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LE MANS 24 HOURS

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the world's oldest active sports car race in endurance racing, held annually since 1923 near the historic city of Le Mans, France - midway between Paris and Nantes. At its inception in 1923, cars taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans had to retain part of their original off-track equipment. Over the years, the cars evolved into prototypes and GT's modified for competition, but the purpose remained the same: to win the race at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Read more.

LE MANS CLASSIC

The Le Mans Classic is held every two years and continues its rapid ascendancy to being one of the great historic motor racing events. It brings together the cars which wrote the Le Mans 24 Hours history book between 1923 and 1979 with, on average, more than 350 participants in attendance. The cars are divided into six grids, each representing a different era. They follow each other on the track, hour after hour, for 24 hours. The start of the race will take the form of a traditional... Read more .

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Think of the Le Mans 24 hours as "the motorsport equivalent of the Glastonbury Festival, with probably the most famous motor race in the world taking place around you". Lycian Events has the experience to organise packages for corporate groups, business incentive initiatives and club weekends at the Le Mans 24 hours. We can create bespoke VIP inclusive packages both on and off the circuit, using either Chateaux Accommodation or our Private Corporate Area in the Village on the Curves.

All Lycian Events group packages will be tailor-made to your group's requirements. Please call on 01245806264 or email [email protected] who will provide advice on how to get the most out of your event.

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27 Popular and unique places to visit in Moscow

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Moscow was the starting point of our trip to Russia and wow – what a great start! There are so many amazing places to visit in Moscow, with world famous highlights such as the Kremlin and the Saint Basil cathedral. Besides the touristic spots in Moscow, there are also plenty of unique places to visit. Russia’s capital is undoubtedly a very cool city, with many unique things to do. 

In this article you can find popular sights to visit, but also more unique places to visit in Moscow. From Instagrammable bars, cafés and restaurants to photogenic supermarkets, huge flea markets, interesting malls and beautiful metro stations. And from the most beautiful cathedrals to the famous Moscow kremlin. You’ll definitely have a blast if you visit these 27 amazing spots in Moscow!

27 Places to visit in Moscow

1. café pushkin.

Café Pushkin is probably a dream come true for book lovers from all around the world. In this incredible restaurant you basically eat in a library. The restaurant is located in am impressive Baroque mansion with three levels. You can choose to eat in the Library Hall and the Mezzanine, the Fireplace Hall or the Pharmacy Hall – the library is up the stairs – and I definitely recommend the library. It’s just more of an experience! Here bookcases rise to the beautiful high ceilings.

Café Pushkin opened its doors in 1999 and is based on the famous French song about Moscow by Gilbert Bécaud called “Natalie”. The location of the Café is also very significant, as you can find Pushkin Café on the Tverskoy Boulevard, where Alexander Pushkin could be found on a regular basis.

We went to Café Pushkin for lunch, as we thought dinner might be a bit above our budget. Café Pushkin is also more expensive than most restaurants in Moscow, but if you can afford it, it’s definitely worth a visit. The restaurant is very fancy and the dresscode is smart elegant. We had a great time here and it was such a unique experience to have lunch here between all the old books!

2. White Rabbit

White Rabbit in Moscow is considered to be one of the best restaurant in the world . At this famous restaurant you can enjoy a world-class European menu with Russian influences. Next to the food, the view is the biggest reason that many people visit White Rabbit. The restaurant is completely located under a glass dome on the 16th floor of Smolenskiy Passage. Go here during the sunset and your mind will be blown by the beautiful view.

The name White Rabbit (based on the famous Alice in Wonderland) is very fitting, as it was quite a hassle to actually find the restaurant. We went into Smolenskiy Passage and asked a lady at the information desk where we can find it. She brought us to a “secret” elevator that brought us to the 16th floor. So if you can’t find it on your own, ask someone!

