**Preparation before traveling [PART 0]:** https://th.readme.me/p/11785

Wandering Through Russia: 6 Days, 2 Cities, Not as Difficult as You Think [PART I]

Link: https://th.readme.me/p/11498

Back again with a review of traveling in Russia Part II. From the previous episode, we traveled to St. Petersburg. Now, we are back to visit the capital of Russia, Moscow.

Let's follow along!

DAY 03

This morning we woke up in the atmosphere of a train sleeper.

Inside the bedroom, besides having 4 beds, there are also amenities to use on the train, such as slippers and toothbrushes. In the morning, there is a set of food for each person, which is Grechnevaya Kasha ( Гречневая каша ), Russian-style rice with a piece of bread for each person.

When the train arrived at the platform, the people on the train dispersed to their own paths. So did we.

We left Leningradsky Railway Station and took the Metro to our accommodation. Tonight we are staying at Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky ( Холидей Инн Сущевский ) by taking the Metro to Rizhskaya ( Рижская ) station on the orange line.

After leaving our bags, putting away our belongings, and changing clothes, we prepared to travel.

The first place we went to was Alexandrovsky Garden ( Алекса́ндровский сад ). We traveled by Metro from Rizhskaya station on the orange line, rode for 3 stations, changed to the red line at Chistye Prudy ( Чистые пруды ) station, and continued for another 3 stations. We took the blue exit at Aleksandrovskiy sad ( Алекса́ндровский сад ) station.

While we were traveling, we met a kind man in the Metro who helped us get to the platform. He helped us without us even asking. He saw us confused and lost, and he saw us open the map on our phone. So he came over to ask and took us to the platform.

Russian people are very kind. Even though we didn't ask for help, they are still ready to help us. We feel very happy.

After taking the Metro for a while, we arrived at our first destination.

In front of the Metro station Alexandrovsky Sad where we exited

Alexandrovsky Garden ( Александровский сад )

This garden is located next to the Kremlin wall on the west side, stretching along the wall. The flowers planted here change with the seasons, and most importantly, it is free to enter.

We happened to encounter Russian soldiers changing shifts.

After taking photos, we stopped for lunch at Okhotny Ryad (ТЦ Охотный Ряд), an underground shopping mall located next to Alexandrovsky Garden. The main entrance is opposite the Four Seasons Hotel. The mall has restaurants, a food court on the lower level, a few brand-name stores, and another entrance directly connected to the Metro.

Interior view of the Okhotny Ryad shopping center.

This is the lunch we had. It's like a food court on the bottom floor of the mall.

After a satisfying breakfast and lunch, it was time to continue our walk to Red Square (Красная Площадь).

Red Square (Красная Площадь), also known as Red Square,

is the main square of the city, surrounded by palaces, churches, and cathedrals, all painted red, the color of victory, stability, and good fortune for the Russian people. At the entrance gate, there is a zero kilometer marker. Tourists like to throw coins over their shoulders to the back to make a wish to return here.

Kilometer 0

The State Historical Museum

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Open until 9:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays. Closed on Tuesdays.

Admission: 400 RUB. ISIC and IYTC cardholders: 150 RUB.

Metro access: Okhotny Ryad (Охотный ряд) on the red line

Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Площадь Революции) on the blue line

Teatralnaya (Театральная) on the green line

The Moscow History Museum, built by order of Emperor Alexander II, opened to the public in the late 19th century. The museum's collection includes numerous Russian and European artifacts. The building is constructed in the Gothic architectural style and features a magnificent and imposing tower.

GUM Shopping Mall ( ГУМ )

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

A historic shopping mall built in 1895, GUM offers a wide selection of luxury brands.

Lenin Mausoleum (Мавзолей В. И. Ленина)

Open daily except Mondays and Fridays, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Free admission.

The mausoleum houses the glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin, the former revolutionary leader of Russia, who is revered by the nation. The surrounding grounds of the Lenin Mausoleum feature the graves of prominent figures and heroes of Russia, lining the walkways.

St. Basil's Cathedral (Собор Василия Блаженного)

Opening Hours:

• June 1 - August 31: Daily, 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Closed Wednesdays)
• September 1 - November 6: Daily, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• November 8 - April 30: Daily, 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• May 1 - May 31: Daily, 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Closed: First Wednesday of each month for cleaning.

Admission Fees:

• General Admission: 500 RUB
• ISIC/IYTC Holders and Youth (16-18 years old): 150 RUB

Built by the ruthless Tsar Ivan IV (Ivan the Terrible), this 500-year-old cathedral stands as a symbol of victory over the Kazan Khanate. Its distinctive feature is the nine onion domes, each designed differently. According to legend, upon its completion, the Tsar asked the architect if he could design anything more beautiful. The architect replied that he could, and was subsequently blinded so that no other building could surpass the cathedral's magnificence.

We crossed the bridge to take a picture looking back towards Red Square. This is another spot where you can capture a stunning photograph.

