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"A very enjoybale day in Moscow. We had a very nice and knowledgeable guide Anastasia.(Nastia) She was very passionate about the City and we learnt so much in our brief four hours walk with her! Certainly this walking tour added a lot of value to our Moscow Holiday. A great idea to educate visitors about Russia and Moscow. The group was intimate enough to ask questions and stop for snacks etc..we thoriughly enjoyed it and would highly reccomend it.Carry on doing a great job!"

"I really enjoyed the tour, it was a great experience, very informative and fun. I will definitely tell everybody about that tour, keep it it is a fantastic idea!"

"Sorry I do not remember the names :( ... They were very talkative and very into everything. I think they both really love the city, and they made me feel like this to. They knew much about History, which was very informative! Great guides!!!"

"We partook of the fantastic Petersburg Free Tour. Due to our timing during the low season (shockingly not everyone is flocking to Moscow while the average temperature is 15F), it ended up being just us and Sonia, the afore-mentioned super-guide. She quickly ascertained the limited scope of our wanderings.."

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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Seven things to do in VDNKh park

Visiting VDNKh park

The guided tour of VDNKh park lasts 1 - 2 hours but you can easily spend here the whole day. If you stay in Moscow for at least a few days, we'll highly recommend including VDNKh in your Moscow tour itinerary. You'll see this attraction during our Moscow in a 4-5-day tour.  The park is very close to such attractions as the Memorial Museum of Space Exploration , Ostankino TV tower , Sergei Korolev House museum. It might be a good idea to plan a theme tour focussing on Soviet history, architecture, and exploration of Space. You'll drive past the park on your way to Sergiev Posad and we can also have a stop to see it on your last day of Moscow in 3-day tour . The park is open 24 hours a day but you'll need to check the pavilions working hours on the official website . On summer evenings you can catch the spectacular sound and light shows of the fountains but you'll need to check the timetable beforehand.  

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Zaryadye Park: new symbol of Moscow

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Zaryadye Park is a new symbol of Moscow.

Being located in the very heart of Moscow, next to the Kremlin walls, Zaryadye Park is not just an ordinary park. It is a cultural and educational center with a unique botanical collection of plants taken from some nature zones of Russia (forest, steppe, meadow and northern landscape), that comprises more than 1 million green plants, including rare species listed in the Red book.

Unique media complexes in the Park "Time machine" and "Soaring", that have no analogues in Russia, invite guests of "Zaryadye" to take a virtual tour to the past, to witness important historical events in the life of the capital and to fly over the main sights of Moscow and the whole Russia.

Visitors of the Park will see the most spectacular views, the best examples of ancient and modern architecture, nature reserves, monuments and parks, the main waterways of the country and experience a real flight. In "Zaryadye" you can as well visit the "Ice cave", Underground interactive archaeological museum, greenhouse complex "Florarium" with soilless plant growing techniques, biotechnological scientific and educational "Nature center". Zaryadye "Hospitality Center" staff will tell you what interesting things can be seen in the pavilions, help you buy tickets and give an informative tour around the park.

You can take beautiful pictures and selfies in "Zaryadye" on one of the best viewing platforms in the city – the River Overlook, which opens a picturesque view to the Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the towers of Moscow city, high-rise on Kotelnicheskaya embankment, the Moscow river and the Park itself.

The guests of the Park will also be surprised at another important dominant feature of the Park – one of the biggest open city grounds – a large amphitheater under the unusual translucent structure, the Glass crust, where the air temperature is a few degrees higher than outside.

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Your 48-hour tour guide of Moscow this winter!

9 am – Visit the Red Square 

Christmas market on Red Square

The first thing that every tourist should do by default is visit the very heart of Moscow – it’s main and most beautiful (which ‘krasnaya’ actually meant in Old Russian) square! 

There are several ways to explore it:

• Take a selfie with Spasskaya Tower
• Have a warm drink at the Christmas market (which lasts until mid-January)
• Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum
• Shop in the gorgeous adjacent GUM department store
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral (and learn that it’s actually several churches under one roof).           

11 am – It’s Kremlin time! 