3. Strelka Bar

We wanted to visit the beautiful Cathedral Of Christ The Saviour, and found Bar Strelka, an amazing hotspot in Moscow. Bar Strelka has a terrace that offers a great view over the Moskva river and the Cathedral. We went here quite spontaneously during sunset and there wasn’t a table left for dinner, but luckily it was possible to have a drink here. Actually, when you go for a drink, you can get one of the best seats available, as you can just take a seat on one of the barstools at the far end of the terrace (see the picture above!).

We ordered white wine (sauvignon blanc) for about 6 euros per glass. Bar Strelka also offers all day breakfast, lunch, dinner and tapas. It’s the perfect spot to watch the sunset in Moscow!

4. Varenichnaya №1

One day my boyfriend and I were walking back from the Kremlin, hungry and a bit tired after all the sightseeing, and we just wanted to sit down and order food and drinks. Varenichnaya №1 was the first place we stumbled into, and even though it didn’t look like much from the outside, I was pleasantly surprised once we took place at our table. And I was even happier when the food came, because it was delicious. Especially the Russian dumplings!

I soon learned that Varenichnaya №1 is actually a chain restaurant with 15 locations around Moscow. After our initial visit we also went to another location. Each location has a different interior, but all in the theme of a typical Soviet flat. The restaurants are decorated with colours and cool items from the Soviet era, such as old televisions, camera’s, pictures and books. Even the waiters and waitresses wear old school uniforms from that era. 

On their very extensive menu you can find authentic Soviet cuisine such as pelmeni and vareniki dumplings, which I can highly recommend. It might be a chain restaurant, but it’s a great and accessible place to try Soviet dishes. 

5. Eliseevsky Store

If you need to get some groceries in Moscow, be sure to pick the right supermarket with the best produce. Eliseevsky Store isn’t an ordinary supermarket, no. It looks and feels more as if you’re standing in a grand palace, with beautiful neo-baroque details, big chandeliers and even painted portraits.

Eliseevsky Store is located in a historic mansion, right in the historic center of Moscow on Tverskaya street. Even though it may feel as if you’re in a grand palace, it really is a supermarket where locals do their daily shopping.

Another impressive place to go shopping is the famous GUM department store. This mall can be found in many Russian cities and is known as the State Department Store. The most famous GUM department store is pictured above and can be found in Moscow near the Red Square in the Kitai Gorod area.

The impressive building with three parallel arcades was built at the end of the 19th century by architect Alexander Nikanorovich Pomerantsev. After a renovation in 1953, GUM in Moscow became the biggest and fanciest department store in the Soviet Union.

At GUM you can find many expensive luxury stores with famous brands. I wasn’t able to afford anything here, but it’s definitely still worth a visit. Just walk around and admire the impressive architecture. Also, be sure to visit Gastronom No. 1. Here you can buy all sorts of Russian delicacies of high quality.

7. Izmailovsky Kremlin

Izmailovsky market is a fantastic large, outdoor shopping market to get Russian souvenirs, paintings, old camera’s, propaganda posters from the Soviet Union, second hand clothing and more. It’s located a bit out of the city center of Moscow, but definitely worth a visit. I would even say that it’s one of the top spots to visit in Moscow.

You can find a flea market and the Izmailovsky Vernisazh at the Izmailovsky Kremlin. The latter offers lots of souvenirs and all sorts of (handmade) items from all over Russia. At the flea market you can buy all sorts of antiques, camera’s, old books, furniture and more.

It was definitely one of the most interesting flea markets I’ve ever been, mostly because its located inside the Izmailovsky Kremlin (kremlin is the Russian word for fort) . With the Izmailovsky Kremlin they wanted to imitate the Russian architecture of the 18th century. While you walk around the stalls and browse through the Russian handcrafts, your attention will also be drawn to all the beautiful architecture and details of the kremlin.

Next to shopping, you can buy some popular Caucasian food at one of the stalls. Perfect if you’re hungry after all the souvenir shopping!

TIP: The best time to visit the Izmailovsky market is during the weekends, as there are a lot more stalls. Also, if you’re planning on buying a matroesjka doll, make sure to check how many dolls it contains. Some matroesjka dolls only have three inside them, which isn’t really what you want of course.

