Things to see in moscow in one day

The city and country spread out from this sloping plaza. For the full effect, enter the square from the Resurrection Gates, directly south of Tverskaya Street. Sunrise over Red Square is particularly breathtaking. Soviet founder Vladimir Lenin lies embalmed in the mausoleum on the west side of the square.

No trip to Red Square is complete without a peek inside this onion-domed landmark.

This citadel ringed by red-brick walls and towers has been the seat of Russian power for most of the past millennium. Some of its grounds and five of its cathedrals are open to tourists, along with the collections of czarist treasures in the Armory and the Diamond Fund. Allow at least 2 hours for the Kremlin experience. The president's offices are off-limits, but you may see a motorcade or two pass through the gates during your visit.

After you emerge from the Kremlin, take some time to rest on a bench or wander through the greenery of Alexander Gardens, which run along the fortress's north wall. Nearer to Red Square is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, a solemn spot where veterans and newlyweds often pay tribute. The cities listed around the tomb are those honored for their valiance and suffering during World War II.

GUM, which stands for State Department Store (even though it's now a capitalist paradise), is the ornate building that runs the full west side of Red Square. The 19th-century gallery boasts footbridges and skylights and a full array of international luxury brands. The Okhotny Ryad shopping center extends three floors underneath the plaza just north of Red Square. Less than a decade old, it houses shops with prices to fit all pocketbooks, as well as several cafes on the bottom floor.

If you still have energy left, take Nikolskaya Street to Moscow’s main children’s store Children’s World, which claims to be the biggest toy store in Europe. It’s beautiful inside, with lights, a massive clock, and many massive images of cartoon characters. Head to the roof (entrance from the food court) to get a nice view of downtown Moscow.

Even if you don't have time to explore the length of Tverskaya Street, you can afford a quick stroll up the first block of this crucial Moscow artery, which extends straight north from Red Square. From here, if you still have stamina, you can head to Tverskaya street, Moscow’s best known street, full of ads, luxurious shops and restaurants. On building number 14 of this street there is Eliseevsky gastronomic shop, opened in 1901, which has some luxurious interiors. It is a good place to buy gifts like vodka, caviar or other typical Russian products. The good thing is that the store is open all day.

You will see the unforgettable facade of the Bolshoi Theater. At this writing, its pale pink portico is once again under renovation. If you can't squeeze in a performance, or if it is still closed for renovations, at least take a look at the miniature version of the theater's interior on display near the ticket office.

Walk or take the metro from Ploshchad Revolutsii (behind the Engels statue) one stop to the Arbatskaya station. Follow the crowds and the kiosks and you'll end up at the Arbat, a pedestrian street packed with shops, cafes, bars, buskers, and street vendors.

You can end the tour by dining in a Russian restaurant: you can choose between eating something economic like on the Mu-Mu restaurant chain, or going to Café Pushkin, probably the most famous restaurant in Moscow (book well in advance, it can be done on their website). In the area, you can also find many other restaurants of the most varied food.

If your layover has you in Moscow in the evening, go to Gorky Park and spend some time exploring this amazing spot that’s absolutely loved by locals (you’ll need about two hours). In warm weather, wander around this large green zone along the Moscow river embankment. Check out the huge fountain at the entrance, listen to live piano performances in the evenings. You can also rent a bike there to get around. In cold months, you can take the Radisson boat starting from the Gorky Park embankment. It is great in any season, but in winter you can sit in their restaurant with huge windows and can enjoy all the main sights of Moscow while staying warm.