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18 UNMISSABLE Things to Do in Moscow, Russia (from a Local!)

( UPDATE: October 2019)

As a Russian who has lived in Moscow  for many years, I have finally decided to write a blog post about it – incredible! 🙂

The list below is for people who have the time and/or the desire to see some attractions and tourism places in Moscow.

If you are traveling to Russia in the near future, just scroll down the list of 18 sights below and you will find recommendations for pubs, visa info, average prices for things and many practical tips.

For those who have some time to discover the capital of Moscow – great, you will certainly have some fun!

I know the list is long and you probably won’t have the time to see everything. But that’s ok, you should scroll down the list and just choose what you like the most. Make sure to book IN ADVANCE, as things can get crowded during the high season.

1. Red Square

3. cathedral of christ the saviour, 4. zaryadye park, 5. bolshoi theatre, 6. gorky park, 7. sparrow hills and msu, 8. moscow metro, 9. tretyakovskaya gallery, 11. moscow river cruise, 12. old arbat and new arbat streets, 13. moskva city skyscrapers, 14. izmailovo kremlin, 15. patriarshiye ponds, 16. kolomenskoye estate, 17. ostankinskaya tv tower, 18. tsaritsyno museum reserve, unusual things to do in moscow, where to eat in moscow and what to try, the best night clubs in moscow, where to stay in moscow, useful things to know before your trip to moscow – visa, prices etc., conclusion:.

Red Square is the heart and soul of Russia! The most famous landmark of Moscow and the whole country, must absolutely be on your Moscow bucket list!

The square is always full of people and has a special festive atmosphere! If you get lost, you can always ask locals for directions – “Krasnya ploshad”.

Here are the must see places inside the square:

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Admire Saint Basil’s Cathedral (the famous church with the colorful onion domes), and take a full circle around it as it is beautiful from all sides of the square. The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in the 16 th century and the legend says that the eyes of the architect were cut out after he built this cathedral.

Why? So that he could not build one more beautiful than this cathedral, duh!

Oh, the barbaric traditions back in time… He was called Ivan the Terrible for a reason, right?

You can enter the church, the price is 350 rub, but it is not that spectacular inside.

Check out the stunning building on the left of the church, it is GUM – the main department store of the country and the most beautiful one, too! Nowadays, they do an AMAZING job decorating the place and I am sure it will also look fantastic during your visit! Go inside to check it out!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

This place serves as the resting place of the leader of the communist movement, Vladimir Lenin. Preserving the body with different reagents is a high secret.

It’s really bizarre, if you ask me, to display a mummy of a person in the heart of the city but it has been there for almost a century. But hey, you can visit it!

Visiting the Mausoleum is free of charge but it’s only open on Tuesday through Thursday and Saturday from 10:00 to 13:00; more details on it here . Keep in mind that no photos and even no loud talking is allowed inside the Mausoleum. The entrance is from the Aleksandrovskiy Garden side.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square right after the exit. Changing of the guards is worth seeing, it happens every hour.

TIP: You can take a Free walking tour to get to know about all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

If you would like a private guide, here is an inexpensive option .

The Kremlin is the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. You can see it from the outside – the red walls that surround the Red Square – or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside.

Read more about the Kremlin and the museums inside it in the next paragraph.

Metro: “Okhotny Ryad”, “Teatral’naya”, “Ploshad’ Revolutsii”.

Keep in mind that you cannot go inside the Kremlin walls unless you are visiting a museum or you are part of a tourist group.

There are a couple of museums you can visit inside:

Armoury Chamber

Kremlin Armoury (Оружейная палата) houses the famous Faberge eggs collection. It also holds houses unique collections of weapons, jewelry and various household articles of the tsars.

ATTENTION: Entrance is only granted at designated times. You can buy tickets online in advance for a specific time or get one at the ticket office. The queues are very long so I suggest you buy tickets in advance online!

The museum is open daily except Thursdays. The available time slots are 10, 12, 14:30, or 16:30. The ticket is 1000 RUB, visitors under 16 years old go free of charge (but you will need to stand in the queue to get it. I know, it is silly). Get an audio guide too!

P.S. If you would like to take a private guided tour with all the tickets included in the price, here’s a great option .

Cathedral Square

You will see four cathedrals inside the Kremlin as well as ongoing exhibitions and the museums’ permanent expositions. The price is 700 RUB and the procedure is the same – you can buy it at the ticket office, but the line will be long, so I recommend taking care of it in advance online .

The Great Bell Tower of Ivan the Terrible

You will hear about the history and architecture of the bell tower and the Kremlin, see the authentic fragments of the white stone decor of the ancient Kremlin buildings, and admire the beautiful views of the Kremlin and the surrounding area.

Sessions to visit start at 10:15, 11:15, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00 and 17:00. The tour is 45 minutes long.

The price is 350 RUB and you can buy the tickets only in the ticket booth 45 minutes before the tour.

If you would like to visit the Kremlin and the surroundings with a guide and don’t want to figure out ticketing options, get this tour , where everything is already included in the price.

ATTENTION: Kids under 14 years old are not permitted to enter.

The cathedral is located just a few hundred meters away from the Kremlin. It is the largest Orthodox church in the world and the most important church in the country (hint – not the colorful one that is located in Red Square!).

Christ the Saviour is not as old as you might think. The original cathedral was demolished by Stalin’s order in 1931 and the new one was only rebuilt recently – in 2000. Even though it is not that old, it looks magnificent nevertheless.

Only Russians could destroy a magnificent church during communism and then build the tallest (Orthodox) church in the world in its place after the collapse of the regime.

The church is also known for the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

The entrance is free.

Metro: “Kropotkinskaya”.

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Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park. It is so new you will not find it in the tour guides of 6 months ago. The park is also located in proximity to Red Square in a large area of 78,000 m2.

The entire territory of the park is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, which is supposed to depict the variety of climate zones in Russia.

Enjoy breathtaking views to the Moscow Kremlin from the floating bridge, visit the Ice Cave, get in a 4D attraction called “Flight over Russia” and try some local food from the different regions of Russia!

Metro: “Kitay-Gorod”.

Bolshoi Theatre (translated as The Big Theatre in Russian) is an iconic building that hosts both ballet and opera performances.

The standards of Russian ballet are known as one of the highest in the world!

It is worth paying a visit to the theatre even if you are not a big fan of the performances –  you are guaranteed to be fascinated by the neo-classical building from the inside!

TIP: If you go to an opera performance, check if they have English subtitles in advance on the website .

It’s quite hard to get an inexpensive ticket. If you are reading this article 3-4 months before going to Moscow, try buying the tickets on the official web site.

If you buy tickets last minute, the minimum price most likely will be around 222 euros per person.

If this is out of your budget, but you still really want to go, you might risk it and try buying tickets at the entrance from a reseller.

MONEY SAVER TIP: Arrive about an hour before and you will see men walking around the entrance and asking people something. These are the resellers. Just approach them and ask them how much a ticket would cost for tonight’s performance. They should speak enough English to negotiate the price. I entered Bolshoi once like this and everything was fine.

Metro: “Teatral’naya”, “Okhotny Ryad”

I follow the Moskva down the Gorky park…

Sound familiar? Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo in Russian) is the biggest and the most famous park in Moscow.

The park has recently been renovated and it now has a fresh, vibrant appearance!

It is the locals’ favorite place to hang out on a warm summer evening and you should enjoy it too!  You can find entertainment for any taste there: live dancing sessions and free yoga lessons to bicycles, an outdoor movie theater, skateboards, ping-pong, beach volleyball and much, much more!

It could also be a good idea to rent a bike and ride it all the way to another Park – Neskuchnyi park (literally translated as “Not a boring park”). At the end of that park you will reach Sparrow Hill (“Vorobyevy Gory” in Russian), which has a great view of the entire city.

You can take a boat cruise from Gorky park! (more on the cruise and the hill below).

There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a younger vibe. It is perfectly landscaped for a comfortable stay. Muzeon has a unique collection of 700 sculptures, so do not miss it when you’re in the park! It is located right in front of Gorky Park. Both are amazing!

Metro: “Park Kultury”, “Oktyabrskaya”

Sparrow Hills are the hills on the right side of the Moskva River. It is elevated at 220 meters, giving a great panoramic view of the city, one of the highest points in Moscow.

Just a 15-minute walk from the lookout (you will see it right away nevertheless), is the tallest of seven Stalinist skyscrapers – the Moscow State University .

We are proud of the University, and the level of the education there. My brother has studied there.

Metro: “Vorobyevy gory” (it is still quite a walk from there, around 20 minutes. Type “smotrovaya ploshadka” in Google for directions). MSU metro is “Universitet.” You can visit the university first and then the lookout.

I have been all around the world, but Moscow metro is still the most beautiful and the most efficient I have ever seen!

Even if you are only planning to travel by taxi, you should go underground to see some of the stations. I am sure you will be fascinated! Plus, it is almost always much faster to get somewhere by metro than by car.

Most of the stations truly look like museums! Every station has its own unique decoration, a theme and a fascinating story behind it.

I recommend touring the stations somewhere between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way you will be able to properly see it without the crowds.

I recommend taking this tour with a knowledgeable guide who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country interconnected with the metro development.

If you go by yourself, these are the stations I definitely recommend checking out:  Mayakovskaya, Ploshad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, Komsomolskaya the ring side and Novoslobodskaya etc.

Afraid you will get lost in the enormous Moscow metro?

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! There is a whole section dedicated to transportation in Moscow below in this article.

UPDATE: And here’s my new post where you can read Everything You Should Know About Moscow Metro !

Tretyakovskaya Art Gallery has the world-famous collection of Russian painters’ works of art.

Originally, it belonged to the Tretyakov brothers, very rich 19th-century philanthropists. They gave away all of their private collection to the government after their deaths.

If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

The ticket is 500 RUB and here is the official website where you can buy tickets online. Closed on Mondays.

Here is my recommendation for a half-day private tour with an English guide.

Metro: “Tretyakovskaya”

VDNKh is short for All Russian Exhibition center (in Russian). It was created during the USSR time when there were many other countries (Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan etc) as part of Russia. The idea of the park was to showcase different cultures and their agrarian methods in one place.

VDNKh now serves as an open-air (free) museum. The park complex is home to a number of shopping pavilions, museums and places to ride a bicycle as well as the largest skate park in Europe and many nice restaurants etc.

Here are other cool places to see in the area:

Museum of Cosmonautics

Did you know that a Russian man named Yuri Gagarin was the first man to go into space? We Russians are very proud of it and we even celebrate a Cosmonautics Day on the 12 th of April.

It is no surprise we also have a big museum fully dedicated to cosmonautics and the Russian history of space exploration. You will see the history of the evolution of cosmonautics in the museum – the original space suit, first sputniks, full size rockets and so on.

If you are interested in this topic, I highly recommend taking a guide . My guide was Russian and I remember he was extremely interesting. I would not appreciate the museum the as much without his explanation!

You cannot miss the museum – there is a huge titanium pillar with a rocket on top of it located right in front of the museum’s entrance.

The price is 250 RUB, more details here .

Check out Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) if you are traveling with kids; it is located right inside the VDNkh complex. The variety of underwater life is impressive! You can see fur seals, guitarfish, crocodiles, crabs, hermit crabs, sea urchins, starfish, shrimp, sharks and hundreds of types of fish. I have heard many great things about it!

The adult price is 1000 RUB and 800 RUB for kids.

Metro: “VDNKh”

Take a river cruise and enjoy all the famous landmarks from another angle. There are no tourist crowds and with a nice summer breeze in your face, what could be better?

There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but I recommend taking a new awesome Radisson boat. These are a little more expensive, but you will feel comfortable. The Raddison Royal cruise is a very easy way to see the best of Moscow by sitting at a restaurant table with some good food and a glass of wine.

I took my cruise during sunset, and it was wonderful!

TIP: Don’t be late, the boat won’t wait!

The price is 1.300 RUB for adults and 950 RUB for kids for a 2.5-hours cruise. You can see the times and book your ticket here .

Metro: “Oktyabrskaya”, “Park Kultury” for Gorky Park Pier

One of the oldest streets in the city is Arbat Street, a pedestrian street about one kilometer long in the historical center of Moscow.

New Arbat Street is great for souvenirs, people watching and sightseeing. You can meet all kinds of people there – brightly dressed teenagers, street musicians, caricaturists, souvenirs sellers, tourists etc. It is very touristy, and makes me think of La Rambla in Barcelona (except that it is just for pedestrians), but I think it is still worth it to stroll around once.

Metro: “Arbatskaya”

Go to the Moscow International Business Center (also knowns as Moskva City) to see the city’s beautiful landscape. Moscow city’s complex of skyscrapers is beautiful by itself, but you can also go up one of the towers for a great overview of the city. For example, the 58 th floor of the Imperia Tower has a really nice view.

Metro: “Vystavochnaya”, “Mejdunarodnaya”

Kremlin actually means fortress and there are many kremlins in the city, but please do not confuse it with the main Kremlin at the Red Square.

Izmailovo is a cultural complex modeled after Old Russia where Russian history and a fairytale intertwined with today’s world.

In my humble opinion, Kremlin in Izmailovo is the second most beautiful building (after the Cathedral on Red Square) made in the Old Russian fairy-tale-like style. Just look at the picture, isn’t it pretty?

You can take a couple of creative workshops there, visit the Vodka Museum, take a horse carriage ride and many more fun things!

Izmailovo is also well known for its flea market called “Vernisaj.” The market is a great place to buy all your souvenirs, and it is much cheaper than the one on Arbat Street that I mentioned earlier!

You will find everything from matreshkas and magnets to ancient Russian artifacts or other more creative gift ideas for your loved ones. Remember – if there is no price tag, you can always try to bargain a bit!

The entrance to the park is free, but as usual, all activities like taking a workshop are subject to a fee. Here is the official website with all the information in English.

You can get a private tour (with hotel pick-up) of Izmailovo together with the Vodka museum for a very good price here .

Metro: 5 mins walk from “Partizanskaya” station

Patriarshie Ponds, or “Patriki”, as the locals like to call it, is a quiet district that traditionally was home for poets and artists.

Have you read “Master and Margarita” by Russian poet Bulgakov? The writer chose the ponds for the opening scene in the book.

Nowadays, Patriarshiy Ponds (Patriarshie Prydy in Russian) is a nice place to stroll around and have a delicious lunch or a coffee break.

It is heaven for foodies – you can find all kinds of places here – starting with hipsters’ cafes and finishing with Uruguayan steak houses.

Metro: “Pushkinskaya”

Kolomenskoe is a cultural complex of cultural monuments with Russian medieval architecture. If you want to see what Russia looked like about 200 years ago, you should absolutely stop by! The 390-hectare scenic area overlooks the banks of the Moskva River.

Things not to miss – Church of the Ascension and the wonderful fairy-tale-like wooden palace of Tsar Alexis I or just have a calm picnic on the grass. Also ask locals about Golosov Ovrag, which is a very mystical place; they say it can be a portal to another world!

Entrance to the park is free, but if you want to enter the palace it is 400 RUB per person.

Again, if you would like to take a private tour, here is the link .

Metro: “Kolomenskoye”

Ostankinskaya TV tower is the 8 th tallest building in the world and the highest building in Europe!

See the view from an open observation deck and take amazing pictures from 340 metres high while standing on a glass floor!

ATTENTION: You need to book your ticket in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times.

E-tickets can easily be purchased on the website in advance. I recommend doing so because the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day.

