12 Best Places to go on Dates in Moscow

These suggestions were made by our tour clients. Please send your suggestions to info@russianbrides.com 

#1 - Moscow by night

Moscow by night is truly magic and looks absolutely different from what you have seen at daytime.
During more than 850 years of its existence, this great city, the capital of Russia, has evolved from a small settlement on the banks of

Moscow-river into a huge megapolis, with an area over 900 sq. km. If you take a bus tour, it will make your experience with the city unforgettable.
While driving through the downtown area and along the main streets, you will see beautifully illuminated Red Square, enjoy an incredible panorama of night Moscow from the height of the Sparrow Hills, have a view over the old and the new Moscow, and learn the city from a new angle.
You will also get an insight of the night life of the city. Don't forget that many of the girls that you may meet in Moscow, are coming from distant regions of Russia and being not familiar with the city, will have a great pleasure to discover it with you.

#2 - Kremlin and the Red Square

Red Square, with a length of 400 m and width of 150 m, is the heart not only of Moscow, but also of the whole Russia, and it is the place of pilgrimage for all Russian people. Few places in the world are destined to become such kind of symbol. Although the square itself is not very big, it impresses by its splendor and variety of forms, which merge in austere harmony.

Since the time of Ivan III(15th century), this square has been the site of great public events, mainly political - congresses, demonstrations, processions. In earlier times, Red Square was also a place of execution. Its name, however, does not derive the blood which has been spilled here: in Old Slavonic "Krasny"("red") also meant "beautiful", since red was regarded as a particularly beautiful color.
The Moscow Kremlin dominates the ensemble of the Red Square. The oldest site of the city, which traces its history back to 12th century, the Kremlin is the symbol of Russian statehood. Once the residence of Russian tsars and Patriarchs of the Russian Orthodox Church, now it is the residence of the President of the Russian Federation and his Administration.
The Kremlin grounds contain fine examples of Russian architecture of the 15th to 17th centuries and remain a unique monument of Russian culture. The complex consists of the Assumption Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, other ancient churches, the Armory Chamber, the Belfry and Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, the Senate and the Palace of Congress. The interiors of the cathedrals and old palaces are incredible: walls decorated with frescoes and gilded ornaments, ancient icons, Faberge masterpieces, collections of jewellery, diamonds and armor, precious stones and nuggets of gold.

The cathedral of St. Basil the Blessed, which is perhaps the most familiar and glorious site, associated with Moscow, is also located on the Red Square. To create it, the architects clustered together eight individual churches, each with its own cupola or dome, around one central belfry. This extraordinary building - the supreme achievement of 16th century architecture in Moscow - is now a branch of the State Historical Museum.

#3 - Bolshoi Theatre

The oldest and world-known Moscow theatre was built in 1825 to refuge the troupe of a burnt opera theatre in Arbat street.

Designed by the architects Bove and Mikhailov, the building has preserved both beautiful appearance and luxurious interior.
Its history is tightly connected with the names of such singers and composers as Fyodor Shaliapin, Leonid Sobinov, Antonina Nezhdanova, Tchaikovsky, Rakhmaninov. Nowadays the theater stages most popular classical ballets and operas, and these spectacular performances are always a outstanding experience.
Location: Teatralnaya Square, 1

#4 -Moscow from the height of the bird's flight: Cathedral of Christ the Savior

You can have a great panoramic view on Moscow form the observation ground of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. The Cathedral itself, a monumental five-domed building in Byzantine style, is the largest church in Russia. In fact, it appeared twice in Moscow.

Originally it was built by a decree of Alexander I to commemorate the Russian victory over Napoleon. In 1924 the Bolsheviks decided to blow up the cathedral and put a monument to Lenin on its place, although this was never carried out. Still the cathedral was totally destroyed by a series of powerful explosions in 1931. In 1958 the swimming pool appeared in the foundation pit.

And a short time ago it was hard to imagine that on this site a mighty giant would rise up again, symbolizing the hopes and aspirations of Russia.

#5 - Boat cruise along the Moscow river
There's no better way to rest and enjoy the sights on a hot summer day than a one or two hour cruise on one of the boats that ply the Moscow River. The boats have an upper level open-air deck and a closed lower deck.

Most have a bar that offers liquor, soft drinks and some snacks. You can embark and disembark at one of the docks, but we recommend starting from the Kievsky Vokzal pier and riding all the way to the end point at Novospassky Monastery.

On your way you'll see the building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs - an example of architecture of Stalin's epoch, Novodevichy Convent, sportcomplex Luzhniki, Sparrow Hills, Andrey's Patriarch Monastery, Gorky Park (Park named by M.Gorky), new building of Tretiakov Gallery, monument to Peter the First, Moscow Kremlin, St. Bazil's Cathedral and many other remarkable buildings. The view of Moscow from the river will give you unforgettable impressions.

#6 - Town of Zagorsk
Zagorsk (Sergiev Posad), the ancient Russian town 70 km away from Moscow, is a traditional orthodox center, as well as nature and historical reserve.

The town emerged long time ago, round the Trinity-Sergius Lavra - the monastery founded here by one of the most honored Russian saints, reverent Sergius of Radonezh in 14 century. For centuries it has been the largest religious and cultural center of Russia. The monastery, which has got the status of Lavra in 1744, has currently become a place of pilgrimage of the Russian Orthodox Church and one of the most interesting museums, which holds a wonderful collection of icons.

Here one can find the icons by Andrey Rublev and other famous masters of the 15th-18th century. The architectural ensemble of churches, cathedrals and museums is a unique sample of wonderful combination of different architectural styles forming the most impressive and harmonious composition. Besides, Zagorsk is a cradle of ancient Russian trades, and the skilled craftsmen continue ancient Russian traditions until now. On a crafts market you can purchase carved wooden figures, typical for Russian folk style, and other authentic souvenirs.
    Zagorsk also offers you a wonderful chance to feel the atmoshere of peace and tranquility, to admire picturesque landscapes.

