Hidden Gems for Backpackers in Moscow

Go East! Discover Moscow in the cheapest and safest way.

Moscow is a metropolis on the border between East and West. Here are some insider tips about travelling to the Russian capital, which is considered one of the world's most expensive cities. Now it seems that Moscow is trying to encourage independent budget tourists for a short backpacking trip, especially thanks to important events such as 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi in February and FIFA World Cup in 2018. From 2014 Russia will allow a 72-hour stay with no visa and many low budget airlines, such as EasyJet, Vueling, Germanwings and Russian Airline S7, have started flying to Moscow from many European airports more often.

However, Russia still has a sort of dual-pricing system, according to which foreigners have to pay more than Russian citizens for hotels, theaters, museums or other services. This is why backpackers need to be careful to not pay too much. Especially in the hotel business there are many expensive hotels with "extremely friendly" service staff who suddenly speak foreign languages. These cases are often real traps for foreigners. So you'd better choose a backpacker's hostel, that is a low cost alternative, so that you can use the money you saved for souvenirs or a nice meal out. Be also prepared that it is full of people everywhere, there are many street restaurants, markets, artists and private taxi drivers just waiting for you to fall in their traps... Here are some tips for your safe and cheap stay in Moscow.

Low price bars, clubs, restaurants and hostels

There are more possibilities to have fun and spend little in Moscow than you expected. Indeed, there's a number of low price bars and clubs. On Kuznetskiy 7 there is a lovely bar called "Kamchatka" and it is worth a visit. The majority of guests here are attracted by the adorable price list, which is definitely honest. Half a liter of beer costs between 80 and 150 rubles, depending on the brand you're choosing, and served snacks are not expensive either.

In Moscow there is an unlimited number of restaurants where you can spend between 500 and 1000 rubles for lunch or dinner, but do not expect high quality and creative cuisine. If you want to eat authentic Russian cuisine be prepared to pay more. But there are exceptions. At the restaurant Sim – Sim (Konyushkovskaya St, 31), for example, they serve Russian and Central Asian specialties for 500-1000 rubles a dish, however, it is located a bit far away from the center, close to the zoo. Here you can eat delicious Asian food at an affordable price in relaxing surroundings. Another popular priced place is restaurant Jagannath (Kuznetskiy most, 12), located fairly central and attracting many foreigners with its nice prices and English speaking staff.

A popular nightclub that serves food and drinks at cheap prices is ArkaA (Kitaigorodsky Proezd str. 2), centrally located and close to the Moskva River. Many of Moscow's leading DJs love this place and it is perfect for those who want to enjoy a party.

Recently in Moscow you can also find many new backpacker's hostels. Most of these new hostels are conceived as design boutique hostels, offering not only a cheap bed, but also stylish accommodation, competent staff, free WiFi, touristic attractions and much more. Bear Hostels on Arbatskaya belongs to the famous Russian Bear Hostels chain. And it is one of the biggest hostels in Moscow. Here you will stay for 10€/night in the New Arbat, the busiest area in Moscow filled with arty cafes, bars and one-off shops selling tons of interesting stuff.

Staying at the Hostel Oh So Indie in the heart of Moscow, you will reach The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts in less than 20 minutes’ walk. Subway in Moscow is certainly an ideal and quick way to get across the city, but during rush hour trains are always overcrowded. Oh So Indie is housed in a historic building with remarkable architecture and has a unique style. And with HostelsClub.com Membership Card backpackers will save even more. Membership Card holders can save up to 15% by booking on selected hostels; below is a list of venues in Moscow with special offers for Membership Card holders.

Some of Moscow's hidden gems

Bolotnaya Square: There are plenty of hidden gems in Moscow: attractions, monuments and places that are not among the best known and most visited. Close to the famous Tretyakov Gallery there is a square where the city's youth often spend their free time during the warm season. It's called Bolotnaya Square and it is a meeting place for Moscow's subculture. Here street artists meet to practice their artistry.

Marfo-Mariinsky Convent: at Bolshaya Ordinka you will find the female convent founded in 1904 by the Duchess Elizaveta Feodorovna. Today the monastery provides help for poor people and orphans and has also a school for orphan girls. The place is calm and pleasant, perhaps ideal for a moment of relax and meditation.

Sholokhov Monumentet: Mikhail Sholokhov is known in the world for being the author of the novel “And Quiet Flows the Don” and to honor him there is a monument on Gogolevsky Boulevard. Gogolevsky Boulevard is also a nice place for a long walk in the city around architectural beauties, it begins near the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and ends at the Arbat Square.

The Russian capital has endless cheap possibilities for you to discover and maybe they are even more than what you expected. You will definitely have the chance to spend an unforgettable journey without emptying your wallet, especially if you choose low cost accommodations recommended by Hostelsclub.com