Since most international flights arrive or at least stop in Moscow, it's worth planning your

trip so you at least have a few hours to explore the city. Russia's capital is a magnificent
mix of greenery, stunning architecture, and lots of historical reminders of times gone by.
Visitors to Moscow usually start exploring in the center, where the Kremlin, Red Square,
and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral are located. The shopping mall GUM, with its glass
and steel roof, is also a popular destination—even by tourists who can't afford the luxury
brands sold here—and a great place to try authentic Russian food.
Even if museums are not your thing, Moscow has some amazing options, including The
State Tretyakov Gallery (which houses only Russian art); the Pushkin Museum (for more
international collections); and the Kremlin Armory Museum for a look into some unique
items, such as the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and gold-covered imperial
carriages. The Bolshoi Theater, one of the largest ballet and opera theaters in the world,
is also worth a visit if you can get tickets.
Some of the best things in Moscow require some walking to be properly explored, such
as the pedestrian-only shopping street Stary Arbat and the boardwalk along the River
Moskva.