The many colours of the onion domed St. Basil’s Cathedral in the south; the Soviet warehouse of GUM on the eastern side; the body of the founder of the Soviet state embalmed on the western side; the towers of the powerful Kremlin and a dazzling array of treasures in the Armoury right behind it; a McDonalds in the north behind the square, uniformed soldiers preparing for the next event marching across the square: it’s a lot to grasp all at once what is situated and happening on the Red Square.
This is the center of Moscow – the political, economical and spiritual capital that symbolizes this massive country. And it is an impressive one. Take your time walking around and exploring the surrounding buildings and observing the people. Outside of GUM there’s even a terrace to make it yourself comfortable.
If there’s only one place you’re able to visit in Moscow, make it this one. But otherwise don’t limit yourself. Moscow has so much more to offer: browse the open air market of Izmailovsky for Soviet paraphernalia, cross the bridge in front of the ‘Pussy Riot church’ (Cathedral of the Christ Saviour) and visit the iconic red brick Krasny Oktyabr area (currently turned into a hipster heaven island), visit one of the galleries over there (particularly the Lumière Brothers Center for Photography), enjoy the Moscow glitz and glamour in one of those crazy-ass underground clubs, take an endless ride with the metro and marvel at each stop at the artistry, pay your respects to Russia’s cultural heroes at Novodevichy cemetery and enjoy the views at Lomonosov University.
