Moscow Off the Beaten Path: Explore the Local Life
The most authentic Moscow experience. Do like Russians!
With Moscow's long and exciting history, it's no surprise that there are a lot of amazing landmarks in the city center. However, only few tourists know how Moscow looks through the local eyes. Do you want to be among them?
Highlights
- the last wooden village of Moscow
- industrial zones and nearby creaky dormitories
- modern construction in the backyard of the «old Moscow»
- typical five-block houses with dormitory rooms
- the local food and flea markets
- Moscow circle railroad
- the ugly Soviet drinking place
What is the Rusty Belt of Moscow
During the tour, we will escape the bustling center of Moscow to explore the ordinary life of people in the «rusty belt of Moscow». I will show you many pieces of the local life that will give you the complete picture of the Real Moscow at the end of the tour.
We will visit areas that are perfect to represent how Russian epochs have followed one another. Many years ago, the place was a far suburb of Moscow full of wooden houses. Then industrial revolution came to change cozy houses into the factories. USSR worsen the situation, turning whole area into the industrial zones of heavy machinery. Many years after, sleeping districts grew there to give a place to a new generation of Soviet people. Then Moscow became so huge, that such a godforsaken area suddenly turned into the very valuable land with a modern apartment complexes raising here and there out of nothing.
During the tour, you will experience the Real Moscow where old merchant mansions neighbors with Soviet five-block communal houses in the backyard of modern «anthills» of apartment complexes.
We will easily walk from one site to another while experiencing the city and discussing the most interesting topics of Russian mentality and the ordinary life, politics, the history and its influence on the modern country…
Do not miss an opportunity to see the Old Moscow before it is replaced by the new one!
Tour Itinerary
Since Moscow is the hometown of almost 20 millions of people spending their everyday life out of the city center, we will follow their paths to see some authentic non-touristy sites.
First, I will pick you up from the hotel to visit the last village of Moscow. We will wander along wooden houses, the last heritage of remote times. Then we will visit the industrial area to see the everyday life of their workers. We will also have a look on the modern construction in the backyard of the Moscow Skyline.
After, we will visit the Round House, a «masterpieces» of Soviet architecture neighboring the typical five-block houses. We will wander along the sleeping district to discuss the Soviet engineers and their creativity.
Then we will go to the local market to grab some food. Only 30 years ago, such markets were central places to buy products. Then we will take the train of the Moscow Circle Railroad to gaze at the «Moscow rusty belt» from the comfortable train. We will stop at the Izmaylovo market, famous flea market in Moscow and a good place to buy souvenirs and some old staff.
Finally, we will spend 5-10 min in soviet drinking place. It is not tourist, but real ugly place with vodka for 30 rub/50 ml. Pure face of 1980-s in USSR...
You may also like other Moscow Tours
Vladimir and Suzdal tour
Perhaps you already know, but there is a great difference between Moscow, St. Petersburg, and all other towns and cities in Russia. Visiting the countryside is a great opportunity to travel the real Russia and to see the common life of ordinary people. The best choice for a one-day Russian countryside experience is the Vladimir and Suzdal tour.
Vladimir and Suzdal are small towns that are famous worldwide because of their great history and picturesque architecture with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the 12th century. Aside from golden cupolas of stunning churches and monasteries, you will experience a very rural real Russian outlook with bubbling streams and grassy meadows, chickens and livestock, and interesting and authentic local residents. All are a common sight on the streets, some of which remain unpaved. Be ready for a full-day trip and many unforgettable experiences during your Russian holidays!
Duration: 14-16 hours
Transportation: Soviet van or VW Multivan
Moscow walking tour
During the tour you can choose the most interesting routes and subjects:
>>> Moscow city tour
Spend your first day in Moscow walking its historical and cultural center. You will experience the city walking through main attractions in good company!
>>> Back in USSR tour
Discover the Soviet Heritage and its impact on modern Russia: Stalin’s repressions, the Cold War, “perestroika”... We will travel around the KGB headquarters, the famous grocery store "Eliseevsky" and the Moscow University.
>>> Metro and city tour
Moscow metro is not only the best method of transportation in Moscow, but also one of the most picturesque subway systems in the world. Spend your Russian holidays moving between sightseens via the metro while enjoying its dramatic and historic interior!
Duration: 4 hours
>>> Moscow city tour
Spend your first day in Moscow walking its historical and cultural center. You will experience the city walking through main attractions in good company!
>>> Back in USSR tour
Discover the Soviet Heritage and its impact on modern Russia: Stalin’s repressions, the Cold War, “perestroika”... We will travel around the KGB headquarters, the famous grocery store "Eliseevsky" and the Moscow University.
>>> Metro and city tour
Moscow metro is not only the best method of transportation in Moscow, but also one of the most picturesque subway systems in the world. Spend your Russian holidays moving between sightseens via the metro while enjoying its dramatic and historic interior!
Duration: 4 hours