What to see in Moscow in 1, 2, 3... 7 days on your own

It will not be possible to embrace the immensity in our capital. What to do if you are passing through Moscow and have only 1 day? Create a correct and interesting route. In 12 hours you will see Moscow from its origins to modern brands: merchant houses and Stalinist high-rises, St. Basil's Cathedral, Zaryadye, VDNKh, Moscow City.

I usually take friends who are in Moscow for the first time along this route. We are also going to Red Square and the Kremlin, but not right away.

For those who have little time - only 5-6 hours between trains or planes - I suggest staying only in the center. At the end of the article you will find alternative options: if you are with children, love France or unusual houses.

Transport: take the metro (it’s faster) and walk.

Old Arbat

A huge number of memorials and attractive streets are located close to each other.
So a tourist who is limited in time, first of all, rushes to visit Red Square. But we recommend that before you look at the main attraction of the city, take a walk along the historical Old Arbat. This street is one of the best in Moscow. There are small shops, cozy cafes, and amazing monuments on it. Slowly moving along the street, you may notice the following:

the house where Pushkin spent his time;
wall of Viktor Tsoi;
Smolensko-Sennaya square.

If you feel hungry, do not test your strength, but go to the comfortable and beautiful Prague restaurant, which is built in the form of a castle, made in the Victorian style.

Book lovers can turn off the street at the very beginning and get into the “Central House of Books”. This establishment is a two-story building where antique jewelry and household items, souvenirs, and literary works are sold not only in Russian translation, but also in English. On the second floor, organizers often organize meetings, inviting the most famous writers, and create an informal, relaxed, cozy atmosphere.

"Worker and Collective Farm Woman"

The monument, designed by V.I. Mukhina, represented the USSR at the 1937 exhibition held in Paris. Raising the tools of labor high - the hammer and sickle - the young man and girl personified the power of the working people. Ten years later, “Worker and Collective Farm Woman” became the symbol of the Mosfilm film studio.

In 2003-2009 reconstruction was carried out. The monument was inaugurated again on December 4, 2009. The pedestal houses a museum dedicated to the history of sculpture and interesting facts related to it.

Walking route in one day along Red Square in Moscow

If you plan to visit this main fortress of the capital, you can get off at the following stations:

Arbatskaya;
Library named after Lenin;
Alexander Garden;
Theater.

The Kremlin is a symbol of the Russian Federation. It was from this building that soldier regiments were sent to the front during the Great Patriotic War, and after the long-awaited victory, this event was celebrated within these Moscow walls.

Walking along the fortress, you can see inconspicuous but amazing things:

heroes from Russian fairy tales;
Minsk star;
a fountain of graceful horses;
ruby stars.

Thousands of tourists come from distant countries to take pictures of themselves against the backdrop of this amazing structure. In addition, you can go to the Kremlin museums, where many historical exhibits are collected.

On the way to Red Square, we recommend that you pay attention to the majestic building of Moscow State University, next to it there is a monument to Lomonosov. Also look at the Zhukov Monument and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

Next, we will describe what you can visit while walking around the square.

Zero kilometer

The attraction is located near the Resurrection Gate. It has the shape of a square, which depicts the signs of the zodiac and cardinal directions. This place is always crowded with people, they make wishes so that it will certainly come true, and also throw a coin at the end.

The zero kilometer was set up in 1996 by Alexander Rukavishnikov and filled a seemingly ordinary square with Zodiac symbols.

The square shape means Paradise, the circle inscribed in it means harmony. If you look closely, you will notice that the square is divided into equal four parts - cardinal directions, on each of which various animals and plants are placed.

Now here are instructions on how to make a wish correctly:

Turn to the Iverskaya Chapel, look at it.
Stand in the center of the monument with one foot and lift the other, tilting it back.
Feel free to throw the coin with your left hand, but it is important that it lands within the square.
When tossing money, make a cherished wish.

St. Basil's Cathedral

This is one of the significant churches in Moscow, which is worth visiting if you come for just one day. The cathedral is considered a monument of ancient Russian architecture; it was built by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible in 1555-1556.

It is also called Pokrovsky by another name. It was erected in honor of the Kazan reign. The temple consists of several churches. During the war with the French in 1812, French stables were located here, and subsequently they wanted to blow them up.

During Soviet times, Stalin's comrade, Kaganovich, came up with the idea of dismantling the building to make room on the square for demonstrations and ceremonial performances. Then he immediately developed a model and demonstrated it to Stalin, who did not support this idea.

