48 hours in Moscow – Weekend Edition
Moscow In Less Than 48 Words
Moscow is a city of “mosts”. Russia’s capital city is the largest and the most visited in the country, and has the most billionaires in the world. It is also the most expensive to live in, as well as the most unfriendly – according to a poll.
Luzhniki Stadium (Photo by Giovanni Paccaloni)
First 24 Hours
You can reach Moscow via the Sheremetyevo International Airport, which is the most common foreign entry point among Moscow’s five primary airports. It is located 28 kilometers northwest of the city center. Travel from the airport, however, is not always an easy affair especially if you don’t have a prearranged conveyance. You can catch a bus at the terminal, but they will only take you as far as the next metro station, after which you should have a 20-minute train journey to the city center. Alternatively, you can opt to hire a taxi, although this will cost upwards of $50.
Once at the city center you will soon learn that Moscow is surprisingly easy to navigate. Even though the city has no main tourist office wherein you can get tips on travel and transport, you are not going to find it difficult to manage on your own. Since it is a big city, you’ll have to depend on the Moscow Metro, especially if the destination is four or five stations away.
CHECK IN: Get your bearings back at Moscow’s fabulous hotels
You can rest your tired mind and body at Moscow’s excellent hotels. Here are some of the best options:
- The Savoy Hotel (Rozhdestvenka str. 3/6, bld.1, +7 (495) 620-85-00, website) – has spacious rooms and comfy beds, and major Moscow attractions are within walking distance
- Swissotel Krasnye Holmy (Kosmodamianskaya Nab., 52, Bld. 6, +7 495 787 9881, website) – offers an attentive and courteous staff, plus a convenient location
- Ararat Park Hyatt (4 Neglinnaya ulitsa, +7 495 783 1234, website) – has an attentive and efficient staff, and delivers 5 star Hyatt services very near the city center
- Golden Apple Boutique (11 Mal. Dmitrovka Ulitsa, +7 (495) 980 7000, website) – has decent rooms, good breakfast, and a convenient location at the city center
- Hotel Baltschug Kempinski (1 Ulitsa Balchug, 7 (495) 287-2000, website) – is a bit pricey but has friendly staff and a good location
The Panorama Room of Swissotel Krasnye Holmy (Photo by Swissotel)
SPARROW HILLS: A bird’s eye view of Moscow
You may start your 48 hour visit to Moscow by heading to the Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory), located on the right bank of the Moskva River. You can reach it via a train ride to the Vorobyovy Gory station. Despite the name, it is comprised of only one hill. It towers to a height of 220 meters, and is one of the highest points in the city. Hike up to its observation platform 85 meters above the river for a panoramic view of the cityscape. The site is also a popular picnicking spot, and quite a few tourists prefer to swim in the waters. Across the river, you will find the Luzhniki Stadium known for hosting the 1980 Olympic Games.
NOVODEVICHY CONVENT: Let’s go to church
Novodevichy Convent (Photo by Kok Leng Yeo)
Near the stadium, you will find the Novodevichy Convent (Novodevichy proezd 1), which is one of Moscow’s landmarks. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the former exile venue for mourning or for disfavored noblewomen is known for its golden domes and tiered bell tower from 1690. Inside, you will see relics such as 16th century frescoes and a 17th century iconostasis. Its bell tower reaches a height of 72 meters, making it the highest 18th century structure in the city.
LENIN’S MAUSOLEUM: Pay your respects to one of the great Soviet leaders
Don’t forget to visit the Mavzoley Lenina (Krasnaya Ploschad Red Square 109012). More popularly known as Lenin’s Mausoleum, it is the resting place of the late Vladimir Lenin, one of the great Soviet leaders. It is a 1930s Constructivist structure, and is an educational venue giving visitors an idea of Russia’s historical communist era. The site is open to visitors daily, except on Mondays and Fridays, between 10 am and 1 pm. Entrance is free, so you can expect a long line of visitors waiting to get inside. Always remember to show due respect while inside the tomb: picture-taking, smoking, talking, and wearing hats are not allowed there.
GORKY PARK: Amuse yourself
Amuse yourself at Gorky Park (9, Krymskiy Val, Moscow, 117049), one of the most popular attractions in Moscow. You can reach it via a train ride on the Moscow Metro to the Park Kultury or Oktiabrskaya Station. The site covers an area of 300 acres, and may be said to have two sections. One is dedicated to amusement, where you will see children’s play areas, amusement rides, fun fairs, space shuttle mock-ups, and a gigantic Ferris Wheel.
