The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is one of the most iconic landmarks in the Moscow Kremlin, offering stunning panoramic views of the city. While it’s an unforgettable experience, visitors may worry about the cost of tickets or spending a lot while exploring. Fortunately, there are ways to visit the tower on a budget and still enjoy all that it has to offer. Here’s how you can make the most of your visit to the Ivan the Great Bell Tower without breaking the bank.
1. Purchase the Kremlin Complex Ticket for the Best Value
What It Includes
Instead of buying separate tickets for individual sites, you can purchase a Kremlin Complex ticket. This ticket provides access to several key attractions within the Kremlin, including the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Assumption Cathedral, Annunciation Cathedral, and Archangel Cathedral. It’s a more affordable way to visit multiple sites, including the bell tower, with just one ticket.
How to Get It
- Buy in Advance: You can purchase your Kremlin Complex ticket online to skip the lines at the ticket office and secure the best rates. Buying in advance can save you time and ensure you get access to all the sites in the Kremlin.
- Ticket Options: The Kremlin Complex ticket usually includes a basic entry that covers the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and other sites, but if you want to visit additional museums or attractions like the Armory Chamber, you may need to pay extra. Stick to the basic ticket for the most budget-friendly option.
Benefits
- Affordability: The Kremlin Complex ticket is significantly cheaper than purchasing separate tickets for each individual site.
- Convenience: It allows access to multiple attractions in one go, making it easy to explore the Kremlin without needing to buy multiple tickets.
2. Visit During Off-Peak Hours
Why It’s More Affordable
The Ivan the Great Bell Tower and other Kremlin attractions can become crowded during peak times, especially in the summer months or holidays. To avoid large crowds and long queues, consider visiting during off-peak hours when there are fewer tourists, and ticket prices can sometimes be more affordable.
Best Times to Visit
- Early Morning: The best time to visit the Ivan the Great Bell Tower is when it opens at 10:00 AM, allowing you to experience the tower without the crowds and take advantage of quieter entry times.
- Late Afternoon: Another budget-friendly time to visit is in the late afternoon (around 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM), just before closing time. This is typically when the crowds thin out, and you can enjoy the tower in a more peaceful setting.
Avoiding Peak Times
- Summer: June through August is Moscow’s peak tourist season, leading to more expensive prices for hotels and longer queues at attractions. If possible, avoid these months and visit during the spring or fall, when the weather is pleasant but the crowds are smaller.
- Weekdays: If you can, visit during the week rather than on weekends to enjoy a more budget-friendly experience and avoid the larger crowds.
3. Consider Free Entry Days for Russian Citizens
Why It’s Helpful
On certain national holidays or special public events, the Kremlin may offer free entry to its residents or even offer reduced rates for international visitors. While these days tend to attract more crowds, visiting during these times can help you save money on the entry fees.
What to Do
- Check for Free Entry Days: Keep an eye on the Kremlin’s official website or local tourism websites for information on free entry days or discounts for international visitors during public holidays such as Russia Day (June 12) or Victory Day (May 9). Russian citizens often enjoy free entry to the Kremlin on holidays, so it’s worth looking into the schedule.
- Book in Advance: If there’s a special free-entry day, make sure to book your ticket ahead of time to secure your spot and avoid long waits.
4. Use Discounted Tickets for Students and Seniors
Why It’s Helpful
If you are a student, senior, or belong to another eligible group, you can often take advantage of discounted entry fees to the Kremlin and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. Discounts are available for certain age groups and categories, which can make the visit much more affordable.
What to Do
- Student Discounts: If you’re a student, be sure to bring your student ID with you, as this will allow you to access discounted tickets for entry to the Kremlin complex.
- Senior Discounts: Seniors, especially those over 60 years of age, often qualify for discounted or even free entry to many of Moscow’s top tourist sites, including the Kremlin.
How to Get Discounts
- At the Ticket Office: Discounts for students and seniors are usually available at the Kremlin ticket office, so just be sure to bring the necessary ID to get the discounted price.
- Online Tickets: Check if you can apply for the discount when purchasing your tickets online.
5. Look for Combo Tickets for Multiple Attractions
Why It’s Cost-Effective
Some services and tour companies offer combo tickets, which give you access to multiple attractions in Moscow, including the Kremlin and Ivan the Great Bell Tower. These combo tickets often provide better value for money than buying individual tickets for each site.
What to Do
- Look for combined tickets that include entry to the Kremlin, Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and other nearby attractions. These tickets can be more affordable than purchasing entry separately.
- Many tour operators offer guided tours that include skip-the-line access and discounts for multiple sites, allowing you to explore key parts of Moscow at a lower cost.
6. Take Advantage of Free Public Areas Around the Kremlin
Why It’s Useful
While you’ll need a ticket to access the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, you can still enjoy many parts of the Kremlin and surrounding areas for free. There are several public spaces around the Kremlin where you can take in the beauty of the Kremlin walls, Red Square, and the Moscow River without spending any money.
What to Do
- Red Square: Located just outside the Kremlin, Red Square is free to visit and offers stunning views of the Kremlin walls and Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
- Cathedral Square: While you’ll need a ticket for the tower, you can still enjoy a walk around Cathedral Square and admire its historical and architectural beauty for free.
- Nearby Parks and Public Spaces: Explore other scenic, public areas nearby, such as Alexander Garden and Zaryadye Park, to enjoy the surrounding landmarks and culture without any entry fee.
7. Visit the Kremlin Museums on Free Days or Reduced Fees
Why It’s Beneficial
The Armory Chamber and other museums inside the Kremlin sometimes offer free entry days or discounts during certain times of the year. If your interest extends beyond the Ivan the Great Bell Tower, consider visiting the Kremlin Museums when they offer special entry deals.
What to Do
- Check for Free Days: Keep an eye on the Kremlin’s official website for any updates on free-entry days for the museums inside the Kremlin, or look for discounts that apply to tourists.
Conclusion
Visiting the Ivan the Great Bell Tower on a budget is completely achievable with a little planning. By purchasing a Kremlin Complex ticket, visiting during off-peak hours, and taking advantage of discounts for students, seniors, or combo tickets, you can enjoy a budget-friendly experience. Additionally, be sure to check for any free-entry days and explore public areas around the Kremlin to make your visit even more affordable. No matter the time of year, you can experience the beauty and history of the Ivan the Great Bell Tower without overspending!
