Moscow is a city full of history, culture, and vibrant landscapes, and there’s no better way to explore its diverse neighborhoods, parks, and landmarks than by bicycle. With an increasing number of bike lanes and cycling-friendly paths, Moscow offers a range of routes that are perfect for cyclists of all levels. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely ride through parks or a more urban adventure, here are some of the best bicycle routes in Moscow to help you discover the city at your own pace.
1. Gorky Park and the Moscow River Embankment
One of the most popular cycling routes in Moscow is through Gorky Park, a massive green space located along the Moscow River. This route is perfect for tourists who want to enjoy a leisurely ride through beautiful gardens and scenic views of the river, while also passing several iconic landmarks.
Route Highlights:
- Gorky Park: Known for its wide cycling paths, picturesque lakes, and recreational facilities, Gorky Park is a great starting point for exploring Moscow by bike.
- Moscow River Embankment: After cycling through Gorky Park, head toward the Moscow River embankment, where you can enjoy views of the city’s skyscrapers, Kremlin, and other famous landmarks.
- Zaryadye Park: This modern park, located near Red Square, offers unique views of the Moscow River and the Kremlin from its floating bridge, and is a fantastic stop for cyclists.
Why This Route:
- Flat and easy: The terrain is mostly flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all experience levels.
- Beautiful scenery: Enjoy views of the river, Moscow’s skyline, and several of the city’s most important landmarks.
- Family-friendly: Gorky Park is ideal for a relaxing ride, and there are plenty of cafes and open spaces to stop and rest.
2. Sokolniki Park and the Surrounding Area
If you’re looking for a more peaceful and nature-filled route, Sokolniki Park is the perfect choice. This park is one of the oldest in Moscow, with over 500 hectares of green space. The bike paths here are well-maintained, offering a tranquil cycling experience amidst woodlands, ponds, and historical buildings.
Route Highlights:
- Sokolniki Park: Enjoy cycling through wooded areas, around lakes, and along well-kept bike paths that wind through the park’s peaceful landscapes.
- Sokolniki Metro Station: You can start your ride at Sokolniki Metro Station, making it easy to access the park from central Moscow.
- Vernissage Market: On weekends, the park hosts a popular open-air market, the Vernissage Market, where you can find antiques and crafts. This is a great spot to stop and explore after your ride.
Why This Route:
- Quiet and relaxing: Sokolniki Park is much quieter compared to other parts of Moscow, offering a peaceful cycling experience.
- Plenty of greenery: Ideal for nature lovers, with expansive green spaces, trees, and tranquil ponds.
- Easy access: The park is well-connected by the metro, making it easily accessible for tourists.
3. Moscow’s Boulevard Ring
The Boulevard Ring is a famous ring-shaped route that cuts through central Moscow, offering cyclists the chance to experience both historical and modern parts of the city. This route is popular for those who want to explore the city center while cycling along tree-lined streets, beautiful boulevards, and iconic squares.
Route Highlights:
- Pushkin Square: Start your ride at Pushkin Square, a bustling spot in central Moscow, and cycle past historical landmarks like Tverskaya Street and Manezh Square.
- Chistye Prudy: A picturesque and calm area, known for its beautiful lakes and historic architecture.
- Kropotkinskaya: As you continue along the Boulevard Ring, you’ll pass the Kropotkinskaya area, known for its elegant streets and close proximity to Gorky Park.
Why This Route:
- City sightseeing: A great option for tourists who want to explore central Moscow and its major cultural landmarks while cycling.
- Tree-lined boulevards: The route passes through green spaces, historic buildings, and popular streets, providing plenty of shade and comfort during your ride.
- Cycling lanes: The Boulevard Ring is well-suited for cycling with dedicated bike lanes along most of the route.
4. VDNH (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy)
The VDNH complex, also known as the Vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva, is one of the largest exhibition centers in Moscow. It’s a great area to explore by bike, with expansive grounds, historical pavilions, and plenty of green space. Cycling here will allow you to enjoy both the architectural grandeur and the park-like atmosphere.
Route Highlights:
- VDNH Park: Cycle through the massive VDNH park, with its stunning Soviet-era architecture, fountains, and large green areas.
- Space Pavilion: Visit the Pavilion of the Cosmos, home to the Buran space shuttle and other space exploration exhibits.
- Sculpture Park: The park is filled with sculptures and pavilions, showcasing the history of the Soviet Union’s industrial achievements.
Why This Route:
- Wide paths: The large park area features dedicated cycling paths that allow you to ride comfortably without worrying about traffic.
- Historical attractions: While cycling, you can explore some of Moscow’s most famous monuments, including the Cosmos Pavilion and the Friendship of Peoples Fountain.
- Spacious: The park offers plenty of space for cyclists to enjoy a relaxing ride without feeling cramped or rushed.
5. Sparrow Hills (Vorobyovy Gory)
For cyclists who enjoy a hilly ride and stunning views, the Sparrow Hills route is a must. This area offers sweeping panoramic views of Moscow, making it one of the most scenic places to ride. The hill itself is famous for the Moscow State University, which sits at the top, providing a picturesque backdrop for your cycling adventure.
Route Highlights:
- Sparrow Hills Viewpoint: Cycle up to Sparrow Hills and enjoy one of the best panoramic views of Moscow, including the Moscow River and the Kremlin.
- Moscow State University: The route leads to Moscow State University, one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
- Lenin Hills: Cycle around the Lenin Hills, a scenic area with a blend of natural beauty and urban charm.
Why This Route:
- Stunning views: You’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Moscow skyline, making this route perfect for those who enjoy sightseeing while cycling.
- Challenging: The route is a little more challenging due to the hills, so it’s ideal for cyclists who enjoy a bit of a workout.
- Nature and city views: The area combines both nature and urban views, making it a unique cycling experience.
6. Luzhniki and Moscow River Embankment
Luzhniki Park and the Moscow River Embankment offer a great route for cyclists looking to explore the city while staying close to the waterfront. The route is peaceful, flat, and scenic, making it perfect for a leisurely day of cycling.
Route Highlights:
- Luzhniki Stadium: Cycle past the Luzhniki Stadium, which hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final.
- Moscow River Embankment: Ride along the Moscow River embankment, with beautiful views of the river, Kremlin, and Sparrow Hills.
- Gorky Park: Finish your ride in Gorky Park, where you can enjoy the park’s extensive green spaces and modern amenities.
Why This Route:
- Peaceful and scenic: The river embankment offers quiet bike paths with beautiful natural surroundings.
- Flat terrain: This route is great for beginners or those who want a leisurely ride with minimal effort.
- Landmarks and nature: Enjoy the blend of nature, water views, and iconic Moscow landmarks.
Conclusion
Moscow offers a wide range of cycling routes, each catering to different preferences, whether you’re looking for urban exploration, nature-filled escapes, or scenic views. Routes like Gorky Park, Sokolniki Park, and VDNH offer easy, family-friendly paths, while others like Sparrow Hills and the Boulevard Ring provide a combination of historical exploration and stunning views. With the city’s expanding network of cycling lanes and bike-sharing programs, cycling is one of the best ways to enjoy and discover the many facets of Moscow.