Why I love Moscow

“The Russian capital never ceases to inspire, confound, disgust or delight me in some unexpected way. This time I was thrilled to discover the capital's new obsession with 'park life'. Not just summer cafes – I've always appreciated that – but also bike paths, ping-pong clubs, outdoor theatres and dance parties. It's hip to be outside and active; and the city has accommodated with gorgeous green spaces. The Park of...” Read More

Image of Mara Vorhees
Mara Vorhees
Writer

Top experiences in Moscow

Amazing hotels and hostels

We've pre-picked the best hotels, hostels and bed and breakfasts to make your stay as enjoyable as possible.

or skip this step and see all hotels & hostels

Recent articles

Moscow’s foodie revolution

Huge and prone to architectural gigantism, full of energy, both positive and dark, refined and tasteless at the same time, Moscow is overwhelming in every way. After a major spruce-up it has undergone in recent years, the mind-bogglingly eclectic Russian capital may look like hipster-ridden parts of Brooklyn at one point and a thoroughly glossed-over version of North Korea at another.

Russia’s recent political adventures may have generated an avalanche of negative headlines, but they’ve also had an adverse effect on tourism. Once a forbiddingly expensive place, Moscow is now totally affordable thanks to the Russian rouble losing half its value. It’s also a safe and orderly place, where efforts to make the urban environment more liveable and enjoyable are bearing very visible fruit. Ten years ago it would have been shocking to hear someone declaring Moscow’s food culture as the city’s main draw, yet here we are stating just that. The local culinary scene has undergone a revolution Gargantua would have approved of, though Lenin probably wouldn’t.
Leonid Ragozin
Lonely Planet Writer

Contemporary creative Moscow

While icons and onion domes still have their place in Moscow, the capital is now the epicentre of Russia’s cutting-edge contemporary culture. Long-dormant creative tendencies are being cultivated; and they are blooming, as collectors and connoisseurs show a new appreciation for innovative artistic expression. To showcase these artworks, new venues are opening every year – many in surprising, post-industrial places.

The new building of the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art in Gorky Park. Image by Sergey Norin / CC BY 2.0
Mara Vorhees
Lonely Planet Writer

A perfect day in Moscow

Spend a perfect day in Moscow walking through history, discovering the city’s medieval foundations and modern flare and everything in between. The Russian capital’s founding site – the majestic Kremlin and the ceremonial Red Square – is still the geographic and spiritual heart of Moscow, making it the ideal place to start your day.

Further on, witness the grandiosity of imperial Russia at the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and contemplate the remains of Soviet Russia at the Art Muzeon sculpture garden. Your day culminates with a chance to experience the energy and artistry of the here and now. This is the Moscow where urban hipsters ride bikes along the Moscow River and dance tango in Gorky Park; where artists and designers are creating contemporary culture out of industrial blight at the former Red October chocolate factory; and where the city is transforming into a dynamic, cosmopolitan capital of the 21st century.
Mara Vorhees
Lonely Planet Writer
Read more articles

Travel guides

Starting at $21.99

Image for Image for

Moscow adventures

$30.87 Guided tours

Moscow Metro Tour

See the best examples of underground Soviet-era architecture on a 1.5-hour walking tour of Moscow’s metro stations! With an expert guide at your side, visit five of Moscow’s must-see stations, including iconic Mayakovskaya, and learn all about Stalin’s visions for the former Soviet Union. Hear about the Metro-2, a secret line said to have been used by the government and KGB, and see grandiose architecture, mosaics, sculptures and more! Meet your expert guide outside the Kremlin and head underground with your Moscow metro ticket to discover the city’s underground treasures. See the most interesting stations with extravagant Soviet-era architecture and hear the history surrounding the metro stations from your expert guide.Widely praised as one of Stalin’s finest architectural achievements, Moscow's subway was created to symbolize his rising regime and a recognized empire. Learn about his successors, who later toned down the ornateness of the subway’s architecture, and see how the different eras are reflected in the character of each station. If you're lucky, you may even find the secret entrance to the unconfirmed Metro-2, a parallel underground system used by the government -- a mystery which has neither been denied nor confirmed today.Visit Revolution Square Station (Ploschad Revolyutsii) and admire the 72 magnificent bronze sculptures that depict the people of the former Soviet Union, set underneath marble arches designed by the legendary Russian architect Alexey Dushkin. Another Dushkin-created station is Novoslobodskaya, and you’ll head here next to admire its dazzling stained-glass panels. Discover Baroque décor, vaulted ceilings and chandeliers at Komsomolskaya Station, and then marvel at the grandiose and pompous design of Kurskaya Station -- one of the first stations to be built. Its design reflects Stalin’s communist ideals and you’ll note its left-wing slogans on the walls, next to mosaics that symbolize the ‘victory’ of his regime over poverty and starvation.Finally, pay a visit to Mayakovskaya, the station that’s named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky, and see why it’s often considered the most beautiful and iconic Moscow Metro station. Gaze upward at some 30 fascinating mosaics that depict Stalin’s vision for a bright Soviet future, and then admire the features of typical pre-World War II architecture that the station embodies. Your tour ends here.
$480 Small group tours

Ultimate 3-Day Tour of Moscow

The ultimate tour of Moscow can last 3 days with 7 hours each day, or 4 days with 5 hours each day.
$275 Sightseeing tours

2-Day Moscow City Tour

Embark on a 2 day Moscow city tour and learn about the most interesting facts about the city. Find out why Moscow is so different and discover the off the beaten path gems of Moscow. You will get acquainted with Russian foods and visit one of the royal estates, Kolomenskoe or Tsaritsino.
$360 Sightseeing tours

3 Days in Moscow

Get to know Moscow on this 3-day private sightseeing tour for a full 5-hours each day. Along with your professional guide, you will visit the Moscow Kremlin with its cathedrals, palaces (see from outside) and towers. See the Red Square, Bolshoi Theater, Tretyakov Gallery, Kolomenskoe or Tsaritsino park and other must-see attractions of Moscow. Browse through ancient Kitay Gorod and Zamoskvorechye districts. Have the best traditional Russian lunch in an authentic setting and spoil yourself at the best Russian chocolate bistro.
$1600.70 Small group tours

Two Capitals Tour of 8 days and 7 nights From Moscow

The group will consist of maximum 15 people and will be organized at set 8-days itinerary.
$9404.87 Small group tours

Trans Siberian Railway 15 Day Journey from Moscow to Beijing

Experience this classic Trans-Siberian route through Russia, Mongolia and China that takes you on a journey to the Eurasian history, where the greatest empires were born and perished. This route begins in Moscow before heading through the wild, varied and breathtaking countryside finally coming to an end in Beijing.
See More Adventures
Moscow photo credits