8. Cathedral Of Christ The Saviour

Cathedral Of Christ The Saviour is a popular sight in Moscow. It’s a beautiful piece of Russian Byzantine architecture, with golden domes, statues and intricate details. This Russian Orthodox church is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow, making it the most important cathedral in Moscow.

You can find the cathedral (the official name is Cathedral Temple of the Christ the Saviour (the Redeemer) of the Patriarch of Moscow) in the center of Moscow next to the Moskva River. The cathedral is easily located close to the Kremlin and the Peter the Great Statue.

9. Peter the Great Statue

This photo of Peter the Great Statue was taken from the bridge that takes you to the Cathedral Of Christ The Saviour.

The Peter the Great Statue is a 98 meter high monument of Peter the Great located next to the Moskva River. Peter the Great was a Russian czar in the late 17th century and one of the tallest rulers in Russian history.

The statue has actually gotten quite a bit of controversy when it was built, as it’s considered to be one of the ugliest statues in the world. It has even been named the Moscow Monster and it’s hated by most Muscovites.

I must confess that it isn’t one of the most beautiful statues I’ve seen, but a quick glance from the bridge opposite the statue doesn’t hurt. The fact that many find it so ugly made it even more interesting to me.

10. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

The world famous Saint Basil’s Cathedral is a true landmark of Russia and can be found on the Red Square in Moscow. It was originally built between 1555 and 1561 to celebrate conquering the city of Kazan by Ivan the Terrible.

The design of the Saint Basil’s Cathedral is based on Russian old wooden churches. The colourful cathedral is certainly an eye-catcher and one of the most touristic spots we’ve encountered in Moscow.

11. Kremlin and the Red Square

At the center of Moscow you can find the famous Kremlin and the Red Square. The Red Square can be visited day and night. During our visit a part of the Red Square was closed to the public for a few days, as there was a military event. I’ve read that there are often all sorts of events held at the Red Square so be sure to check beforehand.

The most popular sight in Moscow is definitely the Kremlin. Inside the walls you can find a beautiful collection of churches, palaces and more. Every tourist in Moscow has the Kremlin high on its list, that’s why it’s a great idea to buy a ticket beforehand, so you can skip the line .

If you’re planning on buying your tickets on the spot, be in for a bit of a hassle. The tickets can be bough at the official ticket office at the Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden) right of the entrance. Here you can buy not just one, but all sorts of tickets, so be sure to know what you want to visit before you buy your ticket.

The four next spots can all be found in the Kremlin of Moscow.

12. Cathedral of the Annunciation

This beautiful Russian Orthodox church can be found in the Kremlin of Moscow. It’s dedicated to the Annunciation of the Theotokos. It once used to be the personal chapel for the Muscovite tsars, nowadays it serves as a part of the Moscow Kremlin Museums.

13. Cathedral of the Dormition

Another beautiful piece of architecture that can be found in the Kremlin of Moscow. The Cathedral of the Dormition is also known as the Assumption Cathedral or Cathedral of the Assumption. This Russian Orthodox church is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos.

14. Ivan the Great Bell Tower

The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is a church tower inside of the Kremlin in Moscow. As the three Russian Orthodox cathedrals don’t have their own bells, it was built for in 1508 with the purpose to be their belfries. The tower is actually the tallest building inside the Moscow Kremlin.

15. Tsar Bell

The famous Tsar Bell is the biggest bell in the world. It has never been used. Back in 1737, while the bell was still in the workshop, a large fire raged in the Kremlin. Firefighters, who meant well, put the bell under water, which is how a big chunk of the bell broke off.

16. Kitaj Gorod

On the east of the Kremlin you can find Kitaj Gorod neighbourhood. If you take a stroll around this neighbourhood, you will find lots of churches, shops and government buildings. Kitaj Gorod is actually one of the oldest areas of Moscow. Because of all the narrow little streets, it feels a bit different than the rest of the big city.

