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Things to Do

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There’s so much to discover in the Walled City with bucket loads of activities to suit all tastes. Derry is home to it all!

Discover our 400-year-old City Walls, award-winning museums and theatres or why not try your hand at one of our water attractions, like Stand Up Paddleboarding.

Take a step through history and go on a walking tour – we promise they won’t disappoint. Or perhaps you would like to discover all things Derry Girls – no problem. If it’s a Derry Girls themed afternoon tea, or screen walking tour you’re after then we’ve got that on offer too.

There really is something for everyone in the city; be inspired by the options below or build your own itinerary from our planner. Don’t forget to buy our Visit Derry pass which means you can explore the city and enjoy free access to a number of the city’s top tourist attractions, the most convenient and cost-effective way of seeing the best Derry has to offer.

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23 Best Things To Do In Derry City And Beyond

By Author Keith O'Hara

Posted on Last updated: December 29, 2023

There are plenty of things to do in Derry, once you give it a chance.

However, many people exploring this corner of Ireland often pass it by.

County Derry is home to countless historical sites, walks and a glorious stretch of coastline.

In the guide below, you’ll discover what to do in Derry City, first, before seeing the wider county’s main attractions.

Table of Contents

The best things to do in Derry City

Photos via Shutterstock

We’re going to tackle the various things to do in Derry City first. The city is home to an absolute wealth of things to do and places to see.

There are also some great spots for food that we’ll be recommending you nip into.

1. Derry City Walls

Derry is officially the only completely walled city in Ireland and it’s one of the finest examples of a walled city in Europe.

The walls, which were built between 1613-1618, were used to defend the city against early 17th century settlers.

Still beautifully intact, they now form a walkway around Derry’s inner city and offer a unique promenade to check out the layout of the original town.

Standing at an impressive 19-20 feet high, the mile-long oval comes complete with watchtowers, battlements, gates, bastions, and big aul cannons.

2. Bloody Sunday and Bogside Tour

Photos via Google Maps

If you’re wondering what to do in Derry that’ll give you a good insight into the city’s past, this tour (affiliate link) is worth considering.

Over the course of 1.5 hours you’ll learn about what happened on Bloody Sunday . You’ll also be taken to Derry’s most prominent murals in the Bogside area.

You’ll be given an insight into the partition of Ireland , the seperation of the 6 counties of Northern Ireland and plenty more.

3. The Peace Bridge 

The now-iconic Peace Bridge is one of the more popular places to visit in Derry. It opened in 2011 and has won a clatter of awards since.

The bridge connects the old army Barracks in Ebrington to the city centre and was intended to end a 400-year-old physical and political gap by bringing the largely unionist east side of Derry closer to the largely nationalist west.

You can take a wander across it and get a good eyeful of both sides of the city’s ‘skyline’ or you can admire it from afar from either side of the river.

4. The Museum of Free Derry

Photo left courtesy of Visit Derry. Others via Museum of Free Derry on FB

If you’re looking for places to visit in Derry that’ll educate and enlighten, then this should tickle your fancy.

The Museum of Free Derry opened back in 2007. It exists to tell the turbulent story of what happened in Derry from 1968 to 1972.

The story is told from the point of view of the people that were most involved in and affected by the events that took place.

For those of you with little to no familiarity with the city’s past, you’re in for an enlightening experience.

This is one of the more popular things to do in Derry when it rains for good reason!

5. The Guildhall

The Guildhall tends to conquer many guides on what to do in Derry, and it’s not hard to see why.

This beautiful neo-gothic style building was built in 1887 and can be found just outside the city walls, near the Peace Bridge.

In 2013, a £9.5m restoration was completed which introduced a new multifaceted tourism experience to the building.

Those that visit the Guildhall can expect:

• An interactive Tourist Information Point
• A new dedicated exhibition exploring how the Plantation shaped our history
• Cultural spaces
• A cafe area
• Interpretation panels that bring the buildings features to life

6. The Derry Girls mural

Derry Girls is one of the most popular Irish shows to hit our screens in years.

In a nutshell, it’s a show set in Derry during the Troubles in the 1990s that follows a group of friends (4 girls and one English lad) as they get themselves into all kinds of mad situations.

The mural is painted on one of the walls of Badger’s Bar in Derry. The owner was contacted by the creators of the show and asked whether they could use the wall at the back of the pub.

The mural depicts the main cast members and was masterfully created by UV Arts, a group that uses street art as a tool for social change.

7. Trad music at Peadar’s

Photos courtesy of Tourism Northern Ireland

Peadar O’Donnell’s is arguably one of the best pubs in Ireland . It’s my favourite in Derry (and probably in Northern Ireland) for good reason.

This is, in my opinion, what every great Irish pub should strive to be like – it has a beautifully maintained old-school interior, it holds regular trad sessions and they do a solid pint of Guinness.

If you’re in the city and you’re looking to chill after a busy day exploring, you won’t go wrong here.

8. St. Columb’s Cathedral

St. Columb’s Cathedral is one of Derry’s oldest buildings.

This beautiful cathedral dominates the city’s skyline from many an angle and dates back to 1633.

Standing at an impressive 221 feet, St. Columb’s current tower and main building are that of the original Cathedral.

The spire was added later in 1821. Interestingly enough, the building is constructed from the same stone as the city’s walls and boasts an ample number of artefacts for you to check out during your visit.

9. Tower Museum

It’s from the top of the Tower Museum that you’ll get access to the only open-air viewing facility in Derry City.

Translation: there’s a pretty damn good view from the top of this place.

There are also some excellent exhibitions inside:

• The Story of Derry : This exhibition takes visitors through the dramatic history of the city, from the earliest prehistory to the present.
• An Armada Shipwreck : The second exhibition tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, ‘La Trinidad Valencera’. This ship sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588 and was only discovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

What to do in Derry County

The next section of our guide looks at what to do in Derry across the wider county.

Derry’s coastline in particular often gets missed. You’ll discover why it’s well worth exploring below.

1. Benone Strand

Benone Strand in Limavady is a peach of a beach. Here you’ll have a massive 7 miles of golden beach to saunter along while soaking up a mixture of interesting sights.

On a clear day, you’ll see everywhere from Lough Foyle and Benevenagh to he mighty Mussenden Temple.

It’s around a 50-minute spin from Derry City and it’s the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle for a while.

2. The Benevenagh hike

The Binevenagh hike is one of my favourite things to do in Northern Ireland . This is a tough trail that can take 4.5 – 5 hours to complete, but it’s well worth it.

The trail begins near Limavady, around a 45-minute drive from the city, and there are several start points, depending on which direction you come from.

This is a relatively strenuous hike but, when the weather’s clear, you’ll be treated to glorious views of Lough Foyle and the surrounding countryside.

If you’re looking for active things to do in Derry, this is well worth tackling!

3. Ness Country park

One of the more unique things to do in Derry is to head to Ness Country Park in Killaloo, a short 25-minute spin from the city.

This is one of those places to visit in Derry that people tend to miss. You’ll find Ness Country Park in the wooded Glen of the Burntollet River, south-east of Derry.

This park boasts 55 hectares of woodland, open parkland, and riverside walks. Oh, and the biggest waterfall in Ulster.

4. Mussenden Temple

The Mussenden Temple is one of those places that looks like it’s been whipped from a movie.

Located in the stunning surroundings of Downhill Demesne in Derry, the temple is perched dramatically on a 120-foot high cliff overlooking the ocean.

Bizarrely enough, the temple was originally built to act as a summer library for those that owned the estate that temple sits within.

It was constructed in 1785 and its architecture was inspired by the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, near Rome.

Make sure this is on your list of places to see in Derry during your visit.

5. Portstewart Strand

Nestled between the town of Portstewart and the River Bann lies the golden sands of Portstewart Strand.

It’s around a 50-minute drive from the city and it’s a good stop-off for those of you doing the Causeway Coastal Route .

Arguably one of the best beaches in Northern Ireland, Portstewart Strand is the perfect spot for a long ramble without any inclines.

It’s also one of the few beaches that you can still drive onto.

6. Seamus Heaney HomePlace

Photos via Ireland’s Content Pool

Now, it’s time for a bit of culture. A visit to the Seamus Heaney HomePlace in Bellaghy (50-minute drive from the city) will take you on a journey through the life and literature of Seamus Heaney, the renowned poet and Nobel Laureate.

You’ll find everything from personal stories and artefacts to dozens of family photographs and video recordings over a packed two floors.

If you’re in search of things to do in Derry when it’s raining, then this indoor attraction is the perfect spot to spend an afternoon.

7. Mountsandel Wood

Photos by Gareth Wray © Tourism Ireland

Our next stop is very interesting altogether. I’d never heard of Mountsandel Wood up until recently.

Which is crazy as it’s here that the earliest known settlement of man in Ireland was based between 7600 and 7900BC.

Flint tools were found on the grounds of Mountsandel, which indicates that Stone Age hunters camped here and fished for salmon in the nearby weir (a low dam built across a river).

You can head off on a forest walk here that’ll take you around this historic little chunk of Derry.

8. Roe Valley Country Park

This tranquil park offers stunning riverside views and woodland walks to those that chisel out some time in their itinerary to visit.

The river in Roe Valley Country Park plunges through stunning gorges and its banks are clothed in mature lush woodland.

Grab a cup of coffee in Ritters Tea Room (located on the left bank upriver of the Dogleap Centre) and head off for a stroll.

Fancy learning about the industrial and natural heritage of the area? Nip into the museum on-site.

Things to do near Derry City

Now that we have the various things to do in Derry out of the way, it’s time to explore some of the best things to do near Derry.

And there’s some stiff competition! Derry is close to  endless  things to see and do, as you’ll discover below!

1. Grianan of Aileach (20-minute drive)

Grianan of Aileach in Donegal is a hillfort that sits right at the beginning of the glorious Inishowen Peninsula.

Now, although it sits on top of a mountain (Greenan Mountain) you can drive very close to the top and it’s a short walk from there.

On a clear day you’ll be treated to magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and peninsulas. 

2. Inishowen Peninsula (25-minute drive)

The Inishowen Peninsula is arguably one of Ireland’s finest. If you follow the Inishowen 100 Drive, you’ll be taken to its best bits.

Some of the highlights along the route include Malin Head , Mamore Gap and some of the best beaches in Ireland .

3. The Causeway Coast (1-hour drive)

The Causeway Coastal Route is a great way to spend a day (although 2 days would be ideal, if you have the time!).

Over the course of this spin, you’ll see the likes of:

• Dunluce Castle
• Giant’s Causeway
• Old Bushmills Distillery
• Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge

4. Glenveagh National Park (55-minute drive)

A visit to Glenveagh National Park is another of the more popular things to do near Derry.

You can rent a bike and peddle around it, saunter along one of its many trails or take a tour of Glenveagh Castle.

What places to visit in Derry have we missed?

I’ve no doubt that we’ve unintentionally left out some brilliant things to do in Derry from the guide above.

If you have a place that you’d like to recommend, let me know in the comments below and I’ll check it out!

FAQs about things to see in Derry

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What to do in Derry when it rains?’ to ‘Where’s best for a stroll?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

What are the best things to do in Derry?

