Moscow 5 Day Itinerary

Moscow 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: City Center Exploration

  • Morning: Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Loft, a cozy spot known for its delicious Russian and European dishes.
  • Afternoon: Visit the iconic Red Square (Красная площадь) and St. Basil’s Cathedral (Храм Василия Блаженного). Don’t forget to take a picture with the stunningly beautiful St. Basil’s from the Square!
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Café Pushkin, a charming restaurant that serves traditional Russian cuisine in a historical setting.
  • Afternoon: Explore the GUM department store, located on Red Square, and do some shopping or just enjoy the beautiful architecture and high-end boutiques. Visit the Bolshoi Theatre (Большой театр) to check the schedule for a performance if it fits your plans.
  • Dinner: Head to White Rabbit, a modern restaurant offering innovative Russian cuisine in a unique setting.

Day 2: Museums and Parks

  • Morning: Grab a coffee at Bar Bukhara and visit the State Tretyakov Gallery (Государственная Третьяковская галерея), Russia’s national museum of fine art.
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Voronikhin House Restaurant, located within the Tretyakov Gallery, offering traditional Russian dishes with a modern twist.
  • Afternoon: Travel to Sparrow Hills (Воробьёвы горы) and visit the Moscow State University and the Victory Park (Парк Победы). Enjoy the panoramic view of Moscow from the tallest monument in Russia, the “Moscow Planetarium.”
  • Dinner: Dine at Gusyatnik, a traditional Russian restaurant that specializes in dishes made with goose.

Day 3: Historical Sites

  • Morning: Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (Храм Христа Спасителя) and take a stroll along the Moskva River embankment.
  • Lunch: Head to Zhukov Cafe for a taste of Russian fast food, known as “стрыкалы” (strikaly).
  • Afternoon: Discover the Bunker 42 (Бункер 42), a Cold War museum located under downtown Moscow.
  • Dinner: Experience a traditional Russian dinner show at Kostroma.

Day 4: Modern Moscow

  • Morning: Visit the Zaryadie Park (Зарядие) and explore its unique architecture, including the “Museum of Earth” and the “Floating Garden.”
  • Lunch: Have lunch at Wood Cafe, a cozy eatery located within the Zaryadie Park.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Gorky Park (Парк Горького) and enjoy various activities such as boat rentals, bike rides, or simply relaxing by the river. Don’t forget to check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art!
  • Dinner: Dine at White Rabbit Gastronomica, a more casual version of White Rabbit with an impressive selection of dishes from around the world.

Day 5: Day Trip to Sergiev Posad

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Sergiev Posad (Сергиев Посад), known for its stunning architecture and beautiful churches. Visit the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius (Троице-Сергиева Лавра) and explore the surrounding area.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Russian lunch at one of the local cafes or restaurants in Sergiev Posad.
  • Afternoon: Spend the afternoon exploring more of the town, visiting additional monasteries, and learning about the history and significance of this important spiritual center.
  • Return to Moscow: Make your way back to Moscow and have dinner at a restaurant of your choice in the city center before heading home or continuing your journey.

Things to Know:

  • Currency: The official currency is the Russian Ruble (RUB). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s always good to carry some cash for smaller establishments.
  • Language: The official language is Russian, although English is spoken in many tourist areas and restaurants.
  • Transportation: Moscow has an extensive public transportation system, including the metro (подземная дорога), buses, and trams. Taxis are also readily available, but be sure to use a reputable company like Yandex or Gett.
  • Tips: Dress modestly when visiting churches and religious sites, and remove your shoes when entering private homes as a sign of respect. Be prepared for long lines at popular tourist attractions during peak season.