Russia Travel Guide: 5 Must-See Places for First-Time Visitors to Moscow

Russia isn’t exactly top of mind for Filipino travelers, especially these days when it’s engaged in a brutal and deadly war against neighboring Ukraine. But outside of the politics and military maneuverings, the country is objectively a fascinating place with centuries of rich history, culture, and traditions that is unlike anywhere else in the world. A visit to Russia should be in the bucket list not just for Russophiles, but for anyone interested in the coming together of Eastern and Western civilization. 

St. Basil's Cathedral at Red Square

Filipinos, especially, might be surprised to learn that traveling to Russia is easier now thanks to the E-visa program; everything is online and you don’t need to go to the consulate or embassy to submit your visa requirements.

While St. Petersburg is often touted as Russia’s grandest and most beautiful city, Moscow is a must-visit as the country’s capital and largest city. The city is a thriving melting pot of different cultures, and is relatively safe (the war is over 500 kilometers away to the west).  If you ever find yourself dreaming of stepping into the beating heart of Russia, here’s a quick travel guide of the essential spots to see and explore in Moscow.

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1| Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral

Any visit to Moscow has to start at the very heart of the city: Red Square and the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square is essentially a large open space flanked on various sides by some of the country’s most important and recognizable landmarks, including the State Historical Museum on the northwest end, the GUM shopping mall in the western side, St. Basil’s Cathedral on the southern end, and, of course, the Moscow Kremlin (and Lenin’s mausoleum) in the eastern side. 

State Historical Museum

Inside the GUM shopping mall

Winter Carnival at Red Square

Walking along the square, it’s easy to get lost in the grandeur and majesty of Red Square. This is a place that has existed since at least the 16th century and has been the site of numerous important cultural events in Russia. If you happen to visit during the winter holiday season, you can admire the GUM shopping mall all lit up in festive lights, and there might even be a winter carnival complete with a merry-go-round, shopping stalls, and even an ice-skating rink. All within view of the breathtaking St. Basil’s Cathedral. 

2| Kremlin Museums

The Kremlim is where the Russian president resides and, understandably, is one of the most heavily guarded complexes not just in Russia but possibly anywhere in the planet. However, parts of it are open to the public as within it are several museums that guides say are visited by over three million tourists every year. 

Cathedral of the Assumption

The stunning artworks on the walls and ceiling of the Assumption Cathedral

The grandest and possibly most important is the Kremlin Armoury, which houses a priceless collection of items throughout Russian history, including gold and silverware, jewelry, royal costumes, armor, weapons, carriages, and even a few Fabergé Easter eggs. Also located within the Armoury is the Russian Diamond Fund, the country’s collection of its most precious gems and jewelry.

Elsewhere in the Kremlin, there are several churches and cathedrals that are museums in and of themselves, including the Assumption (or Dormition) Cathedral, Cathedral of the Archangel, and Cathedral of the Annunciation. Enter each one and marvel at the intricate religious artworks, particularly in the Assumption Cathedral.

Tsar Cannon inside the Kremlim

Tsar Bell inside the Kremlin is supposedly the world's biggest bell

Within the Kremlin grounds, visitors can also get the chance to see Tsar Cannon and the Tsar Bell, which purportedly are the biggest cannon and bell in the world.

3| Moscow Impressionist Museum and Museum of Modern Art

For art lovers, two can’t-miss museums are the Moscow Impressionist Museum and Museum of Contemporary Art. The MIM, which is located in the grounds of former Bolshevik confectionery factory grounds, features a collection of paintings in the impressionist style, both at the height of the art style at the beginning of the 20th century and artists from later periods who worked in a similar style.

The sculpture garden outside the Moscow Museum of Modern Art

The Moscow Museum of Modern Art, meanwhile, is the first museum in the country focusing on 20th and 21st art. While there are several pieces from artists like Pablo Picasso, Joan Miro, and Wassily Kandinsky, the main focus of the museum is on Russian artists, particularly on non-conformist art of the 1960s-1980s, many of which who were then in opposition to the official Soviet ideology.

4| Russia National Expo (VDNH)

Russia has 89 regions and over 1,100 towns and cities. It’s nearly impossible to see them all even if you have unlimited time to see the entire country, but the next best thing is to visit a new national exposition. Located in the VDNH, a sprawling Soviet-era grounds, the International Russia Expo is “a demonstration of the country’s major achievements, collected on one site. Visitors are presented with expositions of 89 Russian regions, including federal departments, corporations, and public organizations.”

A visitor admiring the merchandise for sale at the Russia National Expo

Russians model traditional costumes in one of the booths at the expo

The expo features eye-opening exhibits from each region or city, putting Russian products and ingenuity at the forefront. It’s a way to get to know the country and the people and the values and traditions they hold dear.

Opened in early November 2023, the Russia Expo is open to visitors until April 12, 2024.

5| Metro train stations

When Russia first developed its underground Metro or rail network, officials decided to make the train stations beautiful so people who use the network will get to appreciate “things of beauty” as they go about their day. The result is a stunning network of Metro stations that are a sight to look at and, in many ways, like living museums for the people of Moscow and visitors to the city.

One of the metro train stations

Artwork inlaid with real gold in the Metro train station

So if you ever make your way to the city, try to ride the metro and pay attention to the stations as you board or exit the trains. Some stations are more beautiful than others, with grand chandeliers, artworks, and sculptures, but all are certainly worth a second look and are a cut above the regular train stations in other cities and countries.