Moscow offers a historic square, a fortified Kremlin, cathedrals, theatres, galleries, parks and the metro, most in the centre or a short ride apart. Each of the top places is listed below with its entry fee and timing.
1. Red Square
Red Square is the historic and symbolic heart of Moscow and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ringed by the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum and the State Historical Museum.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | The central square, with the Kremlin and St. Basil’s around it |
| Location | Central Moscow, on the Moskva River |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Timing | Open daily, 24 hours (may close for events) |
| Tip | Best explored on foot; go early to avoid the crowds |
2. The Kremlin
The Kremlin is the fortified seat of the Russian state and the President’s official residence, holding cathedrals, museums and the Armoury Chamber within its walls.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Cathedrals, museums and the cathedral square |
| Location | On Red Square, central Moscow |
| Entry fee | About Rs. 700 to Rs. 1,000 for the grounds and cathedrals |
| Timing | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed Thursdays) |
| Tip | The Armoury Chamber needs a separate, timed ticket |
3. St. Basil’s Cathedral
St. Basil’s Cathedral is the multi-coloured, onion-domed cathedral on Red Square, one of the most recognisable buildings in the world, with a maze of small chapels inside.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | The onion domes and the chapels inside |
| Location | Red Square, central Moscow |
| Entry fee | About Rs. 800 to Rs. 1,000 |
| Timing | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| Tip | Buy tickets early to skip the queue |
4. Bolshoi Theatre
The Bolshoi Theatre is the historic home of Russian ballet and opera, famous for its performances and opulent interiors.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | World-class ballet and opera; grand interiors |
| Location | Theatre Square, central Moscow |
| Entry fee | From about Rs. 2,000 for performances; guided tours cost less |
| Timing | Evening performances; tours by schedule |
| Tip | Book well ahead and dress smartly for an evening show |
5. Tretyakov Gallery
The Tretyakov Gallery is the leading gallery of Russian art, spanning centuries, with works by Repin, Kandinsky and Malevich.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Russian art from medieval icons to modern works |
| Location | Zamoskvorechye district, central Moscow |
| Entry fee | About Rs. 500 to Rs. 700 |
| Timing | 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (closed Mondays) |
| Tip | Allow a half-day; the New Tretyakov holds Soviet-era art |
6. Gorky Park
Gorky Park is a large riverside park for a break from the sights, with cycling, skating, open-air events and a relaxed local atmosphere.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Riverside paths, cycling, skating and events |
| Location | Along the Moskva River, central Moscow |
| Entry fee | Free |
| Timing | Open daily |
| Tip | A good break between the historic sights |
7. Moscow Metro
The Moscow Metro’s ornate stations are often called underground palaces, with mosaics, sculptures and chandeliers, and are sights in themselves.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Ornate stations such as Komsomolskaya and Mayakovskaya |
| Location | Across the city |
| Entry fee | Price of a metro ride, about Rs. 60 |
| Timing | 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM |
| Tip | Ride between the famous stations to see them |
8. The Armoury Chamber
The Armoury Chamber, inside the Kremlin, is a treasury of royal and imperial objects, including Fabergé eggs, ceremonial carriages and weapons.
| Aspect | Details |
| Highlights | Fabergé eggs, imperial carriages and ceremonial weapons |
| Location | Inside the Kremlin, central Moscow |
| Entry fee | About Rs. 1,000 to Rs. 1,500 |
| Timing | Timed sessions, 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Tip | Book the timed ticket in advance |
Red Square, Gorky Park and the metro stations cost little or nothing, so the main sightseeing costs are the Kremlin, St. Basil’s, the Tretyakov, the Armoury and a Bolshoi show. Fees are paid in rubles, and cards issued outside Russia do not work there, so carry cash to exchange and confirm current prices and timings before you go.