This Moscow travel guide helps you plan a first visit to Russia’s capital. Moscow is huge and grand: the red walls of the Kremlin, the colourful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, wide boulevards, palace-like metro stations and parks along the Moskva river.
Summer is warm with long days; winter is very cold but beautiful in the snow. Before you go, check your government’s official travel advice, flight options and payment rules carefully — many international cards do not work in Russia. Pakistani passport holders need a Russian visa; check whether you qualify for the e-visa.
Getting into Moscow from the airport
Moscow has three main airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) to the north, Domodedovo (DME) to the south and Vnukovo (VKO) to the south-west. Flights from Pakistan usually connect through the Gulf, Istanbul or Central Asia.
Aeroexpress trains link all three airports with metro-connected stations in the city; airport buses and the official taxi desks are alternatives.
| Airport to the centre | Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sheremetyevo: Aeroexpress to Belorussky station | ≈ 35–45 min | fast and reliable |
| Domodedovo: Aeroexpress to Paveletsky station | ≈ 45 min | connects to the metro |
| Vnukovo: Aeroexpress to Kievsky station | ≈ 35 min | connects to the metro |
| Official taxi or app | 45–90 min | traffic can be heavy |
Top sights to see in Moscow
Red Square and the Kremlin are the heart of the city; most other sights are a few metro stops away.
The famous square with the Kremlin walls, St Basil’s and the GUM department store.
1 hour · freeCathedrals, palaces and the treasures of the tsars.
3 hours · tickets extraMoscow’s most iconic building, colourful inside and out.
1 hourKomsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya and Ploshchad Revolyutsii are works of art.
1–2 hours · one fareModern park beside the Kremlin with a floating bridge over the river.
1 hour · freeThe great collection of Russian art, from icons to the 20th century.
2–3 hoursWorld-famous ballet and opera; book well ahead.
EveningHuge parks with Soviet-era pavilions, skating in winter and boating in summer.
Half day · freeFood to try in Moscow
Try borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (dumplings), blini (thin pancakes) with sour cream or honey, and syrniki (cottage cheese pancakes) for breakfast. Moscow also has excellent Georgian food — khachapuri cheese bread and khinkali dumplings — and Uzbek plov.
Halal food is common thanks to Moscow’s large Muslim community: Uzbek, Tatar, Azerbaijani and Caucasian restaurants often serve halal shashlik and plov. The Moscow Cathedral Mosque near Prospekt Mira metro is one of the largest mosques in Europe.
Getting around: the metro
The Moscow metro is fast, frequent and very cheap, with trains every one to two minutes at peak times. Buy a Troika card at any station and top it up; it also works on buses, trams and the MCC ring railway. Station announcements and signs are increasingly in English as well as Russian.
Traffic in Moscow is heavy, so the metro is usually faster than a taxi. Taxi apps are widely used and show the price in advance.
Safety, money and local tips
Read your government’s official travel advice before you book — several governments advise against travel to Russia. In the city, take normal care with valuables in crowded places and carry your passport, visa and migration card, as police may check documents.
Visa and Mastercard cards issued outside Russia generally do not work, so most visitors bring enough cash (usually US dollars or euros to exchange at banks). Keep exchange receipts, register your stay through your hotel, and buy a local SIM for maps and taxi apps.
Where to stay in Moscow
Stay inside the Garden Ring or near a metro station on the circle line.
Walk to Red Square and the Bolshoi; most central.
Mid to luxuryHistoric pedestrian street, cafés and good metro links.
Mid-rangeQuiet streets across the river from the Kremlin, near the Tretyakov.
Mid-rangeNear the Cathedral Mosque and halal restaurants, on the circle line.
Budget to midBest time to visit Moscow
May to September is the warmest time in Moscow, with long days around 20–24 °C — the best season for walking Red Square, Gorky Park and the river embankments.
Winter (December–February) is cold and snowy, often −5 to −10 °C, but New Year lights and ice rinks make the city festive. Spring thaw (March–April) and late autumn are grey and slushy. Check current travel advice and visa rules before booking.
A 3-day plan for Moscow
Day 1: Red Square, St Basil’s Cathedral and GUM, then the Kremlin and the Armoury, ending at Zaryadye Park at sunset. Day 2: A metro tour of the grandest stations, the Tretyakov Gallery and an evening walk along the Arbat. Day 3: VDNKh in the morning, Gorky Park and a river cruise, then a performance at the Bolshoi.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Moscow?
Three to four days cover the Kremlin, Red Square, the metro and the main museums.
Do Pakistanis need a visa for Russia?
Yes. Pakistani passport holders need a Russian visa; check whether you qualify for the e-visa or need to apply at the embassy.
Do foreign bank cards work in Moscow?
Generally not — Visa and Mastercard cards issued abroad usually do not work. Bring enough cash to exchange at banks.
Is there halal food in Moscow?
Yes. Uzbek, Tatar and Caucasian restaurants often serve halal food, and the Cathedral Mosque is near Prospekt Mira.
Is Moscow safe for tourists?
Street crime is moderate, but check your government’s official travel advice before booking, as many advise against travel to Russia.
Prices and transport details were checked 12 October 2026. Travel information changes — please confirm entry rules and prices with official sources before you go.