Moscow, a city that is larger than life. A visit to this ex- soviet hot spot and I was stunned to see the enormity of this place. Frankly speaking, I was expecting a typical, old styled, communist city with ageing buildings, deteriorating urban-scape, narrow streets and wearing roads with unruly traffic (my bad that I did not do much research about the place before landing here).
Now that I have been to Moscow, not once, but 4 times, I can re-assure you that contrary to my initial perceptions, Moscow is GRAND in every sense! Enormous buildings, huge, impeccable roads, fine Soviet-era architecture are just some of the jaw dropping features of this city.
Unfortunately, every time I go there, I just have one day to explore Moscow.
However, thanks to my 4 visits, I have seen a fair share of this city and for those who want to know more about places to visit in Moscow in one day, or rather, places not to miss in Moscow if you are there for a day only, here are the 5 places not to miss on a visit to Moscow:
1. Red Square: Well, almost a no-brainer this one. A visit to Moscow CANNOT be complete without visiting this piece of land that pretty much sums up Russia! Surrounded by landmark monuments such as the Kremlin on one side and St. Basil's Cathedral on the other, the Red square is located on the banks of River Moskva, after which the city is named!
Things to do: Take a walk around the square, see the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral from the outside. If you are short on time, then getting into the Kremlin or the Lenin Mausoleum is not a good idea due to long queue of visitors on almost any day. Do not miss the ultra-luxurious Gum Mall and grab a delicious ice-cream from one of the many carts selling them.
2. River Cruise: In most European cities, taking a boat ride is a must! Moscow is no exception. Take an hour long river cruise in Moscow on the Moskva and be treated to some real astonishing sites, especially the huge statue of Peter the Great, right in the middle of the river.
Word of caution: Most cruise operators do not offer guided tours. So please do a thorough research and go for one which does, lest, you end up bored and confused. Also, prefer one hour-one way cruises. Avoid taking the two hour - non-stop cruise ride.
3. Fine dining at Europe's highest placed restaurant: Located at a dizzying height of 225 Mtrs., the Sixty Bar, on the 60th floor of Federation Towers offers some breath taking, panoramic views of the city, especially during the night, coupled with some scrumptious food.
But: It is expensive!! An ordinary meal will cost 3,500 RUB on an average per person. So be prepared to shell out if you want to experience this extravaganza.
4. Flea Markets: There are a lot of unique souvenirs one can carry back from Russia as a memorabilia. Ushanka, the iconic Russia fur hat, the famous wooden Matryoshka dolls, post cards and fridge magnets are some of the many souvenirs that you should be carrying back home. Search for the flea market nearest to your hotel. Moscow also has some amazing underground markets that are a bargainers paradise!
5. Experience Moscow's 80 year old Metro system: You have certainly missed something if you have not visited at least one Metro train station in Moscow. Moscow's metro stations are clearly larger than life and some of the most beautiful in the World. For starters, the Mayakovskaya Metro looks like a royal ballroom!
Important: Local taxi's are very expensive! A 5 KM ride costed us around 2,500 RUB (USD 40 appx.). The cheapest way to travel in Moscow is by using Uber or Metro!
Moscow, in addition to the above mentioned places, is also a hub for Museums, gardens, restaurants and war memorials. Also, the space center, which celebrates Russia's advancement in this area is also worth a visit if you have time.
These are the 5 things to do in Moscow if you are looking for things to do in Moscow in one day. Having said that, Moscow is a city that surely deserves much more than just one day to explore.
Check this video of mine from the Majestic Red Square!! :)
https://youtu.be/Kx-PqUCrhqA
Now that I have been to Moscow, not once, but 4 times, I can re-assure you that contrary to my initial perceptions, Moscow is GRAND in every sense! Enormous buildings, huge, impeccable roads, fine Soviet-era architecture are just some of the jaw dropping features of this city.
Unfortunately, every time I go there, I just have one day to explore Moscow.
However, thanks to my 4 visits, I have seen a fair share of this city and for those who want to know more about places to visit in Moscow in one day, or rather, places not to miss in Moscow if you are there for a day only, here are the 5 places not to miss on a visit to Moscow:
1. Red Square: Well, almost a no-brainer this one. A visit to Moscow CANNOT be complete without visiting this piece of land that pretty much sums up Russia! Surrounded by landmark monuments such as the Kremlin on one side and St. Basil's Cathedral on the other, the Red square is located on the banks of River Moskva, after which the city is named!
Things to do: Take a walk around the square, see the Kremlin and St. Basil's Cathedral from the outside. If you are short on time, then getting into the Kremlin or the Lenin Mausoleum is not a good idea due to long queue of visitors on almost any day. Do not miss the ultra-luxurious Gum Mall and grab a delicious ice-cream from one of the many carts selling them.
2. River Cruise: In most European cities, taking a boat ride is a must! Moscow is no exception. Take an hour long river cruise in Moscow on the Moskva and be treated to some real astonishing sites, especially the huge statue of Peter the Great, right in the middle of the river.
Word of caution: Most cruise operators do not offer guided tours. So please do a thorough research and go for one which does, lest, you end up bored and confused. Also, prefer one hour-one way cruises. Avoid taking the two hour - non-stop cruise ride.
3. Fine dining at Europe's highest placed restaurant: Located at a dizzying height of 225 Mtrs., the Sixty Bar, on the 60th floor of Federation Towers offers some breath taking, panoramic views of the city, especially during the night, coupled with some scrumptious food.
But: It is expensive!! An ordinary meal will cost 3,500 RUB on an average per person. So be prepared to shell out if you want to experience this extravaganza.
4. Flea Markets: There are a lot of unique souvenirs one can carry back from Russia as a memorabilia. Ushanka, the iconic Russia fur hat, the famous wooden Matryoshka dolls, post cards and fridge magnets are some of the many souvenirs that you should be carrying back home. Search for the flea market nearest to your hotel. Moscow also has some amazing underground markets that are a bargainers paradise!
5. Experience Moscow's 80 year old Metro system: You have certainly missed something if you have not visited at least one Metro train station in Moscow. Moscow's metro stations are clearly larger than life and some of the most beautiful in the World. For starters, the Mayakovskaya Metro looks like a royal ballroom!
Important: Local taxi's are very expensive! A 5 KM ride costed us around 2,500 RUB (USD 40 appx.). The cheapest way to travel in Moscow is by using Uber or Metro!
Moscow, in addition to the above mentioned places, is also a hub for Museums, gardens, restaurants and war memorials. Also, the space center, which celebrates Russia's advancement in this area is also worth a visit if you have time.
These are the 5 things to do in Moscow if you are looking for things to do in Moscow in one day. Having said that, Moscow is a city that surely deserves much more than just one day to explore.
Check this video of mine from the Majestic Red Square!! :)
https://youtu.be/Kx-PqUCrhqA
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