Buzz
Moscow stands as the capital of Russia and was the epicenter for the opening and final matches of the 2021 World Cup, alongside hosting various group stage and knockout games. Moscow is undeniably the heart of Russia, an unmissable destination in the land of famous ballet. Here, you'll find not only magnificent stadiums that hosted the World Cup but also numerous beautiful sights and renowned tourist attractions.
Red Square
Situated at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is often considered the 'soul' of Russia. Spanning approximately 695m in length and 130m in width, Red Square offers vast space housing numerous historical landmarks and scenic spots for both exploration and leisure. This place has witnessed the highs and lows of Moscow and Russia as a whole. Major military parades and coronation ceremonies of the Tsars have all taken place here at Red Square.
Red Square - A must-visit attraction in Moscow. (Source: Internet)
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Standing prominently on Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of the unmissable landmarks when visiting Russia. Built over 500 years ago, the architecture of this cathedral is considered a symbol of Russian architecture. Stepping inside, you'll be amazed by the decoration and impressive sculptures.
Saint Basil's Cathedral stands out on Red Square. (Source: Internet)
The Kremlin Palace
The Kremlin Palace, also located on Red Square, was once the workplace of the Tsars. Currently, it serves as the headquarters of Russia's governmental institutions. Despite enduring tumultuous wars and historical upheavals, the Kremlin Palace still retains its remarkable architectural beauty. Exploring this magnificent and splendid palace will leave you with lasting impressions.
The grandiose Kremlin Palace is the most famous tourist attraction in Russia. (Source: Internet)
Moscow Metro
Moscow's metro system serves not only the commuting needs of its residents and tourists but also stands as an impressive attraction of Russia. Its blend of modern and ancient architectural styles, along with its spaciousness, has made Moscow Metro a renowned destination in the city.
Moscow Metro not only caters to the commuting needs of residents but also serves as an ideal sightseeing spot for all travelers. (Source: Internet)
Bolshoi Theatre
When mentioning Russia, many people immediately think of enchanting ballet performances. The Bolshoi Theatre is where ballet performances and world-famous operas take place. The architecture inside the theatre is quite ancient and grand, capable of accommodating thousands of spectators. Completed in 1825 and undergoing several renovations, the Bolshoi Theatre still retains its antique and picturesque charm. You can visit here to explore, take photos, and learn about Russian architecture and culture.
Bolshoi Theatre - The birthplace of Russia's famous ballet performances. (Source: Internet)
Golden Ring Moscow
If you want to explore the history and architecture of medieval Russia, you can visit Golden Ring Moscow. Although not as intact as before, Golden Ring Moscow can be considered one of the oldest towns in Russia. Life here is peaceful yet splendid. The architecture of the buildings is extremely impressive, especially with a monastery of the Russian Orthodox Church, which is still active. Visiting Golden Ring Moscow, you can enjoy the famous Russian sandwiches and pastries.
Golden Ring Moscow - A symbol of medieval Russian architecture. (Source: Internet)
Ostankino Tower
In 1967, Ostankino Tower was built in Russia to serve the country's television and radio broadcasting needs. Standing at 540 meters tall, it is also the tallest television tower in Europe. Today, in addition to being a broadcasting center, Ostankino is a popular tourist attraction in Russia, beloved by many visitors. Ostankino has 7 elevators and 45 floors. Standing at the highest point of the tower, you can observe the entire city of Moscow and the surrounding suburbs.
Ostankino Tower is the tallest television tower in Europe. (Source: Internet)
Pushkin Museum
Not far from the Kremlin, the Pushkin Museum is named after Russia's most famous poet. The museum currently houses one of the largest art collections from ancient Egypt and Greece. It is also a repository of over 700,000 artworks by renowned artists from various eras. It can be affirmed that the Pushkin Museum is an important cultural center of Russia, attracting attention from many domestic and international tourists.
