Moscow, Russia’s bustling capital, is rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Home to some of the world’s most iconic buildings, the city perfectly blends the old with the new. From grand churches to modern skyscrapers, Moscow’s famous landmarks are a visual feast and a journey through time. In this blog, we'll explore ten of Moscow's most famous buildings and landmarks, sharing why they’re must-see destinations, tips for visiting, and how best to experience the heart of this beautiful city.

Don't forget to read the Russia travel guide to make your travel preparations hassle-free, ensuring your focus remains on experiencing all that Moscow has to offer!

What are the most famous buildings in Moscow?

Here is the list of the most famous buildings in Moscow:

1. The Moscow Kremlin

2. St. Basil's Cathedral

3. Kolomenskoye Estate

4. Mausoleo de Lenin

5. Tsaritsyno Palace

6. Bolshoi Theatre

7. Moscow State University 

8. Melnikov House

9. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

10. Zaryadye Park and Concert Hall
    

1. The Moscow Kremlin: The Heart of Russian Power

The Kremlin is the most famous landmark of Moscow and also the epicentre of Russian power. Built in the late 15th century under the command of Ivan III (Ivan the Great) to serve as a fortress and residence for Russian rulers, it includes palaces, churches, and government buildings. It showcases a mix of Russian, Italian, and Byzantine architecture. It remains the political heart of Russia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to the Russian president. Inside, you'll find remarkable historical treasures such as the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, the Assumption Cathedral, and the Grand Kremlin

• Google review: 4.8*

• Location: Red Square, Moscow.

• Timings: 

Moscow Kremlin Museums (excluding the Armory Chamber)

• May 15 - September 30: 9:30 - 18:00 (closed Thursdays)

• October 1 - May 14: 10:00 - 17:00 (closed Thursdays)

Armory Chamber

• Open daily 10:00 - 18:00 in sessions: 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:30 (closed Thursdays)

• Entrance fee:

The entrance fees for the Moscow Kremlin attractions are as follows: 

• The Architectural Ensemble of Cathedral Square costs 900 RUB for adults, 500 RUB for visitors under 16, and is free for children under 7. 

• The Armoury Chamber costs 1,200 RUB for adults, 600 RUB for visitors under 16, and free entry for children under 7. 

• The fee for the 'Ivan the Great' Bell Tower is 350 RUB for adults, and children under 14 are not permitted entry.

• How to reach: Most tourists visit the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square in one trip. The Kremlin is just 35 kilometres from Sheremetyevo Airport and within a short distance of Red Square. Taxis are also readily available for hire from any part of Moscow, making transportation convenient.

• Official website: https://www.kreml.ru/ 

Tip: Purchase tickets online to avoid queues and prioritise the Armory Chamber, which contains invaluable Russian artefacts, including Fabergé eggs.

2. St. Basil's Cathedral: A Kaleidoscope of Colors

Built between 1555 and 1561 by the order of Ivan the Terrible, this cathedral commemorates the conquest of Kazan. Its colourful domes and fantastical architecture symbolise Russia's unique blend of medieval and Renaissance styles. St. Basil's Cathedral is one of the most famous buildings in Moscow and is a recognisable symbol. It is famous for its vibrant exterior and eclectic mix of nine chapels under domes of differing designs and colours.

• Google review: 4.8*

• Location: 109012, Moscow, Red Square, 7

• Timings: 11:00-17:00 (All Days)

• Entrance fee: 2000 RUB for Adult

• How to reach: From major Moscow airports (SVO, DME, VKO), take the Aeroexpress train to the city, transfer to the metro and get off at Okhotny Ryad or Kitay-Gorod stations. Alternatively, take a taxi directly (60-100 minutes, depending on traffic).

• Official website: https://shm.ru/museum/hvb/ 

Please note: The ticket office and entrance to the museum close 45 minutes before the museum closes.

3. Kolomenskoye Estate: A Royal Retreat

Kolomenskoye served as a royal estate since the 14th century and was later used by Ivan the Terrible as a summer residence. The Church of the Ascension, built in 1532, is a masterpiece of early stone tented-roof architecture. The estate offers a combination of lush green landscapes, stunning views of the Moskva River, and historical structures like the Church of the Ascension, the first stone church with a tent-like roof.

