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Zamoskvorechye and Tretyakov Gallery Walking Itinerary: Route and Tips

By Moscow Vibes ·

Zamoskvorechye and Tretyakov Gallery Walking Itinerary: Route and Tips
Main image: AI-generated illustration. It may not show the place exactly as it looks.

The Zamoskvorechye and Tretyakov Gallery Walking Itinerary combines the main collection of Russian art with the old district across the river from the Kremlin. It suits visitors who want one serious museum and a calm walk afterward, away from the crowds of Red Square.

The route assumes four to five hours: about two to three in the gallery and the rest on foot through narrow lanes and past churches. By the end you will have seen the gallery’s fairy-tale facade and its Russian collection, a museum church, two old churches on the streets behind it and the merchant houses of Bolshaya Ordynka, and you will know which parts need a ticket.

At a glance: Walk into Zamoskvorechye from Tretyakovskaya, spend the middle of the day in the Tretyakov Gallery, then follow Klimentovsky Lane and Bolshaya Ordynka past old churches to finish at Novokuznetskaya.

Half Day: The Tretyakov Gallery and the Streets Behind It

The gallery sits in the middle of the route, so the first stop is a short walk in and the last stops are a slow walk out. The walking is on quiet side streets with little traffic. The gallery has timed opening hours and a weekly closing day, so plan around those, and keep the afternoon free for the churches.

  1. Zamoskvorechye – Start at Tretyakovskaya (Line 6, orange, or Line 8, yellow) and walk into the quiet streets of the old merchant district south of the Moskva River, toward Lavrushinsky Lane (15 minutes)
  2. Tretyakov Gallery – The main building at Lavrushinsky Lane 10 holds Russian art from the icons of the Middle Ages to the early 20th century, behind a fairy-tale facade designed by the painter Viktor Vasnetsov; the ticket is separate, the gallery is closed on Mondays and the hours differ by day, so check the official site (2 to 3 hours)
  3. St. Nicholas Church in Tolmachy – A church that now works as a museum of the gallery, at Maly Tolmachevsky Lane 9, next to the main building; it has short hours and is closed on Mondays, so treat it as optional (20 minutes, optional)
  4. St. Clement's Church – Walk about ten minutes to Klimentovsky Lane 7 for the old church with its tall bell tower; you can look at the outside for free (15 minutes)
  5. Bolshaya Ordynka – Walk along the old street for the merchant houses and the empire-style Church of the Joy of All Who Sorrow, built between 1834 and 1836 to a design by Osip Bove (30 to 45 minutes)
  6. Novokuznetskaya – Finish at Novokuznetskaya Metro (Line 2, green), a short walk from the street, for the ride back to the center (15 minutes)

Tip: Keep the gallery for midday on a weekday and leave the churches for the afternoon, because many of them have short opening hours and the light on the old streets is best later in the day.

Moscow Vibes Tips

  • Check the gallery's late opening: sources agree that some days it stays open into the evening, but not on which days, so confirm on the official site and plan the evening visit if it suits you.
  • Look at the gallery facade before you go in: the colored ornament and the carved ridge were added to the mansion in the early 1900s and are easy to miss from the lane.
  • The branch museums of the gallery, such as the Museum of Pavel and Sergey Tretyakov, may be closed for restoration, so do not plan the route around them without checking.
  • Bring a small bag, because the cloakroom of the gallery is where large bags and coats are left; see the How to store luggage in Moscow guide for other options.
  • Do not confuse the gallery's two main buildings: the older art is in Lavrushinsky Lane, and the 20th-century collection is on Krymsky Val; see the Gorky Park, Muzeon and Krymsky Val Walking Itinerary.
  • Eat lunch on one of the side streets near Novokuznetskaya rather than next to the gallery, where the cafes fill up around midday.

Explore Nearby Zamoskvorechye and Tretyakov Gallery Walking Itinerary

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FAQ

Is the New Tretyakov Gallery in the same building?

No. The New Tretyakov Gallery on Krymsky Val holds the 20th-century collection and is a separate visit; the main building in Lavrushinsky Lane covers older art. See the How to visit the Tretyakov Gallery guide.

Which day is the Tretyakov Gallery closed?

Monday, as reported by several visitor sources. Check the official site, since the hours on other days differ.

How much time do I need in the gallery?

About two to three hours for the main route through the rooms. The collection is large and cannot be seen in full in one visit.

Can I enter the churches on the route?

Most are working churches and can be entered when open, and dress should be modest; the church that works as a museum of the gallery has short opening hours and is closed on Mondays.

Which Metro stations are nearest?

Tretyakovskaya and Novokuznetskaya, both within about ten minutes' walk of the gallery.

Is Zamoskvorechye a good area to walk?

Yes, it is one of the quietest parts of the old center, with small lanes and low houses; see the Zamoskvorechye guide for the district.

Can I do the walk without the gallery?

Yes. Skip the gallery and the walk takes about two hours; see the 10 Best Squares and Streets for a Walk in Moscow list for other walks.

Can I pay with a foreign card?

Foreign Visa and Mastercard cards are reported not to work in Russia, and your country's sanctions rules may restrict some services, so carry some rubles and check this yourself.

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Last updated: October 8, 2026.

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