Moscow is the capital of the Russian Federation and the country’s largest city. It is one of the world’s leading metropolitan areas and serves as Russia’s cultural, historical, scientific, and tourism center. Every year, millions of visitors from Russia and abroad come to Moscow to explore its rich heritage, world-class museums, theaters, parks, exhibitions, and cultural events.
As this guide is intended for tourists, we will not focus on Moscow’s political or economic significance. Instead, we will highlight the city’s most famous attractions and the places every visitor should see.
The three most iconic landmarks of Moscow are the Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, and Arbat Street. These are the starting points for most sightseeing tours. Red Square, home to Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the State Historical Museum, and Lenin’s Mausoleum, is considered the heart of the city. The Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an outstanding architectural complex featuring historic cathedrals, palaces, the famous Armoury Chamber, and the Diamond Fund.
Moscow is also renowned for its magnificent historic estates and museum parks. Among the most popular are Tsaritsyno, Kolomenskoye, Kuskovo, and the nearby Arkhangelskoye Estate. These sites offer visitors a fascinating insight into Russian history, noble culture, and remarkable architecture.
Those interested in religious architecture should not miss Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, and the Novodevichy Convent, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Beyond its historic landmarks, Moscow is home to many modern attractions, including Zaryadye Park, VDNKh, Gorky Park, the Moscow City business district, numerous museums, theaters, concert venues, and one of the world’s most beautiful metro systems, whose stations are often regarded as masterpieces of architecture.
Quick Facts: Moscow has a population of approximately 13.3 million residents, while the Greater Moscow metropolitan area is home to more than 21 million people. Covering an area of approximately 2,560 km², Moscow is one of the largest cities in Europe by both population and territory.
