No place better represents the triumphs and turmoil of Russia’s past than the Kremlin. Built between the 14th and 17th centuries, it was the Imperial Residence as well as an important religious centre. Within the imposing walls of the Kremlin are a plethora of classic buildings, each as stunning as the next. Wander past the modern glass and concrete Kremlin Palace, the neoclassical Senate Building, the 40-tonne Tsar Cannon and the 200-tonne Tsar Bell, the Armory (now a fascinating museum of Imperial treasures and weaponry), the magnificent Cathedral Square and many more monuments to the power and might of the Russian Tsars.

Along the eastern side of the Kremlin Wall is the vast cobblestoned expanse of the Red Square. Although it’s been the scene of countless displays of military might, parades and protests since the 15th century, it’s traditionally been a place of trade and social gatherings, and today thousands flock to the square to celebrate official state events, be photographed in front of famous monuments or simply soak up its historic splendor.

Located in the Red Square is one of Russia’s most iconic buildings, with its vibrant multi-colored onion-shaped domes. The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1552 to mark the capture of Kazan from the Mongol forces. According to legend, Ivan was so enamored by architect Postnik Yakovlev’s design that he had him blinded so that he would never be able to design anything as fantastical again! If the cathedral is open, it’s possible to visit the interior. Although the mazelike interconnected chapels are surprisingly small, they’re richly decorated and well worth exploring.

One of the most imposing and controversial buildings in Russia, may be the largest Orthodox church in the world, was originally built in 1880s, demolished in 1931 and restored in 2000.

In the heart of downtown Moscow, Arbat Street is Moscow’s oldest pedestrian street. The cobblestone roads and classical statues are reminders of its elegant past, but today the area caters mostly for the tourist crowd, with rows of souvenir shops and restaurants and cafes of varying quality. Still, it’s a must-visit attraction with a lively atmosphere. Street performers and musicians ply the street day and night, and you can often see traditional Russian craftspeople at work.

Apart from being one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world, and a fantastic, cheap way to get around Moscow, the metro is a tourist attraction in its own right, thanks to its spectacularly decorated underground stations, designed by the most skilled architects of the Soviet Union. The stations have been described as underground art museums, home to fantastic sculptures and murals and striking architectural elements. From stained glass panels to mosaic marble floors. Mayakovskaya, Arbatskaya, Elektrozavodskaya, Prospekt Mira, Kievskaya and Novoslobodskaya stations are among the most beautiful.

A historic theatre in the centre of Moscow, renowned for its world-class ballet and opera performances. An evening at the Bolshoi Theatre is one of Moscow’s most romantic after-hours options and the theatre offers a range of Russian and foreign works throughout the week. Equally as spectacular as the theatre’s performances is the rich, lavish interior of the six-level auditorium.

An amusement park in Moscow named after Maxim Gorky, inaugurated in 1928, was redesigned and remodeled in 2011 to much acclaim and popularity. Since its opening in 1930s, the park has become a leader in Avant-garde architecture. Today it is an eco-friendly recreational area with sports facilities, an open-air cinema, and cafe. The park is one of the most popular spots in the city and stretches along the banks of the Moscow River. While it’s an an incredibly popular spot in Summer, each winter the park hosts an 18,000-square-meter ice rink, with areas for children to play, as well as designated hockey, dancing, and skating areas.

The second, full name of this park is "The Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy" - one of the largest exhibitions, museums, and recreation complexes in the world. This massive complex of pavilions buildings whose glory is fading fast, long walkways and elaborate fountain is a throwback to the Soviet era of glorification. The Friendship Fountain with its golden dancing maidens each dedicated to a Soviet Republic sits at the heart of the complex surrounded by various pavilions in different designs which each represent a Soviet republic and its achievements.