Inside the Moscow Kremlin

Entering the Kremlin is, actually, a bit of a quest, as it’s a presidential facility with no general access. You need to buy a ticket or, better still, book a guided tour. Inside the Kremlin’s walls, you will find ancient cathedrals, in which Russian tsars used to be crowned and buried, as well as explore the magnificent architecture of the Kremlin that reflects the rich history of the country. And, finally, you could also make a quick visit to the Moscow Kremlin Museums and admire artifacts from various Russian tsarist eras: carriages, thrones, crowns and the most incredible armory and jewelry. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Kremlin . It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm (and it’s closed on Thursdays) in winter.

2 pm – Watch the changing of the Guard

The honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very spectacular (and free) thing to do is watch how the honor guard does their ceremonial change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, situated in Alexander Garden, right next to the Kremlin wall. Every hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, the 1st Company of the Kremlin (Presidential) Regiment performs this rather old and beautiful tradition. But, be warned, it's often overcrowded. 

3 pm – Enjoy a green oasis just in the center

Florarium in Zaryadye

Just a few steps from the Red Square, you will find the fabulous Zaryadye park. Opened in 2017, it is designed by renowned American architect bureau ‘Diller Scofidio + Renfro’. You can walk among the very cozy botanical decorations and explore Russia’s climate zones, as each of them is represented in dedicated areas, complete with flora from those zones.

The floating bridge in Zaryadye Park

The park also has an underground museum, an “ice cave” and a 3D cinema, where you can take part in a virtual adventure – a flight over Moscow! However, the piece de resistance is a floating boomerang bridge over the Moskva River, one of the best places to take a selfie.

You can also grab a quick lunch or relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the park.

7 pm – Arrange a ballet night

The Bolshoi Theater

Of course, the most fancy way to finish your day in Moscow would be to go to the ballet at the Bolshoi Theater (in a perfect world, to see ‘The Nutcracker’!). However, getting tickets to the Bolshoi is not an easy task and should be done well in advance of your visit. 

But, don’t be upset if you don’t manage to get tickets to the Bolshoi. Moscow has dozens of other options to see a ballet (or opera). No less brilliant performances can be seen in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater or in The State Kremlin Palace (by the way, this is another way to get a quick glimpse inside the Kremlin!).

10:30 pm – Have a late dinner in a fancy restaurant

Dr Zhivago restaurant

There are not so many other cities with such a big choice of restaurants in a range of tastes and styles. In 2021, the authoritative Michelin guide announced their pick of the best of Moscow’s restaurants. And here’s our guide to all the places with Russian cuisine for any budget. But, if you happen to be in the area of the Bolshoi or Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, then ‘Dr. Zhivago’ would definitely be a nice option (and it’s open around the clock).

DAY 2 

9 am – grab a moscow coffee.

Winter festivities mood in Moscow

Moscow is definitely a coffee city! You can find coffee shops on every corner and they all offer a huge range of drinks. Try a ‘raf’ coffee, a sweet, creamy drink that was created in Russia, or dare to pick one of the very unusual offers, like cheese coffee or a Soviet candy style one (check out our coffee guide here ).

10 am – Take a river cruise

Winter boating along the Moskva River

Another exciting way to explore Moscow is to observe it from the water. Boats cruise along the Moskva River all year round. Most begin their route from the Hotel Ukraine, one of Stalin's ‘Seven Sister’ skyscrapers, and will bring you back to the same spot after passing the medieval Novodevichy Convent, Moscow State University and Luzhniki Stadium, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and giant monument to Peter the Great and many other sightseeings. 

It’s always at optimum temperature inside the boat, which also has huge panoramic windows. Select boats also offer a full dining experience, so it is also a nice place to have breakfast or lunch.

If you are not a water person, then discover other, unusual sides of Moscow – pick one of the activities we’ve prepared for you here ! 

1 pm – Visit ‘Russia’ Expo and taste a bunch of Russian regional cuisines

Russia Expo at VDNKh

Until April 2024, the Soviet-era VDNKh exhibition park is hosting the huge ‘Russia’ expo, with tons of activities and expositions devoted to Russia, its culture, science and nature. Check out our special guide on what to do there!  

