Moscow is a city with a wealth of history, culture, and stunning landmarks, and traveling by bus or tram offers a comfortable and scenic way to explore it. These routes allow you to take in some of the most iconic sites in Moscow, offering an alternative to the metro while enjoying the city’s architecture and picturesque views. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, here are some of the best bus and tram routes for sightseeing in Moscow.
1. Bus Route 1: Moscow’s Most Scenic Bus Ride
Bus Route 1 is one of the best sightseeing routes in Moscow, providing a direct line from the Kremlin to Vernadsky Prospekt and passing some of the city’s most famous landmarks along the way. It offers a unique view of Moscow’s iconic historical center and prominent architectural sights.
Key Sights Along the Route:
- Red Square and the Kremlin: Start your journey by passing the iconic Kremlin walls, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and GUM department store.
- Bolshoi Theatre: Admire one of the world’s most famous theaters from the bus window.
- Zaryadye Park: A modern park located near the Kremlin, offering a great view of the Moscow River and Vladimir Putin’s favorite viewing platform.
- Moscow River Embankment: Travel alongside the river and take in views of the House on the Embankment, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and more.
- Luzhniki Stadium: Drive past this famous sports stadium, the venue for the 2018 FIFA World Cup final.
Why Take It?
- The route offers beautiful panoramic views of some of the most important landmarks in Moscow.
- It’s an excellent alternative to the Metro for tourists who want to enjoy the city at a slower pace and with more visibility.
Route Duration:
- Approximately 40-50 minutes (depending on traffic).
2. Bus Route 12: A Glimpse of Moscow’s Cultural Heritage
Bus Route 12 is another great sightseeing bus route that takes you through the cultural heart of the city. This route is particularly perfect for those interested in Moscow’s historic districts, picturesque boulevards, and significant cultural venues.
Key Sights Along the Route:
- Manezhnaya Square: The start of the route, with views of the State Historical Museum and Red Square.
- Tverskaya Street: One of Moscow’s main avenues, lined with shops, cafés, and historical buildings.
- Pushkin Square: A lively square home to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts.
- Arbat Street: Famous for its pedestrian-friendly environment, shops, and old-style cafés.
- St. Andrew’s Descent: A picturesque historic street leading to the Moscow River, filled with traditional Russian architecture.
Why Take It?
- This route is ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in Moscow’s cultural and artistic heritage while enjoying the city’s lively atmosphere.
Route Duration:
- Approximately 45-60 minutes.
3. Tram Route 3: A Historic Tram Ride Through the City
Tram Route 3 provides a wonderful, slow-paced way to see the historic districts of Moscow while traveling along some of the most picturesque streets. While the tram system isn’t as extensive as the metro, it still offers a charming way to experience the city.
Key Sights Along the Route:
- Kievsky Railway Station: Admire this beautiful station, with its mix of neoclassical and Stalinist architecture.
- Kutuzovsky Prospekt: This main avenue offers views of Soviet-era architecture, large hotels, and government buildings.
- Victory Park: Pay a visit to Victory Park, dedicated to the victory of the Soviet Union in World War II.
- Poklonnaya Hill: A famous hill that offers one of the best viewpoints of Moscow and hosts the Museum of the Great Patriotic War.
- Moscow City: Get a view of Moscow’s modern skyscraper district, which stands in contrast to the traditional architecture.
Why Take It?
- Tram Route 3 gives you a great chance to experience Moscow’s modern and historic districts, from Soviet-era architecture to newly developed areas.
Route Duration:
- Approximately 45 minutes.
4. Bus Route 11: The Classic Moscow Experience
Another excellent sightseeing route is Bus Route 11, which takes you across the city center and along the Moscow River, passing some of the city’s major landmarks and vibrant neighborhoods.
Key Sights Along the Route:
- Pushkin Square: Start by passing Pushkin Square, one of Moscow’s most bustling areas.
- Tverskaya Street: This famous avenue is home to iconic shops, theaters, and historical buildings.
- Borisoglebsky Monastery: One of the oldest monasteries in Moscow, which dates back to the 14th century.
- Moscow River Embankment: Enjoy views of the Moscow River, Kremlin, and Red Square.
- Chistye Prudy: A charming district with historical buildings and a tranquil park.
Why Take It?
- Bus Route 11 gives you a unique combination of Moscow’s modern and historic sights, offering an immersive experience of the city.
Route Duration:
- Approximately 50 minutes.
5. Tram Route 10: Explore the Beautiful Boulevard Ring
Tram Route 10 offers a tour along the Boulevard Ring, one of the oldest and most historically significant areas in Moscow. It’s a great option for tourists who want to see more of the city’s beautiful boulevards and parks.
Key Sights Along the Route:
- Sadovoe Koltso (Garden Ring): This road traces the old city limits and features several parks, including Sparrow Hills and Khrushchyovka.
- Taganka: This district is known for its historic churches and cultural institutions.
- Novospassky Monastery: A beautiful and historic monastery dating back to the 16th century.
- Yelagin Island: The island features a tranquil park and the Yelagin Palace, a historical mansion from the 18th century.
Why Take It?
- This tram route offers a leisurely exploration of Moscow’s boulevards and parks, with scenic views and rich history.
Route Duration:
- Approximately 1 hour.
6. Bus Route 15: A Scenic Ride Through Moscow’s Green Spaces
Bus Route 15 is perfect for nature lovers. It takes you through some of Moscow’s most beautiful green spaces and parks, offering an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors while experiencing the city’s landmarks.
Key Sights Along the Route:
- Sokolniki Park: One of Moscow’s largest and oldest parks, with plenty of space for picnics, walks, and relaxation.
- Vystavochnaya Station: Close to the Moscow Expo Center, an area of modern buildings and parks.
- Izmailovo Park: Home to the Izmailovo Kremlin, a beautiful area with artistic markets and a historic feel.
- Krasnaya Presnya Park: A peaceful urban park for relaxation.
Why Take It?
- This bus route is great for anyone who enjoys green spaces and nature, combined with a leisurely view of Moscow’s parks and attractions.
Route Duration:
- Approximately 1 hour.
Conclusion
Moscow’s buses and trams offer excellent sightseeing opportunities, providing a relaxed and scenic way to explore the city. Whether you’re interested in historic landmarks, modern architecture, or green spaces, there’s a route for you. The Bus Routes 1, 12, and 11 offer views of iconic attractions, while the Tram Routes 3 and 10 provide insight into the city’s historical and cultural development. For those who love nature, Bus Route 15 and Tram Route 10 are ideal. Whichever route you choose, you’ll enjoy a unique perspective of Moscow that many visitors miss while taking the metro.
