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Azur Lane Guide - A beginner's guide for getting into this popular ship battle game

Starting today, you can now download the English open beta of Azur Lane. If you're worried about losing progress, before the final release, worry not, as whatever progress you make will be transferred over. If you're unfamiliar with Azur Lane, it is a mobile shmup mixed with RPG elements. Like all mobile games, they have a steep learning curve but are also simple to play.

For more information related about Azur Lane, you can also check out their official website using this link .

This guide will point out some of the basics you should invest in to maximize your resources and optimize your gameplay.

After completing the tutorial, you are given a starter ship (we have a guide to the Starter Ships ) - Javelin, Z23 or Laffey. These starters are based on the Chinese version of Azur Lane, so we can probably assume the game is based on the Chinese version's statistics (Japanese and Korean version have different starters, events, required exp and drop rate).

To Reroll or Not to Reroll

Azur Lane is a very generous mobile game if you do not get a Super Rare unit (The rarest grade so far). Do not despair, there are many ways of obtaining Super Rare units even if luck isn't in your favor. The game offers a pity system, where you can Retire units for medals. This can be used to exchange for Super Rare units.

Though the selection of Super Rare unit is limited, you will find as you get further in the game, your issue will be dealing with limited dock space rather than obtaining Super Rare units. Think of the long-term returns rather than the short-term time investment.

Rerolling here is also not recommended in general, because the username will not be able to be picked again in the same server. If you do daily & weekly missions while conserving resources, you can eventually get the Super Rare units without having to resort to rerolls or microtransactions.

Gems are the paid currency of Azur Lane, you can use this to purchase anything in the game, this range from resources, inventory, costumes, anything. The problem is you will only get limited of Gems without spending money.

To maximize your use of Gems, you should never waste gems on resources such as oil, coin or cubes .as these resources are replenished daily. You should save your Gems for things that only Gems can buy. Such as inventory space, dock expansions, and Wedding Rings.

Expanding the docks is especially important if you want to collect all the ships. As the game adds more and more new ships, the initial dock capacity of 150 will not be able to contain all of them, so this should be your top priority.

Discarding Units

After spending plenty of time in the game, you will eventually find yourself dealing with an excessive amount of units. This is from building units each day or getting free units from mission drops.

Up to 4 duplicate units can be used as Limit Break materials to further strengthen the unit. Any excess units that you don't use should be discarded properly. For example, the lowest grade units should be used to enhance other units to raise their stats. While rarer grade units should be retired for medals so that you can exchange for better units or Universal Bulin.

Daily Missions

In Azur Lane, there is a wide variety of missions that can be cleared daily and weekly. These missions will reward enough resources to continue playing the game throughout the week. Included in the rewards are Bulins, characters that are mainly used as strengthening materials.

These characters can be used to raise the star of other characters, which will increase the cap of their stats. The normal method requires a duplicate unit, while the purple Universal Bulin can act as a substitute to most units from Normal to Elite rarity. The Super Rare units can only be substituted by the golden Prototype Bulin, which can be obtained by clearing 10 weekly missions.

Retrofitting Units

Some unit can be retrofitted with blueprints. Units that can be retrofitted will have the Improve option in the status screen. If you managed to fully upgrade all nodes, the unit will rank up and will have a new appearance. Some units when fully upgraded are very powerful.

Blueprints are given as event rewards, but they can also drop from clearing missions in Hard mode. Commission projects can also sometimes reward you with Blueprints. Lower grade Blueprints can also be merged into a higher grade. Due to the rarity of Blueprints, you should never waste them on ships you don't use.

Your Secretary

The Secretary is the character you chose to greet you during the lobby screen. The advantage of the Secretary is that she will automatically receive affection points. When a character has high affection points, her stats will be raised.

Normally, it requires you to battle to raise affection, so this is a convenient way of raising affection. You should switch your secretary when she reaches 90 affection, as the game caps at 90 points using this method. Switch to other ships so that you can improve their affections as well.

The Dorm in Azur Lane lets some of your ships to rest, you can provide them with food which will automatically give them EXP. This is an easy way of earning EXP for your ships without grinding.

Most of the food can be exchanged with Oil, so if you ever reach the Oil cap, you should invest in food so that Canteen can automatically replenish per day. If you haven't unlocked the dorm yet, just simply reach to a Level 8 Commander.

The Academy

The Academy is the location used to learn new skills for your ship and as well as purchase supply boxes for your ship. As you reach a higher level commander, you can upgrade the Canteen and the Merchant to increase the speed and cap of daily replenish (Oil and Coin). The shops here also provide rewards for PVP victories and competing missions in Hard Mode.

Auto Battle

The auto-battle feature will be available after you have cleared stage 1-3. As the title suggests, this will let the CPU take control of your fleet so you don't have to move them by yourself. However, some precautions will still need to be taken when activating this mode.

