The romantic tour of St. Petersburg suggested in this post is now complete but your restless soul is still thirsty for adventure. Jump on a fast train to Moscow and in 3.5 hours you’re there to discover new places, try new foods and build new memories.
Moscow has plenty to offer couples: unique architecture and a rich arts and culture scene. Follow Cupid’s arrow to these romantic hotspots in Moscow.
1 OF 5
WHERE THE WORLD BEGINS
“The world begins, as is well known, from the Kremlin” said one of Russia’s best-known poets Vladimir Mayakovsky in 1927. This is where we begin our romantic tour with a stroll across Red Square to admire the ancient walls of the Kremlin and the riot of colours of St. Basil’s Cathedral. Another architectural gem that dominates the square is the GUM department store. Go inside to marvel at its elegant interiors and if you have a sweet tooth, get the best ice-cream in town. If you’re not in a rush, Bosco Café on the ground floor of the GUM is a good choice to cosy up in for some lunch or coffee. On sunny days you can sit outside, watch the world go by on Red Square and hear the famous Kremlin Clock chime at midday.
The panorama of the Kremlin and Red Square is nothing short of iconic and sends the heart aflutter. Its impressive architecture and rich history earned the Kremlin and Red Square UNESCO World Heritage status.
2 OF 5
DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER
We’re not ready to leave the grounds of the Kremlin just yet. Outside its ancient western wall lies the Alexander Garden with beautiful flower beds, statues and fountains. Located in the garden is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Every hour the Changing of the Guard ceremony honours this and many millions of other fallen Russian soldiers who fought in the WWII to restore peace and love in the world. It’s a kind of national pilgrimage spot, where newlyweds often come to lay flowers and pay their respects.
Continue your walk until you reach Borovitskaya Tower, the entrance point to the Armoury Museum. Mind-boggling amount of diamonds encrusted on everything from bibles to crowns, sceptres and thrones is stored inside. The fairytale history of the royal Romanovs comes to life here. Just as your eyes begin to hurt from all this dazzle, there are more diamonds in the separate Diamond Fund exhibition. Head there to see the 190-carat diamond given to Catherine the Great by her lover Grigory Orlov as well as the Great Imperial Crown with 4,936 diamonds.
3 OF 5
CAVIAR FOR BREAKFAST
The Tsars of Russia were known to eat caviar for breakfast. I can understand that - with its buttery richness on the tongue, Russian caviar tastes splendid. There are plenty of upscale bars and restaurants in Moscow where you can indulge in caviar. I recommend Russki, a restaurant with a view located on the 85th floor of a business centre. Caviar can be served on its own, offered with an assortment of blinis or smoked fish, or as an accompaniment to heartier dishes. Traditionally, vodka and caviar are eaten together so for a truly extravagant breakfast experience check out their ice bar for a shot of vodka and a spoonful of caviar.
4 OF 5
STEAMY EXPERIENCE
If you’re thinking a hot tub with rose petals and floating candles, you can do it at home. You visit the Sandunovsky Banya, the oldest functioning bath house in Moscow, for a different kind of steamy experience.
It all starts with the grand museum-like interiors, and for a split second you forget that you’re here to get a beating by birch leaves from a complete stranger. Once you’re in a steam room of the banya, you will feel that the steam here is wetter than in a sauna so it’s much easier to bear high temperatures. This also makes it a more hydrating and, ultimately, more detoxifying treatment. Go for private rooms for a more personalised and aesthetically pleasing banya experience.
The Sandunovsky Banya opened in 1808 and has since welcomed many visitors, with poet Alexander Pushkin and novelist Anton Chekhov amongst its most famous guests and, more recently, celebrities like John Travolta, Naomi Campbell and Roman Abramovich.
5 OF 5
WE ARE ALL STARDUST
When was the last time you looked up at the night sky and managed to catch a glimpse of any stars? Clear skies are guaranteed at the Moscow Planetarium. Not surprisingly for the country this size, the Big Star Hall boasts Europe's largest star projection dome. Get the back seats in the middle for the best celestial views as you travel to space to see the stars and the moon up close. What could be more romantic than holding hands and making a wish upon a twinkling star?
I hope these date ideas in Moscow are good for sharing special moments with the capital as your backdrop.
Let me know what you think about these romantic places in Moscow, and if you’d like any language or travel advice to visit them.
Have you been to a particularly lovely romantic spot in Moscow that’s not mentioned in the post? Let us know by becoming a member of our Russian community and logging in below to share your knowledge with other travellers.
Did you like this post? Please be kind and share by clicking below.
Comments