Location: Moscow
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What to do and see in Moscow, Central Russia: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
The political, scientific, historical, architectural and business center of Russia, Moscow displays the country's contrasts at their most extreme. The ancient and modern are juxtaposed side by side in this city of 10 million. Catch a metro from one of the ornate stations to see Red Square, the Kremlin, the nine domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, the KGB Museum and other symbols of Moscow's great and terrible past, then lighten up and shop Boulevard Ring or people watch in Pushkin Square.
Restaurants in Moscow
1. Andronikov Monastery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 73 reviews
The monastery was founded in the mid-14th century by Metropolitan Alexis, a prominent church figure in his time. The first superior of the monastery was a disciple of Venerable Sergius of Radonezh, Andronicus, whose name the monastery bears to this day. The architectural monuments of the monastery ensemble date back to the 15th–19th centuries. These include the oldest remaining stone building in Moscow—the Cathedral of the Savior, built in the time of Andrey Rublev. Since 1947, the Central Museum of Ancient Russian Culture and Art named after Andrei Rublev has been located in the Spaso-Andronikov Monastery on the picturesque bank of the Yauza River.
Reviewed By aniska - Leeds, United Kingdom
The Monastery of the Saviour was founded in 1360 and is the oldest example of Russian stone architecture, which still exists at present day. Originally, the Monastery had wooden walls, which functioned as defense. From 1420 to 1428 the Cathedral was reconstructed and its walls were painted in white. The famous Russian painters Andrei Rublev and Daniel Chorny painted it but, unfortunately, their frescoes were destroyed by the 18th-century reconstruction and only a few small pieces survived. In 1812, the dome was destroyed by the fire, but got immediately reconstructed. In the 1840s, the interior changed. It was crowned with a tented-roof octagonal drum. Side chapels dedicated to St. Andronik and the Dormition were added to the northern and southern walls, which made the original appearance to be completely lost. However, in the 1950s and 1960s, the Cathedral was restored to its original state. From the 16th to the 19th century a refectory, side chapels, a cleric building, a Fraternal Building were added. In 1747 to 1756, the Cathedral got its stone walls. The old bell tower over the Holy Gates near the Cathedral of the Saviour was replaced by a new one 73 meters high. The temple was also used as a prison and as any other temple, the Monastery has its own cemetery that existed up to 1929. After the 1917 Russian Revolution, the Monastery was badly damaged. In 1919, it was occupied by proletarians. In the spring of 1922, all valuables were confiscated, and a juvenile prison for street children was established. In 1930, the bell tower was exploded. In 1947, the Monastery was announced a cultural reserve and many Old Russian icons were brought and kept there. In 1989, the Monastery was handed back to the Orthodox Church and has functioned since then. What strikes most, when visiting it, is the cleanliness of the whole area, the perfect lawn, the flowers, everything is perfectly kept and maintained. This results in a special, mystic feeling of sacredness and peace. Absolutely worth a visit, it easily reachable from Rimskaya metro station, just 5 minutes on foot.
2. Tropinin Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
3. Russian National Museum of Music
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 82 reviews
Russian National Museum of Music is a public insitution dedicated to musical culture. Its permanent collection is among the largest and most comprehensive in existance, presenting both world-reknown pieces like Stradivari violins and local national instruments.
Reviewed By ginsengNewYork
This museum, even though a bit old fashioned at first sight, is a gem and a music lover's paradise! It holds more than 3000 fascinating musical instruments that would deserve more exhibiting space. The first part of the collection is dedicated to Russian musical instruments, which are numerous and fascinating in this beautiful and immense country. What makes this museum so very special is that it has audio guides for hire that allow you to listen to most instruments! It even has thin TV-like screens next to some instruments that show you actual performances. The second part of the exhibit handles European instruments: The high tech Stradivari section is absolutely superb with video documentaries on the making of these fabulous instruments, as well as performances by famous musicians. The 2nd floor holds a hands-on cute exhibit for children about sound, silence, etc. Staff is absolutely delightful. We had a lovely discussion with 2 young enthusiastic employees, with the help of Google Translate ;-) They even helped us order a Yandex taxi and came outside in the cold to make sure we were in the right car! Thank you guys, you are the best! The museum offers many concerts throughout the year in different locations that are part of this consortium: It was lovely to hear musicians play on the museum ancient harpsichords one evening! The Prokoviev Museum, located on Kamergerskiy lane, is also part of the consortium: a beautiful bronze statue of Prokoviev has been placed in the middle of the street right in front of it, you just can't miss it! ( I love this statue, as Prokoviev seems alive, simply walking amongst passers-by). Its intimate concert hall is located on the 2nd floor and holds about 50 spectators. Concert tickets are quite inexpensive, ranging from 500 to 1500 rub, and concerts are of fine quality! Highly recommended !
4. Art Gallery Na Kashirke
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 31 reviews
5. Victor Vasnetsov House Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 240 reviews
This interesting wooden hut that sits incongruously among block houses and high-rises was the home of one of Russia's greatest artists.
6. The Museum of Russian Icon
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 83 reviews
The museum of Russian icon was founded in 2006 on the initiative of the patron and businessman Mikhail Abramov. It is a unique in Russia private collection of Byzantine and Old Russian art that obtained the official status of public museum and became member of the IСOM (International Council of Museums). Every day the Museum organizes free survey and thematic excursions for all comers, museum consultants are always available, a lecture centre is operated, concerts and presentations are organized. The subject of the excursion, the date and time of its conduct are agreed in advance by phone. We are always happy to see in our Museum everyone who is interested in Russian culture.
7. Lilac Garden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 74 reviews
Beautiful place on the East of the capital. Almost fully planted with selective lilacs since 1954. Reconstructed in 2014. The object of cultural heritage.
8. Church of The Beheading of John The Baptist By Bohr
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 28 reviews
9. Meshherskiy Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 64 reviews
10. Kuskovo Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 887 reviews
This astounding estate, once a summer residence, comprises a central palace with a magnificent ballroom, several smaller buildings, each impressive in its own right, and a huge park complete with French gardens, ponds, lakes and sculptures.
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