The cathedral has gone through many changes and changes, but still pleases us with its majestic appearance. It is its history that attracts tourists from different parts of the world.

Execution place

From this monument, Ivan IV once solemnly took an oath that he would support the interests of the people. Here believers laid holy relics so that everyone could come and pray. Later, False Dmitry repented at this place and asked for universal forgiveness, and after some time, Vasily Shuisky was proclaimed king here. But the most cruel moment associated with this monument is the decoration of the territory with the heads of archers, whom Peter I ordered to execute.

The place of execution is a raised platform with a stone fence. According to the stories of the predecessors of this attraction, they gave this name because “foreheads were chopped off” there. However, there is another explanation, a simpler one. The word “frontal” denoted the location - previously Vasilyevsky Spusk and the monument next to it were called “forehead”.

GUM

The department store is the main state store, where there is absolutely any product. Tourists visit this shopping center not only for shopping, but also to immerse themselves in the amazing historical atmosphere of the Soviet era.

We recommend taking a walk through GUM to those people who miss the USSR and want to feel that spirit again. The store is decorated with glass ceilings, Soviet hits, and also sells its signature delicious ice cream in a cone. A visit to the building is completely free.

Alexander Garden

When planning your own route, what you can see and where to go in Moscow in 1 day, be sure to pay attention to this huge green area. The site stretches along the Kremlin walls. This is a favorite place for evening and daytime walks for residents of the capital. Here you can forget about the everyday hustle and bustle, relax, breathe in fresh clean air, admire the beautiful fountains and plants, and watch the changing of the guard at the eternal flame.

Zaryadye: from the Romanov boyars to Stalin's skyscrapers

Metro: Kitay-Gorod
Timing: 1.5 hours
Opening hours: 24 hours a day

Chambers of the Romanov Boyars / photo by the author
Having paid tribute to the country’s cosmic past, go to old Moscow - to Varvarka . On the metro from VDNKh to Kitay-Gorod station, there are signs at the exit.

There are 11 ancient churches on Varvarka. You will see some of them quickly as you head towards Zaryadye. Reach the first descent after St. George's Church. Ahead on the right side you can see Gostiny Dvor (1640) - the oldest in Moscow.

You go down to the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars (Varvarka, 10).

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The chambers of the Romanov boyars are the family nest of the Romanov dynasty. It is believed that the first Tsar, Mikhail Romanov, was born here.

The Old Sovereign's Court is an architectural monument of the 15th-17th centuries. According to Russian tradition, it is constructed with a “verb” (letter G). On the weather vane is the coat of arms of the Romanovs. Inside is a museum of boyar life.

A little further , the Old English Court is the oldest civil building in the capital outside the Kremlin (Varvarka, 4A). Merchants from London lived here. Under Ivan the Terrible, the residence of the English Moscow Trading Company was opened, and Peter I created an arithmetic school. Now inside is an ancient business office.

House on Kotelnicheskaya. View from the Floating Bridge / photo by the author

Now the path leads towards the Floating Bridge past a hill with tundra, an Ice Cave and a section of coniferous forest.

The V-shaped bridge is one of the top observation platforms in the capital.

On the right you can see the Kremlin towers, the bell tower on Sofiyskaya Embankment, St. Basil's Cathedral and other iconic objects.

On the left is dominated by the bulk of the elite House on Kotelnicheskaya Embankment - one of the seven Stalinist high-rise buildings, an example of the Stalinist Empire style. You are looking at building A. It was nicknamed “Chekist” because it was built as apartments for NKVD employees under the personal control of Beria.

In terms of height, this is the third Stalinist skyscraper after Moscow State University and the Ukraine Hotel building. Ranevskaya, Voznesensky, Paustovsky, Ulanova and other famous people lived here.

There is a pier below next to the bridge. You can go on a river sightseeing trip along the Moscow River and return to Zaryadye. In 2 hours you will see other main attractions of the capital.

From the Floating Bridge, 5-10 minutes walk to Red Square.

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Cathedral of Christ the Savior

It was erected in honor of the victory over the French in the Patriotic War; the founder of this idea was General Mikhail Kikin. His idea was immediately supported by the residents, and then described it to Alexander I. The Emperor approved this proposal and issued a manifesto on the construction.