• Google review: 4.8*

• Location: Andropova Ave, 39, Moscow, Russia, 115487

• Timings: The park area is open daily from 5:30 to 22:00. Exhibitions are open from Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 to 18:00.

• Entrance fee: Admission to the park is free.  Entry to individual museums and exhibitions ranges from 50 to 350 RUB. It is best to enquire at the ticket office.

• How to reach: Metro station "Kolomenskaya" is closest to the estate.

• Official website: https://www.mgomz.ru/ru 

4. Mausoleo de Lenin: The Eternal Rest

Lenin's Mausoleum is the final resting place of Vladimir Lenin, the leader of the Russian Revolution, who has been preserved in a glass sarcophagus since he died in 1924. The mausoleum, located in Red Square, is an iconic symbol of Soviet history and architecture, with its austere granite exterior reflecting the solemnity of its purpose. Visitors can view Lenin's embalmed body and gain insight into the political and historical significance of the Soviet Union's early years.

• Google review: 4.4*

• Location: Red Square, Moscow, Russia, 109012

• Timings: Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10:00 to 13:00 (closed on Monday and Friday).

• Entrance fee: Free of charge.

• How to reach: The closest metro stations are "Okhotny Ryad," "Ploshchad Revolyutsii," and "Teatralnaya."

5. Tsaritsyno Palace: Catherine's Dream

Originally commissioned by Catherine the Great in the 18th century, this Gothic revival palace was designed by architect Vasily Bazhenov. Despite never being completed during Catherine's lifetime, it was eventually restored in the 21st century. Lush gardens and lakes surround Tsaritsyno Palace. The palace museum provides a glimpse into the luxurious life of the Russian nobility during the imperial period.

• Google review: 4.4*

• Location: Southern Moscow.

• Timings: Museum: Tue-Thu & Sun 10:00-18:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-20:00, Mon closed/ Greenhouses: Wed-Thu & Sun 10:00-18:00, Fri-Sat 10:00-20:00, Mon-Tue closed/ Park: Daily 06:00-24:00

• Entrance fee: Admission to Tsaritsyno Palace varies depending on the specific exhibitions and buildings you wish to visit. Tickets can start from 80 RUR to RUB 1,080. Here is a detailed guide for the Tsaritsyno ticket fee. 

• How to reach: Metro station "Tsaritsyno."

• Official website:https://tsaritsyno-museum.ru/ 

Tip: Bring snacks for a picnic in the park. The grounds are vast and perfect for a relaxing afternoon. It is best to purchase museum tickets online.

6. Bolshoi Theatre: Elegance in Motion

Opened in 1825, the Bolshoi Theatre is one of the oldest and most famous theatres in the world. It has undergone multiple renovations but remains a key institution for ballet and opera. Renowned for its performances, the Bolshoi offers an authentic taste of Russia's deep cultural heritage and classical arts, set within a grand neoclassical building.

• Google review: 4.8*

• Location: Central Moscow, Theatre Square, 1, Moscow, Russia, 125009

• Timings: Performances typically start at 19:00 for evening shows and 14:00 for matinees. Box office hours: Tue-Sun 11:00-19:00, Mon closed.

• Entrance fee: Ticket prices at the Bolshoi Theatre vary depending on the performance, seating location, and demand. They can range from 100 RUB to 1,250 RUB.

• How to reach: The closest metro stations are Teatralnaya, Okhotny Ryad, and Ploshchad Revolyutsii.

• Official website: https://www.bolshoi.ru/en/ 

Please note: Starting October 1, 2024, the Bolshoi Theatre will exclusively sell personalised tickets. Tickets must be purchased using the viewer's identification documents. Secure tickets well in advance and dress elegantly, as the experience is deeply tied to its historical opulence.

7. Moscow State University: The Tower of Knowledge

Moscow State University, founded in 1755, is Russia's oldest and most prestigious institution, featuring the iconic main building, a Stalin-era marvel and one of the "Seven Sisters" skyscrapers. The campus is an educational hub and a historical treasure, with the serene University Botanical Garden offering a peaceful escape. Visitors can explore its grand architecture, rich history, and tranquil green spaces.

