Most tourists would venture out to explore Moscow at night around Red Square. It's the same city, but Moscow comes alive completely different at nighttime. The beautiful iconic buildings lit up, like a wonderland.
Is Moscow Safe at Night?
This is a good place to start. In my experience, absolutely. I haven't had any issues in Moscow during the day or night. Especially around the Kremlin and Red Square, there are many police officers around. It's probably one of the most surveilled places in Russia, you'd have to be pretty stupid to attempt something.
However, this doesn't mean that crime doesn't happen, of course it does. You need to always make good choices, be careful with your valuables and money, and don't do anything stupid. This is a global rule, regardless of your country.
According to Numbeo, the Crime Index in Moscow was lower than Perth Australia (where I'm from) and lower than New York City. That surprised me, as Perth is a pretty sleepy town in comparison to Moscow. My experience, don't wander in any city in alleyways or anywhere that's dimly lit. Stick to Red Square and area, and you will love the evening sights.
Nikolskaya Street
Beside Red Square is Nikolskaya Street. This is such a beautiful and Instagrammable street! Made famous during World Cup, where people congregated to dance and spontaneous celebrate World Cup victories. It's a pedestrian only street with millions of lights suspended over the sidewalk. At night, it's an impressive site as well, as it's all lit up. So plan to visit twice, just to get day and evening photos.
GUM - State Department Store
At night, GUM (pronounced goom), the former State Department Store, converted to an upscale mall is fully lit up. The outline of each doorway and window has clear lights that emphasis the beauty of the building. In front of GUM, It's the other iconic part of Red Square. Of course, the famous St Basils Cathedral is also lit up. The bright onion domes look different at night, I always can't get enough of this old cathedral.
Moskva Reka - Moscow River at Night
If you want to see the Moscow River at night, it's best to take a river cruise. That way you enjoy all the sights of Moscow along the river. However, I waited until after midnight to film the view of the Kremlin from the other side of the Moscow River. Much of the city traffic had died down, and the city had a quiet hum. Crossing the bridge to Sofiyskaya Embankment provides the best views of Kremlin, the cathedrals and the famous towers. The river cruise went too quickly, and when walking, you can take it at your own pace, taking lots of photos along the way. An ancient Kremlin is a beautiful sight at night.
These are iconic photos that you have to see. I love seeing Moscow at night, all lit up and full of life. This is not the old grey Soviet town you might be expecting, at least not the favorite tourist traps you need to visit!
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