Moscow has reinvented itself many times—from medieval principality to imperial capital, Soviet powerhouse, and today’s sprawling metropolis of art, science, and soaring architecture. The city’s heart still beats on Red Square, where onion domes glow at dusk and the Kremlin walls hold centuries of triumph and tragedy.

Beyond the iconic skyline, Moscow is a tapestry of metro-palace stations, riverside parks, and spirited neighborhoods where avant-garde galleries meet old-world tea rooms. Food lovers find substance and story in everything from pelmeni and borscht to modern, chef-driven restaurants perched above the city lights.

Practical notes: verify your country’s travel advisories before booking. Foreign bank cards issued by many Western banks may not work in Russia; carry sufficient cash, consider MIR-compatible payment, and check exchange options on arrival. The metro is fast and efficient; taxis via local apps are affordable; English is limited outside central areas—download offline maps and a Russian phrasebook.

Moscow

Russia’s capital rewards curiosity. You’ll wander from medieval cathedrals to cutting-edge design parks in a single afternoon, then finish with a ballet at the Bolshoi or a sunset from a glass skybridge. Mornings are for museum icons; evenings for slow dinners, warm hospitality, and a walk beneath Stalin’s “Seven Sisters.”

• Top sights: Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral (exterior is a must), Kremlin & Armoury, Zaryadye Park, Tretyakov Gallery, Gorky Park & Muzeon, VDNKh & Museum of Cosmonautics, Izmailovsky Market, Moscow Metro’s historic stations.
• Where to stay: Search centrally (Tverskaya, Kitay-Gorod, Arbat) to walk to major sights. Browse stays on VRBO Moscow or Hotels.com Moscow. For full-service comfort near Red Square, consider The Carlton, Moscow (formerly Ritz-Carlton) view rooms. For value in a classic neighborhood, Arbat House Hotel is a reliable, walkable base: check rates or book direct.
• Getting there: Most travelers fly via major hubs (e.g., Istanbul, Dubai, Belgrade, Yerevan). Compare routes and prices on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com; if you’re departing from within Europe, also check Omio flights. Typical one-stop times: 3.5–4.5 hours from Istanbul, ~5 hours from Dubai; fares vary widely ($350–$900+ round-trip depending on season).
• Airport transfers: Aeroexpress trains run ~35–45 minutes to central stations (SVO, DME, VKO), ~500–650 RUB. Taxis (via local apps) to the center are often 1,200–2,500 RUB depending on traffic.

Day 1 — Red Square at Sunset, Old-World Dinner, and a Rooftop Nightcap

Morning: In transit. If you arrive early, drop bags at your hotel and take a light stroll along Tverskaya Street to reset. Grab a quick coffee at Coffeemania (try syrniki—fluffy farmer’s-cheese pancakes with sour cream and berries) or a clean pour-over at Skuratov Coffee.

Afternoon: Walk to Red Square for your first Moscow panorama: the State Historical Museum’s red façade, the Kremlin walls, and the fairy-tale domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. Step into GUM, the 19th‑century glass‑roofed arcade—pause at one of its ice cream kiosks for a nostalgic “plombir.” Cross to Zaryadye Park and its cantilevered Skybridge for sweeping river views at golden hour.

Evening: Dine at Café Pushkin, a beloved institution styled like a 19th‑century library—order beef stroganoff, mushroom julienne, or the seasonal game plate; the dessert cart is classic. For a modern spin, book White Rabbit for elevated Russian flavors and a citywide view. Nightcap at O2 Lounge atop The Carlton (great for caviar tastings and cocktails with the Kremlin skyline) or descend into Mendeleev Bar, a moody speakeasy hidden beneath a noodle shop, known for inventive signatures.

Day 2 — Kremlin & Armoury, Iconic Art, and the Bolshoi

Morning: Tour the Kremlin and Armoury Chamber (time-entry tickets recommended). Highlights include Fabergé eggs, royal regalia, and Cathedral Square’s trio of golden-domed churches where tsars were crowned. Exit via Alexander Garden to see the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the hourly guard change.