As implied by the warning image, don't expect a smart CPU to control the fleet. It will just randomly move the fleet around the field while barely making any effort to avoid enemy attacks, especially the highly-damaging torpedoes. The CPU will also instantly launch artilleries and airstrikes as soon as the meters have been filled. It does have an advantage for battleships though, as their salvos tend to be more accurate than manual aiming.

The higher the level gap between your fleet and enemy ships are, the more damage you will take or the more your bullets will miss their target. Therefore, it is highly recommended to only activate Auto Battle when farming with a fleet which is considerably stronger than the average level of enemies on the map.

The Second Fleet

After beating Stage 1-4 and heading off to World 2, HMS Amazon will inform that you are now able to form a second fleet. While you can already create the additional fleet beforehand, this also serves as a notice that it will be essential to deploy two fleets instead of one in all subsequent stages.

Further stages will spawn more enemy fleets that you have to beat in order for the enemy flagship to show up. Also, keep in mind that a fleet has limited ammunition, so you cannot wage too many battles in a campaign. If a fleet runs out of ammo, all of their attack damage will be halved if you force them to have another battle.

A fleet that has at least 4 stocks of ammo will also benefit from 10% increased damage output. Putting that into consideration, a common strategy during a campaign would be to have a fleet handle most of the lesser enemy fleets, then prepare another souped-up fleet to face the flagship boss.

A Comprehensive Azur Lane Beginner's Guide

Embarking on your journey in Azur Lane can be a overwhelming experience, especially for newcomers.

This guide aims to streamline your introduction to the game, from ship selection to resource management.

Let's dive in!

The Ultimate Azur Lane Beginner's Guide

Navigating through basics.

Choosing Your First Ship

Your initial choice among the starter ships will influence your early game experience.

Each starter has unique strengths, and while you'll eventually have the opportunity to collect them all, focusing on one initially can streamline your progress.

Z23 is renowned for her exceptional firepower among the starter destroyers.

She's capable of dealing significant damage to enemy ships, making her a valuable asset in combat.

Focus on enhancing her firepower through equipment and skills.

Equipments like the Improved Hydraulic Rudder and the High-Performance Fire Control Radar can boost her offensive capabilities and agility, allowing her to dodge incoming fire

Prioritizing Z23's limit breaks can further enhance her damage output and durability.

Her unique skill, Iron Blood Vanguard, boosts her own firepower, making her an even more potent unit.

Laffey offers a balanced mix of torpedoes and gun damage, providing flexibility in handling various combat scenarios.

Her high evasion rate also allows her to dodge enemy attacks effectively.

Enhance Laffey's torpedoes and gun efficiency to make the most of her balanced attack capabilities.

Equipping her with the Quadruple 533mm Torpedo for torpedo efficiency and the Twin 127mm (MK12) for gun damage can maximize her combat effectiveness.

Additionally, focusing on improving her evasion through equipment and skills will increase her survivability in battles.

Laffey benefits greatly from limit breaking, as it improves her overall combat performance.

Her skill, Soloist of the Seas, increases her firepower, torpedo, and evasion stats, reinforcing her role as a versatile fighter.

HMS Javelin

Javelin stands out for her exceptional evasion, making her the hardest starter ship to hit.

This attribute allows her to stay longer in battle, dodging enemy attacks while delivering consistent damage.

Capitalize on Javelin's evasion by equipping her with gear that further enhances this trait, such as the Steam Catapult, which improves her speed and evasion.

Focusing on skills that boost her torpedo attacks can also complement her ability to evade enemy fire, allowing her to strike back with powerful torpedoes.

Javelin's limit breaks significantly enhance her evasion and torpedo capabilities.

Her skill, Dancing Waves, not only increases her evasion but also has a chance to trigger a powerful torpedo attack, making her a top-tier choice in dodging and counterattacking.

Making Your Choice

When choosing your starter ship, consider your preferred gameplay style:

• For aggressive playstyle and high damage : Z23 is your go-to choice.
• If you value versatility and adaptability : Laffey offers a balanced approach.
• If you prioritize survivability and evasion : Javelin excels in avoiding damage.

Gacha System and the Pity Mechanic

The Gacha System Explained

Azur Lane's gacha system allows you to obtain new ships using a currency known as Wisdom Cubes.

These cubes can be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money.

The gacha pulls are categorized into different construction types, each with its own pool of ships:

• Light Construction : Generally offers destroyers (DD), light cruisers (CL), and some carriers (CVL). It's known for its lower cost and higher efficiency for new players.
• Heavy Construction : Features a broader range of ships, including heavy cruisers (CA), battleships (BB), and battlecruisers (BC). It's ideal for players looking to strengthen their fleet with powerful frontline units.
• Special Construction : This pool includes aircraft carriers (CV) and some of the game's most powerful units. It's recommended for players aiming to acquire top-tier carriers and specialized ships.
• Limited Construction : Available during special events, featuring event-exclusive ships. It's where players spend most of their cubes, trying to obtain rare and powerful ships before the event ends.