In our opinion, it’s hard to beat Ness Country park, the Benevenagh hike, Benone Strand, Tower Museum and Derry City Walls.

What is there to do in Derry City?

There’s endless things to do in Derry City, from the mural tours and the City Walls to the Guildhall, St. Columb’s Cathedral, the Walled City Brewery and much more.

Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent most of the last 10 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 30 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries . Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Vincent Harkin

Tuesday 29th of August 2023

Brilliant guide to the county, another thing worth mentioning is the Sperrin mountains and the Carntogher hike! 👍🏻

Friday 8th of May 2020

Keith, Absolutely wonderful guides of Ireland.

I have returned to Ireland after time in Australia,

I am looking forward to when it lifts so i can explore some of your hidden gems!!

Website is fantastic!!!

Keith O'Hara

Saturday 9th of May 2020

Cheers Kiera! Appreciate you taking the time to comment! I'm sure coming back home now must be a bit strange given everything that's going on! mind yourself!

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You are here: Home > Destinations > Derry-Londonderry > Activities & Attractions in Derry/Londonderry

Activities & Attractions in Derry Londonderry

Things to do in derry-londonderry.

Northern Ireland’s second city may not be physically big, but its heart is giant. Derry-Londonderry's charm lies in the unexpected. Around every corner of this walled city lies a work of art, a historic landmark or a local ready with a silver-tongued one-liner. Here's our beginner's guide to Derry-Londonderry.

Derry Girls - Our Famous Five

Any city would be proud to be associated with a smash-hit comedy like Derry Girls. But there can’t be too many places in the world that would eulogise it with a giant mural on the side of a restaurant. The Derry Girls Mural, on the end wall of Badgers Bar and Restaurant , perfectly captures the cheek and charm of Derry-Londonderry’s famous five. Once you've taken the obligatory selfie with Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle and the 'wee english fella' James, you can find out more about the sites you see on screen by taking the Derry Girls Original Sites Tour, one of the most popular in the city.

All along the City Walls

No trip to Derry-Londonderry would be complete without a trek around the city’s 400 year old walls. Derry-Londonderry is the only remaining completely walled city in Ireland and one of the finest examples of its kind in Europe. Having recently celebrated a milestone birthday, the walls embrace the city centre in a 1.5km circumference.

Originally required to defend the city, they now act as a promenade, offering unrivalled views across the city and region. The walls are beautifully lit at nighttime and make the perfect romantic post-dinner or pre-pint stroll. You’ll no doubt catch a glimpse of the stunning Guildhall . This was originally built in 1887 and though it has gone through a few ups and downs in its history, it has been restored and has become a backdrop for many events in the city. Inside you’ll find stunning stained-glass windows representing artisans and workers.   

The story of a city

Just a short hop from the Guildhall, you’ll find the Tower Museum . This little gem has two permanent exhibitions. As you’d expect, the main exhibition focuses on the colourful and dramatic story of Derry from pre-history to present times. The second exhibition tells the fascinating story of La Trinidad Valencera, one of the largest ships in the ill-fated Spanish Armada. Having been blown miles off course it sank off the northwest coast of Ireland in 1588. It was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971 and the fruits of their labours are on display here.

The Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry - one of the times the walls were rather handy. It’s informative and will give you a good background on at least one perspective of Northern Ireland’s history.

For another perspective, you might consider visiting the Museum of Free Derry where you’ll get a full multi-media exhibition on the civil rights movement and the creation of Free Derry in the 1960s and 1970s.

Locals call this part of the city, just outside the walls, the Bogside. It is synonymous with the civil rights movement of those decades. It is also home to the People’s Gallery , a set of twelve large murals by three artists. A visit to this outdoor art gallery has become one of the main attractions in the city and is certainly one of the more original things to do in Derry-Londonderry.

A city of peace 

After so much history, it might not be a bad time to look to the future. Take a stroll across the beautiful Peace Bridge to Ebrington Square . A former army barracks, this area has been transformed into a stunning public space for open-air events, art exhibitions and concerts. 

A river walk

For those in pursuit of more downbeat excitement, there is a lovely walkway out from the city along the River Foyle. Within minutes you’ll find yourself away from the hustle and bustle of the city, passing rowers as they cut through the dark waters of the river. This walk, which goes south for the guts of ten kilometres, offers another view of Derry-Londonderry. It allows you to sit back, appreciate and contemplate this city’s unique and varied history while marveling at its people’s resilience.

There's so much more to discover in Derry-Londonderry. What are you waiting for?  

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Health & Wellbeing

Immerse yourself in the natural sights, sounds and tastes of the beautiful Causeway Coast. In the shadow of the beautiful Mussenden Temple, you'll be welcomed by Claire from Mussenden Sea Salt to an experience that marries the ancient with the…

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Explore the scenery, wildlife and beautiful views of the River Bann, learning about its history and heritage onboard vintage vessel M.V. Kingfisher. This river cruise is a two-hour roundtrip which begins at The Cutts in Coleraine, with on-board…

Derry~Londonderry

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Tuck into some of the leading foodie highlights on your guided spin with Far and Wild.

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Cookery School

On Castlerock’s main street there’s a building that’s 120 years old. This is the home of the Chocolate Manor, a warm and inviting shop, artisan food emporium & chocolate experience space - the smells alone are enough to tempt you in off the street!

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Tailor-made Tours

Explore Northern Ireland with Crindle Bespoke at Crindle Stables, offering exclusive horseback rides in stunning landscapes. Whether a seasoned rider or first-timer, experience beaches, countryside, or private estates, with tailored options like…

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Magherafelt

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Experience the biggest lake in Ireland and Britain and Ireland in the company of a real fisherman.

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Walking Tour

Combine sight-seeing and history on a fascinating guided stroll through the streets of Derry~Londonderry. The route of this unique, guided tour links the blue plaques of Derry~Londonderry and is the perfect way to get a handle on the heritage and…

Portstewart

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Diving & SubAqua

Dive into a new and exciting world with Aquaholics. Hop aboard the Aquaholics dive vessel for a unique, world-class experience along the coastline to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge. Here you’ll be briefed, kitted-up and then jumping overboard for an…

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Arts and Culture tours

Step into the Seamus Heaney HomePlace, and discover the world-renowned poet in his beloved hometown. Journey through the life and works of this literary giant, greatly valued worldwide for his decency and humility, and experience the place, the…

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Cultural Learning Experiences

The Ponderosa is Ireland’s highest bar & restaurant with breath-taking views of the Sperrin Mountains.

It offers everything you could wish for in the way of old world charm and atmosphere, especially in Paddy Joe’s traditional Irish pub. It’s…

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Step back in time with an expert-guided walk across Carntogher Mountain in the footsteps of mid-18th Century famine emigrants. Follow the same tracks, ascend the same slopes and head out under the same brooding skies as these families did. Get a…

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Savour the fresh, fabulous tastes of the spectacular Causeway Coastal Route. Get a taste for all things local, artisan and foodie as you drink in the scenery on a six-hour guided mini coach tour of the best local farm to fork produce the Causeway…

Jump aboard for a fascinating voyage towards Rathlin Island and along the Causeway Coast searching for historic shipwrecks.

On your voyage, you'll visit the place where Spanish Armada vessel La Girona went down, as well as the wartime wreck sites…

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Brewery/Distillery Tour

For craft beer aficionados, anyone with a thirst for a fun experience, or essentially anyone who likes really good beer, the Beer Masterclass experience at the Walled City Brewery is just the ticket! Have a go at making your own micro-beer and…

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Experience the North Coast from a Giant’s Eye view.

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On a city walking tour, join your guide as they take you around key locations in and around the only intact walled city in Ireland on a fully guided tour, lasting approximately 1 hour.

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‘There are few things as refreshing as finding there is another dimension behind the poetry of one so recognised and analysed, and that is what happens on every step of the journey through Heaney’s childhood terrain’ Travel Extra Review October 2014

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Visitor Centres & Museums

The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions: The Story of Derry and An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera, as well as other temporary exhibitions. The Tower Museum is now also home to the Derry Girls Experience!

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Historic Sites, Houses, Castles & Buildings

Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the North West and was originally built in 1887. The building now boasts a multifaceted tourism experience providing a central hub for visitors exploring the city

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The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media.

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Must-see attractions in Derry (Londonderry)

People's Gallery Murals

Derry (Londonderry)

The 12 murals that decorate the gable ends of houses along Rossville St, near Free Derry Corner, are popularly referred to as the People's Gallery. They…

Derry's City Walls

The best way to get a feel for Derry's layout and history is to walk the 1.5km circumference of the city's walls. Completed in 1619, Derry's city walls…

Standing just outside the city walls, the neo-Gothic Guildhall was originally built in 1890, then rebuilt after a fire in 1908. Its fine stained-glass…

Tower Museum

Head straight to the 5th floor of this award-winning museum inside a replica 16th-century tower house for a view from the top. Then work your way down…

St Columb's Cathedral

Built between 1628 and 1633 from the same grey-green schist as the city walls, this was the first post-Reformation church to be erected in Britain and…

Museum of Free Derry

Just off Rossville St, this excellent museum chronicles the history of the Bogside, the Civil Rights Movement and the events of Bloody Sunday through…

Hands Across the Divide

As you enter the city across Craigavon Bridge, the first thing you see is the Hands Across the Divide monument. This striking bronze sculpture of two men…

St Columba's Church

Outside the city walls to the southwest is Long Tower Church, Derry’s first post-Reformation Catholic church. Built in 1784 in neo-Renaissance style, it…

Free Derry Corner

The Free Derry Corner, where the gable end of a house painted with the famous slogan 'You are Now Entering Free Derry' still stands, is all that remains…

Ebrington Square

Originally a 19th-century fort, and later a British Army base, Ebrington Barracks was demilitarised in 2003. The former parade ground now serves as a…

Peace Bridge

Sinuous and elegant, this 2011-completed, S-shaped pedestrian and cyclist bridge spans the River Foyle, linking the walled city on the west bank to…

Centre for Contemporary Art

Derry's contemporary art gallery provides a showcase for emerging artists in Northern Ireland and stages changing exhibitions of contemporary art from…

Bloody Sunday Memorial

A simple granite obelisk that commemorates the 14 civilians who were shot dead by the British Army on Bloody Sunday, 30 January 1972.

Siege Museum

In a building adjoining the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, this museum celebrates the role of the 13 apprentice boys who in December 1688 locked the city…

St Eugene’s Cathedral

The Roman Catholic St Eugene’s Cathedral was begun in 1851 as a response to the end of the Great Famine, and dedicated to St Eugene in 1873 by Bishop…

In the 19th century, Derry was one of the main ports of emigration to the USA; this is commemorated by these sculptures of an emigrant family at the site…

Hunger Strikers' Memorial

The H-shaped Hunger Strikers' Memorial is near the Free Derry Corner.

Home » Travel Guides » United Kingdom » Northern Ireland » 15 Best Things to Do in Derry (Northern Ireland)

15 Best Things to Do in Derry (Northern Ireland)

A beautiful city with a tumultuous history, even Derry’s name is a bone of contention.

