Red Square Moscow 6 Day Itinerary

6 Days in Red Square: A Detailed Itinerary

This itinerary assumes you’re already in Moscow.

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Morning: Arrive at Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) and transfer to your accommodation.

    • Transportation: Take the Aeroexpress train for a direct, efficient, and affordable transfer to the city center from the airport. Alternatively, use a taxi service like Yandex Taxi or the Metro.

  • Afternoon: Settle into your hotel in the city center, ideally near the Kremlin or within walking distance of Red Square.

    • Accommodation Recommendations:
      • Hotel National: Luxurious hotel with stunning views of the Kremlin ($$$ - Expensive)
      • Grand Hotel Moscow: Elegant hotel with a central location, close to many attractions ($$)
      • Airbnb: Consider staying in a centrally-located apartment for a more local experience.

  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Russian dinner at Cafe Pushkin, known for its opulent atmosphere and delicious cuisine.

Day 2: The Heart of Moscow

  • Activity: Visit the Kremlin, including Lenin’s Mausoleum, the Armoury Chamber (for its historical treasures), and the Cathedral Square (with its iconic cathedrals).

  • Things to see:

    • Armoury Chamber: Explore the collection of Tsarist carriages, jewelry, and weaponry.
    • Ivan the Great Bell Tower: Climb this historic tower for breathtaking views of the city.
    • Cathedral of Saint Basil the Blessed: Admire this stunning architectural marvel with its colorful onion domes.

  • Food & Drinks:

Lunch:

  • Cafe Moskva: Enjoy a hearty meal at this historical cafe near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Dinner:

  • Cafe Pushkin: (mentioned above)
  • Restaurant “Russkie Sezony”: Experience a modern twist on traditional Russian cuisine in a beautiful setting.

Day 3: Red Square’s Icons

  • Things to see:

    • The Kremlin: Explore the historical heart of Moscow and its iconic buildings.

  • Red Square: Take a leisurely stroll around this historic square, enjoying the architecture and soaking up the atmosphere.

  • Lenin’s Mausoleum: Explore the history and symbolism surrounding Lenin’s tomb.

  • St. Basil’s Cathedral: Admire the colorful, unique architecture of this historical landmark.

Day 4: Beyond the Square

  • Morning: Visit the State Historical Museum, a treasure trove of Russian artifacts from centuries past.

  • Food & Drinks:

  • Lunch: Enjoy a quick and delicious lunch at Stolovaya #5, a local restaurant with a Soviet-era dining hall atmosphere, known for its affordable and traditional dishes.

  • Dinner:

GUM Department Store: Enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants within this luxurious shopping mall.

Things to do:

  • Red Square Tour: Learn about the history and significance of Gorky Park (for its modern architecture)
  • Bolshoi Theatre Tour: Experience a tour behind the scenes of this world-renowned theatre.

Day 5: The Kremlin & Beyond

  • Things to see:

    • Cathedral of Saint Basil’s: Explore the iconic architecture and marvel at its colorful onion domes.
    • Kremlin Armoury Museum: Experience a fascinating glimpse into Russia’s historical past through its collection of weapons, armor, and carriages.

  • Dinner:

  • Stolovaya #5: (mentioned above)

Day 6: Farewell Feast

  • Lunch: Enjoy a final taste of Moscow with a delicious meal at one of the city’s many renowned restaurants.

Things to do:

  • Visit the Kremlin: Explore the historical heart of Moscow and its connection to Red Square.
  • Take a walk through the Red Square: Reflect on your experiences and enjoy the atmosphere of this iconic location.

Dinner:

  • Restaurant “Cafe” (in parenthesis, replace with an actual restaurant name): Enjoy a traditional Russian meal at a restaurant serving local dishes, or try a modern restaurant for a different experience.
  • Enjoy a final view: Climb to a rooftop bar in the city center for a breathtaking farewell view of Moscow’s skyline.

Things to know:

  • Safety: Red Square is generally safe for tourists. Be aware of pickpockets and your surroundings, especially during crowded times.
  • Respect: Remember that you are visiting a historic site with religious significance. Dress respectfully (no bare shoulders or revealing clothing) and be mindful of noise levels in the area.

Food & Drinks:

  • Traditional options:

    • Stolovaya #5: Located in the GUM department store, this restaurant offers delicious and affordable traditional Russian food.
    • Cafe “White Rabbit” (Replace with a name relevant to your trip’s final destination): This option is great for tourists who want to experience a more modern dining scene while still being within walking distance of the historical landmarks on Red Square.

  • Modern options:

    • Cafe “Russkie” (or something similar) for a modern take on traditional Russian cuisine.

  • Cultural nuances:

    • Be prepared for locals speaking limited English.
    • Download translation apps or learn basic Russian phrases to make communication easier.

  • Currency: Familiarize yourself with the Russian ruble (₽) and its conversion rate from your own currency.

  • Visa requirements:

    • Check if you need a visa to enter Russia.
    • Citizens of many countries require a visa for entry. Make sure to check the requirements for your nationality before you travel.

  • Transportation:

    • The Moscow Metro is a safe and efficient way to get around the city, with stations like the “Revolution Square” station right on the Red Square.
    • Consider walking: It’s a great way to experience the city and soak in the sights.

  • Taxis:

For your safety, download a reputable app (like Yandex Taxi) and use it to book rides. This ensures you have a record of the journey and avoids haggling with drivers on the street.

  • Communication:

    • Carry a “tourist phrasebook” or use a translation app for basic interactions.

  • Accommodation:

  • Choose a hotel within walking distance of Red Square, like the “Hotel Rossiya” (replace with hotels near your desired attractions) to avoid transportation hassles.

  • Souvenirs: While GUM offers a variety of luxury goods and souvenirs, it’s often possible to find more affordable options in local markets.

Things to see:

  • Visit the “Bolshoi Theatre” (or other notable locations):

While you are in Moscow, consider visiting these iconic locations:

  • The Kremlin: Explore the unique and historical sites within the Kremlin complex.

  • Red Square is a large area with many attractions:

    • St. Basil’s Cathedral: (Replace with specific museums or attractions you want to highlight).**

  • Culture & History:

  • Travel: