Moscow travel guide

About Moscow

Moscow is the capital and largest city of Russia, situated on the Moskva River in Central Russia. The city has a population estimated at more than 13 million residents within city limits, more than 19.1 million residents in the urban area, and more than 21.5 million residents in the metropolitan area. The city covers an area of 2,511 square kilometers (970 sq mi); the urban area covers 5,891 square kilometers (2,275 sq mi); and the metropolitan area covers more than 26,000 square kilometers (10,000 sq mi). Moscow is among the world's largest cities: the most populous city entirely in Europe, the largest urban and metropolitan areas in Europe, and the largest city by land area on the European continent.

Places to visit in Moscow

1. 

   Red Square

   Landmark

   The central square of Moscow, bordered by the Kremlin walls, St. Basil's Cathedral, the State Historical Museum and the GUM department store with its glass-roofed arcades.

2. 

   Moscow Kremlin

   Historic

   The fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, with golden-domed cathedrals, palaces and the Armoury Chamber treasury. Explore Cathedral Square and see the giant Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon.

3. 

   Saint Basil's Cathedral

   Religious

   The church with colorful swirling onion domes at the end of Red Square. Inside, a maze of small chapels and narrow passages is covered with painted floral decoration.

4. 

   Tretyakov Gallery

   Museum

   A leading collection of Russian art, from medieval icons including Rublev's Trinity to realist landscapes, portraits and history paintings of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

5. 

   Bolshoi Theatre

   Entertainment

   A historic venue for ballet and opera with a grand red and gold auditorium. Seeing a performance is the best way to experience the building and its company.

6. 

   Moscow Metro

   Landmark

   Known for its ornate stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers, marble and sculptures. Hopping between central stations such as Komsomolskaya and Ploshchad Revolyutsii is a sightseeing experience.

7. 

   Gorky Park

   Park · 2 mi from centre

   A large riverside park with gardens, cafes, sports areas and an embankment promenade. It is also home to the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and is popular for cycling.

8. 

   Zaryadye Park

   Park

   A modern park beside Red Square with landscapes representing Russia's natural zones and a cantilevered floating bridge over the Moskva River with views of the Kremlin.

Best time to visit Moscow

Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Moscow is September, when average daytime highs are around 68°F and rain falls on about 3 days a month.

Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.

Moscow weather forecast

• Wed 21 Oct 50° 36° 0%
• Thu 22 Oct 50° 36° 3%
• Fri 23 Oct 51° 40° 13%
• Sat 24 Oct 51° 41° 5%
• Sun 25 Oct 53° 38° 3%
• Mon 26 Oct 50° 34° 2%

Know before you go

Currency

Russian ruble (RUB)1 US dollar ≈ ₽82.8

Language

Russian

Calling code

+7

Driving

On the right

Time zone

Europe/MoscowUTC+3

Upcoming public holidays in Russia

• Wed 4 NovUnity DayДень народного единства
• Fri 1 JanNew Year's DayНовый год
• Sat 2 JanNew Year holidayНовогодние каникулы
• Sun 3 JanNew Year holidayНовогодние каникулы
• Mon 4 JanNew Year holidayНовогодние каникулы
• Tue 5 JanNew Year holidayНовогодние каникулы

Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.

Getting to Moscow

These are the airports closest to central Moscow. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.

• SVO Sheremetyevo International Airport17 mi (28 km) from the city centre
• VKO Vnukovo International Airport17 mi (28 km) from the city centre
• ZIA Zhukovsky International Airport25 mi (40 km) from the city centre
• DME Domodedovo International Airport26 mi (42 km) from the city centre

Getting around Moscow

Yandex Maps is the best mobile app for planning journeys on public transport.

By metro

The Metro is open from 05:30-01:00. Station entrances are closed at 01:00, and at this time the last trains depart from all of the termini stations. After 01:00, many locals will enter the train station using the exits, which are still open. Service on the ring line runs until 01:30, although entrances are closed at 01:00. The down escalators are also shut off at 01:00.

By Central Circle train

The Central Circle train operates on an old rail loop that lies between the Third Transport Ring and the Ring Road and was built in the beginning of the 20th century. It was then used for shuttling freight trains in and out of the city without having them clog the main stations. The comfortable Siemens Desiro trains (called "Lastochka" in Russia) provide service between 05:45 and 01:00, with 5-10 minute intervals. The entire circular journey takes an hour and a half.

By bus

Every large street in the city is served by at least one bus route. Most Moscow buses operate 05:30-01:00.

Moscow travel FAQ