17. VDNCH Park

VDNCh park is a huge permanent exhibition and amusement park in the North of Moscow. If you translate the abbreviation the name means: Exhibition of Achievements of Nationa Economy. Here you can find all sorts of buildings, fountains, botanical gardens, restaurants, museums and more.

TIP: Be sure to take your time (start early!) and plan your visit wisely. Especially if you’re planning on doing some activities or eating at one of the restaurants. During our visit to VDNCh park, we tried to get a table at two different restaurants for lunch and we eventually had to wait about one hour before we actually had our food.

18. Museum of Cosmonautics

If you’re looking for a fun and interesting museum, then be sure to go to the Museum of Cosmonautics. The museum is located close to the VDNCh park, so you can make a whole day out of it! Once you get out of the VDNKh subway station, you can easily spot this 107 meter high structure with a rocket on top of it.

Underneath this impressive structure you can find the Museum of Cosmonautics. Here you can get a glimpse of the glorious years of the Soviet Union space program. There are lots of space objects to admire, such as space suits, old satellites and more. I though it was really interesting and worthwhile.

19. Gorky Park

The famous Gorky Park, or its full name: Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure, is a big central park in Moscow. This eco-friendly park has had a complete transformation since the Communist times in the Soviet Union, and there are no longer funfairs or stalls with junkfood.

Now when you visit Gorky Park you can enjoy the beautiful rose gardens, trees, fountains, cafés and lots of areas where you can really chill out. There’s even a beach with a beach bar, skate park, beach volley bar field, ice rink and you can play table tennis.

But it’s simply also the perfect area for a stroll in nature. Because Gorky Park is so big, you can really take a breath here and distance yourself from the busy city of Moscow.

20. Children Are the Victims of Adult Vices on Bolotny Island

On Bolotny Island you can find a special group of bronze statues with a special message. These sculptures are made by Russian artist Mihail Chemiakin. The 13 statues portray the defects of adults, such as prostitution, drug addiction, alcoholism, indifference, sadism, war, theft and more. In the middle of these statues stand two children, a girl and a boy, who are unaware of all that is surrounding them. The centrepiece is the sculpture that depicts indifference. It’s an interesting work of art that definitely makes you think.

21. Bolshoi Theatre

If you want to experience more of the Russian culture, why not visit the Bolshoi Theatre ? Here you can enjoy ballet and opera performances in one of the most historic buildings of Moscow. Watching a ballet or opera here is definitely a bucket list activity, as the Bolshoi ballet and Opera are amongst the most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world.

This historic building was opened on Tsar Alexander II’s coronation day, which as on 20 October 1856. Throughout time the building was rebuilt and renovated several time. Also, did you know that this landmark is printed on the Russian ruble banknote?

22. Komsomolskaya Station

One of the things that I found so interesting about Moscow were the gorgeous metro stations. Instead of just being plain and functional, lots of the metro stations have beautiful chandeliers, Soviet mosaic decorations, classical paintings, large statues and beautiful details. The last few places to visit in Moscow in this list are all beautiful metro stations. Buy a metro card and start exploring!

Komsomolskaya Station is pictured above and is definitely one of the most famous metro stations in Moscow. The yellow ceiling and impressive chandeliers bright up the station hall. Lots of gold and beautiful details adorn the walls, pillars and ceilings.

23. Novoslobodskaya Station

Another impressive metro station in Moscow is Novoslobodskaya Station. The pillars of the station are decorated with illuminated colourful stained glass. In total you can find 32 of these pillars with impressive glass decorations and at the end of the station you can admire a mosaic with the name Peace Throughout the World.

24. Kiyevskaya Station

At the Kiyevskaya station you can find beautiful paintings on the ceilings. The chandeliers illuminate the station hall beautifully. The most impressive part of the station is the huge mural at the end of the central hall.

25. Ploschad Revolutsii Station

Ploschad Revolutsii Station is one of the most famous metro stations in Moscow. It’s named after the Revolution square, which is right above the station. In this hall you can find 76 bronze sculptures, depicting the people of the Soviet Union, such as soldiers, writers, athletes, industrial workers and schoolchildren.

