free things to do in moscow

The Best Things You Can Visit in Moscow for FREE

Moscow isn't exactly the cheapest city in the world, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy it on a tight budget.
by | January 30, 2020


Moscow is Russia’s capital; here you’ll find many businesses, different districts, beautiful buildings and many attractions that make it a premier tourist destination. However, it is also an expensive city. But you can still enjoy the sights by checking out these free things to do in Moscow.

 

Visit the Red Square

The Red Square is one of the most popular destinations in Moscow. Here you’ll find the Kremlin, the iconic Saint Basil’s Cathedral, GUM Department Store and other beautiful landmarks. The square is always full of people both locals and tourists. Take pictures of the cathedral and fetching buildings while soaking in the history and culture of Russia. The square is free with paid attractions within its confines.

 

Go Church Hopping

Moscow has a long history that spans several centuries this means that you’ll find many old and relatively new churches in the city. The most famous is Saint Basil’s Cathedral, but the city is also home to other beautiful places of worship which include the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Church of the Conception of Saint Anne, Saint Maximus’s Church, Cathedral of Znamensky Monastery and others.

 

Admire the Metro Stations

It is strange to consider metro stations as attractions, but in Moscow they really are. Some stations have chandeliers, murals and artwork. Some will make you stop, stare and linger just to admire the interiors. The entire length of the metro network is just below 400km.

 

See the Church of the Ascension

This beautiful UNESCO-listed church is in a scenic park. The royal family at the time had the church constructed in the 1530s to commemorate the prince’s birth. The baby grew up to be the Tsar known as “Ivan the Terrible.” Its beautiful white exterior grabs your attention the moment you see it.

 

Explore Tsaritsyno Estate

This sprawling estate amid the urban jungle elicits a sense of nostalgia from visitors. It has a history that dates back to the 16th century. Tsaritsyno has seen many owners come and go; Catherine the Great left the biggest mark on it. She bought it in the 1770s and commissioned a famous Russian architect to build a country residence. Construction stopped due to the untimely death of Catherine in the 1790s. Reconstruction and maintenance took place over the last few centuries.

 

Admire the Beautiful Buildings

Moscow is an eclectic mix of old and new. You’ll see different architectural styles from ancient to Stalinist to modern. These aesthetics are on display in the alleys and streets you walk along. Some of the structures are more than a century old, while others are just decades old.

 

Window Shop in GUM Department Store

The GUM Department Store is one of the most beautiful buildings in the Red Square. It used to be the state department store during Soviet times. Fast forward to today, it is now a premier shopping destination with many local and foreign establishments inside. The interior is stunning and displays the aesthetic of Russian architecture. Even if you don’t buy anything, a visit will be worth your while.

 

Visiting Russia soon? You might also be interested in the articles below:

Cities and Towns to Include on Your First Visit to Russia

Walking Around Moscow, the Coldest Megacity on Earth

48 Hours in Moscow

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Joshua Berida is a writer by profession and traveler by passion. He writes and posts about his adventures on TheWanderingJuan.net. He likes the outdoors and prefers mountains and hiking to beach bumming, but he wouldn't mind lazing on a white sand beach and swimming in its clear, blue waters.

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