5 tourist attractions in sudan

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15 Best Places to Visit in Sudan

There’s no question about it: Sudan is no safe place for travelers these days. A duo of civil wars, repeated armed conflicts with their near neighbors (and recent compatriots) to the south, and destabilisation in other countries of the Sahel and North Africa, are all things that have added to the problem.

Today the country ranks second on the fragile states index, and most all foreign offices recommend against all travel there. Perhaps one day that will all be over though. Perhaps one day we can once again look forward to donning the desert gear and delving into the shifting sands of ancient Kush and Nubia. Perhaps one day the burgeoning Red Sea dive scene in the west can reveal the sparkling corals and ocean treasures, and the Twirling Dervishes of Khartoum can showcase their cylindrical gyrations for all to see.

Lets explore the best places to visit in Sudan :

The onetime epicentre of the ancient Napata Kingdom is a truly otherworldly place to explore.

Set out between the ochre-hued rises of the Sudanese desert, just north of the capital, its comprised of over 200 individual pyramid structures, along with a whole serious of fascinating ruins of another type.

This bears all the hallmarks of a grand architectural undertaking in the same ilk as the Nubian cities of old, and today the whole area has been accredited by UNESCO, and archaeological findings have confirmed the presence of an advanced civilisation of iron smelters and traders with mercantile links all the way to China and India!

Sand-blown Suakin stands tall and firm against the gusts of the Red Sea.

An iconic and historic place that still touts its medieval past with pride, it was once one of the major staging points for Muslim pilgrims making the hop across to Arabian Mecca from North Africa.

Consequently, there are gilded mosques and interesting religious structures carved from coral stone, all of which mingle with the occasional Ottoman relic – Suakin later succumbed to the Turks, but fell into swift decline as European traders opened up routes around the Cape of Good Hope.

3. Khartoum

Khartoum is perhaps best known as the mythical location where the two great strands of the River Nile combine before heading northwards into the ancient lands of Nubia and Egypt.

The city straddles the banks of this famous water way, and even pokes out into the famous confluence at the headland known as al-Mogran.

In the heart of the town, strips like Nile Street (which unsurprisingly run alongside the Blue Nile) are packed with pretty buildings of arabesque design.

This is also where you’ll see the grandiose Presidential Palace, protected religiously by zealous guards.

Nearby is the hustle and bustle of Souq Arabi – the more frenetic and mercantile hub of the capital.

Another great ancient relic left on the meanders of the Nile River from the civilisations of old, Kerma promises to be an experience like no other in the country.

At its center rises the soaring and mighty Western Deffufa – one of the largest and oldest adobe worshipping houses on the planet! And once you’re done getting over the sheer awesomeness of that centrepiece, you can move to tour the seemingly endless array of ruins that surround it (one of the largest in all of North African, in fact). These go from burial complexes to the unearthed statues of old Nubian deities, all of which boast a history going back more than 5,000 years!

5. Dinder National Park

The Dinder National Park is a triangle cut-out of protected land that buts right up to the Ethiopian border in the south-east of the country.

Made up of sprawling arid grass plains that glow yellow and come sun-baked under the heat of the equatorial sun, it occupies a unique habitat right where the great highlands of Ethiopia drop down to the northern African flats.

That means visitors can see the likes of lions prowling, their beady eyes focused on the bushbucks and springing antelope.

And then there are the curious long-legged North African ostriches, which are a common and eye-opening sight.

6. Sanganeb National Park

The first and only oceanic national park in all of Sudan, the Sanganeb National Park is made up of shallow reef habitats that showcase the sheer biodiversity of the Red Sea in all its glory.

The protected area is adjoined directly to the jetties and harbors of Port Sudan, making it a very accessible place to visit.

Divers can go underwater and case out layered coral gardens, witness multi-coloured tropical fish, and understand why the spot was added to the UNESCO list back in the early 1990s (along with the greater Dungonab Bay). There’s also an old lighthouse where snorkelers can moor up and spend some days enjoying the wonder!

7. Port Sudan

Situated more than 20 hours by rattling train through the dusty deserts of upper Sudan from the capital, the country’s only large port is home to nearly 500,000 people.

It crashes down to the sparkling waters of the Red Sea in a medley of creaking cranes and endless depot complexes, all ticking over to the lurch of massive tankers prepping for the Suez Canal and the chatter of down-to-earth dock workers from all over the globe.

For tourists, it’s the diving that really takes the biscuit though –  it’s undeveloped, unchartered and offers a cheap way to see the coral-clad depths of this crystal-clear sea.

8. Omdurman

The largest city in Sudan is actually now more or less contiguous with the capital at Khartoum.

It can be found facing its near brother on the far side of the White Nile, rising up from the banks at the legendary confluence at al-Mogran.

However, where Khartoum comes crowned with old palaces and blue-domed mosques, Omdurman is peppered with throbbing souqs and bazaars.

The most impressive of these is surely the eponymous Souq Omdurman, which is said to be the single largest market in all of Africa! The house of the old Khalifa is also located here, and makes a perfect stop for those interested in unravelling tales of Sudan’s colonial relations with the United Kingdom.

Oh, and be sure not to miss the shows of Twirling Dervishes that erupt here each Friday!

9. North Khartoum (Bahri)

Technically a standalone city from its namesake across the bends of the Blue Nice, the area of North Khartoum, also known locally as just Bahri, claims the title of the third-largest city in the country.

For visitors, there’s not that much in the way of sights and attractions, mainly on account of Bahri’s clear industrial and mechanical character.

However, you’ll see sprawling docks on the river, and endless depots bursting with cotton and kiln-cooked red bricks, all waiting for transportation north.

There’s also the striking ruins of the Al-Shifa plant, which was destroyed by a cruise missile during the troubles of the late 90s!

10. Arkawit

Perched over 1,000 meters above the crashing waters of the Red Sea, the resort town of Arkawit is the perfect escape for travelers finding it hard to handle the soaring equatorial temperatures of the Sudanese coast.

With the soothing breezes of the highlands at hand, visitors can take some time to kick back and relax in rustic guesthouses, enjoying the green-hued hills and rocky landscapes that abound around the area.

Walking is prime here too, with treks out to case the acacia-spotted ridges of Jebel Danaieb often done in the company of Sudan’s native monkeys!

Tawkar sits just down the ridges of the mountains from Arkawit, nestled between the rising massifs and the rollers of the Red Sea.

It’s a pretty place; a town of sleepy vibes and only 40,000 people.

Surrounded by cotton plantations made possible by irrigation along the edge of the Baraka River, it’s long been an important growing community.

Today though, there’s the Tokar Reserve to draw visitors, where the dusty wildernesses of this equatorial nation glow under the sun.

And there are a couple of diving operators (although no one knows how qualified any of them really area!) thrown in for good measure!

12. Jebel Marra

Rising in sinewy ridges atop the dusty plains of Darfur in the western reaches of Sudan, the Jebel Marra are perhaps the original African badlands.

They are carved and chipped massifs of ancient volcanic stone that have been forged from eruption after eruption over the millennia.

The most recent additions to the landscape are a colossal water-filled caldera known as the Deriba Crater, which is thought to have appeared following the pyroclastic flows of an explosion in 1,500 BC (that’s like yesterday to a volcanologist!). Jebel Marra itself is the highest peak in the country, clocking up more than 3,088 meters, and boasting beautiful waterfalls and canyons around its base.

13. Kassala

Don’t let the sweeping flatlands of farming land and irrigated fields of green fool you as you make your way to far-flung Kassala in the south-eastern reaches of Sudan, close to the border with Eritrea.

The wild throws of Mother Nature are still very much in command in these landscapes, and you only need to look upwards towards the horizon to see why! That’s where the bulbous peaks and troughs of the Taka Mountains loom, surrounded by sandy canyons and carved gorges of desert stone.

From the top of these you can see into Eritrea, while around the bottom you can settle for a traditional Sudanese coffee with the locals!

Mind-blowing Naqa sits in the shadow of the Jabal Naqa, some 170 kilometers from the capital at Khartoum.

A place of ancient treasures, the town has been reduced to a conglomeration of ruined peristyles and sun-cracked stone by the centuries.

But the magic is still very much alive, thanks largely to the trio of temples that form the centrepiece here.

These start with the haunting Temple of Amun, which bursts with old steles of the Egyptian deity Amun-Ra.

Then there’s Apedemak’s worship house, adorned with the figures of the ancient kings of Kush.

Finally, there’s the Roman Kiosk, displaying a fusion of Mediterranean, Hellenistic, Arabic and North African styles.

15. Wadi Halfa

One of the northernmost towns in the nation, the low-rise sprawl of Wadi Halfa sits between two ridges of desert rock and the waters of Lake Nubia.

While today it bustles with the coming and going of traders from Egypt, its main draw lies in its onetime inhabitants from the Middle Kingdom period.

And while Wadi Halfa itself might not be of mega importance in the search for Nubian treasures, the occurrence of Lake Nasser in the 1970s meant that archaeologists came here to focus their efforts in recovering the relics that had been submerged up and down the valley.

15 Best Places to Visit in Sudan:

• Dinder National Park
• Sanganeb National Park
• North Khartoum (Bahri)
• Jebel Marra

Top Sudan Attractions

Things to do in sudan.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Meroe Pyramids

2. Sudan National Museum

3. Gebel Barkal

4. Sanganeb National Park

5. Nile Street

6. University of Khartoum

7. Tuti Island

9. El Kurru Tombs

10. Khartoum War Cemetery

12. Al Kabir Mosque

13. Presidential Palace

14. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

15. Mojo Gallery

16. Ethnographic Museum

17. Taka Mountains

18. Afra Mall

19. Soleb Temple

20. Kerma's Archeological Site

21. Third Cataract of the Nile

22. Necropolis of Nuri

23. Khalifa House Museum

24. Petrified Forest

25. Nilian Mosque

26. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

27. Tomb of Muhammad Ahmad (Madhi)

28. Old Dongola

29. Sudan Art Diwan

30. Al Waha Mall

What travelers are saying

Destinations

14 Fascinating Places to Visit in Sudan

The situation in Sudan has unfortunately deteriorated since I was there, and as of April 2023 there is active armed conflict between factions of the military in Khartoum and elsewhere. I sincerely hope the country finds peace again soon, but in the meantime travelers should stay away.

There seem to be two types of people when it comes to travel in Sudan. Those who’ve never been will raise their eyebrows and ask about safety. But the few who’ve been will say Sudan is one of the nicest and safest countries they’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting.

As someone who spent several weeks in Sudan in early 2020 (in fact, I rode my bicycle solo through much of the country), I am firmly in the latter camp. Though Sudan as a country faces some deep economic and political challenges, the mood most travelers will encounter is peaceful and friendly.

Most travelers come to Sudan for the ancient Nubian archaeological sites, less developed than Egypt’s but also more relaxed and atmospheric. There is also plenty of interest in the colorful culture of this transition zone between Arabic northern Africa and the Sub-Saharan rest of the continent. And for  mindful travelers  with the opportunity and inclination to dig deeper, some very interesting conversations with friendly locals and expats await.

Sudan is a huge country but has only the faintest glimmer of tourism infrastructure, which is part of its charm as well as its challenge. Still, there’s no shortage of things to do and places to visit in Sudan. In this post I’ll highlight the most popular tourist attractions in Sudan, as well as a few of the low-key secrets, to help you plan your trip.

Sudan Travel Tips

Safety : Not all of Sudan is accessible to visitors. Areas like Darfur are currently off-limits due to continuing tribal conflict. Be sure to check government travel advice before planning a trip. The rest of the country is quite safe by any standards.

Costs : Sudan can be quite cheap to travel in if you’re backpacking. You can get by for just a few dollars a day. Guided tours can cost much more.

Money : ATMs and credit cards can’t be used by foreigners in Sudan (and aren’t reliable anyway). Bring cash (US dollars) and change it to Sudanese pounds in small amounts as you go. Seek out the much better black market rate by discretely asking at your hotel. Don’t change too much at once; rates fluctuate a lot and it can be difficult to change back if you end up with too much.

Language : Arabic is the official language of Sudan, and many regional languages are also spoken. Don’t expect more than a few words of English, but you can still get by with hand gestures and a smile.

Dress : Sudan is a very conservative Muslim country. Both men and women should cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the local culture. Women may want to be even more conservative by dressing in loose pants or skirt, a long-sleeve shirt, and potentially a headscarf in some circumstances. For more detail, see What Should Travelers Wear in Sudan?

Female travelers : Considering how conservative the culture is for local women, Sudanese are surprisingly welcoming and respectful toward foreign women. Harassment is uncommon, though culturally uninformed misunderstandings about the desires of western women can and do happen. Just firmly say no thanks.

Guided or independent : Many travelers visit Sudan on organized tours which certainly does make for a more relaxing trip. But it’s absolutely possible to travel Sudan independently as a backpacker or overlander, and many find it highly rewarding due to the welcoming culture.

Food : Not the highlight of a trip to Sudan. Ful (beans) is a staple, as is falafel. Limited selection of fresh fruit and vegetables is usually not hard to find. Tea is available and offered everywhere.

Transportation : Variable but decent for the region. Main roads are generally well paved. Buses are fairly orderly but usually not on a strict schedule. Traffic can be chaotic so think twice before renting a vehicle to drive yourself. Hitchhiking is common.

Weather : Generally hot, mostly dry in the desert north, with a rainy season further south from June – October.

Guidebook : There isn’t much to choose from, but the Bradt Sudan Travel Guide from 2012 is helpful for understanding the main attractions and learning the country’s history.

Now that you have a general sense for travel in Sudan, let’s get to the fun part: the most popular things to do in Sudan.

Sudan Within A Longer Trip

Some people visit Sudan as a stand-alone destination, and this makes perfect sense if you have less time. But for travelers on a more leisurely schedule, a great option is to combine Sudan with a visit to its northern neighbor Egypt.

The border between Egypt and Sudan is a relatively recent division, and much of the region’s deep history spans vast areas of both countries. Much of the landscape is similar – sandy desert bisected by the green Nile – and the language of Arabic is another common factor.

Logistically speaking, there’s only one highway serving the far north of Sudan – one of the country’s nicest areas in my opinion – and following it overland to or from Egypt flows a bit better than an out-and-back journey. The ferry crossing of Lake Nasser is scenic and interesting, and border crossings in Africa tend to be exciting affairs in any case.

It’s also possible, though less common, to continue south through Sudan to Ethiopia overland. The transition from desert to savanna to mountains must be experienced gradually to be fully appreciated.

For those who seek out the least-visited of rarely visited countries, Eritrea is right next door to Sudan and has even fewer visitors and more red tape. Travel in Eritrea is difficult because of the many restrictions on foreigners, and crossing the border overland from Sudan may well be impossible. However, those who’ve been report that it’s a fascinating country to visit.

