trille traveller sulky

History of the Earth Tools logo

For many years, folks asked me: “Don’t you have a company logo?” And we really didn’t, as I just never took the time to come up with one…we just had “Earth Tools” written out in a blocky font, and that passed for a logo.

Finally, though, I decided to put some effort into it, and I hired my sister-in-law Trina Peiffer (my wife’s twin sister) to make a line drawing of the Earth Tools sign we have here at the shop. This sign is made out of a 4-foot length of Eastern Red Cedar log; the letters are carved with a chain saw.

I made this sign about 15 years ago (below is a photo). I figured this was a logo with some “meaning”…not just some arbitrary design. Hope you like it!

--Joel, Earth Tools owner

HAVING TROUBLE GETTING THROUGH ON OUR MAIN NUMBER ABOVE? TRY 502-484-5550 or 0704

PEAK-SEASON ORDERING

PLEASE NOTE that we get VERY busy in the late Winter & Spring, and assembling/shipping wait times increase, just because of the "log-jam" of Tractor / Implement orders coming in all at once at "the last minute". So -- DON'T wait until the "last minute" to order! If you want equipment for this upcoming growing season, ORDER EARLY! Keep in mind that we ship orders on a "first-paid, first-shipped" basis...we do NOT offer "expidited" assembling/shipping of tractor & implement orders for an extra charge. We appreciate your business and your patience, and we work as hard as we can to get orders out as fast as possible, WITHOUT cutting corners on the proper equipment setup, prep & checkout that we are famous for.

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G U A R A N T E E

YOUR SOURCE FOR bcs tillers , bcs sickle bars , bcs lawn mowers , bcs snowblowers , bcs brush mowers , bcs sweepers , bcs chipper / shredder bcs attachments & bcs accessories AND   rotary plows , mini hay balers , hay rakes , spaders , cultivators , flail mowers , seeder , potato digger plow , utility trailers & more!

NEW: REGIONAL DELIVERY SERVICE!!

We are now offering a “regional” delivery service for tractor & implement orders within a 400-road-mile radius of our location in Owenton KY. Earth Tools’ owner’s Father-in-law (Charles) will be doing the deliveries. Charges for this service will be a bit more than for shipping by truck freight (call for a quote to your specific location), but delivery will be with a pickup truck (and trailer, if needed) that can get to most any location – unlike a semi-truck. Also, scheduling of the delivery will be more flexible, to better meet your needs. More “perks” of this service are that the equipment will be FULLY assembled, and Charlie will show you basic operation of the tractor. Minimum merchandise order for this service: $6500. Call for a delivery quote!

Why are new BCS tractors BLACK or SILVER?

Beginning in late 2017, the BCS factory started a new “paint scheme” for their tractors and implements: The tractors are just painted BLACK , and the BCS-branded implements are painted SILVER . (and in 2023, the tractor bodies started coming through UNPAINTED...just bare aluminum) So, on the tractors, the only "blue" parts are now the plastic “beauty” shrouds for the handlebars.

Because the BCS factory in Italy produces 3 brands of walk-behind tractors on the same assembly line: BCS, Ferrari, and Pasquali (BCS purchased these other 2 companies in the 1990s…and no, this is NOT the automotive “Ferrari!”) . Historically, they had different paint-lines for each tractor and implement line (Blue for BCS, Green for Ferrari, and Yellow for Pasquali)…but sometime in 2017, they decided to optimize efficiency by painting all the tractors and implements “neutral” colors and just letting the plastic shrouds and decals delineate what brand tractor it would be. Hence, "non-blue" BCS tractors started appearing in the USA in early 2018. (We have told BCS that we think this is a bad idea...the "blue" was a color most people associated with BCS, and now, if the plastic "beauty shrouds are discarded or lost, there is no color for "brand recognition", and that would hurt them more in the long run than the few bucks a tractor they're saving by not having separate paint lines in their factory. We'll see if they ever bring the "Blue" back...)