One thing you’ll notice here is that people rub the nose of the dog statue, which is why the bronze colour has faded. The same is the case for the rooster sculptures in the Ploschad Revolutsii Station. The belief is that patting the dogs nose and the rooster brings you good fortune, so it’s worth a try. Right?

26. Prospekt Mira Station

The impressive chandeliers and gorgeous off white ceiling is what makes Prospekt Mira so beautiful. The marble pillars are beautifully decorated. Because the station is located near the Botanical Garden the decoration is depicting harvest and agriculture in the Soviet Union.

27. Belorusskaya Station

And the last metro station in this list is the Belorusskaya Station, filled with gorgeous mosaics and incredible details. The main theme in this station is Life and Culture of Belorussia, the biggest ally of Russia. In this station you can also find an impressive statue that depicts Belorussian guerrillas.

Enjoy Moscow! Hopefully these 27 popular and unique places to visit in Moscow will make your stay even more memorable. 

Amazing captures! Loved it. Thanks for sharing.

WOW! These pictures are stunning!

Thank you for your blog post I found it really useful, and I have been in Moscow. I really love the architecture of the train station there

Russia would be such a fascinating place to visit. Your recommendations all look really interesting.

I can’t get over how beautiful Moscow looks. I’ve always been fascinated by the architecture in Russia. Your photos are stunning, especially the sunset ones! It looks like there are endless things to do and visit there, thanks for all the info!

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Le Mans Race

Le Mans 2023 – On Circuit Options

Le Mans 24 Hours 10th & 11th June 2023

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Le Mans 2023 On Circuit Options

FLEXOTEL VILLAGE

Le Mans 2023 On Circuit Options – Camping & Event Tents SOLD OUT. Only limited Flexotel Accommodation options remain

The majority of people will choose to stay on-circuit for the Le Mans 24 hours 2023.  By choosing this option you will be staying as close to the action as possible throughout the race. The atmosphere at the circuit for the Le Mans 24 Hours is electric and by staying at the circuit you will be able to experience it all.

Le Mans has often been likened to a motor racing Glastonbury. Most people will be camping in the various circuit (ACO) run public campsites  at various locations throughout the circuit. Although these campsites do have shower and toilet facilities, they are best described as basic, but they are the most economic option and providing you are self sufficient can provide an excellent base from which to enjoy Le Mans.

The  Travel Destinations Private Trackside Campsite  provides better facilities and a friendly atmosphere to all its guests. The campsite is controlled by us and has 24 hours security throughout the week. This along with fully serviced showers and toilets provide a higher standard than that of the public campsites. In addition the Travel Destinations at Porsche Curves Private Campsite also offers a large marquee, big screen TV and a pay bar. Our staff are available to offer advice for those not familiar with Le Mans and a grass viewing bank overlooking the Porsche Curves itself is located at the rear of the campsite. The Radio Le Mans Travel Club also use this campsite for their listeners and the Radio Le Mans crew visit the campsite on Friday before the race to update everyone on developments.

For those that prefer a little more luxury we have two alternatives with Travel Destinations Event Tents  (our pre-erected glamourous camping option) and our  Travel Destinations’ Flexotel Village  cabins. The Event Tents are large pre-erected bell tents with carpet, mattresses & all bed linen provided. The Event Tents also benefit from all the facilities at our Porsche Curves camspite. The Flexotel Village cabins are erected in the centre of the steroids usa reviews circuit at Antares-Sud, close to the tram terminus. The Flexotel Village cabins provide a proper bed within a secure room. You are able to park your vehicle adjacent to the cabin and the cabin comes with bed linen and storage space to give you your own secure room at the track. The Flexotel Village also has a marquee providing a social area, with a bar serving drinks, breakfast and snacks throughout the day as well as a big screen tv so you don’t miss any of the action.

To book any of these options please do call us on 01707 329988 .

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

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

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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.

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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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