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The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is one of the most popular attractions in the Moscow Kremlin, offering stunning panoramic views of Moscow and its historic significance as the tallest structure in the Kremlin. As one of the top sites in Moscow, the Bell Tower can attract long lines, especially during peak tourist seasons. However, there are several ways to skip the lines and maximize your time, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable visit. Here’s how to do it:
1. Buy Tickets in Advance
Why It Helps:
- The easiest way to avoid long lines is by purchasing your tickets in advance through the official Kremlin website or through reliable third-party vendors. When you buy your tickets online, you can skip the queue at the ticket office and head straight to the entrance.
How to Do It:
- Visit the Kremlin’s official website and select the Kremlin Museums ticket, which includes access to the Ivan the Great Bell Tower along with other Kremlin attractions like the Assumption Cathedral and State Armoury.
- Online booking allows you to choose your entry time, so you can avoid peak hours and plan your visit at a time that’s less crowded.
Advantages of Buying Online:
- Skip-the-line access: No need to wait in the long ticket purchasing lines at the Kremlin.
- Flexibility: You can select a time slot that works best for you, typically in the early morning or late afternoon when the crowds are smaller.
- Save time: Purchasing online in advance allows for a quicker and smoother entry into the Kremlin, leaving you more time to explore the Bell Tower and other attractions.
2. Visit Early in the Morning or Late in the Afternoon
Why It Helps:
- Crowds tend to build up later in the day, so visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon is one of the best ways to avoid long lines at popular sites like the Ivan the Great Bell Tower.
Best Times to Visit:
- Early Morning (9:00 AM – 10:00 AM): Arriving as the Kremlin opens is a great way to enjoy the Bell Tower with fewer tourists. Since most visitors don’t start their day early, you’ll have the tower almost to yourself.
- Late Afternoon (4:00 PM – 5:00 PM): The crowds tend to thin out in the late afternoon. Visiting around this time allows you to enjoy the Bell Tower with fewer people and still have plenty of time to take in the views.
Why It Works:
- Smaller crowds mean you’ll spend less time waiting in line for tickets or at the elevator to the observation deck.
- Visiting during off-peak hours ensures a calm, quiet experience, allowing you to take your time without rushing.
3. Purchase a Combined Ticket
Why It Helps:
- The Ivan the Great Bell Tower is part of the Kremlin Museums, and a combined ticket offers access to multiple Kremlin attractions, including the Annunciation Cathedral, Assumption Cathedral, State Armoury, and others. The combined ticket is often cheaper than buying individual tickets, and it also allows you to bypass long lines at different attractions.
How to Get a Combined Ticket:
- You can purchase a combined ticket online or at the Kremlin ticket office. If you buy it online, you can avoid waiting in line at the ticket counter and go directly to the entrance.
- The combined ticket gives you skip-the-line access to the Bell Tower and multiple other museums and historical sites within the Kremlin complex.
Advantages:
- Convenience: Skip multiple ticket lines by purchasing a single combined ticket that grants access to multiple sites.
- Time-saving: With skip-the-line access, you won’t have to wait in separate queues for each attraction.
4. Use the Moscow Pass or City Card
Why It Helps:
- The Moscow Pass or similar city cards offer skip-the-line privileges at some of the major attractions, including the Kremlin and Ivan the Great Bell Tower. These passes allow you to enjoy Moscow’s top sights without the hassle of waiting in long lines.
How to Get It:
- Purchase the Moscow Pass or Moscow City Card in advance, either online or at participating locations. Once you have your pass, you can simply show it at the entrance to the Kremlin or the Ivan the Great Bell Tower to gain access without waiting in line.
Advantages:
- Skip-the-line access to major attractions.
- The Moscow Pass also includes public transportation access and discounts on other activities and museums in the city, offering great value if you plan to explore more of Moscow.
5. Visit During the Off-Season
Why It Helps:
- The peak tourist season in Moscow typically runs from June to August, leading to larger crowds at popular attractions like the Ivan the Great Bell Tower. During the off-season (fall, winter, early spring), there are fewer tourists, and the crowds are significantly reduced.
When to Visit:
- Late Fall (October – November) and Winter (December – February) are ideal times to visit the Kremlin if you want to avoid large crowds and skip the lines. While the weather may be cold, Moscow’s quieter tourist season means you can explore at a more leisurely pace.
Why It Works:
- Fewer tourists means there will be less of a rush to get into popular attractions.
- Less competition for prime spots on the observation deck of the Bell Tower, allowing for better photo opportunities and a more relaxed experience.
6. Take a Guided Tour
Why It Helps:
- A guided tour can often give you skip-the-line access, especially if you book a group tour or private tour in advance. Many tour providers include access to the Kremlin Museums and the Ivan the Great Bell Tower as part of a guided package.
How to Get It:
- Book a Kremlin tour or a Kremlin combined tour that includes skip-the-line entry to multiple attractions. You can book tours through the Kremlin’s official website or with third-party companies that specialize in Moscow city tours.
Advantages:
- Expert insight from a guide who can share the history and significance of the Kremlin and Bell Tower.
- Skip-the-line privileges and personalized experience tailored to your interests.
Conclusion: Enjoy the Ivan the Great Bell Tower Without the Wait
By following these tips, you can easily skip the lines when visiting the Ivan the Great Bell Tower and make the most of your time exploring this historic landmark. Whether you purchase tickets online in advance, opt for a combined ticket, or visit during quieter hours, you can enjoy a seamless and efficient visit to one of Moscow’s most iconic sites.
- Buy tickets online to skip the ticket office lines.
- Arrive early or visit late to avoid crowds.
- Consider a combined ticket or city pass to make your visit even more convenient.
With the right planning, your visit to the Ivan the Great Bell Tower will be a memorable experience, free of long waits and full of fascinating views and history.