An entire ‘House of Russian Cuisine’ has been opened at the expo. You will find 15 food stands with flagship dishes from Kamchatka, Siberia, Karelia and other regions of Russia. Imagine trying a range of cuisines and dishes in one place without even having to travel anywhere, be it Altai pelmeni, Tula kalach or Caucasian pies! A perfect place to grab some lunch.

House of Russian cuisines at VDNKh

The VDNKh exhibition park is a great place to visit, in general! Its pavilions are the perfect example of Stalinit Empire style architecture and you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! You will also find several interesting museums in the park – devoted to space exploration, Russian history and even a ‘Special Purpose Garage’, which showcases the various vehicles used by the country’s leaders. 

'Sun of Moscow' wheel

And, finally, you can ride Europe's tallest panoramic wheel – ‘Sun of Moscow’ – that will give you panoramic views of the city – from a height of 140 meters!

5 pm – Ice skate with view & mulled wine

Ice skating rink on Red Square (GUM department store on the background)

Ice skating is one of the most popular and affordable activities in Moscow. There are several great ice skating rinks in picturesque locations that are open all winter long. One of the biggest rinks in Europe is also at the aforementioned VDNKh or you can visit the one in Gorky Park, another very popular Moscow spot, or the small, but fancy rink – right on Red Square! 

All the parks offer ice skate rental, so the only things you need are warm clothes, a charged phone to record your memories and a good mood!  Moscow also gets dark at 4:30 pm in winter and hundreds of lights are switched on, turning the city into a giant fairy tale! 

A mulled wine with a view

And, if you are not a sports person, we’ve picked several other unusual activities that you could do in Moscow instead. For example, did you know that there is an entire district of dacha (countryside) houses, just 10 minutes from the center, surrounded by giant new highrises? How about taking a stroll there and feeling the early Soviet atmosphere?

8 pm – Warm up & laugh out loud

After all these outdoor activities, what could be better than a warm cozy bar with a hot drink and nice company? Moscow is a city full of entertainment for all tastes. So, if you know the Russian language or want to practice it, go to a theater or catch a stand-up comedy show. Moscow even has comedy shows in English, where you can hear both Russians speaking fluent English or foreigners (including Brits and Americans) who live in Russia speaking in broken or heavily-accented Russian (Check their show dates on the ‘ Moscow English Comedy ’ Telegram channel)!

11 pm – Finish by partying the night away!

Propaganda club in Moscow

Moscow never sleeps, as you might have heard. Which means there are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can have a drink (or two or three; be sure to check out how Russians make Black Russian and White Russian cocktails) and chat with incredibly different people. Have fun and don’t miss your flight (or miss it and stay longer in the best city in the world!)!

That's it! See you soon in Moscow

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• Guided tour

Patriot Park: Russian Military Large as Life

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Patriot Park represents the unique, world’s biggest collection of armed vehicles. The Park, also known as the “Russian military Disneyland”, is able to host tens of thousands of visitors per day. Patriot incorporates the world’s famous Kubinka Tank Museum. In the future, Monino Aviation Museum will likely become a part of Patriot Park as well. Location: 55 km (34 mi) from Moscow. The Park covers 5.4 ha (13.3 ac).

Patriot Park is divided into several main areas. We'll cover the two most significant ones. The Air and Space Force cluster . On display are 268 pieces of Soviet and Russian aircraft, tanks and armoured vehicles. The “Echo of the war” exhibition is devoted to damaged pieces. They stayed untouched since the day they were found and remind people of the horrors of the war. We’ll make a stop for coffee/lunch in the military style canteen, and then move on to the next area (which requires a transfer of about 10 km by car/bus). Kubinka tank museum . Founded in 1978, the museum keeps replenishing its collection with new battlefield findings and army write-offs. The collection features armoured vehicles from different countries and eras including the Soviet T-34, the German Tiger and Panther tanks, the super-speed T-8, and the 180-ton tank “Maus”. Besides, the Kubinka tank museum houses several dozens of self-propelled guns, armoured cars, reconnaissance and command vehicles, and a variety of technical and engineer support vehicles. The exhibits are located in several pavilions. On the Patriot Park tour, you will be walking among the numerous military vehicles in the company of our knowledgeable guides, who will reveal the history of Park’s exhibits. Please get in touch with us for details of EXTRA entertainment options : - the Park features a Guerrilla Village – an interactive area dedicated to ‘the partizans’, the guerrilla troops during the Great Patriotic War. Guerilla detachments were formed on the first days of the war with Nazi Germany. One can see their everyday life and learn of their heroic deeds. - the Training complex - area of historical reenactments - Extreme Sports area - Military-industrial complex etc.

