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Lifeway Women provides biblical solutions for churches, small groups and individuals, engaging women to know Jesus, to seek His kingdom and be spiritually transformed and equipped for service.

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Announcing Journey Magazine Quarterly

Some of you probably know the history of Journey devotional magazine better than I do. The goal when Journey began was to help women spend time in God’s Word every day. I’d say that is still the goal and true thirty years later. Each day’s devotion is designed to help women read the Scripture, ponder what it means to live God’s way, and then engage prompts to pray for ourselves and others.  

Devotionals are part of ongoing spiritual disciplines of prayer, reading the Bible, and living out our faith in obedience to Jesus. Devotionals are intended to help us live a godly life—to know God’s character, attributes, and wisdom. At its core, a devotional is designed to lead us to help us take Scripture to heart, to have a short time of worshiping God, and to prioritize our devotion to God before and above all things.  

Some people might think devotionals do not take one deep enough in the Scripture (that is why there are more thorough Bible reading plans and Bible studies). But devotionals are a great beginning of one’s spiritual walk. I have found that devotionals have four powerful benefits to help me each day. 

• Devotional time reminds me what to focus on the rest of the day. My number one focus is God, His character, His will, and His ways. A devotion reminds me I can communicate and commune with God as I go about my day. I get to spend time with God every day! And that focus on His Word and prayer reminds me of the power of the Holy Spirit living in me and through me, and it changes everything about my day. Devotional time develops spiritual growth in me because I am focused on God and not tossed about by the culture.  
• Devotional time each day reminds me of my priorities. There are many items on my to-do list but first and foremost are spending time with God and obeying His plans. “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you” ( Matt. 6:33 ). Life comes together when God is my priority. Life can be difficult, but I gain strength and inspiration to live out my life in obedience to God, keeping Him first.  
• Devotional time reminds me of my calling to love God and love others. Matthew 22:37-40 says, “… Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and most important command. The second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” I need daily reminders to love God and love others, and I find those reminders in God’s Word and devotional time in prayer. My relationship with God needs to be right before my relationships with others will be healthy.  
• Devotional time reminds me of who I am in Christ and who He created me to be. In a few verses, I can be reminded that God made me, formed me, and planned my days (see Ps. 139:13-18 ). He has a purpose and a plan for me. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do” ( Eph. 2:10 ). It is good to be reminded of this truth daily. And I love the reassurance that whatever the day brings, Jesus is for me, and with me. I need Him every day, and I know you do too.  

Beginning September 2022, we will be adjusting Journey from a monthly devotional to a quarterly devotional. That means readers will receive three months of devotionals in one magazine. I t means Journey will be mailed out four times per year. Each devotion includes the focal Scripture, the devotional thought, a prayer prompt, reflective questions, and a Scripture reference to dive deeper into God’s Word. Journey will continue to feature articles that will focus on walking in faith with God, knowing His Word, and how to love God and others well.  

Most of all, Journey is trustworthy, biblically-based devotions that encourage and strengthen you in your walk with the Lord. We are on this journey with Him, and we are walking it together as a community of devotional readers.  

I’m praying that we honor the Lord as we continue the journey—reading God’s Word and spending time in prayer with Him daily. The journey continues, and I’m so glad we are on this journey together!  

Order your copy of Journey magazine here.

Michelle Hicks is the managing editor for Journey devotional magazine with Lifeway Women. Michelle served as a freelance writer, campus minister, and corporate chaplain before coming to Lifeway. She is a graduate of the University of North Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Michelle has a deep hunger for God’s Word and wants others to discover the abundant life they can have with Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

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Journey Magazine

Daily Devotions for Women

Journey  equips women to develop a daily walk with God and serve Him in their churches and communities. 

Each quarterly issue includes:

Daily devotions with Scripture and prayer

Regular columns focus on walking with God, walking in God's Word, and walking together in community with others

Access to digital devotional content through the Lifeway Women mobile app

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In November, Adventists across the world will participate in a global Week of Prayer. Download the Week of Prayer readings or read it online.

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Adventist Journey

About adventist journey.

In telling the Adventist story in the North American Division, this magazine has been designed to encourage all of us to follow our Lord on the path that He’s laid before us. While we all have unique experiences in life, as we follow Jesus all our paths merge into His. Keep on His path; and welcome to the Adventist journey.

