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10 Things to Do in Moscow Zoo (Moskovskiy Zoopark)

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•  St. Basil's Cathedral
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• The Best Winterlands In Moscow

The Best Winter Wonderlands In Moscow

Infamous for its bitterly cold winters, you’d be forgiven for thinking that Muscovites enter a hibernation period once temperatures drop below zero. However, frosty weather doesn’t mean an end to outdoor amusements in Russia ‘s capital. Come the first snow, many of Moscow’s best-known sites transform into winter wonderlands, with ice rinks, glühwein and cheer aplenty. We’ve picked the best of the bunch for your trip.

Red Square Ice Skating Rink

Arguably boasting the best views of any ice skating rink in Russia, the GUM department store’s ice rink is situated on Red Square, affording you stunning view of St.Basil’s, the Kremlin and GUM itself. With only 450 skaters allowed on the ice during each session, the rink is relatively small by Moscow’s standards so it’s worth getting there early to ensure you grab a place to practice your pirouette. Bawdy Soviet-era tunes that blast out from the loud speakers and an adjacent Christmas market selling snacks, drinks and (admittedly overpriced) Matrëshka dolls add to the festive feel. The rink is usually open 10am to 1 pm during the winter season, with ticket prices dependent on the day and time.

The monster ice-rink at the All-Russia Exhibition Centre (VDNKh) offers avid skaters over 20,000 sqm of ice, making it the largest artificial ice skating rink in Europe. In fact, it’s so big that organizers have taken the decision to split the rink into sub-areas to cater to all tastes. These include a children’s area, ‘Infinity’ and ‘Big Circle’ zones and, for the romantics among you, even a ‘Lovers’ Alley’ where you can practice that backwards skating hand-holding move that all Russian couples seem to have mastered. There are several open-air cafes you can enter straight from the ice, as well as skate-sharpening stations if all of that fancy footwork has blunted your blades. Lighting under the ice provides a unique ambience in the evenings and there will be a pedestrian viewing bridge if you fancy being a spectator rather than participant first time around. The rink is open 11am to 11pm (except for Mondays).

Tverskoy boulevard | © Sergey Rodovnichenko/Flickr

Tverskoy Boulevard

Once a walking area reserved exclusively for Moscow’s nobility, Tverskoy Boulevard is the longest and oldest boulevard of its kind in central Moscow. Starting at Pushkin Square and stretching all the way to the Timiryazev monument on the way to Arbat, this pleasant tree-lined pedestrian zone is flanked by several notable buildings including Café Pushkin – a gastronomic institution in Moscow – and Herzen House, where the eponymous author was born. In winter the boulevard becomes even more magical, with lights decorating the trees and the appearance of festive stalls down the central thoroughfare selling souvenirs, mulled wine and other seasonal treats.

Kuzminsky Park

The official Moscow residence of Father Christmas or ‘Ded Moroz’ as he is more commonly known, Kuzminsky Park manages to maintain its festive cheer year after year. Despite the fact that the park as a whole has probably seen better days, there is plenty of charm to be found amid the ruins of the original 18th-century estate, most of which burned down in 1916. Children and their parents flock here over the new-year period to meet Ded Moroz and Snegurochka – a Russian snow maiden popular in traditional fairytales. Other sites to explore include a bath house, an Egyptian pavilion, several beautiful churches and an 18th-century classical-style church.

Tsaritsyno Estate

Previously named ‘Chernaya Graz’ or ‘black mud’ in Russian, this beautiful country estate had rather humble beginnings. The estate changed hands various times before Catherine the Great decided to buy the land and use it as her private residence outside of the city, renaming it ‘Tsaritsyno.’ Aside from the buildings themselves, many of which were designed in the Gothic style, the main draws of Tsaritsyno are the tranquil forests, beautiful lakes and winding footpaths. In winter, locals ice skate and sled on the lakes and hills surrounding the palace. The snow-covered birch trees and provide the perfect winter wonderland for cross-walking or country skiing. Remember to pack a flask of something hot to warm you up after exploring the many kilometers of parkland.