#7 - State Tretiakov gallery

The State Tretyakov Gallery is a treasure house of Russian fine art, with masterpieces dating from the inception of the Russian State more than a thousand years ago.

Russian merchant Pavel Tretyakov founded it in 1856. In 1892 he donated his collection (1287 paintings, 518 drawings and 9 sculptures) to the city of Moscow. Now the gallery possesses Moscow's largest collection of Russian art, including the chef-d-oeuvres of various schools from ancient times up to the turn-of-the-century Avante Garde works. It also displays paintings by many suppressed and persecuted artists like Malevich, Kandinsky, Shagal, Konchalovsky, whose canvases had been kept in storage for decades.

The exposition is definitely worth visiting, and if you like art and paintings, you will have a great aesthetic pleasure.
Location: Lavrushinsky per., 10 Open every day except Monday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

#8 - Gorky Park

While Martin Cruz Smith's whodunit novel of the same name brought worldwide fame to Gorky Park, Muscovites associate it with quite different memories. For them, it is simply a park in which the ancient traditions of the people's holiday continue to be observed.

Prior to 1917, Muscovites relaxed there on weekends and on holidays, sitting on the grass with tablecloths, food and samovars, eating their picnic lunch, playing their accordions and balalaikas. Wandering magicians and acrobats were always on hand to provide entertainment.
Nowadays Gorky park still remains a favorite place to rest, have fun and spend the leisure time.

Multicolored fountains, vast greenery, flowerbeds, a lake, boats for rent, merry-go-rounds, and many other amusement facilities attract both Moscow residents and the guests of the city.

#9 - VDNKh (Exhibition of national achievements)

Built up by the Soviet government during Stalin era, the biggest Exhibition Center was a national pride of Russian people.Today it houses few exhibitions, but has become a popular walking and shopping area.

It is a huge architectural complex, consisting both of imposing pavilions and parks, fountains, gardens, cascade ponds, flowers, other numerous attractions.

It is a masterpiece of landscape architecture and you are welcome to come to relax, walk, and have fun.

#10 - Sparrow Hills

Provide a panoramic fascinating view of Moscow. You will also see the Central Stadium "Luzhniki" which hosted the 1980 Olympic Games beneath your feet.

Russian playwright Chekhov said of the Sparrow Hills: "Whoever wants to understand Russia should come here and look down at Moscow..."

It has become a tradition that couples come to this site to drink champagne, overlooking the city.
Opposite from the observation point there stands the central building of the Moscow State University, one of the Stalin's skyscrapers. This tower building is 240m high, has 31 floors. The university was found by russian poet and scholar, Mikhail Lomonosov in 1755.

#11 An insight of Russian history: Kutuzovsky avenue and Poklonnaya Hill

The Poklonnaya
Kutuzovsky Prospect (avenue) is so-called Governmental Highway (i.e. the avenue leading to the residences of highest governmental officials).

One of the sights of the avenue is an impressive Triumph Arch, moved here from Tverskaya Street.
The avenue ends up at Victory Park (containing memorials to the war of 1812 with Napoleon and WW II) and Poklonnaya Hill, which is a lovely place to spend a sunny day. The area is considered excellent from the ecological point of view.
The Poklonnaya Hill war memorial complex includes museums, monumental sculptures, open-air displays, a 140-metre obelisk and a church of St. George the Victor. Under the open air there is a museum of the military equipment from the WW II, where you can see all the legendary Russian arms and military technologies.

The Panorama Museum was opened in 1962 to mark the 150th anniversary of the 1812 Patriotic War. Next to it there is the famous peasant's hut in which Kutuzov summoned a council of war. Museum visitors can witness the battle between the Russian and French armies on August 26, 1812. The grandiose canvas painted by Rubo is 115 meters long and 15 meters high. The panorama includes a vast model of the surrounding landscape, with burning peasant huts and damaged guns, the earth pitted by cannon shots.

#12 - Old Arbat & New Arbat streets

Nice, Old Arbat street is one of Moscow's oldest streets and is a pedestrian area. The first historical records of Arbat relate to the year of 1493, the street was mentioned in regard to a major city fire. Most probably, the street name originates from the Arabic world for "suburb".

In the 19th century Arbat turned to be a favorite neighborhood for Moscow's nobility and intelligentsia. In the mid eighties Arbat became the first Moscow's pedestrian street. Over the years the street has developed into one of the most popular places in Moscow, the very peculiar area where you can meet street musicians and artists, see beautiful 18th and 19th century mansions, visit numerous souvenir shops, restaurants, cafes, etc.

The New Arbat street (former Kalinin avenue) is one of the newest streets of the city but already popular with both Muscovites and the guests. 80 meters wide, the New Arbat Street is one of entertainment: bars, restaurants, casinos, discos, nightclubs, etc.
The New Arbat you also known for such remarkable buildings as, for example, the House of Books, Moscow`s largest bookstore. It has a good collection of art books, prints, souvenirs.
There is a foreign languages section selling novels and magazines in English and other European languages, records, CDs, guidebooks, etc.
Further on the other side of the street there is a building of the White House of Russian Parliament, built in 1980 from white marble, with a red granite base and grand front steps.
New Arbat street extends as far as the Moscow River to the square of Arbat Gates, and has a lot more to offer.

Anastasia Intl. Inc.
PO Box 922 Bangor, ME, 04402

USA Phone 207-262-9595
Fax 207-262-3295
E-mail: info@russianbride.com tours@russianbride.com