You can also visit a revolving restaurant inside the tower which turns on its axis twice every 40 minutes so diners get the full panoramic view of Moscow. You can dine there only with a prior purchased entrance ticket.

The TV tower is open every day from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The price varies depending on which deck you want to visit (open or closed), the time of the visit and your age. It will generally be between 600 RUB to 1500 RUB.

Keep in mind that due to safety regulations, people in wheelchairs and kids younger than 7 years old are not allowed to enter the building.

IMPORTANT: Do not forget your passport, you will need it to pass through the security control. No sharp objects are allowed, just like in airports.

Metro: it is not near a metro but you can walk for 25 minutes from VDNKh station, or catch a trolleybus 36 or 73 from VDNKh.

This is probably my favorite park in the entire city!

Tsaritsyno was a residence for Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. This probably explains why the park is so huge; its territory covers more than 400 hectares!

Enjoy some peace at the royal palace with its dramatic archways, musical fountains, greenhouses and, of course, the palace itself.

There is also a little open air bus that does a circuit of the park for a small fee.

The entrance to the park is free, but if you want to visit the palace, it is 350 RUB. An updated schedule of the museum working hours is here .

If you would like to get a glimpse of the main landmarks, together with a private tour of Tsaritsyno, I recommend this tour .

Metro: “Tsaritsyno” (you will need to walk a bit through a tunnel)

There is much more to see in Moscow than just the Kremlin!

In case you are staying in Moscow longer, or you are not that much into the classical stuff, I have some suggestions for you.

Moscow is huge and it has plenty of interesting places to visit. Here are just some of the off-the-beaten path attractions in Moscow:

Vodka Museum

What kind of visit to Russia would it be if you missed the Vodka Museum?

Explore the history of the most famous drink in the country with an English-speaking guide. The best part? You get to sample various brands of vodka in the museum’s restaurant!

The museum is located in Izmailovo Park (above in the list). You can visit the two places in one go. The ticket is 200 RUB and you can buy it online here .

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child by playing 60 arcade machines from the Soviet era!

I bet you have never even seen some of them! It is a great way to spend a couple of hours if you are tired of visiting museums and Russian palaces. The staff speaks excellent English, so they will be happy to explain how some of the games work.

At the entrance, you will be given a box of coins (Soviet kopeicas) to use to play the ganes. The entrance fee is 450 RUB. Official website.

Metro: “Kuznetskiy most”, “Lubyanka”

Stalinist Skyscraper tour

Stalinist Skyscrapers, also known as the Seven Sisters, are a bunch of skyscrapers in the center of Moscow built in the very unique Stalinist style. I recommend taking a guided tour to hear all the mystical stories about how and why each was built. Extremely interesting!

Not only can you get to know all the information from an English-speaking guide, but you can actually climb one of the buildings now! This tour is completely safe and the views are fantastic! (Please use Google translator to read the description, the actual tour is going to be in English).

Moscow Rooftop tour

Craving something unusual?

Take a 1-hour private roof top tour with an experienced roofer!

I bet none of your friends can brag they have a picture like that, can they?

I took one in Saint Petersburg and it was unforgettable!

All the locations are completely safe to climb, however, for your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. You can discuss your preferences for the time and views with the guide as he has a couple of locations to offer!

Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

(Do not worry that the description is in Russian, the guide is fluent in English; they just did not translate part of the text on the website).

The price is very reasonable so for an amazing tour like that, book the tour here .

Detskiy Mir rooftop viewpoint

There have been many lookout suggestions in this post already, so I decided to include this one as another option.

It doesn’t have the view of the whole city, only the city center, but it is cool nevertheless. Plus, it is free and you get to access it through the first (and the biggest) kids store in the country!

Central Department Store for Children (Detrskiy Mir) is a very cool store; your kids (and you!) will love the experience! Once you are done with the toys, search for Observatory signs. You will go out on a big balcony and enjoy the view!

Here is a list of the local dishes you need to try (I included the Russian name too in case you end up in a restaurant with no English menu):

• Blini (блины) – Russian pancakes, can be eaten both as a dessert with jam or with meat filling.
• Borsch (борщ) – red beetroot soup with sour cream.
• Pelmeni (пельмени) – Russian dumplings.
• Solyanka (Солянка) – a little bit of everything in the soup – pickles, lemons, olives, sausages. It is a bit sour, but very good!
• Russian salad (Салат Оливье) – very popular salad in Russia, typically consists of boiled potatoes, carrots, eggs, peas, ham and mayonnaise.
• Pirogi (пироги) – a pie with different fillings.
• Golubtsy (голубцы) – stuffed cabbage leaves, usually with meat.
• Plov (плов) – the dish is actually not originally Russian, it is Uzbekh, but we’ve cooked it for so long it became ours too.
• Ikra (икра) – caviar.

NOTE: Tipping is expected in Russian restaurants (in places where you have servers, not the fast food ones). We usually tip about 10% of the bill.

Cheap (but good) chain restaurands include:

• Му-Му (Moo-Moo)
• Грабли (Grabli)
• Вареничная (Varenichnaya)
• Столовая 57 (Stolovaya 57) – on the last floor of GUM, you can try all the real Russian food there
• Братья Караваевы (Bratya karavaevy)
• ОбедБуфет (ObedBufet)
• Ёлки-Палки (Yolki-Palki)

Some of the places I’ve included here are so called “stolovayas.” They generally have ready to eat food on display which you can put on your tray and then pay for it at the cash register.

Obviously, there are tons of places, and I could start a separate site just about restaurants in Moscow. Here, I’m giving suggestions for not pricey (about 500 RUB per meal) traditional food places. You are welcome to use TripAdvisor to choose something according to your preferences and budget.

UPDATE: I have recently been to a really fun restaurant run by a guy I know, it is called Kusochki and it is a lot of fun for people searching for an unusual restaurant! There are 3 different zones in the restaurant – Hospital, Prison and Flat where you are going to be served by a Doctor, Convict or a Housewife, respectively. The waiters are great actors and they are playing their roles wonderfully (a housewife for example can wear a face mask with cucumbers and share some with you). The decor of each area is well though out and you are going to be given overalls to feel like you actually are in prison or the hospital! The way they serve food is also pretty unique; I think it is best described in a Youtube video my friend Janet made about it. Cick here to see it

Known as a city that never sleeps, Moscow offers a great variety of high class night clubs.

• Denis Simachev
• Strelka Bar
• Crazy Daisy

Warning – beware that the face control system is much stricter than in most of the European cities. Be sure to dress with no sneakers if you go to one of the fancy night clubs.

TIP: If you are a young party animal, a good choice for you might be the Moscow pub crawls. Take an organized pub crawl by locals with travelers like you here .

As Moscow is a very popular destination among travelers, the accommodations sell out fast, that’s why I recommend booking yours as soon as possible!

Before you read this part, you should know that there is a whole post dedicated specifically to accommodations in Moscow, all sorted by area (in the city center, near railway stations and airports), all hand-picked with great reviews and sorted by price for your convenience. Here it is – Where to stay in Moscow .

You can stay in the city center if you want to visit the city, as it will be much more convenient for you.

Whatever you choose, my recommendation is to always be located near the metro – you will not regret it. The Metro works fantastic in Moscow!

Here are some hand-picked accommodations all located in the center, close to the metro and with fabulous reviews. Booking.com works best in Russia, so I recommend using it when you visit.

Luxury (US$170 and up) – Hotel De Paris – perfect choice for those who want to stay in the city center, be surrounded by elegant décor and be treated nicely by the staff. Tchaikovsky Hotel – named after the famous Russian composer, this hotel is located in the historical building in the city center. It is spotlessly clean and has really friendly staff.

Middle price (US$110 to US$170) – Hotel Maroseyka 2/15 – Very centrally located, the Red Square is just 700 m. away, it has simple, but very clean and light rooms and fabulous reviews! Ahouse Hotel provides an airport shuttle, and, of course, has really good reviews!

Budget (US$110 and less ) – Hostel Kremlin Lights – a pretty cool hostel in the city center, ~US$40 for a bunk bed, very clean and cozy. Check if it is still available! Dream Place Hostel – more or less the same price for a bed in a dorm room, it is a 10-minute walk to a metro station on the ring, rooms are bright and the staff are hospitable.

NOTE: By the regulations of Russia (very useless and outdated in my opinion), you will need to register yourself the first day you arrive in Russia. If you are staying in a hotel, they will take care of your registration. No worries about that, you will just pass your immigration form to your hotel and they will take care of the rest. If you are staying in an AirBnb, in most cases, it will be your responsibility to go and register. I can only imagine what a nightmare it will be when thousands of people flood to city hall to stand there in endless lines. If your AirBnb host will not deal with your registration, I highly recommend saving your time and nerves by staying in a hotel.

What happens if you fail to register? I do not know – you might be in trouble or you might be just fine, you never know. You need to know that this is a rule and you might be required to show your registration paper when you leave the country.

Here is the practical information you all have been waiting for – how to get around, visa, sim card etc. Read below for more info:

Visa for Russia

Usually, the procedure to get a Russian visa is quite long and costly – you need an official invitation from your hotel, insurance etc. Before applying for your visa, you should check your country requirements.

You must have travel insurance before entering Russia. You can buy one online here .

If you need to apply for a visa and you haven’t yet there are two choices:

• You can do it by yourself, but there is going to be a lot of paperwork involved, including providing an official invitation from your hotel. The invitation is just a formality, but it can be quite time consuming to find a hotel who would make you that invitation or find a company who will provide a fake one for you (as I said it is just a useless formality).
• You can ask a specialized company to process your visa application for an extra fee (they usually charge about $100 on top of the visa consulate fee). The cool thing about them is that you do not need to go anywhere, just give them your passport and they will do the rest for you. Search for a reputable agency in your country.  Here are the companies I can recommend –   https://www.visahq.com/ (for those in the US). If you are from Canada, Europe, Brazil, Singapore and a couple more countries, check this link – visacentral.co.uk or Realrussia.co.uk

Trains in Russia

Oh, I know a lot about transportation in Russia, trains and Trans Siberian in particular. Writing a detailed post that would help you guys plan your journey has been on my to-do list for forever.

Before I publish it, how about you ask me questions in the comments section below this post? I promise to reply!

For now, I can say that this is the official site for Russian trains, but the interface is quite poor and sometimes it doesn’t accept foreign cards.

If you have troubles, there is a great friendly website that accepts foreign cards, PayPal, sends you SMS with train updates and is user-friendly but the price is 5% higher on average. I think it is worth it because you won’t need to spend hours trying to understand how the official one works. And one more cool thing – if you need to cancel or change the ticket, you can do it online!

If you want to go for a short trip, you can also try buses. Here is a good site for buying bus tickets online .

Update:  Here is the article about The Ultimate Guide To Russian Trains , you will find everything you need to know there!

How to get from the airport to Moscow

Moscow has three International airports and you get from/to each of them by taxi, fast train or public transport.

If you do not want to figure out how the transportation works upon your arrival, or drag your luggage in the metro, you can always take a taxi.

You can take an UBER, Gett or Yandex Taxi by ordering it in the app. The approximate price is 800 -2000 Rub (it really depends where you are going and which airport you’re at). Using the apps is awesome, but consider that you may have trouble meeting the driver as he probably won’t speak English.

Do not use the service of the guys who are standing in front of the arrival hall (just say “Net, spasibo” and walk away). They do not have the best reputation, chances are they will try to trick you because you are a foreigner.

If you prefer a pre-booked taxi with a person greeting you in the airport with a sign, it is just 50 Eur per car from any of the three airports. Book your private transfer here .

Fast trains (Aeroexpress)

Aeroexpress is the most convenient option. I always use this one when I go to Moscow. I recommend taking a fast speed train that will get you to the city center in 35 to 45 minutes depending on the airport. The price is 420 RUB.

The valid period of the ticket is three days from the date it was issued. So, don’t worry if your flight was late, you have plenty of time!

This is the official website to check the prices and to buy your tickets. You can also install the Aeroexpress app on your phone and buy tickets directly from there. You then will be able to just scan your QR code from the phone, yay to paperless tickets! You can also buy it at the ticket counter or ticket machines if you wish to.

The only downside? You will still need to either take a metro or taxi when you exit the Aeroexpress. For taxi, use an app I mentioned earlier, or make sure to agree about the price before you get in.

Public transport

Each of the Airports has a bus that goes from the airport to the nearest metro station.  It is a very cheap way to travel (the price of a public bus fare – max 100 rub), but I do NOT recommend taking it unless you are on a tight budget. Why? It can take you a couple of hours to get to the closest metro and chances are you will need to stand on the bus with all your luggage.

This is especially important ON the way to the airport because you simply might miss your flight by waiting in traffic!

Transportation in Moscow

As I said above, the metro in Moscow is fascinating – it works perfectly and it looks fantastic! Look for a big red “M” sign for a metro entrance.

All the signs are translated into English (though in smaller fonts). All lines are color-coded.  Here are some tips so you won’t get lost in the Moscow metro system:

Get Yandex.Metro app ! This is by far the best app for a metro I have seen (also in English). It calculates the fastest route in the metro and even tells you where exactly to board the train to get to your connection train faster.

Metro prices:

There is no difference in price – if you ride 1 stop or 30 stops, it will be the same price.

A single ticket is 55 RUB , but no one ever pays that! Let me teach you how to lower the cost almost twice:

Get a Troika card and top it up at any ticket stand inside the metro. The card is free, you just need to pay a 50 RUB deposit for issuing the card. You can get your money back when you leave or take the card home with you as a memory.

With a Troika card, the price of your metro ride is just 32 RUB , and you can use it for buses as well.

The best part? You won’t need to stay in long lines to get single tickets each time! 😉

Taxis are also relatively inexpensive. 1 km is approximately 8 RUB (13 cents) in Uber.

We always use apps, we no longer call for a taxi anymore in Russia.

Use Uber, Yandex Taxi or Gett Taxi for your rides.

I recommend installing all of them and checking the price in each one, sometimes the difference is quite significant.

UPDATE: Uber was recently bought by Yandex Taxi recently and now your Uber app will automatically redirect you to Yandex app which you will need to download. No worries, it is a good app, in some ways even more user intuitive than Uber and the prices are the same.

The only things I’d recommend – do not get the economy option – the standards of hiring taxi drivers decreased with merging the 2 companies, and sometimes you can get a pretty rough or unpolite driver in economy now. From this year on, I go for Standard.

Sim card with Internet connection in Moscow

Many public places will have free Wi-Fi in Moscow. However, a recent law requires you to first receive a code by SMS to your phone number. (Big brother is watching you!) In some cases, it only works with Russian Sim cards.

I always get a Sim card in a foreign country, it is much easier to have mobile internet, be able to check information on the go, use Yandex Taxi etc.

This is how to get a Russian Sim card:

If you arrive during working hours in the airport, you can get a Sim card with internet right there.

UPDATE:  I have recently been to Moscow and I have recorded a short video for you from the airport that shows which stores you can buy a sim card at as well as the prices, too. You can find the tips for Moscow on my Instagram in the Highlights section. Do not forget to follow me too! 😉

Any mobile operator tariffs are pretty cheap. The average price that I looked up right now is 5GB for 400 RUB a month.

The companies are – Beeline (the one that I use), Megafon , Tele2 , MTS (written МТС). To buy a Simcard, just search for these names plus Связной and Евросеть, the last two are resellers and they usually have a couple of options between different operators.

You could research all these sites in advance (Google translate them) to understand which one currently has the best promotions, but you can also just stop by any of those offices with your passport and get a Sim card – the price difference is really not that significant!

