Moscow

Built in memory of the emperor Peter I, who reigned the nation for 43 years, the monument faces the Moskva River and is the 8th highest statue in the world, standing at 98 meters (322ft) tall. Besides the statue, you can also enjoy a beautiful view over the river around the area, as well as spot some boat traffic.

Several religious buildings surrounded by a wall make up the monastery, set amid a park on the Moskva River bank. To grasp the importance of the place throughout the course of Russian history, visit the Novodevichy Cemetry, where many prominent Russians found their final resting place, from literary behemoths (Chekhov and Gogol) to politicians (Boris Yeltsin). The monastery has remained near-intact since the 17th century.

The church was built to mark the birth of prince Ivan VI, who was later to become Ivan 'the Terrible' -- it was the first of its architectural kind in Russia. The structure faces the Moskva River and is marvellous in its unique architectural design. Kolomenskoye Park stretches along the Moskva River and is a favourite among locals for day trips, too.

Today's Wooden Palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich is a complete reconstruction, since the building's original was, sadly, demolished on command of Catherine the Great in the 18th century. The museum inside showcases the lively embellishments and ornate furniture that was replicated through paintings dating back to the time.

With its round, brilliantly coloured cupolas, St. Basil’s Cathedral truly looks like a fairy-tale castle. Ivan the Terrible had it built around 1550 in order to celebrate a victory over the Tartars. Today the cathedral is one of the world’s architectural wonders.

Going on the metro in Moscow is an attraction in itself. The metro here is just beautiful with its architecture and majestic spaces. If you have to choose, two of the most beautiful stations to visit are "Komsomol'skaya" and "Kazan'skaya".

One of several repurposed industrial spaces in Moscow, Flacon is among the best: once a glass factory, it has now been transformed into a collection of hip enterprises that range from cool stores (do not miss the "Respublika" book shop and its fun merch) to cafes, coworking spaces, and art installations. Check their event schedule to see what's on (mind that most events are conducted in Russian).

One of the most famous places in Moscow for buying souvenirs is at the Izmaylovo Market. Here you can find all the typical Russian souvenirs like matryoshka dolls and fur hats. The market is quite big, so make sure to have enough time and money when coming here.

This unique museum can be found below the ravishing Space Monument. At The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics there are several exhibitions with different space objects, documents, and art. If you are interested in space and the cosmonauts, you will most certainly not be disappointed.

The so-called "Seven Sisters" are seven skyscrapers built in Stalinist style. The skyscrapers are still among the tallest buildings in Europe and can be seen from multiple spots throughout the city. One of the Seven Sisters is the Moscow State University building, which can be found on Sparrow Hills.

Founded in 2001, this museum is devoted to showing the rise and fall of the labor camp system in Russia called Gulag. Here you can find both permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as concerts and events.

This enormous, beautiful cathedral is located by the river and was designed by the architect Konstantin Ton. You can recognise the cathedral by its copper domes that dominate the skyline.

The stunning Bolshoi Theatre is one of Moscow's cultural landmarks. Here you can enjoy several ballets by world-renowned Russian ballet companies, operas and different performances in a grandiose interior.

Right next to the famous Red Square sits Moscow's first urban park since half a century. Designed by American architects Diller Scofidio and Renfro and inaugurated in September 2017, this massive piece of land in the heart of the Russian capital is more than just a park, it is a breath of fresh air to the city's landscape and a new meeting place for locals and tourists alike. Take a walk around its 35-acre grounds and visit its multiple attractions including: two amphitheaters, a market, a restaurant, a world-class philharmonic concert hall, an ice cave, and a boomerang-shaped bridge floating over the Moscow River.