For a first trip to Russia, Moscow makes a rewarding five-day base, with famous landmarks, historic neighbourhoods and excellent food. This plan keeps each day focused on one area and uses approximate travel times between stops; allow extra time for security checks and city traffic.
Budget
Around 12,000–20,000 RUB per person for five days, excluding accommodation, flights and most meals. This estimate includes the listed paid admissions, local transport and modest meals.
Best time to visit
May to September for long days and pleasant park weather; December to February for a snowy winter atmosphere.
Red Square and the Kremlin
Start with Moscow’s historic centre, where the city’s most iconic sights sit close together.
Morning
Explore
Begin at the city’s grand central square and take in its landmark views. Walking to St. Basil’s Cathedral takes about 5 minutes.
FreeMorning
Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
See the vividly coloured domes and ornate interior. It’s about a 5-minute walk back across the square toward the State Historical Museum.
About 1,000 RUBAfternoon
Tour the Kremlin
Explore the historic fortress and its cathedral grounds; allow time for entry checks. From St. Basil’s, the visitor entrance is roughly a 15-minute walk around the Kremlin walls.
About 1,000 RUBEvening
See the
Finish with a performance or admire the illuminated façade. From the Kremlin’s visitor exit, it’s about a 20-minute walk or 10 minutes by taxi.
About From 1,500 RUB
Zamoskvorechye and the river
Pair a world-class art collection with a relaxed riverside walk in the historic district south of the centre.
Morning
Browse the
Spend the morning with Russian art, from medieval icons to modern masterpieces. From the gallery, the riverside park is about a 15-minute walk.
About 700 RUBAfternoon
Walk through
Enjoy the open-air sculpture collection and leafy paths along the river. It’s around 10 minutes on foot to the .
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
See the monumental cathedral and its richly decorated interior. From the cathedral, the is about a 5-minute walk.
FreeEvening
Cross the at sunset
Take in lovely river and Kremlin views from this short pedestrian bridge. It’s roughly a 10-minute walk back toward the Tretyakov Gallery area for dinner.
Free
Arbat and the Garden Ring
Explore an atmospheric old street, then enjoy nearby museums and a relaxed evening in the city centre.
Morning
Stroll along
Browse the historic pedestrian street’s shops, street performers and cafés. From its eastern end, the is about a 15-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
Explore a wide-ranging collection spanning ancient civilisations to European art. The nearby is about a 10-minute walk away.
About 600 RUBAfternoon
See
Visit the former home of writer Nikolai Gogol for a compact literary detour. It’s about a 15-minute walk to Patriarch’s Ponds.
About 300 RUBEvening
Unwind at Patriarch’s Ponds
Take an easy stroll around the pond and choose a nearby restaurant for dinner. The surrounding lanes are all within about 5–10 minutes on foot.
Free
VDNKh and northeast Moscow
Spend the day among grand Soviet-era pavilions, gardens and one of the city’s most striking monuments.
Morning
Explore
Wander the expansive exhibition grounds and admire the elaborate pavilions and fountains. From the main entrance, the Space Pavilion is about a 10-minute walk.
FreeAfternoon
Visit the
Discover Soviet and Russian space history through spacecraft, equipment and exhibits. The museum sits beside the , just a 2-minute walk away.
About 400 RUBAfternoon
See the
Pause for photos beneath this soaring titanium monument. It’s about a 10-minute walk to the northern edge of .
FreeEvening
Enjoy the fountains and grounds
Return to the exhibition centre for an unhurried evening walk; the grounds are a short stroll from the monument, around 10 minutes on foot.
Free
Kolomenskoye and central Moscow
Finish with a peaceful riverside estate and a final evening around the city’s central streets.
Morning
Explore
Walk through the former royal estate’s gardens and historic grounds. From the main entrance, the Church of the Ascension is about a 15-minute walk.
FreeMorning
Visit the Church of the Ascension
Admire this distinctive UNESCO-listed church in its peaceful park setting. It’s about a 15-minute walk back toward the estate’s central paths.
FreeAfternoon
Return to central Moscow
Take the metro from Kolomenskaya to Teatralnaya; allow about 25 minutes including the station walk. Have a leisurely lunch and a final look around the central streets.
About 70 RUBEvening
Take an evening walk along
Enjoy the lively, illuminated pedestrian street and its historic façades. From , it’s about a 10-minute walk.
Free
Good to know
Entry requirements
Check current Russian visa requirements and official travel advisories before booking; rules and services can change.
Payments
International bank cards may not work in Russia. Confirm payment options before arrival and carry an appropriate amount of Russian rubles.
Tickets
Check official opening hours and buy timed-entry tickets for popular museums and the Kremlin in advance where available.
Getting around
The metro is often faster than road transport. A single ride is roughly 70 RUB; confirm current fares and use a local transit card or approved payment method.