The official name is Londonderry, but for obvious reasons Derry was always preferred by the city’s Republican communities, and is used more often today.

One flashpoint in Derry’s past was the Siege of 1689 by the Jacobites against the Williamites, which put the 1.6-kilometre wall system to the test.

These defences held strong, and remain in excellent condition today.

Derry had long been a divided city with a protestant minority, and in the face of discrimination by the Unionist government the Catholic community in Derry came to symbolise the civil rights movement.

It was here that the infamous Bloody Sunday took place in 1972, and the healing process continues today.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Derry :

1. Walls of Derry

As Ireland’s first planned city Derry was given a set of diamond-shaped defensive walls in the 1610s to protect its newly-arrived English and Scottish colonists (planters). The Walls of Derry have the distinction of never being breached, and stood up to a 105-day siege in 1689 during the Williamite War.

Derry is an outstanding example of a walled city and was also the very last city in Europe to be given defences.

They measure 1.6 kilometres in total, and you can walk along the ramparts to view the countryside from the gun embrasures and check out the Inner City, which still has its Renaissance grid layout.

Those gun positions are armed with 24 cannons, many of which were fired during the 17th century and are all traceable to their foundries.

The most storied of these is the newly restored “Roaring Meg”.

2. Guildhall

Completed in 1890 the Guildhall was commissioned by the Honourable Irish Society and has neo-Gothic and Tudor Revival architecture.

The Derry and Strabane District Council sits in this red sandstone monument, easy to identify for its traceried windows and clock tower with carved jambs and archivolts on its portal.

The first stages of the Saville Inquiry into Bloody Sunday took place in the Guildhall in the early 2000s and the building doubles as a cultural venue and sight for tourists.

Go in to view the stained glass, including one work commemorating Bloody Sunday, and to see an exhibition about the history of the city going back to colonisation during the 17th-century Plantation of Ulster.

3. Bogside Murals

A poignant reminder of Derry and Northern Ireland’s difficult recent past, the Bogside Murals are 12 large paintings in the Bogside neighbourhood.

It was in this part of the city that Bloody Sunday took place, and in 1993 two brothers Tom and William Kelly, and their friend Kevin Gasson, collaborated to record this events, champion civil rights and express their hope for peace.

Together the works are known as the People’s Gallery, and depict the Battle of the Bogside in 1969, the 14 victims of Bloody Sunday, Operation Motorman in 1972, a dove of peace and an anti-sectarian message from 2004. For added context you can take a guided tour around the Bogside.

4. St Columb’s Cathedral

In a Northern Irish style known as Planter Gothic, St Columb’s Cathedral was built within the walls for the Honourable Irish Society in the early-1630s.

The nave and tower are from the earliest phase of construction, making this the oldest standing monument in Derry, while the chancel, spire and chapter house came in the 19th and 20th centuries.

In the porch is a foundation stone that originates from the earlier Big Church dating to the 1100s and town down to build Derry’s ramparts.

Here there’s an inscription from the new church’s dedication in the 17th century.

Within are portraits of William of Orange, Derry’s city keys and a number of artefacts from the siege of 1689.

5. Tower Museum

In a historic tower in Derry’s City Walls, this museum goes into depth on the history of the city.

The award-winning exhibition begins in prehistory a takes you up to the 1960s.

In a separate gallery you can see artefacts from La Trinidad Valencera, a Spanish Armada ship that was wrecked off the Donegal coast in 1588. You’ll then continue the journey through the eventful second half of the 20th century at the cinema, explaining the story, causes and outcome of the Troubles.

At Level 5 the tower also has the best vantage point of Derry’s Inner City and the River Foyle.

6. Peace Bridge

A 21st-century landmark for Derry, the Peace Bridge spans the Foyle River between Ebrington Square and the remainder of the city centre.

The location is more than symbolic as the crossing is a literal bridge between the Waterside and Cityside communities, which are generally Unionist and Nationalist respectively.

Completed in 2011 the serpentine pedestrian bridge is 235 metres long and was a collaboration between AECOM and Wilkinson Eyre Architects, the firm behind the Gateshead Millennium Bridge.

Derry has taken the Peace Bridge to heart and it sets the scene for the celebrations at New Year.

7. Free Derry Museum

Derry’s turbulent years from the 60s to the 90s are neatly summed up at this museum that opened in 2006. The Free Derry Museum tells you everything you need to know about the Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman, complementing its exhibitions with more than 25,000 artefacts.

Along with letters, posters and personal effects there are also photographs and archive footage.

Key to understanding these events is learning about the oppression of this working class community and the internment that helped raise tensions.

The museum strikes a conciliatory note, establishing the concept of Free Derry as a universal push for civil rights and equality.

8. Free Derry Corner

Back in the Bogside neighbourhood there’s a monument at the junction of Rossville Street, Lecky Road and Fahan Street.

The message “You Are Now Entering Free Derry” was painted in 1969 by a local activist and marks the entrance to what was a self-declared autonomous Nationalist part of the city in the early stages of the Troubles.

Initially this was part of a row of terrace houses, but those have been demolished, leaving a single standing wall in the central reservation of Lecky Road, which is today a dual carriageway.

On the green beside the gable wall is a memorial to those who died in the 1981 Irish Hunger Strike, and a monument for the members of the IRA’s Derry Brigade that died fighting in the Troubles.

9. St Columb’s Park

At Waterside on the right bank of the River Foyle is a rolling park that was once a noble estate before being bought for the people of Derry by the Londonderry Corporation in 1845. Tucked into the riverbend, it’s a serene place to stroll or go for a summer picnic, and can be visited on a river walk after crossing the Peace Bridge.

The manor house at St Columb’s Park House was built in the 18th century and is today used for accommodation and as a conference centre, with a cafe on the ground floor.

10. Siege Museum

In 2016 an extension to the Apprentice Boys of Derry Memorial Hall was completed with a new exhibition about the 1688 Siege of Derry.

There are artefacts and firsthand accounts from within the city during the siege, as well as details of archaeological digs around the city which have brought to light tools, ceramics and weapons.

You can also catch up on the history of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, and on a guided tour you’ll be shown around the meeting room for this order, as well as the Orange Order, Women’s Orange and the Royal Black Institution.

11. St Eugene’s Cathedral

The seat for Derry’s Roman Catholic Diocese, St Eugene’s Cathedral is was built in the Gothic Revival style in the second half of the 19th century.

You’ll see the tower in the northwest of the city on the edge of Brooke Park and with clusters of Georgian houses at its foot.

The architect was James Joseph McCarthy, and funding was raised both in Derry and Ireland, but also in America.

In a niche in the bell-tower, above the portal is a statue of St Eugene dating to 1873, while the sanctuary floor is laid with Sardinian granite and the altar is fashioned from Carrara marble.

12. Ness Country Park

Derry’s a pocket-sized city, and in a matter of seconds you’ll be out in the countryside.

A lovely spot for a wander is Ness Country Park, 55 hectares of woodland and meadows on the Banks of the Burntollet River.

You can explore seven kilometres of forest and riverside walks, leading you to the delightful Ness Waterfall and a set of rapids.

If there’s an ideal time to come it’s early spring when the bluebells and wood anemone’s carpet the mossy forest floor with colour.

13. Craft Village

In the old centre of Derry a street and square from the 18th and 19th centuries have rediscovered their old-time charm.

This small quarter deserves a wander for its artisan craft shops, cafes and restaurants.

There are quaint Georgian houses, staircases, gas lamps and wrought-iron footbridges, and a host of businesses within a couple of minutes on foot.

These specialise in Irish dancing costumes, glassware, knitwear, candles, crystal home designed and more besides.

The focal point is the Canopy and large iron and glass structure sheltering an outdoor stage for live music.

14. Derry-Coleraine Railway

The 50-kilometre train ride east to Coleraine has been described by comedian/travel writer Michael Palin as one of the most beautiful in the world.

It’s a justified claim, because the railway weaves through a green landscape of dry-stone walls and forbidding basalt hills before hitting the coast at the endless golden sands of Benone Strand.

Soon after you’ll be at Castlerock, which has its original station from 1873 from there you’ll enter the two longest railway tunnels in Ireland, both dug in the 1850s.

After arriving in Coleraine you’ll have the Causeway Coast at your fingertips, named after the world-famous UNESCO site and with several Game of Thrones filming locations close by.

15. Prehen House

A couple of miles upriver from the centre of Derry you’ll find this Irish Georgian country house constructed in 1740 for the MP for Donegal Andrew Knox.

Prehen House is tied to the tale of Mary Ann Knox.

She was accidentally killed during an attempted abduction and elopement (common in the day), by the landowner John MacNaghten, who was subsequently hanged for the crime.

His execution had to be carried out twice as he broke the rope by hurling himself from the gallows the first time.

Prehen House is still privately owned, but opens up for tours, during which you’ll hear about this tale and admire the magnificent views of Derry and the Foyle River.

15 Best Things to Do in Derry (Northern Ireland):

• Walls of Derry
• Bogside Murals
• St Columb's Cathedral
• Tower Museum
• Peace Bridge
• Free Derry Museum
• Free Derry Corner
• St Columb's Park
• Siege Museum
• St Eugene's Cathedral
• Ness Country Park
• Craft Village
• Derry-Coleraine Railway
• Prehen House

15 Best Things To Do in Derry, Ireland

• By Stephen Smith
• July 11, 2020
• Category: Northern Ireland

The huge variety in the things to do in Derry make it somewhere all visitors will enjoy. Derry (Londonderry) is located in the province still part of the United Kingdom and its success in establishing peace after conflict is something that will surely impress every visitor.

Derry, like many Irish cities, benefits from the character of the Irish people and the way history has fashioned it into what visitors will experience today. 

By day, there is plenty to see in its main landmarks and by night its bars and restaurants will satisfy even the most discerning traveller.

Activities in Derry include visiting museums and cathedrals, admiring the great architecture and colourful murals — and more! History greeted me at every turn during my stay, while the countryside that surrounds the city was beautiful.

My background in history and politics led me to locations that illustrated the troubling times starkly indeed. However, the things to do in Derry go far beyond such matters and the genuine hospitality of locals during my time there made it difficult to imagine there was ever serious religious conflict .

Many of the best things to see in Derry are all within walkable distance of each other, and even if you just visit on a weekend , you’ll be able to experience much of the city. This post lists 15 things to do in Derry that you should not miss during your visit!

15 Best Things to Do in Derry

In This Post:

1. Walk the Impressive Walls of Derry

2. drink guinness while enjoying live music at peadar o’donnell’s, 3. learn more in the tower museum, 4. visit the beautiful guildhall , 5. admire derry’s oldest monument, 6. pay your respects at st. eugene’s catholic cathedral, 7. walk across the award-winning peace bridge, 8. understand the meaning of “free derry”, 9. check out the street art at people’s gallery, 10. see film locations of the derry girls  , 11. go for a walk in ness country park, 12. take a history lesson — with a hanging or two, 13. enjoy clifftop views at a game of thrones film site , 14. visit homeplace of poet seamus heaney, 15. eat at pyke ‘n’ pommes, now you know what to do in derry.

