Although the police are extremely effective in making Moscow a safe place, tourists may anyway be a target for swindlers, pickpockets, and scammers. SafeAround will allow you to see on a map the city’s safest and most dangerous neighborhoods and areas, details on scams and other possible risks, as well as some useful travel advice.

Red Square

The most visited and iconic place in the heart of Moscow. The square is surrounded by Kremlin, Lenin’s Mausoleum, GUM Department Store, and St. Basil’s Cathedral. During day and night, the area around Red Square is extremely safe. At least as safe as in Washington DC, US. The only problem could be numerous pickpockets who are constantly in search for distracted tourists.

Kremlin

Built in the 15th century it has red brick walls and 18 towers. Spasskaya Tower is the main symbol and the official entrance to the Kremlin. The safest place in Moscow, as the president V. Putin governs just few hundred meters away.

St. Basil’s Cathedral

It was built in the 1550s, by Ivan the Terrible (Groznyi) in honor of conquering the city of Kazan. The wonderful architectural structure which locates on the Red Square.  St. Basil’s Cathedral is a spiritual symbol and sacred place, thus there is not any criminal activity inside or closely around.

GUM Department Store

Exists since Tsar’s times and is supposed to be the most famous department store in Russia. Considered as a safe place, except the pickpockets, sticking around in a search of preys.

Lenin’s Mausoleum

A tomb of a famous Soviet leader. His body has been on a public display since 1924. Pickpockets target people who are staying in the entrance queue.

Old Arbat (Stary Arbat)

Originally it was a place where different traders arrived to sell their oversea goods. Afterward, in the 18th century, the Moscow’s community of artists and intellectuals often strolled along the boulevard enjoying the astonishing mansions. Such famous people like Pushkin, Tolstoy were lived there. It’s famous for its nightlife, numerous restaurants with local food and gift shops. When it’s crowded, worth to pay attention to your belongings as there have been numerous reports of pickpocketing.  While withdrawing money from the ATM machine, highly recommended typing your pin code discreetly. As well as if you paying somewhere by card, try to observe the payment process and don’t lose your bank card from the sight. Usually, scammers, who often work as waiters can steal credentials of your credit card.

Tverskaya Street

One of the main and most famous radial streets in Moscow. It exists as early as from 12th century. The area is intensively attracting pickpockets and scammers. Sometimes thievery is committed by children. Lot’s of unofficial taxis propose their services, which are not always safe. So, more safety is to use well-known taxi services like Yandex Taxi, Uber or Gett Taxi.

Warnings & Dangers