The first architect was Alexander Vitberg, who decided to build a temple on Vorobyovy Gory and divided it into three parts, each of which symbolized:

Embodiment.
Transfiguration.
Resurrection.

In the basement it was planned to bury the remains of soldiers who died in the war. But the construction failed, as the land of the mountains gradually began to settle due to the weight of the building.

The next architect was Konstantin Ton. The construction of the church began next to the Kremlin. Construction began in 1839 and ended only in 1860, and the majestic building immediately appeared before the residents. When Stalin came to power, it was decided to demolish and destroy the temple, since they planned to build the Palace of Congresses on this site. This plan could not be implemented due to the declaration of the Second World War.

In 1980, people began to unite and sign a petition to restore the church, this bore fruit. In the winter of 2000, the temple again appeared before the eyes of Muscovites.

This building is considered the largest cathedral in Russia; it can accommodate up to ten thousand parishioners. Tourists are attracted by the beautiful interior design and neatly painted walls. If you are planning to visit this place, please note the following:

women must wear a skirt and cover their heads with a scarf;
there are special excursions for children;
access to good viewing platforms is carried out only in groups;
To view through binoculars, you must purchase a token.

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Tretyakov Gallery

It occupies one of the first places in the list of famous art museums in the world. Today it contains more than 180,000 exhibits: fine, sculpture and jewelry. All exhibits on display were created in the 11th-20th centuries. The gallery itself was built in 1906 by Pavel Tretyakov, and today is considered the cultural heritage of the Russian Federation.

More than a thousand tourists visit the exhibition halls every day. This is due to the huge collection of masterpieces by outstanding writers and sculptors, the amazing atmosphere of the past and the beautiful interior in a historical style.

Museums

The Tretyakov Gallery is a world-famous museum that was opened in the mid-19th century. entrepreneur and philanthropist Pavel Tretyakov. First, he began to collect a collection of paintings, and then donated it to Moscow.

Today you can see here the rarest icons, paintings and sculptures by great masters. The Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts was opened in 1912. It contains works of foreign masters of art, from ancient times to the present day.

The complex includes about 3 dozen buildings and structures, and its collection includes about 700 thousand exhibits.

Historical Museum - founded by order of the Emperor at the end of the 19th century. A special building was built for him on Red Square - an unprecedented case. By the early 2000s, after restoration, the museum regained its original appearance. Stores over 5 million exhibits telling about the history of our country from ancient times to the beginning of the 20th century. The Museum of Cosmonautics was opened in 1981 in honor of space explorers.

Authentic documents, photographs, films telling about the exploration of outer space, and belongings of astronauts are stored here. And also works of art dedicated to this topic. In recent years, interactive exhibits have been added.

Sparrow Hills

If you come to Moscow alone or with your whole family for a short time and are deciding what to visit in 1 day, be sure to take a walk through this park. You can get there if you start from the Kropotkinskaya station, which is located near the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Moscow Kremlin

It is impossible not to visit the Kremlin - it is the “heart of the capital”. Moreover, the tickets you purchase will allow you to see a lot. True, after the Soviet period, only half of the 50 historical buildings remained here. You will enter the Kremlin territory through the Kutafya Tower.

Look around the cathedrals, which are the “pearls” of Russian architecture - the Assumption, Annunciation and Arkhangelsk, and admire the bell tower of Ivan the Great. You can also take a photo with the Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell.

Next to the relatively modern building of the State Kremlin Palace (1961) is the Senate, where the top officials of the USSR worked. The Faceted and Armory Chambers will attract attention (the latter also houses the Diamond Fund). The Tainitsky Garden is home to falcons and hawks, which were bred to chase pigeons out of the Kremlin territory.

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VDNH

The park is located in the northeast of the capital. Every day several thousand not only Moscow residents, but also tourists come here. Along the alleys there are Soviet pavilions and beautiful fountains. There are modern attractions that are dedicated to space themes. The park area contains 49 buildings that attract visitors every day and are also cultural heritage sites.

The park was the hallmark of victorious socialism; kiosks and pavilions displayed all the achievements of Soviet industry. During the Soviet period, residents went to VDNKh to see an abundance of high-quality products and innovative technologies. Each such stall was a representative of one of the 15 republics or a sector of the national economy. In the center was the “Friendship of Peoples” fountain; it was decorated with gold sculptures. Subsequently, all the buildings were taken over by traders and the exhibition lost its demand, which led to its decline.