Derry’s Walls have never been breached in the four centuries that they have surrounded what is now the inner city. They were built to protect the city from English and Scottish ”invaders” and they even withstood a 105-day siege during the struggle between William’s supporters and the Jacobites.

The Walls stand around 5 metres high and stretch for 1.6 kilometres. I walked the walls past towers, cannons and bastions, looking down on the layout of the inner city.

It is a great way to start your visit to Derry because you can get your bearings before moving on.

You can walk the walls day and night for free although walking tours are available. Click here to learn more and to book online.

You should not leave sampling Ireland’s famous stout, Guinness to last. I had a pint as soon as I reached Ireland! Irish hospitality and friendliness are famous; forget the former problems in Derry while enjoying a pint.

The best place I found in Derry for a drop of the ”black stuff” while enjoying live entertainment was Peadar O’Donnell’s. Located in Waterloo Street, it offers both traditional and contemporary music and you will enjoy the classic, if fairly quirky, surroundings.

Having a pint of Guinness is one of the best things to do in Derry — and Ireland as a whole.

Even if you are only in Derry for a short time, it is likely to become your local as it did for me. Monday to Saturday, opening hours are 11:30am – 1:30am, while Sunday is 12:30pm – 12:30am. Click here to find Peadar O’Donnell’s on the map.

Whilst at the Walls, I got my first lesson about the origin of Derry, its history from the very early days. A separate galley houses artefacts from one of the Spanish Armada’s ships, La Trinidad Valencera which sunk off the Coast.

The Wreck was only found by divers 50 years ago and that was during the period of ”The Troubles.” The causes of  The Troubles, major events during that time, and the peace process are all explained within the Tower Museum.

On the top floor, level 5, there are further great views of Derry and the River Foyle. The Museum opens 7 days a week, 10:00 – 17:30 with adult tickets £3.50 ($4.50), children half price and family tickets £7.50 ($10). Click here to find the Tower Museum on the map.

The Guildhall, a red sandstone building finished towards the end of the 19th Century, acts as the Council Offices and it was the place that held the ”Bloody Sunday” Enquiry — more of that later.

It’s a tourist attraction in itself, built in a neo-Gothic and Tudor style.

This is Derry’s most recognised building with its stained-glass windows worth close inspection. One of them depicts Bloody Sunday when British troops fired on unarmed people in the Bogside area of Derry. 

Guildhall is open every day between 10:00 and 18:00 and while admission is free, booking in advance is advisable. 

Built just after the Reformation, St. Columb’s Cathedral was the first non-Catholic church to be built in Western Europe and one of the main things to see in Derry.

It is dedicated to an Irish monk who was exiled from Ireland before spreading Christianity into Scotland and Northern England. It was damaged and then destroyed before reconstruction in the 1630s.

It has a number of portraits, including William of Orange, valuable old documents and the original keys to the city. Taking the hop-on, hop-off bus tour is a great way to see it. And at just £12 ($16), it’s a good deal. Click here to reserve tickets online, and click here to find the cathedral on the map. 

This Cathedral was built after the 1829 Roman Catholic Relief Act permitted the construction of a catholic church. Eugene de Mazenod was a French Bishop was died in Marseille in 1861.

Fundraising for the work began in 1840 with money received from all over the world and continued for the rest of the century.

The Cathedral opened in 1873 but it took another 30 years before sufficient money allowed the stained-glass windows and the bell tower and the spire to be completed. 

There has been extensive restoration work here over the years and I was certainly impressed by what I saw during my visit. Definitely think of this as one of the places to see in Derry with the £12 ($16) bus tour a way to do it. Find St. Eugene’s on the map here .

The newest of the three bridges over the River Foyle, the Peace Bridge is strictly for pedestrians and cyclists. It was completed in 2011, linking the largely Unionist east bank of the river to the Republican west bank.

Sloping pillars at either end symbolise a ”coming together” of the communities.

Among those attending the opening were Peter Robinson, the Unionist leader and Sinn Fein’s Martin McGuinness who were First Minister and Deputy at the time, as well as the Irish Taoiseach Enda Kenny. 

The Bridge is 235 metres long and 4 metres wide, it’s one of the free attractions in Derry you won’t want to miss. Find it on the map here .

Derry was very much a protestant city in its early days but today it is 70% catholic. Free Derry was a catholic neighbourhood that declared itself autonomous in 1969 with the name painted on the side of a terrace of houses in the Bogside. 

It existed as an area where the struggle between the British and local Republicans lasted for four years. Electoral reform allowed the catholic community to get control of the Council and the area has undergone redevelopment in recent decades.

The message still exists and a visit to the Museum of the same name is definitely one of the best things to do in Derry.

I enjoyed reading about the struggles between 1969 and 1973, ”Bloody Sunday”, the terrible event in 1972, and the reforms which were implemented allowing the possibility of peace. 

Join a walking tour to cover many of Derry’s attractions and to learn more about the history here. This tour is highly rated and includes the Free Derry wall and murals. And at just $25, it’s well worth the money.  Find the Free Derry museum on the map here .

Anyone enjoying street art is certain to love these murals in Rossville Street in the Bogside. The announcement of ”Free Derry” is plain but the quality of the visual art on walls in the Gallery in the now peaceful Bogside is stunning!

It’s the work of two brothers, Tom and William Kelly and their friend Kevin Hasson who began in 1994 to portray events, mostly between 1969 and 1973.

The Battle of the Bogside, Bloody Sunday and the 1981 Hunger Strike are prominent and ensure that people never forget the problems that Derry faced in its recent history.

This 1.5 hour, highly rated street art tour is informative and will help you make sense of the murals. It’s £20 ($25) per person and reserving in advance is advised.

It may seem strange to set a comedy programme at the time of so many problems but this TV series about teenage girls living in Londonderry became hugely popular.

I took a walking tour around many of the sites that were used in the filming and heard about how the show was planned and produced.

There is a mural depicting the stars of the show at Badger’s Bar & Restaurant in Orchard Street in the heart of the City. Channel 4 commissioned the mural as part of its promotional campaign for the show and every visitor looking for the best things to do in Derry should put the ”Derry Girls” on their list.

Book a £20($25) tour to see the filming locations and learn more about the hit TV series here . 

Those looking for a longer walk can venture to the waterfall, while if you’re wanting a leisurely stroll, you can enjoy the gentle path through the meadows. This park is one of the best places to visit in Derry if you’re looking for some relaxation.

Ness Country Park is just to the south-east of the Derry either side of the Burntollet River. It is a mixture of woodland and meadow covering 55 hectares. There are good tourist facilities including car parking, a children’s play area, refreshments and toilets as well as 7 kilometres of walks to enjoy. 

There is car parking with visitor facilities open between 10:00 and 17:00; entrance to the park is free. Click here to find Ness Country Park on the map. 

When it comes to ideas of what to do in Derry, visiting one of Ireland’s most historic homes – Prehen House – should be on the itinerary.

It was the 18th Century home of Donegal MP Andrew Knox and it remained in the family until it was seized after the First World War.

Knox lived in this mansion with his wife, the Prehen heiress, Honora Tomkins. Their daughter Mary Ann formed a relationship with a friend of Knox’s John MacNaghten (“Half-Hung MacNaghten”) who had squandered his own inheritance. 

After their relationship went sour, he planned to kidnap her for a ransom. The plot went wrong and Mary Ann was shot dead by mistake.

MacNaghten was found guilty of murder and was hung, only for the rope to break. That did not save him and the second hanging was successful. 

The House, privately owned but opened for visitors, is a Grade A Building of National Importance. If you want to visit, contact the house directly. You can spend the night here, join a tour, or pop in for Afternoon Tea .

Downhill Beach is a long stretch of sand that is overlooked from Mussenden Temple that sits on the top of a cliff. The beach was a filming location in ”The Game of Thrones,” the hugely successful series that used a number of locations in Ireland for filming .

The inspiration for the temple was the Temple of Vesta in Tivoli, Italy. It was built in 1785 as a summer house and library for the Bishop of Derry. A visit here is among the best things to do in Derry, especially for the wonderful views the clifftop location provides. 

The temple is National Trust property and admission is free for NT members. Other can walk the area for nothing but must pay for temple entry. Booking in advance is advised, adults £4.75 ($6), children half price and family concessions available. Click here to find Mussenden Temple on the map.

Seamus Justin Heaney who died in 2013 in his mid-80s, won the 1995 Nobel Prize for literature. A graduate of Queen’s Belfast, he was a poet, translator and playwright.

HomePlace is located in the small village of Bellaghy and celebrates his life and work. It is an easy drive from Derry and is a must for lovers of literature (such as myself) when planning things to do in Derry.

It opens 7 days a week only closing around Christmas and New Year. Booking in advance is advisable with gift vouchers also available. Find it on the map, here . 

When looking for somewhere to eat, try Pyke ‘N’ Pommes whose origins were in 2013 in a van in a disused car park. It subsequently used a former shipping container on a site close to the River Foyle where it serves delicious food but also hosts events.

A double-decker bus took its seating capacity up to 100. It prides itself on the use of fresh local produce and that includes Wagyu beef. 

Pyke ‘N’ Pommes stresses that its food is simply street-style and it makes a strong case for treating yourself; I did. It may not serve traditional Irish food , but you won’t want to miss the burgers, fries, squid tacos and more.

Normal opening hours are 12:00 – 18:00 Sunday to Thursday, 12:00 – 20:30 Friday and Saturday. Find it on the map here . 

I hope that I have piqued your interest sufficiently to visit Derry. While Unionists still refer to the city as Londonderry, that name has gradually faded from common usage because it is divisive.

Where once there were serious problems, peace and friendliness are all you will find these days in Derry. Enjoy your stay!  For more on Derry, check out the top festivals in the city .

*Unless otherwise stated, all images in this article were sourced on Shutterstock, a website for downloading royalty images and videos. Click here to learn more.

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About The Author

Stephen smith.

Steve Smith is a regular contributor to Your Irish Adventure. He’s a Politics Graduate but far more interested in sport and travel than his graduate subject. A published writer on sport, Steve has been writing online for over a decade on various subjects, including travel articles and blogs.

His passion for travel and sport have both been satisfied by regularly visiting Ireland to watch rugby and play golf. Old head near Cork, Ballybunion and Lahinch in the west, Royal Portrush which hosted the Open recently, Ballyliffin in the extreme north of Donegal, and Portmarnock in Dublin are all courses he has played in his time.

This has allowed him to experience all parts of Ireland and the hospitality for which it is famous.

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Things to do in Derry the ultimate guide

Visiting Derry or Londonderry Northern Ireland as it’s “officially” known is something I do quite often. The historic walled city of Londonderry is often overlooked and extremely underrated for folks visiting Ireland and yet it is one of my favourite cities in the country. I’ve put together an itinerary for visiting Derry that you can do in one day and it includes 16 things to do in Derry (Londonderry) that you shouldn’t miss.

Derry is the second biggest city in Northern Ireland and is located in County Derry which borders Donegal and has close ties to the County. Its name Derry comes from the Irish word  Daire  which means oak forest. Derry is the only remaining intact walled city in Ireland. The old city which is walled is on the west bank of the Foyle River and is spanned by two bridges for vehicles and the pedestrian bridge named the Peace Bridge.