NOTE: if you are going to travel to other Russian cities, make sure your internet works in all regions, not only in the Moscow region.

Buying alcohol

Recently, the rules for buying alcohol in supermarkets became very strict and there is no way you can buy alcohol anywhere after 11 p.m.

Having said that, there is of course no problem drinking anything in bars, clubs or restaurants all night long.

Prices in Moscow

You are in luck, traveler! It has never been so cheap to visit Russia!

Our currency, the Ruble, dropped twice in the last year due to the economic situation with oil and some political issues.

What does it mean for you? It is twice as cheap now to travel in Russia!

Here are the list of approximate prices in Moscow (other cities will be significantly cheaper):

Russian alphabet

Though all the metro and street signs are now in English, it is advisable to invest 30 minutes of your time to learn the Russian alphabet. It is not as hard as it seems, I promise! Plus, how cool would it be to impress your friends with some Russian reading skills?

Here is a video that can help you get started:

Also, the Duoligo App is a great help!

How safe is Moscow?

While racism might be an issue in some of the cities in Russia, it is definitely not in Moscow. Long gone are the days when seeing a black person on the street was unusual.

If you are a member of the LGBT community, it is advisable to be careful with public displays of affection.

Use common sense, do not leave your valuables unattended, watch your bag in crowded public transport and you will be fine. This might sound surprising to you, but Moscow is a pretty safe place to be.

Other cities to visit:

If you visit only one more city… make it Saint Petersburg!

It is incredibly beautiful and it is one of my favorite cities in the whole world! You may be lucky enough to be just in time for the “white nights”! I have a detailed post on Top things to do in St. Pete, Russia here .

This has been the longest post on my blog so far, but I guess it is just natural that I want to share so much information with you about the city where I have lived for so long, where my family lives and that I love so much.

Usually the image of Russia is one of a 3rd world country, but I hope you will see that Moscow is one of the most developed and urbanized cities in the world. It is vibrant, cool and changing all the time! I am truly proud of our capital and I am always happy to come back!

If you want to see some of the things mentioned above, I recommend staying for more than 3 days in the city.

Hope it was helpful!

Have fun in Moscow and do not hesitate to comment below if you have any more questions!

UPDATE: I know this is a huuuge post (the longest on my site in fact) and by popular demand, I have created a printable PDF version of this post (I added the Russian alphabet and the metro map to it). You can print it or download it on your phone so it’s available offline when you are in Russia.  You can support my work by purchasing the guide here if you wish to, the price is only $2.99 USD. All the information will remain free forever on the site 🙂

• Where To Stay In Moscow, Russia – Best Hotels
• Top 11 Things To Do In Saint Petersburg, Russia (Updated)
• Where To Stay In Saint Petersburg, Russia – Best Hotels
• The Ultima Guide To Russian Trains
• 6 Amazing Neighborhoods Where to Stay in Bucharest

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About The Author

Yulia is traveling the world for over 14 years now and she LOVES to share her tips from around the world with the others! Her blog MissTourist.com is created with the purpose to inspire people to travel more and to share her advice of how to travel "smart".

by Yulia Saf

111 comments

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111 Comments

I am a new arrival here and expecting a long stay in Russia. So I am hoping to explore the best of your country as much as possible. I know this blog is going to help me a lot for that. So in advance may I say Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Awesome, enjoy Moscow, I am sure you will love it! I have some insta stories in my hightlights (@misstourist), check it out too, maybe it will be helpful! 🙂

Informative post. What all places can one cover in 10 days visit. Can Lake Baikal be covered as well? KIndly let me know.

Hi! You could do Moscow and St pete with no rush, or you could also try to squeeze in Baikal, it is doable, and you will obviously need to fly 🙂

Thank you for such a great list! This is incredibly helpful, and I’m using it to help plan my trip to Moscow in a few weeks. One question, I am a vegetarian and wondering if you had any suggestions when visiting Moscow? Thanks again for all your time putting this together!

Thank you, I’m really happy that you’ll get to visit Moscow!

There are plenty of vegetarian dishes in Russia, since it’s common for people to fast. There are lots of pastry and baked products, meatless soups (or “borsch”, as the Russian sour soup is called), and many dishes with vegetables.

You can take a lookt at Tripadvisor and check their selection of vegeterian restaurants, you’ll find some great options there!

A Very detailed and comprehensive report. wanted to check if Diamond fund is something worth visiting.

Yep, I can tell you it is! Russian tsars knew a thing or two about luxury 😉

Great post – we are looking to come to Moscow & St. Petersburg next year for a week and was wondering how many days in each. Some of the key things we want to do are below.

Main sights in both cities (Kremlin, Lenins Tomb, Red Square, St Basils, Winter Palace etc) Bolshoi Ballet show Vodka museum/restaurants Red Arrow train (either way – 1st VIP)

We were thinking of tying our visit with the 9th May Victory Day celebrations but were wondering if most of the sights will be closed at this time?

Would you suggest avoiding the Victory Day period or not?

We are totally flexible as to what time of year to come.

Hello Gareth,

Thank you! If you have a week, I would recommend spending 4 days in Moscow and 3 in St. Petersburg, that way you’ll have enough time to visit the main attractions!

Some of the attractions are indeed closed on the 9th of May and some even a few days before. But if you also wish to see the Victory Day celebrations maybe you can make 9th your first or second day in your itinerary so that you still have time afterwards to visit. Most importantly, make sure you check the schedule of every attraction you wish to visit beforehand and that you book tickets in advance!

Have a wonderful holiday, Yulia

Hi from the UK – what a fantastic blog!! I’m currently planning mine and my husband’s trip to Moscow and St Petersburg for next year – the information you give is brilliant and so detailed making life much easier! A big thank you and we can’t wait to visit!

Great blog you have got here.. It’s hard to find high quality writing like yours nowadays. I really appreciate people like you! Take care!!|

Very awesome post, there are so many things to do in Moscow, so it’s really helpful to find out the best options!

Nice post, If anyone like to visit these places so this is very helpful for them, and i plan to visit so this is very helpful for me. Thanks for sharing.

Dear Yulia, I am very happy that I have found your, very usefull, information about Moscow. I am going to visit Moscow this September for Moscow marathon. I will be 3 days and I want to visit at least 10 things from your list. Good advice about SIM cards, taxi, cheap eating, on line tickets, trojka card. Tnx. I want to spent my time very efficient so I need a little help with organiseing myself. What are your suggestion for 1 (old town, centre, Kremlin, Armoury), 2 , 3 day? What is better to spend morning or afternoon in museum or galletries? Best regards from Croatia

Hi Mirela! I might write an itinerary post about it at some point, so far I d say – yes Day 1 kremlin and everything around the Red Square, a museum if you feel like it Day 2 – for parks, maybe a walking tour Day 3 – Moscow city, Sparrow Hills, TV tower maybe It is a bit hard to suggest a plan for someone you dont know anything about, but this would be a very rough classic suggestion i think 🙂

Have fun in Moscow!

Wow… One of the most amazing & helpful blogs I have come across

Ciao Yulia,

Thank you for your blog post I found it really useful and provided very good detail.

Thank you, I’m so glad I could help! 🙂

Just a heads up for the Radisson Cruise, it is now 1200₽ adult and 900₽ children

Hi, Sam! Thank you for your comment, I have updated the info in the article! 🙂

hiii yulia..

wanted to request if you would know of any good tour guide in moscow for 2 days. my Wife and me would be visiting moscow from 5th to 9th july. so needed the guide for the 6th and 7th July.

thanx and cheers

Hello! First of all, congrats on going to Moscow, it is an amazing city! Sure, I can recommend some great tours of Moscow that you can take. First of all, I can recommend this 2-day private tour of Moscow , which sounds exactly like what you need! You can create your personalized itinerary and your guide will pick you up from the hotel and will take you to see the best sights in Moscow!

In case you want something else, the tours I will recommend below are fit for one day or a couple of hours, but you can book 2 or 3 of them in case you want to see more and do one or two tours per day, depending on what you would like to see in the city!

– Private 4-Hour Walking Tour in the Red Square – This 8-hour tour that will take you to the highlights of the city – A very nice night tour of the city – Or this tour which will take you to the underground to see Moscow’s Metro

I definitely recommend taking the 2-days tour or combining your favorite shorter ones in those 2 days for the best experience! Have a great vacation in Moscow, I’m sure you will love this city! 🙂

Fantastic insights. Truly appreciate your hard work educating us with Moscow.. Cheers

Happy to help! It s the capital of my home country after all, so I tried my best! Check the one about St Petersburg too if you are going there as well!

Very useful post! love it and thanks for your help! 🙂

Welcome, enjoy Moscow! 🙂

Hello Yulia,

First of all, congratulations for the fantastic blog on Russia. Just wanted to let you know that me and my wife had gone through your blog for Singapore and followed it completely and everything was perfect (including the show timings and direction) and it was a memorable trip. Now,we are planning to visit Moscow and St. Petersburg this summer and I am sure that this blog will be of great help. We are planning for six days each in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Do you think that it will be sufficient to tick off all the must-see places mentioned by you for Moscow and St. Petersburg?

Looking forward to your reply.

Regards, Preetam

Hi Preetam, I am happy it is useful! Yes, I think 6 days is more than enough to see all must-does places with no rush Have an amazing time there!

Thank you so much 🙂 Looking forward to it!

Thank you! still want to go very much!

Hello Yulia! Your blog is simply amazing. I wanted to ask you a couple of questions. 1. Do you think that Moscow is a good place to travel by yourself? 2. If so, is the metro the best way to get to the places you mentioned in the post? 3. Do you know any local tours for small groups and individuals? Thank you so much. ❤❤❤

hello Andre, happy you found it useful! here are the answers to you questions: 1. yes 2. yes 3. I recommend this tour and there are more small group tours (and private ones too) on the website

Great ! very minute details. I got an idea of Moscow life

Hello Yulia! What an excellent guide and so much detail!! I can’t wait to visit Moscow and see all these wonderful places! Actually, I want to visit Moscow in May. I would like to keep in touch with you, to organise my trip. Do you mind?

Sorry, i don’t offer private trip consultation, that is the reason I have written so much about it here in fact. Hope you have an amazing trip!

I loved it! I will be in Moscow in next January. I’m so excited! This city is stunning!

thanks for tips!

kisses from Brazil

Oh, it will be so beautiful in the first half of January when all the Christmas decorations are still on, hope you ll catch it! 🙂

This is the best blog I’ve seen for Moscow and St. Petersburg even in your other post. Literally, the best! I have 10 nights is Russia and was thinking of spending 4 nights in Moscow and 6 nights in St. Petersburg. 1. Apart from your recommendations of what to do in the two respective cities, are there any day trips off the city to see a different side/off-beaten side all together, that you could suggest? Any recommended tours or routes? I am an English speaking native. 2. What train to take from Moscow to St. Petersberg and back?

Thanks and eagerly looking forward to your reply! Trisha

Hi Trisha! I am happy you like my posts, I am Russian after all, so I know some insider’s info! 😉 1. From Moscow, I recommend visiting Yaroslavl, Sergiev Posad, Vladimir, Suzdal. If you don’t want to organize the transportation yoursefl, there are many modestly priced tours here As for St Petersburg, please check my post one more time – https://misstourist.com/top-11-things-to-do-saint-petersburg-russia/ , there is a section called Day trips outside St. Pete 2. You can buy your ticket here , the train is called Sapsan, and it will take you from Moscow to St Pete in little less than 4 hours!

Hope this helps, have an amazing time in Russia! P.S. You might consider Kazan as well, you have enough days and it is a very pretty city that is 12 hours away by train (can be done as a night trip). The trains are new and comfortable

Thank you so much for such a prompt response. Super super helpful!

Will check out the day trips from St. Petersburg on your site. A few more questions:

1. Since you recommended to visit Kazan, is it possible to head to there from St Petersburg and then I have to fly back from Moscow. So planning my journey accordingly. Or how best would you suggest to fit that in? Wouldn’t mind it to be an overnight train.

2. Thank you for recommending the Sapsan train. How about the 2nd class sleeper train during the day time which is 9 hour Long from Moscow to St. Petersburg? Since it’s cheaper and the view could be seen better as well? Wouldn’t mind wasting one whole day then but is that a comfortable/recommended journey as well since it’s not the Sapsan train?

Looking forward to your reply!

Thanks! Trisha

Cool stuff you have and you keep overhaul every one of us

many thanks Yulia.

Very useful article! Thank you for taking time and compiling all the information for us 🙂

Many thanks for the detailed information.

I will be at Moscow from 11 – 17 July and fly to Kazakhstan on 17 July via SVO airport. I will fly back to Moscow on 19 July via SVO around 0800 hours and go to DME airport to catch my flight around 1800 hours.. Do I need to register myself again? thanks much and hope to meet you in Moscow.

I think once you exist the country, you need to reregister again. When you are in Russia for the first time, I would double check that on the front desk just in case, but this is what I would say.

Ive read many blog posts for Moscow and Russia in general, and i’m travelling on 23rd (day after). But after reading your blog, I feel much more aware of what I’d be doing in Mosocw! Thanks, and keep blogging and travelling!

have an amazing trip!

Fuuuu…. this is the ONLY blog i can finished. I never felt long or bored. Feeling euphoric this make me continue read. Yulia u are amazing and wonderful!!! Thank You so soo soooo much.

Hey Derrick, you are welcome, I am happy i managed to not make it boring! 🙂

Hi Yulia, we are visiting Moscow and St. Peters between 15-22nd June during World Cup….We have planned our entire trip based on your recommendations……only 1 thing we still could not manage is ticket to Armoury Chambers as all the online bookings are unavailable…..can you help us here??

hello! Happy you used my blog so much! About the Armoury Champers – try this link . I just checked and everything seem to work there 🙂

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Your guide is awesome! Can’t wait to be at Moscow!

Best regards from Argentina

Hello from greece. Thank you for the usufull imformation about moscow. I will be there from 8/8 till 14/8. I want to see ballet and hear a concert but as i see bolsoi theatre is closed this month. Please can you tell me some places where are open at august; And something else in my plans is to visit sergeve posand is it easy to go there by train;

Hey Vicky! Funnily enough, I have just come back from Greece:) You are right, Bolshoi seems to be closed in August, what a pity! There is Maly theatre, but the dont seem to have many things happaening in August as well, check it out here . Here is also a list of the most popular theaters in Moscow (please google translate it, it also links to the website of each theater), so you can choose something depending on your preferences. As for Sergiev POsad, you can get there by train, sure! You could also take a day tour with a guide in English if you wish to, here is more info .

this is AWESOME!! Thank you so much for putting this complete guide together!! Really, thank you!!

We hope to enjoy our visit to Russia next week.

Cheers! Rafael

Have a great time!

Hi, Yulia! Your blog is great! Congratulations!!! I have one doubt, about the registration: I’ve read that if the tourist is going to stay for less than 7 days in a russian city it’s not necessary to register. Is it?

I’m going to stay for 4 days in Moscow and another 4 in St. Peter.

Thanks in advance!

Not sure where you heard it, but this is not true – you need to register and you need to do it in 24 hours after your arrival unless it is a weekend. As i mentioned above, the easiest way to do it is through a hotel

WOW!!! I’ve spent the last three months researching travel blogs with tips for my Russia trip, and yours is the best by far!!! Thanks for this detailed post! I’m from Brazil and will arrive in July. I know Moscow will be crowded, but I chose not to miss this opportunity.

You are welcome, enjoy Russia!

