and we think it is quite right, although it should be noted that the new Roberts Revival Petite also has very modern elements, such as a display on the front, under which you will find a very modern-looking keypad with rotary encoder.

Foto © Roberts Radio Ltd. | Roberts Revival Petite

The Roberts Revival Petite is said to present itself with the usual high-quality workmanship, which is owed to its own reputation alone, as well as to the fact that it is considered the official purveyor to the court of the British royal family and is therefore entitled to bear the title “Manufacturer and suplier of radio receivers to Her Majesty The Queen and HRH the Prince of Wales”.

FM, DAB+ and Bluetooth

Even though the new Roberts Revival Petite comes in retro style, it has FM and DAB+, so in principle it is well equipped, especially since Bluetooth 5.0 with support for the SBC and AAC codecs is added. This means that smartphones and tablets can be used as a source to access Internet radio and various streaming services such as TIDAL, Qobuz, Deezer or Spotify. Own content, podcasts and audio books can also be played back without any problems.

By the way, an analogue input marked as AUX In is also available on the back, as is a connection for headphones. Both are designed as 3.5 mm stereo mini jacks on the new Roberts Revival Petite.

Foto © Roberts Radio Ltd. | Roberts Revival Petite

Despite its compact dimensions, the manufacturer claims that the new Roberts Revival Petite offers a rich sound, mainly due to a wideband driver with a diameter of 40 mm in combination with an additional passive bass radiator at the back.

Always and everywhere

The new Roberts Revival Petite should indeed be able to be used anytime and anywhere, after all, it is a compact, portable radio that measures 12.4 x 7.6 x 7.3 cm and weighs 436 g. The radio has an integrated rechargeable lithium battery.

The radio is equipped with an integrated lithium-ion battery that provides a playing time of up to 20 hours away from the mains. It is charged via a micro-USB interface, which means that it can be used very flexibly with a variety of options almost anywhere and at any time.

Foto © Roberts Radio Ltd. | Roberts Revival Petite

Various colour options

Yes, you can definitely call the new Roberts Revival Petite a lifestyle solution, and accordingly the manufacturer also offers it in different design variants.

The user can choose between Black, Duck Egg, Dusky Pink, Midnight Blue, Pop Orange and Sunshine Yellow.

The new Roberts Revival Petite will be available in specialist shops from November 2021, with the manufacturer stating a recommended retail price of € 159 for this solution.

Getting to the point

The new Roberts Revival Petite is supposed to be a small companion with a big sound, a flexible choice of sources and a long battery life. Once again, Roberts Radio Ltd. skilfully plays with a design with a retro touch, but has all the modern features you would expect in this class.

Photo of Michael Holzinger

Michael Holzinger

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Roberts’ Revival Petite is a tiny retro radio with a modern sound

Audio brand Roberts Radio is expanding its Revival range with the line’s smallest speaker yet: the Revival Petite.  

The Revival Petite sits in Roberts’ retro Revival range which has been in production since 1956 when the original release was modelled after co-founder Harry Roberts’ wife’s handbag. 

Currently, the line includes five devices: the Revival Uno BT, the Revival iStream 3 , the Revival RD70 , the compact Revival Mini and, now, the even smaller Revival Petite. 

Roberts Radio Revival Petite four colours

The radio measures just 7.6 x 12.4 x 7.3cm and weighs 436g, making it almost half the length, height and weight of the 1130g Mini. 

There’s a bass radiator inside, which Roberts claims can deliver “remarkable depth of sound for its size”. You can choose between 20 DAB, DAB+ and FM radio station presets and there’s also Bluetooth connectivity so you can play music and podcasts from your phone. 

The radio has a 20 hour battery life so you can take it out and about with you, and it charges via Micro USB. 

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“The launch of the Roberts Revival Petite marks our continued evolution of the iconic Revival range. Don’t let the size fool you, it’s compact but powerful with a bass radiator for generous sound that can be enjoyed in any setting across the home”, said Roberts’ consumer marketing manager Mark Stephenson. 