Afternoon: Head to the State Tretyakov Gallery (Old Tretyakov) to trace Russian art from medieval icons by Andrei Rublev to 19th‑century realism—don’t miss Vasnetsov’s folk epics. Refuel nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 (casual dumplings, soups, and cutlets in Soviet‑retro décor) or Karavaevy Brothers (fresh salads, pastries, and hearty mains—great for quick, tasty lunches).

Evening: See a ballet or opera at the Bolshoi Theatre—arrive early to admire the chandeliered foyer and grab a glass of bubbly. Pre‑theatre dinner at Bolshoi Restaurant next door (modern Russian with excellent service) or Ugolëk, a lively wood‑fire grill doing roasted vegetables, steaks, and excellent sourdough pizza. After the curtain, stroll to Patriarch’s Ponds, a genteel quarter of tree‑lined lanes and late‑open cafés.

Day 3 — Space Age Moscow, Parks & the River, and a Georgian Feast

Morning: Take the metro to VDNKh, the grand Soviet exhibition park where fountains and pavilions map the former republics. Nearby, the Museum of Cosmonautics charts Russia’s space story—see Gagarin-era capsules and space suits, then pose by the silver rocket‑topped Monument to the Conquerors of Space.

Afternoon: Lunch at Danilovsky Market, a polished food hall where you can graze: Georgian khachapuri and khinkali, Central Asian plov, Tatar pastries, and fresh juices. Continue to Gorky Park and Muzeon (Fallen Monument Park) to wander sculpture gardens and riverside paths. Art lovers can step into the New Tretyakov for 20th‑century masters, from Malevich to Kandinsky.

Evening: Celebrate the Caucasus influence with a Georgian dinner: Khachapuri (cheese breads), Ojakhuri (pork and potato skillet), and Pkhali (walnut‑herb salads). Popular spots include the Khachapuri chain (reliable classics) or a local Khinkalnaya (casual, dumpling‑focused). Cocktails after? Time Out Bar crowns a central high‑rise with panoramic views and a fun late‑night soundtrack.

Day 4 — Arbat Mornings, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Stroll the Old Arbat, a pedestrian street lined with buskers and artists; duck into courtyards for quiet, old‑Moscow vibes. Coffee and a pastry at Khleb Nasushchny (excellent croissants) or brunch at Uilliam’s near Patriarch’s Ponds (shakshuka, fluffy omelets, and great espresso). If time allows, visit the Pushkin Apartment Museum (Arbat) or take a quick Moscow Metro art tour: Komsomolskaya (baroque mosaics), Mayakovskaya (sleek futurism), and Ploshchad Revolyutsii (bronze sculptures said to bring luck).

Afternoon (Departure): Pick up last‑minute gifts at Izmailovsky Market if your flight is late—nesting dolls, Soviet pins, wool shawls, and samovars (best on weekends; bargaining expected). Allow 1–1.5 hours for airport transit. Aeroexpress trains: ~35–45 minutes depending on airport, ~500–650 RUB. Taxis via local apps: 1–1.5 hours in traffic. For flights, compare options on Trip.com, Omio (Europe), or Kiwi.com.

Where to Sleep (Curated Picks)

• The Carlton, Moscow (formerly Ritz-Carlton): Elegant rooms steps from Red Square, polished service, and a famed rooftop lounge. See availability.
• Arbat House Hotel: Comfortable, well-located, and great value for walkers and first-timers. Check rates or book direct.
• More options: Compare apartments and hotels across neighborhoods on VRBO and Hotels.com.

Practical Tips

• Money: Bring enough cash; many foreign cards may not process. Confirm your bank’s policies and consider backup funds.
• Connectivity: Buy a local SIM (passport required) from major carriers; download offline maps and translation.
• Getting around: The Troyka card makes metro/bus/tram travel seamless and inexpensive. Metro rides are frequent; stations double as art museums.
• Performances: For the Bolshoi, book as early as possible; dress smart-casual or better.
• Seasonality: Winters are atmospheric but cold—layers and traction footwear are essential; summers bring park life, open-air cinemas, and late sunsets.

Four days in Moscow blend headline sights with neighborhood discoveries—from Kremlin icons and metro masterpieces to riverside parks and soulful kitchens. You’ll leave with a fuller picture of Russia’s past and present, and a palate tuned to pelmeni, khachapuri, and late-night tea.