Red Square is one of Moscow’s most popular and iconic tourist destinations, attracting thousands of visitors each day. While the square is undeniably beautiful and historic, its popularity can lead to crowded conditions, especially during peak tourist seasons, holidays, or major events. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to avoid the crowds and enjoy Red Square more peacefully. Here’s a guide to help you navigate Red Square without the hustle and bustle.
1. Visit Early in the Morning or Late in the Evening
Why It Works
Red Square tends to get crowded as the day goes on, with both tourists and locals filling the area. However, the square is at its most peaceful during the early morning hours before most tourists arrive or after the sun sets when the crowds thin out.
Best Time to Visit
- Early Morning (Before 9:00 AM): Arrive as soon as Red Square opens (around 7:00 AM or earlier). At this time, the square is relatively empty, allowing you to enjoy its beauty without the crowds. You’ll also have the opportunity to take photos without people in the frame.
- Late Evening (After 7:00 PM): After the evening rush, especially on weekdays, the square becomes less crowded. The stunning night views of St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin under artificial lights provide a magical atmosphere, and the square is much more tranquil.
Bonus Tip: If you’re interested in photography, early mornings and late evenings offer the best lighting for capturing Red Square in its full glory.
2. Avoid Weekends and Public Holidays
Why It Works
Moscow is a busy city, and Red Square is a major gathering point for tourists and locals. Weekends and public holidays (especially Victory Day on May 9th, and New Year’s Eve) attract larger crowds due to events and celebrations.
Best Time to Visit
- Weekdays: Visit during the week, particularly on Monday mornings or Tuesday afternoons when fewer tourists are around. If you’re flexible with your schedule, avoid visiting during the weekend to sidestep the busiest times.
- Off-Peak Months: Try to visit Red Square during off-peak seasons such as late fall (November) or winter (January to March), when the weather is cooler, and tourist numbers are lower. Winter offers a unique view of Red Square with fewer crowds and the possibility of snow.
Bonus Tip: During peak holiday seasons (like Christmas or Russian New Year in January), Red Square becomes a festive market hub, which attracts both tourists and locals. If you want to avoid the crowds, consider planning your visit outside of these festive times.
3. Explore Lesser-Known Corners of Red Square
Why It Works
Although Red Square is relatively small, it’s packed with significant landmarks, and many tourists tend to flock to St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Lenin Mausoleum. If you venture beyond these popular spots, you may discover quieter corners of the square.
What to Explore
- Behind the Kremlin Wall: Walk along the back of the Kremlin Wall where you’ll find quieter spaces and access to the Alexander Garden, a beautiful park with fewer tourists.
- GUM’s Courtyard: While GUM is a popular shopping center, its central courtyard and various entrances are often less crowded, especially if you explore areas outside the main shopping hall.
- Near the Spasskaya Tower: Although the Spasskaya Tower is a popular point for photos, the area surrounding it can be less crowded than near St. Basil’s Cathedral. Take time to explore the area around the tower and take in the architecture from a different angle.
Bonus Tip: For a unique photo opportunity, visit the Alexander Garden, located just west of the Kremlin. It’s a beautiful garden area that offers a different perspective of Red Square.
4. Check for Special Events and Plan Around Them
Why It Works
Certain events, such as festivals, concerts, and national celebrations, can lead to a surge in visitors to Red Square. Knowing when these events are happening can help you avoid the busiest times.
Best Time to Visit
- Avoid Major Events: State events like the Victory Day Parade, Russia Day (June 12), and May Day Parades draw large crowds. You can check the calendar for these events in advance to plan your visit accordingly.
- Check for Temporary Exhibitions: Sometimes, there are temporary exhibitions or performances held in or near Red Square. Keep an eye on Moscow’s event calendar to see if anything major is planned for the dates you plan to visit.
Bonus Tip: The Moscow International Film Festival and the Spasskaya Tower Festival are annual events that typically take place in summer and can attract large crowds. Planning your visit during the off-season will help you avoid these busy times.
5. Use the Back Entrances to Red Square
Why It Works
There are multiple entrances to Red Square, and some are less crowded than others. Using the lesser-known entrances can give you a quieter way to access the square.
What to Do
- Via Zaryadye Park: You can access Red Square through Zaryadye Park, a modern park with stunning views of the Moscow River. The park is less crowded than Red Square itself, and walking through the park gives you a peaceful entry to the square.
- Near the Manezhnaya Square: Another entrance, through Manezhnaya Square, allows you to enter the square from the north side, which is often less congested.
- By the Historical Museum: The northern entrance near the State Historical Museum tends to be less crowded and provides an excellent starting point to explore the square.
Bonus Tip: After entering through a quieter entrance, take some time to explore the perimeter of Red Square to avoid the busiest areas near the cathedral or mausoleum.
6. Take Advantage of the Evening Light
Why It Works
While Red Square is bustling with tourists during the day, it becomes much quieter in the evening as most visitors leave. The beauty of Red Square at sunset or at night, with the Kremlin and St. Basil’s Cathedral lit up, offers a different and serene experience.
Best Time to Visit
- Evening (After 6:00 PM): As the day winds down, Red Square empties out, and the lighting from the buildings creates a magical atmosphere, perfect for taking photos and enjoying the square without the crowds.
- Night (After 9:00 PM): After dark, Red Square is beautifully illuminated and much more peaceful. If you’re an early riser or enjoy the quiet of the evening, this is the perfect time to experience the square.
Bonus Tip: The Moscow International Light Festival typically happens in the fall, transforming Red Square with light displays. While this event brings in more visitors, the evening hours are still a great time to explore.
Conclusion
Red Square is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in the world, and while it can get crowded, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the square in a more peaceful and relaxed manner. By visiting during the early morning or late evening, avoiding peak tourist seasons, and exploring quieter areas of the square, you can have a more serene and rewarding experience. Whether you’re taking photos or simply soaking in the atmosphere, these tips will help you make the most of your visit to Red Square without the overwhelming crowds.