Moscow has long served as the capital of Russia, except for a brief period of about two hundred years when the Tsar and the government moved to St Petersburg. However, in 1918, the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow, which has now become a highly diverse metropolis. While it may take weeks to explore all its attractions, this guide highlights how to spend two perfect days in Moscow if you’re short on time.
Day One
Morning
Kick off your Moscow weekend by indulging in exquisite Russian cuisine at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago. Nestled on the first floor of the historic National hotel, with a fabulous view of the Kremlin, this spot is one of the best places for breakfast in the city. Delight in dishes such as millet porridge with crawfish, pearl barley porridge with oxtail, or traditional cottage cheese served with raisins and candied fruit.
Dedicate at least half the day to the major attractions in Russia’s capital: Red Square and the Kremlin. To access the Kremlin, simply cross the street from Dr Zhivago and stroll through the Alexander Garden to the main entrance at the Kutafya Tower. Explore the stunning cathedrals, including Archangel Cathedral, resting place of the tsars, and Uspensky Cathedral, renowned for its medieval icons. Take a moment to admire the legendary Tsar Bell and ascend Ivan the Great Bell Tower for breathtaking views.
Afternoon
Exit the Kremlin and traverse through the Alexander Garden toward Red Square, where you might be fortunate enough to witness the change of guard. If hunger strikes, make a pit stop at the food court in the Okhotny Ryad shopping complex for a quick snack.
The Red Square is flanked by four historically significant buildings: the Kremlin’s iconic Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower, which features a clock and bells that chime the national anthem four times a day; St Basil’s Cathedral, known for its colorful domes; Lenin’s Mausoleum, the final resting place of the leader of the 1917 October Revolution; and GUM, Moscow’s oldest department store, celebrated for its elegant glass-roofed design by renowned architect Vladimir Shukhov.
Adjacent to St Basil’s Cathedral is the modern Zaryadye Park, a captivating creation by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, also responsible for New York City’s High Line. Showcasing the diverse flora of all Russian climate zones, Zaryadye also features a breathtaking floating bridge that serves as a popular backdrop for selfies, offering splendid views of the Moskva River and the city skyline.
Another highlight of Zaryadye is the glass pavilion housing the restaurant Voskhod (Sunrise), ideal for a leisurely lunch or early dinner. With a focus on the diverse cuisines from the former Soviet republics, the restaurant’s interior resembles a nostalgic Soviet-era spacecraft while providing marvelous views of the river. Don’t miss the chance to savor dishes like Azeri homemade pasta or trout from Armenia’s Lake Sevan.
Evening
After a day of exploration, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at the renowned Sanduny, a traditional Russian bathhouse. Be sure to indulge in a massage with birch branches for the full experience!
If time allows, consider visiting the Winzavod Center, an artistic hub located in a repurposed wine factory. Gallery spaces such as XL, pop/off/art, and Ovcharenko often showcase innovative contemporary Russian art exhibitions. Conclude your evening at one of Moscow’s vibrant bars—sample the culinary delights at Noor Electro, known for its connections to avant-garde theatre, or Powerhouse Moscow, located in a historic 19th-century mansion, celebrated for its indie and jazz live band performances.
Day Two
Morning
Fuel your day at one of the city’s trendiest breakfast spots, Nude. Nestled in the upscale neighborhood surrounding Patriarch’s Ponds, Nude offers an extensive breakfast menu featuring scrambled eggs, toast, porridge, and banana bread. It’s wise to arrive early or book ahead since weekends can be busy.
After visiting the iconic Patriarch’s Ponds, famously featured in Mikhail Bulgakov’s classic The Master and Margarita, devote the remainder of your morning and early afternoon to exploring some of Moscow’s finest museums. Depending on your interests, you can choose among the following: Tretyakov Gallery, which highlights traditional Russian art, including medieval icons; New Tretyakov for 20th-century and contemporary art along with engaging exhibitions; Pushkin Museum, featuring an exceptional collection of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art; or the Garage Museum, known for its modern art exhibitions.
Afternoon
No matter which museum or gallery you select, make sure to enjoy lunch at LavkaLavka. Esteemed as one of the best locations to sample contemporary Russian cuisine, this restaurant offers inventive dishes inspired by long-standing recipes. It is also one of the few places to try polugar, believed to be what Russians referred to as vodka in the 19th century.
When discussing Russian culture, the names of literary titans like Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky, and Anton Chekhov typically come to mind. While there are numerous literary museums in Moscow, the Tolstoy Estate Museum stands out. Restored to reflect Tolstoy’s 1880s-90s residence, this museum is conveniently located opposite the Yandex headquarters, the Russian equivalent of Google.
Evening
Reserve some time to explore the Moscow Metro: each station is a stunning architectural gem. Noteworthy stations to visit include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, and Kievskaya. Later, unwind at one of the many craft beer venues in Moscow. Check out Jawsspot, named after one of Russia’s leading breweries, Jaws, located in the Urals, which also serves delicious pizza and salads.