“Fit for any space and available in six playful colours, the Revival Petite is designed for anyone who wants their audio devices to be seen and heard. Whether it’s the radio, an audiobook, or your favourite playlist or podcast, sound is central to the way we live our lives and we’re really excited to see Roberts fans old and new embrace the new model and invite it to take pride of place in their homes”.

The Revival Petite is available in six colours – Duck Egg, Dusky Pink, Midnight Blue, Pop Orange, Sunburst Yellow and Black. You can get it from Robertsradio.com and John Lewis now for £99.99.

Hannah Davies

Hannah joined Trusted Reviews as a staff writer in 2019 after graduating with a degree in English from Royal Holloway, University of London. She’s also worked and studied in the US, holding positions …

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roberts revival petite travel case

Roberts radios are back – the Petite digital radio all our editors are adding to their shelves

R oberts radios are a much-loved design classic. First launched in 1932, the brand stuck with its defining retro aesthetic to this day. Which is exactly why we love it so much. 

But while the brand’s signature radios are both beautiful and highly functional, they can feel a bit too big. So whether you’re pinched for space or just have a soft spot for all things little and cute, we’re sure you’re going to love the Roberts Revival Petite radio.

The Roberts aesthetic, which is extended to its newest palm-sized launch, is very much in line with the current home decor trends championing various retro and vintage styles such as the seventies revival. This is why our editors are so keen to adorn our shelves and bedside tables with one of these.

The Roberts Revival Petite was first introduced in 2021 and last year, it was crowned the UK’s best-selling digital radio. Roberts has now introduced an upgraded version called Revival Petite 2 , released just last month and selling for £99.99. And while the launch coincided with this year’s Valentine’s Day, we think it would make an even better gift for Mother’s Day. Here’s why.

Roberts Revival Petite radio

Available in a range of pretty and vibrant shades, as well as neutral, timeless colourways, the most popular colour of the Roberts Revival Petite across all retailers has proven to be duck egg, a pale blue with a slight green undertone. So it’s no surprise that the new and improved Revival Petite 2 is available in this colourway too.

Measuring a mere 12.4 centimetres in width and 7.6 centimetres in depth, this adorable portable design is covered in a faux leather finish, much like the classic Roberts radio, and is fitted with a digital display – which now includes a full clock alongside the digital time display.

The best-selling Duck Egg colourway will provide a subtle injection of colour into your home. And it's perfectly in line with the blue interiors trend.

Our Digital Deputy Editor, Rebecca Knight's colourway of choice, Sunburst Yellow is the perfect go-to if you want to make a bold statement and have a stylish pop of cololur in your home.

My personal favourite is the Dusty Pink colourway, a vintage shade that further embraces the retro aesthetic of the design, in my opinion. 

While the original combined the functions of a radio and a bluetooth speaker, the newly launched version of the Roberts radio is a bluetooth speaker , as well as an alarm clock and a radio, of course, making it a lovely smart home idea . The new design also further hones in on the retro aesthetic with a telescopic antenna, which serves the functional purpose of improving radio connectivity, too. 

‘Roberts fans are at the heart of everything we do, and we share a soft spot for our favourite palm-sized creation, the Revival Petite,’ says Owen Watters, CEO of Roberts Radio. ‘We aim for our radios to blend seamlessly into users’ everyday lives. The size and portability of the Revival Petite, plus doubling up as a Bluetooth speaker, meant that it was perfect as an everyday accessory while at home or on the go.’ 

‘Slowly we noticed a call for an alarm from purchasers, there was a need for the original model to fulfil morning routines for users. And just like that, the Revival Petite 2 was born, featuring alarm functionality as well as a telescopic aerial for improved listening, and the option for USB charging. We always care for our customers’ needs, and we hope the Revival Petite 2 will be their new favourite little companion.’ 

Ideal Home ’s Digital Deputy Editor, Rebecca Knight owns the original Revival Petite in the bright sunburst yellow colourway. And can’t get enough of it.