Work (mowing) Sulky A “Work” sulky (also called ‘Mowing sulky’) can be attached to the larger BCS and Grillo tractors (tractors with differential and steering brakes) with the tractor in the FRONT-PTO MODE (hence the name: “mowing” sulky). Thus, the operator can ride during mowing operations, or with any other front-PTO-operated implement, such as a power sweeper, hayrake/tedder, fertilizer spreader, etc. The sulky attaches to two extension-hubs (included with the sulky) which mount to the the wheel hubs of the tractor (which is the “fulcrum” point of the machine), in order to not negatively impact the “balance” of the tractor/implement. HOWEVER: Our advice is: If it seems to be too good to be true, it’s because it is.

The Work / Mowing sulky has several disadvantages that we want to make sure our customers understand:

One: just because you are riding doesn’t mean the tractor can work any faster ! The speeds geared into these tractors are designed for: A. Typical human walking pace, and B. The speeds necessary to operate the types of agricultural implements that are available for the tractors. There simply is no “faster” working speed you can “gear up to” when you are sitting down. (The “transport” speed some tractor models have is WAY too fast for any kind of work, except maybe pulling a trailer…and in that case, you’ve already got a seat on the trailer, so who needs a sulky??).

Two: Walk-behind tractors are very maneuverable, and will normally make almost 180 degree turns… unless you attach a sulky. The sulky is essentially a trailer, and it will limit the radius of turns by ‘jack-knifing’ if too sharp a turn is made. For this reason, backing up with a sulky attached is tricky as well.

One saving grace of the mowing sulky is that it attaches and detaches from the extension-hubs on the tractor quickly, so if you find it is too cumbersome for a tight area, you can pop the sulky off within a minute.

NOTE: Keep in mind that most of the axle extensions that could be installed on the tractor will NOT work in conjunction with a mowing sulky, as it makes the wheel-track of the tractor too wide for the “yoke” of the sulky. *

Earth Tools Mowing/Work Sulky

NEW IN 2018! We have designed and built our own mowing sulky, right here at Earth Tools. The construction and quality is superior to the one BCS manufactures. This sulky works on any BCS or Grillo tractor equipped with a differential axle AND steering brakes (excluding Grillo model G131). As an extra “perk” of our sulky design, it INCLUDES a set of “barbell weight hanger posts” (this is what we mount the sulky frame to)…unlike the BCS-manufactured mowing sulky, ours will accept wheel-weights being mounted while the sulky is in use.

Click here for a video overview of the Earth Tools mowing sulky.

Earth tools mowing / work sulky.

• Item ET 2001-B; fits BCS 749, 750, 770, 779, 852, 853 (and older BCS models with differential and steering brakes) –Does NOT fit BCS 660, due to the wider wheel-base on that machine– MSRP: $949 Sale Price $895
• Item ET 2001-G; fits Grillo G107 & G110 (not G131) MSRP: $949 Sale Price $895

BCS-manufactured Mowing / Work Sulky

• Item 921.90569; fits BCS models 749, 852, 853 & 750 (and older BCS models with differential and steering brakes) –Does NOT fit BCS 660, due to the wider wheel-base on that machine– MSRP: $1179 Earth Tools Regular Sale price: $1120

EARTH TOOLS, Inc. 1525 Kays Branch Road Owenton, KY 40359 (502) 484-3988 tel. (502) 237-1026 fax.

NOTE REGARDING HOLIDAY CLOSINGS : Annual Winter vacation: in 2024, closed from Saturday Dec 21st until the first Business Day of New Year (in 2025, re-opening Thursday Jan 2nd). Also closed Martin Luther King day (Jan 15th), Memorial Day (May 27th), USA Independence Day (July 4th), Labor Day (Sept 2nd), and the Thursday and Friday of Thanksgiving (Nov 28 & 29).

If you’d like to visit our shop, we have plenty of land to demonstrate our walk-behind tractors with any implement.  But if you’re coming to visit, CALL AHEAD at least one day in advance!  Retail business hours are by appointment (yes, weekends, too), so the more notice you give us the better we can set our schedule to fit your schedule.  We are occasionally out of the shop doing deliveries, demonstrations or displaying equipment at trade shows.