Understanding the Pity Mechanic

The pity mechanic in Azur Lane mitigates the randomness of gacha pulls by ensuring you receive a Super Rare (SR) ship after a certain number of unsuccessful attempts.

• Pity Points : Each pull in the construction menu adds a point to your pity counter. The number of points required for a guaranteed SR ship varies depending on the construction type and is usually disclosed during events.
• Guaranteed SR Ship : Once you reach the required number of pity points without obtaining an SR ship, your next pull is guaranteed to yield one. This mechanic provides a safety net, ensuring that your investment of cubes and resources eventually pays off.
• Event Banners and Pity : During limited construction events, the pity mechanic often resets with the start of a new event. It's crucial to plan your cube expenditure, especially if you're aiming for specific event-exclusive ships.

Enhance Your Initial Team

Fleet Composition and Optimization

Balanced Fleet Composition ‍

Your fleet should include a mix of ship types to handle different threats.

Typically, a balanced fleet consists of a front line (Vanguard) of destroyers (DDs) and cruisers (CLs/CA), and a back line (Main Fleet) of battleships (BBs), battlecruisers (BCs), and aircraft carriers (CVs/CVLs).

Each ship type serves a specific role, from tanking damage to providing heavy firepower or air support.

Synergistic Skills ‍

Pay attention to ship skills that complement each other.

Some ships offer buffs that can significantly enhance the capabilities of other ships in your fleet.

For example, pairing carriers that increase air strike damage with ships that specialize in anti-air capabilities can create an excellent defense against enemy aircraft.

Limit Breaking and Retrofitting ‍

Limit breaking increases a ship's stats and sometimes adds new skills or equipment slots, significantly boosting its effectiveness.

Retrofitting, available for specific ships, can transform an outdated unit into a powerful ally with enhanced skills and stats.

Prioritize limit breaking and retrofitting ships that will contribute most to your fleet's overall strength.

Mastery of Gear and Enhancements

Gear Selection ‍

Match gear to a ship's strengths.

For example, equip destroyers with torpedoes that enhance their torpedo stat, or fit battleships with high-caliber guns to increase their firepower.

Understanding the stats and effects of each gear piece allows for tailored optimizations that can be game-changing.

Enhancements and Skills ‍

Regularly enhance your ships to improve their stats.

Prioritize enhancing the stats most relevant to each ship's role in your fleet.

Additionally, skill leveling is vital for maximizing a ship's combat effectiveness. Focus on leveling up key skills that significantly impact performance.

Advanced Combat Strategies

Manual Control Mastery

While auto-battle is convenient for farming and easier stages, manual control is essential for tackling more challenging content, such as high-level event stages, hard mode maps, and PVP battles.

• Torpedo Dodging : Manual movement allows you to avoid incoming torpedoes, significantly reducing damage taken. Keep an eye on the water for the characteristic trails torpedoes leave and move your vanguard ships out of their path.
• Skill Timing : Manual control lets you time your ship skills more effectively, especially those with significant impact or long cooldowns. For example, waiting to use an airstrike until enemy ships are grouped together can maximize damage.
• Barrage Triggering : Some ships have skills or equipment that trigger powerful barrages. Positioning your fleet to ensure these barrages hit the maximum number of enemies is crucial for efficient clearing.

Fleet Composition and Synergy

Building a fleet that synergizes well can exponentially increase its effectiveness.

This involves more than just combining powerful ships; it requires understanding how different ships’ skills and abilities complement each other.

• Cross-Fleet Buffs : Some ships offer buffs that apply fleet-wide, not just to their own squadron. Combine ships across your main and vanguard fleets to enhance each other's strengths.
• Debuff Stacking : Ships like Helena, whose Radar Scan skill debuffs enemies to take increased damage, can be paired with heavy hitters to exploit this vulnerability. Stacking multiple debuff sources can amplify this effect.
• Specialized Fleets : Tailor your fleet composition to the specific challenge you’re facing. For instance, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities are essential for maps with submarine threats, requiring ships equipped with sonar and depth charges.

Equipment Optimization

The right equipment can significantly enhance a ship's performance.

Understanding the nuances of gear and how it complements your ships’ abilities is key.

• Main Gun Calibration : For battleships and cruisers, choosing the right main gun—whether it prioritizes rate of fire, firepower, or a balance of both—can greatly affect their damage output.
• Torpedo Selection : Fast-reloading torpedoes may offer consistent damage, but slower, more powerful torpedoes can be devastating if timed correctly. Consider your play style and the ship's role when choosing.
• Auxiliary Gear : Don't overlook the impact of auxiliary gear. Items like the Repair Toolkit or Fire Suppressor can drastically increase a ship's survivability, while the Steam Catapult can boost an aircraft carrier's effectiveness.