The cost of an excursion with a personal guide for 1 person

Meeting point We'll pick you up at your hotel

Transfer to Patriot Park

Guided tour of Air Force and Space Cluster

Transfer to Kubinka Tank Museum

Guided tour of tank exhibits

Transfer back to Moscow

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• Excursion Patriot Park: Russian Military Large as Life
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Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

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Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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Seven killed by Russian attacks as Moscow pushes ahead in Ukraine’s east

Five people died in an attack on chasiv yar, while two others died in kharkiv..

Russian shelling in the town of Chasiv Yar has killed five people, as Moscow’s troops pushed ahead in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region.

The attack struck a high-rise building and a private home, said regional governor Vadym Filaskhin, who said the victims were men aged 24 to 38.

He urged the last remaining residents to leave the front-line town, which had a pre-war population of 12,000.

Mr Filaskhin wrote on social media: “Normal life has been impossible in Chasiv Yar for more than two years. Do not become a Russian target – evacuate.”

Almost 160 Ukrainian drones downed overnight, says Russia

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Department of Soil and Water Systems

University of Idaho

Physical Address: E. J. Iddings Agricultural Science Laboratory, Rm 242 606 S Rayburn St

Mailing Address: 875 Perimeter Drive MS 2340 Moscow, ID 83844-2340

Email: [email protected]

Web: uidaho.edu/cals/sws

Meetpal Kukal

Assistant professor — hydrologic science & water management.

402-219-3969

[email protected]

University of Idaho Boise Idaho Water Center 322 E Front St, Suite 440J Boise ID 83702

View Full Profile

Meetpal’s research is on hydrology of agricultural and natural landscapes; how global change stressors impact water resources, and solutions for sustaining and improving agricultural profitability and water security.

College of Agricultural and Life Sciences

Ph.D., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2019 M.S., University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2015 B.Tech., Punjab Agricultural University, 2013

• WR 604: CUAHSI Virtual University
• ASM 315: Irrigation Systems and Water Management

Languages other than English spoken

Research/Extension Interests

• Agricultural hydrology
• Evapotranspiration
• Irrigation science, engineering and management
• Biometeorology and surface energy balance
• Soil health and hydrology

Selected Publications

• Kukal, Meetpal S. (2024). Consumptive water use and efficiency of irrigated US corn: Learning from hundreds of site-management-year observations. Water Resources Research, 60(8), e2024WR037434.
• Kukal, Meetpal S. (2024). The US Midwest and High Plains Aquifer-fed croplands are previously unrealized hotspots of extreme evaporative demand exposure. Environmental Research Letters, 19(6), 064062.
• Kukal, Meetpal Singh. (2024). Relative and Unified Skill of Environmental, Edaphic, and Management Factors to Explain Crop Yield Variance Using Machine Learning.
• Kukal, M. S., Kukal, S., Irmak, S., & Vellidis, G. (2024). Drivers of enhanced evaporative demand in US croplands: Determining relative contribution using constrained input scenarios. JAWRA Journal of the American Water Resources Association, 60(1), 79–94.
• Kukal, Meetpal S., & Irmak, S. (2023). Can limits of plant available water be inferred from soil moisture distributions? Agricultural & Environmental Letters, 8(2), e20113.
• Kukal, M. S., & Irmak, S. (2023). Fractional coefficient for estimating physiologically meaningful and diurnal transpiration cycle weighted VPD from daily ambient environmental data. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology, 339, 109583.
• Kukal, M. S., & Irmak, S. (2023). Disentangling day-night contributions towards altering atmospheric desiccation strength for US croplands. Agronomy Journal.
• Kukal, M. S., Irmak, S., Dobos, R., & Gupta, S. (2023). Atmospheric dryness impacts on crop yields are buffered in soils with higher available water capacity. Geoderma, 429, 116270.