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LEADING th e JOURNEY

An E-newsletter on EXCELLENCE in Leadership

The principal needs to find the balance between the demands of personal and professional life. Few individuals would say that they wished they had spent more time at the office. The “to do” list is never completed. Working long hours robs you of personal and family time. Love your family by spending quality time with them; love yourself by maintaining your health; and love God by staying connected with Him.

Walking around your school gives you the opportunity to interact with students and staff, shows that you care about what is happening, and reminds you why you’ve chosen to be the principal!

Escape your office and enjoy the good things happening in your school.

March 2024 | Volume 12, No. 6

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My Top 4 Principal Survival Kit Tools

By Evelyn Fordham-Goodman Principal—Columbus Adventist Academy

I am no poster child for self-care. It is 7:22 p.m., and I am just getting home. I have a slight headache, I still need to make dinner, and to be honest, I am exhausted.

I am learning, however, what tools work for me in helping me to survive and even thrive in this role.

I do not promise these will automatically revolutionize your workflow or transform your schedule. Still, they are essential to my sanity, helping to keep my head above water and allowing me to breathe.

First and foremost, I absolutely, positively, MUST have time by myself before I interact with others. Call it introversion or whatever you wish, but I need my time. I feel thrown off and scattered when I skip this step. I need time to think, feel, and process. I need time for reflection and gratitude. I need time to plan. I need time!

For the last 10+ years, I have made it a practice to get up early, Monday through Friday, at 5:45 a.m., and do just that. I spend time alone, with myself, and, most importantly, with God. In this space, I give God my heartfelt burdens and receive from Him the strength I need to face another day.

Journaling has been a significant lifeline in my journey as principal. "My Principal Journey" journals are filled with whatever is in my heart. The contents: Everything from a daily log of what is happening during the day to venting about an unreal staff interaction to seeking wisdom for a parental concern or crying out to God for a much-needed breakthrough. Whatever the case, having a safe space to write allows me the freedom and sanctuary to release my emotions. Five journals later, there is no way I am parting with this lifeline.

I wish I could say I consistently get a scheduled massage every two weeks or that I get my nails done on a regular basis. I am not quite there yet. Honestly, in this season, my self-care goals are much more basic: Eat breakfast. Bring my water bottle to school and drink. Take my vitamins. Go to bed. Following these basic guidelines helps guard against anxiety, depression, and burnout.

Stay Connected

In the busyness of this job, it is extremely easy for close relationships to wane. I must intentionally schedule time for conversations and interactions, or they will not take place. Although it is so hard to make time, when I do, the dividends are great! I am gifted with strength, love, and a reminder that I belong. This time serves as a reset, allowing me to reenter work with joy and greater purpose.

I pray some of these tools prove beneficial.

Create a Spiritual Connection

Worship provides a means for individuals to connect with God on a deeper level. Through prayer, meditation, singing hymns, and studying the bible, individuals can cultivate a sense of spiritual intimacy and communion with God.

Set Boundaries

Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific times for work-related tasks and ensure you make time for relaxation, hobbies, and spending time with loved ones.

Practice Self-Compassion

Be kind to yourself and acknowledge that it's okay not to be perfect—practice self-compassion by treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding that you would offer others.

Prioritize Well-Being

Make your physical and mental health a priority. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and engage in regular exercise to maintain your energy levels and overall well-being.

Seek Support

Don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Whether confiding in a trusted colleague, seeking guidance from a mentor, or accessing professional counseling services, having a support system can help you navigate challenges more effectively.

Set Realistic Expectations

Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself by setting realistic expectations. Understand that you can't do everything perfectly, and it's okay to prioritize tasks based on their importance and feasibility.

Take Breaks

Schedule regular breaks throughout the day when you can rest and recharge. Even short breaks can help improve focus, productivity, and overall well-being.

Engage in Continuous Learning

Stay curious and engaged by pursuing professional development and lifelong learning opportunities. Whether attending workshops, conferences, or reading books related to your field, investing in your growth can reignite your passion for teaching.

Find Joy in Teaching

Focus on the aspects of teaching that bring you joy and fulfillment. Celebrate successes, no matter how small, and cultivate a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to make a positive impact on your students' lives.

Pray, Reflect, and Adapt

Take time to pray and reflect on your experiences, both successes and challenges, and use them as opportunities for growth. Be open to feedback and willing to adapt your teaching methods to better meet the needs of your students.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential for your well-being and the students who depend on you. Trusting in Jesus and having faith in His teachings are foundational to living abundantly. Believing in His promises, such as eternal life and forgiveness of sins, provides a sense of security and peace. Take the time to pray daily and ask God for his guidance. You won’t regret taking those moments with him.