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No Moscow hit-list would be complete without Gorky Park, arguably the classiest of all green spaces in Moscow. The park underwent major reconstruction in 2011, beautifully-kept flowerbeds and impressive boulevards have replaced the increasingly precarious theme park rides that used to dominate the space. In winter the park is as frequented as ever; the ponds are flooded to create an ice rink and an impressive balcony walkway stretches across the park so you can admire the footwork of those below from a safe distance. As with most other Moscow parks, ski tracks are created for winter sports enthusiasts and there are also heaters stationed throughout Gorky if you find sub-zero temperatures particularly unpleasant. Last year more than half a million people visited the ice rink over the winter season, and this number is set to grow even more over the coming months. The park also had a snowboarding zone with jumps and instructors if you decided to take the plunge. The ice rink is open 10am to 11pm.

Sokolniki Park

One for the more adventurous winter sportsperson, Sokolniki park offers 15 tracks totaling nearly 50 kilometers of space for you to practice your cross-country skiing. For the last two years it has also featured a snowmobile village, where you can hire equipment or take the snowy equivalent of a banana boat ride across the frozen tundra for a few hundred roubles. After all that exertion, relax in one of the park’s many cafes with a hot cup of mulled wine. Sokolniki also has the largest natural ice rink in Moscow, which means if you have your own skates, an afternoon of winter fun is completely free. In the winter, explore the beautiful forests of birch, spruce and elm trees.

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Dubai Safari Park to remain open throughout summer with limited tickets

In 2023, a trial was conducted to study the sleeping and feeding patterns of the animals.

Nasreen Abdulla

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The Dubai Safari Park has introduced a special summer pass ticket and for the first time the facility will remain open to public during the summer months. This was revealed by the Dubai Municipality on the opening day of Arabian Travel Market (ATM) on Monday.

“Last year we trialled this experience and studied the sleeping and feeding patterns of our animals,” said Ahmed Ibrahim AlZarouni, Head of Public Parks and Recreational Facilities Department at Dubai Municipality.

“It was a success last year, so this year we wanted to open it to public. We wanted to choose the best time of the day for the animals to come out without being affected by the heat. Based on that, we are opening just limited daily batches of tickets available to small groups of up to 10 people.”

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The summer pass will operate in the non-seasonal months from June to September, featuring three experiences- Summer Tours, Summer Safari Journey, and Walk In The Wild. The tours are a two-hour private experience hosted once in the morning and evening. It includes the safari experience as well as different animal encounters.

The Safari Journey offers two adventures in a private, air-conditioned vehicle accommodating up to 10 guests. It is the 90-minute guided Walk in the Wild tour that will give thrill-seekers the opportunity to have an up-close encounter with wildlife in the early morning. Visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, observe animals in their natural habitats and capture memorable photos.

Soaring visitor numbers

Home to over 3,000 animals and 300 different species, Dubai Safari Park has seen a huge surge in visitor and sales number. During 2023, the park witnessed 755 per cent growth in travel trade sales.

Encompasses six zones- Al Wadi, African Village, Explorer Village, Arabian Desert Safari, Asian Village and Kids’ Farm- the 119 hectare park also hosts daily educational presentations at scheduled times throughout the day.

Dubai Safari Park also undertakes a wide range of welfare and conservation strategies to help animals and native fauna thrive. The park also contributes to the conservation of endangered and vulnerable species through international breeding programmes and external rescue missions, while numerous innovative technologies are integrated into the Park’s physical infrastructure to ensure animals are comfortable throughout the year.

Animals' comfort

According to Ahmed, a lot goes into making sure that the animals stay comfortable throughout the year. “Our animals come from all over the world from various habitats, temperatures and parts of the world,” said Ahmed. “We try to recreate that here. Their areas are temperature controlled and specifically designed to make sure they have everything they may need to stay comfortable.”

He gave the example of the elephants in the park. “We have built a huge pool built for them to play around in,” he said. “They need the mud to play in so this pool mimics the actual animal habitat.”