Now that we’ve covered some travel tips and ideas for structuring your trip, let’s get into all the things to do and places to visit in Sudan.

Khartoum and Omdurman

The capital city of Khartoum feels almost like its own country. In this relatively progressive place you’ll find more women on the streets, some even without headscarves, and foreigners won’t usually get much of a second look. The city is cramped and bustling in some places and surprisingly modern in others, with an overall friendly and polite vibe.

The most highly recommend thing to do in Khartoum is technically in Omdurman, the older and grittier city right next door. Every Friday before sunset sufi mystics dance and chant in a highly charged ecstatic atmosphere at the Hamed-al Nil tomb.

In Khartoum proper, the National Museum and the confluence of the Niles are both worth a visit and relatively nearby each other. For more ideas, see this more detailed guide to things to do in Khartoum .

Pyramids at Meroë

Sudan technically has more pyramids than Egypt, though they’re smaller and often less well preserved. If you’re going to see one pyramid site in Sudan, make it the pyramids of Meroë.

Usually visited as a day trip from Khartoum or en route from Atbara, this site is the best preserved and also the most popular pyramid site in Sudan (meaning you might have to share with a handful of other tourists).

The pyramids here are in varying stages of disrepair and reconstruction, revealing a complex history of both building and excavating. While chatting with one of the site’s archaeologists I was surprised to learn that a fair amount of their effort goes into simply holding back the desert sand that threatens to sandblast the remaining structures, destroying them faster than they can be preserved.

The pyramids at Meroë can be reached easily by public transit from either Khartoum or Atbara. Just ask to be let off at Bajrawia village. Coming back is trickier, and is usually done by hitchhiking. It’s possible to camp at the pyramids if you’re prepared with your own gear.

Note that Meroë is the ancient city (you can still wander around the ruins, which are near the pyramids), and NOT the same as Merowe, an area near Karima.

Naqa and Musawwarat

These two Meroitic archaeological gems are a bit harder to get to than most of Sudan’s other tourist attractions, requiring some kind of private transportation. They lie 26 km (Naqa) or 30 km (Musawwarat) east of the highway from Khartoum to Atbara on sand and dirt track, sharing the same road for the first 15 km after leaving the highway.

Their locations can be found on the iOverlander app, but it’s probably best to go with an experienced guide/driver who can navigate the faint and sandy desert tracks.

If you can manage to get there, the temples at these sites are among the nicest in Sudan. Naqa is home to the temples of Amun and Apedemak (the latter notably depicting the queen with the same size and power as the king), as well as the small but surprisingly intricate Roman Kiosk.

At Musawwarat Es-Sufra, which dates from the 3rd century BC, you can wander the extensive labyrinthine Great Enclosure and visit the well-preserved Lion Temple. The old reservoir is usually dry these days, but standing there you can almost imagine how it would have looked and felt when the now-barren desert was teeming with life centered around this ancient temple complex.

Atbara has a bit of a gritty feel compared to the gentler towns further west and north. There’s not too much to do in this industrial and railroad town, besides the usual chatting and wandering, but many travelers will pass through on their way along the Nile toward the Meroë Pyramids and Khartoum.

The “new bus station” in the southeast corner of town (still north of the river) is surprisingly nice and orderly, with buses leaving every hour or so for Khartoum throughout the morning.

Karima: Pyramids, Jebel Barkal, Nuri

Across a long empty stretch of desert from Atbara is the town of Karima. The town is more relaxed than Atbara, though it can feel a bit less friendly than the smaller towns further down the Nile due to the area’s relative popularity with tourists.

The area around Karima is home to three of Sudan’s tourist attractions.

Jebel Barkal and Temple of Mut

Jebel Barkal is a small mountain popular for its great views and for sunset climbs (bring a light for the way down). At its base there is a cemetery and ancient ruins of the Temple of Mut.

Karima Pyramids

Free and literally right beside the road, these are certainly worth a visit especially if you haven’t yet been to the Meroe Pyramids. They’re quite well preserved (please don’t climb them in order to keep them that way) and clustered in a small easy-to-reach area.

Nuri Pyramids

On the east side of the Nile and a bit of a drive outside of town, these pyramids are quite deteriorated but said to be atmospheric. Personally I skipped them since I had already seen the nearby Karima pyramids and was headed to Meroë next, but for pyramid connoisseurs they are easy enough to get to and worth a visit.

Dongola was among my favorite towns in Sudan for its relaxed and friendly vibe. The refreshing breeze coming off the Nile probably didn’t hurt either. Wandering the streets and markets there felt pleasant and welcoming in a way I’ve rarely found anywhere on the African continent, making the simple errand of shopping for food an attraction in itself.

Otherwise, there isn’t too much else to do in Dongola besides relax and recover from a few days in the desert.

Old Dongola

Old Dongola, not to be confused with the present-day town of Dongola, lies about 50 miles upstream (south) and is an archaeological site. Notable for its more recent history – relatively speaking compared to some of Sudan’s ancient sites – it contains the ruins of a number of Christian churches from the 7th – 14th centuries AD.

The Throne Hall, Church of the Granite Columns, and Muslim cemetery are some of the most prominent ruins at Old Dongola.

The temple of Soleb is a relatively well-preserved Egyptian temple built in the 14th century BC. It lies on the west bank of the Nile across from the village of Wawa, about 3/4 of the way from Dongola to Abri.

Most travelers will need to hire a small boat to take them across the Nile, which can supposedly be done at the small guesthouse in Wawa (check the iOverlander or Maps.me app for location). This may take a bit of time though, as you’ll need to track down the owner first. There’s also an informal homestay on the Soleb side for those wishing to spend the night near the temple, but you should bring your own food.

Kerma is a town on the east side of the Nile just north of Dongola. Its main attractions are two “deffufa” (burial mounds) and a small museum. There are one or two small guesthouses in town; check Maps.me and iOverlander to find them.

Abri is a pleasant small town on the banks of the Nile in northern Sudan. Few travelers make it this far north unless continuing to Egypt, and the town feels relaxed and gentle. The best thing to do in Abri is sit by the Nile and rest up before or after a few days of desert travel.

The Nubian Guesthouse is where most travelers to Abri stay. The owner speaks good English, and there’s hot water and wifi. Rooms are available for moderate prices and camping is allowed in the courtyard for a few dollars.

There’s not much reason to visit the far-north border town of Wadi Halfa unless you’re crossing between Egypt and Sudan. Still, it’s an interesting transit town where you can watch the ferries come in from Aswan and Abu Simbel, and out on the highway you’ll see a trickle of large trucks on their way to and from Egypt via Lake Nasser.

If you just arrived in Sudan from Egypt, head downtown for plenty of cheap hostels and some places to buy a local SIM card.

Kassala is a market town in the east of Sudan, near the border with Eritrea. It’s not as commonly visited as the towns and archaeological sites along the Nile, but if you have the time and enjoy traveling off the beaten path it’s worth the 7 hour bus journey from Khartoum.

Kassala is known for its ethnic blend as tribes from near and far come to trade at the market, and for its dramatic location at the base of the distinctive Taka Mountains.

Port Sudan is the place to go if you want to see the Red Sea from Sudan. It’s Sudan’s second-largest city (after Khartoum) and only port city, connected to Khartoum by both weekly train and busy paved road.

Among tourists it’s best known for its small but interesting scuba diving scene, though I’ve heard that only those with experience should dive here as instruction and safety standards can be questionable.

Dinder National Park

On the way south to the Ethiopian border, Dinder National Park offers a completely different environment from the sandy desert of the north. Best visited during the dry season (November to May), it draws visitors looking to spot wildlife and relax in the peaceful environment. To explore the park fully you’ll want a 4wd vehicle and ideally a guide and driver.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, Sudan is home to a wealth of historic sites and interesting experiences. For travelers who enjoy getting off the tourist trail and exploring on their own, Sudan will be an adventure to remember and learn from for many years to come.

More Africa Travel Resources

If you’re curious about things to do in Sudan, you might also be interested in these:

• 12 Essentials From My Africa Packing List
• How to Travel Mindfully in Challenging Places
• Must-Know Cultural Tips for Visitors to Uganda
• Where to go Hiking in West Africa

About the Author

Hi there, I’m Alissa, founder of Exploring Wild. I’ve had the pleasure of traveling independently and solo on six continents, including some unusual destinations like Liberia and Sudan, and it has forever changed the way I see the world and myself. Learn more about me here .

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Things to see and do in Sudan

Attractions in sudan, discover khartoum’s hidden gems.

With Omdurman and Bahri, Khartoum forms Sudan's unusual 'three-towns capital'. Among the tourist attractions are Omdurman's camel market and the Arab souk. Particularly noteworthy from a historical and artistic viewpoint is the well-organised National Museum, containing treasures dating back 6,000 years. The Khalifa's House Museum will reward those with an interest in Sudan's more recent history.

Dive into Sudan’s Red Sea marvels

More widely associated with desert landscapes than coral reefs, Sudan has a burgeoning diving industry centred on the Red Sea's Port Sudan from where scuba expeditions are led to various sites, including Jacque Cousteau's underwater village and Sanganeb reef.

Explore the coastal cities

Port Sudan, Suakin and the Arous Tourist Village are three of the best centres from which to explore the country's beautiful Red Sea coastline. If you can't handle the heat head to Erkowit, which sits 1,200m (3,930ft) above sea level and is home to a beautiful resort offering exquisite panoramas and evergreen vegetation.

Head south for wildlife viewing

The southern provinces are characterised by green forests, open parkland, waterfalls and treeless swamps. The bird and animal life here flourishes, and includes elephant, black and white rhino, antelope, zebra, crocodile, hippo, and the almost extinct shoebill. The Gemmeiza Tourist Village, situated in the heart of East Equatoria, is considered of special interest, owing to the abundance of game in the area.

Hike through the Jebel Marra mountains

The extinct volcanoes of Jebel Marra, at more than 3,000m (10,000ft), are the highest point in the vast Darfur region of western Sudan. It is a sparsely populated area of outstanding scenic beauty and small traditional villages, waterfalls, volcanic lakes and a pleasant Mediterranean climate.

Marvel at the Pyramids of Meroe

The Pyramids of Meroe are Sudan's most iconic tourist site. The product of a culture quite different to that of Egypt, these brick-built and steep-sided pyramids sprout in groups of a dozen at a time, and there's not a tourist tout offering souvenirs or camel rides in sight. Nearby are the archaeological sites of Naqa and Musawarat Es Sufra, which are worthy of a detour.

Travel back in time at Musawarat

One of the largest ancient temple complexes in Sudan, Musawarat is thought to have been a pilgrimage site. Modern pilgrims can wander the columns of the Great Enclosure to study the carved walls depicting the animals that once inhabited the region. Also worth visiting are the engraving of the marriage room, and the elephant stables.

Visit Dinder National Park

Covering 6,475 sq km (2,500 sq miles) southeast of Khartoum on the Ethiopian border, Dinder National Park is one of the largest in Africa. Providing homes for 27 species of large mammal including big cats and giraffe, it also provides habitats for a large variety of birdlife flying between Europe and Africa including pelican, kingfisher and the beautiful crown crane.

Wander among the ruins of Old Dongola

The now deserted Nile city of Old Dongola, which sits 80km (49 miles) from modern Dongola, represents one of Sudan's premier archaeological sites. An important medieval Christian city, the remains include those of a dozen churches, though the most prominent survivor is the large Throne Hall, which was constructed between the 9th and 10th centuries.

Watch the Blue and White Niles converge in Khartoum

The long straight roads of Omdurman lead to Sambat Bridge, a good place to view the sluggish and silt-laden waters of the reddish-brown Blue Nile converge with the clearer, lighter shades of the White Nile. Just south, the manmade wonder of the Gezira irrigation canals cover almost 9,000 sq km (3,500 sq miles) of land for cotton production.

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Tourist Attractions in Sudan: Africa’s Nubian Kingdom

Last modified on June 9th, 2020 at 17:13

Over the past few decades, Sudan has made headlines for all the wrong reasons. As a result, the country’s name often conjures images of bloodshed and brutal dictatorships, while its wealth of treasures have been all but ignored. Most people are not even aware that, beneath Sudan’s shifting grains of sand, lie remnants of an empire that once rivaled Ancient Egypt. Or that the country contains more pyramids than any other place in the world.

Sudan offers an unexpected array of things to do, places to see, and experiences to be had. It is a country that boasts tremendous attractions, heaps of natural beauty, and a population that is among the friendliest in the world.

Sure, traveling in Sudan is not for the inexperienced adventurer. Obtaining a visa can be tricky and confusing. Hotel booking websites are largely inaccessible. Information on the tourist attractions in Sudan is scant, at best.

But with a little effort, the vast swath of land flanking the Upper Nile is a wonderland for intrepid adventurers. It is a country that is as welcoming as it is challenging, and as beautiful as it is undiscovered.

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TRAVEL IN SUDAN: AN OVERLAND ADVENTURE

Dan and I traveled to Sudan as part of a larger Egypt vacation. We combined the two countries into one trip because of their inextricably linked histories. Creating a comprehensive Egypt and Sudan itinerary would give our trip continuity and allow us to trace Egyptian Civilization throughout ancient history.

Our itinerary began with the Pyramids of Giza , and continued on a Nile cruise —past Luxor and Aswan—to Abu Simbel. From there, we returned to Cairo and flew to Khartoum for the Sudanese part of our Nile-side adventure.

Due to the offbeat nature of Sudan’s tourist attractions, we chose to explore the country on an overlanding tour with Dragoman. I’d traveled with Dragoman previously, on a three week tour through Togo , Benin and Ghana . In doing so, I’d learned how valuable it is to have someone plan the tricky logistics associated with traveling to off-the-beaten-path destinations in Africa .

With its limited infrastructure for independent travel, Sudan is no exception.

In order to facilitate our travels in Sudan, Dragoman took care of obtaining our Sudan visa invitation letter, setting up visa on arrival at the airport, and completing the registration process. It also allowed us to visit the top tourist attractions in Sudan without having to worry about navigating the roads, figuring out public transportation, or choosing places to wild camp.

TOP SUDAN TOURIST ATTRACTIONS

Sudan is a country replete with things to see. Its tourist attractions include fascinating urban delights, natural landmarks, and the long-lost relics of ancient civilizations. Our eight day overlanding tour with Dragoman began and ended in Khartoum. Along the loop,  it brought us to many of the top places to visit in Sudan—including the spectacular massif of Jebel Barkal, the solitary Temple of Soleb, the elaborate carvings of Naqa and Musawwarat, and the majestic Pyramids of Meroe.

THE OLD KINGDOM OF DONGOLA

After an orientation day in Khartoum, we hopped on our big orange tour truck and headed northward, into the reaches of the desert. The first stop on our Sudan itinerary was the deserted town of Old Dongola, halfway between Khartoum and the Egyptian border. Old Dongola lies at the center of Sudanese Christian tradition. It was once an important city in Medieval Nubia and the capital of the Makurian State.