Ten Educator Self-Care Tips

By Paula Sanders Blackwell

Principal—Ramah Jr. SDA Academy

AS ADVENTIST EDUCATORS, our organization's mission is to enable learners to develop a life of faith in God and to use their knowledge, skills, and understandings to serve God and humanity. We believe that what we do here on earth matters.

We say this, but many of us do not live like we believe it. God has a plan for each of us. He shared this in Jeremiah 29:11: "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." His plan is for us to prosper; we cannot prosper if we do not live according to his plan.

If we are not eating well, exercising, or resting, how can we prosper if we do not take care of our bodies? Here are a few tips I have learned on caring for myself while in the ministry of education.

Educators play a crucial role in shaping the future, and it is essential to prioritize taking care of our bodies to maintain our well-being and effectiveness in fulfilling the mission of education. Here are ten tips for educators on how to take care of yourself:

In His Presence

By Elisa Maragoto Superintendent—New Jersey Conference

W eary from journeying with stubborn and stiff-necked people, Moses was ready to give up on them. Daily, he endured their selfish demands, self-entitlement, and obstinate unwillingness to heed counsel. Although insecure of his abilities and doubtful at first, Moses had stepped forth and accepted God's command to lead His people out of Egypt. He had witnessed God's miracles and heard from God's lips the confirmation, "I will certainly be with you…" But the Israelites' latest perversity was the last straw that was about to break the camel's back.

He was tired from the long days. He was spent by the never-ending multitasking that did not leave him room to breathe. The people's constant criticism and complaints were wearing him out. He was drained by their persistent demands and conflicts as day in and day out he refereed their disputes. Their lack of faith and trust to visualize that the journey was not the final destination was depleting his strength. If that was not enough, his soul felt the sting of discouragement as he realized that His own brother and sister had been a part of the problem. This was just too much to bear. How much more would he have to endure? He felt alone.

 With genuineness of spirit, Moses went to his only Friend, Jesus, opened his heart, and said, "You have said, 'I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight. Now, therefore, I pray, If I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You and that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people." Exodus 33: 12-13.

 God, the Creator of the heavens and earth, the One that molded him out of the dust, gave His servant not just a response but an eternal promise: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give rest."

 As educational leaders, we, too, walk a journey that often makes us weary, exhausted, spent, and, yes…alone. Discouragement and disappointment often knock at our door, and we wonder, is this worth it, God? Dear educator, I remind us that we do not walk this road alone, for the promise given to Moses is for us too: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give rest."

 That promise encompasses every aspect of our lives. His rest is perfect and complete. Therefore, in His Presence, daily seeking His face, away from the people, in prayer, and intimate communion with our Friend we too find rest.

 When 24 hours are not enough to complete the tasks ahead, if necessary, the sun will stand still, and the moon will pause its rotation as it did for Joshua.

 When we have exhausted all resources, and the budget still does not balance, the Eternal One, in full, will fill our vessels with oil, as He did for the widow.

 When criticism arises and complaints point the finger at our sincere efforts, in His Presence, we will find rest, for He promised:

"No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and every tongue which rises against you in judgment you shall condemn…" for that "is the heritage of the servants of the Lord."

Isaiah 54:17

When physical strength is maxed, and the heaviness of our feet makes it hard to take another step, remember, In His Presence, you find rest, for "those that wait on the Lord shall renew their strength…; They shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint." Isaiah 40:31.

 Dear educator and weary traveler, our journey is not the destination. Rest in His Presence. He will suffice our every need. Like Moses, His glory will reflect in everything we do as we aim to light the path to redemption for the children entrusted to us. For He promised, "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." That is an eternal promise.

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MISSION: STRENGTHENING ADVENTIST EDUCATION ONE LEADER AT A TIME

Newsletter Editor

Berit von Pohle , Editor

Vice President for Education

Ed Boyatt , Editorial Advisor

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Robin Banks

Richmond Academy

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BY MY SPIRIT

Unite with us in praying daily for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit across our Conference on our ministries, churches, schools, and people. Receive monthly updates with praise and requests as we watch God move powerfully in answer to prayer.

Learn more about and/or register for upcoming events like our camp meetings, training events, marriage retreat, youth rallies, women’s retreats, and much more. View our calendar of events for the coming year.