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Sulkie Racing Around the World

Have you ever wondered where the term ‘sulky’ comes from? Supposedly it comes from the fact that the sulky cart only has one seat so the driver prefers to sit on his own!

Sulky racing is a popular sport in many countries around the world, in Norway and Finland it is as popular as greyhound racing is in Ireland. It originally took place on the frozen lakes of Norway but nowadays there are purpose built tracks where racers battle it out. There are three different types of carts that are used, the most common of which is the jog cart which is heavier and used for training. These have heavy frames and some suspension for a smoother ride. The next stage between a jog cart and a full on race cart is the race bike. The construction of this cart is similar to a racing bike and these are used for the qualifying heats in races. Speed carts are a bit heavier but feature mud flaps for use on the track and provide a bit more stability for racing.

Painted by Jim McKee http://www.jimmckeeart.com/

In Norway, harness racing is absolutely huge and it could point the way to providing a safer legal alternative to the racing which sometimes takes place on Irish roads. In some years there have been over 500 race days around Norway and in 2009 the industry was reported to be worth over €451 million. Far from being a boys’ club Norway is home to several top female harness racers and for most it is a full-time professional career with lucrative sponsorship deals and horses being traded and at stud for massive fees.

On of the biggest and most prestigious harness races in the world takes place in the huge Vincennes Hippodrome in eastern Paris each January. This race has taken place each year since 1920 (with the exception of the war years) but a look through the list of winners doesn’t seem to mention any Irish names yet there are plenty of Italian and non-French names in there. Harness racing is also very popular in Italy where it is called ‘trotto, or galoppo’. The stakes are huge in the Parisian race as the winning purse is a cool €1million shared between the rider and horse owner. That would keep you in oats for a very long time!

If you’re ever visiting New York and would like to find out more about the history and culture of sulky racing around the world you could pay a visit to the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in the suburb of Goshen. This museum has a collection of over 1,700 paintings and works of art depicting horses, as well as 75 sulkies, 7 carts, 1,000 trophies and a research library. You can do a virtual visit here www.harnessmuseum.com.

Harness racing is growing in popularity throughout Ireland with the racetrack in Dundalk hosting races, and, since 2014, each June, there is a race in Portmarnock on the coast of Dublin. Crossmaglen also hosts a very popular race day with crowds of up to 5,000 people turning up to last year’s event. If you are involved in the sport and wish to promote it as well as the safe treatment of the horses; please get in touch with us as we would be keen to hear from an expert who could provide our readers with further insights.

By David Jo Murphy

Author:  Website Editor

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TroyBilt Horse Tiller Sulky?

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Have a 1971 TroyBilt Horse Tiller. Runs like a top and does a great job. Wondering if there ever was (or currently is) a sulky available to ride behind the tiller while operating? If not, has anyone ever fabricated one and have thoughts on how well they work? Plans for such a rig? Any and all help appreciated.  

Unless you need it due to physical limitations a sulky would make doing the 180* turns at each each end very difficult unless you have enough room to make a wide turn. Plus the fact the tines have to be lifted out of the ground while making the turn. The beautiful part of a rear tine tiller is you don't have to walk on the freshly tilled ground behind the tiller and just walk on ground that hasn't been tilled. With a sulky you'd have two deep wheel ruts in the tilled ground. JMHO, Mike  

Thanks for the input. I wondered about the turns. The turns are what are beating me up now: the lift and then wrestling it 180* to hit the next swipe. Was thinking of a strong/solid John Deere lawn tractor with tiller attachment (X series), but the cost is quite huge. Have to give the whole thing more pondering.......  

A belated :Welcome1: My old TroyBilt horse has the PTO attachment system (the tines/tiller drive can be removed). Thought about making a sulky to fit behind stationary tillage plows/hiller/weeders. Here's a quick drawing of my thoughts....I'm a long way from making it happen. :hide: You might be able to improve on my design. The swivel joint in front of the sulky platform will be under a lot of stress.  