OMG how useful, thanks for everything I will be in Moscow at the end of the month 😛

Enjoy your time there! 🙂

Dear Yulia,

Your 18 things to do in Moscow is simply amazing! It’s the best piece of travel writing I’ve ever seen.

1. I am arriving with a friend in Moscow to start my trip. But will be taking an overnight train on the same day to Kazan. And only returning to Moscow 4 days later. Where should I register myself? I have an accommodation hostel booked in Kazan.

2. We wanted to visit Red Square (St Basil’s Cathedral; GUM; Lenin’s Mausoleum) and Kremlin – Should we just book the tickets online? Does Moscow 1 Day Pass include entry to all tours?

3. Bolshoi Theatre – do they accept shirt and jeans for outfit?

4. We wanted to do a dinner cruise on 20th or 22nd evening? Any recommended dinner cruise in Moscow? Radisson Blu cruise seems full.

5. For Bunker-42, should we book our tickets online? Which tour option is most recommended? http://bunker42.com/eng/ – Should we call to book the tickets?

6. Any recommendations on Markets? Are izmailovsky market and arbat street similar? which one is better?

7. Is Uber the best mode of transport? Any other alternatives? 🙂

Cheers, Sanket

Hi Sanket, thank you so much for your words, I am so happy to receive such positive responses from my readers!

Now, to answer your questions: 1) You have to register in the first 24 hours after arrival, so in your case that would be in Kazan

2) all the things mentioned above are free of charge and can’t be booked in advanced (you can just walk around in the square, GUM is a department store and Mausoleum might have a very long line during the period of the World Cup, but this one can’t be avoided, there are no skip-the line tours, at least that I know of, there are pretty strict over there.)

3) While they would appreciate you being dressed elegantly, you can also come in flip flops aand shorts if you have a ticket. But a shirt and jeans would be fine, no worries! Are you going to buy your ticket at the door or did you book it in advance?

4) Here are other cruises recommendations all different by price and duration, choose the best one for you – here , here , here or here

5) You usually definitely do not need to book in advance, but it might be busy during the world cup time, who knows. You can try calling them from your hotel in Kazan and booking it over the phone just in case? Ask your front desk, I am sure they will be happy to help!

6) Arbat is more commercial and it is open till late, so you could actually visit both if you want to. In my opinion Izmailovo is nice also because it has this ginger-bread type house, but my taste might be different from yours 🙂

7) Uber is the best in my opinion, that is what I always use. You can also download Yandex Taxi and Gett and use those ones when all foreigners will use Uber and get high surcharges 😉

Hope that helps, have an amazing time in Russia! 🙂

WOW YULIA! your post was excellent!!! So glad i was able to read it before my travel! going for the world cup! suer excited!!!

Hi Sheyla, I am so happy you guys find it useful and all my work was done for something! 🙂 Update, I have just made the post available in PDF (I added alphabet and the metro map as well), you can support my work by purchasing the PDF for 2,99 USD here if you wish to 😉

This post was brilliant. Other sites were simply either lacking or overwhelming. Yours had the perfect amount of information in a very useful format!

It will be saved on my phone as my go-to “travel guide” when I head there next month.

Thank you so much!

Hi Zaki, thanks for your comment! You know, you actually gave me an idea! I have just created the PDF printable version of this post (added the alphabet and the metro map and deleted some unnecessary info), so you can print it or download it to your phone available off line. You can purchase it for 2,99 USD here and support my work if you wish to do so! Have a great time in Russia!

Thanks for such an insightful post! This will be really helpful when we head over next month 🙂

Have a great trip! 🙂

Wow..!! Thanks a lot… I always admire people like you.. As you know information is wealth … Kudos for all the time you have spent in writing this blog and helping so many people out here..

I have to mention that the kind of comfort this post gives to a first time anxious traveler cant be explained in words..!!

Thanks for your nice words Yunus! <3 Enjoy Russia!

Do you have any idea what would be an issue with the website ticket.transport2018.com. From the past 2weeks iam unable to book my free train from Moscow to St. Petersburg n back.

Much appreciate if you can assist.

Thank you so much Yulia for such a detailed and informative blog. It is very well written and it is extremely helpful for all of us visiting Moscow.

I shall be there in Russia next month for the world cup and I will be referring to it plenty of the times, during next one and half month. I thought the public transport such as metro rides would be free for the fan ID holders, do you know anything about that? Also, would you have any tips about Nizhny Novgorod?

Cheers Yulia, have a wonderful weekend.

I am from Colombia and I will be in Moscow during the 2018 World Cup.Thanks a lot for your wonderful suggestions and recommendations.Your site is the best ,and the most generous in information, for tourists visiting Moscow during the 2018 World Cup.Thanks again.

You are most welcome! 🙂

Wow, with these post I was forced to write a comment about it. Thank you for such a wonderful, easy and detailed. After reading it I have the confidence now that (I KNOW) Everything, travelling for the first time. Have a wonderful day.

Aww, thanks a lot for your comment! I am glad as I tried my best to make it super useful! Enjoy your time in Russia!

Wow honestly this is the best, most detailed blogpost I’ve ever read. There were many questions I had but after reading this in entirety, I can’t think of a single question left unanswered. Thank you for this blogpost, you’re an absolute lifesaver, Yulia!

❤️ You are welcome, so happy it was useful for so many people!

THIS IS A GOLDMINE!!! THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU

Aww, thanks! these kind of comments make my days! Enjoy Russia!

MY GOODNESS! I’ve never read such a thorough blog! Thank you so much for including so much detail! Really do appreciate it! 😀

I am happy you like it Jessika, enjoy your time in Moscow! 🙂

Great blog Yulia! Quite helpfull.

Just decided to visit Moscow between June 27 and 29th. Your tips of places to go are simply great!

I’ll do everything by myself, and using my good skills in english. As noticed from your comments, i guess no big deal right:

Finally, as Portuguese, do i need to apply for a visa in advance, or i simply need my valid passport at the airport:

Yes, of course, as most of the EU country citizen you will need to obtain a visa in advance in order to enter Russia. In case you have an official ticket for one of the games, I suggest you apply for the Fan ID, in this case you can enter without the visa. Do not forget that you will need to register yourself in a local immigration office in any way, does not matter if you entered with the visa or without. I have more information about it in the article above.

Have a great time in Moscow!

Hi Yulia. My name is Felipe, I live in Brazil and I follow you on Instagram. I found you after you wrote that post about the 18 best things to do in Moscow during World Cup.

I’ll travel to Russia with my parents for the World Cup. Our schedule is: 3 days – Moscow 2 days – Saint Petersburg 2 days – Sochi 2 days – Volgograd 1 more day – Moscow

I would like to ask you for a few tips regarding the following subjects:

i) Guide: while me and my father will be most of the time watching the matches, my mother will be mostly visiting touristic places alone. She speaks and average english. Do you think she needs a personal guide. She is a very energic 64 years old lady. If you think she needs one, would you have someone to recomend? How much does it cost per day?

ii) Money: what is the best option? Taking Euros and exchange them in Moscow or taking US Dolares and exchange them in Moscow? Where do you suggest as best place for exchanging money in Moscow? My flight has a stopover in Amsterdam. Is it possible/a good idea buy Rublos in Amsterdam?

iii) I’ll spend three days in Volgograd. I would like to take a tour through the site where the battles of WWII happened. Do you know any travel agency to recomend?

iv) I need to buy a train ticket from Moscow to Saint Petersburg. What is the official/most reliable website?

Well, that’s it. Sorry if it’s too much. lol. I look forward to hear all your tips. If you’re in any of the cities I’ll be during the World Cup you’re me and my family guest for a lunch or a dinner.

Best Regards, Felipe

Hello, Felipe and thank you for reaching out to me for suggestions. First of all, I’m really glad you’ll get to spend the World Cup with your parents. I hope you’ll have a lot of fun while in Russia!

Now, regarding your concerns, let’s take them one by one: 1. Even though she could visit some of the main attractions by herself, I tend to recommend taking private or group tours because this way you’ll be sure she won’t miss on any important/interesting information. The best way for her would be to get some private tours that will help her make the best of those days, especially because she will be by herself. For example, for Moscow I can recommend this one: Prime Tour of Moscow . It’s awesome because you can add the attractions you want to visit to the itinerary and they will make a custom tour for your mother. Even though this will only take between 4 to 9 hours, she can always go back the next days in those places if she wants to walk/visit some more. You can even choose the language for this tour (besides English, they also have Spanish, French, German, Italian and Russian). Another option could be Moscow: 1-Day Panoramic Tour (this one will take her with a private car). But, overall, I think these tours are some good ways to tick the highlights of Moscow. There are just two examples, you can find more private tours on GetYourGuide.co.uk and you can choose whatever you think it’s best for her. For Saint Petersburg you can look into Saint-Petersburg: Private Tour with a Local which is also available in multiple languages and the benefit is that a local will arrange this tour for your mother. I don’t know if you can find a guide that will assist you during all those days and create different activities and visits, but you can search on the same website as above. I hope your mother will have a blast in Russia and will get to see a lot of beautiful landmarks!

2. You can change your money either from euros or dollars (it doesn’t matter) in Moscow. I don’t recommend you change them in the airport, though. The best rates are at the ATMs.

3. For Volgograd you can take the Volgograd City Tour which will show you all the history you need to know about the WWII and the Battle of Stalingrad in only 3 hours. Another cool option is to visit Rossoshka Memorial in Volgograd – you will basically see a famous cemetery where lots of soldiers were buried after the Battle of Stalingrad.

4. For this one I recommend you read my article – The Ultimate Guide To Russian Trains . You’ll find there all the information you need, including what is the best way to buy tickets and what are the best websites you can access.

I think that’s it! Hope my tips will help you have the best time in Russia together with your parents. Unfortunately, I won’t be in the country during World Cup – I would’ve loved to have lunch or dinner with your family! Maybe you’ll come visit again and we’ll cross paths some other time.

Have fun, Yulia

Great post!

I am planning to visit Moscow in July/august and would like to explore as much as possible so very useful tips! 🙂 I’ve seen in a comment above you have recommended 4 days fo Moscow, I’m planning my trip and I would like to spend around 8-10 days in Russia (flight to and from Moscow). Could you recommend any day trips from Moscow? Or any cities (relatively) close to Moscow, I could visit for a couple of days and then esaily get back to Moscow? Thanks!!!

Hi Petra, Suzdal and Vladimir are very beautiful and historically important, I have been there and I like it a lot! Sergiev Pasad is nice as well. And the best part? You will get to see real Russia without the crowds of football fans! 😉 P.S. If you are going to St Pete (which I highly recommend), there is an article on Top 11 Things to do in Saint Petersburg

Thank you for this wonderful, helpful guide! I would love to see a post advising us gals on what to wear and pack 😉

You are welcome Karen! Umm, i didnt write a packing list post because I am not sure how it is different from Paris or any other big city. The only cultural thing would be I guess no flip-flops in restaurants and clubs – if you want to go to fancy places you need to dress up a bit more than in other countries, we have strict face control system at the entrance. Is there anything is particular you would like me to cover?

This truly is a wonderful post. Ever since I have been allotted the WC 2018 tickets I am excited but am not sure on what to expect. Explains everything perfectly and will surely be a major part of my itinerary. Thank you very much for taking the effort.

Also, I was recently searching online about airport pickups and came across a taxi company named welcome taxi. It offers cabs with English speaking drivers. Would be great if you could provide some information on this company?

Hi! Never heard about this company, sorry! I usually use Uber – you do not even need to communicate with the driver as the address is already set

Thank you so much for such a long, honest and advisable post! I am looking forward to visit moscow on behalf of all your recommendations 🙂

Thanks what a great review.

Wow, what a great list! Me, my husband and few friends are going to the Moscow World Cup and this list comes just at the right time – thank you! While our husbands will be experiencing the great sports, we, ladies, will be enjoying the city! For few days we have decided to take a local to also hear some insights about the culture and country from person living there daily. Have you heard about this service? https://www.showaround.com/locals/russia/moscow I have also found similar ones like https://www.likealocalguide.com/ and https://www.withlocals.com/ , but my traveler friends had very good experience with the Showaround one. So we will give it a go. Hopefully successfully. See you in the Moscow streets!

Hello Ilze, sorry for the long reply! I have heard about likealocal for sure, but never used it, so cannot vouch for it, but I am sure it will be an interesting experience!

I always use public transport going from airport to the city. If the traffic is OK then it’s pretty fast.

I used to use public transport, but I found it take way to long and it is very unpredictable with the traffic. Taxis are usually a bit more that 10 eur which in my opinion is better for foreigners who do not speak or read russian.

Simply perfect! I was in St Peter last year during the Confederations Cup and hopefully I’ll make it to Moscow this year!

Thank you for the effort and greetings from Brazil

Awesome! Hope you will make it this time as well, it promises to be the event of the year! 😉

super helpful post. thanx for your time.

Excellent guide and so much detail!! I can’t wait to visit Moscow and see all these wonderful places one day!

You should do it when you have a chance!

WOW! Now that’s what I call an useful travel blog post! I was in Moscow for 2 days this summer on my way to Elbrus and I wish I had known about the Vodka museum, haha! Anyway, two days is obviously not enough for the city as great as Moscow but with a good planning you’ll see a lot. And for the art fans I would recommend Garage Museum of Contemporary Art (it’s in Gorky Park, 6th in the list).

Also a good tip for all the students, feel free to use your ISIC card. You might get free entry or a proper discount to the museums etc.

Hello and thanks for the comment! Yes, two days is definitely not enough, i would say 4 days to see the main things. Thanks for the ISIC tip!

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

Catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, shop at the luxurious gum, make your way into lenin's mausoleum, spend an hour (or three) at red square, discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, ride the stunning moscow metro, explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, walk up and down arbat street, stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, wander around gorky park, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

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Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

Best Places to Study Near Me

Need a place to buckle down and get some work done? It can be tough to find a quiet spot where you can focus. On this page, you’ll find a variety of study-friendly places in your area, from libraries to co-working spaces. Or go to a cozy cafe, where you can order some coffee or tea to keep your mind sharp. Whatever type of place gets your brain working at its best, you’ll find it here.

• UCSF Library

530 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA

• The Social Study

1795 Geary Blvd, San Francisco, CA

• Capital One Café

101 Post St, San Francisco, CA

Mill Valley Public Library

375 Throckmorton Ave, Mill Valley, CA

San Francisco Public Library - Richmond Branch

351 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA

• Sightglass Coffee

270 Seventh St, San Francisco, CA

Rise & Grind Coffee and Tea

785 8th Ave, San Francisco, CA

Snowbird Coffee

1352 A 9th Ave, San Francisco, CA

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San Francisco Main Library

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• Home Coffee Roasters

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Haraz Coffee

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Cafe La Flore Irving

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SFSU - J. Paul Leonard Library

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Most Reviewed Places to Study Near Me

• Ritual Coffee Roasters

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17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century.  Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

• Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
• Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

• Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
• See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
• Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand. 

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!  

• Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one! 

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends. 

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

• We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience.  Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries. 

• For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
• When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
• Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
• As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

• Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
• For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
• For delicious Asian food head to CutFish. 
• Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
• Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

• As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town. 
• White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
• O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
• Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
• Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
• The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

• Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
• For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
• Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
• At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
• Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting. 
• For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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The Top Things to Do in Moscow

As a vibrant capital and Europe’s largest city, Moscow is a powerful mix of history and edginess, full of world-famous sites. Russia ’s capital was just a small town when it was first recorded 800 years ago, but there is enough here today to keep you busy for months. Here’s the ultimate first-timer’s list of things to do in Moscow, from exploring the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral to getting a cable car from Sparrow Hills or skating in Gorky Park.