There is a lot to see and do in Londonderry Ireland, the city holds a lot of history from the ancient oak forests that were plundered by the British to the Troubles and Civil Rights marches and the best city walls in Ireland.

Is it Derry or Londonderry?

A brief derry history, derry tourist map, londonderry ireland, getting to derry (londonderry), touring the city of derry cemetery, free derry corner, bloody sunday memorial, free derry museum, derry city walls, visiting the guildhall in derry, the craft village of derry, the derry peace bridge, tower museum derry, check out the gold teapot, guildhall taphouse – artisan brewers of dopey dick beer, the story of dopey dick, siege museum of derry, the heritage tower – former derry gaol, derry girls mural, derry halloween events, tourist information centre londonderry, where to stay in derry.

Xyuandbeyond is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission . You can read my privacy policy here.

101 Landmarks in Northern Ireland

Is Derry worth visiting? Derry is one of those Northern Ireland cities that everyone should visit. Smaller than Belfast it is rich in history and culture and there is some mighty craic to be had in the pubs. From Derry you can also take the ferry across to the fabulous Inishowen Peninsula , Donegal’s wild untamed northern Wild Atlantic Way Coast .

Is Derry Catholic or Protestant? Although Derry was originally an almost exclusively Protestant city, it has become increasingly Catholic over recent centuries. The 1993 census of Derry said that nearly 70% of Derry’s citizens were Catholic.

Is Derry a friendly city? Derry has been named as the eighth friendliest city in the UK, with Newcastle coming in at number one. Thousands of tourists flock to Derry for events such as Halloween celebrations.

What are the top attractions to visit in Derry? Derry Attractions include the Derry City Medieval Walls, the Bloody Sunday Memorial, The Derry Murals, the Peace Bridge and of course the Derry Girls Mural.

What should I not miss in Londonderry? Take a guided tour of Bogside – which will include the Free Derry, Murals, and the Bloody Sunday Memorial. These tours will teach you a lot about the ‘Troubles’ and how the citizens of Derry are moving into a peaceful future.

I should say a word or two here about the Derry Londonderry naming issue. Nationalists favour Derry and Unionists use Londonderry. The name of the city didn’t use to be contentious but in the ’60s at the start of the Troubles, it was politicized by the Republicans to drive home the fact that Ireland should be united and not under the control of London .

The argument to change the official name from Londonderry to Derry has gone back and forth for years. Hopefully with a much younger voting group coming up and the Peace Accord going strong eventually the name will become in law Derry which is its original Irish name.

Derry is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Ireland whose earliest records stretch back to the 6th century. A monastery was founded here by Saint Colmcille who came to Derry from Donegal to help convert the occupants to Christianity.

Derry is famous for its old intact city walls which surround the old city which lies on the banks of the River Foyle. This one mile of city walls are known as one of the best examples of a walled city in Europe.

1609-1613 : After the de-population following the Nine Years War and the Flight of the Earls, the Plantation of Ulster begins. Derry is renamed Londonderry due to the involvement of the Guilds of London in its development. With its imposing walls and new Protestant Cathedral (1633), Londonderry was intended to be a bastion of British power.

1688-1689 : Siege of Derry. Thirteen Protestant Apprentice Boys close the gates on the Catholic King James, with a bitter 105-day siege following. There is a great loss of life before the siege is lifted.

1968 onwards : Outbreak of The Troubles in Northern Ireland, with Derry at its centre. Civil Rights demands by the city’s Catholic majority lead to violence, with Bloody Sunday, on  30 Jan 1972 , seeing 14 unarmed Catholic civilians shot dead by British Paratroopers, an event which remains emotive to the present day. During this time, the city sees a great exodus of the Protestant population to the East of the river . In Your Pocket

60 Best Northern Ireland tourist attractions

Fancy a visit to Ireland? Well here is everything you need to know about visiting Ireland

If you are touring the Causeway Coast then your itinerary will probably end up in or near Derry. Visiting Derry is an easy trip from Belfast . The train takes about 2.5 hours, a bus via Translink is around 2 hours (that depends on stops) or by car which is around 90 minutes.

Getting to Londonderry from Dublin by driving takes around 3 hours. Translink UK operates a bus from Dublin to Derry every 3 hours.

You can also fly into Derry Ireland Airport from the UK  or into Belfast where you can rent a car. The George Best Belfast City Airport and Belfast International Airport both take flights from the UK and of course, the international airport takes flights from the US and other areas of the world. 

Since we live in Donegal we recommend flying into Donegal Airport, which has been voted as the most scenic landing in the world and it means that you can add Donegal to your itinerary.

We wanted to take the Derry Hop On Hop Off bus but when we made it to the visitor’s centre we learned that it only runs in season…sigh… from mid-March until the end of October. So, the Centre recommended a tour with a cab and arranged it for us right then and there. The cost was pretty much the same as the Hop on Hop off bus around £25 for the two of us. Our tour guide was Adrian Callan who was absolutely brilliant and made us forget everything about doing a bus tour.

Adrian was born in the Bogside and was an actual witness to events during the “troubles”, Bloody Sunday and all the horrific times that nearly destroyed this city. Adrian is an absolutely superb guide and raconteur – he knows his history and tells you stories that are not one-sided and cover the gamut from the good to the bad to the ridiculously funny.

Adrian Callan [email protected] or call 0044 (0) 7793525478 the best guide in Derry.

Things to do in Derry in 2 days

We began our tour of Derry with Adrian from the Londonderry Tourist Centre (which is very easy to find and located right across the road from where the Derry Peace Bridge begins) and we crossed the Foyle over to Waterside where we toured some of the Republican and Unionist areas. You can still see the markings on the curbs in the Unionist areas and on the telephone poles for the red, white and blue of the British flag. In the Republican areas, these painted curbs and poles are becoming less and less common and we rarely saw one.

I noticed that the flags all seemed to be at half-mast and asked Adrian why that was. Adrian in typical Irish fashion wove a tale of the flags being at half-mast because they couldn’t be picked out and destroyed by snipers. Laughingly he then told us the basic truth of the matter – the flags were at half-mast because that was how high the ladders could reach.

We spent around an hour and a half with Adrian and he provided us with insights and information on everything from the Spanish Armada, the division of Derry from Donegal, and the ancient civil wars and early days of the founding of Derry.

Adrian was by far the best guide we have ever met and we would highly recommend you give him a shout when you are in the area. He also does a wide range of tours into Donegal, the Causeway Coast , and the Glens of Antrim to name just a few. I can’t say enough good things about his experience and tours.

Crossing over to Waterside with Adrian we had a quick tour around the area and checked out the views from Eskaheen. Which gave some scope to the area with the Peace Bridge in the distance and Adrian gave us some great history lessons on how Derry came into being and how the divide was made between the north and south. He told us that Derry got its name from the fact that it was a huge swathe of oak trees that used to cover the area.

During Elizabethan times, Derry was a highly prized area for the London merchants who salivated over the oaks, which would be used to build the British naval fleets to defeat the Spanish for Queen Elizabeth. The biggest prize in Ireland was the ability to make money for the British from these magnificent and now long-gone forests.

From Waterside and the striking views of Derry from this higher vantage point, we then visited the Cemetery.

The cemetery is on a hill with views over the Foyle River and Derry city itself. There were IRA graves there, victims of Bloody Sunday, Hunger striker memorials and graves as well as just ordinary folk. We were very surprised to see graves belonging to Canadians from WWI and WWII decorated with little Canadian flags in memoriam. It was a really quiet, peaceful place to be with magnificent views over the city.

From the cemetery, we then took a drive back over the Foyle to visit and tour the Bogside area of Derry. Adrian our guide grew up in this area, was incredibly knowledgeable, and freely shared his experiences of growing up here.

A tour of Bogside – Free Derry, Murals, Bloody Sunday Memorial

We began by taking in some of the murals that are on the gable ends of houses in Bogside .  The Bogside Artists have painted all these murals and there are 12 of them in total over time these murals have become known as The People’s Gallery.

Painted between 1997 and 2001 the murals are a commemoration of the events of the troubles in the Bogside. The murals include Bloody Sunday, Battle of the Bogside, Operation Motorman, and the hunger strike that took place in 1981.

First painted by teenager John Caker Casey in 1969 on the gable end of terraced houses which have now gone. The name ‘Free Derry’ was given to those areas barricaded off from the security forces from 1969 -72. The barricades were removed during Operation Motorman. This street art is often added to with slogans relating to current events.

A simple granite obelisk is surrounded by a small cast iron fence and a plaque that explains the Bloody Sunday massacre that took place here in 1972. Piles of flowers are left daily in remembrance of the event and the victims.

We have all heard the U2 song but it just doesn’t capture the pathos of standing at that monument and realizing most of the killed were young boys aged between 16 and 21.

This was a civil rights march that started out peaceful and ended up with 14 dead and many more wounded. British soldiers were essentially told to gun down innocent civilians, the majority of those killed and wounded were shot while running away from the soldiers, and others were shot trying to help the wounded. Army vehicles ran down some protestors, others were hit with rubber bullets and even more beaten with batons.

My personal favourite was, however, the Che Guevara mural. Apparently, Che’s father, whose full name is Ernesto Guevara Lynch, was proud of his Irish roots and how his family built a business in Argentina after fleeing Ireland during Cromwell’s era.

Years later when Che was Cuba’s transport minister, he made an unscheduled stop off in Limerick and wrote a letter to his father, who he thought would be pleased to hear that he was visiting a country of his ancestry

Jim Fitzpatrick an Irish artist created the famous print of Che that appears around the world on t-shirts to posters. Jim was also the graphic designer for all of Thin Lizzy’s album covers. Recently Adrian told us that since Jim never received a penny for the Che graphic he has now copyrighted the graphics and created a fund that gives all the profits from the sale of the image back to Cuba.

This mural is dedicated to the Women of Derry. Countess Markievicz, carrying a flag of Cumann na mBan, and Ethel Lynch, carrying a flag of the Derry IRA. Markievicz is famous for her role in the Easter Rising of 1916 Lynch died in December 1974 of injuries sustained when a bomb exploded prematurely.

The Free Derry Museum concentrates on the Battle of Bogside, Bloody Sunday, and Operation Motorman which tells the story of the civil rights movement that began here. There are over 25,000 artefacts within the museum.

Derry City centre is surrounded by ancient walls that were completed in 1619. The Derry Walls are 8 metres high and 9 metres thick. These are the only walls in Ireland to survive virtually intact today. The walk around the walls is approximately 1.5 kilometres long.

Derry’s nickname, the Maiden City, derives from the fact that the walls have never been breached by an invader. However, as Adrian, our guide put it “these walls have divided us and will continue to do so until we deal with pulling down the parts that have been added to them”.

We learned from Adrian that a large part of the issue of division is down to the fact that kids from protestant and Catholic families still divide themselves educationally by these so-called loyalties.

An integrated education system is desperately needed in N. Ireland. Most citizens feel that with an integrated system, the old lines of Protestantism and Catholicism will be breached and overcome and peace will then be long-lasting and not as temporary as they feel it is now.