For about an hour, we walked atop a blanket of pottery shards that probably should have belonged in museums, and admired ruins that once represented basilicas.

The Throne Hall of Old Dongola dates to the 5th century, though many of the city’s remaining structures are the product of subsequent generations. A 17th century Islamic cemetery with beehive tombs is a testament to the importance of Old Dongola in post-Medieval times as well.

Visiting Old Dongola may be one of the top things to do in Sudan, but we did not encounter any other tourists during our tour. The archeological site was completely deserted—like an abandoned ghost town that has been completely neglected by the world at large.

THE KERMA ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE

The second day of our Sudan tour brought us back in time, to the beginnings of the Kushite Kingdom. Kush is a Nubian land that lies between the first and fourth cataracts of the Nile, in modern-day Sudan. The legendary Kingdom of Kush helped define the political and cultural landscap of northeastern Africa for more than a thousand years.

The Ruins of Kerma are remnants of an the early Kushite Kingdom that ruled Nubia between 2450 BC and 1450 BC. The ancient city’s sprawling ruins center around a large adobe temple known as the Western Deffufa.

From the top of the ancient structure, a blueprint of the city stretches toward a forest of palms on the banks of the River Nile.

Kerma is one of the largest archaeological sites in ancient Nubia. It has produced decades of extensive excavations and research.

Today, aside from lumpy remnants of the Western Deffufa and the delineated markings of old living quarters, not much remains of Kerma’s once-powerful city.

Still, it is a fascinating place to visit and a testament to the little-known wonders that lie lost amongst the vast expanses of Sudan’s desert.

THE TEMPLE OF SOLEB

After visiting the remnants of the Kerma Kingdom, we continued toward the village of Wawa in time for nightfall. There, we settled into a small guesthouse and prepared for a sunrise visit to the Temple of Soleb the following morning.

To reach the Temple of Soleb from Wawa, we walked to the shores of the Nile through a groves of palms,  took a small boat across the river, and made our way past cultivated fields of beans and wheat. When we reached the confines of the archeological site, we found a place to sit and watch the sun illuminate the temple’s rose-hued columns.

The Temple of Soleb is the southernmost temple built by eighteenth dynasty Pharaoh Amenhotep III—the builder of the extraordinary Temple of Luxor in Egypt. It may be much more modest than its Egyptian counterpart, but Soleb’s comparative isolation makes it nonetheless evocative and magical.

Like most other tourist attractions in Ancient Egypt and Nubia, the Temple of Soleb sits on the banks of the Nile, where fertile palm groves give way to the desolation of the desert.

I imagine that reaching the Temple of Soleb is quite difficult without an organized tour or rental car. Despite being one of the top tourist attractions in Sudan, the Soleb Temple has no public transportation links and draws only a small trickle of tourists every year—making it all the more special for those who choose to make the haul.

THE NURI PYRAMIDS

Everyone has heard of the Pyramids of Egypt . The mighty ancient wonders are emblazoned on travel brochures, impressed on the imaginations of young scholars, and at the forefront of many travel bucket lists. Yet, few people know that Egypt only contains a small percentage of the ancient Pharaonic structures. In fact, Sudan claims dozens—if not hundreds— more pyramids than Egypt.

Situated near Jebel Barkal, the Nuri Pyramids are among the most impressive of their kind in Sudan.

We explored the Nuri Pyramids on the third day of our Sudan tour, following a sunrise visit to the Temple of Soleb.

The dilapidated Pyramids of Nuri—among the largest in Sudan—lie scattered amidst low-lying sand dunes. Dating from around the 7th century BC, they are the oldest and largest pyramids in Ancient Nubia.

We spent about an hour clambering around the archeological site and admiring the unobstructed views of its age-old treasures.

Once again, a lack of other tourists made our experience all the more surreal.

JEBEL BARKAL

From afar, Jebel Barkal is a nondescript lump of earth that rises above the sandy plains of north-central Sudan. Yet, upon closer examination, the sacred mountain reveals its magic.

Visiting Jebel Barkal is, without a doubt, one of the top things to do in Sudan. The sacred mountain boasts unparalleled views of the Nile River and its nearby pyramids and temples. And beneath its towering massif, it conceals the ruins of an ancient temple that has been consumed by the elements and nearly lost in time.

Following an afternoon visit to the Nuri Pyramids, our tour group scrambled to the top of Jebel Barkal for sunset.

I’m not sure what I expected of Jebel Barkal, but I certainly didn’t imagine it to be such a prominent highlight of our itinerary. Photos I found online did little justice to the area.

From its summit, surreal 360 degree panoramas took our breaths away. We could see a small pyramid grouping on one side, and unparalleled views of the Nile River  and Amun Temple on the other.

In 2003, the mountain (in conjunction with the historical city of Napata) was named a UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I can certainly understand why.

THE TEMPLE OF AMUN AT JEBEL BARKAL

The Napatan Ruins of Jebel Barkal represent the southernmost permanent settlement in the New Kingdom of Egypt. They are the main Nubian cult centre of the god Amun and were once of great importance to the Kushite Kingdom.

Napata was an ancient Nubian city, at the site of modern-day Karima. The entire complex encompasses both the Nuri Pyramids and the Temple of Amun at Jebel Barkal.

The Nubian king Piye expanded Barkal’s Amun temple complex, creating a southern version of the Amun temple at Thebes (near Luxor in modern-day Egypt).

Today, the great Amun Temple of Jebel Barkal lies largely in ruins. A few piles of rocks lies scattered about, and some statues of rams remain relatively well-preserved.

A small temple dedicated to Mut lies adjacent to the Amun Temple. The Mut temple contains two pillars adorned in carvings of the cow-headed goddess Hathor.

After about half an hour of exploring the area, our guide tracked down the keys to a small hidden chamber that lies hewn inside the rocks of Jebel Barkal, behind Mut’s temple. When we entered inside, we were wowed by the vivid and colorful depictions of Egyptian gods. We felt privy to a secret world that few know exist.

It was incredibly special.

THE MEROE PYRAMIDS: SUDAN’S TOP TOURIST ATTRACTION

The Meroe Pyramids are, without a doubt, the top place to visit in Sudan.  They are a mainstay of nearly every Sudan itinerary, and among Africa’s most impressive archeological sites. The Meroe Pyramids are a group of roughly 200 structures that are over 2,500 years old. Though smaller than the Great Pyramids of Giza and Dashur, the Pyramids of Meroe lie beautifully situated among low-lying dunes of blood-red sand.

The site’s  200 pyramids have varying levels of preservation. Most pyramids have no tops, thanks to an Italian treasure hunter who blew them off in the 19th century in order to loot their tombs for buried valuables.

Our group set up camp near the gates of the Meroe Pyramids Archeological Site, just over the dunes from the area’s main cluster of temples. The landscape surrounding our camp consisted of purple-hued hills, interrupted by a snaking sea of orange sand.

Despite the fact that the Meroe Pyramids are Sudan’s only well-established archeological site, we had the entire area to ourselves during our early-morning visit. For over an hour, we watched the sun rise above the majestic ruins and paint the surrounding landscape in warm shades of pastel.

It was surreal. Enchanting. Magical.

We visited the Meroe Pyramids on my 30th birthday. I couldn’t have asked for a more striking and memorable location to celebrate three decades on Earth.

THE MUSAWWARAT ES SUFRA TEMPLE

Musawarat es Sufra is the largest Meroitic temple complex in Sudan. Constructed in sandstone, the site’s main features include a Great Enclosure and a Lion Temple.

Though it resembles the temples of Egypt in many ways, Musawwarat es Sufra has distinct influences that are wholly unique to Sudanese temples. Most significant are the representations of elephants and other wild animals that once roamed around this region of Africa.

The engravings of lions, elephants and giraffes made Musawwarat es Sufra’s Great Enclosure one of the more interesting temples we saw during the entirety of our trip through Egypt and Sudan.

Situated a few hundred meters away from the Great Enclosure, the intricately-carved Lion Temple of Apedemak dates to the 3rd century BC. Its ornate reliefs are remarkably well preserved.

THE NAQA TEMPLE

Like Musawwarat es Sufra, Naqa lies in the heart of the Sudanese Desert. Its location away from the Nile makes it unique among the temples of Ancient Egypt and Nubia.

The Naqa archeological site consists of a large and well-preserved Temple of Amun that dates back to the first century BC. Notable features include a Hypostyle Hall with splendid columns and hieroglyphics, and a row of statues representing rams (reminiscent to those at the Karnak Temple in Luxor).

Another small Lion Temple lies within walking distance of the Amun Temple at Naqa. It has some of the most incredible exterior carvings of any place that we visited during our month in North Africa.

Adjacent to the Lion Temple, a stunning Roman kiosk boasts Hellenistic elements and floral embellishments.

Since there is so little travel literature on Sudan, I really didn’t know what to expect of the country’s Nubian temples. I hadn’t seen pictures of Musawwarat and Naqa prior to visiting, nor did I even know they existed.

I simply booked a tour to Sudan and let myself be slowly blown away by the unexpected magic that lies deep in the reaches of the Sahara.

KHARTOUM: SUDAN’S CAPITAL CITY

Our Sudan travels began and ended in Khartoum. So, at the tail end of our week-long adventure, Dan and I dedicated a day and a half to the country’s bustling capital city.

Khartoum isn’t exactly a beautiful city in the classical sense of the word. It is dusty and sprawling, and relatively lacking in things to see. Yet, situated at the confluence of the Blue and White Niles, Khartoum defies expectations with its pleasant atmosphere, laid-back vibe, and friendly residents. The city’s excellent museum, its fascinating markets and its idyllic Nile-side views make it a relaxing antidote to the hubbub of some of Africa’s other large metropolises.

• THE SUDAN NATIONAL MUSEUM

With limited time in Khartoum, visiting the Sudan National Museum should be a top priority. Though the museum’s collection of artifacts pales in comparison to that of Cairo’s Museum of Antiquities, its exhibits paint a picture of Nubian Civilization that I doubt can be rivaled anywhere else in the world.

Outside of the museum’s main enclosure, the three reassembled Nubian temples are some of the country’s finest architectural gems.

• THE FRIDAY SUFI GATHERING

You won’t see many tourists wandering the streets of Khartoum on a daily basis. But during the weekly Sufi ceremony that takes place every Friday, they all seem to emerge from the shadows.

On our last day in Sudan, we headed to to the Omdurman neighborhood of Khartoum for an opportunity to witness the Sudanese whirling dervishes.

Each Friday afternoon, at around 4pm, adherents of Sufism   gather to dance and pray—attracting large crowds of observers and participants. Since the procession draws more tourists than just about anything else in Sudan, it also attracts large numbers of Sudanese youth hoping to improve their English.

The gathering isn’t exactly what one might expect of a typical whirling dervish ceremony, but the procession and chanting of red-and-green-clad faithfuls is a fascinating spectacle nonetheless.

• THE KHARTOUM CAMEL MARKET

On the morning of our departure from Khartoum, Dan and I chose to travel to the outskirts of the city in search of the sprawling camel market that takes place twice a week. Every Wednesday and Saturday, hundreds of people travel to Khartoum’s outskirts for what I can only assume is one of the world’s great camel markets.

Reminiscent to the livestock market in Karakol Kyrgyzstan, it is a place in which vendors and buyers converge to barter for the finest animals in the area.

• THE CONVERGENCE OF THE BLUE AND WHITE NILES

The great Nile River sustains life in one of the harshest habitats on earth. Since Khartoum lies at the convergence of the Blue and White Niles, its location provides an opportunity to witness the place in which two tributaries combine to create the longest river on Earth.

Though I wouldn’t prioritize it over a visit to the Sufi gathering or museum, a boat trip up the Nile is worthwhile for those who have the time.

Traveling to Sudan had been on the back of my mind since I first laid my eyes on a photo of the Meroe Pyramids.

I don’t know what it was about the photo that left me breathless, but I can only assume it had to do with the fact that such a remarkable wonder of the world remains largely secret. I knew I would find a way of visiting, safety permitting.

Traveling in Sudan is by no means easy or straightforward. The visa hassle alone discourages many travelers from setting foot on the country’s sandy soil. Add that to Sudan’s lack of public transit infrastructure, its elevated position on most travel advisory lists, and its lackluster accommodation options. It is no wonder so few people choose to visit.

Yet, Sudan and its people deserve more credit than they receive. The country is safe, beyond hospitable, and replete with jaw-dropping tourist attractions.

For adventurers willing to put in a little extra effort, the rewards of seeing some of the world’s greatest wonders without anyone else in sight, are truly indescribable.

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Things to do in Sudan

Sudan bucket list 101: epic things to do in sudan, according to locals.

Most Tourist Attractions and Things to do in Sudan are located in remote areas, and transportation to those areas is insufficient, but these various attractions demonstrate how far the country has progressed, and there are also several Tourist Activities that you can participate in while here, all of which are listed below so that you can make your decision before you even enter the country.

Sudan, the third-largest country in Africa, is situated south of Egypt and has a short coastline on the Red Sea . However, due to decades of civil strife, visiting the country, particularly outside of Khartoum , the capital, may be challenging and even dangerous. However, daring tourists can attend festivals, see more pyramids in Sudan than in Egypt, and enjoy the country’s renowned hospitality on a guided trip.

Tourist Attractions in Sudan

Among the countries in Northeastern Africa , Sudan has some of the most alluring sights. Sudan has a lot to offer travelers of all tastes, with attractions that showcase the country’s breathtaking landscapes and others that tell the narrative of its fascinating past. Everyone can find what they’re looking for, whether it’s a stunning volcanic mountain range, a long-standing historical museum, or an old pyramid.

The Meroe Pyramids

The Meroe Pyramids , considered the most stunning archeological monument in the country, are among Sudan’s most popular tourist destinations. There is a common misconception that Egypt has the most pyramids in the country, but Sudan has hundreds of them distributed around the country, with the Meroe pyramids being the best and most orderly. The Meroe Pyramids are minor in size, numbering around 200, and date back over 2500 years. When you visit the Meroe pyramids, you will notice that the tops of the pyramids are missing. This is because they were blown off by a rogue Italian hunter who wanted to pillage the pyramids.

The Kerma Archeological Site

The Kerma Archeological site is the place to go if you wish to journey back in time while in Sudan. The Kerma archeological site has its beginnings in the Kushite empire, which controlled Northern Africa circa 1450BC. Although the site is now in ruins, it is still worth visiting because you can see the Deffuta, which is encircled by the ruins. A trek up the Kerma will provide you with a clear perspective of the Nile River below, and it is also a great site to watch the sunset.

Khartoum is Sudan’s capital city and one of the destinations you should visit while in the country. It is one of the main cities in the country, with many government offices, and it is also the site of the legendary war between the Mahdi Army and the British. There are numerous museums and historical sites that display this conflict, as well as many other items that depict the history of the Sudanese people from before the colonialists came to power, through the colonial era, and after the country earned independence. Joining the famous camel market and shopping for souvenirs in the various shops are just a few of the exciting activities you should do.