Now VDNKh hosts various literary evenings and incendiary concerts. If you are planning a cultural holiday, check out various museums and educational exhibitions. Also in this place is the famous and largest aquarium. You can visit a city farm, a fishing village, an amusement park, a theater, and a reading room. Here you will not get bored for a second, just like your children.

Monasteries: Novodevichy, Donskoy, Novospassky

The Novodevichy Convent was founded in the 16th century. Grand Duke Vasily III, after Smolensk returned to the Moscow Principality. Its name is probably due to the fact that the monastery was intended for girls, and since there was already an older monastery in the capital, the prefix “new” appeared. Girls and women from noble families, including the royal family, found shelter here. During the War of 1812, the monastery was miraculously not blown up. During the years of Soviet power, Novodevichy was naturally closed.

Today it exists as part of the Historical Museum, and services are also held there. Rare icons and books dating back to the 16th century are kept here. Of particular interest is the cemetery at the monastery, where Gogol, Chekhov and other famous people are buried.

Donskoy Monastery. According to legend, in 1591 the icon of the Don Mother of God saved Moscow from the troops of Khan Kazy-Girey. The monastery was founded in honor of the miraculous image. Its architectural structures were erected under Princess Sophia, Peter the Great and other rulers.

After the revolution, the Museum of Architecture was located here. The monks came here again in 1991. In 1992, the crypt of Patriarch Tikhon was found here. Famous military men, writers, and representatives of noble families lie in the cemetery at the monastery. Novospassky Monastery was founded in the mid-15th century.

He defended the city from the southeast with his powerful walls: first wooden, and starting from the 17th century. - stone. Noble boyars, including those from the Romanov family, were buried in the cemetery at the monastery. In the 90s, their tomb was restored.

Station "Revolution Square"

It began functioning in March 1938. It got its name because of the Revolution Square located close to it. Tourists are attracted by the majestic interior:

Flat round lamps stretch in two rows, illuminating the interior delights.
The floor is covered with black and light granite stones, the combination is great.
The walls are decorated with several types of granite - dark marble, gray and golden stones.
76 bronze sculptures decorate the station; Matvey Manizer worked on them.
Statues depicting Soviet residents were located in niches of high arches.

It was originally planned to have 80 sculptures, but during the construction of the eastern vestibule, four of them were taken away.

Moscow Metro

As both our compatriots and foreigners admit, this is not just a “subway”, but a real work of art. No wonder 44 stations are cultural heritage sites. Among the most beautiful is called “Mayakovskaya”, which deserved the Grand Prix in New York.

Similar awards were received by the Kropotkinskaya (Brussels) and Red Gate (Paris) stations. A real palace with an exquisite interior resembles the Komsomolskaya station. The luxuriously decorated “Kyiv” is included in the list of the most beautiful in the world.

One of the most original and memorable ones is the “Revolution Square” station. People who come to the capital for the first time are in no hurry to get out of the subway, admiring it. It is impossible not to mention “Novoslobodskaya” with its illuminated stained glass windows, and “Arbatskaya”, unusually elegant due to skillfully selected flowers.

The sights of the capital of our Motherland are innumerable. It is a thankless task to choose the most significant of them. And yet, we tried to focus on those objects where you need to visit first if you want to get to know Moscow and get to know this beautiful city better.

theatre square

This is one of the central points in Moscow, its location is between Petrovka Street and Kopyevsky Lane. The square was built in 1821 by the outstanding architect Beauvais. Previously, this site was built up with private courtyards and bathhouse complexes. However, the fire during World War II destroyed everything, leaving behind ruins.

In Soviet times, this place was nicknamed after Sverdlov. Now on this vast territory you will find the most popular Moscow theaters:

Big;
Small;
Theater of Youth.

Walking through the square, you will feel not in a modern metropolis, but in an ancient town that existed two centuries ago. The spirit of antiquity allows you to feel the style of the theater buildings; the atmosphere that reigns here gives you the opportunity to fantasize and nostalgia.

Grand Theatre

The construction of the Bolshoi Theater began at the end of the 18th century. It was built three times, and all three times the building was destroyed by fire. It was only in 1856 that the theater we see today was built. The project belonged to the architect Albert Kavos, and the famous Pyotr Klodt also took part in its creation.

During the Great Patriotic War, a bomb hit the Bolshoi Theater, fortunately, the building did not suffer irreparable damage. In the period 2005-2011. The theater was undergoing reconstruction. They tried to give it the look it had before the revolution.