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Best thing I've found for making the turns is while pushing the handles for the turn lift slightly on the inside of the turn handle to let that tire spin thru the turn. Mike  

Mike, great tip! I shall give that a try when I till the garden under this Fall. Jeff  

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Work and travel sulky

The work and travel sulky includes a two wheel frame with seat and it is designed so operator can ride while mowing .

The sulky attaches to the tractor wheels.

Recommended for the powerful PASQUALI two-wheel tractor models featuring a third working speed and independent wheel brakes, the sulky operates front-mount attachments only (lawn mower or cutter bar).

The sulky can be easily removed and re-attached in the field with no tools required!

• Two-wheel frame with seat.
• For use with front-mount lawn mower or cutter bar only.
• Steering brakes recommended.
• Sulky frame is easily removed/connected from flanges that are mounted to tractor wheels.
• Sulky wheelbase width is 76 cm.

The work and travel sulky inhibits the turn radius of the two-wheel tractor. Sharp turns are not recommended.

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Sulky racing: Travellers should have been consulted

An organisation representing the Travelling community has said Travellers should have been consulted before recommendations for new laws on sulky racing were made to the Government, and that funding should be made available to promote the sport.

Pavee Point has also raised concern that some of the recommendations made by the Cork County Joint Policing Committee (JPC) might be too stringent.

The JPC made its recommendations for changes in the law following an infamous sulky race on the main Cork-Mallow road last year.

During the race, Travellers were seen driving four abreast and heading northbound as they followed two young sulky racers. Oncoming traffic was forced to take evasive action and the Travellers also ignored garda patrol cars which tried to stop the race.

The JPC has recommended that in future such races only be allowed if the sulky drivers wear reflective jackets, helmets and have anti-roll bars fitted to their carriages.

They also want people engaged in such races to give prior warning to the authorities and furnish them with an event safety statement for road races. They also propose that all horses are fitted with nappies.

Pavee Point co-director Martin Collins said his organisation welcomed any initiative that would make sulky racing safer and more enjoyable for all.

He said there is a need to introduce some structure and regulation in this area, “but in doing so it’s important that we don’t regulate and legislate sulky racing out of existence.”

Mr Collins said a happy medium needs to be struck between health and safety issues “and not setting the bar so high, as it may make it impossible for people to comply with.”

He said any measures being introduced must be done in consultation with the sulky racers, particularly if the authorities are “trying to buy in their support”.

“I would also suggest that funding needs to be made available to support sulky racing, as potentially this could become a huge tourist attraction. It is the case that successive Irish governments have pumped millions in to the equine industry such as tax breaks, etc, so the same needs to happen for sulky racing, which is predominantly practiced by Travellers and working class people,” Mr Collins said.

“Horse owners should be made responsible for cleaning up after their horses, just like dog owners. I am also led to believe that nappies can actually agitate horses and make them more unpredictable,” he said.

Cllr John Collins, chairman of the JPC, said it had always been intended to engage with Travellers prior to the legislation being enacted. He said it was imperative that the danger to horses, their drivers and other road users be addressed by this legislation.

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The Sulky of America Blog

Give the Gift of Travel with Sulky

The gift of travel.

The gift of travel is the greatest gift of all! Experiences, rather than things, are far better for our mental health, education and personal fulfillment. And travel is even better when you’re with like-minded people who love to sew, craft and create. It certainly makes seeking out fabric stores much more fun. Check out our 2024 and 2025 travel opportunities and put them on your gift list! Santa just might make your dreams come true this year!

PREVIOUS SULKY TRAVEL TOURS

We recently returned from our Sulky + Craftours London tour, which was a sold-out tour! Everyone had a great time and got along so nicely.