The Sudan National Museum

The Sudan National Museum is located in Khartoum, this is one sight that should be on your list of must-sees in the country. There are three Nubian temples just outside the museum that you can visit, and when you get inside, you will be pleased to see paintings that depict the Nubian rule that spanned Northern Africa, and this picture tells the story of the Nubian civilization better than any other photo in any museum around the world.

The Dinder National Park

The Dinder National Park , considered one of the largest game parks on the African continent , is located on the border between Sudan and Ethiopia and is one of the country’s few National Parks. It is a terrific destination for a family vacation, and what better way to end or begin your trip than in the National Park, where you can observe 27 different types of animals and enjoy a trek through the Park, which is one of the greatest ways to experience the entire National Park.

The Nubian Pyramids

The Nubian pyramids in Sudan are an exact duplicate of the Egyptian pyramids and may be found in the Nubian Desert. These, on the other hand, were built some 800 years after the Egyptian pyramids and are significantly smaller. They were built during the Kushite kingdom’s reign, and unlike the pyramids found elsewhere, they were built with bricks, making them distinct from the rest of the country’s pyramids. They are an ideal destination for all travelers, particularly those interested in learning about ancient Sudan. The benefit of visiting these pyramids is that they do not receive a large number of visitors, so you will have the entire place to yourself and your team.

Top Things to Do in Sudan

Places to visit in sudan.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Big Groups
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Kids
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Meroe Pyramids

2. Sudan National Museum

3. Gebel Barkal

4. Sanganeb National Park

5. Nile Street

6. University of Khartoum

7. Tuti Island

9. El Kurru Tombs

10. Khartoum War Cemetery

12. Al Kabir Mosque

13. Presidential Palace

14. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

15. Mojo Gallery

16. Ethnographic Museum

17. Taka Mountains

18. Afra Mall

19. Soleb Temple

20. Kerma's Archeological Site

21. Third Cataract of the Nile

22. Necropolis of Nuri

23. Khalifa House Museum

24. Petrified Forest

25. Nilian Mosque

26. Jabal al-Awliyaʾ Dam

27. Tomb of Muhammad Ahmad (Madhi)

28. Old Dongola

29. Sudan Art Diwan

30. Al Waha Mall

What travellers are saying

Must-see attractions in Khartoum

National Museum

This museum, the best in Sudan, has some breathtaking exhibits. The ground floor covers the rise and fall of the kingdoms of Kerma, Kush and Meroe. There…

Hamed el-Nil Tomb

Every Friday afternoon you can see an incredible Sufi ritual, where a colourful local troupe of whirling dervishes belonging to the Sufi community stirs…

White Nile Bridge

The confluence of the Blue and White Niles, best seen from this bridge, is a languid high point of the world's longest river. You can actually see the…

Ethnographical Museum

This museum contains a small but fascinating collection of tribal artefacts from across Sudan. Displays are ordered by geographic region and illustrate…

Commonwealth War Cemetery

This WWII cemetery contains numerous headstones (but no actual bodies). The Allies used Khartoum as a base to invade present-day Ethiopia to expel the…

Nuba Wrestlers

In this Khartoum wrestling area, you’ll find traditional wrestlers going through their paces at roughly 4pm on Fridays. The tournament attracts hundreds…

Camel Market

On the far western edge of Khartoum, this market is spectacular, especially on Saturday, but there is no public transport (a taxi will cost at least S£150…

Omdurman Souq

This famous souq – the largest in Sudan – is abuzz with noise, activity and colour, and a couple of hours' exploration is bound to turn up all manner of…

St Matthew's Cathedral

With its various turrets, slender spires and a large rose window, this building resembles a fairy-tale castle. There are services on Sunday.

Coptic Church

Khartoum's Coptic minority uses this church off the main drag along the Nile. It's an elegant building, with two imposing bell towers.

Khalifa's House Museum

The Mahdi's successor lived across the street, and this 1887 museum showcases the history of the Mahdi era.

Al-Kabir Mosque

This architecturally impressive mosque is a major landmark in the centre.

Mahdi's Tomb

This rocket-topped tomb is worth making the effort to see. Respectfully dressed foreigners are generally allowed inside. The original was destroyed on…

Republican Palace Museum

Housed in a converted Anglican church, this is a hall of heroes, of sorts, with mementos such as presidential limos and General Gordon's piano. It's worth…

Why Should You Visit Sudan? Plus A 7 Day Sudan Itinerary

This is a country very unlike most of Africa and mostly off the tourist trail. If you really want an incredibly different and peaceful trip in Africa, I recommend a visit to Sudan . Read on to discover why!

Sudan has gone through a big transitional period in recent years and you might be wondering if it’s ok to visit Sudan. President Omar al-Bashir was ousted from power on 11 April 2019 after 30 years in charge. The country was stable for a period but unfortunately it slipped into civil unrest.

2024 update: At the moment the civil unrest means it is unsafe to visit Sudan and it is marked as red on the FCO website. However, hopefully this will change in the future and Sudan can begin welcoming tourists once again. (See https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/sudan for latest advise)

Here are my top 3 reasons to visit Sudan along with some things to consider before you go.

Disclaimer:  Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that if you purchase through them I receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Why Visit Sudan?

1. the people.

Sudanese people are incredibly friendly, helpful and generous. During our visit at the end of March 2019, upon crossing the border from Ethiopia we went to immigration to get our passports stamped. We were told we could get our passports registered for a fraction of the price agents charge in Khartoum so we went ahead told them to do it.

Just as they were about to start, a gentleman came in carrying a huge plate of food. The passport control officer then told us to come behind the desk and join all the workers in the office for for their breakfast meal – a mutton stew with freshly baked bread – delicious.

I tried to be polite and not take too much but the chief told me off for not eating enough, so I dutifully got stuck in with everyone else!

After breakfast our passports were stamped, visas registered and we were on our way. What a welcome to the country!

2. The Sights

The historical sights are incredible! Sudan has an amazingly rich history with a mix of cultures and religions. From Egyptian Pharaohs to Ethiopian Axumites, Christian Missionaries to Muslim Arabs, Sudan has had many influences which can be seen at the various archeological sights.

To get a good understanding of Sudan’s archaeological sights I would strongly recommend the use of a guide, as well a visit to the National Museum of Sudan to put everything into context.

Top Sudan tourist attractions:

• The Temple of Soleb – The name Sudan has it’s influence from the Arabic phrase bilād al-sūdān meaning “The Land of the Blacks” so historically the Nubians were known as the Black Pharaohs.
• The Pyramids of Meroe – pyramidal tombs from the Kushite empire. They’re mostly intact apart from missing their tops. These were blown off in the hunt for treasure during the 1830s, curtesy of Giuseppe Ferlini.
• The Temple of Mut at Jebel Barkal – Most people will visit Karima to see the pyramids and climb to the top of Jebel Barkal Hill. These are great and I definitely recommend doing these especially the at sunset. But the real gem is underneath the hill in the Temple of Mut, the Egyptian Sky Goddess. Here you will see incredibly colourful paintings from around 600 BC.
• Old Dongola – This Christian site was once the capital of Makuria.
• Naqa Temples – An almost intact, Egyptian inspired Colonnade of rams on show in one temple and a Greco-Roman inspired Kiosk on show at the other. Buildings with clear influence from two of the most powerful civilisations the world has known, on show in the middle of the Sudanese desert!

 Sudan Itinerary

Here is the itinerary I put together for my group when we travelled around Sudan. This could easily be modified if you are travelling overland from Ethiopia to Egypt (or vice versa), by adding 2 extra nights to allow for travel from/to the borders.

Want to know more about overland travel? Take a look at this article!

Day 1: Sightseeing in Khartoum

Day 2: Drive to Old Dongola. Early evening tour of Old Dongola site and camp nearby

Day 3: Drive to Kerma for a tour of Western Deffufa site and museum. Continue drive to Wawa and stay at local guesthouse

Day 4: Sunrise tour of the Temple of Soleb. Drive to Karima with a stop en route at the 3rd cataracts of the nile. Early evening tour of The temples of Amun and Mut and sunset on Jebel Barkal. Stay in local guesthouse in Karima.

Day 5: Sunrise visit to the Karima pyramids then drive to Nuri pyramids for tour of that site. Finally, drive to Meroe, evening walk through site and camp nearby.

Day 6: Sunrise tour of the Meroe site followed by a visit to the newly opened museum. Drive to Mussawarat for a tour of the sites and finally on to Naqa for site tours and camp nearby.

Day 7: Drive to Khartoum

Things to do in Khartoum

Visit the national museum of sudan.

I highly recommend visiting the National Museum of Sudan to view artefacts found in the archaeological sites of Sudan and to provide an overview of the country’s long and complex history.

On the ground floor you will find the main part of the museum and then on the second floor you will find a whole host of incredible Christian frescos. I bet you weren’t expecting that!

Finally, outside there is an outdoor museum where entire archaeological sites from the Lake Nasser area have been dismantled and reassembled, alongside a water feature resembling the Nile. Neat!

Visit The Camel market

If you have never been to a camel market I strongly recommend you visit this one. There are thousands of camels and other cattle on show and up for grabs. The wheelers and dealers there are all very friendly and welcoming to tourists and you might even find yourself a bargain.

The best quote we got for a camel was about $2000 so a little out of our price range unfortunately. It’s not the easiest place to get to as it is in the Omdurman area but definitely worth the trip.

Visit the confluence of the Nile

In Khartoum you can visit the place where the white and the blue niles meet. The White Nile bridge overlooks the confluence but no photographs are allowed.

If you want pictures it’s best to take a ride on the Ferris wheel in the Mogran Family Park which is next to the bridge. You can also take a ferry to Tuti Island and view the confluence from there.

Visit the Whirling Dervishes ceremony

The Sufi muslims in Sudan practise their ceremony every Friday at around 4pm. This is like nothing else I’ve ever seen. I was expecting something similar to what I’d observed in Turkey but it is completely different. It’s like Sufism meets Reggae! I’m not kidding, go check it out, you won’t regret it!

3. The Tourists

There are none! Very few foreigners visit Sudan so you’re likely to get these amazing sights all to yourself. For example Meroe, arguably Sudan’s most famous sight, is approximately 2800 years old and is UNESCO listed, however, during our sunset and sunrise visits we saw only one couple. Cue lots of photographs of empty archaeological sites !

Since there are very few tourists it also means that you are welcomed with open arms by the locals as they are keen to show you their country.

Visas and registration

Although most nationalities can get visas on arrival at Khartoum Airport (cost $100-150), you will need an entry permit before you can board the plane (Also known as an authorisation code) These are provided by Sudanese Tour Operators in exchange for a fee typically of $150.

Upon arrival in Khartoum you will also need to get your passport registered, which again the tour operator can do for around $50. So be prepared for these costs. You can register your passport yourself in Khartoum but it’s a bit of a run around! The agency we used was Lendi Travel  

If you are arriving from a land border you will need to get your visa in advance . Costs vary depending on nationality but we got ours at Addis Ababa and they cost $68. You need to arrive at the consulate around 8am then you can collect it the following day after 2pm. To obtain the visas you need:

• 2 passport photos
• A photocopy of the ID page of your passport
• A photocopy of the Ethiopian visa in your passport
• A contact name, number and address for your sponsor or hotel
• A visa or flight details for the next country you are travelling to after Sudan
• Money in USD with notes newer than 2006

Note: The border between Ethiopia and Sudan commonly has civil unrest. We spoke to travellers in Addis who were concerned about travelling overland to Sudan due to stories they’d heard from other travellers. However, we were able to cross the border both directions without any trouble (March 2019). You are now able to register your visa at this border.

Visas take up 1 full page in your passport and the registration stamp will take up another so be prepared for that. If you have an Israeli stamp in your passport you will not be able to get a Sudan visa. If you have Sudanese visa in your passport you will then require an interview before you can travel to the USA. (The same for Iran Visas)

Foreign bank cards do not work in Sudan so you will need to take enough USD to cover your costs for the duration of your stay. If you think you have enough, take some more, just in case! That being said the cost of food and accommodation is extremely cheap, for example we stayed in guest houses for around $2 per night!

Changing money is pretty easy to do at hotels or banks and they will give you the official rate. Due to Sudan’s struggling economy there is a very healthy black market for changing money but it’s up to you whether you want to take this option. During our visit to Sudan in March 2019 the official rate was 47 SDP to 1 USD and the black market was 60-65 SDP to 1 USD, so quite a big difference.

Sudan Essentials

• A Headscarf – As mentioned below, as a tourist you aren’t required to wear a headscarf but it’s really hot in Sudan so it’s handy to keep the sun off and it covers up bad hair days!
• A SIM card – I bought a SIM card, calling time and 2GB data for 150 SDP. I had 3G coverage for most places, so it was pretty cheap and convenient to have.
• Google Translate or a phrasebook for Arabic – Not too many people speak English so it’s very handy to know a f ew basic phrases in Arabic.
• European and British plug adaptors – As a previous British Colony, Sudan has a few leftovers.
• net – March is breeding time for the annoying little midge type flies that live near palm trees, so you’ll get hounded by these at sites like Old Dongola and The Temple of Soleb.
• Water – It’s a desert and it’s hot so remember to drink lot’s of water! Use a water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.

Things to remember about travelling in an Islamic country

The weekends in Sudan are on Friday and Saturday as per the Islamic calendar. This will affect shop opening times, particularly on Friday during Friday prayers (between 12 and 2pm).

Women and men are expected to dress conservatively, which means shoulders and knees covered at all times. Sudanese women wear headscarves but as tourists you are not expected to follow this custom and locals won’t look down on you if you don’t.

Vaccinations

Sudan requires you to have a Yellow Fever vaccination before entry however we were not asked for them when we crossed from Ethiopia. (March 2019).

Malaria is present so anti malarials are recommended as are the usual anti mosquito precautions. For our most recent travels in Africa I found a non-Deet anti mosquito spray which worked really well. When I see what Deet does to plastic I hate to put it on my skin!

But is it safe to visit Sudan?

Er yes! That’s the short answer! Obviously you will need to stay clear of the protests still taking place in Khartoum but away from that you should have no issues. Enjoy the best hospitality you’re likely to receive anywhere in Africa or even in the world!

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Louise is an Adventure Tour Guide & Mountain Leader from South Wales. Through working as a tour guide and snowboard instructor, she has spent the last 15 years travelling Asia, Africa and the Americas. Louise is a published photographer and is currently based in the UK.

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5 Super Interesting Places To Visit In Sudan

A country with tons of gems that are worth discovering, we put together just a few places around Sudan that we think are definitely worth visiting.

Make sure to always reach out to agents around town to help organising the journey to these trips – you can check out a trusted tourism agency here.

