1. The Kremlin

One of Moscow’s most famous landmarks, The Kremlin complex consists of the Assumption Cathedral, the Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, the Church of the Deposition of the Virgin’s Robe, the Armory Chamber, the Belfry and Bell Tower of Ivan the Great, the Senate and the Palace of Congress. The interior designs of the cathedrals and old palaces are fantastic: All of the walls are decorated with frescoes and gilded ornaments. On display are precious ancient icons and collections of diamonds and gold nuggets. The Kremlin also contains some perfect examples of the heyday of Russian architecture from the 15th-17th centuries.

2. Armory Chamber

Peter the Great opened this collection as a museum that displays the tsars’ and tsarinas’ clothes, gifts, carriages, thrones, religious objects, and impressive collections of precious stones. One of the most precious objects in the Diamond Fund is Catherine the Great’s French-made crown and scepter. The crown is made of almost 5000 diamonds. Her scepter incorporates the 190-carat Orlov Diamond.

3. St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral lies at the south end of Red Square. Created between 1555 and 1561 to celebrate Ivan’s the Terrible’s taking of the Tatar stronghold of Kazan, this is an unusual mishmash of shapes and colors, and one of the most fascinating symbols of Russia.

4. Tretyakov Art Gallery

This world famous collection of Russian Art is a treat for the eyes. Among the exhibits are the rarest Russian icons "The Virgin of Vladimir" (early 12th century), Rublev’s "Holy Trinity" and masterpieces by Vasnetsov, Bryullov, A. Ivanov, Shubin and many more.

5. The Novodevichy Convent

This is the city’s most fabulous architectural ensemble. In 1524, Grand Prince Vassili III founded the Novodevichy Convent, also known as the Convent of the Smolensk Icon of Our Lady, to commemorate the return of the city of Smolensk to Russia. The convent was built as a fortress in the bend of the Moscow River to become part of the capital’s southern defense belt. The adjacent Novodevichy Cemetery is Moscow’s most prestigious resting place with the tombs of Stanislavsky, Chekhov, Bulgakov, Mayakovsky, Gogol, Chalyapin, Khrushchev and others.

6. Tverskaya Ulitsa

Take a stroll on Tverskaya Ulitsa, Moscow’s most noisy, bustling and restless street. Don’t miss the walk south down Tverskaya from Mayakovskaya metro. You’ll pass the Tchaikovsky Concert Hall, numerous swanky restaurants, the mounted statue of the founder of Moscow Yuri Dolgoruki and the Central Telegraph Office on your way to the Kremlin.

7. The Metro

Taking the metro to any of Moscow’s stations is an absolute must. Pick a couple of stations at random, and get a feel for Russian life and architecture. One of the most beautiful stations is Mayakovskaya on the green line (it was also Stalin’s favorite station). Ploshchad Revolyutsii has arresting socialist-realist statues. The most impressive stations are on the Ring line and the dark blue line.

8. Kolomenskoye Museum Estate

The Kolomenskoye Museum Estate is situated on the territory of the former summer residence of the Russian tsars. The architectural ensemble includes the famous Church of the Ascension, built in the 16th century in the magnificent Russian "tent" style. This open-air museum provides fine examples of Russian famed wooden architecture of the 17th-18th centuries.

9. Kuskovo Museum Estate

Owned by the Sheremetyev family, the estate was designed as a site for solemn receptions, celebrations and other festive occasions. This is one of the most picturesque and romantic sights in Moscow.

10. GUM

Just in front of the Kremlin walls, there is the huge GUM building. Built as a store in 1893 this impressive shopping center was called Upper Trade Row. It was the biggest store in Russia before the revolution, and it remains the most popular one. One of the unique qualities of GUM is that it’s never stuffy there.

LOCATIONS:

Armory, Diamond Fund

Kremlin Metro: Alexandrovsky Sad Tel: 229-2036

Kremlin Museums

Kremlin Metro: Alexandrovsky Sad Tel: 202-3776, 203-0349

Kolomenskoye Museum

39 Prospect Andropova Metro: Kolomenskoye Tel: 112-8174

The Novodevichy Convent

1 Novodevichy Proezd Metro: Sportivnaya Tel: 246-5607, 246-8526

Kuskovo

2 Ul. Yunosti Metro: Ryazansky Prospect Tel: 370-0160, 375-5252

GUM

3 Krasnaya Ploshchad Metro: Ploschad Revolyutsii, Teatralnaya, Okhotny Ryad Tel: 921-5763

The State Tretyakov Gallery

10-12 Lavrushinsky Per. Metro: Tretyakovskaya Tel: 230-7788, 951-1362