Dec 9, 2024

Gostiny Dvor Moscow

Old merchant court

002-building
Art & culture
""Gostiny dvor" next to Moscow's Red Square has two faces: it's a historical merchant yard and a magnificent, luxurious event space all in one!"

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.

About this spot

Ilyinka, 4

RUB

no-price

4959563820

Explore cities like a local with Spotted by Locals - discover hidden gems and all our locals’ favourites! Get full access to our Moscow guide.

Cool place right!? There’s so much more to discover:

Discover all other hidden gems in Moscow

Krasnostudenchesky-Proezd
mariaselezneva

Krasnostudenchesky Proezd – Tram stop time machine

Tram stop "Krasnostudenchesky Proezd" in Moscow is an option for you if you want to travel back in time. It looks really stylish, too!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Maria

Selezneva

Jan 7, 2025
oppo_0
mariaselezneva

Dizengof99 – Perfect Israeli breakfast

"Dizengof99" is an amazing Israeli restaurant that doesn't get exhausted on hummus and falafel. You have to try the breakfast - ideally for two!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 23, 2024
oppo_0
mariaselezneva

Danilovsky Food Market – The one and only

The popular "Danilovsky Food Market" which has existed in Moscow was recently renovated and now it follows European standards: it's become a foodie heaven!

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 23, 2024
Arma-Art-Cluster
mariaselezneva

Arma Art Cluster – Former gas plant

"Arma Art Cluster" in Moscow is a cool gentrified cluster built on old gas holders. Here's a tip: come on the weekend to enjoy it with fewer people around!

002-building
Art & culture
028-beach-bar-1
Bars
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 23, 2024
oppo_0
mariaselezneva

Pita&Souvlaki – Greek tavern

I'm obsessed with Greek food, and after looking far and wide in Moscow, "Pita&Suvlaki" has become my favorite... I really like their chicken souvlaki!

021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
024-burger-1
Snacks

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 23, 2024
Gorka-Park
mariaselezneva

Gorka Park – A piece of Brooklyn

"Gorka Park" is a recently renovated park in Moscow that feels like a little piece of Brooklyn! Grab a coffee and a croissant and enjoy the atmosphere...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 23, 2024
Novaya-Basmannaya-Street
mariaselezneva

Novaya Basmannaya Street – Full of mansions

"Novaya Basmannaya Street" in Moscow is a street with plenty of impressive mansions! My favorite building on is the Shibaevs' Estate...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 23, 2024
oppo_0
mariaselezneva

The Fountain of Arts – Oasis of inspiration

"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!

002-building
Art & culture
017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 19, 2024
oppo_0
mariaselezneva

Moscow City – Moscow's skyscrapers

"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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
021-spoon-and-fork-1
Restaurants
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 19, 2024
Shabolovka-Street
mariaselezneva

Shabolovka Street – Oasis of peace

"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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea
017-plant-1
Relaxing
026-thrift-shop-1
Shopping

By

Maria

Selezneva

Dec 19, 2024
RAoS-Viewpoint
nataliastepanova

RAoS Viewpoint – Get close to the golden brains

"RAoS Viewpoint" isn't the highest or most spectacular in Moscow, but the views you get here are definitely the most Instagram-worthy...

017-plant-1
Relaxing

By

Natalia

Stepanova

Dec 18, 2024
Bro.We
nataliastepanova

Bro.We – Come for a coffee, stay for a movie club

"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...

020-coffee-cup-1
Coffee & tea

By

Natalia

Stepanova

Dec 18, 2024