So, here it goes!

5. The Reefs of Port Sudan

Located on the Red Sea, Port Sudan is loved and adored for its unspoiled off-shore coral reefs – technically making it one of the world’s most exciting diving destinations!

Whilst visiting Port Sudan, travellers love to dive down to also check out the wreck of the Umbria , which sunk off in the coast during the Second World War.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Andreas Pfeiffer (@taucherlust)

4. The Pyramids of Meroë

The Nubian Pyramids are a set of incredibly impressive ancient structures that we hold very close to our hearts. This is where the civilisation of the Kingdom of Kushite lived out it’s final chapters.

With over 200 pyramids (that were built as tombs), the ancient civilisation ruled the lands of Nubia for over 3,000 years, and left us behind with one of the largest congregations in the world.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by NWE (@nwe)

3. Dinder National Park

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Mazin Urso مازن أورسو (@mazinurso)

2. Arkaweet Gates

This is the highest spot in Port Sudan, and it has also been said that it’s almost rather chilly up there!

Overlooking the valley below, the buildings of Arkaweet Gates used to house government officials and their guests, yet holds its price for being the highest building in town.

Visitors can find a guide into the Arkaweet Hills in Port Sudan for their tours.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Shahd (@sudaniwanderer)

1. Al Mogran, ‘The Meeting of the Two Niles’

Quite self-explanatory, but yet still incredibly mind-blowing every time we see it. With tons of high-level restaurants around the area, you only really need just one perfect spot see the natural meetings of the Blue and White River Niles.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Dante Sario Cascaño (@dante.cascano)

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A Travel Guide to Sudan; Famous Places to Visit in Sudan

UPDATED 2021: Sudan is said to be the country where Africa meets Arabia and I would struggle to disagree with that, with the famous places to visit in Sudan a testament to that.

As the second last country on my Cape Town to Cairo expedition , I suppose I should add that despite what people’s preconceptions of Sudan may be, as long as you stick to the approved areas then it’s one of the safest of the 54 countries in Africa . Obviously, I stayed clear of Darfur, and have since visited the world’s newest country, South Sudan , but Sudan proper was a much better experience, with more famous places to visit in Sudan, than South Sudan by far. 

Table of contents

Getting to sudan, visas for sudan, travel insurance for sudan, 7 famous places to visit in sudan, 1) khartoum:, 2) atbara for the meroe pyramids, 3) port sudan:, 4) karima and the pyramids of sudan:, 5) old dongola:, 6) wadi halfa:, the 7 best places to visit in sudan; your sudan itinerary:, thoughts on traveling in sudan.

BY LAND OR SEA: You’ll be coming from either Egypt or Ethiopia.

Overland From Ethiopia to Sudan : I was continuing north from Cape Town so I crossed from Ethiopia , the border is Metema/Gallabat – you can easily get a bus from Gondar, Ethiopia to the border (about 4 hours, $3 USD), from there you can get another bus to Gederaf, either sleep there or crack on to Khartoum (another 6 hours or so). There’s not much to see in Gederaf but it’s quite a nice town to acquaint yourself with what’s going on in Sudan.

Overland From Egypt to Sudan : If you’re coming from Egypt the only crossing is by boat or bus, so you need to take the weekly ferry from Aswan on a Tuesday, it drops you in Wadi Halfa in the north of Sudan. You can see how to do that in this blog post . 

BY FLIGHT : You’ll fly directly to Khartoum (Turkish Air is your best bet). It’s home to the best hotels, restaurants and guides. From there you can easily daytrip to the Meroe Pyramids too . 

You have 5 choices for getting a visa for Sudan:

• Get it in your home country: Normally $100, often need a letter of invitation ( these guys can provide one )
• Get it in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: $70, 2 passport pics, 1 passport copy, letter of inviation and address of your hotel in Khartoum. Same day.
• Get it in Cairo, Egypt : $150, 2 passport pics, 1 passport copy, letter of invitation and address of your hotel in Khartoum. Next day. 
• Get it in Nairobi, Kenya: $55, next day, no special documents like LOI
• Get it in Aswan, Egypt: $150, copy of your passport and Egypt Visa, 2 passport pics. Next day. 

Ok, the visas are quite strict on how long you can stay in the country for – mine gave me 2 weeks. Also, to go to certain areas you need specific permits which is a bureaucratic nightmare in itself, to avoid that here are the places I would recommend to visit in Sudan:

Your travel insurance almost definitely won’t cover you when you travel in Sudan. My guys will! Safetywing ( review here ) covers you everywhere, and only $9 a week, get it even if you only switch it on and off when you visit countries that people would deem scary, it covers  EVERY COUNTRY IN THE WORLD  apart from North Korea and Iran, amazing!  GET A DISCOUNT HERE . 

I spent about 2 weeks during my trip in Sudan, coming in from Ethiopia, and continuing on to Egypt with the ferry. I think that was a good amount of time, and perhaps even 10 days could have worked. Here are the famous places to visit in Sudan that I’d recommend you don’t miss out on. 

Pretty cool city, with it being the capital the amenities you find here are the best in the country. Decent internet, A/C if you’re feeling lavish etc. Try to be there on a Friday, head to Omdurman, and check out Hamad el-Nil Mosque to see an amazing Islamic ceremony complete with camel sacrifice, one of the wildest things I’ve ever seen. Also, ignore the lonely planet’s recommendation about the camel market. Trust me.

As a city, it’s fairly nondescript but it’s a great base to visit the amazing the Meroe Sites / Begrawiya pyramids. You can get a cab from Atbara to the pyramids and back again for around 100 Sudanese pounds. Check out the full description about the Pyramids of Sudan and how to visit them here

The best diving in the Red Sea apparently, I’ll let you judge for yourself. Regardless, Port Sudan offers a great chance to escape the sweltering heat by jumping in the azure waters and snapping the colourful fish. ALSO, very important – there is a store called Ice Cream Dream (ask anyone, they’ll know) which serves delicious ice cream (3 SP), chocolate and milkshakes, amazing. I recommend you stay at Omiya hotel, complete with air conditioning, and a disgusting squat toilet. The best value you’ll get in Port Sudan, though (25 SP per person).

Atypical Sudanese town but again, you’re here for the awesome sites around, not the town itself. There’s only one real hotel ( lokanda ) in town so no doubt you’ll end up there, it’s near the massive satellite dish and the hospital. The reason you come to Karima, is for the second batch of Pyramids. Read about lesser know Sudanese Pyramids here

Make sure you visit Old Dongola, home to the Islamic cemetery and temples, NOT modern Dongola, home to very little!

The reason to come here is to take the ultimate method in reaching Egypt, by Sudanese passenger ferry, up the Nile! In effect, Wadi Halfa is a border town but as far as border towns go, this one isn’t so bad. You’ll have to sleep here as you wait for the ferry but you won’t want to stay for more than a night or two. There’s no running water in the city so don’t, like me, go for a run in the heat and come back expecting a nice refreshing shower only to be stared in the face at by a bucket of dingy water and a bottle to put it over yourself with! Remember to check in with the ferry company when you arrive too.

Off the beaten track further still is Kassala, near Eritrea and home to Sudan’s best (only?) day hikes. The town is small, and like much of Sudan outside of Khartoum you may be the only foreigner there this day/week/month/year. The backdrop to the town however is spectacular. 

The perfect overland Sudan itinerary, if coming from Egypt to Sudan would be the map below, flip it the other way if you’re coming from the South to the North. And if you’re flying into Sudan, then follow it the same, but remove Wadi Halfa. Easy! 

All in all Sudan is a cracking place to backpack, not the decaying war zone that the media portrays, with the nicest people in all of Africa (the world?!). You literally cannot look at someone’s food without them beckoning you over and offering you to join them and eat their food. If, and when, you get into a conversation for more than about 2 minutes with someone you’ll get an offer to go to their house and stay with them until you leave town – amazing place. The Sudanese people are delighted that you have made the effort to visit their country and they rejoice in the fact that you are seeing that their country is peaceful and friendly.

In addition, they sell the most delicious desserts I have come across in the whole of Africa. They are pastry-type sweets, dripping in honey and syrup, similar to baklava. It costs less than $3 USD per kg but be careful, in the 14 nights I spent in Sudan, I ate too much of this stuff on about 10 of them and was in a sugar-induced stupor for a couple of hours each evening.

It’s quite hardcore travel though, so be ready for some rough hotels, and long journeys. But that’s what a real adventure is all about. Enjoy

 SUDAN TRAVEL GUIDE:

Budget: $25 a day no problem if you need to be careful. Equally, if you want private taxis, higher-end accommodation, then about $100 per day. 

Food: You can eat for around $1-$3 USD easily everywhere – their desserts are amazing!

Accommodation: Completely depends on the quality, ranges from basic rooms for $2 to A/C rooms for $15+

Transport: Amazing roads, amazing buses. Roughly $2 per hour on a bus I reckon. So 500km costs around $15 but the buses are A/C with food and drinks. Bargain!

People: You’ll hear this time and time again but really, the Sudanese are super friendly, and delighted you’ve visited their country.

Weather: Unsurprisingly roasting! Easily reaches 40 degrees daily

Religion: Entirely Muslim so dress and act with according to respect. Try not to wear shorts on Fridays (I learned this the hard way)

Currency: Officially $1 USD- 440 Sudanese pounds BUT on the black market you can get 500+ – great business.

Visa: Hmmmmm. Costs, depending on Nationality, between $20-$40. Not as hard these days as people let on. Easily obtained in Ethiopia, Uganda and Kenya. You HAVE to get your Egyptian visa first though (can take up to 3 weeks so prepare in advance) so make sure you do leave enough time for that. British nationals need to get a letter of invitation from their embassy. It takes 5 minutes and costs around $90, a disgusting ripoff but nothing we can do. Normally you can pick up your Sudanese visas the next day.

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Moscow

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow is one of Europe's most enigmatic destinations, home to a fascinating history and colorful, awe-inspiring architecture you won't find anywhere else in the world. Moscow might be one of the most populous cities in the world with over 11 million inhabitants, but this hasn't changed its strong cultural and social traditions.

Walk the cobblestone streets of the Red Square or the banks of the Moskva River early in the morning, and it's hard to tell what century you're in.

Tsarist architecture, must-see churches, and glamorous shopping opportunities blend together for a visual experience you won't forget. For ideas on what to see and do while visiting Russia, here's our list of top tourist attractions in Moscow.

1. Marvel at the Size of the Kremlin

2. catch a performance at the bolshoi theatre, 3. shop at the luxurious gum, 4. make your way into lenin's mausoleum, 5. spend an hour (or three) at red square, 6. discover history at the museum of cosmonautics, 7. ride the stunning moscow metro, 8. explore the moscow state integrated museum-reserve, 9. spend a rainy day at the tretyakov gallery, 10. walk up and down arbat street, 11. stop by the vdnkh all-russian exhibition centre, 12. wander around gorky park, where to stay in moscow for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions & things to do in moscow.

Moscow's most recognizable structure is without a doubt the Kremlin, a 15th-century fortified complex that covers an area of 275,000 square meters surrounded by walls built in the 1400s.

The Grand Kremlin Palace -which has over 700 rooms- was once home to the Tsar family and is now the official residence of the president of the Russian Federation, although most heads of state choose to reside elsewhere.

The massive complex also includes many other buildings, some of which are open to the public and can be visited regularly. Aside from three cathedrals (including one where the Tsars were once crowned) and a number of towers, the Kremlin is also home to the Armory building, a museum holding everything from the royal crown and imperial carriages to the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and Fabergé eggs.

The Bolshoi Theater is home to the largest and one of the oldest ballet and opera companies in the world . While the theater has undergone several major renovations over the past century-including a recent one in 2011 to restore some of the imperial architectural details-it still retains all of its Neoclassical grandeur.

The Bolshoi Theater you see today opened in 1824, after several older versions burned down. Inside, red velvet, a three-tiered crystal chandelier, and gilt moldings give the place a Byzantine-Renassaince grandiose feel like no other.

Catching a show from the resident ballet and opera troupes is a treat, as the theater often presents a number of classic performances, such as Tchaikovsky's Mazeppa and Rachmaninoff's Francesca da Rimini, both of which originally premiered here.

Moscow's oldest and most upscale shopping center is an architectural marvel. GUM (short for Glávnyj Universálnyj Magazín or "Main Universal Store") was built in the late 1800s in neo-Russian style to showcase a beautiful mix of a steel skeleton and 20,000 panels of glass forming an arched roof.

This was a unique construction at the time, since the glass had to be strong enough to support the snow-heavy Russian winters. The building is just as impressive outside, with all three levels covered in marble and granite.

While GUM is no longer the largest shopping center in Moscow, it's still by far the most beautiful. Home to brands like Gucci and Manolo Blahnik, this might not be the ideal destination for most budget-conscious visitors, but the beauty of the building itself is worth a visit.

On the third floor, there are also great dining options, including a Soviet-style canteen that serves traditional Russian food, and a stand selling ice cream made by hand using an original 1954 recipe originally approved by the Soviet government.

Lenin's Mausoleum, the final resting place of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin, occupies a central spot in Red Square. His body has been in the mausoleum since his death in 1924-and although the original plan was for him to be buried after a short period of public display for mourning, the plan quickly changed.

After over 100,000 visited the tomb over a period of six weeks, it was decided that a new sarcophagus and a more permanent display space could actually preserve Lenin's body for much longer than expected-and Lenin's Mausoleum was built.

Over the years, the mausoleum and its marble stairs also became the main spot from where Soviet leaders would watch parades and events happening in Red Square.

Lenin's embalmed body can still be seen today, lying down in a bulletproof glass sarcophagus as if he's sleeping. While a visit to the mausoleum is certainly unusual, it has become a must-do for history buffs looking to understand how Lenin's legacy truly changed the nation. Come ready to wait, though -there are usually lines to get in.

All of Moscow's main streets start at Red Square, so it's easy to see why this is considered the heart of the city. A massive space of 330 meters by 70 meters, the square is flanked by the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, two cathedrals, and the State Historical Museum.

In 1945, a massive Victory Parade was held here to celebrate the defeat of Nazi Germany by the Soviet Armed Forces.

St. Basil's Cathedral , one of the most recognizable buildings on the square, was built in 1555. The unique cathedral has architectural details inspired by Byzantine and Asian design, as well as details that resemble those found in famous mosques. There are nine individual chapels inside the church, all decorated with colorful mural art.

Both the square itself and the Kremlin are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Sites . On weekends, there are sometimes stalls selling souvenirs and traditional items here, such as matryoshka (Russian nesting dolls), at the entrance of the square.

At one point, Russia and the US were toe-to-toe when it came to space exploration. While that might no longer be the case, the museum's amazing collection-which includes over 85,000 items-is still awe-inspiring.