Kukal conducts applied research, teaching and outreach in hydrologic science and water management, hydroclimatology and soil-plant-atmospheric relations at point to continental scales. In his work, he integrates principles from water and irrigation science, plant physiology, biometeorology, agricultural engineering, agronomics and geospatial science to address questions that lie at the intersection of agriculture, water and climate. His group employs both measurements (in situ, proximal and remote) as well as modeling (data-driven and process-based) approaches to assess and predict crop and water budgets’ response to global change elements and management regimes. He has published more than 50 peer-reviewed research and extension/outreach articles. He has been a PI on USDA-NIFA and NRCS-funded projects focused on hydrologic impacts of climate-smart agriculture.

Awards and Honors

• ASABE Superior Paper Award
• Educational Aids Blue Ribbon Award, ASABE
• Boyd Scott Graduate Research Award, ASABE
• Folsom Distinguished Dissertation Award, University of Nebraska
• Outstanding Graduate Research and Creative Activities Award, University of Nebraska

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How a 3d virtual tour shared a beloved ship’s story with the world, in its latest of many lives, the schooner ernestina-morrissey is often at sea, unavailable to park visitors. we recreated it virtually so more people than ever can explore its decks—and its stories..

by Catherine Cooper and Janine V. da Silva

Image credit: NPS

Some of the more fascinating parts of our shared cultural heritage don’t stay put.

Built in 1894, the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey currently spends about six months a year berthed in New Bedford, Massachusetts. It's one of the features of New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park and a draw for many visitors. But the ship is also an active teaching and training vessel and a member of the Massachusetts Maritime Academy fleet, so it’s not always available for in-person tours. Using 360-degree (360°) imaging technology, we created a three-dimensional, virtual tour of the much-loved ship, enabling 24-7, year-round, internet access to this important piece of maritime history.

Established in 1996, New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park occupies 34 acres in an urban environment. This national park preserves, protects, and shares information about the history of the American whaling industry. The park also preserves stories of global immigration, the Underground Railroad, women’s history, architecture, and art. Through my work, I (da Silva) look for different ways to tell the park’s exciting stories. I’d heard that the National Center for Preservation Technology was creating virtual tours of textile mills in Blackstone River Valley National Historical Park. I reached out to Catherine Cooper at the center to see if something similar could be done for the Ernestina-Morrissey.

I (Cooper) have been working with the center’s Technical Services team to creatively apply 360° imaging technology to expand the accessibility and interpretation of cultural sites. We were making virtual, child-height tours of the textile mills at Blackstone River when da Silva contacted me. The timing for her project was right: the Ernestina-Morrissey had just undergone extensive renovation and would soon be returning to port. I went to New Bedford to collect data for the virtual tour.

Ernestina-Morrissey—the Phoenix Ship

Like the mythological bird, the phoenix, the Ernestina-Morrisey has lived many lives and served many purposes. Its first life began on February 1, 1894, when it left the shipyard in Essex, Massachusetts, as the Effie M. Morrisey. The ship was named after Captain William E. Morrissey’s daughter and served as a fishing vessel up and down the east coast of North America. Between 1894 and 1914, the ship made berth in Massachusetts and in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, Canada, under different captains. It’s one of only a handful of remaining fishing schooners that exemplify the early history of the fishing industry on the east coast of North America. New Bedford, where the ship now lives, has been the largest fishing port in the northeastern United States for more than 20 years .

