A Budget Holiday to Moscow

Save rubles with our two-day itinerary to Russia's capital

If you want to visit the Red Square, the Kremlin, and Lenin’s tomb in Moscow, you can do it easily on a budget. Planning a two-day itinerary is easy and if you budget wisely, it’s possible to visit Moscow and not spend a fortune. Believe it or not, you can sleep in the city centre from only €6 per night. That’s the smartest way to save some rubles in Russia.

Image by Pavel Kazachkov (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Moscow's attractions won’t burn a hole in your pocket, although some of the city’s restaurants and nightclubs can be expensive. As not only does Russia’s capital have world-class attractions, but it’s also a 24-hour vibrant metropolis full of glamour nightclubs, bars and shopping centres.

When to go

The best times to go are from early May to mid July, when it’s not too hot and the weather is dry and pleasant.

Getting to Moscow

Moscow has three international airports – Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo – and all three are connected by the Airport Express rail service. For just 420 rubles (about €6) you can travel direct into Moscow city centre, arriving at major train stations with excellent onward transport connections.

Travelling around

Moscow's metro system is one of the best public transport systems in the world. Here you can purchase one or two-ride tickets for 50 rubles (€0.70) and 100 rubles (€1.50) respectively. Another budget travel option is getting a Troyka card, where one metro trip will only cost you 32 rubles (€0.40).

What to see?

Image by Andrey Ivanovich (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Planning a two-day Moscow travel itinerary is straightforward, and the first thing you'll notice after entering the Red Square is the gorgeous onion domes of the Basil Cathedral. After visiting the Kremlin complex, it's advisable to go on a walking tour and learn more about Red Square's fascinating history.

Another celestial attraction is the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, on the northern bank of the Moskva River, which is also known for Pussy Riot's infamous protest against Vladimir Putin in 2012.

Image by Larry Koester (Flickr/Creative Commons)

Of course, no trip to Moscow can take place without seeing Lenin’s embalmed body. The Lenin Mausoleum opens everyday from 10:00 to 13:00 (excluding holidays). Make sure to pay Lenin a visit before he disappears for good…

After you’ve had your fill of Tsarist and Soviet-era Russia, head over to the Tretyakov museum and the 19th century Old Arbat region. Come evening, you can go to the Bolshoi Theatre (if you have tickets) or drink Russian vodka in one of the city’s glamour nightspots.

Accommodation

Booking your accommodation is essential before travelling to Moscow. If you don’t have much money, then obviously you won’t be staying in a 5* hotel in Red Square. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t sleep near the city centre. You can secure a bed or dorm from only €6 per night when you book with HostelsClub.

*Header image by Ramon Boersbroek (Flickr/Creative Commons)