Main exhibits include the space capsule used by Yuri Gagarin , the first human to travel into outer space; a USSR flag with moon fragments; a Soviet spacesuit; and a rocket propulsion unit from the 1960s. A special two-story hall showcases sections of the Mir space station interior, and there are also models of the first sputniks and a replica miniature spaceship.

English-language tours are available, and there's also a Cinema Hall showing subtitled short films about the history of space exploration programs and the first manned space flight.

The museum is located inside the base of the monument to the Conquerors of Space, which was built almost 20 years before the museum opened.

Riding the Moscow metro is an experience all in itself, but even just heading underground to walk through the stations is something no visitor should miss. With 223 stations and 12 metro lines crosscutting through Moscow, however, this can be tricky, so visiting at least a few of the most impressive ones is a good start.

Arbatskaya station was designed by a skyscraper architect, so it's no surprise that it features multicolored granite slabs and impressive bronze chandeliers.

Park Kultury station , located next to Gorky Park, is covered in marble and features reliefs of people involved in sports, while Teatralnaya station is decorated with porcelain figures dancing and wearing traditional Russian costumes.

The metro is open between 5:30am and 1:00am but it's very crowded in the early morning and after 4pm, so it's better to visit in the late morning or early afternoon to really appreciate the architecture without the crowds.

The Moscow State Integrated Art and Historical Architectural and Natural Landscape Museum-Reserve is a cultural open-air museum complex comprised of four different historical sites.

The most important site, the Kolomenskoye Estate, was once the summer residence of Tsars as far back as the 14 th century. The complex, which covers almost 300 hectares, is home to fairy-tale wooden palaces; a tent-roof stone church built in the 1500s; a water tower; fort towers and structures; and the 24-room Museum of Wooden Architecture , which includes the restored dining room of Tsar Alexei I.

Beautiful manicured gardens , riverside picnic areas, and a massive collection of both artifacts and structures make this a great destination to help you see what medieval Russia looked like. English-language tours are available, but you're also free to wander the grounds on your own.

The largest collection of Russian art in the world sits here, with over 180,000 paintings, sculptures, and religious art dating back to over a millennia ago. The gallery, built using beautiful red and white colors from classical Russian architecture, is located near the Kremlin and it was built in the early 20 th century.

Significant art pieces include the Vladimir Mother of God; a Byzantine icon of the Virgin and child dating back to the 1100s; Andrei Rublev's The Trinity icon from the 15 th century; and several works by Ilya Repin, the most famous realist painter in Russia.

On the grounds of the museum, there is also an 86-meter-tall statue of Peter the Great, as well as a number of Socialist Realism sculptures.

Moscow's one-kilometer-long pedestrian street has been around since the 15 th century. Originally a trade route in the outskirts of the city, Arbat Street is now very centrally located, home to posh buildings and lots of places to eat and shop.

Beautiful street lamps and two significant statues-one of Princess Turandot (from Puccini's last opera) and one of Soviet-era poet Bulat Okudzhava-adorn the street, which fills up with both locals and tourists on evenings and weekends.

A great place to pick up souvenirs or sit down at an outdoor café, Arbat Street also offers a chance to visit the former home of poet Alexander Pushkin and the café both Anton Chekhov and Leo Tolstoy used to visit.

Although it was originally designed as a general-purpose trade show venue, this park complex now houses amusement rides , ice rinks , and a number of galleries and other attractions for all ages.

The park's most famous landmarks are the Moskvarium, a marine biology center home to over 8000 species of marine animals, the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art, and a shopping center selling traditional products from former Soviet countries.

There's even a film museum showing Soviet cartoons or even a full-length film (for an extra fee) and an education center offering masterclasses on everything from becoming a barista to video montage (call or write in advance to find out which ones are English-friendly).

Soviet-era pavilions, sculptures, and fountains abound here as well, including the famous Friendship of the Peoples Fountain, which features statues of women dressed in costumes from different former Soviet countries.

Named after the famous Russian writer Maxim Gorky (who was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature five times but never won it) and sitting right across the Moskva River, Gorky Park covers 120 hectares of beautiful ponds and green spaces.

Popular with both locals and tourists, the park offers a variety of things to enjoy-from sunbeds, hammocks, and drinking fountains to free yoga classes and children's playgrounds. There's free Wi-Fi and sockets for charging your phone, as well as many food stands and plenty of wild animals, including deer, rabbits, and pheasants.

Visitors can rent paddle boats and bicycles to explore the park-and from May to October, there is also an open-air movie theater, as well as scheduled presentations by street performers, musicians, and artists. Gorky Park attracts the young and old, so don't be surprised to see a mix of people exercising, playing chess, and sunbathing.

Luxury Hotels :

• Lotte Hotel Moscow is one of the top 5-star properties in Moscow offering the largest Royal Suite in Russia. The trendy rooms and suites here all have contemporary style and great city views. On-site amenities are plentiful. There are two restaurants: one serving contemporary Italian fare, and the other Japanese. There is an impressively lit indoor swimming pool, a well-known spa, and a state-of-the-art gym.
• Another excellent luxury hotel is the Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow . The residential-style property is in the heart of Moscow just next to the Bolshoi Theatre and within walking distance of the Kremlin and Red Square. The rooms and suites have been opulently designed by Tony Chi. The on-site restaurant serves a mix of European and Armenian specialities. There is also a Japanese sushi bar and a rooftop lounge with fabulous city views.
• The St. Regis Moscow Nikolskaya also has a central location just a few minutes from the Kremlin and Red Square. The 5-star property has a mix of elegant rooms and suites, including interconnecting room options for families with kids. There are multiple restaurants on-site including an Italian bistro. Other amenities include the fabulous Iridium Spa, which does a full range of treatments and has an indoor swimming pool, sauna, and steam room.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Palmira Business Club is a top mid-range choice. The contemporary lifestyle hotel offers well-appointed rooms and suites, including options for families. Suites are quite spacious and have kitchenettes. Amenities here include a complimentary breakfast at the on-site restaurant, a hot tub, sauna, and spa. There is also a fitness center.
• The trendy Mercure Moscow Baumanskaya offers a mix of rooms and suites with contemporary decor. The mid-range hotel can arrange airport transportation and offers baggage storage. Other amenities include a restaurant and room service. The front desk is open 24 hours.
• Boutique Hotel Brighton is about 10 minutes from the city center in a leafy park area. It offers excellent value for money and has charming rooms and suites with sound-proof windows and doors, as well as blackout curtains. A complimentary breakfast is served, and there is also an indoor swimming pool.

Budget Hotels :

• Hotel Ibis Budget Moscow Panfilovskaya is about a 15-minute drive from Moscow's downtown, and it's within walking distance from a metro station that will take you there. The soundproof rooms at this budget property are clean, comfortable, and can sleep up to three people. The hotel is pet friendly, has paid parking available on-site, and also has a salon.
• If you just need a budget hotel near the airport then check out Aviator Hotel Sheremetyevo . Located right at the airport, it has soundproof rooms, including options for families. Amenities include an indoor play area for kids, a sauna and swimming pool, and a free breakfast.

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Exploring Russia: Whether you are interested in history, nature, or architecture, there's much to see in Russia. For a good introduction to some of the most fascinating spots in the country, take a look at our article on the Best Places to Visit in Russia . For more on Russia's second-largest city and all it has to offer, check out our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg .

90+ Moscow tourist attractions: what to see in Moscow, Russia

A huge list of the best Moscow tourist attractions.

Before the pandemic I used to visit Moscow every year. I would usually go there for a week, and I would still find new places to visit and things to do. Many people don’t realise how huge Moscow is and how many tourist attractions are there. Unfortunately, not all of these fantastic places are maintained, some are abandoned and can be enjoyed from outside only. Still, Moscow has attractions to satisfy the taste and requirements of any tourist and here I have a huge list of more than 90 places.

But let’s start with one of the most famous Moscow landmarks: the Kremlin!

NB : the post is very long, so just go to the table of contents and click on the section that interests you.

The Kremlin and its surroundings

The Kremlin should be in every list of Moscow tourist attractions 😊 You can easily spend a day exploring it and the surroundings.

1. The Kremlin : here you should definitely visit the Cathedral Square with its ensemble of old churches. Their interior is truly amazing with painted icons and graves of famous Russian rulers (in the Archangel Cathedral) – as Ivan the Terrible, for example. You can climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to see the square from above. Then there is the Armoury Chamber with its huge collection of royal regalia and gifts and everyday objects and the Diamond fund with, well, diamonds and other jewelry.

2. The Mausoleum . Frankly, despite visiting Moscow so many times, I have never been to the Mausoleum. Somehow, the thought of seeing Lenin doesn’t seem appealing to me, but, maybe, you want it. The entrance is free, at least.

3. The Red Square is the first place where every tourist goes. It is the center, the heart of Moscow and many tourist attractions are located there.

4. GUM is a huge shopping center on the Red Square. It is quite expensive, so not so many people go there for shopping. Still, it is a fancy place. In addition, there is a huge supermarket there and the famous canteen Stolovaya 57, so go there for a quick lunch.

5. Kilometer Zero of Moscow is at the Resurrection (Voskresensky) Gates at the Red Square. It symbolises the beginning of all roads in Russia. It is a square with a circle in the center: the edges have depictions of animals.

6. Aleksandrovsky Garden is at the Kremlin walls. It has amazing flower beds, fountains with fairytale sculptures, and there are lots of benches to rest your feet. The garden is famous for the monuments of the wars in 1812 and 1941-1945. And the eternal flame is here.

7. St Basil’s Cathedral is the most famous one in Moscow. Its colourful onion domes are easily noticed from afar. Ivan the Terrible ordered its construction to commemorate the capture of two cities, Kazan and Astrakhan. Now it is a symbol of Russia alongside other notable monuments.

8. Kazan Cathedral is another church on the Red Square. It’s not as lavishly decorated as St Basil’s, but it is a functioning church, so everyone can go inside. It’s not the original church, but a reconstruction: the original one was destroyed by Stalin’s order.

9. Change of guards happens every hour at the eternal flame in Aleksandrovsky Garden. It is quite a show with soldiers marching and music playing and many tourists gather at the spot to see it.

10. Monument to Vladimir the Great is a recent addition to the list of tourist attractions of Moscow: it was mounted in 2016. Vladimir the Great is one of the greatest rulers of Kievan Rus. The monument is 17,5 meters high and is located close to the Kremlin.

Parks and gardens

11. Zaryadye is not far from the Kremlin on the historical Varvarka Street. In addition to being a park, its floating bridge offers spectacular views of the Kremlin, the Moskva River, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and one of Stalin’s skyscrapers.

12. Gorky Park : shadowy alleys with benches to rest, fountains with music, a roller-skating rink, a pond with boats: Gorky park has everything! You can rent bicycles, skateboards, rollers, boats, and have some fun!

13. Sokolniki Park is huge and has numerous activities on offer like skateboarding, roller-skating, bicycles, ping-pong tables, a swimming pool, etc. Sometimes concerts and performances are held there.

14. Museon is next to Gorky Park and is famous for its weird sculptures and statues of Soviet rulers.

15. Aptekarsky Ogorod or the Apothecary Garden is the most famous garden in Moscow. It was founded by Peter the Great as a place to grow medicinal herbs, but expanded its collection of plants greatly.

16. Ermitazh Garden is one of the most beloved in Moscow. It was opened in 1894 and offered open-air concerts. Today performances and art exhibitions are held in the park. There are a couple of theaters in the territory and classes for kids.

17. Yekaterininsky Park is a monument to garden art. It has amazing flower beds and a huge pond with boats for rent. There are designated places for doing sports and a covered stage for live performances.

18. Patriarch’s Ponds are surrounded by trees today, but about 300 years ago it was a marshy place. At the end of the 17th century these marshes were dried and three ponds were dug. Later two of the ponds were filled up and trees were planted around the remaining one. The ponds became famous because namely here Mikhail Bulgakov’s masterpiece ‘The Master and Margarita’ starts.

19. Ostankino Park is now a part of VDNKh. It is huge and has plenty of facilities like bicycle tracks, paths for horse riding, open-air gyms, and the biggest open-air skatepark in Europe. Naturally, locals love it and it’s always full of people.

20. Clean Ponds : in the 17th century the place was called ‘Filthy marshes’ or ‘pagan marshes’ (depends on the interpretation). Later it was cleaned and nowadays it is a long pond which turns into a skate-rink in winter. Quite often artists put their paintings alongside the pond for passers-by to see. And there is an amazing song by famous I. Talkov about the place.

Did you know that there are more than 400 museums in Moscow? Of course, you can’t visit them all, so here I have a list of the most well-known and beloved ones in the city.

21. Tretyakov Gallery has several buildings, one of them dedicated to the 20th century art of Russia and the Soviet Union, and the other one to the Russian art at much earlier period till the 19th century. The latter one exhibits Vasnetsov’s, Shiskin’s, Serov’s, Ayvazovsky’s masterpieces. The vaults of the museum house a huge collection of old icons, the majority from the 14th century.

22. State Historical Museum : the dark red building of the museum on the Red Square is hard to miss. It houses huge collections of gold artifacts, manuscripts, jewelry, ceramics, old books, religious paintings, historical costumes, etc. Its coin collection has more than 1,7 million units!

23. Just like Tretyakov Gallery, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts is the right place for art lovers. There are about 700,000 exhibits in the museum collection, including masterpieces of Matisse, Renoir, Picasso, Degas, Rubens, etc. It includes a huge collection of sculptures and archeological objects.

24. The Archaeological Museum of Moscow is an underground museum and is dedicated to the archeological diggings in the city. There are about 2,000 exhibits from the Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic ages.

25. Moscow Museum of Modern Art . It is the project of the famous Zurab Tsereteli and his private collection is the core of the museum. There are numerous paintings and sculptures by the artists of the 20th century, including those of Picasso, Dali and Miro.

26. State Darwin Museum . This huge museum houses a collection of 400,000 exhibits, mostly stuffed animals. From what I have seen kids enjoy it immensely.

27. The Orlov Museum of Paleontology : as the name suggests, it houses everything related to paleontology. There are more than 5,000 exhibits from the Precambrian, Palaeozoic, Mezozoic and Caenozoic ages: ammonites, reptiles, skeletons of dinosaurs, etc.

28. The Museum of Cosmonautics is not far from the VDNKh and its collection includes technical devices, documents, personal belongings of cosmonauts, pictures, paintings, stamps, coins, etc.

29. The State Museum of Oriental Art was founded in 1918 to preserve the cultural heritage of the Eastern republics of the Soviet Union. Now it houses huge collections of Japanese, Korean, Arabian, Indian art in addition to those of the Soviet republics. In 2017 the famous Russian painter Nicholas Roerich’s collection was handed over to the museum.

30. Bulgakov Museum : the museum is dedicated to the famous writer Mikhail Bulgakov, the author of ‘The Master and Margarita’. It includes about 3,000 exhibits: letters, documents, pictures, furniture and personal belongings.

