From manorial ponds to riverside promenades: Where to go for a walk in Moscow

Autumn is the season when Moscow’s parks (under the Moscow Department of Culture) take on a remarkable character, the areas around local ponds and reservoirs looking particularly peaceful and inviting. So, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll, feed the ducks, sip a cup of hot tea, and soak up the autumn atmosphere before the threatening winter chill. Here is a look at some of the most picturesque bodies of water in metropolitan parks, from the ponds and cascading waterways in the old mansions to the Moskva River to the Khimki Reservoir.

Izmailovsky Island: Reflections of old architectural landmarks

A circular walking route spanning approximately three kilometres runs around Izmailovsky Island, following the shoreline of the Serebryano-Vinogradny Pond. In autumn, the area feels like an untouched natural retreat in the heart of the city. There are no noisy amusement rides; moss covers the banks, with paths winding between the linden and maple trees. On one side, visitors are surrounded by trees, the water surface acting like a mirror on the other.

The pond is home to lots of ducks preparing to migrate, while muskrats can sometimes be spotted among the reeds. The reflections of the Mostovaya Tower and the cupolas on top the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin Mary shimmer on the water surface.

Tsaritsyno and Borisovskiye Prudy: A route for a longer walk

In the historic part of Tsaritsyno Park, visitors can stroll along the Upper Tsaritsyno Pond, admire the pier with its sphinxes or the palace buildings. Near Middle Pond, there is a decommissioned fountain topped with a dome, with quiet walking paths lining the Lower Pond.

Further, the route can be extended to the Borisovskiye Prudy (Ponds), with two churches appearing in the distance. Those with plenty of stamina can continue all the way to the dam, whereas visitors looking for a shorter outing, a photo opportunity, or a coffee break may prefer to stay in the older part of the park, exploring its architectural landmarks or stopping by the museum.

Lyublino Estate: A walk between two ponds

At Lyublino Estate, a stroll along the tree-lined avenues beside the Upper and Lower Lyublino Ponds offers a glimpse into the atmosphere of a bygone era. The ponds are overlooked by the estate’s Palladian-style palace; built for Nikolai Durasov, it is surrounded by a picturesque park, an ideal place to take a leisurely walk, admire the water and old architecture and escape the noise of the city.

Kolomenskoye: A walk to the Moskva River

An autumn walk down to the Moskva River through the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve is best started from Klenovy Bulvar metro station. At the entrance, visitors are greeted by the Mokhovaya Tower that was originally part of the Sumsky Ostrog fortress, the only surviving 17 th-century wooden defensive tower of the kind in European Russia.

On the way to the river, one can pass a watermill on the Zhuzha River and the Falcon Yard. Following its 2025 renovation, the Tsar’s Embankment now features wooden decking, an amphitheatre by the water, an observation deck, and a children’s playground. It is certainly an excellent spot to watch ducks and passing boats. Alternatively, you can take a break there with a cup of hot tea.

Teply Stan Nature Reserve: Along the pond and woodland trails

A walking route through Teply Stan Landscape Nature Reserve can run along the waterfront area of the Teply Stan Pond. In autumn, the foliage along the banks turns gold and crimson, ducks in the water looking peaceful, while the paved walking paths connect to woodland trails leading deeper into the reserve.

Northern Tushino Park: reservoir views and a submarine

Meanwhile, Northern Tushino Park invites to take a pleasant walk along the promenade beside the Khimki Reservoir, its vast expanse of water and avenues carpeted with yellowing leaves creating a romantic atmosphere, indeed. The park also offers views of the Northern River Station and plying boats.

In the southern part, next to the pavilion housing the Museum of the History of the Russian Navy, visitors can discover one of Moscow’s most unexpected urban landscapes with a submarine, the Orlyonok ekranoplan (a combat ground-effect vehicle), and the Skat hovercraft.

Pokrovsky Bereg Recreation Area: Taking a stroll along the Khimki Reservoir

Pokrovsky Bereg Recreation Area is a peaceful natural haven amid the bustling mega-city, with the walking paths along the water offering views across the Khimki Reservoir. In autumn, it is a particularly stunning place to watch the water, listen to the rustling leaves or take a break from the pace of city life.

Altufyevo and Lianozovsky Park: Ponds for walks and photography

At Altufyevo Estate, visitors can sit peacefully on benches or in gazebos beside the pond with the nearby church reflected in its waters. It is a lovely place to enjoy a coffee, admire the sunset, or get some exercise.

Lianozovsky Park features a picturesque pond surrounded by century-old oak trees and the Lovers’ Bridge offering panoramic views that make an ideal backdrop for autumn photography. An outdoor exhibition runs along the shoreline, with children’s playgrounds and food outlets set nearby.