Taking Advantage of Terrain and Positioning

Some stages feature terrain elements that can either hinder or help your fleet.

• Island Navigation : Use islands for cover to limit the angles from which enemies can attack, reducing the amount of incoming damage.
• Ambush Points : Certain maps have predictable enemy spawn points. Positioning your fleet to immediately engage these enemies can prevent them from fully deploying their firepower.

Resource Management

Oil is the primary resource for engaging in battles. Managing it efficiently is crucial for maintaining a steady progression and for participation in events.

Use fleets with lower oil costs for farming and daily missions to conserve oil for more challenging content.

Pay attention to the oil cost when limit breaking ships, as it increases their consumption.

These not only provide essential resources but also oil, helping maintain a balance between consumption and acquisition.

Events often require significant oil expenditure. Save oil in anticipation of events by reducing unnecessary sorties and focusing on essential missions.

Coins are used for a variety of purposes, including ship construction, gear development, and facility upgrades.

Focus on essential upgrades that offer immediate benefits to your fleet, such as dock expansions and gear enhancements.

Avoid spending coins on low-priority upgrades or constructions that don't significantly benefit your current objectives.

Regularly complete commissions, especially those that yield high coin rewards, and participate in daily missions.

Selling excess gear can also provide a steady coin income.

Gems, Azur Lane's premium currency, are pivotal for enhancing your gameplay experience.

They're best used for permanent upgrades rather than consumables.

Expanding your dorm allows for more ships to gain passive EXP, speeding up the leveling process. This is one of the most efficient uses of gems.

Increasing your dock space is crucial as your fleet grows, allowing for more ships to be collected and used.

Occasionally, gems may be used for special packages that offer significant value, such as those containing wisdom cubes, limited construction ships, or special gear.

Evaluate these deals carefully to ensure they align with your needs.

Wisdom Cubes

Wisdom Cubes are used primarily for constructing new ships.

Managing them wisely is essential, especially for F2P (free-to-play) players.

Limited-time events often feature powerful or exclusive ships.

Saving cubes for these events maximizes your chances of acquiring them.

Engage in at least the minimum number of constructions required for daily quests to optimize cube usage while still progressing through quests.

Final Thoughts

Starting Azur Lane doesn't have to be daunting.

With the right strategy, focusing on effective ship selection and resource management, you'll find yourself enjoying the game and contributing to the vibrant community.

Remember, every captain's journey is unique, so embrace your path and set sail towards victory.

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Azur Lane guide - Tips, hints and getting started

Welcome aboard! Shikikan

We all know that starting a game can be a tedious and tiring process. What does this button do, what should I improve next, and which character should I pick? We made this  Azur Lane guide with a few crucial tips that will help you become a better captain.

Azur Lane is a side-scrolling shoot-em-up developed by Manjuu/Yongshi and published by Yostar. It first gained traction in 2017 on JP servers by capitalizing on the ship girl mania first started by Kancolle. Players assume the role of a shikikan (Japanese for captain) commanding a fleet of ship girls against inter-faction and extraterrestrial threats. A standout aspect of Azur Lane is its extensive cast of characters (more than 500!) that can be easily collected thanks to its generous rates and ease of stacking up build currency (Wisdom cube in this case). Another factor that plays to Azur Lane's success is its minimalistic approach. This guide contains a potpourri of insights and consensus shared among many veteran shikikans. Keep in mind it will be constantly updated whenever seen fit.

• We have compiled a decisive Azur Lane tier list of the best ships, all neatly arranged according to hull type - do hover over and check it out too!

Know your ship types

Each ship has a wide variety of different skills or ship stats that define its usefulness. As a general rule of thumb, EVA and HP are crucial for the vanguard damage sponge, while vanguard damage dealers (mostly Destroyers and light cruisers) rely on guns, torpedoes, and anti-air damage to contribute to overall fleet damage output. However, some ships, despite their meagre stats, come with a specific skill kit that works wonders and bumps their niche up several notches. Last but not least, there's the submarine - a unique class. They can be called upon in naval battles and their damage output relies on their torpedoes.

• Do check out our recent guide on the newly released Ni No Kuni: Cross Worlds beginner's guide as well! 