‘Back in the day, I used to own the classic Roberts radio in pink. And while I loved it, it proved to be too big for my needs and my home. So I downsized to the Revival Petite and haven’t looked back - it’s so easy to use and it feels more mindful than using something like an Alexa. 

'I originally got it for my kitchen but I now move it between the kitchen and the living room since it’s portable and it provides a lovely pop of colour. Whenever we have guests over, they always comment and compliment it.’

And the rest of us in the office that don’t own one just yet are going to be promptly adding the Roberts Revival Petite 2 to the cart. Whether that’s for us or a loved one.

This article may contain affiliate links that Microsoft and/or the publisher may receive a commission from if you buy a product or service through those links.

 Roberts radios are back – the Petite digital radio all our editors are adding to their shelves

Roberts’ Revival Petite 2 DAB radio reignites my pink 1960s household fever dreams

It fixes the tiny original's only flaw – and I love that

Roberts Revival Petite 2 in pink, held by a redheaded-lady wearing green nail polis, in a pink room

Ever experienced cute aggression? The kind of rising urge to squeeze a particularly cute Pomeranian puppy sitting in its tiny puppy bed, wearing the cutest sweater you've ever seen – probably a bit too hard for its personal wellbeing? OK, but have you experienced that with tech? My first time was with the original Roberts Revival Petite , which I reviewed for TechRadar's sister publication, What Hi-Fi? – and awarded five sweet stars to. 

So ridiculously enjoyable, fun, and tiny was this FM/DAB radio and portable Bluetooth speaker (how did they get all of that in there?) that I found myself engrossed in it even in slumber, switching stations while making Chicken à la King in my also-tiny pastel-colored 1960s kitchen, in several retro-fabulous fever dreams.

Now, Roberts has launched the next generation of this palm-sized audio companion, the Revival Petite 2 – and it fixes my only real issue with what is emphatically one of the best DAB radios around. 

While Revival Petite 2 has the same bijou size and retro aesthetic, it now includes an all-new telescopic antenna (the original encouraged you to attach a black rubberised wire antenna to the external antenna socket on the back if experiencing poor signal), plus USB-C charging (the original sported a microUSB port), enhanced Bluetooth, and even a new alarm function.

The USB-C rechargeable battery offers the same 20 hours of uninterrupted playtime as the original (but come on, it's tiny – I've eaten bigger burritos) and an aux-in for listening to good old-fashioned FM radio on your headphones, if you'd like.  

The Roberts Revival Petite 2 is available now in six delicious colors for £99.99 (approximately $127 or AU$195) and will be available in 'Pastel Cream' from April. 

If you've yet to experience the classic wireless, with all its audio imperfections, do

Roberts Revival Petite 2 in orange, held by a woman in a blue room

One of the joys of listening to FM radio is that you need to work a little bit to get a good signal. You may need to briefly stick your arm out of the window when holding it, or angle that new antenna in ever-creative ways for the audio floor to drop, thereby freeing itself of background interference. For some, this will be a nostalgia trip, for others it'll be a fun novel new challenge. However, I maintain that there are times when listening to the original wireless – and not knowing what's coming up next – simply can't be beaten.

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And a Roberts radio is without a doubt an ideal vehicle with which to experience this. The company was founded by good friends Harry Roberts and Leslie Bidmead, who began making portable radios from a small shop in London, UK, in 1932. Initially, the duo produced just three products per week, under the simple philosophy: never compromise on quality and keep pushing the boundaries.

The company remains the UK market leader in portable radios – just see our Roberts Radio Pillow Talk Speaker review , our Roberts Rambler BT Stereo DAB radio review or our Roberts Revival RD70 DAB radio review for more examples of what it can do. 

If you need me, I'll be repainting my apartment, digging out my Gran's heavily annotated Mrs. Beeton recipe book, and clearing a spot on the G-Plan coffee table for my new Roberts Revival Petite 2. 

