Moscow! Ugh, you have my heart. As one of the largest cities in the world, there are endless possibilities of what to explore and what to do when you visit the capital of Russia (which can be extremely overwhelming)! There’s nothing worse than visiting a city and then realizing after that there were so many cool places you missed out on… been there, done that! With a few trips to this city under my belt, I have a solid list of the places you absolutely can’t leave off your to-see-and-do list.
The Kremlin – When most people think of the Kremlin, they don’t usually think beautiful architecture and gold-covered domes… but surprise! This is exactly what it is and it’s absolutely breathtaking, aka a must do. While you’re there, make sure to check-out the Armoury Chamber, which exhibits all different aspects of Russian culture. As the oldest museum in Russia, here you can find gowns and carriages used by the royals including Catherine the Great, as well as unique gold and silver pieces.
Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
Zaryadye Park – Located just past the Kremlin and Red Square, this park is one of the most amazing pieces of modern architecture in Moscow. The park is divided into four zones: mixed forest, steppe, tundra and meadowland, to represent the four climates found in Russia. While you’re here, make sure to check out the Ice Cave, the floating glass bridge, and the amphitheater! There’s also an added perk of seeing a great, clear view of the city and the Kremlin.
Glass amphitheater for concerts & events.
GUM (goom) – Plain and simple: Stepping into this mall is like stepping into heaven. One of the largest in the world, this mall houses all your high-end fashion brands such as Cartier, Furla, Agent Provacateur, Fendi, etc. Besides shopping, the three must do’s at this stop are: the grocery store, the ice cream, and the famous bathroom! Yup, I know, what a combo, right? You’re probably thinking.. Irina, why would I visit a grocery store at a high-end mall? Yes, it sounds strange, but this little grocery store carries many unique finds if you’re looking for something specific or just browsing for something different to try! As for the ice cream, there are many little carts for you to pick this up throughout the mall. I definitely recommend the tagliatelle flavor, it’s vanilla with little chocolate shavings. Yummm! And lastly, the bathroom. It’s a famous bathroom, people. Hence why you have to pay a pretty penny to use it.. buuuut, it’s probably the most beautiful *public* restroom you’ll ever see, and it is an experience in my opinion!
One of the many wings in GUM.
Izmaylovo Kremlin – Like walking into a fairytale, this is much different than the Moscow Kremlin. Home to a large outdoor market, you can find anything you’d ever want here, from fur hats/coats, to matryoshka dolls, to old soviet era pins. From shopping to museums, this site has it all, making this an easy all-day excursion. When you go, make sure to check out spray paint alley (just follow the smell of paint!) for some pretty cool artwork!
Izmaylovo Kremlin Center.
Tavern Taras Bulba – Last but not least: FOOD! If you’re looking for a genuine Russian/Ukranian meal, this is a mandatory pitstop. I kid you not, I have never felt more engulfed in the culture than I did when I ate here. Leave plenty of time for yourself to enjoy the meal and soak it all it though, as the servers are incredibly friendly (read: complimentary shots). If you find yourself in Moscow and looking for a restaurant, check this one out, and make sure to order the borsch! P.S. Sorry the camera didn’t eat first this time around, it was too good!
This city truly is unique because it’s the perfect mix of culture and modernization. If you get the chance to travel to Moscow, make sure to check these places out, and of course, enjoy yourself! Let me know in the comments what your must do’s are when you visit a new city!