1 #Tip 1: All the starter goodies

Acquisition: clearing tutorial (Midway battle)

• Laffey: An all-around destroyer that massively sees a power increase through her retrofit, sporting high DPS
• Javelin: A destroyer that has a greater focus on evading enemy hits while retaliating with powerful torpedo strikes
• Z23: A destroyer with moderate bulk that relies on her gun equipment to deal punishing blows

Rookie Players Guide

What lies waiting at the end of the finish line is a ticket that bestows players the opportunity to choose between a few SSR ships, namely HMS Illustrious , USS Enterprise, USS San Diego , and last but not least, HMS Hood. USS Enterprise (the poster girl) has a high priority pick thanks to her incredibly unique skill "Big E". It is the only skill she has unlike most of the ships, being able to deal double the airstrike damage on a whim. However, the other 3 ships should not be neglected. Hood is a decent battleship, San Diego receives a massive upgrade with her retrofit and is an excellent anti-air choice, and Illustrious’ skill set will shine in the late game. After having logged in for 8 days, new shikikans are handed SSR Prinz Eugen. She is a defence-oriented vanguard with high HP and her skill gives her a shield.

2 #Tip 2: Resource micromanagement

Ration your wisdom cubes

Whenever the possibility arises, save your oil, ration your gems wisely.

In light of its scarcity, it is advised that players spend it to expand dock space from the default 150 slots to accommodate more ships. After all, the main priority of this game is to collect them all. Players are also advised to spend it to open up more slots to accommodate their ships in the dorm so they can passively gain levels (constitute an offline farm).

3 #Tip 3: Grinding time

Memorial Archive

Nodes to look out for to auto-farm, fantastic ships and where to find them, pr ships and why you should get them.

For the dailies

The method of acquisition is varied. The most common and direct are the tech boxes that can be farmed in events or bought from shops. After reaching level 60, shikikans are granted access to the Gear lab where they can upgrade their equipment. To put it simply, the endgame goal is to just focus on the rainbow and golden equipment, with purple being the second priority. Shikikans can easily retain them. However, do note that a VERY TINY number of ships benefit greatly from slapping blue equipment on them. Look no further than UR Shimakaze. One thing to bear in mind forever - DO NOT farm for gold gear in the main campaign modes. Devote your resources to farm event stages instead.

PvP for Azur Lane

For starters, PvP in Azur Lane can be described as a backburner game mode with its competitiveness heavily trimmed down. It is advised that shikikans not pay too much attention when starting. However, it is still mandatory to do a few rounds to farm for resources (merits). Losing or winning does not matter as the rewards will be distributed regardless. These can be useful for exchanging retrofit material as well as two exclusive ships: Eldrige and South Dakoda.

Home » Guides » Azur Lane Beginner’s Guide, Tips and Tricks

Azur Lane Beginner’s Guide, Tips and Tricks

Here is the latest guide and tips for azur lane.

Yostar Limited released another action RPG game in 2017 called Azur Lane. In this game, you must build a competitive fleet and combat your opponent’s fleet. To do so, you’ll need to purchase additional ships, which will serve as your game’s heroes or characters.

Thankfully, our Azur Lane Guide is here to assist you! Though Azur Lane is classified as a gacha game, the fundamental gameplay revolves around managing your fleet, combating the enemy’s fleet, and displaying your fighting skills. At first sight, you’ll be overwhelmed and start thinking about how to organize. That is why it is one of the most enjoyable RPGs to play.

With that stated, get ready, because we’re about to enter the Azure Lane Guide and Tips .

1. Higher total stats don’t necessarily imply better ships

Azur Lane has a stats system that displays each ship’s overall stats. HP, speed, weapon strength, and a few additional attributes are put together to get overall numbers for each ship. And, in most circumstances, the higher the overall stats, the better the ship, therefore, you should use the ones with the highest total stats.

Things are a little different in Azur Lane. In this game, for example, weaker ships generally have higher stats. This is due to their increased evasiveness, improved anti-air defenses, and faster reload times. Light ships, on the other hand, often have inferior weaponry, fewer hit points, and light armor that cannot withstand significant attacks.

So, don’t only look at the entire stats number when picking which ships to include in your fleets. Ships that are strong and have a large number of hit points are required. Light warships, on the other hand, are ideal for the second or third fleet since their high speed allows them to escape incoming bullets far better than heavy cruisers.

2. As Soon As You Unlock It, Build The Second Fleet

The game allows players to control four fleets at once, but additional fleets are unlocked as players progress through the game. The second fleet is available rather early in the game, therefore you should assemble it as quickly as possible. Because you will have two fleets at your disposal, you will be able to deploy them alternatingly against various opposing fleets, making levels easier to play. Also, as you unlock the third and fourth fleets, make sure to put them together as quickly as possible.

3. Upgrade Ships With New Gear, Which Can Also Be Upgraded

Each ship has one primary and one secondary weapon. There is also space for four more weapon placements. Remember not to disassemble the gear of the ship that will be utilized if you decide to spend a ship (or several ships) on developing a different ship. Select a ship to install the gear on, then equip a piece of gear that does not have a green E next to it (indicating that it is not equipped by a ship). That way, you may put your weak ships toward building your main fleet, and their weapons can be used to upgrade ships in your main fleet.