• Google review: 4.7*

• Location:  Ulitsa Kolmogorova, 1, Moscow, Russia, 119991

• Entrance fee: Free of charge

• How to reach: Take the metro to "Vorobyovy Gory" station.

Tip: Pair your visit with a walk through Sparrow Hills or take the cable car for a unique perspective over the Moskva River.

8. Melnikov House: Avant-Garde Ambitions

Designed and built by the avant-garde architect Konstantin Melnikov from 1927 to 1929, Melnikov House is a masterpiece of early Soviet architecture. Its unique cylindrical structure with honeycomb windows reflects the innovative, experimental spirit of Russian Constructivism. The house was both a residence and a studio for Melnikov and stands as a testament to modernist ideals and the creative freedom of the 1920s avant-garde.

• Google review: 4.7*

• Location: 10 Krivoarbatsky Lane, Moscow, Russia

• Timings: Guided tours by appointment only; typically available Tue-Sun 11:00-18:00, closed Mondays.

• Entrance fee: Ticket prices depend on the type of tour and visitor category. For the most up-to-date pricing, please refer to the official website.

• How to reach: The closest metro stations are "Arbatskaya" and "Smolenskaya."

• Official website: https://muar.ru/houses/dom-melnikovamovement.

9. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour: Phoenix of Faith

Originally constructed in the 19th century and destroyed under Stalin's orders in 1931, the cathedral was reconstructed in the 1990s as a symbol of national pride and religious revival. It is the largest Orthodox cathedral in Russia, with richly decorated interiors and a terrace offering panoramic views of Moscow.

• Google review: 4.8*

• Location: Volkhonka St, 15, Moscow, Russia

• Timings: 8:00 to 18:00. Opening hours may vary depending on the date.

• Entrance fee: Free admission to the main sanctuary. 

• How to reach: The closest metro stations are "Kropotkinskaya" and "Park Kultury."

• Official website: https://www.xxc.ru/

Tip: Access the observation deck for 360-degree views of Moscow, including the Kremlin.

10. Zaryadye Park and Concert Hall: Nature Meets Innovation

Opened in 2017, Zaryadye Park is a new urban green space that replaced the old Rossiya Hotel. It includes modern landscaping, climate zones, and a concert hall for music events. A unique combination of landscaped gardens, futuristic pavilions, and the "floating bridge" over the Moskva River makes it a perfect place for families and photographers.

• Google review: 4.8*

• Location: Varvarka St, 6, Moscow, Russia

• Timings: Park open daily from 08:00-22:00. Concert Hall timings vary depending on events.

• Entrance fee: Zaryadye Park is open to the public free of charge. However, the Zaryadye Concert Hall, located within the park, hosts a variety of performances, each with its own ticket pricing. Inquire at the information desk or visit the official website. 

• How to reach: The closest metro stations are "Kitay-Gorod" and "Okhotny Ryad."

• Official website: https://zaryadyehall.ru/event/festival/ 

Tip: Don't miss the "floating bridge" for a great photo-op over the Moskva River. Concert tickets for Zaryadye's Philharmonic Hall are also worth considering because it offers a great acoustic experience.

Conclusion

Moscow is a city that effortlessly bridges its storied past with a dynamic present, offering a spectacular showcase of iconic landmarks and hidden architectural gems. Each of the ten landmarks covered in this blog represents a distinct chapter of Moscow’s rich history, whether it’s the imperial splendour of the Kremlin, the artistic heights of the Bolshoi Theatre, or the futuristic landscape of Zaryadye Park. Whether you're an architecture enthusiast, a history buff, or a curious traveller, these attractions promise to leave you spellbound. So pack your bags, let your senses absorb the grandeur of these cultural marvels, and start your Moscow adventure. It's a journey through history, culture, and the vibrant spirit of Russia like no other. Getting a Russian visa is now easier than ever with Atlys! Start your journey to Moscow without the hassle. Let Atlys handle the rest!