I am aware of its two faces. In ordinary life it reflects its historical side– being a merchant yard. But during fashion shows or grand parties it turns into a gorgeous castle. I like the second change very much, when a fairy touches magnificent details with her wand and Gostiny dvor changes its face by 180 degrees and turns into something extraordinary and unrecognizable. And it is so close to the Red Square and surrounded by small ancient Moscow streets, like Varvarka and Ilyinka. Just imagine, it was the heart of trade life, the central place for central events! People met here, cut deals, made acquaintances, merchants brought their goods here, surprising and satisfying Moscowite tastes.
As for me, I adore the corporate events when the huge hall with glass roof (a 20th century innovation) turns into a giant palace and the marble staircase into a pompous one when it is covered by a red carpet. The entire space is then full of tents for stars - artists, singers, actors. The stage and hundreds of tables, covered with white tablecloths, are arranged everywhere...
Anyway, it was built during Catherine the Great's reign, so it has great history. I like the monastery cafeteria close to this place where I buy tasty pirozhki with tea.
In its ordinary life Gostinny dvor contains different buros and small shops. You can enter through any entrance any day.
Ilyinka, 4
RUB
no-price
4959563820
Find your way with 134 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
"The Fountain of Arts" in Moscow is a fountain inaugurated in 2006. I really recommend you visit it after Tretyakov Gallery - you'll get inspired!
by
"Moscow City" is the city's very own skyscraper district. Here you can find everything that makes life in the big city fun and interesting...
by
"Shabolovka Street" is one of my favorite parts of Moscow. Maybe it's because of the atmosphere, Danilovsky Food Market nearby or the radio tower...
by
"RAoS Viewpoint" isn't the highest or most spectacular in Moscow, but the views you get here are definitely the most Instagram-worthy...
by
"Bro.We" is a small cafe in Moscow with excellent coffee and the people who work there are amazing. I started going there even if it's out of my way...
by
"Aquarium Garden" in Moscow takes me back to the pre-revolutionary era. You can find playbills and beautiful fountains and arches deep in the garden...
by
"Triumph Gallery" is in the very centre of Moscow, and what I like most about it is the contrast between its contemporary art and the splendor around it...
by
"Cheburechnaya Druzhba" in Moscow never changed in the last 30 years. hHre you can get authentic Chebureki, the 'national' Soviet middle-class fast food...
by
If you ever dreamed of meeting a unicorn, you have the chance here in Moscow! This Neo-Gothic building actually inspired Mikhail Bulgakov...
by
"Cape Stroginskaya Kosa" is in Moscow's suburbs in a green park. It's a calm, quiet place with many trees, surrounded by water from three sides...
by
"Ekologiya Garden" in Moscow is a sculpture park right next to busy Arbat Street dedicated to ecology. It's a real open-air museum!
by
"Craftland Cultural Bar" in Moscow is a cool pub with red brick walls, extremely happy & helpful staff! I love the unusual beers & the 'Cocky Tony' burger.
by
134 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 134 Insider Tips