Not only did we see all the bucket-list, iconic sights of London and Bath, but we also were able to attend special visits to museums and art galleries (and the Warner Bros Harry Potter Studio Tour) that were pre-arranged just for our group. It’s a more intimate experience and everything was planned for us!

in 2019 and 2022, we traveled to Germany. We visited the Christmas Markets in Munich, Bavaria and Austria in 2019 and had a special apple-strudel making lesson.

Last year, we also toured Munich and Austria and added Italy to the mix. We went to a private winery and had a five-course meal with wine pairings and olive oil tastings. We also made our own glass-blown ornaments, which we got to take home as special souvenirs!

TRAVEL TO IRELAND

In July of 2024, we will head to Ireland. We will stay in Galway, Killarney & Dublin and visit all the bucket-list locales of these regions. We won’t miss the Cliffs of Mohr, Blarney Castle and much, much more.

Ellen is already preparing the sewing workshop for this tour, as it will revolve around the Blarney Woolen Mill and Avoca Mill destinations (hint, hint). This is sure to be a fantastic travel gift that everyone will cherish forever!

GIFT OF TRAVEL TO BALI & BEYOND

Sulky goes to Bali in October of 2024, where we will learn all about batiking, attend a Batik Expo, visit an Ikat factory, experience the food and culture and so much more. This tour will be all bout the FABRICS that sewists, quilters and crafters LOVE.

There are too many things to list for this tour, so we encourage you to click the link to learn more!

In 2025, we are traveling to Hawaii to learn hands-on Hawaiian quilt appliqué methods in paradise. Plus, we’re also headed to Greece!

WHY TRAVEL WITH SULKY

When you attend a Sulky trip, all the planning is done for you! You can simply get on the first-class bus and relax while you’re transported to all the locations you’ve always wanted to see. You’re guaranteed to make new friends and be rejuvenated by the new sights and sounds of whichever location you decide to visit.

Plus, you’l have at least one hands-on a sewing workshop during the tour so you can commemorate your travels with needle and thread. Sulky’s Ellen March will teach you in-person, in a beautiful setting, while enjoying some local treats!

If you sign up now for a future, Craftours has manageable payment plans that help you make your travel dreams a reality. Be sure to ask about early booking discounts!

LEARN MORE>>  

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Ellen March

I am the Director of Content for Sulky of America. The former Editor in Chief of Sew News and Creative Machine Embroidery magazines, I hosted Sew it All TV on PBS for nine seasons. I've appeared on It's Sew Easy on PBS, DIY Network's Uncommon Threads, Hallmark's Marie Osmond Show, MacPhee Workshop and more! Come sew with me!

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Sandy Bloniarz

The trip to Ireland is very interesting. How do I get more information such as price etc.

Hi Sandy. Here is the direct link to the Sulky Ireland trip. You can email [email protected] with further questions regarding pricing and payment plan. Or call them directly at 877-887-1188. https://www.craftours.com/tour/ireland-with-ellen-march-from-sulky/

The Joie Pact is an ultra-light, ultra-compact stroller. Thanks to its small dimensions, this stroller is ideal for holidays and travels. It can be folded with just one hand. Once folded, you can carry it either in your hand, on the shoulder or in the carry bag that comes with the stroller. The small wheels with a mild suspension are better on smoother urban surfaces. The Pact comes with a surprisingly spacious and an easily accessible shopping basket. The non-reversible can be reclined sufficiently even for babies that can't sit up independently yet. You can place your newborn into a car seat with adapters as well.

In the three years creating Strollbery - for free, in our free time, we are proud to have helped thousands of parents from more than 207 countries. And helping is what we've cared about the most.

Being musicians as well, we created a special holiday song for you to share a wintery, Christmas vibe with us. We hope it brings you a bit of calm (we all need it). ♥️

HAPPY STROLLING AND MAGIC HOLIDAYS!

Joie Pact Features & Specifications

The seat unit, the canopy (hood), the bumper bar, the suspension, the handlebar, the carrycot, the car seat, the accessories & extra features, best deals for joie pact, parent reviews of the joie pact, great for us.