31. Museum of Soviet Arcade Machines : do you want to play an old Soviet arcade game? Just go to this museum! At the entrance you buy coins/tokens that you can use to play on any machine inside the museum.

32. Victory Museum on Poklonnaya Hill is dedicated to soldiers who fought and fell during the war of 1941-1945. It has several thematic halls, panoramas and a memory book.

33. Military exhibition on Poklonnaya Hill : this is another museum on Poklonnaya Hill and has a huge collection of military equipment, including tanks, planes, artillery, etc.

34. Museum-panorama “Battle of Borodino” : this museum is dedicated to one of the most famous battles of 1812 during the war between the Russian Empire and France. It is interesting that both sides claimed later that they won this battle.

Other places

35. Varvarka Street : there are some magnificent churches on the street and some historical buildings like the Old English Court, the oldest office of another country in Moscow, and the Chambers of the Romanov Boyars exhibiting the residential and household interior of the 16th-17th centuries.

36. VDNKh or the Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy or All-Russian Exhibition Center is one of the most popular places in Moscow. It was built in the 1930-ies to showcase the achievements of the Soviet Union in the field of agriculture. Every building has its own style and was to either represent a Soviet republic or house a specific collection. The highlight is the fountains with famous sculptures like the Friendship of Peoples and the Stone Flower on the central alley. And, I guess, everyone is excited to see the replica of the famous Vostok rocket.

37. Moscow Planetarium is the oldest one in Russia. It houses multiple exhibits and replicas, but my favorite parts are the hall with a huge dome for watching movies and the exhibits on the roof.

38. Poklonnaya Hill : its name can be translated as bow-down hill and the monuments and park on it are dedicated to the victory in the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). Wait here until it gets dark: the fountains and columns get illuminated with red color, which is a magnificent sight.

39. Monument to Peter I on the Moskva River designed by the famous Zurab Tsereteli is 98 meters high. It is quite noticeable, but while it looks imposing, not everyone likes it. They even wanted to dismantle it and move it to another place, but it proved to be too expensive. By the way, this monument was in the top 10 of the ugliest ones in the world according to Virtual Tourist platform.

40. Krutitskoye Podvorye . This is the place where the spirit of olden times still lives: the buildings are old, it is quiet and cosy here. This courtyard belonged to Krutitsky Metropolitans, and a couple of churches from the 17th century are preserved along with palaces and houses.

41. Izmaylovsky Kremlin . You just have to see the colorful buildings, which replicate terems, houses in the traditional Russian architectural style. The Kremlin is packed with museums, there are several places to eat, so you won’t starve there. The biggest part of the Kremlin is a flea market with dozens of stalls with souvenirs, matreshkas, coins, boxes with traditional ornaments, furs, paintings, clocks, amber, shawls, clothes, books, icons, Soviet times items.

42. Stalin’s Bunker in Izmaylovo was built in the 1930-ies. There is a 17 kilometer long underground road that leads from the bunker to the center of Moscow. There is another bunker in Taganka.

43. Bolshoi Theater is one of the most well-known opera and ballet theaters in the world. It’s located not far from the Red Square, so just take some time to see it. If you are lucky to get tickets, lucky, because you should buy them long in advance, then you will see some of the best performances.

44. Metro tour . Moscow metro is one of the most beautiful in the world, it’s a fact. You can see everything here: stucco, paintings, sculptures, chandeliers, gilded walls, vibrant colours… some stations are true masterpieces! Pay a visit to Mayakovskaya, Kievskaya, Novoperedelkino, Komsomolskaya, Rasskazovka, Elektrozavodskaya, Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square), Novoslobodskaya, Novokuznetskaya, Arbatskaya, etc.

45. Trubnaya Square/Tsvetnoy Boulevard is a magnificent place! Just make sure you go there in summer when everything is green and flowers are blooming. The boulevard is famous for Nikulin’s Circus. I have not been to the circus, so I like the boulevard for its park with circus-related sculptures and arches with blooming flowers and the views from the nearby Trubnaya square.

46. Strastnoy Boulevard is one of the most important streets in Moscow. It is a nice area with an alley and monuments. And there are many notable buildings along the boulevard.

47. Arbat is the most famous pedestrian street in Moscow: it starts at Smolenskaya metro station and runs almost till the Red Square. Arbat is full of fancy buildings and restaurants.

48. Alley of the rulers of Russia  is a place to see all the rulers at once. It is a small exhibition of busts hidden from the eyes of tourists. When I was there, I saw only three other people around. This is the place to see Ivan the Terrible, Alexander Nevsky, emperors from the Romanov family, Lenin and Yeltsin.

49. Triumphal Arch at Poklonnaya Hill was erected in the 1830-ies to commemorate the victory in the Patriotic War of 1812.

50. Moscow Mosque . The first mosque was built in 1904, but in 2011 it was demolished to erect a new one. Now it is a huge building with vibrant colors and minarets of different sizes. By the way, they used 12 kilograms of leaf-gold to decorate the dome and minarets.

51. In Russia there were many merchant courts ( gostinyy dvor in Russian), where people used to sell their goods. The one in Moscow was built in the 17th century, but it suffered a lot during the years, especially during the siege of Moscow in 1812. Now the building doesn’t house shops anymore, it is used for exhibitions.

52. Eliseyevskiy Supermarket isn’t a simple supermarket, it’s an experience. The interior is amazing, with intricate decoration, columns, chandeliers. Some people visit it like a museum. There are rumours that they want to close the supermarket, because it’s unclear who the actual building belongs to.

53. The teahouse on Myasnitskaya Street is a special building as well. It is easily recognisable thanks to the pseudo-Chinese decorative elements on its facade. At the beginning of the 20th century it was a tea shop and had apartments for rent. Now the first floor is a shop and they still sell tea there.

54. Bogdan Khmelnitsky (Kievsky) Pedestrian Bridge : this pedestrian glass-covered bridge offers stunning views of Moscow. And, naturally, it is more beautiful at night, when the lights are on.

55. Zhivopisny Bridge : this bridge is famous for its bright red arch, which is very photogenic at night.

Panoramic decks

56. Sparrow Hills : this panoramic deck is right in front of the Moscow State University building. From here visitors can see the famous Luzhniki Stadium, Stalin’s skyscrapers, Moscow-City, etc. Getting there requires a bit of effort: first you have to get to Vorobyovy Gory metro station which is under the bridge and then follow a path up the hill. Frankly, it is better to follow the crowd after exiting the station.

57. Deck at the Academy of Sciences is closer to the city center and offers views of Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow-City, the Kremlin, the statue to Peter I, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Frankly, this view is much better than the one from Sparrow Hills. Getting here is easier: just get to Leninsky Prospect metro station and follow a straight road to the deck.

58. Moscow City is a group of skyscrapers at the riverfront. Every skyscraper is built in its own fashion and has a name. Many of them are higher than 330 meters! The highest one is Vostok Federation Tower: it is 374 meters high! The 360 panoramic deck in the above-mentioned Federation Tower offers stunning views of Moscow.

59. Ostankino Tower : this place offers the farthest view of Moscow and it is not a wonder: the panoramic deck is at about 330 meters height. Personally, I prefer the other three decks, as this one is quite far from the city center.

Estates and mansions

As you probably know, Peter the Great moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg in 1712, so, naturally, many noble families built estates in the new capital, and the royals erected palaces there. Still, there are some in Moscow, and you should definitely see them.

NB: I have another post on some of the residences below with more information: click here to read it.

60. Kolomenskoye : before Peter I moved the capital from Moscow to St Petersburg, Kolomenskoye was the main royal residence. Michael I Romanov loved the place, but it was his son Alexis I the Quietest who built a magnificent wooden palace. While almost all the buildings in the area were erected in the 16th-18th centuries, the wooden palace is not the original one: Catherine the Great ordered its demolition to build another palace. The one visitors see now is an exact modern replica built between 2008-2010. However, the majority of the objects inside the palace are authentic.

61. Izmaylovo under the Romanovs started as a farm and a production unit and included glass and brick plants, bee garden, linen manufacture, livestock, etc. In addition, they built churches, towers and a wooden palace. According to some historians Peter the Great was born in Izmaylovo. Anna of Russia opened a zoo there, the biggest one in the empire, and tigers and lions lived there. During the reign of Catherine the Great many buildings were demolished, and many years after that Nicholas I ordered to build an asylum for the military. Some of the gates, churches and the asylum can still be seen today. Izmaylovo estate is close to the Izmaylovsky Kremlin I mentioned above.

62. Tsarytsyno is strongly associated with Catherine the Great. Though St Petersburg was the capital of the country during her reign, Catherine the Great bought Black Mud manor, renamed it into Tsaritsyno (tsaritsa is czarina is Russian) and ordered the construction of a huge complex. She died before the construction finished, and her son wasn’t interested in the project.

63. Liublino is located quite far from the center of Moscow. In 1800 a rich merchant Nikolay Durasov bought the place and built a palace in the form of a cross. It is luxurious, with exquisite furniture, silky drapes, columns, but what makes it special is its decoration. Nicholas Durasov adored theater so he decorated his home with scenes from ancient mythology. Just lift your head up, look at the ceilings and walls and you will see the muses, Apollo, Cupid, Gratiae…

64. Kuskovo Manor was a summer residence of the Sheremetev family, one of the wealthiest in the Russian Empire. There are many buildings in the complex, including the palace itself, kitchens, the Dutch house, the Grotto with naval decorative elements, the Italian house with some exhibits and the Great Stone Orangery. The main palace is built right in front of a pond. The decoration is rich, with tapestries, colorful fabric wallpaper, chandeliers, furniture. One of the most beautiful parts of the palace is the Mirror Hall.

65. Vorontsovo estate belonged to many people, including Ivan the Terrible. The place was first mentioned in the 14th century and since then changed owners frequently, until it was gifted to N. Repnin in the 17th century: he and his heirs erected the main buildings of the estate. At the beginning of the 19th century the place was rented out as summer residences and one of the tenants planned to build a dirigible there, but it didn’t work out. During the Soviet period it served as a collective farm, prison, then a scientific institute. Many buildings were either destroyed or reorganized, so not much is left of the original estate. Nowadays Vorontsovo is more of a park with different facilities, but some buildings are still there to see like the entrance gates, service premises and the church.

66. Kuzminki-Blachernae was a huge residence that belonged to Golitsyns, one of the most prominent noble families in the Russian Empire. The complex included numerous buildings, but at the moment almost all of them are in decay. The main palace burnt down in 1916, and after the revolution they gave the estate to the Institute of Experimental Veterinary. Many buildings were converted into laboratories and administrative premises, but the place is abandoned now, except one building that houses a museum.

Monasteries

Monasteries in Russia weren’t only places for religious ceremonies and monastic life. No, many of them were built to serve as fortifications to defend the city, and sometimes the defenders would find shelter behind its walls. That’s why don’t be surprised when you see thick walls: if it weren’t for church domes, one would think that it is a proper fortress. All the monasteries and convents were extremely important and the rulers of the country would usually donate money to build additional premises and decorate the churches.

The ones I mention below are very old. Some of them were used as prisons for the members of the royal family, some served as shelters during wars, others had facilities to care for the wounded, but many of them were located outside the city walls and served as a barrier: during attacks they would take the first blow giving Moscow time to prepare. Nevertheless, when the Soviet rule came, they all shared a similar fate.

67. Novodevichy Convent is the most famous one in Moscow. It was founded in 1524 and the buildings are still preserved. Many noble women took monastic vows and ended up living in the convent, some were forced to do it. During troublesome times, the royals hid there. The monastery was rich: for example, at the beginning of the 18th century 15,000 serfs belonged to the convent. Its cemetery is well-known as well, some notable people are buried there, so many people visit it just to see the graves. The convent was declared a UNESCO site.

68. Novospassky Monastery was founded in 1490, but became popular after the Romanovs came to power as it was their family burial vault. Before Peter I moved to St Petersburg, it was a burial place for many noble families like Naryshkins, Sheremetevs, Trubetskoys, etc., but during the Soviet times many graves were brought to ruin or moved to other places. The monastery was turned into a prison, and later was given to the NKVD.

69. Donskoy Monastery : this red-walled monastery was founded in 1591 after the victory over a Crimean khan, but many buildings were added later by tsars and noble people. During the siege of Moscow in 1812 soldiers were stationed there and they ruined the monastery and stole many valuables. Many famous people are buried in its territory, including Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn. When the Soviets came to power, they turned it into a museum.

70. Conception Convent or Zachatyevsky Monastery: the fate of this monastery wasn’t easy. It was founded in the 1360-ies, but its main cathedral was built at the end of the 17th century. This very cathedral was later destroyed to erect a neo-gothic one. During the Soviet times it was turned into a prison, the cathedral and other premises were demolished, so after the collapse of the USSR they had to build a new one. Now the main church of the monastery, the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God, is a recent addition.

71. Vysokopetrovsky Monastery is hidden behind walls and few people, even fewer tourists, know of its existence. Founded in 1315 by Metropolitan Archbishop Peter, its first churches were wooden, the stone ones were built later. In 1812 the French ransacked the monastery, they passed death sentences here and buried people at the bell tower. In the 1920-ies monks organised a backstreet monastic community here, but some of its members were later executed. The Soviets opened a library, a plant and shared flats in the monastery. It would be fair to say that restoration works started during the Soviet rule.

72. Andreevsky Monastery : the fate of this monastery is weird, frankly. It was founded in the 17th century, but there weren’t many monks there. In 1724 Peter I ordered to move the monks to Donskoy Monastery, and turn Andreevsky one into an orphanage and prison. Later it became a home for the insane and an asylum. In the meantime, some churches of the monastery were still active, and in 1991 it became a fully functioning monastery when all its churches opened.

73. Danilov Monastery : the monastery got its name because its founder was Daniel of Moscow, one of Alexander Nevsky’s sons. It was founded in 1282, but shortly after that it was moved to another place. Ivan the Terrible gave the place a new life and ordered to build a new church close to Daniel’s grave. Because the monastery was at the epicenter of many battles, it was ransacked often. During the Soviet times it was turned into a warehouse and Charles Crane, an American businessman, bought its bells and took them to Harvard University, but they were returned in 2008.

74. Sretensky Monastery was founded in 1395. Initially, there was only a church, but, according to a legend, an icon from the church helped to avoid the invasion of khan Tamerlane, so the ruler of the country ordered to build a monastery around it. It was enlarged during the next centuries, but in the 18th century it lost its significance and fell to decay, but the situation changed in the middle of the 19th century when the area was renovated. By the end of the 19th century it was the most famous monastery in Moscow. During the Soviet times some of its premises were demolished, icons were handed over to museums, and the rest of buildings were given to the NKVD. A new cathedral was built in the 21st century, but to do it they had to demolish some of the remaining buildings.

