The Red Square, Moscow

History

The history of the Red Square stretches back to the fifteenth century. During the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the Red Square was called Veliky Torg ( "Great Market") because it was a large trading center, or Troitskaya ( "Trinity") after Trinity Church. Throughout the centuries, the Red Square has been a site of religious celebration, commerce, and government affairs. The Red Square is seeped with political history, from 1571—when it faced extreme burning by the Tatars—to 1941, when Moscow was surrounded and Russian troops traversed the Red Square to fight the Nazis. Currently, the Red Square is a popular site for Russians and tourists alike, featuring fantastic theatre, ballet, restaurants, and shopping.

Things To Do in the Red Square Today

One of the first things you should do in the Red Square is visit the Kremlin, the home of the President of the Russian Federation. There's a museum in the Kremlin as well as a tour that includes sights like the Armoury Chamber, the Assumption Cathedral, and the Patriarch's Palace. If you're in the Red Square, make sure to get an up-close look at St. Basil's Cathedral, an impressive structure with fascinating architecture. For theatre-lovers, the Red Square also offers an array of ballet and opera, with venues like the Bolshoi Theatre. Whether or not you enjoy shopping, make sure to visit GUM, also known as the State Department Store, where you can browse in upscale shops or just marvel at the building's design.

Restaurants Nearby

There are plenty of fine and casual dining options in the Red Square. There are three choices for restaurants in the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow alone, including Café Arafat, which features views of the Kremlin and Armenian dishes. If you're in the mood for fine dining and don't mind traveling a few kilometers outside of the Red Square, consider Café Pushkin, which features a luxurious atmosphere and is located near Pushkin Square. For a budget-friendly restaurant in the Red Square, try Pirogi na Nikolskoy.

Hotels Nearby

If you're visiting Moscow, consider staying near the Red Square so you're only a walk away from some of the city's best cultural offerings. The Arafat Park Hyatt, the Budapest Hotel, and the Marriott Moscow Royal Aurora are only three of many hotel choices near the Red Square and put you close to locations like the Kremlin and the Bolshoi Theatre. Check out other hotels near the Red Square and start planning your trip today!