The Morrissey entered a second life when Captain Robert “Bob” Bartlett bought the ship from his cousin, Harold Bartlett, in 1924. Bob Bartlett was an arctic explorer who took students and scientists north on the Morrissey from 1926 to 1946. It was during this life that the Morrissey was outfitted with its first engine and tough 1.5-inch greenheart (a water-resistant Central American hardwood known for its strength) sheathing to protect the hull from ice. From 1942 to 1945, during the Second World War, the ship transported supplies to arctic base camps. Former crew members, scientists, and students who sailed with Bartlett remain deeply connected to the Morrissey.

A fire broke out in the galley, and the New York City Fire Department sank the ship in the harbor to put out the flames.

In 1946, after Bartlett’s death, two brothers, Melvin and Sidney Jackson, bought the Morrissey. They started the Coastal Carrier Corporation, intending to use the ship for trade in the South Pacific. But this was a short and almost life-ending interlude for the vessel, as the brothers soon deemed the Morrissey unseaworthy and docked it in Flushing, New York. A fire broke out in the galley, and the New York City Fire Department sank the ship in the harbor to put out the flames. The brothers raised the ship shortly thereafter, towed it to Connecticut, and put it up for sale.

Henrique Mendes, a Cape Verdean ship captain, and his family bought the Effie M. Morrissey in 1947. They had the vessel towed to New Bedford and began repairs. During the renovation, the Mendes family removed the engine, drive shaft, and propeller to prepare the ship for its fourth life as a packet—cargo and passenger—vessel. In 1949, Henrique Mendes changed the name of the ship to Ernestina, after his daughter, and registered the vessel in Cape Verde, an island country 385 miles off the west coast of Africa. The Ernestina carried cargo and immigrants between America and the Cape Verde Islands from 1948 to 1965.

In 1977, Cape Verde gifted the Ernestina to “the people of the United States” to be delivered to the State of Massachusetts.

During the 19th century, men from the Cape Verde Islands often joined the crews of whaling ships when the ships stopped in port to seek supplies and new personnel. By the end of the whaling era in 1925, Cape Verdean women and children also emigrated to the United States, often landing in New Bedford. Emigration from Cape Verde moved from whaling ships to packet vessels like the Ernestina throughout the 20th century. The schooner continues to symbolize the legacy of the Cape Verdean-American community and is frequently included in community events.

Ownership of the vessel passed from Mendes to his son-in-law, Luiz Silva Randall, governor of Cape Verde, in 1963, then through several hands until the government of Cape Verde acquired it. In 1977, Cape Verde gifted the Ernestina to “the people of the United States” to be delivered to the State of Massachusetts. It took years of fundraising and repairs to prepare the ship for another trans-Atlantic crossing, but the Ernestina returned to the United States on August 30, 1982.

Image credit: Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association

The U.S. Department of the Interior granted the Ernestina national landmark status in 1990, and the ship began its fifth life—as a living history museum and educational vessel. The Massachusetts State Legislature designated the ship as the official vessel of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in 1994, establishing the Schooner Ernestina Commission. Congress added the ship to New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park's enabling legislation when it established the park in 1996. In 2014, the Schooner Ernestina Commission of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts changed the ship’s official name to Ernestina-Morrissey, encompassing its whole history.

"This is the start of a really great next chapter."

But the commission struggled for many years to keep the ship maintained and Coast Guard certified, so in 2019, the Ernestina-Morrissey began its sixth life when Massachusetts State, together with the commission, transferred stewardship of the vessel to the Massachusetts Maritime Academy . The ship went to Boothbay Harbor, Maine, for a complete restoration , returning to the water again in late 2022. Then it began participating in national sailing events, including the 2023 Gulf Coast Tall Ships Challenge . The Massachusetts Maritime Academy is working toward dual Coast Guard certification for the ship in order to take school groups and educators out to sea.

“This is the start of a really great next chapter,” said the vessel’s captain, Tiffany Krihwan. “And I think it's going to be a nice long chapter working with the cadets at the academy…doing outreach for [school] programs on all different aspects of marine science, cultural awareness, oceanography, history, living history, sea history, nautical sciences.” Krihwan said the ship will still go to tall ship events “so that people can come and see her, tour on board.”