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The heart of Russia’s capital, Red Square is surrounded by striking sites including the Kremlin, St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, and is where so much of the country’s history has unfolded. What was once a humble market square has become known as the place where rebels have been executed, protests staged and military strength put on show throughout Russia’s tumultuous history.

St Basil’s Cathedral

However long you’re visiting Moscow for, you must set aside some time to soak up the archetypal image of Russia’s capital with the glistening rainbow roofs of St Basil’s Cathedral. The onion-shaped domes were designed to make the building look like flames on a bonfire. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it so beautiful he ordered that the architect be blinded so they would never surpass this creation.

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The love-it-or-hate-it of Russia attractions, Lenin’s Mausoleum houses a glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of the legendary Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. First opened to the public in August 1924, the Mausoleum attracts around 2.5m visitors a year, who presumably don’t mind queueing and going through a thorough search to enter Lenin’s presence.

Moscow Kremlin

The biggest active fortress in Europe , Moscow’s Kremlin offers a week’s worth of attractions on its own. Once you get behind the 2,235m (7,332ft) of walls, there are five squares to wander around, various buildings to explore, 20 towers to learn the names of, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see.

State Historical Museum

An attraction in its own right, the State Historical Museum, founded in 1872 by Ivan Zabelin and Aleksey Uvarov, was once the principal medicine store, also containing antiquaries owned by the royal family. It now houses an impressive collection, which includes relics of prehistoric tribes that once inhabited the territory of present-day Russia, the country’s largest coin collection, as well as 6th-century manuscripts and artworks collected by the Romanov dynasty, among other treasures.

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Russia’s main department store, GUM’s stunning interior houses a variety of high-end boutiques. Built between 1890 and 1893 and known as the Upper Trading Rows until the 1920s, the legendary store is now home to over 100 boutiques selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your list of what to do in Moscow, the GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries.

Arbat Street

An elegant, pedestrianised street right in the historic city centre, Arbat is one of Moscow’s most touristy spots. With lots of cafes and restaurants , live music performers and caricaturists, as well as souvenir shops and tattoo parlours, monuments and a theatre, Arbat draws crowds of visitors every day.

Tretyakov Gallery

Built between 1900 and 1905, Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. Designed by Viktor Vasnetsov, the gallery is home to one of the largest collections of Russian art in the world. Here you can see icons including Rublev’s Trinity, and pre-revolutionary masterpieces such as Girl With Peaches by Valentin Serov, Demon by Mikhail Vrubel and The Rooks Have Come Back by Alexei Savrasov.

Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts

The largest foreign art museum in Moscow comprises three branches housing a collection of incredible works by masters of ancient civilisations, the Italian Renaissance and the Dutch Golden Age. The main building contains masterpieces by Botticelli, Tiepolo, Veronese and Rembrandt, some of which had never been displayed before. The Gallery of European and American Art, located next door, stores an incredible collection of impressionist and post-impressionist paintings.

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park offers entertainment for every taste: outdoor dancing sessions, yoga and fitness classes all summer, as well as beach volleyball and ping-pong, rollerblading, skateboarding and cycling opportunities, along with Segway and boat rentals. In winter, half the park turns into one of the city’s biggest ice skating rinks. The park is also home to an open-air movie theatre and one of the less obvious places to visit in Moscow for art lovers, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art.

Sparrow Hills

If you take a walk from Gorky Park along the Moscow river embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbour, here you can take a closer look at the tallest of the seven Stalinist skyscrapers (the Moscow State University), admire the view from the observation deck or get a cable car ride.

Bolshoi Theatre

Opened in 1856, the legendary Bolshoi Theatre is one of the pest places in Moscow for an evening of entertainment. It’s the home of Bolshoi Ballet and the Bolshoi Opera – among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world. Alongside the classics, the theatre also stages contemporary works by young international composers and choreographers. The theatre’s imperial decor was restored in a six-year refurbishment that finished in 2011.

VDNKh All-Russian Exhibition Centre

The enormous VDNKh contains about 400 buildings and is said to cover an area bigger than Monaco. The centre started out as the all-Soviet agricultural exhibition in 1935, and now serves as an open-air museum of Soviet architecture. With the iconic fountain at its entrance, the park complex is home to a number of museums, shopping pavilions, multiple eateries , a massive oceanarium, a zip-line, a horse-riding rink and a Russian space shuttle. In winter a skating rink opens – the largest in Europe.

Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

The former summer residence of Empress Catherine the Great was commissioned in 1775, and succumbed to deterioration during the Soviet era. The whole of Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve has been fundamentally renovated since the 1980s to look even brighter than the original. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything: from handmade items to Soviet antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces, where you can hide from the city buzz.

Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time. Now it’s still the best observation deck with a glass floor and 360 degree views. So be sure to book one of the hourly tours; the speedy elevators will take you 337m (1,105ft) in no time.

Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city centre will take you to Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Medieval Moscow looked like. Here you’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow and a favourite estate of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

Novodevichy Convent

Founded in 1524, the Novodevichy Convent is a place steeped in history. Behind the walls that once served as a fortress, there are four cathedrals with a fascinating icon collection and a venerable cemetery. Back in the day it was common for women from noble families to retire in monasteries, and the Novodevichy Convent had some notable residents such as Princess Sophia and Eudoxia Lopukhina, both related to Peter the Great (and imprisoned by him). The former was his half-sister who claimed the throne; the latter was his first wife, who stood in the way of his marriage to Catherine I.

Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

One of Russia’s most visited cathedrals, Christ the Saviour is a truly remarkable site. The grandiose cathedral was built in the 1990s where a 19th-century church of the same name stood before it was demolished in 1931 by the Soviet authorities. Designed to look like its predecessor, the modern building also contains the icon Christ Not Painted by Hand by Sorokin, which survived the demolition of the original cathedral. The cathedral was the site of feminist punk collective Pussy Riot’s 2012 protest that led to the imprisonment of several members.

Moscow City

Home to Europe’s tallest office building, Moscow City, also referred to as Moscow International Business Centre, is one Russia’s most ambitious engineering projects of recent years. With its various high-rises, the business district is where you should come for great crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

Izmailovsky Market

For those on a budget, ditch window shopping at the exclusive GUM and take a foray into the bustling world of Izmailovsky, Russia’s best flea market. Delve into the bargains, rifle through the artisan crafts, admire the local handiwork and be tempted by the silky smooth traditional fur hats. Expect walls of matryoshka dolls, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and glittering hand-crafted jewellery. Head up to one of Izmailovsky market’s cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

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The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 19th June, 2024

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

Other blog posts you might be interested in…

• The best things to do in St Petersburg
• A 2-week Norway road trip
• A complete guide to Helsinki
• A complete guide to Tallinn
• Europe: the ultimate travel guide
• The best capital cities to visit in Europe
• The best things to do in Europe: the ultimate Europe bucket list

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

Top tip: Getting around Moscow

If you want to get a taxi, use the local taxi app “Yandex” which is similar to Uber. Definitely avoid taxis waiting in tourist spots, as they can charge you ridiculous amounts of money for a very short ride.

16 best places to visit in Moscow

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

Martin Taylor

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

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I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

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21+ Best Study Places Near You

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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In this post, I am going to list for you all of the best study places near me that I utilize regularly. They’re probably near you, too!

I’m sure you will get some good ideas from this list for when you’re struggling to find a spot to study!

You can scroll through the whole post, or browse based on the four categories. I have several comfortable and quiet study places within each category:

• In Public Places
• At University
• Other Alternatives

I have personally used every single one of these study places in my life and they’re all places within about a 30-minute drive of where I am right now.

That’s what makes these study spaces great. They’re nearby, convenient and nearly all free!

Changing up your study space can be great for re-starting your motivation and getting you into the right headspace. So, try out these study spaces and mix them up to see what works well for you.

Okay, let’s not waste time. Let’s get started with Number 1!

What’s better than a nice cosy study session under your covers?

Well, according to many online, studying in bed is bad for you (Noooo!). Here’s their arguments:

• You will fall asleep instead of studying ;
• Your body may stop associating bed with sleep;
• You may not be able to get to sleep at night time

I get their point, but hey … studying in bed really works for me.

Here’s why.

I always write a to-do list for the next day right before I get in bed.

Then, I’ll often wake up and start studying before I even get out of bed!

I prefer studying in the morning and, bonus, I really like when I already have 3 or 4 of the hardest parts of my to-do list ticked off before I even get out of bed!

Do you want more defence of studying in bed?

The most well-known study on studying in bed seems to indicate studying in bed is okay, if that works for you!

Robert Gifford and Robert Sommer did a study in 1968 comparing the GPAs of students who study at their desks and students who study in bed. Here’s what they found:

“… There was no difference in the GPA’s of the two groups. The assumption that there is a single type of study environment optimal for all students appears unwarranted.”

Thanks, Gifford and Sommer … I’ll take that. And I’m going to keep studying under my blankets where it’s warm, cosy and comfortable.

2. Spare Bedroom

The second most common place I use to study is the spare bedroom in my home.

No one ever really uses the spare bedroom at my place. There’s a bunk bed in there and a desk. It’s the perfect little hideaway for studying.

My top reasons for studying in the spare bedroom are:

• It’s a private space in my own home
• No one ever enters the room
• I can story my study materials in there
• It’s a dedicated study space

Now I’ll admit, when we have visitors I have to pack it all up and get it all looking good for the visitors. But really, how often do you really have visitor?

Something really nice about studying in the spare bedroom is that it’s my space where I tell myself “I’m going in there to study. Nothing else.”

So, I tend to procrastinate less when I study in the spare bedroom.

3. Office Space

When I lived with my parents at college, I made the most of my dad’s office.

Whenever Dad wasn’t in his office, I’d head on in there for a valuable study session. There’s nothing better than a dedicated office space!

The office has perfectly positioned lights, a comfortable swivel chair and a screen at perfect eye height.

Office spaces are set up just for the right ergonomics. Ergonomics literally means the conditions for working efficiently.

An ergonomic office space is about getting the right:

• Chair for posture;
• Desk height;
• Screen brightness so your eyes don’t get tired;
• Lighting and temperature to sustain concentration.

And there’s nothing better than a dedicated office for all of those points.

4. Backyard Shed / Garage

My garage study space was a space I invented for myself in high school out of necessity.

I had three older sisters who would sing, squeal and banter all day long.

Heading downstairs to the garage was my way of escaping all that rabble.

I started out studying on a makeshift desk down there where all our old furniture was stacked up waiting to be turned to trash.

I learned the garage was both quiet and cool in summer.

So, I ended up cleaning up a corner of the garage and turning it into a really nice little study space.

I even placed some spare carpet on the floor underneath me!

So, if you have any spare space in your shed or garage, consider turning it into a makeshift office. If you don’t have a spare desk to put in there, check local buy and sell sites online.

You should be able to pick up an old desk for quite cheap.

5. Outdoor Seating Area

The next place I like to study is my back deck – or in Australia, we call it the Verandah.

There’s nothing nicer than sitting with my laptop at the outdoor seating area studying on a nice comfortable afternoon.

There’s a few really nice positives about this.

Here’s my top pros of studying on the back deck:

• Fresh air. Stale air makes you sleepy, so embrace the fresh breeze while you type away on your laptop.
• Natural background noises. Where I grew up, there were many birds and rustling trees around that made for a nice tranquil ambiance while I studied.

Sometimes your home’s not the ideal study space.

If you live in a college dorm or in a house with college buddies, some of these options don’t work for you.

I lived in a dorm for 3 years and I know … it can be very noisy and distracting.

So, the next group of study spaces are ones I use when I need to get out of the house to save my sanity.

In Public Places / Town

The cafe is a huge game changer.

It doesn’t cost too much for a cup of coffee and it can really re-ignite your motivation to study .

Sometimes I’m just going crazy studying at home and I just need a new atmosphere. The café is perfect for that.

Plus, many cafes these days are designed to be welcoming to people coming in with a laptop to study in peace.

Some of the pros of studying in cafes include:

• The dull background chatter noise can be a comforting sound to keep you focused;
• There are minimal distractions;
• There’s other people studying nearby to give the café a study mood;
• There’s food and drink available whenever you need it;
• It’s a more laid back atmosphere than a library, which can sometimes feel stuffy

But, I’ve also studied in cafes and not liked it at all.

A bad study session in a cafe happens when:

• It’s too crowded. It might just be me, but if the café is too busy, I get the impression that I’m taking up valuable space and I shouldn’t linger too long.
• The people next to me are annoying. I like the dull chatter noise, but I can’t concentrate if the people next to me are being loud or talking about something obnoxious.

There are also some café etiquette rules you need to keep in mind.

I’ve picked up a few of the below ideas from Katherine Martinko’s post on a similar topic, so thanks Katherine for your engaging post on coffee shop etiquette!

Here’s my top etiquette tips:

• Check out the vibe. If there is complimentary wifi and there are plugs for charging your laptop, you’re probably good to go.
• If in doubt, ask. The people behind the counter will either say you’re welcome to sit there with your laptop or tell you about an alternative place to go. No harm in asking.
• Buy something. Cafes are private places of business and you’re taking up valuable real estate. I recommend buying one item at least every hour.
• Be inconspicuous. Don’t sit at the biggest table. Sit somewhere where you won’t take up too much room.
• Tip. If you want to build a good relationship with your favourite café, tip a dollar (or pound, or Euro) per drink even if you’re outside of North America.
• Know when to Leave. I usually leave when I need to go to the bathroom, the place gets packed out, or if it’s been about 2 ½ hours. That’s a long time to be taking up valuable real estate.

7. The Local Library

The sacred local library! A dying out treasure that every town should embrace.

I am in LOVE with my local library.

I currently live in the Rockies in Canada, and my library looks out at the most magnificent mountain peaks.

What a luxurious place to study!

The sad thing is that not many people use their public library.

The library a great free place to go to study because it:

• Has free, fast internet;
• Is a really nice quiet place to study in peace;
• Has many books, printers, scanners, computers and other resources to use;
• Has a good study atmosphere

That last point is my favorite.

When I’m surrounded by other people who are studying it motivates me to study more. It’s something about that quiet, focused atmosphere that makes me more likely to focus and less likely to be distracted!

8. McDonald’s

When my internet cut out for a week, McDonald’s was a life saver.

When you’re a long way from a library and need fast, reliable Wifi after 5pm, often this is the best option for you.

I’ll admit, I actually parked my car in the McDonald’s parking lot and just sat in my car doing all the internet tasks I needed to do.

But, you might notice an increasing amount of people in McDonald’s having a coffee and working on their computer.

It’s cheap, there’s usually a ton of seating, and the staff seem to be happy to leave you alone to do your work.

Other fast food chains that are increasingly study friendly whose Wifi you can piggyback off include Tim Horton’s, A&W, KFC or really any large chain store like this.

9. Local Wifi Hotspot

My town recently installed Wifi on all the main streets and parks. It’s part of their agenda to be a forward-thinking, progressive town for college students and beyond to always be connected.

Have a go at googling your town’s name and ‘Wifi hotspot’ and see what comes up.

You’ll be surprised the amount of places around town where there’s just free Wifi provided by businesses, internet companies or the local council itself.

10. A Friend’s House

Social studying can be really good for you as a learner. Here’s a few reasons why:

Firstly, when you talk through your study notes with friends, share your ideas and generally chat about coursework you can learn a whole lot.

Talking to others helps you see their perspectives and can increase your understanding of topics.

