Moscow has worn many crowns—medieval stronghold, imperial capital, Soviet stage, 21st‑century megacity. From onion domes and grand Stalinist avenues to experimental galleries and inventive cuisine, the city rewards slow, curious travel. This 7-day Moscow itinerary balances landmarks with neighborhoods, museums with markets, and classic cuisine with modern dining.

Red Square and the Kremlin are the headlines, but the soul of Moscow reveals itself underground in palatial Metro stations, along the Moscow River, and in leafy spaces like Gorky Park. You’ll time your visit to avoid the worst crowds, track down stellar coffee and can’t-miss lunches, and cap nights with ballet, river views, or a proper banya ritual.

Practical notes (verify close to departure): visas are typically required; hotels can arrange invitation letters. International cards may not work—carry cash and confirm payment options with your lodging. Local apps like Yandex Maps and Yandex Taxi are useful; buy a local SIM with your passport. Check your government’s travel advisories and plan generous transfer times for airports.

Moscow

Moscow’s center is compact enough to walk between Red Square, Zaryadye Park, and the Bolshoi, yet the city’s reach spans imperial estates, cosmonaut dreams at VDNKh, and vibrant food halls. Expect monumental architecture, poignant museums, and a dining scene that runs from nostalgic Soviet-era recipes to boundary-pushing kitchens.

• Top sights: Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Kremlin & Armoury, Zaryadye Park, the Bolshoi Theatre, Tretyakov Gallery, Gorky Park & Garage Museum, VDNKh & Museum of Cosmonautics, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills, Izmailovo Market.
• Food highlights: pelmeni, borscht, blini, pirozhki, smetana, Siberian fish and mushrooms, plus excellent Georgian and Uzbek spots. Markets like Danilovsky and food halls like DEPO are perfect for grazing.
• Stay: Compare hotels on Hotels.com or apartments on VRBO. Consider central areas near Tverskaya, Arbat, or Zamoskvorechye for easy walks.

Specific hotel picks: For a landmark stay with Red Square views, see The Ritz‑Carlton Moscow (now operating under a new name; check current branding) via ZenHotels. For value in a great location near Arbat, consider Arbat House Hotel (ZenHotels) or book direct at Arbat House Hotel.

Getting in: Search flights to Moscow on Omio (for many Europe-origin flights) or compare on Trip.com and Kiwi.com. From SVO/DME/VKO airports, Aeroexpress trains run ~35–45 minutes to central terminals; taxis via local apps usually take 45–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Red Square at Dusk, and a Classic Moscow Dinner

Morning: Fly in; rest on the plane and review this itinerary. If your hotel offers early bag drop, use it to start exploring light.

Afternoon: Check in and stroll to Red Square. Take in the fairytale domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the red-brick State Historical Museum. Pop into GUM for an ice cream under its glass roof—this 1893 arcade is part shopping mall, part time capsule.

Evening: Walk the Floating Bridge at Zaryadye Park for river views at sunset. Dinner at Café Pushkin (beautiful 19th‑century mansion vibe; try beef Stroganoff or syrniki) or Grand Café Dr. Zhivago (bright, artful Soviet‑era classics like borscht with pampushki). Nightcap: Noor Electro on Tverskaya for inventive cocktails and a lively local crowd.

Day 2: The Kremlin, Armoury Treasures, and the Bolshoi

Morning: Early entry to the Kremlin complex. Walk Cathedral Square (Assumption, Archangel, Annunciation cathedrals) and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower area. Book a timed slot for the Armoury Chamber to see Fabergé eggs, royal regalia, and gilded carriages. Expect 3–4 hours total.

Afternoon: Lunch at Varenichnaya No. 1 (dumplings and blini; fast, nostalgic) or Bosco Café in GUM for people‑watching. Wander Nikolskaya Street, then rest at your hotel.

Evening: Tour or performance at the Bolshoi Theatre (book ahead; ballet and opera sell out). Pre‑show dinner at SAVVA inside the Metropol (modern Russian fare; excellent pies and seasonal produce) or post‑show desserts at Bratya Karavaevy (Karavaev Brothers) for layered honey cake and salads.

Day 3: Moscow Metro Palaces, Tretyakov Gallery, and a River Cruise

Morning: Coffee at Skuratov or Double B (order a flat white; both roast locally). Do a self‑guided Moscow Metro tour: Komsomolskaya (baroque mosaics), Mayakovskaya (sleek stainless steel), Ploshchad Revolyutsii (bronze statues), Novoslobodskaya (stained glass). A single ride is typically inexpensive; buy a Troika card for convenience.

Afternoon: Head to the original Tretyakov Gallery (Zamoskvorechye) to see icons by Rublev and canvases by Repin and Surikov. Lunch nearby at Vai Me! (casual Georgian khachapuri) or Restaurant Uhvat (hearty dishes from a traditional Russian oven).

Evening: Take a Moscow River cruise (ice‑class yachts run year‑round) to pass the Kremlin walls, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and Kotelnicheskaya Embankment. Dinner at Gorynych (live‑fire grills, sourdough, and fresh salads) or wine and small plates at Grand Cru (deep cellar, knowledgeable sommeliers).