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TOP-11 Moscow Parks to Visit

I have chosen the best 11 Moscow parks to visit and spend a beautiful time for you. Do not miss and choose one that you like the most – cycling, festivals, flowers, panoramic views and many other things are waiting for you!

Gorky Park (The Central Park of Culture and Leisure) – The main one of the Moscow Parks

In my opinion this park could be called the main park of the city. Why? Because of its huge territory, the central location and the amount of people visiting the park daily.  It was founded in 1928 and in 2011 it was totally reconstructed. Now it pleases visitors with modern objects and soft green lawns.

• Oktybrskaya or Park Kultuty metro station, Krimsky Val, 9

The Gorky park is a the right choice for everyone! The youth will like a free WiFi, bicycles, skateboards and other rentals; the couples will enjoy spending time near the river, watching a sunset; parents will appreciate colorful playgrounds and a room for mother and child. Everyone can find something for themselves: from yoga classes  to watching movies in a cozy summer cinema, from dance classes to volleyball playground. Gorky Park is also the venue for all kinds of exhibitions, festivals, events for children and adults. During the winter there is one of the biggest skating rinks in the park.

Museon Art Park – A Second Gorky they say

“Museon” is located on the opposite side of Krimsky Val street. And right now some people believe that Gorky and Museon together is a one space sharing the same beauty.

• Oktybrskaya or Park Kultuty metro station, Krimsky Val, 2

The Park of Arts was named this way because there is the largest composition of open-air sculptures in Russia. In its territory there are already more than 1000 unique exhibits: from monuments of the socialist realism era to various kinds of contemporary art. But this is not all the attractions of the park. In recent years, “Museon” has become an important cultural site of the city. The park regularly hold many different concerts, festivals, educational projects in the field of art and design. There is a Central House of the Artist, a comfortable summer cinema and other attractions on territory. Be sure to stroll pedestrian Crimean embankment, which looks like a modern park.

Neskuchny Garden – True Russian Nature is Here

Neskuchny garden is located on the right bank of the Moscow River. Today it is also seen as a part of the Gorky Park. This landscape park is one of the oldest in the city and is protected by the state. Its name was received from the Neskuchnoye Estate of  Prince Trubetskoi which is still located in the park.

• Leninsky Prospekt metro station, Leninsky Prospect, 30

This park is famous mostly for its location close to the Gorky park. It is a quite place with true nature, lots of trees and squirrels and also ancient architecture. As in every park, there are sports and playgrounds, cafes and even a football field.

Zaryadye Park – 5 Steps Away From The Red Square

The area of this brand new park was opened only in September 2017 and located in the very heart of Moscow – right near the Red Square.

• Open from 10AM to 10PM
• Teatralnaya, Okhotnyi ryad, Ploschad Revolutsii

The park has 4 zones, each of them represent different parts of Russian landscapes. Above the river there is a floating bridge from where you get to see one of the best panoramic views on Moscow. Other attractions of the park are 5D cinema where you can take a flight above Moscow, few cafes and restaurants, pretty lakes with fishes and old preserved churches. In addition there is still being built a  philharmonic hall, covered with a huge dome and an Ice cage where the temperature will always stay below zero degrees.

When you are on the Red Square do not miss it!

All-Russia Exhibition Center (VDNKh) – The Soviet Style Moscow Park

Park VDNKh – one of the most famous parks in Moscow. This park is one of the sights of the city as it hasn’t changed much since the Soviet era.

• VDNKh metro station, Prospect Mira, 119

The symbol of VDNKh is a fountain with 16 women symbolizing the friendship of the nations of the USSR. Around this fountain there are all the pavilions representing 16 republics. Now inside the pavilions you find various shops, cafes and exhibitions. If you go deep inside the park you will find a rocket Vostok and and an aircraft. What is funny the inside of the aircraft there is actually a photo exhibition. Near the northern entrance you there is a famous sculpture “Worker and Kolkhoz Woman”. It is extremely famous among Russians as all the movies by Mosfilm corporation used to start with the picture of this statue. But if you go further inside the park you will reach a very calm area. A lake is there, forest and birds singing. Since the park occupies a large area I suggest you to rent a bicycle.