If you’ve got a friend who is a dedicated, hard-working studier they might also be able to motivate you to study harder and longer.

I often recommend to my students that they compare lecture notes with one another to make sure you didn’t miss anything important, so this can be a good place to start for your first study session with your friend.

Secondly, organizing a dedicated study time can help you prepare for a good strong study session. Plan a few days in advance and mentally prepare yourself for a full-on 2 hours of dedicated study.

Make sure you bring snacks to share with your friend!

11. At the Park

There’s nothing like reading in the park on a beautiful summer day.

Gather together your reading materials, a highlighter and pen, snacks, sunglasses and a picnic rug and head out to your favorite park!

Studying at the park doesn’t seem to work when you want to use your laptop, though. The glare on the screen just seems to be too much and you end up squinting all day long.

But, if you’re reading, writing or using flashcards to study, the park is an awesome option.

If you’re with friends, bring a frisbee and alternate between 30 minutes of studying and 15 minutes of having a play. We call this the Pomodoro technique, which is really useful for improving your study efficiency.

At University / College

12. the university library.

The university library has some benefits that the local town library doesn’t:

• University libraries tend to be a lot bigger than town libraries. That means there’s a lot more little nooks and crannies for you to find to hide away and study. Have a look around and get a feel for which parts of the library have good lighting, are quiet spaces, and are close to the books you’re going to need.
• There are a ton more resources in the university library than your town library that are perfect for you. The books at university libraries are dedicated to helping university students. You’ll find books on your topic that you can grab from the shelf, but also eBooks, rentable laptops and iPads, and much more!
• University Librarians. University librarians are specially trained to help you to study and write more effectively. If you’re ever stuck with your studies, simply go up to a university librarian and ask them for tips!

You paid a lot of fees to use your university library. Make the most of it.

13. Student Common Area

If you want to make a lot of noise, I don’t recommend the library.

Instead, use the student common area. Most universities have great student common areas with group tables for students to sit and study and chat.

You probably know your student common area as the place a lot of people hang out between classes. Next time you’re there, look around and you’re almost guaranteed to see people studying away on their laptops as well.

There’s usually a cafeteria in student common areas as well to grab a coffee or sandwich.

The student common is half way between the library and the café!

Because there are usually no strict noise rules for student common areas, it can also be a good place to go when you’re studying in a group.

14. Student Union Building

Your student union often has dedicated student spaces. These spaces are places where your teachers rarely go.

Sometimes it can feel like a great private zone for students only.

The student union building is also really helpful for getting advice on student loans, finding a job and getting support from Seniors who take on roles of student ambassadors.

I recommend going into your student union building and nosing about. You might find a really cosy, free and student-friendly environment which will become your newest secret spot to study.

15. Empty Classrooms

You might notice a lot of empty classrooms around the place at your university.

I recommend to my students to find an empty classroom for practicing group presentations. You’ll get a chance to practice using the whiteboard and projector to present your slides.

You will also get a feel for standing in front of a seminar room to deliver your presentation.

Of course, you can also use an empty classroom for simply studying in peace and quiet.

Here’s a few quick pointers for using empty classrooms:

• Check the doors of classrooms for their timetables. Well organized colleges tend to put timetables up to help show students when classes are expected to start in each room.
• Try to turn up at about 5 minutes past the hour. If there’s no class in there, then there’s a good chance there won’t be one for at least 55 minutes. This gives you a good amount of quiet time to study.
• Be ready to leave. If someone turns up and claims they’ve booked the room, you’ll need to pack your things and get going. That’s why maybe you should pre-book a study space instead.

16. A Pre-Booked Study Space

Most universities that I’ve worked for have a system for booking study spaces.

The biggest pro of this option is that you can stake your claim. If other students try to take the study space, you can claim it and kick them out.

You’re guaranteed a dedicated study space for a set amount of time. Make the most of it!

You usually don’t have to book far in advance because good booking systems are instantaneous. Check whether you can simply book a space 5 or 10 minutes in advance.

However, I find most bookable study spaces do book out very quickly. Therefore, I usually recommend to my students that they plan ahead and book their study space a few days in advance.

In fact, you might even be able to book a study space at the same time each week to get yourself into a great study routine .

17. University Lawn

Here’s your chance to become one of those cool, relaxed and gloriously happy college students you see glossy university magazines.

Sometimes they’re playing hackey sack, sometimes their chatting away with their friends, and yes: sometimes they’re studying.

Much like the public park, make sure you come prepared with a picnic blanket and study materials that you can read in the sun (i.e. no laptop screens that give too much glare!).

Another pro of studying on the university lawn is you’re likely to run into classmates who you can talk with about the topic your studying. Chances are, they’ll be busy studying the same thing!

Alternative Places to Study

18. while going for a walk.

Reading a book isn’t the only way to study these days!

With the rise of text-to-talk technology and podcasting in education , you can take your studying with you on your walk.

To get your pdf readings read out loud to you, simply download a text-to-speech app from your app store and get started.

Or, go to your favourite podcast player and look around to see whether you can find podcasts of experts discussing the topic you need to study up on!

A great pro of studying via audio is you get to multitask, too. You’ll get your daily exercise in (or get walking the dog out of the way for the day) while also getting prepped for your next test!

19. In the Car

Just go for a drive to your favorite lookout spot!

Make the most of owning your own car by using it as your own portable study space.

Now, I get that it can be a little uncomfortable studying on a laptop in the front seat of your car, but feel free to grab your weekly readings or study materials and bring it with you.

Or, why not just jump on the hood of the car on a nice sunny day for a refreshing, warm and relaxing study session in a totally new location?

20. At your Parents’ Place

This one’s for readers who live on college campus or with their friends.

I often would head home from my dorm of a weekend to visit my parents. A really nice part about going home for the weekend is that you get to escape the chaos of your dorm.

This is why I’d always make a weekend study schedule and pack the study materials I need before going home for the weekend.

If you clear up your Saturday and Sunday to be free for studying and lock yourself away in your old bedroom, you’ll be well on your way to getting some serious studying done.

Heck, if you live within 10-30 minutes of your parents, you can even just pop home for an afternoon and tell your mum you just want some peace and quiet to study!

Your parents will feel great that you’re thinking about them and you like going home, and you might even get a free meal out of it!

21. At your Holiday Home / Cabin

This one’s for those of you who are lucky enough to have a holiday home.

I never was lucky enough to use this option, but I really wish I had the opportunity! If your parents have a ski cabin or a beach home, why not ask them for the keys for a weekend of intensive studying?

In fact, intense weekends of studying can be great for getting ahead.

Plus, you can give yourself a reward: study for 5 hours then go for a ski or swim in the afternoon.

How good is that!

There are a lot of different places where you can head to study.

Start by deciding if you want to study at home, in a public space or at university.

Then, make your decision from the list about to select the study space that fits for you.

Personally, I like to mix up my study spaces so that they’re always new and I don’t get bored of a study space. Sometimes I’ll be in one study place and I realize I’m getting distracted, so I simply pack my gear and move to a fresh study space where I will get motivated once again.

If you’re still struggling to study, check out my advice on:

• Scientific Strategies to Stop Procrastinating ;
• How to study a REALLY Boring Subject ; and
• How to study when you’re Tired

I’d actually love to hear some comments below if you think there’s any more points to add, and I’ll build this list even more!

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 10 Reasons you’re Perpetually Single
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 20 Montessori Toddler Bedrooms (Design Inspiration)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 21 Montessori Homeschool Setups
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 101 Hidden Talents Examples

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teaching you to manage homework effectively

• Uncategorized

List of Good Places to Study & Do Homework with Extra Productivity

Finding the best places to do homework can be a chore, but it’s crucial for boosting productivity and achieving academic success.

For students and working professionals, the right environment can help with concentration and motivation. Whether you prefer a quiet library, a designated office space, or a cozy coffee shop, finding a place that minimizes distractions and satisfies all your learning needs is key.

In this post, we’ve compiled a list of some awesome places to get in the zone and study. Stick with it, and you can find your next favorite reading spot.

Some great locations for studying and doing homework

The right environment can make all the difference in focus, productivity, and overall success. Here is a list of good places to study and do homework that can help boost productivity:

• Coffee shops

One great option for doing homework is a coffee shop. Coffee shops provide a change of scenery and a sense of community. The background noise and movement can create a sense of energy and motivation, making them a great choice for good places to do homework. If you’re looking for coffee shops to do homework close by, you can check google maps or take a walk a few blocks around your home.

Another good place to do homework is a library. Libraries are some of the best places to study and do homework. They are quiet, have plenty of resources, and are often open late. A library can also be a great option if you’re looking for places to do homework at night. The quiet environment helps to minimize distractions, while the resources available can help with research and other assignments.

• Study room or office

A designated study room or office is also a great option. A designated study area can create a routine and a sense of purpose. This can be a separate room or even just a corner of a room that is dedicated to studying and doing homework.

Being in nature can help to reduce stress, clear the mind, and boost creativity. Nature can also be a great place to study and do homework. A park, lake, or any outdoor place can be an excellent place to study and do homework.

• Shared spaces

For those who prefer a shared space, a co-working or study group can provide accountability and a sense of community. It can be helpful to have a group of people to hold you accountable and keep you motivated.

Lastly, a comfortable and organized home office or study area can be a great place to study and do homework. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and minimal distractions can create a productive environment.

If you need help focusing on homework, trying out different places to see which works best for you may be helpful. Remember to be mindful of the environment, and make sure that it helps to boost your productivity and focus.

The best way to learn how to focus on homework

If you’ve ever wondered, why can’t I focus on homework? Here are some homework study tips that can help:

• Set a specific time for homework and stick to it.
• Eliminate distractions, such as phones, TV, or social media.
• Break up large assignments into smaller chunks and set goals for each.
• Use a timer to stay on track and take regular breaks.
• Take more breaks to complete tasks on time.

Ultimately, the best place to study and do homework depends on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for good places to study or places to go do homework, the key is to find an environment that minimizes distractions and helps you stay motivated.

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Places to do homework near me: Find your comfortable spot

A good learning spot allows students to concentrate better and reach their full potential. However, if you don’t have your own place that you can adjust to your needs, or if you feel like your home can’t allow you to focus on your tasks, you may find yourself asking “What are the places to do homework near me?”. You may not know it, but there are lots of options that will motivate you to learn and even help you find new people to connect with.

Library: the best of all places

This place is among the favorite locations for many students: it’s mostly quiet, which makes it good for those who find it difficult to study the material when others continue talking. With the librarians’ careful monitoring, you won’t get distracted by movies and your friends as you’d most likely do at home, and you also have to study within quite specific hours. Libraries not only offer a great range of resources on the topics but also often offer an inspiring and safe environment for studies.

Your local cafe: combine taste with learning

Unlike those who prefer a quiet atmosphere, people needing some background noise will definitely admire an attractive local cafe. Among all the places to do homework near me, I’ve always considered this one as the trendiest. When your home atmosphere is overwhelming, you can always go and buy your favorite drink and a snack to reward yourself for hard work. Remember to take breaks. If you’re exhausted or don’t know how to do your next essay, make sure to take care of your needs by ordering a sample from the trustworthy professional writing websites while you’re scheduling your week. The only minus? You probably can’t have Zoom calls in a cafe. Is it warm outside? Go for a walk! This option isn’t suitable for people who live in cold areas, but if you live in a warm climate, you can benefit from studying in a park or in a safe forest area (if it’s safe). Transform your study session in a small picnic: take your blanket, lemonade, and sandwiches. Many people find it refreshing to study outside, and all the greenery can do wonders for your brain. If you’re near a lake or a river, that works too! Don’t forget the mosquito repellent though.

What about a moving place?

That may sound really unusual, but if you’re thinking, “I’ve seen all places to do homework near me and none of them is good,” you can regard this option as quite intriguing. It works only for non-crowded transport, but it’s definitely something you haven’t thought of. If you don’t have to read a lot, take your audio lecture and hop on the bus or a train. Choose the scenic route of your liking, pay for your ticket, and press “play.” Thousands of people have read lots of books this way, and if you need a dynamic location that also offers you a chance to change locations, this alternative is the best. Even more, you can finish all your tasks during your route and get back home when you need to. The only problem is that you probably shouldn’t write while on a bus because it will hurt your eyes, and the results will be unsatisfactory. But it works well for other cases.

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Places to Do Homework

The majority of students are unaware of the significance of finding the right places to do homework . They don’t always know that they aren’t as productive as they should be.

As you already know, doing homework in a crowded and noisy setting is not a good idea. It’s impossible to do when your friends call you on the phone, or your Facebook account is open on your computer in front of you. 

The best places to do homework aren’t always where you’d expect to find them. You’re in luck if you can spot one. You will be able to increase your speed, grades, and GPA . 

What is the reason for this? And you will be able to maintain your concentration.

You’ll make it even more exciting if you can find many such locations. Going to the same location over and over again will not bore you. That is why so many students use Google to look for “places to do homework near me.”

Why are you looking for a place to do your homework?

Table of Contents

Do you wish there were other Places to Do Homework where you could do your homework to keep things interesting? When you need peace, you may want to go somewhere else. 

Other times, you can need more room or simply a change of environment to boost productivity. Personal preferences play a role in determining where to go to complete schoolwork assignments. 

When it comes to space, you’ll have to think about what you like and hate. In today’s blog, we share some suggestions to help you decide when you can do your schoolwork.

Explaining why you need to find great places to do homework because you avoid using the screen, TV, or PlayStation as a diversion source, You’ll find the calm you need to concentrate on your work. Gradually, the grades should rise.

Why Finding Good Homework Locations is Important

Encourage your child to try a different place if he has trouble concentrating in a specified homework area. Because

• Productivity has increased
• Boredom is broken
• Friends, stay away
• There are fewer distractions
• Make your homework more effective

The most serious thing for high school, graduate, and college students is not getting to class. It’s not even about doing homework; it’s about finding the right places to do homework in comfort, satisfaction, and without feeling rushed. Most students, especially those pursuing MBAs and PhDs, prefer to complete their homework assignments in pleasant surroundings. It’s the same thing about homework – finding areas conducive to learning.

It’s just not about searching for the perfect place to do your homework; it’s about finding a spot where you can rest, innovate, relax, and finish your work on time. It’s insane to do coursework anywhere. For example, you can’t compose an essay at a railway station, a cafe, or a picnic. For obvious reasons, doing homework at home may be off your checklist.

Features That Make a Place Great for Doing Homework

• It is well lit
• There is silence
• Distraction-free
• It’s relaxing

Best Ideas For Places to Do Homework

At Home, the Best Place to Do Homework

There are several other places to do homework now, some of which might be just around the corner from your house.

Here are a couple of the best Places to Do Homework at home to do work.

• Kitchen 

The kitchen may be an outstanding study spot if so many distractions do not exist. Most kitchens have good lights and seats so you can sit up.

• Your Bedroom

Due to its convenience and comfort, this can be an excellent study spot. All your study materials can also be provided easily. However, a bedroom is not always the best place to study if there is too much entertainment or comfort.

The Best Nearby Places to Do Your Homework

These are the following places to do homework near me, it is such as;

Public Library

Teachers constantly remind students to visit the library and do further study. If you can’t concentrate at home, the library can help you learn. Yeah, it may sound cliche, but there’s a reason why even professionals go to public libraries when they need to concentrate. 

You can find books, free Wi-Fi, and research materials in libraries . And, with everyone else preoccupied with their affairs, you will find the motivation to complete your homework without interruption. 

Social networking and phone calls would be unaffected because libraries have a phones-off or silent mode policy. 