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Becky Scarrott

Becky is a senior staff writer at TechRadar (which she has been assured refers to expertise rather than age) focusing on all things audio. Before joining the team, she spent three years at What Hi-Fi? testing and reviewing everything from wallet-friendly wireless earbuds to huge high-end sound systems. Prior to gaining her MA in Journalism in 2018, Becky freelanced as an arts critic alongside a 22-year career as a professional dancer and aerialist – any love of dance starts with a love of music. Becky has previously contributed to Stuff, FourFourTwo and The Stage. When not writing, she can still be found throwing shapes in a dance studio, these days with varying degrees of success.  

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Moscow City Day Means Happy Revelers in Russia

A dance troupe dressed as robots performs at Moscow City Day. Andy Castillo photos

Celebrating the 872nd Birthday of their Capital City, Moscow

By Andy Christian Castillo

Robots danced in the street ahead of me.

Onlookers watch a tightrope walker in Moscow.

Their football-like helmets topped broad white shoulder pads, distinguishing the dance troupe from Moscow’s cityscape behind them.

They performed in front of a semi-circle audience that had materialized a few minutes before from a crowd of thousands meandering down Tverskaya Street in the heart of the city.

Their blue jumpsuits swiveled and dipped in time to the electronic music blaring from speakers overhead.

Celebrating the City’s Birthday

Known as Moscow City Day , the annual late-summer festival celebrates Moscow’s birthday on the second weekend of September each year.

It features free events across the city of nearly 12 million people – open-air music, theater performances, kids events, food, classes, circus acts and sporting exhibitions such as BMX jumps.

The theme for this year’s City Day, which this year recognized Moscow’s 872nd birthday, honored the VDNH, an exhibition center created in Moscow under Soviet rule in the 1930s. The center turns 80 this year.

Up and Down Tverskaya Street

Up and down Tverskaya Street , which was closed to cars and guarded by soldiers standing at checkpoints, four distinct areas recognized different aspects of the VDNH center, which is situated elsewhere in Moscow.

The first area focused on the park’s early years (it was created by the state to host annual trade shows, inspired by the world’s fair as it was in the early 1900s).

A fountain at the VDHN center in Moscow, which was highlighted in this year's Moscow City Day.

The second area of Tverskaya Street focused on a number of pavilions in the VDNH museum that were built to represent former Soviet republics and Russia’s largest space museum, the Cosmos Pavilion.

The third area VDNH’s role as a meeting place in Moscow and the fourth area featured sporting events.

Remnants of the Soviet Union

For an American traveler like myself who hails from a rural town in the western part of Massachusetts , wandering through Moscow’s City Day festival was an experience, unlike anything I’d ever encountered before.

Russian culture, dripping with remnants of the Soviet Union, is different than that of America.

Dance troupes, garbed in absurd costumes – sharks, penguins, the robots – broke out in flash-mob style dances. Musicians crooned and rocked from temporary stages, singing state-sanctioned Russian anthems.

Further down the street, children climbed a rock wall as stilted performers dressed as birds stepped awkwardly about. A brass band blared in front of a large screen playing a video loop of idyllic scenes of Moscow.

Above, two tightrope walkers, backlit against a bright blue sky, tiptoed over the street five stories up. Onlookers around me craned their heads and shielded their eyes, trying to get a better look.

One slipped and fell, swinging down into a harness. The crowd gasped.

Moscow City Day: Temporary courses were available for scooters, of which there were many throughout the city.

The Moscow City Day is organized annually by Moscow Seasons , which hosts various festivals and events in the city throughout the year including a holiday-themed festival around Christmastime.

In comparison to other European cities like St. Petersburg to the north, Moscow doesn’t have the same architectural beauty or thriving tourism base, according to my guide.

Yes, there are incredible buildings in Moscow – some are breathtaking, even – such as St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin and the Seven Sisters skyscrapers, which were designed in the Stalinist style during Soviet rule.

