Buzz
Moscow, the capital of Russia, witnessed the opening and final matches of the 2021 World Cup, along with numerous group stage and round of 16 matches. Moscow is indeed the heart of Russia, a must-visit destination in the land of famous ballet dances. Here, you'll find not only magnificent stadiums for the World Cup but also many beautiful sceneries and famous tourist attractions.
Red Square
Red Square, situated at the center of Moscow, is considered the 'soul' of Russia. With a length of about 695m and width of around 130m, Red Square offers a vast space with numerous historical landmarks and scenic spots for you to explore and enjoy. It has witnessed the highs and lows of Moscow and Russia as a whole. Major military parades and coronations of Tsars have taken place here.
Red Square - A must-visit spot in Moscow. (Source: Internet)
Saint Basil's Cathedral
Standing prominently on Red Square, Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of the must-see attractions 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 situated on Red Square, formerly served as the workplace of the Tsars. Today, it houses the administrative offices of Russia. Despite enduring the tumultuous events of wars and historical upheavals, the Kremlin Palace still retains its prominent architectural features. The grandeur and splendor of this palace will leave a lasting impression on you during your visit.
The magnificent Kremlin Palace is the most famous tourist attraction in Russia. (Source: Internet)
Moscow Metro
The Moscow metro system serves not only the transportation needs of residents and tourists but also stands as an impressive attraction of Russia. Its blend of modern and ancient architecture, along with spacious surroundings, has made the Moscow metro a famous destination in the city.
The Moscow Metro not only serves the commuting needs of residents but also serves as an ideal sightseeing spot for every traveler. (Source: Internet)
Bolshoi Theatre
When Russia is mentioned, many people immediately think of enchanting ballet dances. The Bolshoi Theatre is where ballet performances and famous operas from around the world take place. The interior architecture of the theater is quite ancient and magnificent, capable of accommodating thousands of spectators. Completed in 1825, the Bolshoi Theatre has undergone several renovations but still maintains its ancient and beautiful 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 dances. (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. When visiting Golden Ring Moscow, you can enjoy famous Russian bread and pastries.
Golden Ring Moscow - A symbol of medieval Russian architecture. (Source: Internet)
Ostankino Tower
Built in 1967, Ostankino Tower was constructed in Russia to serve the broadcasting needs of the country. Standing at 540m tall, it is also the tallest television tower in Europe. Today, apart from being a broadcasting center, Ostankino is a popular tourist attraction in Russia loved by many visitors. Ostankino has 7 elevators, 45 floors. Standing at the highest point of the tower allows you to observe the entire city of Moscow and even the surrounding suburban areas.
Ostankino Tower is the tallest television tower in Europe. (Source: Internet)
Pushkin Museum
Located not far from the Kremlin, the Pushkin Museum is named after the most famous poet in Russia. The museum currently houses one of the largest art collections from ancient Egypt and Greece. It is also home to over 700,000 art pieces by various renowned artists from different eras. It can be affirmed that the Pushkin Museum is an important cultural center in Russia, drawing attention from many domestic and international tourists.
The Pushkin Museum - Where thousands of famous art pieces are preserved. (Source: Internet)
Moscow Zoo
Regarded as the world's first zoo, Moscow Zoo remains one of the most interesting attractions not only for children but also for adults. The entrance fee to the zoo is quite affordable, ranging from 150 rubles (approximately $2) to 500 rubles (approximately $7) (children under 7 years old enter for free).
Moscow Zoo is considered the world's first zoo. (Source: Internet)
Some tips when visiting Russia
Booking Airline 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 tickets to Moscow. Ticket prices range from $650 to $1,200 roundtrip (depending on seat type and timing). Additionally, you can also book cheap flights to Moscow on Mytour, where there are always special offers for early flight bookings.
Vietnam Airlines is the only airline in Vietnam operating flights to Moscow. (Source: Internet)
Visa Preparation
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 with visa procedures.
- Russian Embassy in Hanoi: 191 La Thanh Street.
- Russian Consulate General in Da Nang: 22 Tran Phu Street.
- Russian Consulate General in Ho Chi Minh City: 40 Ba Huyen Thanh Quan Street, District 3.
If you're worried about the complex visa procedures, contact Mytour for visa assistance 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, subway trains, etc., to get around in Moscow. These modes of transportation are affordable and convenient for visiting attractions and stadiums hosting the World Cup. If you're feeling generous, you can opt for taxis as a means of transportation within the city, which are both convenient and quick.
The subway is the primary mode of transportation in Russia. (Source: Internet)
Hotel Reservation
Being both a major city and the magnificent capital of Russia, finding and booking a hotel in Moscow is not difficult. During World Cup days, with the influx of tourists to Russia, it's advisable to book your room as early as possible to secure the best accommodations at reasonable prices. Hotel room rates in Moscow range from 1,000,000 VND to 12,000,000 VND per night, depending on the hotel's service quality. To facilitate your enjoyment of the 2018 World Cup, sightseeing, and leisure activities, it's recommended to choose hotels located in the city center of Moscow to minimize travel time and expenses.
Hotel services in Russia are excellent. (Source: Internet)
What's Delicious in Moscow?
Russia isn't just known for its beauty and rich culture; it's also renowned for its delicious cuisine. Moscow boasts various mouthwatering dishes such as Seledka herring, braised tube noodles, shish kebab lamb, Russian-style chicken nuggets, Varenniki dumplings, fermented barley beverages, Shi (beetroot meat soup), Tsipleonok tabaka (grilled chicken), Bnili (crepes), and Kassha (porridge) – all delicacies you should try at least once.
Seledka Herring - One of the must-try delicacies when traveling to Moscow. (Source: Internet)
Where to Shop?
Gum and Tsum are the largest shopping centers and department stores in Moscow. If you're looking to buy gifts for loved ones or simply explore, these two places are worth a visit.
Gum - The premier shopping center in Russia. (Source: Internet)
Planning your trip to Russia for the World Cup? Make sure you're well-prepared for an unforgettable experience. Explore the bustling streets of Moscow and marvel at the beauty of St. Petersburg with our exclusive football tour packages by Mytour. Our tours not only cover the must-visit attractions but also ensure a worry-free journey for first-timers. Contact our hotline Mytour for free expert advice on your World Cup adventure in Russia this year!