Gorky Park’s amusement ride (Photo by Natasha Lee)
The other is dedicated to relaxation and sightseeing. It is made up mostly of landscaped gardens and woodlands, as well as an array of 18th and 19th century buildings. You’ll also see the Green Theater, an amphitheater that usually hosts gigs and concerts. The park is open daily from 10 am to 10 pm, and entrance is free.
DINNER TIME: Discover Moscow’s restaurants
Conclude your first 24 hours in Moscow by dining at the superb restaurants all over the city. Here are some of the most popular, especially among tourists:
- Correa’s (Bolshaya Ordynka 40/2, 8 (495) 933 4684, website) – offers a modern ambience, plus delicious servings at manageable prices
- Café Pushkin (Tverskoy bulvar 26A, 495-229-5590, website) – has excellent service, fantastic atmosphere, and is highly recommended by tour guides
- Kofemania (B.Nikitskaja, Moscow) – offers affordable dining deals and good coffee
- Denis Simachev Bar (Stoleshnikov pereulok 12,bldg 2, +7 495 6295702, website) – is a trendy venue with an excellent ambience
- Academiya (Kamergerskiy pereulok 2, +7 (495) 692-9649, website) – known for its Italian pizza, snack choices, and convenient outdoor venue
Next 24 Hours
You can plan the following activities for the next 24 hours in Moscow. You can start by visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts (10-14 ulitsa Volkhonka 121019, email). It is the largest museum for European art in Moscow. It houses art from ancient Egypt, the Grand Masters, and the Impressionists. The site is open daily between 10 am and 7 pm. You can reach it via a Moscow Metro train ride to the Kropotkinskaya Station.
Collection of ancient Egyptian civilization on display at Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts (Photo by Dash Morgenstern)
TRETYAKOV GALLERY: Have a cultural visit
Continue your cultural sightseeing by heading next to the Tretyakov Gallery (Lavrushensky pereulok 10/12, email). It is considered as the foremost repository of the Russian fine art anywhere in the world. Inside, you will find the most prominent artworks of Russia’s painting history, as well as Byzantine works designed in the Russian Orthodox Form. You can reach it via a Moscow Metro train ride to the Tretyakovskaya Station. Admission will usually cost 300RUB, and only 180RUB if you’re a student.
BOLSHOI THEATER: Watch ballet and opera
Another great tourist attraction in Moscow is the Bolshoi Theater (1 Teatralnaya Square 125009). It is a historic theater which arranges performances by the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera, which are among the oldest and most prominent opera and ballet groups in the world. Watch top-class shows in its 2,000-capacity auditorium. You can reach it via a Moscow Metro train ride to the Teatralnaya Station. You can learn about upcoming shows and book tickets in advance by contacting its ticket office (+7 (495) 250-73-17, email).
Swan Lake at Bolshoi Theater (Photo by Andrew Raleigh)
PATRIARCH’S PONDS: A walk in the park
Relax at the Patriarch’s Ponds (Mal. Bronnaya Ulitsa), an affluent residential area. Despite the name, there is only one pond to be seen there, covering an area of roughly 9,900 square meters. The place is very popular among the expatriate crowd. Take a leisurely stroll along the pond’s banks, and admire the landscaped gardens and impressive buildings. You can also make a side trip to the various restaurants and shops that are scattered all over the area’s vicinity. The site can be reached via a Moscow Metro train ride to the Pushkinskaya or Mayakovskaya stations.
Patriarch’s Pond (Photo by Sarah Rogers)
NIGHTLIFE: Indulge in Moscow’s vibrant nightlife scene
You can enjoy the pulsating nightlife of Moscow in its several bars and clubs. Some of the best options are the following:
- A priori (Bolshaya Molchanovka, 12, (793) 341-53-21, website) – holds grand themed parties every 2 weeks, hosted by internationally-renowned DJs
- Ballantine’s Bar (Nikolskaya st., 17, 7(095) 928-4692) – a popular dance club frequented by the younger set, and plays house and R&B music
- Fabrique (St Sadovnicheskaya, 33, 951 13 13, website) – a night club playing house music, and includes a relaxing chill-out area and restaurant that can accommodate a crowd of 1500 people
- B Club (Strastnoy bylvar, 8a, +7(095)205-45-56) – a popular R&B glamour club that stays open until 2:30 am
- B3 (Bolshaya Sadovaya (Garden Ring), 8, +7(095) 209-9909) – a large nightclub with four floors housing several dance floors, plus a chill-out room, restaurant, pool rooms, café, and a cinema room; plays music ranging from Russian rock to British electronica
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