CONTEMPORARY MOSCOW

CONTEMPORARY MOSCOW

Route developed
in collaboration with

oscow rebuilds itself faster than any other European capital. Power stations turn into art centers, riverbanks become parks, and public transport moves onto the water. This route collects the places where the new city shows itself best: new architecture, new kitchens, new ways to move around. Everything here opened within the last decade. No museums of the past — only the Moscow that is being built right now. Comfortable shoes recommended: the route is made for walking.

Walk through Zaryadye Park

Walk through Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye Park is a landscape park built next to the Kremlin walls in 2017, recreating four climate zones found across Russia.

Where to dine

Mashenka

Mashenka

A modern Russian restaurant launched by Alexander Rappoport on Varvarka Street. Its name alludes to Vladimir Nabokov’s novella *Mashenka*—evoking themes of reinterpretation and nostalgia—yet the cuisine itself does not merely recreate the past; familiar flavors are presented here in a contemporary format. The man behind the menu is Igor Grishechkin, a prominent chef in the realm of new Russian gastronomy.

14 Varvarka Street, Moscow.

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Uhvat

Uhvat

A contemporary restaurant inspired by traditional Russian oven cooking, where many dishes are prepared using classic slow-cooking techniques. The menu celebrates authentic Russian flavors with a modern presentation.

Rochdelskaya St., 15, building 41, Moscow.

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What to do

Walk along the Floating Bridge

A cantilevered platform extends 70 meters over the Moskva River without supporting columns, framing views of the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral.

Go beneath the Glass Canopy

A glass dome without load-bearing walls covers part of the park, keeping subtropical plants growing above the concert hall year-round.

Explore the Ice Cave

An installation carved from ice keeps the temperature between −4°C and −9°C inside a 750-square-meter hall. A separate ticket is required.

Explore GES-2

Explore GES-2

GES-2 is a cultural center built inside a former power station, redesigned by architect Renzo Piano and opened in December 2021.

Where to dine

Kultura Vstrechi

Kultura Vstrechi

An elegant restaurant with a warm, welcoming atmosphere that blends contemporary cuisine with a carefully curated wine and cocktail program. It is designed for relaxed gatherings, long conversations, and memorable dining experiences.

Michurinsky Ave., 5, Moscow.

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What to do

Visit the Exhibitions

The museum has no permanent display — its seven floors hold rotating exhibitions of photography and contemporary art from Russian and international artists.

Walk through the Birch Grove

The courtyard holds 620 birch trees, part of architect Renzo Piano’s design for the building.

Walk along Bolotnaya Embankment 

Bolotnaya Embankment runs along the river in front of the building, facing the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour on the opposite bank.

Ride a river tram

Ride a river tram

Moscow’s river tram is a year-round electric public transport line that runs along the Moskva River, with several stops inside Moscow-City itself.

Where to dine

White rabbit

White rabbit

A restaurant by Vladimir Mukhin and Boris Zarkov located on the 16th floor at Smolenskaya Square, where the view of Moscow becomes a spectacular part of the dining experience. The cuisine is rooted in Russian traditions, local and seasonal ingredients, and modern techniques.

It was awarded a Michelin star in 2021 and ranked 13th on The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2019.

Smolenskaya Sq., 3, Moscow

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Selfie

Selfie

Located on Novinsky Boulevard, this restaurant is helmed by star chef Anatoly Kazakov, who has successfully blended diverse geographical influences into the menu. He works with seasonal ingredients sourced from across the country, preparing almost all of them using innovative techniques. Selfie was awarded a Michelin star in 2021.

Novinsky Blvd., 31, Moscow

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What to do

See the City from the Water

The route runs directly alongside Moscow City, with stops named after the towers themselves.

Enjoy a River Cruise in Any Season

The vessels have an icebreaker-rated hull and heating, keeping the route running through the coldest months

EXPLORE Moscow City

EXPLORE Moscow City

Moscow City is Russia’s international business district, a cluster of skyscrapers built along the Moskva River on the site of a former industrial zone.

