Finish passport control and baggage; factor 45–90 minutes depending on queues. If you have carry-on only you can move faster; otherwise use airport left-luggage to store checked bags for the day.
Take Aeroexpress to Belorussky station (~35–45 minutes) or a pre-booked taxi (~40–60 minutes) depending on which airport; Aeroexpress is faster and avoids traffic, taxi is door-to-door and useful for very early/late departures.
Admire and photograph the iconic onion domes from Red Square — the exterior view is the must-see and available 24/7; interior visits start around mid-morning (check current museum hours).
Historic, theatrical café serving classic Russian breakfast dishes and great atmosphere; it typically opens around 9:00 so reserve if possible for a relaxed first meal.
Walk through the Kremlin grounds and visit the Armoury Chamber (opens about 10:00) to see royal regalia, carriages and Fabergé objects — one of Moscow's best museums and a must for first-timers.
Choose from several counters inside GUM for Russian and international dishes — fast, central and excellent for sampling local flavours while people-watching on Red Square.
See the exterior of the Bolshoi and then take the short metro/ walk to the pedestrian Old Arbat street for street artists, snacks and souvenirs; the Arbat gives a flavour of old Moscow in a compact stroll.
Visit Russia's main cathedral, restored in the 1990s; the interior is ornate and the riverside location provides good photo opportunities. Check opening times (usually 10:00–18:00 for visitors).
Short riverside stroll, relax on the banks or see contemporary sculpture park; perfect for a break before evening activities (parks usually open until late).
Fine-dining with a panoramic city view; reservations recommended. Great choice if you want an elevated, memorable dinner close to the river before your cruise.
One-hour scenic cruise showcasing Kremlin, cathedrals and modern skyline illuminated at night; typical departures are around 7:00–8:00pm, so pick a time that suits your dinner booking and check operator schedules.
Take the metro or a short taxi to Sparrow Hills for one of the best panoramic skyline views over Moscow at sunset/after dark; the observation area is open 24/7 for city photos.
Explore ornately decorated stations (Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii) — many stations remain open until the metro closedown around 1:00am. A spectacular way to see Soviet-era art underground.
Choose a 24-hour or late-service café near your metro stop for soup, pelmeni or blini; if you prefer sit-down, ask your driver or concierge for a recommended late-night spot.
Pick up stored luggage or return to your hotel to collect belongings; get a short rest if needed but keep watch on the transfer time for your early flight.
Be ready in the lobby or agreed pickup spot for your private transfer to the airport; confirm pick-up time with the driver the evening before to avoid delays.
Allow 60–90 minutes travel time depending on airport (SVO/VKO/DME) and traffic; private transfer is safest for pre-dawn departures as Aeroexpress schedules and early trains can be limited.
Complete check-in, security and immigration formalities. For international flights aim to be at the airport at least 2–3 hours before departure; for domestic flights 1.5–2 hours.