Sokolniki Park – A Place For A Hunt Or For Leisure?

The park got its name because of the royal falconry, which took place there in the past when there was a dense forest. (Sokol means a falcon.) In 2011 it was significantly transformed: updated lawns, landscaped ponds and picnic areas, restored summer cinema and theater, a large rose garden, sports grounds, bicycle paths and other things.

• Sokolniki metro station, Sokolnichesky Val, 1, p. 1

From the main entrance along the alley you can walk to the Sokolniki circle, where 8 alleys form 9 sectors, in each of them you will find trees of the same breed.  The park is famous for its rosary, as well as flower decoration. On the territory of the park there are concert halls, a library, amusement zone, dances zone and many many other attractions. In winter the park has a skating rink (a free of charge one) and ski runs. During the warm season you can rent a bicycle.

Tsaritsino Park – A Different World Inside Moscow

Here you can walk for hours, admiring the most beautiful nature and magnificent architecture.

• Open from 6AM to 12AM
• Tsaritsyno metro station, Dolsky, 1

The most amazing part of the park is the lake with a light and musical fountain. Every evening the fountain starts the show. Lights and music combined make you feel like you are not in Moscow but in a fairy tale. The park is also well equipped for sports lovers and healthy lifestyle. There are volleyball and basketball courts, a tennis court, sports facilities for acrobatics, bodybuilding equipment.

What I personally like about this park is the atmosphere. This place is actually far from the city center but I love going there anyway. Whenever I go there I feel like I left Moscow with all its hectic lifestyle. It is the place where I relax, enjoy myself or a company of my friends and feel kind of different. By the way totally suggested for a date!

Kolomenskoye Park – Combination Of Reserve and Architecture

The Kolomenskoye park is actually a Museum-Reserve. It is a former residence of Russian tsars and one of the most scenic places in Moscow.

• May to September – open from 8AM to 12AM, October to April – from 8AM to 9PM
• Kolomenskoye metro station, Andropov Ave, 39

 Alike with Tsaritsino park Kolomenskoye park has its own special atmosphere with all the architecture, trees, ponds and even a river bank. The park regularly hosts various folk festivals and different fairs. In summer time you can play with kites or rent a bicycle and ride around the huge area of the park.

I love the view that you get on the city from one of the hills near the river. I love the apple trees alleys and the beautiful churches. It is also a bit far from the city center but yet worth going there. One of my best friends even celebrated her wedding there.

Aptekarsky Garden or Botanical garden of the Moscow State University – The Best Botanical Garden in The World

Aptekar in Russian language means a pharmacist so basically it is a pharmacist’s garden. It was founded in 1706 by Peter The Great for growing medicinal plants for the royal family. But later they moved it from under the walls of the Kremlin to the current location.

• Open from 10AM to 8PM
• Prospect Mira metro station, Prospekt Mira, 26

In the botanical garden there are no attractions and noisy crowds of tourists. The area of the garden is not as big as any other park in Moscow. And the entrance is not free. But this exactly what makes this park one of the most comfortable in the city. In the Aptekarsky garden they grow thousands of different plants, flowers and trees. Some of the trees are more than 300 years old. They held different festivals there: flowers festivals, sand and ice sculptures expositions.

For me it is one of the most beautiful parks not only in Moscow but in the world. I have never seen so many different flowers and plants anywhere else. And trust me I am a real park lover. And what is more the staff really takes care about every single tree or plant there, some of the trees have names and stories. I love it there and I think the price is really worth what you get.

Victory Park – A Park That Makes Us Remember The War

The park is located on the Poklonnaya Hill and it has one of the world’s largest memorial complexes dedicated to the World War II. The park was opened for the 50th anniversary of the Victory on May 9, 1995. It is also one of the main venues in the city for holding a variety of mass events.