There are also printing rooms where you can print your reading materials for a low price.

Coffee Shop

Coffee shops are well-known haunts of authors for a cause. Though caffeine will help you write page after page of excellent fiction, coffee shops often sell snacks, meals, and juices to keep you fueled and efficient.

Learners also turn to this staple of studying for a caffeine boost when preparing for an exam or getting through a report. While a coffee shop has more background music than a library, it can be a pleasant substitute for a radio or TV sound for certain people.

These can be relatively quiet areas, similar to libraries. For inspiration, sit on a bench in front of your favorite painting or sculpture.

On a break, sitting on a bench near inspirational paintings or taking in the natural history will refresh your mind and provide an opportunity to get some work done in a different environment.

Try buying an annual membership and using the museum as your office from time to time if you enjoy a local museum.

While it may seem to be an unusual location for doing homework, the point is to remind you that time is money. As you wait for your laundry to finish, you will undoubtedly have some free time, which you will rarely use productively. Think about it: you can shoot two birds with one rock, then why not?

Quick Link: Pay someone to do my homework for me

Book Stores

Consider working in a bookstore if you like the library atmosphere but don’t want to be completely alone. Many bookstores offer free Wi-Fi and a calming atmosphere where customers can read and work. In contrast to libraries, bookstores normally have cafes where you can get some snacks or a cup of coffee. In New York, several bookstores have a cafe where beer and wine are served.

If the teacher is okay with you sitting in their empty classroom, go ahead. This environment may be ideal for studying. Since class sessions are based on schoolwork, merely being in the classroom can cause your mind to adopt a studied attitude automatically.

Try sitting in an empty classroom if you’re having trouble concentrating on work in other ways.

As a result, if your brain immediately moves to a research mentality, you will learn more effectively.

Coe Library

Coe Library is the most visible research spot on campus. The library has plenty of comfortable seats, couches, and countless tables and computers and a range of reservable study spaces . 

These study rooms are ideal for obtaining an empty, quiet space to study for a test or simply complete homework. 

The library’s other best research spot is by the windows on a quiet study level. Working by a window with natural daylight makes things seem more accessible and less crowded, and working on a quiet study floor helps people work in peace.

Friend’s House

Cooperating spaces are becoming more popular, and you can get some of the same benefits by simply visiting a friend’s house. 

It’s a strong desire to accomplish tasks for someone else, regardless of whether the partner is from a different social class. This also has the added advantage of masking your flaws. 

For example, you might ask a friend who studies math to help you understand your math homework. Remember to bring something with you everywhere you go. You’d have to be a good house guest in general.

A little sunshine and a gentle breeze will work wonders. It clears your mind and gives you more focus, and it’s a perfect caffeine substitute. 

Your performance will benefit from studying in such a calming and relaxing environment. Clear your mind of all your concerns and focus solely on the task at hand.

Bookshops are ideal for study since they are relatively quiet and focus on school work. Moreover, everyone in the shop reads, learns, and educates himself. Consequently, when you are learning and doing work, you feel better concentrated.

These shops allow you to rest and maybe read a book or two. This not only helps you read, but it also encourages you to research and learn new knowledge. Be sure that this action is encouraged in the bookstore.

The park can be a great place to write or read a few chapters, particularly if you’re doing some creative writing . It’s unlikely that you’ll be completely silent, but the sounds you do hear will be calming. You’ll be listening to natural noises like the waves on the beach and the wind in the trees.

More Extra Sites to Learn and Complete Homework

• Shopping Malls
• Hotel Lobby
• Your Local Library
• Botanical Gardens
• Bus or Train Station
• Local Universities
• Co-Working Spaces
• Public Park

Conclusion (Places to Do Homework)

In conclusion, there are many different good places to do homework. It ultimately depends on an individual’s personal preferences and needs. Some people prefer quiet, isolated places like libraries, bedrooms, or coffee shops to minimize distractions. Others prefer the social atmosphere of a study group or a co-working space. It’s important to find the right balance between comfort and productivity when choose places to do homework. Additionally, having a designated study area can help create a routine and improve focus, leading to better results. Whatever the choice, it’s crucial to establish a comfortable and organized workspace to get the most out of studying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you do your homework at starbucks.

People can go to Starbucks to do their homework, whether students or adults. Starbucks is also a great third meeting place to catch up on homework, projects, presentations, etc.

Can I pay someone to do my homework for me?

Yes, it is 100% legal to pay people to do your homework is just like asking a parent or guardian for help.

How much is homework per credit hour?

Research suggests that students should spend 2-3 hours per credit hour studying to be successful in their courses.

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THE 10 BEST Moscow Sights & Historical Landmarks

Moscow landmarks.

• Architectural Buildings
• Points of Interest & Landmarks
• Monuments & Statues
• Historic Sites
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Boulevard Ring
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.

1. Red Square

2. Saint Basil's Cathedral

3. Moscow Metro

4. Kolomenskoye Historical and Architectural Museum and Reserve

5. Moscow Kremlin

6. Bolshoi Theatre

7. PANORAMA360

9. Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

10. The Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy (VDNKh)

11. Ostankino TV Tower

12. Fountain Druzhba Narodov

13. Bunker-42 Cold War Museum at Taganka

14. Moscow-City

15. Krutitskoe Podvorye

16. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

17. Lomonosov Moscow State University (MGU)

18. Nikolskaya Ulitsa

19. Intercession Monastery

20. Kremlin Walls and Towers

21. Moscow International House of Music

22. Lenin's Mausoleum

23. Tomb of Unknown Soldier

24. Kremlin in Izmailovo

25. Worker and Kolkhoz Woman

26. Tverskaya Street (Ulitsa)

27. Cathedral Square

28. Our Lady of Smolensk Novodevichy Convent

29. Donskoi Monastery

30. New Arbat (Novy Arbat)

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30 Best Places to Study Near Me – Your Study Oasis Awaits

• Post author By admin
• August 17, 2023

Discover the best places to study near me for focused learning. From libraries and cafes to serene parks and cozy corners, find your ideal study haven today!

Hey, awesome learners! Let’s talk about something we all need to conquer – studying like a champ! But guess what? Where you study can totally level up your game.

Whether you’re a student on a mission or just someone seeking the perfect nook, finding the coolest study spots near you is like discovering hidden treasure.

So, grab your study gear and get set for a journey to unveil the ultimate spots where learning rocks. Get ready to supercharge your study sessions – let’s dive right in! 

Table of Contents

30 Best Places to Study Near Me (Tabular Form)

here’s a list of 30 best places to study near you in tabular form:

Feel free to choose the study spot that resonates with you and supports your learning journey!

Best Places to Study Near Me

Have a close look at the best places to study near me.

Local Library

The classic go-to for quiet focus and access to a treasure trove of books, resources, and study materials. Libraries often offer individual study carrels, group study rooms, and a serene atmosphere perfect for diving into your studies.

University or College Campus

Your campus is a goldmine of study spots. Libraries offer dedicated study zones, comfortable lounges, and even outdoor areas. Plus, being surrounded by fellow students can be a motivating factor.

Coffee Shops and Cafes

These cozy spaces provide a caffeine boost to keep you energized. Many cafes offer free Wi-Fi, and the ambient noise can actually help some people concentrate.

Co-working Spaces

These modern spots are designed for productivity. Equipped with all the amenities you need, they offer a professional environment to focus on your work.

Quiet Parks

Nature-infused spots can provide a refreshing change of scenery. Parks offer benches, grassy areas, and even picnic tables where you can spread out your materials and study amidst the outdoors.

Book lovers, rejoice! Many bookstores offer comfy reading corners or cafes where you can enjoy a quiet study session surrounded by shelves of knowledge.

Student Lounges

On-campus lounges are often designed with studying in mind. They’re social yet conducive to focus, offering a balance of interaction and concentration.

Public Libraries

Smaller libraries in your community can be hidden gems. They offer a tranquil atmosphere without the hustle and bustle of larger libraries.

Coffeehouse Corners

Quaint corners in coffeehouses provide a mix of comfort and productivity. The aroma of coffee and the buzz of conversations can create a unique ambiance.

Community Centers

These multipurpose spaces often have meeting rooms or quiet areas that can serve as excellent study spots. Plus, they’re designed to foster community engagement.

Malls’ Secluded Spots

Amid shopping chaos, you can find little corners of calm. Malls sometimes offer seating areas away from the main walkways.

Art Galleries

Some galleries have designated quiet zones. Surrounded by creativity, you can find inspiration as you study.

Outdoor Seating at Restaurants

Weather permitting, these spots can be surprisingly peaceful during non-peak hours. Order a drink and enjoy some study time.

University Study Halls

These areas are tailored to student needs. With access to resources and a focused environment, they’re perfect for in-depth study.

Hotel Lobbies

Hotel lobbies often offer plush seating and a quiet ambiance. They can be wonderful spots to hunker down with your books.

University Gardens

If your campus has green spaces, they’re excellent for a breath of fresh air while you study. Find a bench under a tree and enjoy the tranquility.

Beach or Lakeside

If you’re lucky enough to be near water, these spots offer a serene setting for deep focus.

Cozy Corners at Home

Sometimes, the best study spot is right at home. Find a cozy corner away from distractions, and make it your personal study haven.

Botanical Gardens

Surround yourself with beauty and tranquility as you hit the books. Botanical gardens provide a soothing backdrop for focused study.

Look for quieter areas within museums where you can set up your study materials. Being immersed in art and culture can enhance your creative thinking.

Quiet Corners in Public Transit

Commutes can be productive too. Public transit with Wi-Fi allows you to catch up on reading or review notes on the go.

Nature Reserves

If you’re a nature lover, these serene spots can provide a break from the usual hustle and bustle.

Local Book Clubs

If there’s a book club in your area, consider joining. Engaging discussions and shared readings can enhance your understanding of the material.

University Research Centers

These centers often have dedicated spaces for quiet study and access to specialized resources.

Shared Workspaces

Collaborative settings can offer the right balance between social interaction and focused work. They’re designed to boost productivity.

Yoga Studios

Some studios offer quiet hours when you can use their serene spaces for study. The peaceful environment can aid concentration.

Airport Lounges

During layovers, airport lounges provide a calm space where you can get some work done.

Nature Trails

If you enjoy a bit of adventure, hit the trails with your study materials. Fresh air and a change of scenery can reinvigorate your focus.

Historic Sites

Seek out cultural spots that offer quiet corners for learning. Being surrounded by history can be inspiring.

Your Favorite Local Spot

Whether it’s a cafe, a park bench, or a cozy corner in your own home, choose a spot where you feel comfortable and inspired.

These spots are like the different chapters of your study adventure. You’ve got the classics, the unique, and the nature-infused ones. Wherever you choose, know that it’s your magical place of learning. So, find your cozy corner and let the studying begin!

What is the best place for study?

Ah, the age-old question – where’s the ultimate spot for studying? Well, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer because it’s all about what suits you best.

Libraries are like cozy caves of knowledge, while coffee shops offer that caffeine-fueled buzz. University study halls? A haven for focus. And let’s not forget the tranquility of parks.

But here’s the secret: the best place for study is where you feel in the zone. It could be your cozy room, your favorite café corner, or even a peaceful park bench. So, find your sweet spot, set up your study haven, and let the learning adventure begin!

Where to study in NYC?

Hey there, fellow NYC studier! So, you’re on the hunt for that ideal study nook in the Big Apple? Let’s break it down:

New York Public Library

Think classic charm mixed with quiet corners. The Reading Room is basically a haven for focus.

Bryant Park

Picture this – studying with the New York Public Library in the background. Bryant Park’s got tables, Wi-Fi, and that serene escape from the city hustle.

NYC is practically a cafe paradise. Snuggle up at spots like Stumptown Coffee Roasters, Joe Coffee Company, or Toby’s Estate Coffee.

Columbia University Libraries

If you’re part of the Columbia crew, their libraries like Butler Library offer a sweet sanctuary for your studies.

Union Square Park

It’s like getting a study session with a side of city buzz. Grab a bench, set up shop, and soak in that unique energy.

NYU Bobst Library

NYU folks, you’ve got Bobst Library – a study haven with spaces for both solo and group work.

The High Line

Imagine studying on an elevated park with lush greenery and city views. Yep, that’s the High Line.

Museums’ Quiet Corners

Get artsy vibes while you study. Museums like the Met offer serene corners to dive into your books.

Commute Wi-Fi

Don’t let your commute go to waste. Buses and trains with Wi-Fi are your mobile study spots.

Central Park

Nature and studying – who knew they could be BFFs? Spread out in Central Park, breathe in that fresh air, and let the trees be your study buddies.

So, there you have it, the NYC study adventure awaits. Go find your favorite spot and conquer those books like the city boss you are!

Where is the best place to study in your house?

Ah, the eternal quest for the ultimate study spot at home! Here are a few gems to consider:

• Home Office Nook: If you have a home office, it’s a natural choice. A dedicated space can help you focus and separate work from leisure.
• Quiet Corner: Find a quiet corner in your living room or bedroom. A cozy chair, a good lamp, and some peace can work wonders.
• Kitchen Table: The kitchen can be surprisingly productive. Just watch out for snack distractions !
• Bed Desk: For the ultimate comfort-seeker, a bed desk can turn your cozy bed into a study haven. But be cautious of the temptation to nap!
• Balcony or Patio: If you have outdoor space, transform it into a serene study oasis. Fresh air and a change of scenery can boost your focus.
• Book Nook: If you’re a bookworm, create a little nook near your bookshelf. Surrounding yourself with your favorite reads can inspire you.
• Under the Stairs: If Harry Potter could sleep there, you can study there! Seriously though, under-stair spaces can be charming hideaways.
• DIY Study Pod: Create a personal study pod using curtains or dividers to section off a quiet space in a larger room.
• Converted Closet: Got a closet you can spare? Convert it into a mini office. It’s cozy, quiet, and tucked away.
• Lounge Area: If you have a spacious living room, consider creating a designated lounge-study area. Comfy seating can make studying more enjoyable.

Remember, the best spot is one where you feel comfy, focused, and ready to conquer your studies. Try a few different places, and you might just stumble upon your perfect study haven right at home!

Alright, study explorer, you’ve got the lowdown on the best places to hunker down and hit the books near you. From the library’s hushed charm to the bustling buzz of coffee shops, each spot has its own vibe.

Now, it’s your turn to pick your study adventure! Are you all about that library serenity? Or maybe you’re craving the fresh air of a park bench? And hey, coffee shop camaraderie might be your jam.

Wherever you choose, remember it’s all about finding your study groove. So, grab your study gear, head to your chosen spot, and dive into the world of knowledge. Happy studying, superstar!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i select the best study spot for me.

Consider factors like noise level, available resources, and the ambiance of the location. Experiment with different places to find what aligns with your preferences.

Is studying at home a good option?

Absolutely! Creating a designated study space at home can be convenient and comfortable, but ensure it’s free from distractions.

Are coffee shops suitable for studying?

Yes, many coffee shops offer a cozy atmosphere for studying, provided they have a suitable noise level and comfortable seating.

Can I study in outdoor spaces like parks?

Studying in parks can be refreshing, but ensure you have all necessary study materials and choose a spot with minimal distractions.

What should I bring while studying in public places?

Essential items include study materials (books, notebooks, laptop), chargers, headphones, and any required stationery. Snacks and water are also advisable.