We are committed to resourcing and equipping members to serve their churches, communities, and to share the gospel message with others. Check out our events for upcoming inperson and Zoom training events.

BLUE MOUNTAIN ACADEMY

The Blue Mountain Academy experience is not just the beginning of an exceptional academic experience, but it is a spiritual investment as well. It’s a place where you will grow in your relationship with Jesus, receive a quality education and leadership skills, learn to serve the community around you, and build friendships that last a lifetime!

LAUREL LAKE CAMP

The beautiful rolling hills and hemlock forests of Laurel Lake Camp & Retreat Center make it a perfect setting for your church or group to explore nature and connect with God. Or attend one of our events: summer camp in June and July, camp meeting/family weekend in August, and our annual women’s retreat. Get away and grow in Christ!

ONLINE GIVING

God powers His last-day mission through our faithful return of tithes, offerings, bequests, and other gifts. Generosity opens the way for abundant blessings upon our lives. Equip people to engage in God’s blessings through giving, now and in the future, and support specific projects that change lives and draw people to Christ.

Reaching Everyone, Everywhere

The Pennsylvania Conference is absolutely committed to helping God’s people in Pennsylvania live out His call to go into their neighborhoods and communities and make disciples of all people. Our primary role is that of training, encouraging and resourcing churches in their evangelistic endeavors. We believe that it is God’s will that every church be actively engaged in the work of evangelism. More churches are embracing this challenge by hosting various reaping events—preaching the three angels’ messages and calling people to Christ.

Together for Our Kids

Adventist education is vital to save our young people and ensure the future of the church’s mission. Our goal is to help schools provide students every opportunity for their spiritual, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth, equipping them not only for their future in this world, but also for eternity. Our schools will enable young people to grow in their relationship with Jesus and lead them to use their gifts and abilities to serve others.

Chosen and Called

Every young person in our churches is loved, chosen and called by God. It is the mission of the Pennsylvania Conference Youth Department to unite with local churches and inspire, engage, and disciple young people to love and serve God through a vibrant experience that impacts lives. We believe our youth and young adults are a powerful force for good and are the “army of workers” who will take “the message of a crucified, risen, and soon-coming Savior…to the whole world!” (Counsels to Teachers, Parents, and Students, p. 555)

By My Spirit

Prayer for the Holy Spirit is the foundation of success in God’s work. As church members pray daily for the outpouring of the Spirit, we will see the promised blessing come. “To those who wait humbly upon God…is the Spirit given. The power of God awaits their demand and reception. This promised blessing, claimed by faith, brings all other blessings in its train.” (The Desire of Ages, p. 672)

Jesus commanded the church to “go and make disciples of all nations,” promising us that “this gospel of the kingdom will be preached as a witness to all the nations and then the end will come” (Matthew 28:18-20; 24:14). The early church obeyed and saw remarkable growth as a result. “The word of God spread, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly” (Acts 6:7).

One of the first things the early church did before going out and sharing the gospel was to unite together in prayer. God answered their prayer with a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

God’s command to go and His promise of a great harvest is extremely relevant today. We believe God will bless our churches as we unite together to fulfill the mission of reaching everyone, everywhere, as we first unite together to pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

Our goal is to gather an army of prayer warriors to pray daily for the work here in Pennsylvania. Will you join us?

Stay connected

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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. 🙂

• Mental Health

Taylor Swift Is Embracing the 5 Stages of Grief. Should You?

C all it the Five Stages of Grief (Taylor’s Version). Last week, ahead of the release of her album The Tortured Poets Department , Taylor Swift shared five new playlists that sort her old songs into stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. “These songs represent making room for more good in your life,” she says in a brief audio message accompanying the final playlist, acceptance. “Making that choice. Because a lot of time when we lose things, we gain things too.”

In the two months since Swift announced her new album , which comes out April 19, fans have speculated that it will explore themes related to coming to terms with the loss of a long-term relationship. (The pop star revealed the end of her six-year relationship with actor Joe Alwyn last April; she’s now dating Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.) “She’s doing the same thing with grief that she did with the NFL,” introducing the concept to a new audience, says Jason Holland, a clinical psychologist in Nashville who has researched grief, loss, trauma, and stress. “Grief isn’t a topic that gets talked about a lot—so anything that someone can do to bring more attention to it, and get people thinking about it and talking about it, is a good thing.”