Day 4: Arbat, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Pushkin Museum, and Skyline Dining

Morning: Breakfast at Volkonsky (butter‑rich croissants, grain breads). Stroll pedestrian Old Arbat Street for street musicians and artisan stalls; detour to lanes around Patriarch Ponds for boutiques and cafés.

Afternoon: Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior (climb for views if open) and the nearby Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts (European masters; check rotating exhibitions). Lunch at Khachapuri (cheese‑filled bread boats and khinkali dumplings) or Chaikhona No.1 (pilaf, samsa, and Uzbek teas).

Evening: Book a table at White Rabbit (panoramic views; modern Russian tasting menus, seasonal mushrooms, northern fish). Alternative: Severyane (wood‑fired, vegetable‑forward plates; warm neighborhood vibe). Cocktails afterward at Mendeleev Bar (speakeasy beneath Lucky Noodles; spice‑driven signatures).

Day 5: VDNKh, Space Age Dreams, Ostankino Views, and Izmailovo Finds

Morning: Coffee at LES or Skuratov, then head to VDNKh, the vast Soviet exhibition park. Tour the Museum of Cosmonautics opposite (space dogs, Soyuz capsules, and a stirring timeline of the space race). Expect 2–3 hours.

Afternoon: Ride to Ostankino TV Tower for a glass‑floor observation deck (book timed tickets; weather dependent). Late lunch at Depo.Moscow food hall (do a progressive meal: Uzbek samsa, Dagestani chudu, then Russian honey cake; great for groups with varied tastes).

Evening: Shop for folk crafts at Izmailovo Market (matryoshka nesting dolls, amber, Soviet curios; best bargains with cash). Dinner near the center at Uilliam’s (open kitchen bistro; charred leeks, seafood pastas) or Wine Religion for a relaxed glass and charcuterie.

Day 6: Gorky Park Strolls, Garage Museum, Banya Ritual, and Nightlife

Morning: Start in Gorky Park and the adjacent Muzeon Park of Arts, a sculpture garden dotted with former Soviet monuments. Visit the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art for smart, well‑curated shows in a striking Rem Koolhaas–designed space. Coffee at Surf Coffee (smooth, milky drinks) or Double B.

Afternoon: Experience a Russian banya at Sanduny (separate men’s/women’s halls; book a slot; bring or rent felt hats and sheets). Alternate hot steam, cold plunge, and tea breaks; a venik (birch branch) massage is traditional. Late lunch at Danilovsky Market (chebureki, pho, arepas, and fresh berries under one roof).

Evening: Sunset at Sparrow Hills with views of the Moscow River and the grand Moscow State University building. Dinner at Severyane (if not yet) or Uhvat. Drinks around Patriarch Ponds: try Noor Electro again or a quiet wine at SimpleWine.

Day 7: Last Tastes, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Breakfast at Café Pushkin (their syrniki are a farewell classic) or quick bites at Bratya Karavaevy. Pick up gifts: artisan honey, buckwheat, herbal teas, or chocolates from GUM. If you missed any Metro “palaces,” catch one or two en route to the station.

Afternoon: Head to the airport via Aeroexpress (usually ~35–45 minutes). If time allows, a final walk along Zaryadye Park’s riverfront is a calming send‑off. For flights, compare options on Omio, Trip.com, or Kiwi.com.

Evening: In‑flight or onward travel. Keep small bills for snacks and water; once home, archive tickets and notes—you’ll want them for your next Russia adventure.

Where to Stay (Central & Convenient)

• Iconic luxury: The Ritz‑Carlton, Moscow (ZenHotels) — steps from Red Square; rooftop bar with sweeping views.
• Mid‑range gem: Arbat House Hotel (ZenHotels) — quiet street near Old Arbat; walkable to the center. Book direct: Arbat House Hotel.
• Compare many: Hotels.com – Moscow | VRBO – Moscow

Logistics & Tips

• Timing: Many museums close one day per week; the Kremlin Armoury uses timed entries. Lenin’s Mausoleum has limited morning hours and may close for events.
• Transport: A Troika card makes the Metro, buses, and trams simple and cheap. Peak traffic is heavy; when in doubt, take the Metro.
• Connectivity & payments: Buy a local SIM (passport required). International bank cards may not work—bring sufficient cash and confirm hotel payment methods in advance.
• Etiquette: At churches and convents, modest clothing is appreciated; photography rules vary.
• Security & documents: Carry your passport (or a copy) and migration card; hotels handle registration for most travelers. Monitor official advisories before and during your trip.

Optional Day Trip (swap into Day 5 or 6 if desired): Sergiev Posad, the spiritual heart of the Golden Ring. The Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius features blue‑and‑gold domes and frescoes by Andrei Rublev. Trains from Yaroslavsky Station take ~1.5 hours; allow 4–6 hours total including lunch at Russky Dvorik (pirozhki, mushroom soup) before returning to Moscow for dinner.

Seven days in Moscow lets you savor the city’s great set pieces and its quieter corners—from the Kremlin’s gilded halls to parkland sculptures and neighborhood cafés. With thoughtful pacing, you’ll leave full of stories, favorite dishes, and a new appreciation for Russia’s layered capital.