From Zaryadye to the Hermitage Garden: Squares and Theatres

A walk from the Floating Bridge through Lubyanka and Theatre Square to the Maly Theatre and the Hermitage Garden in central Moscow.

5 stopsabout 90 minuteson foot

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The route at a glance

1. Floating Bridge Moscow
2. Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Moscow
3. Teatralnaya Square
4. Maly Theatre Moscow
5. Hermitage Garden Moscow

1. 1

   Floating Bridge Moscow

   We begin on the Floating Bridge in Zaryadye Park. The park recreates four Russian landscapes, tundra, forest, steppe and flood meadows, and the bridge is its best-known viewpoint. It extends about seventy meters over the Moskva river, so the Kremlin, old churches and a Stalinist skyscraper line up in front of you. Linger as long as you like, then head back through the park and walk north toward Lubyanka Square.

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2. 2

   Central Children's Store on Lubyanka Moscow

   Lubyanka Square is a busy junction in the center, with a Metro station right underneath it. On its side stands the Central Children's Store, known by its old name, Detsky Mir, a large department store for children. A viewing point at the top opens in good weather and looks across Kitay-Gorod toward the Kremlin. Cross carefully at the lights, then follow the streets west toward Theatre Square.

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3. 3

   Teatralnaya Square

   Theatre Square is one of the most recognizable squares in Moscow, where Kuznetsky Most and Petrovka Street meet Theatre Drive. The Bolshoi Theatre stands here, and the Maly Theatre is right beside it. Look for the park in the middle of the square, and know that a river still flows diagonally beneath it. The Metro stations Teatralnaya, Okhotny Ryad and Ploshchad Revolyutsii are all within a few steps.

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4. 4

   Maly Theatre Moscow

   Next to the Bolshoi stands the Maly Theatre, whose name means the Small Theatre, a playful contrast with its famous neighbor. It is a drama theater with a long history, and it is often called the House of Ostrovsky because many plays by Alexander Ostrovsky premiered here. Take a moment to look at the facade, then continue north along Tverskaya Street and the boulevards toward Karetny Ryad.

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5. 5

   Hermitage Garden Moscow

   Our walk ends at the Hermitage Garden on Karetny Ryad Street, a park in the center known for its cultural life. Several theatres stand within the garden, and in summer it hosts an outdoor jazz festival, along with concerts and other events. Find a bench under the trees and rest after the walk. It is a quiet contrast to the busy squares we passed, and a good place to decide where to have dinner.

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