Creating a Digital Twin and Avoiding Ghosts

When I (Cooper) arrived in New Bedford in July 2023, it was warm and sunny with a breeze blowing in off the ocean, perfect weather for working onboard the Ernestina-Morrissey. Da Silva and I walked down from park headquarters to where the ship was docked and spoke to Captain Krihwan and the crew about the scope of our project. With 360° imaging, everything the camera sees gets included in the model. But the Ernestina-Morrissey is not just a sailing vessel; it’s home to the crew. So we also talked about how to maintain crew privacy while photographing the ship.

I could only take three to five steps when moving the tripod between images.

The 360° images can be stitched together to create a virtual, three-dimensional representation of a physical space—a ship in this case. These sorts of virtual spaces can be created using a variety of cameras, from cell phones and tablets to specialized 360° cameras. I used two cameras for this project—a Matterport Pro3 and a Ricoh Theta, both of which I controlled through an iPad. The Matterport Pro3 sits on a tripod. When in use, it automatically rotates on the tripod to collect a series of images, then stitches them into a 360° view from that location. The Theta camera has two wide angle lenses and takes a single 360° image from each location.

Image credit: NPS / Catherine Cooper

The platform we chose to use for this project was Matterport, which auto-stitches the images together to create a digital twin. As I moved the camera from one location to another, the individual 360° images began to build out the space. I could only take three to five steps when moving the tripod between images, because the software needs each image to overlap with the previous image.

It’s easiest to build out a virtual space by starting in a location that has walls. This lets the program find the edges and boundaries of the model. Doors also need to be open so that the camera can see from one compartment into another. I started by taking images with the Matterport Pro3 below deck in the ship’s galley. For spaces such as the “heads” (bathrooms), I would leave the door closed until I moved the camera a few steps away from the doorway. This would give viewers the option to go inside or continue into another room. I took additional scans to show normally hidden things, such as inside closed storage compartments . This would help viewers understand how the crew uses the space.

To avoid being in the model, we had to remember that if you can see the camera, it can see you.

While photographing inside the Ernestina-Morrissey, the crew and I needed to hide from the camera, otherwise we would become “ghosts” in the virtual tour . To avoid being in the model, we had to remember that if you can see the camera—even in a mirror or through a window—it can see you. Below deck, hiding from the camera was as easy as being in another room. On deck, I had to climb up and down ladders or crouch behind objects to avoid being caught in the picture.

To connect the decks of the ship to one another, I set up the tripod to take images on slanted ladders every few steps. I worked with Brooke Foran, a deckhand on the Ernestina-Morrissey, to get down into some of the small compartments that had completely vertical ladders. She and I passed the camera to each other up or down the steps and adjusted the height of the tripod to the height of each step. At one point, Foran had to get out of the image by crawling through a port hole into the galley.

We took and stitched together 158 360° images to create the virtual tour of the ship.

We also took images aloft, in the elevated areas of the ship such as the masts and rigging. For this, we used the Rioch Theta camera, which is about the size of a glasses case and can be mounted on a selfie stick. Spencer “Donny” Donahower, a deckhand trained to use harness and safety line, took the Theta up both masts. In total, we took and stitched together 158 360° images to create the virtual tour of the ship.

Collecting Stories

Taking images of the ship and dock took up most of two days. I dedicated my remaining time to interviewing the ship’s current crew and recording our conversations. I asked each individual how they came to be a member of the crew and if they had a favorite story about their shipboard experience to relate. They told me about the ship’s history, the intricacies of sailing, the recent restoration, and the ship’s continuing legacy. Viewers will hear the sounds of ship life in the background of many of our conversations.

We heard many stories from people who had family ties to the vessel.

I (da Silva) interviewed community members after Cooper returned to the National Center for Preservation Technology. I interviewed members of the commission and of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Association over Teams video calls. These conversations dug into the ship’s history and its importance to both the United States and Cape Verde. I asked each interviewee three questions:

What’s your history with the Ernestina-Morrissey?

What’s your current relationship with the ship?

What do you see in the ship’s future?

We heard many stories from people who had family ties to the vessel. They shared the experience of sailing on the Ernestina-Morrissey and how the ship came back to the United States from Cabo Verde. We also dove into historic materials, finding photographs, early film footage, and news broadcasts . Much of the information was already digitized and available on the association’s website or in the archives at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth .

