Moscow Red Square Must-Visit Special Forces Route: Cover Everything in Half a Day

Moscow is a huge city, and the attractions around Red Square alone are enough to explore for several days. If you are just transiting or have a short stay, this route is perfect for special forces. 🏞Route: Red Square ~ St. Basil's Cathedral ~ Kazan Cathedral ~ Tomb of the Unknown Soldier ~ Iberian Gate and Chapel 1⃣Red Square (Кра́сная пло́щадь) The buildings on Red Square are not only one of the most unique world heritage sites in the world but also the iconic buildings of all Russia. During the day, Red Square is bustling with tourists. The highlight is in the evening, as the sun sets and the evening glow rises, the surrounding lights come on, like stars in the sky. 🏞Address: Moscow city center, get off at the "Red Square" metro station. 🕰Opening hours: Open all day, but it is recommended to come in the morning or at dusk for better lighting for photos. 📜Tickets: No tickets required 2⃣St. Basil's Cathedral (Покро́вский Собо́р) The onion dome spires of the cathedral are eye-catching throughout the city. This is definitely one of the most beautiful iconic buildings in Russia. It is said that this cathedral was built by Ivan the Terrible, Ivan IV, to celebrate the recapture of Kazan Khanate. After the cathedral was completed, the architect's eyes were blinded. 🌟The highlight is the exquisite murals inside the cathedral and the various stone chapels upstairs, each with its own characteristics. 📸The best spot for portrait photos is behind the cathedral, where there are relatively fewer tourists and the location is just right. 👉Ticket prices may increase during peak season, so be sure to book in advance. 🏞Address: South side of Red Square, Moscow 📜Tickets: 750-1000 rubles Opening hours: 10:00-18:00, closed on Mondays. 🚖Transportation: Take the metro to Red Square and you'll see it 3⃣Kazan Cathedral (Каза́нский собо́р) This small Orthodox church is on the north side of Red Square. The main church has a dome on top, and there are not many people inside. The altar and murals are in traditional Orthodox style, and photography is not allowed inside. 🏞Address: Northeast corner of Red Square, Moscow 🕰Opening hours: 9:00-18:00, closed on Mondays. 📜Tickets: Free entry 4⃣Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Моги́ла неизве́стного солда́та) The changing of the guard ceremony in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the most important sight on Red Square. The eternal flame in front of the tomb commemorates the martyrs of the defense battles and World War II. On the hour, there is a solemn changing of the guard ceremony, worth waiting for. 🏞Address: Northwest side of Red Square, inside Alexander Garden. 🕰Opening hours: Changing of the guard on the hour 5⃣Iberian Gate and Chapel (Иверские ворота) The Iberian Gate on Red Square is the only surviving city gate of old Moscow. The Iberian Gate and a chapel are connected, but this small chapel is often crowded with visitors, making it very lively. 🏞Address: Tverskoy District, Moscow, Russia 📜Tickets: Free