• Park Pobedy metro station, Brothers Fonchenko, 7

On the main avenue of the park there are with 1418 fountains – exactly as long as the war lasted. Fountains make five water terraces, symbolizing five years of military operations. And in the center of the park there is the Museum of the Great Patriotic War. If you are interested in the history of the war do not miss it. The Poklonnaya Hill is a part of the park and from the hill you get one of the best views on the city of Moscow. And I could say this is the best place for watching the fireworks during the mass celebrations. But be aware it gets too crowded then. As in most of the other big parks you can rent a bicycle or rollers there.

Izmailovsky Park – A Mix of a Big Forest and Attractions

Izmaylovsky Park occupies a huge green territory, making up a large part of the Izmailovo district. The park consists of two parts: Izmaylovsky Park of Culture and Rest and the forest park of Izmailovo. First part is full of attractions and restaurants while the second one is like a real forest with pine trees, birch groves, beautiful clearings and ponds.

• Izmaylovskaya, Shosse Entuziastov or Partizanskaya metro stations, Izmaylovsky Park

It is easy to spend there a whole day. A large landscaped area and a lot of various entertainments for children and adults will help you not to get bored. An observation wheel, a boat station, children’s playgrounds, a dance floor, sports grounds, a skate park – all this is only a small part of the possible leisure activities. In the park there are bike paths and a rental services.

I don’t go there often to be honest. But the park is very very close whenever to a souvenir market on Partizanskaya metro station. And whenever the weather is nice and I have enough of free time I stroll through the alleys of the park and enjoy the nature. So if you are going to the souvenir market too and you have enough free time then do go to the park too.

5 thoughts on “TOP-11 Moscow Parks to Visit”

Pingback: Places to visit in Moscow – Sheran Bhattacharyya

Yes, sure 🙂 This is my top list 🙂

Yes, sure. These are my favorites!

I like this blog very much. Please keep sharing it in future too.

Thanks for sharing.

Thank you! 🙂

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Your 48-hour tour guide of Moscow this winter!

9 am – Visit the Red Square 

Christmas market on Red Square

The first thing that every tourist should do by default is visit the very heart of Moscow – it’s main and most beautiful (which ‘krasnaya’ actually meant in Old Russian) square! 

There are several ways to explore it:

• Take a selfie with Spasskaya Tower
• Have a warm drink at the Christmas market (which lasts until mid-January)
• Visit Lenin’s Mausoleum
• Shop in the gorgeous adjacent GUM department store
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral (and learn that it’s actually several churches under one roof).           

11 am – It’s Kremlin time! 

Inside the Moscow Kremlin

Entering the Kremlin is, actually, a bit of a quest, as it’s a presidential facility with no general access. You need to buy a ticket or, better still, book a guided tour. Inside the Kremlin’s walls, you will find ancient cathedrals, in which Russian tsars used to be crowned and buried, as well as explore the magnificent architecture of the Kremlin that reflects the rich history of the country. And, finally, you could also make a quick visit to the Moscow Kremlin Museums and admire artifacts from various Russian tsarist eras: carriages, thrones, crowns and the most incredible armory and jewelry. 

For more information, visit the official website of the Kremlin . It’s open from 10 am to 5 pm (and it’s closed on Thursdays) in winter.

2 pm – Watch the changing of the Guard

The honor guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

A very spectacular (and free) thing to do is watch how the honor guard does their ceremonial change at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Eternal Flame, situated in Alexander Garden, right next to the Kremlin wall. Every hour, from 8 am to 8 pm, the 1st Company of the Kremlin (Presidential) Regiment performs this rather old and beautiful tradition. But, be warned, it's often overcrowded. 

3 pm – Enjoy a green oasis just in the center

Florarium in Zaryadye

Just a few steps from the Red Square, you will find the fabulous Zaryadye park. Opened in 2017, it is designed by renowned American architect bureau ‘Diller Scofidio + Renfro’. You can walk among the very cozy botanical decorations and explore Russia’s climate zones, as each of them is represented in dedicated areas, complete with flora from those zones.

