Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Moscow
One of the world’s largest cities, Moscow is a true metropolis whose ancient neighborhoods are interspersed with newly built high-rises, inhabited by people from all over the former Soviet Union.
It’s also the city of rings: the innermost is the Kremlin itself; further away are the former defensive rings, Boulevard Ring and Garden Ring; still further are the Third Ring Road and the MKAD, which delineates the city’s borders. Consequently, there’s an ongoing joke that the Moscow Mayor is the Lord of the Rings. Most sights are concentrated within the Garden Ring, although for some more authentic neighborhoods, one has to venture further out. To help you explore Moscow’s diversity, we picked our favorite neighborhoods—but this list is by no means exhaustive.
The Red Square and Around
It can be argued that Moscow, or even the whole of Russia, starts at the Red Square – it’s an absolute must-see for any visitor. After standing in line to check out Lenin’s granite mausoleum, visit GUM, Moscow’s oldest department store, famous for its luxurious shops and stunning glass roof designed by renowned architect Vladimir Shukhov. Not only does GUM feature architectural wonders, but it also offers several dining options, including the Soviet-style cafeteria Stolovaya No 57, where you can sample unique delicacies.
On the opposite side of GUM, the Kremlin walls and towers rise majestically above Red Square. Stroll through the Alexander Garden and past the grotto to the Kremlin’s entrance. Art and history lovers will find a treasure trove of ancient gold-domed churches and icons galore, along with the resting places of Moscow tsars.
To the other side of Red Square lies St Basil’s Cathedral, a symbol of Moscow with its vivid and colorful domes. Right behind it is the newly constructed Zaryadye Park, showcasing flora from various regions of Russia. An additional highlight is the floating bridge, offering stunning views above the embankment and the Moscow River. Nearby, a glass pavilion houses Voskhod, a space-themed restaurant serving dishes from all 15 former Soviet republics—a perfect spot for a classy evening meal, often featuring live music.
Patriarch’s Ponds
The Patriarch’s Ponds (aka Patriki) is a historical neighborhood celebrated in Mikhail Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita. Located just off Tverskaya Street, Moscow’s main thoroughfare, Patriki has recently become the city’s most lively quarter. The elegant architecture includes several buildings by the art-nouveau genius Fyodor Shekhtel. Narrow streets create a cozy atmosphere, complemented by recently widened sidewalks and bike lanes. In the summer, it transforms into a vibrant party scene.
Start your visit by exploring free exhibitions or catching a cutting-edge performance at the experimental theatre Praktika. However, the neighborhood’s main attractions are undoubtedly its bars and top restaurants. Patriki’s residents, comprising affluent Russians and expats, have spurred Moscow’s culinary revolution. Uilliam’s, one of the pioneers of this foodie movement, continues to reign with its floor-to-ceiling windows. Additionally, enjoy a taste of everything chicken-related at AQ Chicken, savor Georgian cuisine at Patara, and indulge in sushi at Cutfish. Conclude your culinary tour with inventive cocktails at Pinch or at the Moscow location of NYC restaurant Saxon+Parole.
Around Kursky Train Station
For years, Kursky train station was surrounded by semi-abandoned factories, making the area best avoided. However, everything changed in the late 2000s when a dilapidated wine factory was transformed into Winzavod, a mecca for contemporary art lovers. Today, these red-brick buildings are home to some of Moscow’s leading art galleries. After exploring the art scene, visit the small wine bar Barrell for a glass from burgeoning wineries in southern Russia, or grab a bite at Khitrye Lyudi cafe.
Right next to Winzavod is Artplay, another refurbished factory filled with design and furniture shops and spacious exhibition areas. It also houses Pluton, the latest addition to Moscow’s dynamic dance scene. Other notable venues include the multimedia art gallery Proun and an authentic Chinese restaurant, Shanhaika.
Just a short walk away lies Arma, where a cluster of circular gas holders has been repurposed into offices, restaurants, and clubs, including Gazgolder, owned by one of Russia’s most famous rappers, Basta. Beyond hip-hop concerts, Gazgolder hosts regular techno parties that can last from Friday night through to Monday morning.
Taganka
If you’re passionate about religious architecture, Taganka is an excellent destination. Begin with the Krutitskoye Podvorye, a historic monastery founded in the 13th century, which served as the home for Moscow metropolitans in the 16th century. Most of the existing buildings originate from that period. During your visit, explore the grounds and don’t miss the interior and icons of the Assumption Cathedral.
Your next stop should be the Rogozhskoe settlement of ‘old believers’, a sect that separated from Russian Orthodoxy in the 17th century. Dominated by an 80m-tall bell tower, the settlement boasts the yellow-colored Intercession Church, built in neoclassical style with baroque elements, housing an important collection of icons. Adjacent to the church is the popular Trapeznaya cafeteria, known for its traditional Russian cuisine—a perfect lunch spot.
A short ride away is the Andronikov Monastery, which today hosts the Rublyov Museum in the old monks’ quarters. Although it features an excellent collection of ancient Orthodox icons, none belong to Andrei Rublyov, who was a monk here in the 15th century. The main draw of the monastery is the small Saviour’s Cathedral, recognized as the oldest surviving church in Moscow.
Wrap up your day at the craft beer gathering around Taganskaya metro station. Varka offers a range of Russian and imported labels, complemented by the Burger Heroes food stand, widely regarded as serving the best burgers in town. Meanwhile, Craft & Draft resembles a traditional old-fashioned pub, featuring a solid menu, 20 beers on tap, and numerous bottled varieties.
Khamovniki
Khamovniki is Moscow’s ancient textile district, named after the word kham (a type of cloth). The two main streets, Ostozhenka and Prechistenka, run parallel and create a lively atmosphere. Ostozhenka transformed into the so-called ‘Golden Mile’ of Moscow in the 1990s and features some of the highest real-estate prices alongside impressive examples of modern Russian architecture, while Prechistenka remains primarily home to splendid 19th-century mansions.
This neighborhood is a literary hub, as several museums dedicated to renowned Russian writers—such as Leo Tolstoy, Alexander Pushkin, and Ivan Turgenev—are located here. Furthermore, art enthusiasts will appreciate the Multimedia Art Museum, which regularly hosts exhibitions featuring accomplished photographers and contemporary artworks. Various galleries, including RuArts and Kournikova Gallery, have also established their presence in Khamovniki.
After indulging in literature and art, stop by Gorod Sad on Ostozhenka, a local health-food outlet known for dishes like pumpkin soup and grilled vegetable salads. Following your meal, head to Dom 12, an exquisite restaurant and wine bar nestled just off Ostozhenka Street. This venue is a hub for Moscow’s intellectuals, offering a schedule packed with lectures, book presentations, and film screenings, while guests can also enjoy the charming courtyard during the summer months.
