Moscow Russia 6 Day Itinerary

6 Days in Moscow: A Guide for First-Time Visitors

This itinerary assumes you’re interested in seeing the highlights of Moscow while learning about its history and culture. It’s easily adaptable for those with specific interests!

Day 1: Arrival & Red Square Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) or Domodedovo International Airport (DME).

  • Afternoon: Check into your hotel near the Kremlin.

    • Accommodation: Consider a charming boutique hotel in the historic center like the Hotel Metropol Moscow or the Lotte Hotel Moscow.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Russian dinner at Cafe Pushkin, known for its opulent decor and delicious classics.
    • Activity: Explore Red Square, including St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum (free entry!), the Kremlin walls, and the GUM department store.

Things to know:

  • Moscow Time: Moscow is in the Moscow Standard Time zone (MSK), which is 3 hours ahead of GMT+3.
  • Moscow Time Zone: Moscow is located in the Moscow Time Zone (MSK), which is 3 hours ahead of GMT.

Day 2: Inside the Kremlin & Cultural Immersion

  • Morning: Visit the Kremlin museums and explore its historical significance.
  • Afternoon: Stroll through the historic Arbat Street, browsing the shops and enjoying the street musicians.
  • Evening: Attend a performance at the Bolshoi Theatre for a taste of world-class ballet or opera.

Day 3: Literary Legacy & Soviet History

  • Activity: Visit the Pushkin Museum, home to a vast collection of Russian art and artifacts.

Day 4: Art & Beauty

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the vibrant street art scene at the Winzavod Center for Contemporary Art.
  • Afternoon: Take a walk through Gorky Park, a popular green space with beautiful gardens, cafes, and recreational activities.

Day 5: A Day of Exploration

  • Morning: Wander through the Red Square, taking in the views and visiting the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic Arbat Street, a pedestrianized street with many shops and cafes.

Things to know:

  • Moscow is a large city so be prepared to walk or use public transportation.
  • The “Kremlin” refers to the fortified complex in the center of Moscow, while the “Kreml” (plural: “Kremlins”) are the historical fortifications that surround many historic cities and towns in Russia.**

Here are some things you can do to customize this itinerary:

  • History Lovers: Spend more time at historical sites like the Kremlin, Red Square, and the Lenin Mausoleum.
  • Art Enthusiasts: Allocate extra time for museums and art galleries like the Pushkin Museum, Tretyakkov Gallery, or the State Picture Gallery.
  • Foodies: Add in culinary experiences like a traditional Russian food tour (check out “Taste of Russia” tours), exploring different markets and restaurants for local delicacies.

Day 6: Art & Relaxation

  • Morning: Visit the Lenin Mausoleum and explore the history of the Soviet Union.

Red Square:

  • Duration:

Things to Know about Moscow:

  • Accommodation: Moscow has a wide range of accommodation options for all budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels.
  • Currency: The currency in Russia is the Ruble (RUB).

Visa:

  • Tourist Visa: Ensure you have the necessary visa requirements sorted before your trip.

Things to consider adding to your itinerary based on your interests:

  • Art & Architecture: Explore the State Historical Museum for a journey through Russian history, or visit the Tretyakov Gallery for breathtaking Russian art from all eras.
  • Food & Drink:

Transportation: Moscow’s public transportation is efficient and affordable. Consider using the metro system (Moscow Metro) for a quick and scenic way to travel around the city.

  • Dining: Try traditional Russian dishes like borscht, pelmeni, or blinis with caviar at various restaurants in Moscow.
  • Nature & Relaxation: Enjoy a picnic at Izmaylovsky Park or explore the beautiful gardens at the Tsaritsyno Estate (depending on the season).

Things to consider for this 6-day itinerary:

  • Shopping: Visit Gorky Park’s markets for unique souvenirs and local crafts.
  • Dining: Experience the diverse culinary scene by dining in a traditional restaurant, exploring the vibrant street food culture, or visiting the “Taste of Russia” market for a variety of local delicacies.

Things to Know about Moscow’s Food & Drink:

  • Russian Cuisine: Dive into the rich flavors of traditional Russian dishes.
  • Food Markets: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of Danilovsky Market, Izmaylovsky Market, or the “Taste of Moscow” food tour for a local experience.**

Here are some tips for dining in Moscow:

  • Try Traditional Restaurants: Look for “столовая” (stolovaya) restaurants for an authentic and affordable taste of Russia.
  • Explore the Food Scene: Moscow is known for its diverse culinary offerings, from traditional Russian cuisine to international flavors.

Remember:

  • Language: While many people in Moscow speak English, it’s helpful to learn some basic Russian phrases.
  • Currency: You can exchange currency at banks and official exchange points throughout the city.

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Moscow’s street food scene!

For a taste of Moscow’s diverse culinary offerings, explore these options:

  • “Restaurant X” for traditional borscht and other classic dishes.
  • “Tsaritsino Market” for a variety of food stalls and restaurants.

Other Considerations:

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.
  • Food & Drink:

Accommodation:

  • Hotels in Moscow: Research the best areas to stay (e.g., near Red Square, Arbat Street, or other preferred locations) and book in advance for the most options.

Things you can do:

  • Take a cooking class: Learn to make traditional Russian dishes like pelmeni from scratch.

  • Visit a local market: Experience the hustle and bustle of a Moscow market and sample fresh produce, baked goods, and local specialties.

  • Enjoy “Tourist-Friendly” Experiences:

  • Explore the “Tsaritsino Market” for its delicious food offerings.

  • Visit the Izmailovsky Market:

Remember:

  • Moscow’s diverse cuisine: From traditional borscht to modern interpretations, Moscow has a lot to offer. Enjoy the city’s rich culinary history and variety!

  • Enjoy the “Taste of Russia” experience:

Enjoy a “Taste of Russian History” tour:

  • Tsaritsino Park: A beautiful park with gardens, fountains, and a palace.

  • Tverskaya Street: Explore this bustling street filled with shops, cafes, and restaurants.

  • Bring your appetite!

This itinerary is just a starting point, you can customize it further by adding in other activities and attractions that are important to you. Remember to book tickets for popular attractions in advance and be aware of the language barrier. Enjoy the experience!