Moscow: Getting oriented, attractions, and travel advice

• Moscow is the capital of Russia and one of the country’s most important travel destinations.
• For a first overview, the main highlights include the Moscow Kremlin, Red Square, churches, museums, and the historic streets in the city center.
• The Moscow Metro is often the most practical way for visitors to get between the city center, railway stations, hotels, and attractions.
• For arrival and onward travel, consult the guides to Moscow’s airports, public transport in Moscow, and Moscow’s railway stations.
• As of October 23, 2026, German nationals are subject to a travel warning for Russia. The page on entry requirements, e-visas, and safety in Moscow summarizes the current advice and requirements.
• For longer stays, location, proximity to the Metro, and travel times matter more when choosing hotels in Moscow than the district name alone.

The best place to start planning a trip to Moscow is by considering which journeys you can realistically make each day. The city is large, traffic can be slow, and distances between accommodation, railway stations, airports, and attractions are easy to underestimate. For initial planning, consult the information on public transport and the guide to Moscow’s airports. If you’re arriving by plane, it’s also worth comparing the individual airport guides for Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo.

Many well-known attractions are close together in the city center. The Metro connects central squares, residential districts, railway stations, and day-trip destinations, and complements walks around the city center. For rail travel, the information on Moscow’s railway stations provides guidance for journeys within Russia and to other regions.

For many visitors, the historic center is the main focus. The Kremlin and Red Square define the city’s image and are easy to combine with a walk through the surrounding streets. To learn more, explore the history of Moscow for important background on the city’s development.

Culture lovers should make time for museums in Moscow. The best known include the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum. Moscow’s churches, parks, and the Arbat also reveal the city as a metropolis shaped over time.

When choosing hotels in Moscow, consider transport links, easy access to the Metro, connections to the airport, and a convenient base for sightseeing. Restaurants, nightlife, and clubs add to the options for evenings and breaks around the city.

For souvenirs, markets, or shopping streets, consult the guides to shopping in Moscow, markets in Moscow, and souvenirs from Moscow. The page on theater, music, and culture in Moscow provides an overview of cultural events.

Moscow is a travel destination as well as a business, trade fair, and education hub. The pages on trade fairs, universities, language courses, and housing outline some of the reasons to stay longer.

Work and study stays offer an alternative to a conventional city break. Trade fair programs and profiles of Moscow’s universities provide an overview of these topics.

Which attractions are best for a first visit to Moscow?

For a first visit, the Kremlin, Red Square, the Arbat, selected churches, and a museum such as the Tretyakov Gallery make a good itinerary. Be sure to allow enough time for getting around by Metro.

What’s the best way to get around Moscow?

The Metro, buses, and trams complement one another. The best route depends on your starting point, destination, and any transfers required; extra travel time and traffic can affect when you arrive.

Which airports serve Moscow?

The main airports include Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo, and Vnukovo. The right airport depends on your airline, flight connection, accommodation location, and onward travel plans.

What should I look for when choosing a hotel in Moscow?

Key factors include transport links, a convenient location, connections to your arrival airport, distance from the attractions you plan to visit, and price.

Is Moscow more of a cultural destination or a business destination?

It’s both. Moscow offers major museums, historic sites, and architecture, while also serving as a business, trade fair, education, and administrative center.