Putyaevskiye Ponds and Golden Reservoir: Walks among the trees

Consisting of six bodies of water — some retaining their natural character — the chain of the Putyaevskiye Ponds offers a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. At the Large Putyaevsky Pond, visitors can take a sit on a bench to watch birds and to listen to rustling autumn leaves.

Built in the 1840s by joining several natural bodies of water, the Golden Reservoir between the First and Second Luchovye Clearings invites visitors to relax by the water, enjoy the sounds of nature, or take a workout at the outdoor fitness facilities.

Kuskovo: A walk around the Grand Palace Pond

The Kuskovo urban forest is renowned for its ponds offering an opportunity to discover a heart-shaped reservoir, pause on the Gorbaty (Humpback) Bridge beside the Raduzhnye (Rainbow) Ponds or promenade along the Grand Palace Pond.

The pond is easily accessible from Yunosti Street, near the main entrance to Kuskovo Estate. Visitors can follow the right-hand bank, passing the linden avenue and the palace. Please note that admission to the grounds is charged.

You can turn left from the main entrance to head to a wooded shoreline with a landscaped, well-lit promenade. Stop by to enjoy views of the estate. Allow at least an hour for the walk to circle around the pond and a canal with a small harbour — both excellent spots for atmospheric photographs.

Krasnogvardeyskiye Ponds Park: Three ponds and spots to relax

The Krasnogvardeyskiye Ponds is a picturesque linear park spanning almost eight hectares. In autumn, its chain of three ponds — Upper, Middle, and Lower — is an ideal setting for leisurely walks, the variety of trees throughout the park creating a vibrant palette of crimson and golden hues, while trendy wooden boardwalks and gazebos let you enjoy the waterfront even on chilly days.

A good choice for the starting point is the entrance from Zvenigorodskoye Motorway. The bank is carpeted with a multi-level wooden deck providing an excellent place to read, meditate, or watch the ducks, which have nesting shelters on the water.

Near the Middle Pond, there are gazebos extending over the water and offering beautiful views of the golden tree canopies reflected on the water surface. The area around the Lower Pond is the liveliest part of the park, which features a popular floating stage and a tiered amphitheatre, with nearby kiosks and cafés offering drinks and light refreshments.

Khodynskoye Pole Park: A pond and a playground

Autumn lends Khodynskoye Pole Park a special charm, indeed. It is a great place to stroll beside the pond and watch the ducks, a dedicated duck-feeding dispenser nearby providing food for the birds. The autumn trees along the banks add vibrant splashes of colour to the landscape.

A short distance away is the Aviator playground for kids to play while adults have time to take a break.

Fili Park, Olympic Village Park and 50-Letiya Oktyabrya Park: Some fascinating walking routes in autumn

At Fili Park, visitors can choose a route along the Moskva River or head towards the Naryshkinsky Pond. In autumn, the golden tree canopies are especially beautiful when reflected in the water, with fallen leaves blanketing the paths.

Meanwhile, Olympic Village Park invites for a walk along the chain of ponds; it is definitely well worth the effort. The trees are beautifully reflected in the water, and the paths are carpeted with golden leaves.

At 50-Letiya Oktyabrya Park, an autumn route can follow the banks of the Ramenka River for a parkgoer to walk among the trees, with the gentle flow of the water creating a particularly peaceful atmosphere on the background. It is also a perfect spot to take scenic photographs away from the busy city streets.

Mitino Landscape Park: Swans on Penyaginsky Pond

A walk through Mitino Landscape Park will be full of hidden gems, especially when its slopes and hills burst into the vivid colours of autumn. The route’s highlight is the Penyaginsky Pond, with a willow-lined avenue running along the waterfront and offering views of the water, open grassy meadows, and waterside shrubs.

The pond is home to a variety of waterfowl, including swans and ducks; accustomed to people, the birds are unafraid and often swim close to the banks.

Raduga Park: From Italian Reservoir to Grand Grafsky Pond

Starting near Yunosti Street, the walking route through Raduga (Rainbow) Park follows the broad avenues alongside the Italian Reservoir, leading towards the Grand Grafsky (Count’s) Pond. Piers and all-season picnic areas line Italian Pond providing nice spots to spend time by the water. There is an open-air amphitheatre beside the Grand Grafsky Pond. Visitors can pick up a hot tea and stroll along the promenade, which is lined with numerous benches. Dry autumn weather is perfect for a picnic by the water, although you may also combine your outing with exercise since the park has plenty of running tracks, outdoor fitness areas, and tennis courts.

Moscow’s parks offer walking routes to suit every preference, from a short stroll beside a pond to a longer tour across waterways; indeed, golden foliage, reflecting ponds, and peaceful surroundings create a distinctive autumn atmosphere, while landscaped promenades, observation decks, and cafés make a visit comfortable even in cooler weather.