Red Square Moscow 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Moscow

Morning:

  • Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Café Pushkin (14, St. Tverskaya Street). This famous restaurant offers traditional Russian cuisine in a charming setting.
  • Head to Red Square (Ploshad’ Revolyutsii, 109012 Moscow, Russia) by taking the Metro (subway). The nearest stations are Ploshchad' Revolyutsii and Okhotny Ryad.
  • Upon arrival, take some time to appreciate the architectural masterpieces surrounding Red Square: St. Basil's Cathedral, The State Historical Museum, GUM Department Store, and of course, the iconic Kremlin Walls and Towers.

Afternoon:

  • Visit The Kremlin (Senatskaia ploshchad, 103132 Moscow, Russia). Book a guided tour in advance to explore its four cathedrals and the Tsar’s Palace.
  • For lunch, head to Сtвёрчко (3, Bolshaya Yakimanka Street) for delicious Russian comfort food.

Evening:

  • Take a leisurely walk along the Moskva River and enjoy the stunning views of the city from Sparrow Hills or Gorky Park.
  • Have dinner at White Rabbit (10, Novinsky Blvd., Building 3). This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a unique fusion of Russian and Asian cuisine.

Day 2: More of Moscow’s Sights and Sounds

Morning:

  • Visit the Tretiakov Gallery (Lebedeva 10, 125009 Moscow, Russia) to see a vast collection of Russian art, including works by Kandinsky, Malevich, and Repin.
  • For lunch, try local fast food at a Stolovaya or Bistro – these are affordable cafeteria-style restaurants popular among locals.

Afternoon:

  • Explore the historic district of Zamoskvorechye. Visit Nikolskoye Tower, enjoy a boat ride on the Moscow River, and wander through the charming streets lined with colorful wooden houses.
  • For dinner, head to Traktor (56, Bolshaya Gonchara Street) for some traditional Russian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  1. Moscow can be quite cold, so pack layers and comfortable shoes for walking.
  2. Russian currency is the Ruble (RUB). Most places accept credit cards, but it’s always good to have some cash on hand.
  3. Metro tickets are very affordable, making it a convenient way to get around the city.
  4. Be respectful when visiting religious sites and dress modestly.
  5. English is not as widely spoken as in Western Europe, so learning a few phrases or using translation apps can be helpful.
  6. Moscow time is 3 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time).
  7. Taxis are abundant but can be expensive; use ride-hailing apps like Yandex Taxi for a more affordable alternative.

Where to Stay:

  1. Ritz-Carlton, Moscow: A luxury hotel located in the heart of the city, offering stunning views of Red Square and the Kremlin.
  2. Hotel Moskva: A historic 5-star hotel with a prime location near the Bolshoi Theatre and Tverskaya Street.
  3. Aloft Moscow Sokolniki: A more affordable option in a vibrant area filled with shops, restaurants, and the famous Sokolniki Park.