7 Reasons Why Moscow Makes an Excellent Summer Destination

The river bank in Gorky Park
The river bank in Gorky Park | © Alexander Baranov / WikiCommons

Some people love a beach holiday, others could hike all summer long. There are cities that can cater to both itineraries, and Moscow is certainly one of them. From cruising the Moskva River to hanging out in Gorky Park, it’s is an excellent place to be in the summer. Here are seven reasons you should include Moscow in your holiday plans.

#1 It’s Full of Picnic-Friendly Parks

Believe it or not, Moscow gets warm and sunny in the summer, and there is no better way to escape the heat and the city than to have a picnic in one of the many parks. Kolomenskoe is an especially popular picnic destination with plenty of lawn space to spread your blankets. It’s easily accessible from the city centre, and you can find great views of the city. Alternatively, try Sokolniki, which offers a more forest-like atmosphere, or VDNKh, which is set in a former Soviet exhibition centre and still maintains the beautiful architecture.

VDNKh

#2 It’s a Great Place for Active Holidays

Tango dancers in Gorky Park

#3 It’s Great for Relaxing

If active holidays are not your thing, don’t despair! Moscow has plenty to offer you as well. On a sunny day, head to Muzeon Arts Park or Groky Park, and enjoy the soft, comfy seats spread around the lawns. When you’ve had enough of that, sit by the banks of the Moscow River and watch the cruise ships pass by.

The river bank in Gorky Park

#4 There are Loads of Water Activities

Perhaps not what you first think of when considering Moscow, but it’s a splendid place for water activities. If you feel like rowing, go to the Izmailovo district, and rent a boat. If you’d rather just sit and people watch, go for one of the many cruises departing from the river bank in Gorky Park.

A cruise on the Moscow River

#5 The People-Watching Capital of Russia

Although some parks in Moscow look more like little forests within the city boundaries, others are very much city parks with cafés, restaurants and plenty of benches. Visitors can spend hours watching life unfold in front of their eyes as the many people pass by in the park.

#6 Even in Bad Weather, There’s Always Something To Do

Bad weather will not ruin your time in Moscow. On a rainy day, go to an art museum, or indulge in some shopping (or window-shopping) in GUM, one of the most beautiful shopping centres there is. Travel back to your childhood at the Central Children’s Store, where you will most certainly have a good time. For sightseeing on less than sunny days, explore the Old Moscow from the protection of the tram route 36.

GUM

#7 Experience the Wonderful Food

No matter your holiday of choice, you will most certainly need to eat, and Moscow will not disappoint in that department, either. From cute cafés to rooftop restaurants and traditional Russian cuisine to the most exotic dishes, Moscow has something to fit every taste and budget. Bon appetit!

Pelmeni

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Culture Trip Spring Sale

Save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips! Limited spots.

X
close-ad
Edit article