Pushkin Museum - Where thousands of famous artworks are preserved. (Source: Internet)
Moscow Zoo
Regarded as the world's first zoo, Moscow Zoo remains an interesting attraction not only for children but also for adults. The admission prices to the zoo are quite reasonable, ranging from 150 rubles (about $2) to 500 rubles (about $7) (children under 7 years old are admitted free of charge).
Moscow Zoo is considered the world's first zoo.
Some tips for visiting Russia
Booking flight tickets
Currently, Vietnam Airlines is the only airline from Vietnam operating direct flights to Moscow. However, you can also contact foreign airlines such as Aeroflot Russian (direct flights), China Southern Airlines (layover in Guangzhou), Qatar Airways (layover in Doha), Turkish Airlines, Deutsche Lufthansa, Emirates, Etihad Airways, etc., to book flights to Moscow. Ticket prices range from $650 to $1,200 for round trip (prices vary depending on seat type and time). Additionally, you can also contact Mytour to book cheap flights to Moscow, where there are always special offers for early flight bookings.
Vietnam Airlines is the only airline in Vietnam operating flights to Moscow.
Preparing for visa
The Russian government has a visa reduction policy for tourists with World Cup 2018 tickets. However, if you don't have World Cup tickets, you must obtain a visa for a complete trip and football experience in Russia. The Russian embassy will assist you in the visa application process.
- Russian embassy headquarters in Hanoi: 191 La Thanh Street.
- Russian consulate in Da Nang: 22 Tran Phu Street.
- Russian consulate in Ho Chi Minh City: 40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, District 3.
If you're worried about complicated visa procedures, contact Mytour for advice on obtaining a visa to Russia. The process is simple, easy, and doesn't take much time.
During the World Cup, Russia grants visa-free entry to foreign tourists. (Source: Internet)
Getting Around in Moscow
Russia is renowned for its public transportation, especially the overhead train system. You can choose from buses, trams, metro trains... to get around Moscow. These modes of transportation are affordable and convenient for visiting attractions and stadiums hosting the World Cup. If you have a flexible budget, you can opt for taxis for city transportation, which are both convenient and quick.
Metro trains are the primary mode of transportation in Russia. (Source: Internet)
Hotel Booking
Being both a large city and the magnificent capital of Russia, finding and booking a hotel room here is not difficult. During regular days, and especially during the World Cup, the influx of tourists to Russia is high. To secure the best room without being charged exorbitantly, it's advisable to book as early as possible. Hotel prices in Moscow range from 1,000,000VND to 12,000,000VND per night depending on the quality of service. For convenience during the 2018 World Cup, sightseeing, and entertainment, it's recommended to choose hotels in the center of Moscow to avoid wasting time and transportation costs.
Hotel services in Russia are excellent. (Source: Internet)
What's Good to Eat in Moscow?
Not only known for its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, Russia is also famous for its delicious cuisine. Pickled Herring, Beef Stroganoff, Shashlik (Russian shish kebab), Varenniki (dumplings), Kvass (fermented beverage), Shchi (Cabbage soup), Chicken Tabaka, Blini (pancakes), Kasha (porridge)... are famous dishes in Moscow and Russia that you should try at least once.
Pickled Herring - One of the irresistible dishes not to miss when traveling to Moscow. (Source: Internet)
Where to Shop?
Gum and Tsum are the largest shopping centers and department stores in Moscow. If you need to buy gifts for your loved ones or simply want to explore, you can visit these two places.
Gum - The premier shopping center in Russia. (Source: Internet)
For those planning their first trip to Russia for the World Cup, navigating the country can pose unexpected challenges. To ensure a seamless experience and to fully enjoy the tournament, consider booking a football viewing tour with Mytour. Our tours not only cover the must-see attractions in Moscow and St. Petersburg but also provide peace of mind for first-time visitors. Contact our hotline Mytour for free advice on your World Cup journey to Russia this year!
