Visitors can easily enjoy free Moscow, despite the fact that this
Russian city has a reputation for being one of the most expensive in the world. Free things to do and free activities are abundant in Moscow, and your total travel cost can be quite reasonable, especially if you follow
budget travel tips for Eastern Europe.
Red Square is a free Moscow attraction that is also a top
Moscow must-see sight. This historic square is graced with the presence of the beautiful and symbolic
St. Basil's Cathedral. It is lively by day, moody at night. Cultural events, like
Maslenitsa are held on Red Square.
Seeing Lenin's Body is a free Moscow attraction that is also one of its weirdest. Dark and spooky, Lenin's Tomb envelopes the waxy body of Lenin in shadows and silence. What this free attraction won't cost you in money, however, it will cost you in time - it is not unusual to wait hours in line to see Lenin's body.
GUM
The merchandise in GUM, the State Department Store, certainly isn't free, but entry into this building is. Located on Red Square, GUM is an accessible glimpse into the luxurious side of Moscow.Stalin's Seven Sisters - seven buildings that exemplify the "wedding cake" style of the late Stalinist architectural era - are free Moscow attractions that may impress as well as horrify. Gaudy and grand, one of the most recognizable of the Sisters is the
Moscow State University Building.
Visit Old Arbat Street to listen to musicians, browse for souvenirs, and get an idea of what Moscow was like in the time of Pushkin, who claimed an Old Arbat Street address, and before. Statues and architecture make Old Arbat Street a visually appealing free Moscow attraction.
Cathedral of Christ the Savior
Located near Red Square and the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Savior is a free Moscow attraction that has become a familiar component of Moscow's landscape. Its golden domes and white facade exemplify the beauty of Eastern Orthodox cathedrals. No entry free is required, but be sure you are dressed appropriately to see this Eastern Orthodox cathedral.
How to Dress to See Cathedrals in Eastern Europe
Sparrow Hills
Get panoramic views of Moscow from Sparrow Hills, one of Moscow's highest points, and take photos from its observation platform.Patriarch's Pond
Patriarch's Pond is the famous location for the opening scenes in Bulgakov's novel, Master and Margarita. Patriarch's Pond is not heavily touristed, and it makes a peaceful escape from the bustle of Moscow. Located nearby is the Bulgakov Museum, where the writer lived until his death.