4. Pay Attention to Additional Objectives

When a battle is over, the rewards you receive will alter based on your efficiency. Every battle has additional goals that you may complete to get more rewards. The most popular of these extra objectives is to finish the battle in less than 120 seconds. If you can finish all of your battles in under 2 minutes, you’ll get more rewards than normal.

You can download Azur Lane from here for Android and iOS . For the time being, that is all we have to say. Keep checking back for more information.

Also Read: Top 10 Best City Builder Games For Android and iOS

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow

Written By: Linda Voltaire

Updated On: December 21, 2022

Visiting Russia? These are the top 17 things to do in Moscow to help you plan your trip.

If the western world has New York City , the first great metropolis on the eastern side of our planet is Moscow. A huge city with a complicated and impressive history, Moscow gets a bad rep over Russian politics – but that doesn’t make it any less impressive. Capital to the largest country in the world, Moscow takes the grandeur of its standing very seriously.

This is a place where luxury is king and where opulence takes a front seat in every aspect of life. The buildings are grand and imposing, the parks are luscious and enormous, and even the subway stations look different in Moscow than anywhere else in the world.

Table of Contents

Best Things to do in Moscow, Russia

Walking around Moscow is also going through the tumultuous history of the 20th century, which had Russia as one of its main protagonists. There are fascinating remains of these times everywhere in the former Soviet capital, from the gorgeous Seven Sisters skyscrapers to the Orthodox cathedrals that were closed for the better part of a century.  Still, Moscow is also a completely modern city, with a vibrant social and party scene, incredible restaurants, and some of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

After living in Russia’s capital as an ex-pat for four years, I got the privilege to experience not only the main attractions in Moscow but also the everyday life in this huge city and quickly found my sweat spots off the beaten tracks! So here is my list of my top 17 things to do in this exciting metropolis!

Attractions in Moscow

When visiting a famous city like this one, it’s a must to go through the most iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin & Surrounding Area

No place tells the story of Moscow’s power in the past century the way the Red Square does. This is where the biggest political meetings in the USSR occurred for many decades, and you can feel the power on each step.

Here, you’ll also find the historic museum at the entrance, showcasing the decades of history behind this iconic landmark. The Lenin Mausoleum, perhaps the most famous resting place in the world and home to the remains of the former communist leader, is also here.

On one side of the Red Square you’ll find the Kremlin, the fortified complex that now hosts the presidential residence. This is also home to the most iconic of all Moscovite landmarks: St. Basil’s Cathedral, a 16th-century marvel of colors. This is the best spot to take a selfie and show the world you’ve reached the Russian capital!

• Get your Kremlin Skip the Line Tickets and Kremlin tour here.
• Free cancellation up to 24-hours in advance of the tour.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

You can easily spend a couple of days just exploring the Moscovite city centre, and the Bolshoi Theatre should be your second stop. Walk past the Red Square and then head to the nearby Bolshoi Theatre, one of the oldest and most renowned houses of opera and ballet on Earth.

Visit for the impressive early 19th-century architecture, but if you’re seeing a ballet performance, make sure you book between 3 and 6 months in advance! I can strongly recommend this as it is a truly unique experience!

• Book a private 2-hour tour of the legendary Bolshoi Theatre.
• See the presidential box reserved for tzars, watch a rehearsal and skip the lines through a separate entrance.
• Free Cancellation up to 24-hours in advance.

3. Luxury Shopping at GUM and TSUM

While many might think of Moscow as the sad place with the long bread queues from the USSR days, it’s been quite the capitalist haven for a while.

If you’re up for some shopping, you’ll find one of the biggest luxury malls in town, TSUM, right behind the Bolshoi and GUM, at the red square. GUM is the most famous department store in town, where you’ll find luxury everywhere and all high-end brand. 

All in an imposing late 19th-century building with lots of history, worth a visit just for the design, its bridges and the glass roof even though you are not up for shopping!

4. Christ the Savior Cathedral

A newer addition to the gorgeous Moscovite cathedrals and my grandeur neighbor during my years in the city Don’t let the young age of this building fool you. After the perestroika in the early 90s, the newly revived Russian Orthodox Church received permission to build a cathedral on this site. They did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church.

The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes as tall as the skies in bright gold and gorgeous paintings and decor! Bring a shawl to cover your hair to adjust to the local tradition.

Head to the back of the cathedral and you will find one of the most photographed bridges in Moscow, the Patriarshiy Most. This is the perfect spot to get a good view and photo of the cathedral but also to see the Kreml and Gorky Park from a distance. Or why not just enjoy a moment watching the river and its boats!  

• Get around Moscow with ease using the Hop On Hop Off boat and Bus ticket. 24, 48 or 72-hour tickets available.