Adrian dropped us at the Guildhall and encouraged us to visit the building to learn about the Plantation of Ulster and the Guildhall’s history in Derry.

Standing just outside the city walls, the neo-Gothic Guildhall was originally built in 1890, then rebuilt after a fire in 1908. Its beautiful stained-glass windows were presented by the London livery companies, and its clock tower was modeled on London’s Big Ben.

You will see a statue of Queen Victoria in the entrance hall, notice the hands are missing and the marble base has some cracks and gouges this occurred during the bombings of the Guildhall in 1972.

Inside, there’s a historical exhibition on the Plantation of Ulster and a tourist information point. The organ in the Guildhall is absolutely magnificent it was built in 1912 and refurbished in the 2000s.  You can actually rent the main hall here for £1000 pounds for your wedding and get married on the stage where Liam Neeson had his first acting job.

This is a little haven in the centre of Derry, which is a reconstruction of an 18th-century street and square. There is a central canopy in the square and it provides a wonderful arena for local performers and displays. The village itself is full of eclectic little shops and cafes with over 100 crafters operating out of the various stores.

The Derry Peace Bridge has become an integral part of Derry City and has changed the way local people use and view their city with over 3 million people having crossed it so far and many of the locals using it daily. It is a universal symbol of peach that joins the two sides of a once terribly divided city.

The Derry Peace Bridge is a walking bridge over the River Foyle. It was built in 2011 to symbolize the unification of the Protestant Waterside and the Nationalist Bogside. The bridge was designed to symbolize the bridging of the 400-year-old political and physical gap between the two communities of Derry. It stretches from the Guild Hall to Ebrington Square and St Columb’s Park on the far side of the River Foyle. 

The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions.

• “The Story of Derry,” tells the colourful and dramatic history of the city from its earliest prehistory to the present.
• “An Armada Shipwreck – La Trinidad Valencera,” tells the story of one of the largest ships in the Spanish Armada, La Trinidad Valencera, which sank off the Donegal Coast in 1588 and was rediscovered by divers from the City of Derry Sub-Aqua Club in 1971.

The top of the Tower Museum (level 5) provides the only open-air viewing facility in the heart of the city centre with stunning panoramic views of the inner city and river Foyle.

The gold teapot first appeared in 1866 and it advertised a new grocery business. This striking golden teapot apparently spouts steam every hour on the hour during the day. The teapot, itself weighs 74kg and it was previously hung in the city for over 100 years. It has had an eventful history and the fact that it has survived so long is remarkable

When visiting Derry you have to find some artisanal beer and the Guildhall Taphouse has one of the best. Housed in a wooden-beamed, 19th-century building brightened with fairy lights, the Taphouse is a cosy place to sample an excellent selection of local and international craft beers or a sophisticated cocktail.

There’s regular live music including trad sessions every Wednesday. The Guildhall brews its own artisanal beer in-house and the beers are called Dopey Dick after a rather unique story about a whale in the Foyle River. Oh and by the way the Dopey Dick beers are excellent.

In 1977 golfers, walkers, and those just watching the Foyle river flow by noticed a rather large beast swimming upriver. They could not believe their eyes when they figured out it was a whale that was over 20 feet in length.

The whale was identified as a “killer whale” and Operation Rescue was launched to herd the animal back out to the open water, but apparently, it didn’t want to go. Numerous efforts failed to encourage the whale and eventually Derry folk just got to calling it a “dopey Dick” the name stuck. Eventually, the whale tired of the Foyle and headed back to open waters on its own terms. In 2015 Dopey Dick was spotted off the coast of Scotland alive and well.

This new museum celebrates the role of the 13 apprentice boys who in December 1688 locked the city gates against the approaching Jacobite army. Derry was surrounded and during the 105-day siege, no supplies could reach the city, its starving citizens resorting to eating dogs and rats until English ships brought relief.

This is the last remaining tower of a former gaol, the remainder of which was demolished in 1973. While the original gaol was built in 1791, the towers were an 1824 addition with this one being a hanging tower.

The prison’s most famous inmate was Theobald Wolfe Tone, one of the leaders of the failed 1798 United Irishmen rebellion. Tone was imprisoned here prior to his trial and execution in Dublin. Also held here was, then rebel, Eamon de Valera, later to be President of Southern Ireland.

The tower now houses a small World War I museum, which is only open by appointment.

A worldwide hit TV series Derry Girls this sitcom has been an inspiration for a new generation of Irish folks that grew up during the Troubles. The reality of British Army checkpoints, bomb warnings and peace walls are all exposed in the show along with the Catholic nuns and schools attended. The Derry Girls make us laugh at the absolute absurdity of the past. 

A mural of the show in the tradition of Irish murals in Derry was commissioned by Channel 4 and designed by the Derry-based social enterprise group UV arts. You can find the mural on the side of Badger’s Bar and Restaurant right in the heart of Derry with perfect views from the City walls of Derry. The address is 18 Orchard Street and features the cast of the hit show. 

If you get the opportunity the best place in the world to spend Halloween is in Derry. USA Today voted Derry the Best Halloween Destination in the World and it is the truth. 

Halloween was invented by the Irish and originated in the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain – which is pronounced sow win. This is the time of year when the walls between the worlds are thin and the spirits of the dead come back to walk the earth. Derry is the centre of some phenomenal celebrations like the Awakening of the Walls which is a trail you can walk along the ancient Derry walls full of supernatural installations and some outstanding performances. There are drummers, magicians, giant puppets, and the Return of the Ancients Parade. Everyone in Derry gets dressed up and involved in the celebrations. 

We highly recommend that you stop by the Tourist Information Centre they were incredibly knowledgable and helpful and this was where we got the recommendation to book Adrian as our tour guide and we couldn’t have been happier. They also have a little gift shop there with some really interesting items to pick up and take home with you.

Don’t forget to visit the Glens of Antrim while you are touring N. Ireland – it’s a true don’t miss 

We had a fantastic two days in Derry and would go back again in a heartbeat. We had a brilliant dinner at the Quay West Winebar and because it was a Monday night, it was 30% off. Our total dinner bill with 4 Guinness, 1 cocktail, 2 steak dinners, 2 pasta dinners was a grand total of £44 now that can’t be beaten.

We discovered some lovely little cafes just up the road from our hotel and for breakfast, we paid around £4.50 for a full Irish with tea.

City Hotel Derry

We stayed in the ideally located City Hotel Derry which is very close to the Derry City Centre and we were very pleased with the location it was absolutely perfect for walking around Derry. The hotel has private parking below and we were able to leave our car there for the whole time we were there.

The hotel is a bit run down and in desperate need of some refurbishment, however, the staff were lovely and friendly and the place was immaculately clean. We can’t speak for the food because, to be honest, the reviews on that put us off so we didn’t eat there at all. But, for all of around £70 a night for the two of us it was great value.

Bishops Gate Hotel

If you want the ultimate in luxury take a look at the Bishop’s Gate Hotel the epitome of Edwardian elegance right in the Cathedral quarter. There is a lounge, fitness area, fine dining restaurant, and a Champagne bar.

Derry is a vibrant and historic city that offers visitors a wide range of activities and experiences. From exploring the ancient walls to enjoying traditional Irish music in local pubs, there is something for everyone in this charming town. Whether you’re interested in history, or culture, or simply want to relax and soak up the atmosphere,

Derry has it all. So why not plan your next trip to this beautiful part of Ireland and discover all that Derry has to offer? We guarantee you won’t be disappointed! All in all, it was an experience not to be missed and we can wholeheartedly recommend that you visit Derry – it’s a must-do when visiting Northern Ireland .

Here’s another not-to-be-missed experience – this is your guide to a self-drive Game of Thrones Tour you can even start in Derry.

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Faith was born in Ireland raised in Canada and has lived in over 10 countries in Europe including England, Ireland, Scotland, France, Spain, Northern Ireland, Wales, along with Mexico, Antigua, the US and has slow travelled to over 40 countries around the world. Graduating with a degree in Anthropology and Women's Studies Faith is a student of history, culture, community and food and has written about these topics for over 40 years.

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The top five tourist attractions in County Derry

The best places to visit in oak-leaf county, filled with history and great natural beauty..

Home to possibly the oldest Irish settlement, chocked-full of natural beauty, County Derry is often overlooked but not to be missed.

One of the six counties of Northern Ireland and part of the province of Ulster, Co. Derry is located along the northwest shore of Lough Neagh.

Named Derry from the Irish “Doire” meaning an “oak-grove” or “oak-wood”, the county is home to perhaps one of the oldest recorded settlements in Ireland, located near Mountsandel, while Derry City is one of the best examples of a walled city to be found anywhere in the world.

Between its underappreciated natural beauty and its sites of importance to ancient and modern Irish history, Co. Derry is not one to be forgotten on any trip around Ireland.

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Here are the top five tourist attractions the county has to offer:

Derry City Walls

The second-largest city in Northern Ireland and the fourth largest city in the whole island of Ireland, Derry is a 17th-century, walled city first founded by Saint Colmcille that was home to some of the most significant events of The Troubles. As such, almost everything about this still relatively compact and small city has a story to offer, be it history old or new.

Derry remains as the only walled city in Ireland and is regarded as one of the best examples of a walled city throughout all of Europe, standing magnificently as the largest monument in State care.

Originally built between 1613 and 1619 by The Honourable The Irish Society as a defense for early 17th-century settlers from England and Scotland, the walls still stand completely intact around a mile-long circumference of the old town. To this day, Derry is one of the few cities in Europe to never see its fortifications breached.

From the walls, you can peer over the original Renaissance-style street plan of the old town of Derry as well as view the largest collection of cannons in Europe whose complete originals are still known.

Stroll along the walls yourself or take one of the walking city tours that will bring you through the history of the Bogside, the Peoples Gallery (Murals) the Bloody Sunday story, the history of the Apprentice Boys, and the marching season traditions.

More information available: www.derrycitytours.com .

Portstewart Strand

Last year voted as Best Blue Flag Beach in the UK by holidaylettings.co.uk, the beautiful golden sands and ancients sand dunes of Portstewart Strand are a year-long favorite beach destination, whether you’re looking for a wintery walk or for a lazy day sunbathing in an area of immense natural beauty.

Stretching between the town of Portstewart and Barmouth Wildlife Reserve, the seaside offers activities such as surfing, swimming, and horse riding, as well as scenic walks along marked nature trails.

The nearby wildlife reserve in Barmouth offers nature lovers the chance to view migrant waterfowl, waders and nesting birds throughout the year.

More information available: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/portstewart-strand .

Seamus Heaney Country

One of Ireland’s most famed poets Seamus Heaney was born in Castledawson. Co. Derry, on April 13, 1939, moving to nearby Bellaghy as a boy. He remained in the country throughout his school life, attending Anahorish Primary School and winning a scholarship to St. Columb's College where he attended high school. Heaney was at St. Columb’s when he learned that his four-year-old brother was killed in a road accident, a family tragedy that inspired his famous poems  "Mid-Term Break" and "The Blackbird of Glanmore".