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7 Best Places to Study – for High School and College Students

March 25, 2024

I was lucky enough to have access to quality learning environments/study spots throughout my entire academic career. In high school, I routinely took advantage of my town’s spacious but cozy public library. At college, I loved making use of my dorm building’s small, quiet study rooms. And when I started grad school, I was thrilled to learn about a neighborhood café famous for being the perfect place to bang out an essay—perfect, I soon found out, because it didn’t have Wi-Fi. Libraries, secluded reading rooms, distraction-free cafes—those were some of the best places to study near me when I was a high school and college student.

Of course, there are whole academic disciplines dedicated to the study of learning environments. And while I am far from an expert, in my training to become a teacher I spent a decent chunk of time learning about learning. So now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can tell a pretty convincing story as to why those study spots near me in high school and college—libraries, reading rooms, cafes—were the best study spots near me. Here goes—

Best Places to Study Near Me (Continued)

We know from the work of neuroscientists that our brains naturally tend towards a state of distractedness. “Our predisposition is to shift our gaze, and hence our attention, from one object to another, to be aware of as much of what’s going on around us as possible,” writes Nicholas Carr in The Shallows , his 2010 book on the effects of technology on our brains. Why that’s the case is straightforwardly understood. Early in our evolutionary history, our attentiveness to slight changes in the environment was crucial to our survival. Minute fluctuations in light, smell, or sound could indicate an overlooked source of food or a predator lurking in the shadows.

Fast forward. While today we don’t have to worry about saber-toothed tigers lunging for our jugulars, our primitive brains are still on high alert, ready to shift our attention on a second-to-second basis. Our intellectual development depends, then, on our ability to fight what Carr calls our “instinctive distractedness.” So when it comes to studying, and the environments in which to study: the fewer distractions, the better. The library, study room, and internet-less coffee shop all fulfilled that criterion: they were environments conducive to concentration, relatively free of distractors.

Best study spots near me – what to keep in mind

Because our brains tend towards distractedness, the best study spots near me were the ones with the fewest unnecessary distractions. But it’s not just the presence of distractions that affects our ability to concentrate. Studies have shown, for example, that natural light positively impacts academic performance. One study found that students in classrooms with large windows performed 15-23% better on exams compared with students in classrooms with low levels of daylight. So favor well-lit study spots with natural, variable light.

The best study spots near me were also—surprise, surprise—quiet. Noisy environments increase stress, make it difficult to concentrate, and can even cause problems with memory. What’s important to note here is that noise affects us whether we like or not. Even, that is, if we claim to be able to “tune out” that ringing cellphone, traffic noise, conversation, or hissing espresso machine. Another rule of thumb: opt for study spaces free of unwanted, intrusive noises.

Best study spots near me

1) libraries.

For my money, libraries are the hands-down champion of study spaces. There’s just something about being surrounded by books that, for me at least, promotes reading comprehension , concentration, and productivity. In fact, studies have shown children who grew up with more books in their homes have above-average rates of literacy. But I digress.

Libraries are perfect study spots because they’re quiet, populated with helpful librarians, equipped with internet access (ideally for research, not YouTube), and full of supportive learning environments for all types of learners. I always loved snagging an individual desk or table so I could spread out all my study materials—texts, index cards, notebooks, laptop, coffee. But I also liked grabbing a seat at one of the long, communal reading tables, especially if I knew I had to put in a good hour or two on a book or paper.

Many libraries also offer private rooms available via reservation. That’s hugely important because the learning sciences have demonstrated that externalization and articulation are paramount to effective learning. Here’s this from the intro to one of my learning sciences texts : “In many cases, learners don’t actually learn something until they start to articulate it—in other words, while thinking out loud, they learn more rapidly and deeply than studying quietly.” So ask yourself questions, summarize—out loud—that chapter you just read, give voice to lingering confusions and complexities; to do so is a crucial part of any successful study routine. Just make sure you’re not talking to yourself in the middle of the quiet reading area.

2) Study areas and reading rooms

In addition to libraries, it’s common for high schools and colleges to offer dedicated study areas and reading rooms. While these spaces might not have the same cozy, booky ambiance as libraries, they’re great alternatives. The advantage of these spaces is that they’re dedicated study spaces—providing students with a space to study is their express purpose. Expectations, knowledge, and values are embedded in physical spaces. When you enter a space where it’s expected that you’ll study, chances are you’ll study.

3) Parks, beaches, and other public spaces

This category will depend, of course, on weather, geography, season, transportation, etc. In general, though, I’ve found that beaches or parks are among the best study spots near me. They’re usually not too crowded, and except for the occasional obnoxious beach or parkgoer who decides to bring speakers, it’s not too loud, either. So when the conditions are right, the beach or park checks all the boxes of a great study spot. Parks may actually have the leg up on beaches, since parks have the added benefits of shade-bestowing trees, benches, water fountains, and restrooms. Another benefit? No Wi-Fi!

4) Coffee shops and cafes

Whether or not a particular coffee shop or café will make a suitable study spot depends entirely on the place itself. A loud, crowded, chaotic Starbucks where customers are jockeying for their mobile pre-orders and employees are shouting out names? Probably not the best bet.

In general, I’m wary of studying at coffee shops and cafes. Customers flitting in and out, overheard conversations, change rattling in the tip jar, the barista’s playlist jingling from the ceiling speakers—coffee shops are rife with potential distractions. And as a result, I never felt comfortable studying in coffee shops, never felt that clarity of mind that comes about when you’re fully immersed in your work. But that doesn’t mean that coffee shops and cafes are poor study spaces for everyone. Coffee shops on college campuses or in college towns often offer studiers a relaxed, quiet environment with comfy seating and tables perfect for spreading out books and papers. Plus, caffeine has been shown to improve cognitive performance .

5)  The bookstore  

This one depends on the bookstore. If you’re lucky enough to have a bookstore nearby that also offers seating, a reading room, or a café, then you’re in business. The experience of studying at a bookstore is part library, part coffee shop. You get the hushed reverence of book-lined walls and the productivity-enhancing kick of caffeine.

It’s worth mentioning that bookstores and coffee shops are commercial enterprises, so they’re not quite as democratic and egalitarian as public libraries. In order to access these spaces, you’ll probably be expected to spend some money.

6) At home  

Okay, caveats first. If you have roommates or share a dorm, carve out specific quiet or study time, and make sure you have access to quiet areas conducive to study. Another key to studying at home is clearing your study space of distractions or ways to procrastinate. The danger in attempting to study at home lies in the fact that at home, we’re surrounded by things with the potential to distract us: tempting snacks in the fridge, the television, the comfy looking couch, that new (or old) gaming console…the list of potential distractions in the home could go on forever. I’ve found that I’m my most productive in clean, well-organized environments . That means that before I open my laptop or book, I tidy up. Once the dishes are done and the bed is made and the dirty clothes are deposited in the hamper— that’s when I’m really ready to concentrate.

7) Anywhere your phone isn’t  

Probably the best study spot near me is anywhere my phone isn’t. That might sound tongue in cheek, but it’s not. If this article is a room, then the cellphone is the metaphorical elephant. Because as I’ve prattled on about the dangers that environmental distractions pose to our study habits, I’ve neglected perhaps the biggest distractor of all, the one we carry with us at all times, in purses, pockets, and backpacks, whether we’re in the library, coffee shop, or classroom.

When I want to focus on my work for an extended period, I open up my apartment door, walk downstairs, and lock my phone in my car. It might sound extreme, but it works: the presence of smartphones has been shown to have a deleterious impact on cognitive functions like recall and attention span .

If locking your phone in a car or safe sounds a bit draconian, don’t worry. You can always start by leaving your phone in another room. We know that distraction is public enemy number one when it comes to successful studying. So one of the best study spots near me—or you—is not really a place at all. It’s more a state, or condition—the condition of not having your phone within reach.

Best Places to Study Near Me

We hope this blog points you in the right direction in seeking out the best places to study near you. We encourage you to check out the following relevant blogs:

• 12 Strategies to Overcome Test Anxiety
• 7 Soft Skills for Teens
• 9 Best Homework Help Websites
• College Success
• High School Success

Dane Gebauer

Dane Gebauer is a writer and teacher living in Miami, FL. He received his MFA in fiction from Columbia University, and his writing has appeared in Complex Magazine and Sinking City Review .

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The Top 9 Bars and Pubs in Moscow Russia

Moscow is known for its extravagant nightlife and exclusive nightclubs. Sometimes, though, you just want to sit down and have a drink with some friends in a cozy pub instead of (or before) a wild night out on the town.

Luckily, Moscow’s pub scene has been expanding rapidly over the past several years, and you're sure to find your favorite atmosphere in the following list of Moscow’s top 10 bars and pubs, all of which are easily reachable by the Metro system or by taxi.

Like in most parts of the world, the pubs in Moscow are subject to sudden closures, so always be sure to check the bars' websites and social media channels for up-to-date information on hours of operation, special events, and food and drink pricing.

Noor | Electro Bar

This is a cozy bar where everyone is welcome and the cocktail selection is unparalleled. The music is always at a manageable level, and you will not have to fight to hold a conversation over it.

In addition, live music shows are held here quite often on the weekends and feature some of the best local and international talent. This latest incarnation of the Red Square neighborhood staple boasts a "friendly elaborate next-door bar with a touch of Russia's ethereal chic."

Address:  Tverskaya Str., 23/12 Moscow, RU 125009

Metro: Mayakovskaya or Pushkinskaya

Website:   Noor Bar

Mollie's Pub

Mollie's Pub is centrally located in Moscow and one of the busiest spots on Myasnickaya Street. Offering 55 types of whiskey and 15 kinds of beer, this local favorite is a go-to place for those seeking a more traditional Irish pub.

Great for checking out an international sporting event on one of the many TVs or for a quick bite before a night out in one of Moscow's best nightlife spots, Mollie's Pub is a great way to start out your night, but you might want to make a reservation as tables fill up quick!

Address:  Myasnitskaya ul., 13, Moskva, RU 101000

Website: Mollie's Pub

Strelka Bar

This bar is attached to the Strelka Institute for Media, Design, and Architecture and the interior and clientele are suitably stylish and unique. Students, designers, and artists gather here to enjoy some quiet sipping of cocktails, an occasional trendy party, or just to play the piano inside the bar.

This is a truly unique place in Moscow and definitely well-worth a visit—you might even be lucky enough to bump elbows with one of the next great artists emerging in the Moscow art scene!

Address: Bersenevskaya Naberezhnaya, 14, Str. 5a Moscow, RU 119072

Metro: Kropotkinskaya

Pod Mukhoi | Pod Muhoy

Pod Mukhoi offers a small, cozy atmosphere and unbeatable prices for a wide variety of pub food and specialty beverages. This is truly a place to relax, enjoy some well-made drinks and spend a long lingering evening, perfect for a quiet date night.

Since 2005, this trendy spot has served the neighborhood in Moscow with some of the best cocktails and small dishes pubs in the city offer. Be sure to check out the assemble-it-yourself noodles!

Address: Strastnoy Bulvar 6, Structure 2, Moscow, RU 125009 

Metro: Tverskaya, Pushkinskaya

Website: Pod Muhoy

John Donne Pub

This is a true English pub with a wide selection of beer, televised football games, and traditional British food.

Warm up here on a cold Moscow evening  in a relaxed and cozy place, perfect for spending time with friends or meeting some interesting new people who share an affinity for comforts of England.

Address: Nikitsky Bulvar 12, Moscow, RU 125009

Metro: Arbatskaya

Website: John Donne Pub

Jean-Jacques Cafe and Wine Bar

As the name would suggest, this distinctly French bar in central Moscow is the place to go for very affordable drinks, delicious food, and always interesting conversation. The bar staff is friendly and the music is good, too, so it's sure to please lovers of French romance and ambiance.

Address: Tsvetnoy Bulvar 24/1, Moscow, RU 127051

Metro: Chekhovskaya

Website:  Jean-Jacques Cafe and Wine Bar

Bobby Dazzler

This iconic British and European pub is perfect for catching a game on TV, but you should visit the website and book a reservation ahead of time on game nights as the pub fills up rather quickly.

Bobby Dazzler is especially a hit among beer enthusiasts from England and has been featured in the popular pub magazine Cheers  multiple times in the last few years for its emphasis on excellent craft beers.

Address:  Kostyanskiy Pereulok, 7/13, Moscow, RU 107045

Metro:  Turgenevskaja, Chistye Prudy, Sretenskiy Bulvar

Website: Bobby Dazzler

A very trendy bar and restaurant that manages to be both extravagant and affordable at the same time, Dream Bar is the place to go with a cocktail dress on and share an evening with the girls, "Sex and the City style" or put on your best shoes and enjoy the girls’ company!

The menu and the interior are as innovative as its creator, Dmitry Sokolov, and it boasts the "best cocktail menu in Moscow." With modern, trendy music bumping and a great atmosphere for conversation, you'll have a positively dreamy time at this venue, and it's open all night!

Address: Myasnitskaya Ulitsa 17/1, Moscow, RU 101000

Metro: Turgenevskaya, Chistye Prudy

Website:  Dream Bar

City Space Bar and Lounge

This bar is on top of a hotel and offers a stunning panoramic view of Moscow. This is a glamorous spot where you will rub shoulders with the top businessmen and managers.

It’s also a great place to go before a night out on the town, but it’s definitely not cheap! However, City Space Bar and Lounge was one of the top 10 bars in the world in 2008, according to “Bartender’s Guide."

Address: Kozmodamianskaya Naberezhnaya 52, Moscow, RU

Special Note: Venue is on the 34th floor of Swissotel Krasnye Holmy.

Metro: Paveletskaya

Website:  City Space Bar and Lounge

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Best Study Spots on Campus

Your mom might say you can study anywhere, but let’s be real — some places are better than others. Avoid big distractions and hunker down at one of the best places to study on campus at U of I.

If you want to study with food...

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Einstein Bros. Bagels in the Idaho Student Union Building is a great place to take a break between classes and bogart a table, especially if you’re the type who prefers to study with friends and a little background noise. Besides, you can’t go wrong with hot bagel sandwiches and fresh coffee.

Idaho Student Union Building

Believe it or not, the Idaho Student Union Building Food Court has some quiet pockets. Grab a table and a snack or lunch, and you’ve got a great place to review notes before a quiz. 

If you want to study at home...

Residence Halls

Each residence hall has a study space, or you can study in your own room! The best part about the residence hall study spaces is that there’s a schedule for academic coaching (kind of like a tutor, but they help with more than just one subject).

Greek Houses

If you live in a house with other individuals, you can study with them, share course knowledge or get help. Each fraternity or sorority house has a study table in the dining room or other area set aside just for studying.

If you want to find secret study spots...

There’s a secret study spot in every building. But that’s the thing, they’re secret. Get brave and explore your college’s lower floors (hint: many of the basement levels  are amazing). You may find a quiet nook, study rooms, small computer labs or benches that are just far enough out of the way. Or, in the larger buildings, travel to the top floors. You might be amazed with the spaces you’ll find .

If you want the place everyone agrees is the best...

The Library 

The University of Idaho Library has it all. The fourth floor is a silent floor — don’t bother with your cell phone or study group, this floor has rules — and is great for when you need absolute quiet to concentrate.

The third and second floors have group study rooms and single-human study pods (a seat, a light and a desk) so you can get the work done without visual distractions. You’ll find drop-in tutoring on the second floor as well.

The first floor has both group and individual study areas, whiteboards on wheels, the MILL (which isn’t really for studying, but it’s for learning, so it counts), people to help you, a computer lab, comfy couches and so many study pods. The Library also has The Fish Bowl, which is part study space, part cafe and totally awesome.

You can use the Library 24 hours a day, with just a few exceptions in building hours .