75. Ivanovsky Convent : it was founded as a friary, but was later turned into a convent. It served as a kind of prison as well for royal wives. When the capital was moved to St Petersburg, the convent fell into neglect, in 1812 it was burned and restored in 1865 only. Soldiers wounded during Russo-Turkish war would be sent to the convent. During the Soviet times it was given first to the NKVD and turned into a concentration camp, and later to the Department of Internal Affairs. Even nowadays, when many buildings are restored and religious services are held, some of the premises still belong to the department.

76. Simonov Monastery was named after boyar Stepan Khovrin, who donated lands to start it. He later became a monk and took Simon as his monastic name. Just like in the case of the monasteries above, the new buildings were added gradually, and the monastery was quite rich: at the end of the 17th century about 25,000 serfs belonged to it. During the reign of Catherine the Great it was turned into a sickbay, but the place was later restored. During the Soviet times many buildings were blown up to build a Hall of Culture.

Personally, I am a big fan of the Slavic church architecture. The churches are so vibrant, have intricate decorative elements, and just please the eye. Whenever I go to a Russian city, I dedicate some time to exploring churches. If you aren’t like me, just skip this section, but, maybe, a couple of pictures will change your mind 😊

77. Cathedral of Christ the Saviour : this is the main cathedral in Moscow, and you definitely have to see it. Its white walls and golden domes are seen from afar, inside it’s vibrant and bright. For a price you can climb up to its dome. In addition, get to the bridge nearby: the views of Moscow are stunning!

78. St Clement’s Church : this red and white church with blue and golden domes is located at Tretyakovskaya metro station relatively close to Tretyakov Gallery, so you might as well spend some time to admire its colors. It is built in Baroque style, which is unusual for Moscow, and is dedicated to Clement, a Roman pope, which is surprising as well.

79. Cathedral of St Nicholas in Klenniki is relatively close to the Kremlin, but if you are not in the area, there is no need to go to specifically see it. My hotel (I loved it, by the way), was nearby, and I passed by the church a couple of times a day. The church was built in 1657, but was damaged a lot in fires, so was constantly restored and renovated.

80. Temple of the Holy Trinity in Ostankino : this one you should definitely see! It is not far from the Ostankino Tower and VNDKh, so you can easily do it. The church was built at the end of the 17th century, and its distinctive feature is its decorative elements. It’s a monument of old Russian cult architecture.

81. All Saints Church in Kulishki : this one is really close to Zaryadye Park, so you can walk another 200 meters to see it. Its architecture is quite interesting as well, when you look at the windows, you can easily recognize old Russian style. When the Soviets came to power, they wanted to demolish the church, but used it for state security needs.

82. Resurrection Church in Kadashi Sloboda : this is another church not far from Tretyakov Gallery. It has peculiar architecture, and some parts of its facade are different from the other churches. It was ransacked in 1812, and during the Soviet times it housed the archive of the KGB. But today, after being restored, the golden domes of this red- and orange-walled church are seen from afar.

83. The Church of St. Vladimir in the Old Gardens : if you come to visit Ivanovsky Convent, this church will be across the road. The original church was built in 1516, but was rebuilt in the 17th century and lost almost all of its original elements. In 1980 a fire destroyed the books and frescoes and it was restored later. Today it is hard to miss this church with white walls.

84. The Church of the Entry of the Theotokos into the Temple in Barashi isn’t far from the Clean Ponds I mentioned above. It was built in Naryshkin’s baroque style in the 17th century and was richly decorated. During the Soviet times they handed the most previous icons over to Tretyakov Gallery and wanted to demolish it, but changed their mind and turned it into an electrical goods plant.

85. The Church of Deposition of the Robe on Donskoy : this church is close to Donskoy Monastery and Gorky Park, so you can as well go to see it. The stone church in Moscow baroque style was built in 1680 and was restored at the end of the 19th century. Interestingly, it didn’t close during the Soviet rule.

86. The Church of the Epiphany in Elokhovo : this one is quite far from any other Moscow landmarks, so it is unlikely you will go to see it 🙂 Unlike the churches I mentioned above, the walls of this one aren’t red, but light blue. It is said that Alexander Pushkin was baptised there.

Amazing buildings in Moscow

If you are into architecture or old Russian architectural style, you can spend some time looking for these buildings. Unfortunately, they can be enjoyed from the outside only (as far as I know, but I may be wrong), but if you are not far from them, why not have a look? 😊

87. House of Pashkov : it will be really hard to miss this white colossus not far from the Kremlin and the monument to Vladimir. It was built at the end of the 18th century and was later turned into a university. Now it houses the Russian State Library and it is possible to visit it during a tour : it is expensive and it looks like they accept groups only.

88. Egg house on Mashkov Street : this truly weird building looks like … an egg and was inspired by Faberge eggs. It was built in 2000-2002, so it is a relatively new addition to the architectural masterpieces of the city. Because it is weird, many people don’t like it and criticize the architect. And, frankly, it looks totally out of place. Nobody lives there: as the architect himself claims, the house isn’t very comfortable. If you have about 409 million rubles, you can buy it 😊

89. Arseny Morozov Mansion : the first owner of the building Arseny Morozov was inspired by Pena Palace in Sintra. Some say that Casa de las Conchas from Salamanca served as an inspiration as well, because there are shells on its façade. In any case, you won’t miss this snow-white building on Vozdvizhenka Street. By the way, the building was so weird for its times, that it was called ‘a fool’s house’. I think it is amazing!

90. Apraksins-Trubetskoys House at the Clean Ponds: the first owner of the baroque building was Count Apraksin, but it was later sold to the Trubetskoy family, hence the name of the mansion. In 1861 it became a school where some famous people like C. Stanislavsky studied. During the Soviet period the mansion was turned into an apartment building and then into a student dormitory. Now it could use some kind of renovation.

91. Volkov-Yusupov Chambers : unfortunately, this amazing building in Bol’shoy Khariton’yevskiy Pereulok (relatively close to the Egg house) isn’t open to the public, so you can see its façade only. It was turned into a museum for a couple of years, so it was possible to see its lavish interior, but not anymore. Now this building with red walls is hidden behind a neglected garden.

92. Stalin’s Seven Sisters or skyscrapers are 7 buildings commissioned by Stalin. There should have been 8 of them, but they didn’t finish the last one. These monumental buildings are a representation of the so-called Stalinist empire architectural style and are easily recognizable as they are so different from the surrounding cityscape. Sparrow Hills are a nice place to see them: actually, one of these skyscrapers, the building of Moscow State University, will be behind you 🙂 Another one you will see from the bridge in Zaryadye Park.

93. Averky Kirillov Chambers : if you come to see the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, just cross the Patriarshy Bridge and turn left. After about a hundred meters you will see an old house with red walls which can easily go unnoticed because of the huge buildings nearby. It belonged to Averky Kirillov, a notable merchant and state official. Built in the middle of the 17th century, it boasted exquisite decoration, but time and new owners didn’t spare it. It housed the Russian Institute of Culturology, but I am not sure what is there now.

Are there any other tourist attractions in Moscow that I missed? Tell me about them in the comments! 🙂

What to do in Moscow for free

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9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

 Sir Francis Canker/Getty Images

In most cases, you'll be entering Red Square from the north, passing landmarks such as the Bolshoi Theatre and Duma parliament building as you make your way southward. Although you don't necessarily have to pass through the Voskresensky (or Resurrection in English) Gates in order to gain access to the square these days, they definitely provide a sense of arrival, to say nothing of the way their left arch frame's St. Basil's Cathedral if you look from just the right angle.

An interesting fact is that while a gate of some kind has stood here since the mid-16th century, the one you currently see wasn't built until 1994, having been destroyed in 1931 so that tanks could enter and exit Red Square during military parades.

St. Basil's Cathedral

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson 

Few sights are as iconic not only of Moscow and Red Square but indeed of Russia than St. Basil's Cathedral, whose colorful, onion-shaped domes are a symbol of the country around the world. Officially known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, this church has stood since 1561, which is quite miraculous when you consider all the turbulent history that has transpired since then.

Among other things, religion was severely prohibited during the Soviet period , which led some to believe that this emblem of the Russian Orthodox church might not withstand the tenure of the USSR. 

An interesting fact is that St. Basil's is the so-called "Kilometer Zero" of Russia; all of Moscow's main roads (which can take you anywhere in Russia) begin at the exits to Red Square. In this way, St. Basil's iconic status also has an extremely tangible element.

The Kremlin

TripSavvy / Christopher Larson

When you think of The Kremlin, it's unlikely that positive images enter your mind. The fact that simply saying the word "Kremlin" is too vague a descriptor (most Russian cities have their own Kremlin complexes; you should say "Moscow Kremlin") notwithstanding, this misunderstood place is incredibly beautiful, even if you don't like the policy that comes out of it.

Senate Square

In spite of its name, which refers to the role the building that rises above the square played during Imperial Russia, Senate Square is actually home to Russia's presidential administration, currently helmed by Vladimir Putin. In order to see where Russia's legislature operates from, walk just outside Red Square to the Duma parliament building.

Dormition Cathedral

Dating back to the year 1479, the gold-domed Dormition Cathedral pays homage to an Orthodox religious feast that commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary . As is the case with St. Basil's, it is curious that such a conspicuously religious structure was able to survive through the Soviet period.

Armoury Chamber

Though it takes its name from the fact that it housed Russia's royal arsenal when it was built in the 16th century, the most notable resident of the Kremlin's Armoury Chamber today is the Russian Diamond Fund.

Notable Kremlin Towers

Robert Schrader

The interior of the Moscow Kremlin is more beautiful and inviting than you'd expect, but the walls and towers that rise around it better live up to the intimidation with which the complex is associated. 

Borovitskaya Tower

Named to commemorate the dense forest that once stood atop the mount where it's built, this tower is extremely picturesque. Built in the late 15th century, it's visible from most places in the square, and also as you walk along the Moskva River.

Nikolskaya Tower

Also built in the year 1491, this tower currently suffered destruction at the hands of Napoleon's army in the 19th century. What you see now is the result of an 1816 re-design and renovation, though artillery fire during the Russian Revolution also caused superficial damage to the tower, named to honor St. Nikolas of Mozhaysk , so it's difficult to know which elements of it are original.

Spasskaya Tower

Known in English as the "Savior's Tower," this iconic, star-topped tower is perhaps the best-known of all the Kremlin's towers. Built in 1491 like the other two towers on this list, it's certainly the most photographed. As a result of its proximity to St. Basil's, it often makes its way into tourists' pictures.

Mausoleum of Lenin

Just as it's strange to learn how many religious monuments survived through the Soviet period, it's a bit odd to think that Lenin's preserved body still sits in a mausoleum just beneath the walls of the Kremlin on Red Square, given the lack of consensus about the ultimate impact of his Revolution, even in Russia.

It's not guaranteed that you'll be able to see the body (which, believe it or not, seems to be improving with age ) when you go, and if you do you will likely have to wait in line, but even strolling past the outside of the Lenin Mausoleum, flanked by stone-faced guards that almost look like statues, illuminates the gravity of his body still being here.

GUM Shopping Center

You might cringe, at least initially, when you realize that one of the most iconic stops on a tour of Red Square is a department store—until you see said department store, that is. Built in 1893 and known during Soviet times as the State Department Store, GUM  ( Glávnyj Universáľnyj Magazín​ or Main Universal Store in English) hearkens back to the grandeur of the late 19th century, both seen from the outside (especially, when lit up at night) and the interior, which might have you feeling like you're further west in Europe.

A trip inside GUM is a particularly good idea during winter, when frigid temperatures outside will have you savoring the heat, the quality of souvenirs, confections and other goods sold inside notwithstanding. Also, make sure not to confuse GUM with CDM, which sits near the Bolshoi Theatre, even though both are stunning and iconic in their own right.

State Historical Museum

The Russian State Historical Museum is located near Voskresensky Gates, though you should wait until after you've seen the first few attractions of Red Square and the Kremlin to head back there and go inside. To be sure, as you pass by its facade (whose late-19th century grandeur somewhat obscures that fact that it's currently a museum accessible to the public) you might not even think to try and gain entry.

Once inside the museum, you can plan to spend at least a couple of hours, given that artifacts here date back to the very beginning of the Russian state in the ninth century. As is the case with GUM, this will be a particularly alluring prospect if you visit in winter, when Moscow is arguably at its most beautiful, but certainly at its least tolerable. 

Minin-Pozharsky Monument

It's somewhat easy to disregard this monument, which pays homage to the two Russian princes who ended the so-called "Time of Troubles" in the mid-16th century, during which Polish-Lithuanian forces occupied Russia, among other awful things including a famine. That's because the statue currently sits just at the base of St. Basil's Cathedral, which makes it very difficult to photograph or even see without being overwhelmed by that much more famous edifice.

Though the statue originally sat at the very center of Red Square, it came to be an obstacle to the movement of tanks during the Soviet period, much like the Voskresensky Gates. As a result, authorities moved it during that time, and it's stayed where you currently find it ever since.

Kazan Cathedral

Taken by itself, the smokey-pink Kazan Cathedral is an architectural marvel; originally built in the 17th century, the church you find here today, located just north of the GUM department store, dates back only to 1993.

Unfortunately, since it sits not only in the shadow of GUM, but also in the shadow St. Basil's and the Towers of the Kremlin, it's easy to miss entirely if you aren't looking. As a result, you might wait until you've seen just about everything else in Red Square before coming here to take photos, and to appreciate the understated beauty of this oft-overlooked cathedral.

Moskva River

As you head south from St. Basil's Cathedral to exit Red Square, make sure to walk onto Bolshoy Moskvoretskiy Bridge, which crosses the Moskva River. If you look due north, you can get an excellent shot of the church framed, on the left, by the towers of the Kremlin. Directing your gaze a bit to the west allows you to see the skyscrapers of Moscow City as they rise above the Kremlin's walls.

Walking westward along the riverbank is also a worthwhile excursion, for the views it provides of Red Square and the Kremlin, as well as the fact that doing so takes you to other iconic Moscow attractions, including Gorky Park and the Pushkin Museum. The views you enjoy from the river and the bridge are particularly stunning at night, though you should make sure you bring a tripod if you want to get a clear picture, given how strong winds over and near the river can be.

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1. Meroe Pyramids

2. Sudan National Museum

3. Gebel Barkal

4. Sanganeb National Park

5. Nile Street

6. University of Khartoum

7. Tuti Island

9. El Kurru Tombs

10. Khartoum War Cemetery

12. Al Kabir Mosque

13. Presidential Palace

14. Al Sabalouga (Sabaloka Gorge)

15. Mojo Gallery

16. Ethnographic Museum

17. Taka Mountains

18. Afra Mall

19. Soleb Temple

20. Kerma's Archeological Site

21. Third Cataract of the Nile

22. Necropolis of Nuri

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27. Tomb of Muhammad Ahmad (Madhi)

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