Where to dine

Ruski

Ruski

On the 85th floor of OKO Tower stands a Russian wood-fired oven. Eight meters of whitewashed clay — inside a skyscraper, above the city. The panoramic restaurant Ruski — Europe’s highest restaurant — builds its menu around it: venison dumplings, Volga fish pies, slow-cooked cabbage soup. The entire floor is floor-to-ceiling glass — the city below, the sky alongside. Next door: Ice Bar at −15°C, real fur coats, beluga caviar, a bar counter carved from ice blocks — the world’s highest ice bar. The cold is real. So is the caviar.

Moscow City, OKO Tower, 85th floor

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BIRDS

BIRDS

A panoramic restaurant and nightlife venue located high above Moscow City, combining contemporary fusion cuisine with live performances and spectacular views. The vibrant atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for dinner followed by an evening of entertainment.

Moscow City, OKO Tower, 84th floor

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What to do

Walk along Taras Shevchenko Embankment

The embankment runs along the opposite bank of the Moskva River, offering the widest view of the Moscow City skyline from ground level.

Go up to PANORAMA 360

PANORAMA360 is an observation deck on the 89th floor of the Federation Tower, 327 meters above the ground.

Visit the Ice Cream Museum

The same floor holds a small ice cream factory and museum run by the Russian brand Chistaya Liniya, with the production line visible to visitors.

Visit MAMM museum

Visit MAMM museum

MAMM is Russia’s first museum of photography and contemporary art, founded in 1996, with a collection of more than 185,000 works.

Where to dine

Niki

Niki

A restaurant serving modern Russian cuisine, located in the historic Khudozhestvenny cinema building.

The concept draws inspiration from the traditional Russian feast without attempting a literal reconstruction; Executive Chef Dan Miron is the creative force behind the culinary innovations here. The bar menu features *nastoykas* (infused spirits), *nalivkas* (fruit liqueurs), and cocktails crafted from seasonal berries and vegetables.

14 Arbat Square, Building 1, Moscow

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Gorynych

Gorynych

A family restaurant from the WRF gastronomic holding, where the main focus is on fire — hence the associative name. The dishes are prepared in a wood-fired oven, a Josper grill, and a smoker. Bread is baked with wild starter, pizza is cooked in a powerful wood-burning oven, and alongside it, dry-aged steaks are brought to perfection, along with the signature giant «Gorynych» cutlet.

Rozhdestvensky Boulevard, 1, Moscow

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What to do

Visit the Exhibitions

Contemporary art exhibitions fill the lower floors and change several times a year. General entry to the building is free; individual exhibitions require a separate ticket.

Discover Contemporary Photography

Explore one of Russia’s leading museums dedicated to photography, featuring thought-provoking works by emerging and world-renowned artists.

Explore Aviapark Mall

Explore Aviapark Mall

One of Europe’s largest shopping malls, Aviapark combines international brands, entertainment, and dining under one roof. It’s an ideal stop for shopping, relaxing, or escaping Moscow’s winter weather.

Where to dine

Heritage

Heritage

A contemporary Russian restaurant inside Hyatt Regency Moscow Petrovsky Park, combining traditional flavors with elegant modern presentation. The menu focuses on premium local ingredients and classic recipes with a refined touch.

36/33 Leningradsky Prospekt, 1st Floor, Moscow

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What to do

See the Giant Aquarium

The mall’s 24-meter cylindrical aquarium is one of the tallest indoor aquariums in the world. Thousands of tropical fish circle through the transparent tower, creating one of Moscow’s most photographed indoor attractions.

Experience Everyday Moscow

Aviapark is more than a shopping center — it’s a place where locals meet friends, watch movies, enjoy cafés, and spend entire afternoons. It offers a glimpse into everyday life in modern Moscow.

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