After taking photos at Red Square, we could have taken the Metro to our next destination, but it would have been on the opposite side of the square and we would have missed the experience. Instead, we chose to walk, which allowed us to soak in the atmosphere.

On our way, we came across a beautiful, unnamed church.

The bakery we stopped at is a popular spot for locals to grab bread and coffee.

Cathedral of Christ the Savior ( Храм Христа Спасителя )

Open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free, but photography is not allowed inside.

Take the Metro to Kropotkinskaya Station ( Кропо́ткинская ) on the red line.

The largest gilded dome cathedral in Russia, built to commemorate the victory in the Napoleonic War of 1812. It took 45 years to build by Tsar Alexander I.

On the day we went, there was a ceremony inside the church, so we couldn't go in. And when we arrived, it was raining, cold and windy. So we decided to check in at the hotel first and then go out and fight again.

On the way back from the golden dome cathedral

After packing our belongings and taking a break,

we decided to visit the famous Arbat Street, our last stop for the day.

Arbat Street ( Арбат )

Accessible by Metro, Arbatskaya Station ( Арба́тская ) on the blue line.

The oldest street in Russia, now a pedestrian zone, was destroyed in the 18th century but later rebuilt. Along the street, you'll find artists, souvenir shops, cafes, cultural centers, and theaters. It stretches for approximately 1 kilometer.

Someone is giving a speech.

DAY 04

This morning, we will travel as we did yesterday, because the first place we will visit today is a highlight that we saved from yesterday.

The Kremlin Palace ( кремль )

Open every day except Thursday, and tickets can be purchased starting at 9:00 AM.

From May 15th to September 30th, open from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

From September 30th to May 15th, open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Admission fee is 500 RUB.

Take the Metro to Aleksandrovskiy sad (Алекса́ндровский сад) station on the blue line.

The Kremlin, meaning "fortress" in Russian, is the heart of Moscow. Built between 1837 and 1849, it served as the residence of every Tsar and currently houses the Russian government and hosts foreign dignitaries.

Following our visit to the church, we were treated to a performance by Russian soldiers in the expansive courtyard.

After visiting the Kremlin Palace, you can visit the museum next to the Palace, which is the

The Armoury Chamber ( Оружейная палата )

Open every day except Thursday 10:00 - 18:00

The visiting time will be divided into rounds, with each round limited to 10 people. There are 10:00, 12:00, 14:30, 16:30

Admission fee 700 RUB

Audio Guide will be available in Russian, English, French, German, Italian and Spanish

The museum houses a vast collection of treasures, including the ivory throne of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, the diamond throne of Tsar Alexis Romanov, and the diamond crown, necklace, and scepter. The museum is located outside the Kremlin Palace.

However, we did not visit the museum on this occasion.

After exploring the palace, rain began to fall, the air grew cold, and a chill wind picked up. We decided to seek shelter from the rain and cold in the GUM department store, which we had not visited the previous day.

After strolling through the GUM department store, we had lunch at our usual spot, Okhotny Ryad. Our next destination was a short metro ride away. We boarded the blue line at Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Площадь Революции) and traveled five stops.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

Izmailovsky Market ( Измайловский рынок )

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM

Wednesdays are wholesale days, and Saturdays and Sundays offer lower prices than weekdays.

Take the Metro to Partizanskaya Station (Партизанская) on the blue line.

The largest souvenir market, offering a wide variety of items such as Russian nesting dolls, clothing, shoes, scarves, and food.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

After a satisfying shopping spree, we decided to take some photos inside the Metro before heading to our final destination for the day.

This article only showcases a selection of Moscow's beautiful metro stations. Many more stunning stations exist, including:

• Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Пло́щадь Револю́ции) on the blue line
• Teatralnaya (Tеатра́льная) on the dark green line
• Komsomolskaya (Комсомо́льская) on the red or brown line
• Novoslobodskaya (Новослободская)
• Kiyevskaya(Киевская) on the blue or brown line
• Kievskaya(Киевская) on the blue line
• Arbatskaya(Арба́тская) on the dark blue line
• Pobedy Park (Парк Победы) on the blue or yellow line
• Belorusskaya (Белору́сская) on the brown or dark green line
• Elektrozavodskaya (Электрозаводская) on the blue line
• Mayakovskaya (Маяко́вская) on the green line

Our journey concludes at Tverskaya(Тверская) station on the dark green line, marking the final stop of our exploration.

Eliseevsky Grocery Store ( Елисеевский магазин )

Moscow's first supermarket, opened in 1901. The interior boasts beautiful decorations from renovations in the past.

Take the dark green line to Tverskaya(Тверская) station.

Before returning to the hotel, we stopped by Okhotny Ryad shopping mall and enjoyed some famous ice cream at GUM department store.

Tonight is like any other night.

After a day of sightseeing, we returned to our hotel to rest and prepare for tomorrow's adventures.

DAY 05

This morning is our last day in Russia. Time flies so fast that it's heartbreaking.