Named by The Guardian as “one of the top ten outdoor activities in Ireland”, tours are now available throughout the south Derry region Heaney once called home, exploring the people, places, and countryside that inspired Ireland's greatest poet. Taking in Heaney’s birthplace at Mossbawn, tours continue through places synonymous with the Nobel Prize Laureate, including the villages of Castledawson, Bellaghy, and Toome, as well as a visit to The Turf Man, a life-size representation of Heaney's most famous poem “Digging”.

More information available : www.discovernorthernireland.com .

Mussenden Temple

Dramatically located on the edge of a 120ft cliff, Mussenden Temple is already one of the most photographed tourist locations in Ireland.

Originally built as a summer library on the estate of Frederick Augustus Hervey, Bishop of Derry and Earl of Bristol, we can’t think of a more stunning location to settle down for an afternoon of reading than this Northern Ireland cliff face, offering spectacular views westwards over Downhill Strand towards Magilligan Point and County Donegal.

The temple is located in the beautiful surroundings of Downhill Demesne near Castlerock where the personality of the flamboyant creator Hervey can be explored amongst spectacular cliff top walks and sheltered garden paths, while children can use tracker packs, including binoculars, compass and bird identification cards, to explore the wildlife.

The most famous and controversial of the Earl’s creations, the temple, built in 1785, is named after his niece Frideswide Bruce (who married a man named Mussenden) and was designed as a retreat for her when she would visit. At the time of its creation, however, rumors ran rife that the relationship between uncle and niece was far from appropriate and although only based on speculation, the rumor stuck, and is said to have fatefully affected the health of Frideswide, possibly contributing to her early death.

Also located within Downhill Demesne is Hezlett House, a beautiful 17th-century thatched cottage, as well as Downhill House, the once grand Italian-inspired home that was unfortunately ravaged by a fire.

More information available : www.discovernorthernireland.com.

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Museum of Free Derry

The Museum of Free Derry opened in 2007, is the signature project of the Bloody Sunday Trust , an organization focused on telling the story of Derry during The Northern Ireland Troubles, especially the story of significant events between the years 1968 and 1972 which included the civil rights era, Battle of the Bogside, Internment, and Operation Motorman.

As well as concentrating on the story of how the largely working-class community rose against the years of oppression they had endured, the museum focuses in particular on the events of Bloody Sunday, showing the event in the context of an international struggle for freedom and equality for all.

Situated in the heart of the area where these events took place--a once-derelict housing block in Glenfada Park, in the middle of what was the Bloody Sunday killing zone--the Museum of Free Derry strives to remember this local history and the role Derry played in the ground-breaking civil rights movement that swept through Northern Ireland in the late 1960s.

As well as examining this period of history in Derry in relation to the wider conflict throughout Northern Ireland as well as the strained relationship between England and the Republic of Ireland, the museum also compares the civil rights movement sparked in this walled city with the civil rights movement in the US that had come to a head just a few years previous.

More information: www.museumoffreederry.org.

* Originally published in Nov 2016. Last updated in May 2022.

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Derry or Londonderry (Irish: Doire or Doire Cholm Chille, meaning Oak wood of Colm Cille), often called the Maiden City, is a city in Northern Ireland. The old walled city of Londonderry lies on the west bank of the River Foyle with the location of old Derry on the east bank, the present city now covers both banks (Cityside to the west and Waterside to the east) and the river is spanned by two bridges.

Derry was the last city in the British Isles to be enclosed with defensive walls, and has the most complete series of city walls in the islands. It is one of the few cities in Europe that never saw these fortifications breached.

Derry is very near the border with County Donegal in Ireland. The city has had a very close relationship with what is now County Donegal for centuries. The person traditionally seen as the 'founder' of the original Derry is St. Columba (also known as Colm Cille or St. Columb), a holy man and royal prince from Tír Chonaill, the old name for almost all of modern County Donegal (of which the west bank of the Foyle was a part before c. 1600). Derry and the nearby town of Letterkenny form the major economic core of northwest Ireland. Derry is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in Ireland. The earliest historical references date to the 6th century when a monastery was founded there by St. Columba or Colmcille, a famous saint from what is now County Donegal, but for thousands of years before that people had been living in the vicinity.

Before leaving Ireland to spread Christianity elsewhere, Columba founded a monastery in the then Doire Calgach, on the east side of the Foyle. According to oral and documented history, the site was granted to Columba by a local king. The monastery then remained in the hands of the federation of Columban churches who regarded Colmcille as their spiritual mentor. The year 546 is often referred to as the date that the original settlement was founded. However it is accepted that this was an erroneous date assigned by medieval chroniclers. It is accepted that between the 6th century and the 11th century, Derry was known primarily as a monastic settlement.

The town became strategically more significant during the Tudor conquest of Ireland and came under frequent attack, until in 1608 it was destroyed by Cahir O'Doherty, Irish chieftain of Inishowen.

Planters organised by London livery companies through The Honourable The Irish Society arrived in the 1600s as part of the plantation of Ulster, and built the city of Londonderry across the Foyle from the earlier town, with walls to defend it from Irish insurgents who did not welcome the occupation. The aim was to settle Ulster with a population supportive of the Crown.

This Londonderry was the first planned city in Ireland: it was begun in 1613, with the walls being completed 5 years later in 1618. The central diamond within a walled city with four gates was thought to be a good design for defence. The grid pattern chosen was subsequently much copied in the colonies of British North America. The charter initially defined the city as extending three Irish miles (about 6.1 km) from the centre.

The modern city preserves the 17th century layout of four main streets radiating from a central Diamond to four gateways — Bishop's Gate, Ferryquay Gate, Shipquay Gate and Butcher's Gate. The city's oldest surviving building was also constructed at this time: the 1633 Plantation Gothic cathedral of St Columb.

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Journey through the poignant chapters of Northern Ireland's past and explore the community's legacy of resilience.

The Museum of Free Derry stands as an important tribute to a pivotal era in the city's history. The museum chronicles Northern Ireland’s struggle for civil rights from the late 1960s through to the 1970s and the subsequent conflict known as “The Troubles". Established in 2006 by the Bloody Sunday Trust, the museum can be found in the same area where the original events unfolded, giving visitors a tangible connection to the past. Its multimedia exhibit holds over 25,000 items relating to the city’s history. It's a story told through photographs, rare documents and personal accounts, which give an insightful overview of the period's social and political landscape, including the Battle of the Bogside, internment and Bloody Sunday.

One of the museum's most interesting features is the recreated street scene, transporting visitors back to the tense atmosphere of Free Derry during the height of the city’s civil rights movement. The demonstration is further enhanced by nearby interactive displays and audio recordings, creating an unforgettable, immersive experience. The Museum of Free Derry also hosts educational programs and community events aimed at promoting peace and equality. In preserving the memory of Free Derry, the museum honours the resilience of its people and stands as a testament to the power of remembrance.

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Museum of Free Derry, Derry~Londonderry

Need to know

Museum of Free Derry is open Monday to Saturday 10am – 4pm (all year round) and Sundays 10.00am – 4.00pm (June - October).

Groups get a 10% discount off the total ticket price.

Guided tours take around 90 minutes and are available in 20 languages via the Museum of Free Derry app ( Android and Apple ).

Things to do and see nearby

Walled City Brewery

54.9923883297495 -7.30934143066406

Far and Wild

Tower Museum

The Guildhall

The Siege Museum

Browns in Town

The Derry Girls Experience

St Columb's Cathedral

Blue Plaques of the Maiden City

Martin McCrossan City Tours

Accommodation

Roe Park Resort

Shipquay Hotel

Londonderry

Multi award winning restaurant and craft brewery at the end of the Peace Bridge.

Far and Wild is the leading eco-adventure company in the North West of Ireland, bringing you activities including Moonlight Kayaking, Coasteering, and Stand Up Paddle Board tours.

The Tower Museum houses two permanent exhibitions: The Story of Derry and An Armada Shipwreck - La Trinidad Valencera, as well as other temporary exhibitions. The Derry Girls Experience will arrive at the Tower Museum on Tuesday 4th July!

Fashioned in neo-gothic style, the Guildhall is one of the most striking buildings in the North West and was originally built in 1887. The building now boasts a multifaceted tourism experience providing a central hub for visitors exploring the city

The new Siege Museum and Exhibition is a permanent display of the history of the Siege of Londonderry and of the Associated Clubs of the Apprentice Boys of Derry, including artefacts, video and interactive media.

Perfectly plated starters, mouthwatering mains and delicately prepared desserts.

Visit the home of Derry Girls and discover where it all began! See original memorabilia from the hit show, like Erin’s diary, Aunt Sarah’s famous pyjamas and Ma Mary’s Woolworths sweater, not to mention the infamous Spice Girls costumes!

Dominating the skyline on all approaches to the city of Derry~Londonderry is Saint Columb's Cathedral, which has stood on its prominent site inside the famous walls of Derry since 1633. Dedicated to the name of Saint Columba (Columb)

Combine sight-seeing and history on a fascinating guided stroll through the streets of Derry~Londonderry. The route of this unique, guided tour links the blue plaques of Derry~Londonderry and is the perfect way to get a handle on the heritage and layout of Europe’s oldest intact walled city.

On a city walking tour, join your guide as they take you around key locations in and around the only intact walled city in Ireland on a fully guided tour, lasting approximately 1 hour.

Northern Ireland's premier golf and spa resort. Overlooking its own stunning 18 hole golf course and set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park, this 4 star luxury hotel boasts 118 rooms and 2 self catering lodges.

One of Derry’s coolest boutique hotels is located on Derry’s famous Shipquay Street. Overlooking the Old City Walls and Derry’s famous Guildhall, Shipquay Boutique Hotel is a luxurious and intimate boutique hotel.

The best museums in Ireland are steeped in fascinating history

A staple part of many vacations includes a visit to a museum or two. So with that in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to tell you all about some of the very best museums in Ireland.

There are some fantastic museums dotted all over Ireland. If you want to learn about the history of the Emerald Isle, then these are the best places to do that.

From the rich history of the nation's capital, Dublin , to heartbreaking stories of The Great Famine in Co Roscommon, there are fascinating things to be learned at Ireland's museums.

Read more: Exciting Irish destination listed among top ten worldwide destinations for culture

14 Henrietta Street, Dublin

14 Henrietta Street is by far one of the most underrated tourist attractions in Dublin, but it's one that we think should definitely be on your list when you decide to visit the city. This place used to be a tenement house in Dublin with over 100 people living there at one time.

It is a harrowing yet fascinating look into how people lived in Dublin at that time. You can check out our full review here .

National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology, Dublin

What is better than a fascinating museum full of outstanding artifacts and stories? One that is totally free to visit, of course. This free museum houses all kinds of relics, from gold to ancient Irish art, and even bodies preserved by bogs.

Check out our full review of the National Museum of Ireland - Archaeology here . Although it is free, you should book your spot ahead of time to secure entry.

Crumlin Road Gaol, Belfast

Belfast is home to some amazing things to do for tourists. One of the most popular visitor attractions in the capital of Northern Ireland is Crumlin Road Gaol. The prison closed in the 90s and soon reopened as a visitor attraction.

