Start your trip by arriving in Moscow and checking into your hotel. In the morning, head to Red Square, the heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Marvel at the iconic St. Basil's Cathedral with its colorful onion domes and visit the historic Lenin's Mausoleum. In the afternoon, explore the magnificent GUM department store, known for its stunning architecture and high-end shops. As the evening sets in, enjoy a walk along the nearby pedestrian street, Nikolskaya, lined with vibrant cafes and restaurants.
Red Square: Free, 2-3 hours
GUM department store: Free to enter, shopping costs vary, 1-2 hours
Nikolskaya Street: Free, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Pushkin, located near Red Square. This charming restaurant offers a wide selection of traditional Russian dishes and pastries. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For a satisfying lunch, visit White Rabbit. This rooftop restaurant offers panoramic views of the city and serves modern Russian cuisine with a creative twist. Average cost for a meal is about $30 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Turandot. This opulent restaurant features a grand interior inspired by the 18th-century Russian Empire and offers a gourmet menu of Russian and European dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $50 per person.
Friday, September 15: Moscow Kremlin and Arbat Street
Start your day by exploring the Moscow Kremlin, a historic fortress and the official residence of the Russian President. Visit the stunning Cathedral Square, home to several magnificent churches, including the Assumption Cathedral and the Archangel's Cathedral. In the afternoon, take a stroll along Arbat Street, a famous pedestrian street filled with cafes, souvenir shops, and street performers. Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine at one of the many restaurants in the area for dinner.
Moscow Kremlin: Entrance fee varies depending on attractions, 2-3 hours
Arbat Street: Free, 2-3 hours
Restaurants
Start your day off at Café Pushkin, a charming breakfast spot known for its elegant atmosphere and traditional Russian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1000 RUB per person.
For lunch, head to Mari Vanna, a cozy restaurant that offers a variety of hearty Russian dishes. Average cost for a meal is about 1500 RUB per person.
Indulge in a delicious dinner at White Rabbit, a rooftop restaurant with panoramic views of Moscow. Known for its innovative Russian cuisine, the average cost for a meal is about 3000 RUB per person.
Saturday, September 16: Tretyakov Gallery and Gorky Park
Start your day by visiting the Tretyakov Gallery, one of the world's foremost museums of Russian art. Explore the extensive collection of Russian masterpieces, including works by famous painters like Ivan Aivazovsky and Ilya Repin. In the afternoon, head to Gorky Park, a popular recreational area in Moscow. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the park's scenic paths, rent a bike, or have a picnic by the Moscow River. Don't miss the impressive Garage Museum of Contemporary Art located within the park.
Garage Museum of Contemporary Art: Entrance fee varies, 1-2 hours
Restaurants
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Cafe Pushkin, a charming restaurant located near the Tretyakov Gallery. Indulge in their traditional Russian breakfast dishes and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.
For lunch, head to Mu-Mu, a popular buffet-style restaurant offering a wide variety of Russian and international dishes. Choose from their extensive salad bar, hot dishes, and desserts. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at White Rabbit, a rooftop restaurant known for its exquisite Russian cuisine and breathtaking views of Moscow. Try their signature dishes like the beef stroganoff or the rabbit pie. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Sunday, September 17: Bolshoi Theatre and Izmailovo Kremlin
In the morning, immerse yourself in the world of performing arts by visiting the iconic Bolshoi Theatre. Admire the stunning architecture and, if possible, watch a ballet or opera performance. In the afternoon, head to the colorful Izmailovo Kremlin, a unique cultural complex resembling a traditional Russian fortress. Explore its market filled with traditional crafts, souvenirs, and local delicacies. Don't miss the opportunity to try on a traditional Russian costume for a memorable photo.
For breakfast, visit Café Pushkin, a historic restaurant known for its elegant atmosphere and traditional Russian cuisine. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
For lunch, try Mari Vanna, a cozy restaurant offering homemade Russian dishes in a nostalgic Soviet-era setting. Average cost for a meal is about $20 per person.
For dinner, head to White Rabbit, a renowned restaurant known for its innovative Russian cuisine and breathtaking panoramic views of Moscow. Average cost for a meal is about $70 per person.
Monday, September 18: Moscow Metro Tour and Pushkin Museum
Embark on a fascinating Moscow Metro tour in the morning to admire the stunning architecture and artworks of the city's underground stations. Explore some of the most beautiful stations, such as Mayakovskaya and Komsomolskaya. Afterward, visit the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, which houses an impressive collection of European art. Marvel at works by renowned artists like Rembrandt, Monet, and Van Gogh.
Moscow Metro Tour: Free, 2-3 hours
Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts: Entrance fee varies, 2-3 hours
Tuesday, September 19: Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Sparrow Hills
Start your day by visiting the majestic Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the largest Orthodox church in Russia. Admire the grandeur of its golden domes and explore the beautiful interior. In the afternoon, head to Sparrow Hills, offering panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. Enjoy a leisurely walk or rent a bike to explore the nearby Vorobyovy Gory Park and take in the breathtaking scenery.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior: Free entry, optional fee for observation deck, 1-2 hours
Sparrow Hills: Free, 2-3 hours
Wednesday, September 20: VDNKh Park and Moscow State University
Spend your final day in Moscow exploring the VDNKh Park, a massive exhibition complex showcasing the achievements of the Soviet Union. Visit the iconic fountain "The Friendship of Nations" and explore the pavilions representing different Soviet republics. In the afternoon, admire the grandeur of Moscow State University, one of Russia's leading educational institutions. Enjoy a walk around its campus and take in the panoramic city views from the observation deck.
For off the beaten path attractions, consider visiting the Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines, where you can play vintage arcade games from the Soviet era. Another local favorite is the Zaryadye Park, a modern park with stunning landscapes and breathtaking views of the Moscow River. Don't forget to try traditional Russian dishes like borscht and pelmeni at local restaurants for an authentic culinary experience.