In just a few days, we feel like we've become real Russians living here.

Our first stop is the Summer Palace. We took the Metro from Rizhskaya station on the orange line, 5 stations, and changed to the dark green line at Novokuznetskaya station ( Новокузнецкая ). We continued for 5 more stations to change to the opposite side because the train we were on ended at Kashirskaya ( Каширская ) on the dark green line. We then traveled 3 more stations to reach Orekhovo station ( Орехово ) on the dark green line.

Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve (Музей-заповедник Царицыно)

The park is open daily from 6:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

The Grand Palace, Bread House, and Opera House are open daily except Mondays.

Tuesday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sunday and holidays: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Free admission on the third Sunday of the month.

The Greenhouses are open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays.

Wednesday - Friday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM, Saturday: 11:00 AM - 8:00 PM, Sunday and holidays: 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM.

Admission fees include the Grand Palace, Bread House, Opera House, and Greenhouses:

650 RUB, children aged 7-17 years 200 RUB, and free for ISIC card holders.

Admission fees for the Grand Palace and Bread House:

350 RUB, children aged 7-17 years 80 RUB, and free for ISIC card holders.

Admission fees for the Opera House: 200 RUB, children aged 7-17 years 80 RUB, and free for ISIC card holders.

Admission fees for the Greenhouses: 250 RUB, children aged 7-17 years 80 RUB, and free for ISIC card holders.

Take the Metro to Tsaritsyno (Царицыно) station on the dark green line or Orekhovo (Орехово) station on the dark green line.

Catherine Palace, the only palace in Moscow, was built in 1775 but remained unfinished due to insufficient funds. The government completed its construction in 2007. The palace boasts stunning and grand exterior architecture, with a public park in front. The interior of the Grand Palace is luxuriously decorated in gold and white.

We walked through another exit which was the front of the palace, in order to take the Metro to the next destination.

On our way, we looked for a restaurant to eat before taking the Metro to the next destination.

We went to KFC at the TTs Tsaritsyno building ( ТЦ Царицыно ), which conveniently has a Metro station in front.

After lunch, we took the Metro from Tsaritsyno station on the dark green line to Kolomenskaya station.

Kolomenskoye ( Коло́менское )

Open every day except Monday, free entry to the park.

1 April - 30 September Tuesday to Friday and Sunday open 10:00 - 18:00 Saturday open 11:00 - 19:00

1 October - 31 March Tuesday to Sunday open 10:00 - 18:00

Take the Metro to Kolomenskaya station ( Коломенская ) on the dark green line.

A popular summer retreat for the Russian royal family, this idyllic village was founded in 1339 by Ivan I. Situated on the banks of a river, this historic town was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, recognizing its rich cultural heritage.

Our next stop was the

Novodevichy Convent ( Новоде́вичье кла́дбище )

Open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Admission fee: 300 RUB, camera fee: 100 RUB, video recording fee: 200 RUB. Free entry to the surrounding gardens.

Take the Metro to Sportivnaya (Спорти́вная) station on the red line.

This convent, built in 1524 in the Baroque style, was once used to imprison Tsar Peter the Great's sister, Sophia. It is also the burial place of important Russian heroines and figures. UNESCO declared the Novodevichy Convent a World Heritage Site in 2004.

When we arrived, the site was closed for renovations, so we were unable to visit or take any photos.

The last stop for the day and for our trip was the Cathedral of Christ the Savior ( Храм Христа Спасителя ). This time, we went to the other side to make up for the fact that the sky was dark when we took photos the previous day. We took the Metro to Kropotkinskaya( Кропо́ткинская ) station on the red line.

Day 6: Farewell, Russia

As dusk settled, we made our way to the Okhotny Ryad shopping center for our final Russian dinner.

The next morning, we woke up in our familiar hotel bed, but the atmosphere had shifted. It was time to return to our real lives, and a familiar sense of emptiness and loneliness washed over us, as it always does at the end of a trip.

After packing our belongings and checking out of the hotel, we headed to Domodedovo International Airport via the hotel's Txai service, which cost 2,000 RUB. Due to Moscow's notorious traffic, it's crucial to inform the service of your flight departure time. In our case, the driver arrived approximately two hours before our flight.

Upon arriving at the airport, we checked in, checked our luggage, and eagerly awaited our flight back home.

The food on the return flight

The moment we dreaded has finally arrived, marking the bittersweet end of our journey. Embracing the unknown, we ventured into foreign lands, encountering diverse cultures, languages, and landscapes that broadened our horizons and enriched our lives.

We view travel as akin to reading a book, with ourselves as the protagonists. Every journey has a beginning and an end, but just as we can revisit a cherished book, we can relive the memories of our travels, drawing inspiration and joy from them.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have accompanied us on this literary adventure, sharing in our experiences and insights. As we bid farewell to this chapter, we look forward to embarking on new journeys, both literal and metaphorical, and sharing them with you.