Housing more than 150 years of history, the prison has stories to be learned that are fascinating and give you a great insight into what life was like for many in the city throughout the years.

National Famine Museum, Co Roscommon

One of the most harrowing parts of Irish history and one that has had lasting effects is the famine of the 1840s. Today, there are many attractions in Ireland that cover aspects of the famine.

Perhaps the most well-rounded tourist attraction where you can learn about this dark time is the National Famine Museum in Co Roscommon. Last year, the newly improved state-of-the-art museum welcomed members of the public , housing a mixture of imaginative scene settings and innovative audio-visuals and touch screens that tell the complete story of the famine.

Epic The Irish Emigration Museum, Dublin

For anyone with Irish ancestry, Epic The Irish Emigration Museum is a fascinating visit . The award-winning museum tells the story of Irish emigration throughout the centuries and shows just how much impact Irish people and their descendants have had around the world.

Be prepared to dedicate a couple of hours to this experience as there is a lot to be learned here. After that, you can also head over to the Jeanie Johnston boat to learn what life was like on board one of the famine ships heading to North America.

Museum of Free Derry, Derry

The city of Derry has found international fame thanks to the impressive global success of the TV show Derry Girls . However, it has always been a fascinating place to visit even before the hit comedy launched onto the global stage.

One of the top attractions in the underrated city of Derry is the Museum of Free Derry where you can learn about the terrible atrocity that was Bloody Sunday.

Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin

Kilmainham Gaol in Dublin has been voted Dublin's best tourist attraction a number of times. It is a visitor attraction that features guided tours and a museum where you can learn about its significant yet harrowing history.

The jail, which is located just outside of Dublin City Centre, is where many of the leaders of the 1916 Rising were executed. Kilmainham Gaol opened in 1796 as the new County Gaol for Dublin and for over 100 years, it imprisoned common criminals as well as those involved in the fight for Irish independence from the British Empire.

Titanic Belfast, Belfast

Over 100 years after its sinking, the Titanic still has a huge impact on the world and on pop culture. The story of the ship has gripped the attention of many.

The legendary ship was built in Belfast and today, the award-winning Titanic Belfast museum explores the stories of those who were on board as well as the story of the ship itself.

The Little Museum of Dublin, Dublin

The Little Museum of Dublin is considered one of the most underrated attractions in all of Ireland . The Little Museum of Dublin is located at St Stephen's Green in an 18th-century Georgian townhouse owned by Dublin City Council.

The collection here is created by public donation and tells the story of Dublin from a unique perspective.

For the local news and features on Irish America, visit our homepage here .

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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

• 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

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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25 Places to Visit in Moscow you Can’t Miss

25 Places to Visit in Moscow

Do you know what the most populous city in Europe is? Most people wouldn’t guess that it is actually Moscow. There are approximately 13 million people in the Moscow metro area, which amounts to approximately 1/10th of all Russians.

This former capitol of the Soviet Union is still the political and financial center of Russia. Just because it is a current business and government city, in no way means that it is boring and not worth a visit. Assuming the political tensions get solved, Moscow is a fascinating city you need to visit.

While lots of people can’t explain the nuances of Russian architecture, most can spot and appreciate it immediately. One of the best ways to see the historic sites is by taking a boat tour down the Moskva River that meanders through the city.

Overall, navigating the city isn’t difficult as there is phenomenal and cheap public transportation (roughly 30 rubles/35 cents per ride). You can also use a cheap Uber on the three ring roads that circle the city at various distances from the center.

Still wondering why you should visit this historic masterpiece of a city? Read on to see the top 25 things you need to see in Moscow.

The House with Animals

This former church is famous for the terracotta reliefs of animals that adorn the front of the building. It is a favorite of locals, and famous around the world. It was built in approximately 1900.

Resurrection Gate or Iberian Gate and Chapel

The Resurrection Gate is now one of the most common ways to enter Red Square. This gate is also the only standing part of the wall that was the entrance to to Kitai-Gorod, or Moscow’s historic central business district.

Book your tour: Moscow Kremlin Armory Chamber Entrance Ticket

St. Basils Cathedral

Probably the most famous of the Red Square attractions is St. Basil’s Cathedral. I don’t know if the legend is true or not, but supposedly Tsar Ivan IV poked the eyes of the architect out after completing it so nothing as pretty could be made again. What an awful boss!

Book your tour: Moscow: Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square Private Tour

Book your tour: St.Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square: Private Tour and Ticket

The State Historical Museum

If you are like me then you can’t help but find all the twists and turns of Russian history fascinating. The State Historical Museum at Red Square is a fantastic place to learn and study the Russian Relics.

Book your tour: Kremlin, Red Square, and Metro Tour with Pick-Up

Moscow River Cruise

The Moskva River cuts directly through the heart of Moscow. Want to see it all but rest your feet? One of the best things to do in Moscow at night is float along on a dinner cruise . The lights of the city are so beautiful. Of course, dinner in included.

Book your tour: Night lights Moscow Cruise (with Dinner option)

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

This is one of the most unique things to do in Moscow. If you know that many American video games paint the Russians as the bad guys, then it’s probably not surprising to learn that you can find an entirely different variety of video games in Russia. This isn’t a recent phenomenon; even historically the video games were different. If you are a video game buff then this stop is for you!

Main Church of the Armed Forces in Park Patriot near Kubinka

This church attempts to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ as well as Russian military leader. Yes, it’s an awkward amalgamation. It caused quite a controversy when there were plans to create murals of Vladimir Putin and Joseph Stalin to go along with the ones of Jesus Christ (those plans were scrapped).

Bunker 42 (Cold War Museum)

Tunnel at Bunker-42, anti-nuclear underground facility built in 1956 as command post of strategic nuclear forces of Soviet Union.

Americans weren’t the only ones afraid during the Cold War! You can now discover the most secret and secure Bunker of the USSR, Bunker 42. Also known as the Cold War Museum . This former military communication center is now a museum. I recommend this tour that will take you on a private two hour visit of Bunker 42.

If you aren’t interested in a guided tour you can book your tickets in advance here.

Get your tickets: Bunker 42 Admission Ticket and Cold War Tour

Tank Excursion and Bazooka Shooting in Moscow

For real – you can book this tour and actually ride in a tank and shoot off military grade weapons. While that’s not my cup of tea, I know tons of guys would absolutely love to shoot a bazooka!

Book your tour here .

Dormition Cathedral

This is another Russian Orthodox cathedral that is located inside the Moscow Kremlin. It is another famous landmark of Moscow. The inside is decorated with ancient frescoes.

The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign”

This cathedral is located in Zaryadye Park (adjacent to Red Square). It is also on the Moskva River. The Cathedral of the icon of the Mother of God “Sign” previously was a monastery.

Komsomolskaya Metro station 

So many of the metro stations are breathtaking works of art. The idea was to create something beautiful that all the regular people could enjoy, or if you are more cynical you could say it was to attempt to show off how well they were doing.

Book your tour: Moscow: Small Group Metro Tour

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Stree t

The Round houses at Dovzhenko Street look super cool and futuristic, except like many communist projects didn’t actually work that well. They were supposed to be something new and different from the standard “Soviet Blocks.”

There are a number of problems with this design. Supposedly the acoustics are awful making the apartments perpetually noisy. The inner circle becomes a wind chamber even when it’s not that windy. My favorite weakness is that the trapezoid shape of apartments is hard to decorate and even harder to do maintenance on.

Izmailovo District and Izmailovo Kremlin

This area has to be one of the coolest places to visit in Moscow. It features a park in the middle of Moscow that is over 3x the size of New York City’s Central Park. The Kremlin in Izmailovo is a complex located in the Eastern Administrative District of Moscow that is known as the center of culture and entertainment. The wooden buildings are in Russian architecture of the XVI-XVII centuries (not original).

Izmailovo Kremlin on Google Maps .

Tretyakov Gallery

For those that appreciate fine art this is where you have to go. The State Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow Russia is the best collection of Russian fine art in the world. The museum previously hosted worldwide chess tournaments (I can’t help be think of the Queen’s Gambit).

Book your tickets in advance here. Tickets cost about $13 per person.

Kolomenskoe Estate

This reconstruction of a former royal estate is just a few miles southeast of the Moscow city center. Supposedly really detailed historical plans survived, so the reconstruction and current museum is incredibly authentic. It was completed in 2010.

Old buildings of Arbat

Arbat is an old street, and was previously the “nicest place to live in Moscow. Even though it fell into disrepair, it’s location, it’s historical buildings, and the fact that it is a pedestrian street are quickly making it a top place to live again.

The Melnikov House

Located on Arbat street, the Famous house of architect Melnikov designed this house (and Lenin’s sarcophagus). Melnikov designed it at a time when private ownership was outlawed, but got around this restriction by saying it was an experimental design to maximize space. Even though others weren’t built, he was able to keep it.

The New Maiden Convent

The New Maiden Convent, built was built to resemble a mini-Kremlin. It stands out to me because this “convent” was the place where women who were no longer welcome in the royal court were banished to.

Monument to the Conquerors of Space at the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics in the Cosmopark

The Americans may have made it to the moon first, but the Russian cosmonauts were first in a number of other achievements. This gigantic obelisk pays homage to their accomplishments.

Tsaritsyno Museum Reserve

This royal estate was founded by Catherine the Great. She was Russia’s longest serving female leader. It is now a gorgeous museum!

Stalinist Skyscraper tour

This group of seven skyscrapers are called the Seven Sisters. They were all made in the Stalinist style, and one was previously the tallest building in Europe. If you want to tour them all while learning about their history book here .

Cathedral of Christ the Savior

It’s ironic that a country that was so anti-religion for so long has so many great churches. The Cathedral for Christ the Savior was made to thank Jesus for saving Russia. If you are interested in visiting this and so many other cathedrals in Moscow I recommend this tour that will take you to The Cathedral of Christ the Savior many other popular churches in Moscow.

Cathedral of the Kazan Icon of the Mother of God

This church on Red Square is reconstruction of what was previously there but ordered to be destroy by Joseph Stalin. It is a travesty thinking of all the beautiful things that Stalin destroyed to attempt to implement his vision.

Zaryade Park

Zaryadye Park is one of the main tourist attractions in Moscow. It is located directly next to the Kremlin, and offers truly amazing views. It is also famous for its “floating bridge” and the fact that there are so many unique features underneath it.

Church of Sign of Blessed Virgin in Dubrovitsy Znamenskaya

The Church of the Theotokos of the Sign (Dubrovitsy), or The Church of the Holy Sign of the Mother of God is located in a village amed Dubrovitsy about 20 miles south of Moscow. It is another Russian Orthodox church, but what makes this one unique is that we aren’t 100% sure who made it, or why is has a style that is completely different than other churches of the time.

The Church of Nicholas The Wonderworker

I love the unique style of the Russian Orthodox churches in Moscow. The golden onion domes stand out across the globe. This church dates back to 1657, though it has been partially destroyed a few times since then.

Moscow University

Moscow University is one of the Seven Sisters that are the “Stalin Skyscrapers.” Previously it was the tallest building in Europe. Though it has lost that title, it is still the tallest “educational building” in the world.

So what do you think? Next trip to Moscow?

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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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