You haven’t really been to Moscow if you haven’t made the trek to Red Square. Next to the Kremlin, Red Square is what I believe to be the heart of Moscow, or even the heart of Russia.
A post dedicated to Red Square is long overdue, but I had to sort through my hundreds of photos over a few visits to find the best of the best. Red Square gives that you I’m really in Moscow/Russia sensation and it ought to be on your bucket list.
However, I’m adding a condition to this bucket list requirement – you need to go again at night. Red Square at night is a whole new experience that just makes you go, “Woooow!” 
There are often special events, displays, or activities in the middle of the square like the Christmas market and Santa (Ded Moroz) visiting, but if you can, try to go really late at night when there isn’t anything special going on and hopefully fewer people.
You’ll be able to get the best view of the entire square without anything obstructing it, especially the GUM all lit up and most importantly, St. Basil’s Cathedral. Enjoy this little photo tour of Red Square during the day and at night for this week’s Photo Friday.
A Quick Photo Tour of Red Square
Let’s start with what you’ll see when you enter, which will probably be from the State Historical Museum side since it’s close to Ploshchad Revolyutsii metro station. If you face the city square like this with your back to the State Historical Museum, this is the view that you’ll get. ↓
Glorious Red Square, the point from which major roads leaving Moscow begin.
To the left is the GUM, the Main Universal Store, which is pronounced goom. It’s used to be the Upper Trading Rows in the 1920s and by that time, it had app. 1,200 stores. I don’t know how many there are now, but nothing in there is cheap. If you’re into architecture, you’ll appreciate the inside. Take a stroll from one end of the GUM to the other while you’re there.
Facing the GUM’s biggest entrance.
The GUM all lit up.
Across from the GUM is Lenin’s Mausoleum. Regardless of your opinions of Lenin, going inside the Mausoleum is a fascinating experience. This group of marching communist grandparents who stopped in front of the Mausoleum as I was walking in made it even more interesting. Note the GUM in the background. ↓
A communist comeback?
Unfortunately, you can’t take pictures inside, and getting a picture of the front is no easy task. Make sure you check if it’s open before you go; visiting days and hours are pretty limited.
An officer patrolling in front of Lenin’s Mausoleum’s main entrance. The Cyrillic characters read Lenin.
This guard looks more serious.
Facing your starting point, the State Historical Museum.
Now, saving the best for last, behind you is St. Basil’s. Which do you like better, the day view, or the night view? ↓
I love this angle because you can see the covered staircase.
Personally, I like looking at St. Basil’s from not quite halfway down the square instead with the clock tower gate in view better.
My favourite view. The Kremlin is on the other side of the wall, but you can’t pass through the clock tower gate.
Red Square has to be the first place you visit when you’re in Moscow, don’t you think?
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