At the same time, it’s a utilitarian city situated along Moskva River that covers an area of more than 400 square miles. It’s a massive city that can be described as imposing rather than charming.

Because of that, my guide noted that it’s often overlooked by tourists looking for a new travel destination. The festivals are a way to bring people into the city.

I found this to be the case. Moscow City Day’s performances, while strictly choreographed, provided a glimpse into Moscow’s current art scene and into Russian history at large.

Elsewhere, at the VDNH center itself (which was converted into a museum after the Soviet Union fell in 1991), the nation’s history is prominently on display. Symbolism remnant from the Soviet era is plainly evident throughout the center’s 800 acres.

The VDNH center

Leading into the park, a hammer and sickle emblem can be seen at the top of a massive pavilion. Five-pointed stars are at the top of posts leading up to a massive white building, which is framed by red flowers.

CityDay090719 1 of 1 6 Fotor

A fountain nearby features gold-plated statues of women, one for each of the regions of the former Soviet empire.

Ornate buildings, one for each of the same – Kyrgyzstan , Belarus, Uzbekistan, Karelia, Ukraine, North Caucasus, Turkmenistan and Armenia (Georgia’s building was destroyed) – are situated around a sprawling square.

At the other end, Russia’s national cosmonautics museum was situated in an industrial-looking building behind a preserved rocket.

Inside, I learned about the space race from Russia’s perspective – successfully putting the first person in space, then failing to get an astronaut to the moon.

Along with its history, Moscow’s art scene (both past and present) was also on display at the festival.

While many of the dance troupes felt unauthentic and contemporary, other performances were influenced by something deeper – Russian tradition.

I experienced this full-force on the last day of my stay in Moscow at Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, where I attended a concert directed by Nikolay Rimsky-Korsakov.

Children stand up paddle in a shallow pool set up for Moscow City Day.

Typically, I’m not one who seeks out opera or classical music. But for two hours I listened in rapture to a baritone, identified by his penguin coattails and rich voice, as he sang to a crowd of hundreds.

Behind him, a choir dressed in colorful traditional Russian clothing sang above a 24-piece band, playing mostly string instruments and directed by Rimsky-Korsakov.

At the end of one song, the baritone ended with such enthusiasm that he almost fell over – catching himself at the last minute.

“Bravo!” came calls from the audience. “Bravo!”

Women, clutching large bouquets of long stem red roses, practically threw them at his feet.

He accepted their gifts with grace and a wide smile, obviously enjoying himself in the moment.

I left Russia on that note – remembering the baritone and his passion for life.

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

7-day Moscow itinerary

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

things to do in Moscow in one week

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

travel itinerary for one week in Moscow

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

exploring Moscow

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

top things to do in Moscow

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

one week Moscow itinerary

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

Moscow itinerary

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

things to do in Moscow in seven days

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

Random Russian guy

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

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Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

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MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

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Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

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I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

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Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

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Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

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Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

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Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

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Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

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DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

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Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

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The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

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Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

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Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

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Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

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Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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  • Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

Saint Basil's Cathedral in Moscow, Russia

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

Interior of the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscos

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

GUM, a popular department store in Moscow

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

Christ the Savior Cathedral in Moscow

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

Gates at Gorky Park in Moscow

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

River cruise in Moscow

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

Moscow Metro station

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

Moscow State University at dusk

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

Izmailovsky Market in Moscow, Russia

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

The skyscrapers of Moscow City

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

Art in the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve, former residence of Catherine the Great

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve in Moscow

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

Ostankino TV Tower in Moscow at night

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

The floating bridge of Zaryadye Park in Moscow

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

The rooftops of Moscow, Russia

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

A pool at Sanduny Banya in Moscow

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

  • 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
  • Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
  • Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Image of Sarah Kingdom

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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    St. Basil's Cathedral. Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider ...

  21. Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

    Day 6 - Explore the Golden Ring. Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a "theme route" devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

  22. 19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

    5. Gorky Park. Moscow's premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor'kogo) is the city's biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer.