Are you thinking of taking a Walking tour in Moscow? Deciding what the best guided walking tour of Moscow is?

There are many walking tours in Moscow , you can choose from a guided walking tour in Moscow or a private walking tour in Moscow or just take your own walking tour around the city. Which ever way you decide to visit this fantastic city I am sure you will have a great time.

Usually Moscow walking tours will cover the well known sites such as:

1. Red Square.

2. The State Historical Museum.

3. The kremlin.

4. St Basil’s Cathedral.

5. Gum Shopping Mall.

6. Moskva River.

7. Bolshoi Theatre.

8. Alexandra Gardens.

No visit to Moscow, Russia is complete unless you take a walk around the famous Red Square probably one of the most famous squares in the world and see the iconic sights of the city. The Square is steeped in history and nostalgia and known all over the world for good and bad events, the Square is seen in many Western movies. Many travelers are surprised with their first visit to Red Square as much has changed over the last few decades , the Square now is very touristy there are even special tourist police walking around to help and advise tourists.

The State Historical Museum is situated on the entrance to Red square, you cannot help noticing this huge red building when you walk into the Square. 

 

Most Moscow walking tours begin at the Marshal Zhukov monument in front of the State Historical Museum. You can’t miss this massive red building. The museum’s interior is almost as spectacular as the artifacts you can see within. Moscow walking tours usually do not include entrance to the museum; it is advisable to check with your tour provider first if you wish to visit inside alternatively book a separate tour for inside the museum or just visit individually on your own.

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The Kremlin

 

The Kremlin is a fortified complex in the heart of Moscow. The name “Kremlin” means “fortress inside a city” Behind the walls of the Kremlin lie the working offices of Russian’s government and president. The Grand Kremlin Palace  is the official residence of Russia’s president. Yes, you are just a stone’s throw away from the President of Russia.. When visiting the Kremlin you can see the Armory Chamber which boasts a staggering collection of Tsarist artifacts, Russian jewelry, and armor. Cathedral Square, the Patriarch’s Palace and many more cathedrals. You definitely want to buy tickets ahead of time so you avoid the long-lines. You can get free admission with the Moscow City Pass. It’s also worth it to take a guided tour of the Kremlin if you don’t speak Russian so you have more of an understanding of what you are seeing and learn more about the history of the kremlin from a local. It takes on average two hours to do a walking tour inside the Kremlin.

 

St. Basil’s Cathedral

 

If asked to conquer an image of Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral might just be the most likely image you picture (also known as the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Virgin by the moat) . You definitely must visit both its interior and exterior as its architectural style is unique. It was declared in 1990 a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.The cathedral has a museum that you can visit at a later time. You can buy tickets at the ticket kiosk outside the cathedral or receive free admission with the Moscow City Pass. Outside the cathedral you can see its beautiful domes, all different, which highlight a its striking colorful and rounded shapes. In front of the church, in a garden, a bronze statue stands in honor of Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin, who gathered volunteers for the army that fought against the Polish invaders during the Time of the Riots (between 1598 and 1613).

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Moskva River Walking Tour

 

Next up on the tour is the Moskva River which runs through the center of Moscow. For a city that is full of so many treasures and sights, it is perhaps quite easy to overlook the watery gem that sits in plain sight to Muscovites every day and has become part of everyone who lives in Moscow. A cruise on the Moskva River is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. If you are looking for an interesting guided walking tour in Moscow then walking along the river is a definite must especially during the summer season.

 

 

GUM Shopping Mall

 

Who would think a mall would be one of Moscow’s most well-known attractions? The first thing to say is that GUM or “Main Universal Store” (ГУМ in Russian) is a shopping mall located in the middle of Red Square and opened in 1893. GUM shopping mall across from the Kremlin makes up one of the four sides of the Red Square. The stores might be a bit too pricey for shopping, but the gorgeous interior is worth a visit. If that doesn’t convince you, the mall has some of the best ice cream! GUM is the only building you go inside during the free walking tour. There are pay bathrooms you can use while you have a few minutes of free time. In GUM mall you’ll find the finest, (and also the most expensive) luxury stores and commercial brands in the city if your looking for the best brands then be sure not to miss out on a visit to this Mall. However, you can buy products or eat in restaurants at very affordable prices, bearing in mind you are right in the centre of Moscow. admission to the mall is free like any other shopping mall.

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Kazan Cathedral Private Walking Tour

 

Kazan Cathedral on Red Square is a dazzlingly beautiful architectural landmark built in late medieval Russian in the Naryshkin Baroque style it is impossible to miss when entering Red square and one of the most photographed buildings in Russia.

Located on the northeast corner of the Red Square, the Kazan Cathedral is another very impressive dome-shaped building in Moscow that is also an active place of worship even today. Entering the cathedral is allowed, but remember to be respectful if people are worshipping you should also check with your Moscow walking tours operator if visiting inside is included in the tour.

 

Bolshoi Theater Guided Walking Tour

 

The Bolshoi Theatre is Russia’s national theatre, and has had an astounding influence on the history and development of Russian performing arts and considered to be amongst the best in the world. Since its foundation nearly 250 years ago, the Bolshoi has become synonymous with world-class opera and ballet, and there is no better place to appreciate the magic of Russian dance, music, and theatre no visit to Moscow is complete without attending the theatre for a show, always book tickets in advance to get the best prices. Most walking tours do not cover visiting inside the building, make sure to come back for a guided tour of the inside or make reservations far ahead of time to attend a ballet or opera. It is very highly recommended to attend a ballet if possible but be sure to book your tickets in advance before you arrive in Moscow as tickets can be expensive if booked last minute. Walking tours in Moscow usually will take you around this impressive building so be sure to get some good photos for memories sake.  

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Alexander Gardens Walking Tour

 
Most guided Moscow walking tours end near the Alexander Gardens, a free public park located along the western Kremlin walls. Inside Alexander Gardens (Aleksandrovsky Sad), marvel at the most visited fountain complex in Moscow (Please note the fountains do not operate during winter) and visit the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The garden’s green lawns, sculptures and water fountains offer a nice place to take a stroll or relax a bit after some busy sightseeing. The first public park in Moscow, Alexander Garden sits along the Kremlin’s western wall. Colourful flower beds and impressive Kremlin views make it a favourite strolling spot for Muscovites and tourists alike take your time walking around this area and do not forget to watch the changing of the guards outside the Kremlin walls and snap some once in a life time photos.
 
 
 
 
 

Are you thinking of booking a Moscow walking tour?

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Extra information about walking around Moscow can be found below

https://www.rbth.com/travel/332724-short-walks-moscow

https://www.theguardian.com/travel/gallery/2012/jan/11/moscow-walks-season-in-pictures

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298484-Activities-c47-t76-Moscow_Central_Russia.html

https://www.hse.ru/recommends/news/232389927.html