5. Gorky Park

Cross the river and head to Gorky Park along the Moscow river. The most famous green area in town, similar to New York ’s Central Park and the weekend hangout for locals. There are many beautiful parks in the city, but if you’re only visiting for a few days, this is the unmissable one! 

With fair attractions to entertain children, beautiful artificial lakes and gardens, and lots of outdoor activities, it’s a lovely place to relax. A place of rest in the middle of the metropolis. The area in front of the New Tretyakov Gallery & the Muzeon Park of Arts is actually one of my favorite oasis as a bit more quiet and peaceful than Gorky itself.

Why not spend some time in the museum to get a great tour of Russia’s history through art or just enjoy the art exhibition outside where local artists spend their weekends. 

6. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow is from the Moscow River. There are many stops for the boats and one is just next to Gorky Park. See the city from another perspective – and turn the ride into a romantic one by taking the evening cruise. Moscow is magic during the night.

If you’re looking for a truly luxurious experience, take the Radisson Blu cruise – or the Erwin for a delicious seafood dinner. Both stop at Gorky or at the luxury Radisson Royal Hotel, set in one of the Seven Sister’s skyscrapers.

• We use Get Your Guide when booking city tours and they offer a River Sightseeing Cruise seeing all the main tourist attractions in Moscow

7. Metro Hopping

First inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow subway system is one of the oldest in the world, and certainly the most beautiful. Started under Stalinist times, each metro station is dedicated to grandeur and oozing personality.

Visiting the subway stops is an attraction in and of itself, and Komsomolskaya, Mayakovskaya, Kropotkinskaya are my favorites. Those surrounding the Red Square are also mesmerizing – in general, these are kind of like underground palaces.

Most of the signs at the Moscow Metro now have Latin letters, so it’s very easy to get around!Unfortunately, the trains are not as beautiful and pleasant as the stations but still, this is a true Moscow experience.  Take a guided tour of the 9 most beautiful Metro Stations including the award-winning art deco station. See more details here.

8. Arbatskaya & Artsy Moscow

Novy Arbat Street is one of the most touristy areas in the city, with lots of shops and cafés directed at visitors. When you walk a little beyond, you’ll find a different part of town, where the hip scene thrives because so many artists live in the area. Just follow the small streets with fewer tourists!

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings hosts the main building of the Moscow State University, one of the most prestigious colleges in Russia – and the one with the best view.

Although this is a little outside the city centre, the sight from above is more than worth it, with the nearby fountains and park and then the whole of the city behind them.

10. Russian Market

If you love to visit markets wherever you go, Moscow has one of the most impressive ones in the world – the Izmailovsky. You can easily take the metro here and feel like you’ve been transported to another time.

This place was first built in the 16th century and retains the look of an old fairytale, with a lineup of colorful old castle. A lovely local experience beyond the confines of the bustling metropolis, where you can also try some delicious Russian barbecue.

Here, you’ll find beautiful souvenirs at great prices.

Off The Beaten Track Moscow

Once you’ve covered the most touristic spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer – and the places below will also be full of locals! Moscow is a city for hipsters, full of trendy and arty spots where you can literally feel the creativity oozing! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend my sweat spots below!

11. Patriarshiye Prudy

This is my favorite area in the entire city! While Moscow is generally a very noisy metropolis, Patriarch Ponds is far quieter, yet such a vibrant place. This is a very hip and trendy area making you think you are rather in Paris than in Moscow. Here the streets are narrow and full of chic eateries and clubs to see the local crowd.

A little bohemian and with an air of peace you won’t find anywhere in the city this is a great spot to spend an afternoon with your thoughts.

12. ArtPlay

Barely 15 minutes away from the city center you’ll find the artsiest Moscow district: ArtPlay. For decades, this block was a factory, but it was renovated to become a hub for the arts not too long ago.

Now, you’ll find it’s full of exhibitions, showrooms and art schools – and some of the most creative people in town. Writers, painters, and young hip people use ArtPlay as a rendezvous, and you can feel the creative energy here. The industrial design with modern interior decoration is also a feast for the eyes!

13. Shopping Local Designs

If you’re into design, both international and local, you’ll find lots of cute things at Patriarshiye Prudy. Department store Podium Market is also a great spot for shopping, as a department store everywhere in town, with lots of local and international brands. There’s one in the Four Seasons Hotel next to Red Square. My favorite Moscow mall is Tsvetnoy Central Market, a cool spot with great brands, lots of inspo, and even a cute café!

14. Moscow City

Like many other great capitals of the world, for the past few decades, Moscow has hosted a super modern area full of modern skyscrapers – Moscow City. With a completely different vibe than the rest of town, it’s like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressively tall glass buildings. Here, you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, such as Ruski and Sixty they are perfect spots for dining or enjoying a glass of wine with a view. There are also a relatively new shopping mall with lots of international brands called Affimall!

