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Komsomolskaya StationThis is the Moscow Metro’s over-the-top showstopper. Forget the Instagram filters—nothing prepares you for the sheer theatricality of its golden mosaics and baroque chandeliers. It’s not just a subway stop; it’s a fever dream of Soviet grandeur. The ceiling mosaics depict Russia’s military victories, and the marble columns look like they were stolen from a czar’s palace. Yes, it’s crowded—especially during rush hour, when you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with commuters who couldn’t care less about the art—but that’s part of the spectacle. You’re not just looking at history; you’re in the middle of it.
Mayakovskaya StationThis one is a time capsule from the future as imagined in the 1930s. Sleek, stainless-steel columns, pastel pink rhodonite, and ceiling mosaics that … read more 👉
Mayakovskaya StationThis one is a time capsule from the future as imagined in the 1930s. Sleek, stainless-steel columns, pastel pink rhodonite, and ceiling mosaics that … read more 👉
Komsomolskaya StationThis is the Moscow Metro’s over-the-top showstopper. Forget the Instagram filters—nothing prepares you for the sheer theatricality of its golden mosaics and baroque chandeliers. It’s not just a subway stop; it’s a fever dream of Soviet grandeur. The ceiling mosaics depict Russia’s military victories, and the marble columns look like they were stolen from a czar’s palace. Yes, it’s crowded—especially during rush hour, when you’ll be shoulder-to-shoulder with commuters who couldn’t care less about the art—but that’s part of the spectacle. You’re not just looking at history; you’re in the middle of it.
Mayakovskaya StationThis one is a time capsule from the future as imagined in the 1930s. Sleek, stainless-steel columns, pastel pink rhodonite, and ceiling mosaics that celebrate Soviet aviation. It’s less gaudy than Komsomolskaya, but the Art Deco lines and sense of space make it feel like a set from a retro sci-fi film. The acoustics are so sharp you can hear the click of every heel. If you want to see how the Soviets imagined progress, this is the stop.
Novoslobodskaya StationStained glass in a subway? Absolutely. Novoslobodskaya is a kaleidoscope of color, with 32 stained-glass panels glowing like cathedral windows. The effect is surreal: commuters in winter coats, bathed in jewel tones, checking their phones under a ceiling mural of “Peace Throughout the World.” It’s a reminder that beauty can sneak up on you in the most utilitarian places.
Ploshchad Revolyutsii StationThis is the one with the bronze statues—76 of them, to be exact. Soldiers, athletes, farmers, students, all frozen in heroic poses. Locals rub the nose of the bronze dog for luck, so much so that it shines. The statues are so close to the platform you have to squeeze past them, which means you’re literally brushing up against Soviet mythology. It’s kitschy, it’s earnest, and it’s impossible to forget.
Riding the EscalatorsNot a station, but an experience. These are some of the longest and steepest escalators in the world. The descent feels endless, the hum is hypnotic, and the etiquette is strict: stand right, walk left, or risk the wrath of Moscow’s most efficient commuters. It’s a small thrill, but it’s pure Moscow—efficient, a little intimidating, and weirdly exhilarating. This is my personal favorite, because it’s the moment you realize you’re not just sightseeing; you’re participating in the city’s daily choreography.
Late-Night Metro RideAfter midnight, the crowds thin out and the stations take on a different character. The marble gleams, the chandeliers glow, and the echo of your footsteps makes the whole place feel like a secret palace. It’s the closest you’ll get to having the world’s most extravagant subway system all to yourself. If you want to feel the magic without the mob, this is your window.
Mayakovskaya StationThis one is a time capsule from the future as imagined in the 1930s. Sleek, stainless-steel columns, pastel pink rhodonite, and ceiling mosaics that celebrate Soviet aviation. It’s less gaudy than Komsomolskaya, but the Art Deco lines and sense of space make it feel like a set from a retro sci-fi film. The acoustics are so sharp you can hear the click of every heel. If you want to see how the Soviets imagined progress, this is the stop.
Novoslobodskaya StationStained glass in a subway? Absolutely. Novoslobodskaya is a kaleidoscope of color, with 32 stained-glass panels glowing like cathedral windows. The effect is surreal: commuters in winter coats, bathed in jewel tones, checking their phones under a ceiling mural of “Peace Throughout the World.” It’s a reminder that beauty can sneak up on you in the most utilitarian places.
Ploshchad Revolyutsii StationThis is the one with the bronze statues—76 of them, to be exact. Soldiers, athletes, farmers, students, all frozen in heroic poses. Locals rub the nose of the bronze dog for luck, so much so that it shines. The statues are so close to the platform you have to squeeze past them, which means you’re literally brushing up against Soviet mythology. It’s kitschy, it’s earnest, and it’s impossible to forget.
Riding the EscalatorsNot a station, but an experience. These are some of the longest and steepest escalators in the world. The descent feels endless, the hum is hypnotic, and the etiquette is strict: stand right, walk left, or risk the wrath of Moscow’s most efficient commuters. It’s a small thrill, but it’s pure Moscow—efficient, a little intimidating, and weirdly exhilarating. This is my personal favorite, because it’s the moment you realize you’re not just sightseeing; you’re participating in the city’s daily choreography.
Late-Night Metro RideAfter midnight, the crowds thin out and the stations take on a different character. The marble gleams, the chandeliers glow, and the echo of your footsteps makes the whole place feel like a secret palace. It’s the closest you’ll get to having the world’s most extravagant subway system all to yourself. If you want to feel the magic without the mob, this is your window.
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Best Backpacking
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.