The floating bridge in Zaryadye Park

The park also has an underground museum, an “ice cave” and a 3D cinema, where you can take part in a virtual adventure – a flight over Moscow! However, the piece de resistance is a floating boomerang bridge over the Moskva River, one of the best places to take a selfie.

You can also grab a quick lunch or relax with a cup of coffee or tea in the park.

7 pm – Arrange a ballet night

The Bolshoi Theater

Of course, the most fancy way to finish your day in Moscow would be to go to the ballet at the Bolshoi Theater (in a perfect world, to see ‘The Nutcracker’!). However, getting tickets to the Bolshoi is not an easy task and should be done well in advance of your visit. 

But, don’t be upset if you don’t manage to get tickets to the Bolshoi. Moscow has dozens of other options to see a ballet (or opera). No less brilliant performances can be seen in the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Music Theater or in The State Kremlin Palace (by the way, this is another way to get a quick glimpse inside the Kremlin!).

10:30 pm – Have a late dinner in a fancy restaurant

Dr Zhivago restaurant

There are not so many other cities with such a big choice of restaurants in a range of tastes and styles. In 2021, the authoritative Michelin guide announced their pick of the best of Moscow’s restaurants. And here’s our guide to all the places with Russian cuisine for any budget. But, if you happen to be in the area of the Bolshoi or Nemirovich-Danchenko Theater, then ‘Dr. Zhivago’ would definitely be a nice option (and it’s open around the clock).

DAY 2 

9 am – grab a moscow coffee.

Winter festivities mood in Moscow

Moscow is definitely a coffee city! You can find coffee shops on every corner and they all offer a huge range of drinks. Try a ‘raf’ coffee, a sweet, creamy drink that was created in Russia, or dare to pick one of the very unusual offers, like cheese coffee or a Soviet candy style one (check out our coffee guide here ).

10 am – Take a river cruise

Winter boating along the Moskva River

Another exciting way to explore Moscow is to observe it from the water. Boats cruise along the Moskva River all year round. Most begin their route from the Hotel Ukraine, one of Stalin's ‘Seven Sister’ skyscrapers, and will bring you back to the same spot after passing the medieval Novodevichy Convent, Moscow State University and Luzhniki Stadium, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and giant monument to Peter the Great and many other sightseeings. 

It’s always at optimum temperature inside the boat, which also has huge panoramic windows. Select boats also offer a full dining experience, so it is also a nice place to have breakfast or lunch.

If you are not a water person, then discover other, unusual sides of Moscow – pick one of the activities we’ve prepared for you here ! 

1 pm – Visit ‘Russia’ Expo and taste a bunch of Russian regional cuisines

Russia Expo at VDNKh

Until April 2024, the Soviet-era VDNKh exhibition park is hosting the huge ‘Russia’ expo, with tons of activities and expositions devoted to Russia, its culture, science and nature. Check out our special guide on what to do there!  

An entire ‘House of Russian Cuisine’ has been opened at the expo. You will find 15 food stands with flagship dishes from Kamchatka, Siberia, Karelia and other regions of Russia. Imagine trying a range of cuisines and dishes in one place without even having to travel anywhere, be it Altai pelmeni, Tula kalach or Caucasian pies! A perfect place to grab some lunch.

House of Russian cuisines at VDNKh

The VDNKh exhibition park is a great place to visit, in general! Its pavilions are the perfect example of Stalinit Empire style architecture and you can almost feel as if you’ve traveled back in time! You will also find several interesting museums in the park – devoted to space exploration, Russian history and even a ‘Special Purpose Garage’, which showcases the various vehicles used by the country’s leaders. 

'Sun of Moscow' wheel

And, finally, you can ride Europe's tallest panoramic wheel – ‘Sun of Moscow’ – that will give you panoramic views of the city – from a height of 140 meters!

5 pm – Ice skate with view & mulled wine

Ice skating rink on Red Square (GUM department store on the background)

Ice skating is one of the most popular and affordable activities in Moscow. There are several great ice skating rinks in picturesque locations that are open all winter long. One of the biggest rinks in Europe is also at the aforementioned VDNKh or you can visit the one in Gorky Park, another very popular Moscow spot, or the small, but fancy rink – right on Red Square! 