The best artists from both Russia and other countries of the world have performed and continue to perform on the Bolshoi stage. In total, over 800 works were shown here. And now, in the 3rd century, the phrase has been heard at the entrance to the Bolshoi Theater: “Is there an extra ticket?”

Big Planetarium

If you come to the capital with a child, be sure to visit this establishment. Your baby will be glad to have the opportunity to look at the stars and planets and learn all the details about them. The Moscow Planetarium is considered the largest in Europe. The spacious hall is covered with a huge dome. Thanks to high-quality equipment, visitors receive clear images of space elements. You will feel the incredible beauty of the starry sky and will be surprised by the colossal scale of space.

The session lasts 20 minutes, during which time you are shown stars and planets, and the same period is spent watching an educational scientific film about galactic collisions and black holes.

In this article we talked about historical and modern attractions that every person should have time to see, even if he came to the capital of the Russian Federation for just one day. Ancient monuments will immerse you in the atmosphere of the past, and beautiful parks will give you an unforgettable feeling of peace and relaxation. Isn't this wonderful!

* The material is published as an advertisement.

Gorky Park

Gorky Park was a favorite vacation spot for citizens back in the 30s of the last century. It resembled a kind of “state within a state.” In addition to rides and other entertainment, it had its own post office and savings bank, a first-aid post and a police station. Today Gorky Park has acquired a modern look. Of course, there are cafes and snack bars, there is a wooden deck on the beach - by the way, the Internet works in this area.

In the park you can rent a bicycle and learn yoga, dancing or fitness for free - instructors give lessons to everyone. It’s also nice to sit on the grass here, walk along the paths... The love of the capital’s residents for the park has remained unchanged.

In Khamovniki with a camera

In the central administrative district, in the bend of the Moscow River, the Khamovniki district is located. Many of the houses located on its territory are real works of fine art.

Just look at the business and residential complexes “Literator” and “Garden Quarters”. These buildings are not just high-quality and beautiful - they are thought out to the smallest detail. And the rigor of geometric shapes is incredibly combined with sophistication and functionality.

Before your walk, it’s worth reading a little about different architectural styles - it will be more interesting to admire the buildings, catching elements of retro, modern, avant-garde space, etc. in them.

It’s worth taking a camera with you, preferably with a tripod. You can leave Khamovniki with spectacular photographs. The main photo, for example, shows part of the Garden Quarters residential complex. In such a picturesque place you can implement almost any idea for a photo shoot. You just need to think about the image.

Apothecary garden

It is located on Prospekt Mira, building 26, building 1 and is the oldest botanical garden in Russia. We can confidently say about it: it is the very best - informative, well-groomed, conveniently located, photogenic and cozy.

It was founded by Peter I for the cultivation of medicinal plants in 1706, and in 1805 it was purchased by Moscow State University. Of course, he went through different times with his country, but he always fulfilled a noble mission: he talked about the world of plants on Earth.

Summer always reigns in his greenhouses. It is especially pleasant to visit them on frosty winter days. In the Palm Greenhouse you can see a large collection of orchids from all over the world. They grow among huge bananas, ancient palms and tropical vines. 1500 types of succulents will not leave anyone indifferent. Moreover, now you can even touch some plants.

More about the Apothecary Garden

Journey into the past

Where can you go alone in Moscow on a day off? You can get to the Vykhino station, and then take bus number 620 to the Kuskovo Museum stop.

This is an amazing place. A luxurious estate that once belonged to the Sheremetev counts. Hundreds of years ago, crowded theatrical festivals, receptions and celebrations were held on its territory.

It is there that the only French park in the Russian capital is located with pavilions, ponds and marble sculptures. There are also about 20 unique architectural monuments preserved in the estate.

People with a rich imagination will really like it there. You just need to use your imagination a little and you will be able to imagine yourself at the center of the plot of a historical film. Everything has to do with it: attics, a luxurious palace, elegant gazebos, impressive sculptures, a huge park...

It is impossible not to mention the fact that Kuskovo is one of the most beautiful estates in Moscow. And a single ticket is quite inexpensive. A person pays 700 rubles, and in return gets the opportunity to visit all the pavilions. By the way, you can also rent a boat here and ride horses in a carriage.

If you are not very interested in sights and history, then you can go to the Kuskovo forest park. You can even ride bicycles there.