Moscow’s top summer spots where foreign visitors flocked

Analysts from the Moscow Tourism Committee did a survey of international travelers who visited Moscow this summer. Covering 600 respondents from beyond the former USSR, it was conducted in July and August in popular public spaces across the city, including Zaryadye Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Manezhnaya Square, Arbat Street, VDNKh, etc. Guests from China, India, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia shared how they planned their journeys, which places they wished to visit, and how satisfied they were with their vacations.

Welcome to Moscow

Foreign tourists highly rated their summer trips to the capital, with the average satisfaction score reaching 8.5 out of 10. The majority of those surveyed were visiting Moscow for the first time. Nine out of ten Middle Eastern travelers had never been to Russia’s capital before. Overall, every fifth respondent was a repeat visitor to the city; this proportion peaked among tourists from India and Southeast Asia at 30 percent each.

Travelers under 35 accounted for the bulk of international visits this summer, making up 68 percent, with one in five tourists bringing their children along — mostly over the age of six.

Moscow happened to be the sole summer target for 60 percent of the capital’s foreign guests, who weighed no other options: first and foremost, they were drawn by the wide range of landmarks and recreational opportunities. Word-of-mouth recommendations and inspiring content also heavily shaped their vacation planning.

On average, visitors from abroad were set to spend eight days in Moscow, while tourists from Saudi Arabia opted for a longer stay of about 10 days. Red Square topped the ultimate must-see checklist for 89 percent of respondents, while 60 percent ranked Arbat Street as a can’t-miss landmark. Other popular attractions included a river cruise along the Moskva River, the Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Prospekt, and VDNKh.

Preferences split along national and regional lines; for instance, 70 percent of tourists from the Middle East intentionally coupled sightseeing with entertainment, high-impact shows, and active recreation. Their top choices included the cable car and zipline at Vorobyovy Gory, and the Great Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Prospekt which was on the itinerary of almost every second Middle Eastern guest (48 percent).

Chinese tourists demonstrated more interest in the Tretyakov Gallery than any other group: the landmark appeared on 34 percent of their sightseeing lists. VDNKh proved particularly popular among travelers from India and Southeast Asia.

47 percent of international tourists took part in the city’s summer events. One in ten respondents attended festivals and celebrations, with guests from the Middle East leading the turnout. Chinese travelers more often chose concerts and music festivals, while tourists from India favored culinary events. Also, 68 percent of foreign vacationers explored Moscow’s vibrant evening and nightlife.