My First Impressions of Moscow: It's big and busy!
Moscow is a big and lively city with a variety of atmosphere, full of things to see and places to visit. One of my favorite experiences in Moscow was visiting the metro stations and riding from stop to stop. Each station is different from the next, with an individual theme and artistic style.
Lomonosov Moscow State University (MGU)
MGU is one of the seven large structures (seven sisters) built under the orders of Stalin in the city. It was nice to see one of the seven sister towers up close.
Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)
Our tour included a stop at the observation deck on Sparrow Hill. This is the highest hill in Moscow. It is located near the main gate of Lomonosov Moscow State University. Luzhniki Stadium is right in front of the observation deck.
Novodevichy Convent
The convent is a beautiful calming oasis in the middle of the busy city. Right next to the convent is a small lake where you can take some great photos here.
Moscow Circus on Tsvetnoy Boulevard
It was a really old-fashioned circus in a very nice building. The performance was smooth and high class for most of the scenes. Our group had such a great time here. We were all very entertained!
Moscow Metro
Even if you don't use the train, it's worth a go. Many of them were decorated with marble columns, frescoes, and chandeliers. It was like visiting a museum!
Ploshchad Revolyutsii Station (Revolution Square)
This stations lined with life-size bronze sculptures (workers, farmers, soldiers, artists and children) depicting the people of the Soviet Union. There are 72 in total.
Victory Park
Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)
Old Arbat is the artsy-fartsy street in Moscow. You can find lots of artists, street performers, restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, and souvenir shops here.
Red Square (Krasnaya ploshchad)
After being in Moscow for so many days, the Red Square is the first place I felt like I was truly in Moscow. Framed by the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, the Gum, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State History Museum. You have an incredible amount of Russian history surrounding you.
GUM Department Store
We went to GUM to walk around and just to relax. The shops are branded and quite expensive but it's very beautiful and worth to visit inside.
Grand Kremlin Palace & St. Basil's Cathedral
The Great Kremlin Palace is a beautiful building within the Kremlin grounds. It is the residence of Russian President. Technically you cannot walk along the Kremlin walls but you can get quite close from the gardens. My mom took a nice photo in front of it.
St. Basil's Cathedral completely dominates Red Square in Moscow. Our tour guide was trying to explain the history to us (clearly half of the group were not paying attention...)
Cathedral of the Assumption
Used to crown Czars and emperors. Plenty of well preserved frescoes to admire inside. Almost every inch of wall and ceiling space is painted in frescoes depicting saints.
Tsar Bell and the Tsar Cannon
The majestic Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world, weighing almost 202 tons.