Building the Tour

The 360° imaging platform we used is continually updating its features and has many tools. One tool we use is a “tag”—a pin that we can add to a specific location within the tour that gives additional information. Each tag has a title and contains space for a description, keywords, and photos, audio, or videos that can be viewed inside the tour. In the Ernestina-Morrissey tour, the tags have icons: a camera for photos, a microphone for audio interviews, a video camera for videos, and chain links to denote navigation hyperlinks.

We added the interviews with crew and community members to the Ernestina-Morrissey virtual tour as videos. This makes it possible to listen to the conversations without leaving the model or downloading an audio file. For full accessibility, we transcribed all interviews so the conversations could be read as well as heard.

A Bright Future

The Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey is well on its way to an incredibly active sixth life. When the Massachusetts Maritime Academy took over stewardship of the vessel, they agreed to berth Ernestina-Morrissey in New Bedford for several months each year so the local community can interact with it. New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park expects to help out with this, providing visitors with educational opportunities to learn about the vessel and walk through it. Although more people will be able to sail onboard once the ship is certified, many will never get the chance to see it in person. The virtual tour will create a stable, accessible portal for those visitors to view the ship.

“The…360 technology allows us to engage with a much wider audience, attracting new stewards and supporters of the mighty Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey,” said the park’s superintendent, Jennifer Smith. “History lovers, tech geeks, and maritime enthusiasts will all find meaningful connections through the story and visuals captured and knitted together in this accessible virtual tour.” Smith said this technology “allows the park to carry out the intent of [its] legislation.”

The virtual world is the Ernestina-Morrissey’s most recent expedition, but it won’t be its last.

“One of the things about Ernestina-Morrissey is that she has always crossed boundaries,” said Laura Pires-Hester, PhD, a former chair of the Schooner Ernestina-Morrissey Commission and Cape Verdean historian and anthropologist. “She has always been open to all people, all cultures, and that's something that I'm hopeful will continue in her future.”

The tour is complete for now, but as more stories come to light or events happen, we can add information to the ship’s digital space. The virtual world is the Ernestina-Morrissey’s most recent expedition, but it won’t be its last.

Catherine G. Cooper , PhD, is a research scientist in the Technical Services division of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training. Image credit: NPS.

You Might Also Like

• new bedford whaling national historical park
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New Bedford Whaling National Historical Park

Last updated: August 30, 2024

Pups in the Park

Skip the dog park and come to Nationals Park! Pups in the Park is a unique opportunity to bring your dog to a Nationals game. You and your dog will both get to enjoy the game with other dogs and dog lovers from seats in our pet-friendly outfield reserved section. All proceeds from the dog ticket sales will be donated to the Humane Rescue Alliance.

Please note, dogs are only permitted in sections 136-143. No dogs, excluding verified service animals, are allowed outside of these sections.

Participants must complete the waiver in order to bring your dog into Nationals Park. Waivers must be brought to the stadium and cannot be submitted electronically. Please click the download waiver button below to access the 2024 Pups in the Park Waiver.

The full information regarding Pups in the Park will be emailed to all special ticket event buyers 24 hours prior to the game.

Back by popular demand, join us after the September 10th game for the 2024 Pups Parade! You must purchase a Pups in the Park ticket for September 10th from this page to participate.

For more information or to purchase a group of 20 or more, please contact Lindsey Kleeman at 202.640.7639 or email [email protected] .

This is a Special Ticket Event. To be eligible for any giveaway or experience associated with this promotion, special tickets must be purchased online from the link on this webpage prior to the event. Special tickets will not be available at the Nationals Park box office. Third party purchases will not include access to this event. Ticket brokers are not eligible for this offer. Tickets purchased via this offer shall not be re-sold. This promotion is subject to change without notice. All sales are final. There are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations.

Check out our Special Ticket Events Calendar to learn about our College Day Series, Military Branch Series, appreciation days, educational and faith-based events, party nights, and more! Many of these events include an exclusive giveaway or unique on-field experience.

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