All the parks offer ice skate rental, so the only things you need are warm clothes, a charged phone to record your memories and a good mood!  Moscow also gets dark at 4:30 pm in winter and hundreds of lights are switched on, turning the city into a giant fairy tale! 

A mulled wine with a view

And, if you are not a sports person, we’ve picked several other unusual activities that you could do in Moscow instead. For example, did you know that there is an entire district of dacha (countryside) houses, just 10 minutes from the center, surrounded by giant new highrises? How about taking a stroll there and feeling the early Soviet atmosphere?

8 pm – Warm up & laugh out loud

After all these outdoor activities, what could be better than a warm cozy bar with a hot drink and nice company? Moscow is a city full of entertainment for all tastes. So, if you know the Russian language or want to practice it, go to a theater or catch a stand-up comedy show. Moscow even has comedy shows in English, where you can hear both Russians speaking fluent English or foreigners (including Brits and Americans) who live in Russia speaking in broken or heavily-accented Russian (Check their show dates on the ‘ Moscow English Comedy ’ Telegram channel)!

11 pm – Finish by partying the night away!

Propaganda club in Moscow

Moscow never sleeps, as you might have heard. Which means there are plenty of bars and nightclubs where you can have a drink (or two or three; be sure to check out how Russians make Black Russian and White Russian cocktails) and chat with incredibly different people. Have fun and don’t miss your flight (or miss it and stay longer in the best city in the world!)!

That's it! See you soon in Moscow

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Watch CBS News

A walk in Moscow's grand new park, created by an American

October 7, 2018 / 9:30 AM EDT / CBS News

MOSCOW -- The hottest selfie destination in Russia's capital sits at the end of an elegant V-shaped walkway in Moscow's Zaryadye Park. The park itself is brand new – the result of an international collaboration led by New York-based architect Charles Renfro.

He is a partner in the firm, Diller Scofidio + Renfro, which also designed the wildly successful High Line in New York City.

Zaryadye, also wildly successful, is Moscow's first new city park in 50 years.

"It has become the most visited destination in central Moscow, and that makes me have chills and shivers," Renfro told correspondent Elizabeth Palmer.  

Visitors have flocked to the park ... walkers and lovers, dreamers, tourists, families and friends.  

But bringing Renfro's radically modern vision to Moscow caused some culture shock. Take the walkway that extends over but not across the Moscow River. "This bridge goes nowhere.  It goes nowhere! We had a hard time getting it through," said Renfro.

Why? "Well, because of the fact that it's not a bridge. And I think the Muscovites were wanting it to be functional. 'Why should we build a fairly expensive feature in the park that does nothing?' But you see how popular it is!"

Filled with light and life, this park is a prime example of how much Moscow has changed. Two decades ago, the site was home to the hulking Rossiya Hotel – a Soviet landmark famous for its 3,000 drab rooms, and its cockroaches. Finally, in 2006 it was demolished. For years the site stood derelict, until in 2012 President Vladimir Putin ordered up a park.

Renfro said, "We questioned whether we should do the competition, politics being what they were."

But Renfro was as stunned as anyone when Diller Scofidio + Renfro won the competition to design Zaryadye. "The idea that we could make something this intimate, this special, in the center of one of the world's busiest, biggest urban cities was just too titillating and too, too exciting," he said.

The Americans worked closely with their Russian partners, Citymakers, to design 32 undulating acres covered in native plants and trees … birds, drawn to this green refuge, which recreates all of Russia's landscapes.

Here, for example, are plants from the far north, underneath the fairytale domes of St. Basil's.

Renfro's partner, landscape architect Mary Margaret Jones, is the head of Hargreaves Associates based in New York.  She calls it "wild urbanism." 

"Here we are, right now we're lost in this birch forest, [and] the city is right there. So, it's wild but it's urban," Jones said. "What interested us is the fact that it is a park, it is a landscape. And landscape is something that speaks to all people."