Wine, Dine, and Party in Moscow

Gone are the gloomy Moscow days – cold as it might be in the winter, Russia’s capital is a place for the senses. Great food and drinks abound – and the clubs are hot, too!

15. Where to Eat in Moscow

Moscow is a great metropolis where people love to dine out, and there are endless options for delicious food. The flavors are as diverse as you’d expect from a big city, with options of fine dining and little hipster eateries. 

• For traditional Russian flavors, I can’t recommend Café Pushkin, Dr. Zhivago, and Turnadot enough.
• When looking for international cuisines, Italian is always the way to go, and my local favorite is Probka.
• Fine dining is best done among the clouds at White Rabbit, with European flavors.
• As for the hip spots, you can spend a full day just eating around trendy places, from burgers to Asian fusion.

More Dining Options

• Patriarshiye Prudy offers a lot of small and classy spots with cool concepts, like breakfast restaurants I Love Cake and Fresh.
• For dinner, I love the NYC experience of Saxon & Parole, and the wonderful trendy Pins, with its delicious food and drinks.
• For delicious Asian food head to CutFish. 
• Lastly, there’s a recent revival of food markets in Moscow, offering lots of great choices of international flavors at affordable places.
• Don’t miss out the Vietnamese food stand at the Danilovsky market, and everything at Usachevsky!

16. Rooftopping

Big cities deserve to be seen from above, having a cocktail among the clouds. These are my recommendations for rooftop bars in Moscow.

• As I mentioned in the Moscow City section, Sixty & Ruski are two of my favorites, overlooking the newest part of town. 
• White Rabbit and its fine dining is also a lovely place for a fun dinner looking down on Moscow.
• O2, in the city center, has an advantage above all others: amazing views of the Red Square.
• Buono, above the Radisson Royal Hotel, might be the most romantic rooftop hotel in town, with its candlelit setting.
• Also on the Radisson stands the Mercedes. It’s a luxurious and posh experience with delicious cocktails.
• The Sky Lounge offers a peculiar experience, mixing an old Soviet building with futuristic additions.

17. Moscow by Night

Party the night away! The city is full of bars everywhere, but there are some areas where you’ll find more than others.

• Patriarshiye Prudy has lots of hip and small clubs and great bars, including the super fun private club Clava, which has a great vibe and people from all walks of life.
• For more hipster style bars, Red October is the place to go.
• Streak is a summer favorite, with a lovely terrace to catch a beautiful sunset – plus, their mozzarella bar is delicious.
• At night, Red October lights up with clubs everywhere, including the cool rooftop one Gipsy.
• Jagger is also a great spot during summer with a more relaxed vibe in garden setting. 
• For the traditional Russian luxury experience, go to SohoRooms, a whole other world including all-night go-go dancers.

There are so many things to do in Moscow at night and during the day, you definitely need several days to explore this exciting destination.

Moscow is a must-see city, a city like no other ! I hope you will enjoy this Russian metropolis as much as I did!

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About Linda Voltaire

Linda Voltaire is the owner of Travel with a Silver Lining, home to reviews of gorgeous boutique & design hotels, hip & trendy eateries as well as authentic and personal travel experiences beyond the crowd. She started blogging after a life-changing trip across South America. Follow Linda at TravelWithASilverLining / Facebook / Instagram /

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10 thoughts on “17 Exciting Things to do in Moscow”

These places look so awesome! Moscow is truly a beautiful city

Very good article, you have explained so nicely. Russia has always been a part of history and its good to know about much more about architecture and other things, wish i could see the inside of façade

Thanks for sharing such a nice article.You have very beautifully explained everything that one need for a trip to Moscow.

Nice article. Love the hidden gems and graffiti art, would love to visit Artplay. Thanks for a comprehensive guide to Moscow!

Moscow is a city where the past and the future live side by side. Here we can find everything from medieval fortresses and Soviet monoliths to glass skyscrapers and innovation centers.

Your article is good and meaningful .

Thanks for sharing about ArtPlay district, we didn’t know about it and it looks amazing 🙂 Hopefully there’ll be a second time in Moscow, we visited last May and really liked the city!

Wonderful stuff! I’ve been to Moscow, but not properly – it’s a long story lol!

Anyhoo, my next thing is to fly from Berlin to Moscow and then travel from there to Beijing via the Trans-Mongolian / Trans-Siberian train. Now, if only I could just find the time …!

I hear Moscow is very beautiful at night. I hope to get out there one day. A friend of mine went to St. Petersburg and had a great experience. Despite all the tension we see on the news with Russia and other Countries like the U.S. I wonder what the sentiment is with Russians and foreigners visiting their country for tourism. Especially Americans.

that looks like quite a beautiful place. 🙂