But the “five stages of grief” is a contested concept among psychologists, as not everyone experiences them the same way. We asked experts what they like about the theory—and which limitations and caveats to keep in mind.

Grief is less predictable in reality

The five stages of grief were introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth Kubler-Ross in her 1969 book On Death and Dying . The theory, born out of her work with terminally ill patients, initially focused on how people grapple with their own mortality. “She was a pioneer at the time,” says Mary-Frances O’Connor, an associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona and author of The Grieving Brain: The Surprising Science of How We Learn from Love and Loss . “She described what people were telling her, and those descriptions are still accurate. Many people do feel angry; many people do feel depressed.”

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Kubler-Ross later expanded her work to apply to people grieving a loved one—and, clearly, it resonated, evolving into a cultural touchstone. The problem, O’Connor says, is that “it became used not as a description, but as a prescription.” People interpreted the stages strictly, assuming that mourners had to pass through each one sequentially. (That thinking has persisted, though in a book Kubler-Ross wrote shortly before her death in 2004, she noted it was not her intention , and that the stages do not have to happen in one particular order.)

Though little research has examined the theory, the studies that do exist offer mixed results. One study , for example, found that during the two years after someone lost a loved one, their experiences of grief did tend to follow Kubler-Ross’s predicted order. Other research found that the pattern of grieving depended on the circumstances of how someone died, and that grief and acceptance rose and fell in an unpredictable way. “We know now that it is a much more variable path, and that there isn’t an end point where we stop feeling grief,” O’Connor says.

Not everyone goes through all of them

While many people experience some or all of the five stages of grief, others only relate to one—or none. Grief is complex, O’Connor points out, and not a one-size-fits all process. Some people might skip a step, jumping straight from denial to bargaining (when you try to make deals with God or torment yourself with "what if" statements, no matter how irrational). Others will experience depression before they move on to anger. Research suggests that most people do eventually achieve some form of acceptance, but “it’s like the stock market,” O’Connor says. “It goes up and down.”

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Grief hits us in all different ways and at different times, staying with us indefinitely and surging when we least expect it to, says Gina Moffa, a grief therapist in New York City and author of Moving On Doesn't Mean Letting Go . “The idea that it can be wrapped up in a neat bow and that it has a clear beginning, middle, and end is a real disservice to people going through the grieving process,” she says. “Grief is messy. It’s important to know that there’s no timeline.”

Grief isn’t just emotional

The five-stages theory doesn’t acknowledge the physical symptoms and anxiety that can accompany grief, Moffa points out. People who are bereaved often experience panic attacks, brain fog, sleep issues, a weakened immune system, gut issues, and headaches, among other issues, she says. After her mother died, she landed in the hospital with pancreatitis and a thyroid problem. “This experience of five stages doesn't account for the fact that grief is a trauma to our bodies and to our nervous system,” she says.

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What particularly bothers Moffa is that when some people feel like their experience doesn’t conform to the five stages, they become distressed. “They think they’re doing it wrong,” she says. “When we talk about the five stages of grief, it becomes a ‘right and wrong’ thing. And grief is not something that can be right or wrong.”

A different way of thinking about grief 

Many people who specialize in grief work prefer the dual process model of grief , which posits that grieving involves two tasks that can mostly only be handled one at a time: working through the emotions of grief itself—whatever they are and whatever order they come in—and rebuilding a life. The person grieving will oscillate between both modes—at times mourning, and at times setting aside emotions to nurture new relationships or figure out the logistics of a different life without their loved one. “Spending some time coping with the grief, and some time coping with the restoration, is actually a sign of mental health,” O’Connor says. “Being able to put your grief aside for a time so that you can attend to your life is a mentally healthy thing to do.”

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That’s not to say there isn’t a place for the five stages of grief. Holland’s clients often bring it up, explaining that it resonates with them. “It’s a simple model that people can understand,” he says. “If you’re in the midst of grief, you’d like to think that there’s some predictable road ahead.” If people feel that the theory fits them, he says, why not talk about it in those terms? “If it gives them hope, and a sense of empowerment, then I think that’s very positive,” he says.

Having a roadmap like the five stages provides a sense of comfort, he believes. Plus, it fits with our idea of a classic story—and Swift, of course, famously loves a good tale. “It’s this idea that we’re battling grief, that we go through this journey where we have to do battle with denial and bargaining and anger and depression, and we come out this renewed person with insight or knowledge we can share with others,” he says. “It fits with the way that we see human struggle.”

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