When they enter it, they leave the city behind. "The park managers, they love this part of the park – they say it's a little too romantic sometimes.  We think that's great!" said Jones.

But tucked under every hill in this park are hidden treasure. 

Visitors can go inside to see a mock ice cave, a virtual reality tour of Moscow, or the Philharmonic Orchestra, in a magnificent new concert hall inaugurated just weeks ago that sits under a graceful glass dome.  Putin himself boasted that the hall was the best in Europe.

This summer, Renfro and Jones – along with their Moscow partner, Petr Kudryavtsev – spoke at the edgy Moscow Urban Forum. Renfro said, "I think the thing that worked out best was international cooperation."

Palmer said, "Russian-American relations are at their lowest point in a long time."

"Ohhh, you're going to go there," laughed Renfro.

"I have to go there!"

"I think it's wrong to say that American-Russian relations are at their worst point. What's at a bad point is our leadership around the world. But I think the people that are actually making this world a better place are doing so more cooperatively and more effectively than ever before."

Of Zaryadye Park, Renfro said, "This is a park for centuries. This is a piece of the city that will last well beyond anybody's lifetime.  It's a park for eternity."

        For more info:

• Zaryadye Park , Moscow
• Diller Scofidio + Renfro
• Moscow Urban Forum 2018

       Story produced by Randall Joyce.

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Euros 2024 – Articles

BBC host Gabby Logan ‘shocked’ over UEFA decision with Barnabas Varga injury at Euro 2024

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Gabby Logan admits she and the BBC were ‘shocked’ by UEFA’s decision to show a replay of Barnabas Varga’s head injury during Hungary’s win against Scotland at Euro 2024 on Sunday evening.

Varga was involved in an aerial collision with Scotland goalkeeper Angus Gunn in the second half and was motionless on the ground after landing .

Hungary’s players rushed to Varga’s aide before the national team’s medical staff, who were initially slow to react, ran onto the pitch to put the player in a recovery position.

Stewards and Hungary’s players then held up blankets to shield Varga as he received medical attention.

During the BBC’s coverage, the broadcaster initially showed a replay of the incident before cutting away to a wider shot of the pitch while medical staff treated Varga.

And Logan subsequently explained that the BBC was ‘surprised’ by UEFA’s call to immediately show a replay and a close-up of Varga before the broadcaster chose to cut away from the feed it was receiving.

‘All of our thoughts are with Barnabas Varga after that sickening collision, and we are updating you as we get information on his condition,’ Logan said shortly after the full-time whistle.

‘We were as shocked as you when they replayed that incident. There are protocols around those kinds of things after Christian Eriksen [collapsed] three years ago.

‘We were very surprised when UEFA chose to show that replay, which is why we cut away immediately to a wide angle as soon as we could.’

Hungary have since confirmed that Varga is ‘conscious and in a stable condition’ but is ‘likely’ to undergo surgery.

‘Several bones in Barnabas Varga’s face were broken during the collision during the match, and he also suffered a concussion,’ a statement from Hungary’s Football Association read.

‘The striker is most likely to undergo surgery. He spends the night in the hospital in Stuttgart.’

Speaking after the game, Hungary head coach Marco Rossi said: ‘In that moment I didn’t realise immediately, then when we saw the players calling the doctors and everything I started to be worried and everyone was really worried.

‘I thought when Barni left the pitch he was already awake, he was okay.

‘So this is very good, the guy is healthy. Of course, he may not be available for the rest of the tournament if we continue, depending on the others at this point. But the most important thing is that he’s healthy.’

In his post-match press conference, Rossi added: ‘Fortunately now we can say Barni is not under any kind of risk. Probably he will have an operation because he suffered a fracture.’

When asked about the incident, Scotland goalkeeper Gunn said: ‘I thought I had to come [for the ball], it was a bit painful.

‘Hopefully the guy’s alright. I can’t really remember too much about that one.’

For more stories like this,  check our sport page .

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