• Lightweight
• Can be folded and unfolded with one hand
• Nothing so far

We are very satisfied with the stroller so far. We wanted something quick to fold, small and light - and above all we wanted a travel companion. Great for us 🙏

Unfortunately, it couldn't carry my 9kg daughter much anymore, it wobbled too much

• Folding with one hand
• Easy to steer
• Adjustable handle
• Large shopping basket
• Suspension wheels
• For a heavier child I do not recommend it
• Small canopy

A perfectly lightweight stroller. It rides easily, has a spacious basket, adjustable handle, it can be reclined. It is amazingly compact. Unfortunately, it couldn't carry my 9kg daughter much anymore, it wobbled too much.

Your questions about the Joie Pact

Hi, do you know what is the upright angle for the Joie Pact please?

The Pact is unfortunately not upright at all, so count on a slanted seat for sure. I don't know the exact angle, but it's about 115-120 degrees when the seat is as upright as it gets.

This is your place to ask us a (quick) question about the Joie Pact

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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france leclerc

Street and documentary photography, horsing around with the irish travellers.

• September 9, 2018

As I mentioned in my previous post ( Irish Travellers who No Longer Travel ), the Irish Travellers had been nomadic for generations, traveling the countryside in horse-drawn carts and wagons, presumably because of the limited demand for work at any one place.  Now, facing pressure from the government, they have mostly settled in halting sites, areas of concrete slabs where they can locate their caravans.

This lifestyle change did not come easily, particularly for the men who found themselves with very little to do.  The unemployment rate is high in the Travellers’ community, and the suicide rate is said to be seven times higher than in the population in general. The one thing that seems to provide the men life satisfaction is to be able to keep horses.

Horses have long been integral to Irish Travellers’ life and culture.  Not only were horses the Traveller’s primary means of transportation, but they were also an additional way to make a little money when sold at horse fairs.  Though no longer a means of transportation, horses are still being traded at the numerous fairs held all over the country. The Travellers also enjoy racing their horses using a two-wheeled cart called a sulky (as in harness racing). There have been calls in recent years by politicians and animal welfare groups to introduce a complete ban on sulky racing, which the Travellers’ community is fighting vigorously.

But keeping a horse in today’s civilization can be challenging.  Make-shift stables are built at halting sites, and adjacent fields can provide grazing, though renting a field is expensive.  Yet, the Travellers dearly want to maintain that part of their culture and share this passion with their sons.  (Dealing with the horses still seems primarily a male activity in the Traveller’s community.)

Most boys are given a miniature pony which they learn to ride as early as age two.  They are also responsible for taking care of their animal, so when you visit a halting site, it is common to see young boys busy feeding, washing, and grooming their animals and sometimes taking them for a ride, just as their fathers do.  Their pride in their horses is obvious, but it made it even more salient for me when a young man kept asking me to see the photos I had taken of him and his horse and rejecting every one of them as “no good”.   Asking him what he did not like, he volunteered that he was happy with his appearance but thought his horse’s image was not sufficiently flattering.

It appears that a strong bond between the Travellers and their horses is a part of their life to which they will strongly cling.  As Ned, the father of nine beautiful children told me, “We are not traveling anymore, but we are still Travellers, and we need our horses.  It gives us something to do.”  And it gives meaning to their lives.

P.S. You can follow me on Instagram at franceleclerc

4 Responses

More fascinating commentary and provocative images. Very interesting that the horses are still such an important part of the community, despite their underutilization in farming or transportation. I love the comment from the boy about his horse not looking good enough in your photos!

Thanks Kathy. Yes I was quite surprised to realize how important their horses are for them. I guess they feel that they’ve lost enough to this new lifestyle. And yes, this boy made me doubt my photography skills for a while as it took me many attempts to get a shot he liked. I obviously should have asked him earlier what the problem was :-). Kind regards, France

You are a master storyteller. What a super set of images!

Nice hearing from you, Jeremy. You are very kind. Do you know English Travellers? Hope you are well. France

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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