A Travel Guide to Moscow

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As Americans, we have plenty of questions about Russia. With the continued scandals, Moscow has become more and more mysterious. But there is more to the city than controversy. Once there, you are immersed in a land of history, pride, and plenty of museums. It is a trip of a lifetime, a city that I hope that I get to keep coming back to, and an incredible experience. Regardless of your views on the country, it is super interesting to go there and see for yourself. This top ten list isn't enough to describe all that there is to see and do in Moscow. But here is my best try.

10. Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts: with an impressive collection of Van Gogh, Gaugin, and Rembrandt, this museum is the largest art museum in Moscow, for European art at least. In a country where you're expecting to get a heavy dose of propaganda, it can be refreshing to see some European art, proudly displayed in the museum.

9. Museum of Cosmonauts: let's be real, the Soviets knew what they were doing when it came to the space race. So why not check out a museum dedicated to their contributions to space exploration. The Russians are proud of their achievements and this display is worth the visit if you have any interest in science, history, or space.

8. Gorky Park: this park in central Moscow is a great escape from the constantly busy city center. It even has a small amusement park within the lush green fields and beautiful plants. Just along the banks of the Moscow River, this park is worth a stop if you want to take a moment and enjoy the city. 

7. Church of Christ the Savior: this church is relatively new compared to the others in Moscow. Built in the 1990s, just across from the Kremlin, this church dominates the skyline. The inside is even more beautiful with ornate ceilings. It is an interesting church to check out.

6. Red Square: the Red Square is a must see when visiting Moscow. Remember all those military parades? That's where they happen. So of course it is important to go and check it out to admire the size of it but also to understand Russian history and culture. At the Red Square, you can check out the Kremlin, the department store GUM, and St. Basil's Cathedral. You could easily spend a day here.

5. Moscow Metro: there's nothing quite like the metros in Moscow. They are so ornate, go so deep into the ground, and just overall impressive. Visiting the metros in Moscow could probably take a day in itself in order to find the most beautiful ones. So if you are in Moscow, do not hesitate to take the Metro.

4. Bolshoi Theatre: this historic theatre is a must-see if you are into performing arts. It is probably the most well-known in the world and one of the most beautiful. The problem is that they do not do regular tours so the only way to see it is to buy a pricey ticket for the opera or ballet. But it is worth it since Russia is known to have some of the best performances. 

3. St. Basil's Cathedral: when people think of Russia, they often think of this cathedral, with its onion shaped domes and brilliant colors. With beautiful painted ceilings that rival the outside beauty, it is worth it to go and visit this cathedral that is to tied with Moscow identity. 

2. Kremlin: no trip to Moscow is complete without a visit to the Kremlin. And there is so much to do in this complex. Check out the armory to see the Crown Jewels of the Russian Empire. Head to all the churches, check out the Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, and try to learn a bit about Russian history. The Kremlin is known to make some very controversial decisions, yet being so close to it is an experience that is hard to describe. While you are admiring the beauty of it all, it is hard to forget everything the Kremlin has done. But it is something that you should experience for yourself.

1. Lenin's Mausoleum: right in the center of Moscow is Lenin's tomb, where his embalmed body is on display. Anyone can go in and visit as long as they pass the security check. Certain protocols are in place, such as men not being allowed to wear hats and people can't keep their hands in their pockets. But going and seeing a real (dead) dictator is quite something. No words really describe it. While leaving the complex, you can also visit the graves of other notable Russians, like Stalin. Yes this complex is a communist's dream. Like with the Kremlin, you can't forget what he did, but it is still impressive to see how Lenin is revered today. So if you're interested, go ahead and decide for yourself what you think. Is it time to bury the body?