7-Day Moscow Itinerary: Culture, Cuisine, and History Unveiled

Day 1: Arrival & Red Square

Moscow, Russia on April 30, 2025

11:00am

Arrival and Hotel Check-in

Check into your centrally located hotel in Moscow to settle in and freshen up for the day ahead.
Variable, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Café Pushkin

Enjoy traditional Russian cuisine in an elegant 19th-century setting; try borscht and beef stroganoff.
RUB1500, 1h0m

1:30pm

Visit Red Square and Lenin’s Mausoleum

Explore the historic Red Square, checking out landmarks like Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square’s vast open spaces. Lenin's Mausoleum is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Free for Red Square, RUB350 for Mausoleum, 2h0m

3:30pm

Kremlin Tour

Tour the Moscow Kremlin, including the Armoury Chamber and Cathedrals. It offers a glimpse into the royal and political history of Russia.
RUB700, 2h0m

5:30pm

Walk around Alexander Garden

Enjoy a peaceful stroll through this historic park beside the Kremlin, see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Varenichnaya No.1

Relish classic Russian dumplings and hearty soup in a cozy atmosphere perfect for your first dinner in Moscow.
RUB1200, 1h0m

Day 2: Museum & Metro Tour

Moscow, Russia on May 1, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Dr. Zhivago

Start the day with a hearty breakfast featuring blinis and Russian tea in a stylish Soviet-themed restaurant.
RUB800, 1h0m

10:00am

Tretyakov Gallery

Visit Russia's foremost gallery of Russian fine art from the classic era to modern times, including icons and landscape masterpieces.
RUB500, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at LavkaLavka Café

Enjoy farm-to-table Russian dishes emphasizing local and organic products.
RUB1000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Moscow Metro Tour

Explore the palatial beauty of the Moscow Metro stations with a guided tour showcasing art and architecture of these underground gems.
RUB700, 2h0m

4:30pm

Walk in Gorky Park

Relax with a walk or boat ride in this vibrant park along the Moscow River, a popular leisure spot.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at White Rabbit

Dine at one of Moscow’s top restaurants offering contemporary Russian cuisine with spectacular city views.
RUB4000, 2h0m

Day 3: Art & History

Moscow, Russia on May 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Volkonsky Bakery

Treat yourself to fresh Russian pastries and coffee to start the day.
RUB600, 1h0m

10:00am

Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

Explore European artworks including impressionism and ancient artifacts in one of Russia’s most significant art museums.
RUB500, 2h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Mari Vanna

Enjoy a homestyle Russian meal in a charming, vintage-style restaurant that feels like dining at a family home.
RUB1300, 1h0m

2:30pm

Christ the Savior Cathedral and Patriarshy Bridge

Visit the iconic cathedral and stroll across the nearby bridge for panoramic views of the Moscow skyline.
Free, donation suggested for cathedral entry, 1h0m

4:00pm

Arbat Street

Explore this historic pedestrian street with shops, cafes, and street performances for a lively afternoon.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dr. Zhivago

Second dinner recommendation with great atmosphere and classic Russian dishes for a cultural experience.
RUB1200, 1h0m

Day 4: Soviet Heritage & Parks

Moscow, Russia on May 3, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Coffee Mania

Enjoy excellent coffee and light breakfast options in this popular chain.
RUB400, 1h0m

10:00am

VDNKh Exhibition Centre

Explore this vast Soviet-era exhibition complex with pavilions, fountains, and museums celebrating science and culture.
Free entry, pavilion tickets extra, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch in VDNKh at Mu-Mu Restaurant

Try filling Russian homestyle dishes at this classic chain inside the exhibition grounds.
RUB700, 1h0m

3:00pm

Museum of Cosmonautics

Discover the history of space exploration with memorabilia and interactive exhibits at this unique museum near VDNKh.
RUB350, 1h30m

5:00pm

Sparrow Hills & Moscow State University Views

Enjoy sunset views from Sparrow Hills, a scenic vantage point overlooking the city and the university.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Beluga

Savor exquisite Russian and caviar dishes in an upscale setting on the banks of the Moskva River.
RUB3500, 1h30m

Day 5: Shopping & Theatre

Moscow, Russia on May 4, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Coffeemania

Start with fresh coffee and breakfast pastries to energize for the day.
RUB400, 1h0m

10:00am

GUM Dept Store & Shopping

Browse luxury shops and enjoy the historic architecture of this grand department store at Red Square.
Free entry, shopping costs extra, 1h30m

12:00pm

Walk along Nikolskaya Street

Enjoy the refurbished pedestrian street with cafes and shops, leading you to the Kitay-Gorod area.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at LavkaLavka

A great spot for lunch featuring fresh-local organic food in a relaxed setting.
RUB900, 1h0m

3:00pm

Bolshoi Theatre Tour

Take a guided backstage tour of this legendary theatre known for ballet and opera performances.
RUB1000, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Café Pushkin

Return to this iconic restaurant for a late gourmet meal in an atmospheric setting.
RUB2000, 1h30m

8:00pm

Attend Performance at Bolshoi Theatre

Experience world-class ballet or opera (tickets should be booked in advance).
From RUB2500, 3h0m

Day 6: Sergiev Posad Day Trip

Moscow, Russia on May 5, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Have a quick breakfast before your day trip to Sergiev Posad.
Included with hotel or RUB500, 0h30m

8:00am

Train to Sergiev Posad

Travel by suburban train (~1.5 hours) to this famous Russian Orthodox monastery town known for the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius.
RUB200, 1h30m

10:00am

Visit Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius

Explore this UNESCO World Heritage monastery complex, with beautiful churches, museums, and icons.
Free entry, some museums charge RUB300, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Lavra Café

Enjoy traditional monastery dishes and regional Russian cuisine at this nearby cafe.
RUB800, 1h0m

3:00pm

Return to Moscow

Travel back to Moscow for an evening at leisure.
RUB200, 1h30m

5:30pm

Relax at Hotel or light stroll near Tverskaya Street

Recover from the day trip with a light walk around the central shopping street if desired.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Dr. Zhivago

Enjoy comforting Russian dishes to end the day in style.
RUB1200, 1h30m

Day 7: Departure Preparation

Moscow, Russia on May 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a final hearty breakfast in Moscow before the checkout.
Included or RUB500, 0h30m

8:30am

Last minute shopping or walk in nearby parks

Spend relaxing moments shopping for souvenirs or enjoying a nearby park, like the nearby Patriarch’s Ponds.
Free, 2h0m

11:00am

Hotel Checkout and transfer to Airport

Prepare for your departure with time to reach the airport by noon.
Variable, 1h0m