Home › Destinations › Bolshoi Theatre
Bolshoi Theatre, Россия - Things to Do in Bolshoi Theatre

Things to Do in Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre, Россия - Complete Travel Guide

The Bolshoi Theatre stands as Moscow's crown jewel and one of the world's most prestigious cultural institutions. Located in the heart of Russia's capital, this iconic neoclassical building has been the epicenter of Russian ballet and opera since 1825, hosting legendary performances that have shaped the global performing arts landscape. The theatre's grand facade, adorned with Apollo's chariot and magnificent columns, serves as a symbol of Russian artistic excellence and cultural heritage. Beyond the theatre itself, Moscow offers visitors an extraordinary blend of imperial grandeur, Soviet history, and modern dynamism. From the fortress walls of the Kremlin to the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral, the city presents layers of history spanning centuries. The surrounding Theatre Square district pulses with cultural energy, featuring world-class museums, elegant boulevards, and sophisticated dining establishments that complement the theatrical experience.

Top Things to Do in Bolshoi Theatre

Attend a Bolshoi Ballet or Opera Performance

Experience world-renowned performances by the Bolshoi Ballet and Opera companies in their historic home venue. The theatre presents classical masterpieces like Swan Lake, The Nutcracker, and Eugene Onegin alongside contemporary works, featuring internationally acclaimed dancers and singers. The opulent interior, with its red velvet seats and crystal chandeliers, creates an unforgettable atmosphere for these artistic performances.

Booking Tip: Book tickets 2-3 months in advance through the official Bolshoi website, with prices ranging from $30-400 depending on seating. Premium orchestra seats offer the best experience but balcony seats provide excellent acoustics. Avoid unofficial resellers and dress formally for evening performances.

Explore the Kremlin and Red Square

Discover Russia's political and spiritual heart within the fortified Kremlin walls, home to stunning cathedrals, the Armory Chamber, and government buildings. The adjacent Red Square showcases St. Basil's Cathedral's iconic colorful domes, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the historic GUM department store. This UNESCO World Heritage site represents over 800 years of Russian history and architecture.

Booking Tip: Purchase Kremlin tickets online in advance for $15-25, choosing between different territory access levels. Book guided tours through reputable operators for $40-80 per person, ensuring skip-the-line access and expert historical commentary during peak tourist seasons.

Visit the Tretyakov Gallery

Immerse yourself in the world's finest collection of Russian art at this premier national museum. The gallery houses masterpieces spanning from medieval icons to 20th-century avant-garde works, including paintings by Repin, Surikov, and Kandinsky. The building itself is an architectural gem, designed in the Russian Revival style with intricate facade decorations.

Booking Tip: Standard admission costs around $8-12, with audio guides available for an additional $5. Visit on weekday mornings for smaller crowds, and consider booking private tours through established cultural tour operators for $50-100 per person for deeper artistic insights.

Take a Moscow Metro Tour

Journey through the world's most beautiful subway system, featuring palatial stations adorned with marble, mosaics, and crystal chandeliers. Each station tells a unique story of Soviet history and artistic vision, with highlights including Komsomolskaya's baroque ceiling and Mayakovskaya's aviation-themed mosaics. The metro serves as both transportation and an underground museum of Soviet-era art and architecture.

Booking Tip: Regular metro tickets cost under $1, but guided tours ($25-45 per person) provide valuable historical context and access to restricted areas. Choose tours that visit 8-10 stations over 2-3 hours, and look for operators offering small group experiences with knowledgeable local guides.

Experience Traditional Russian Cuisine

Savor authentic Russian flavors through guided food tours or visits to traditional restaurants near Theatre Square. Sample classic dishes like borscht, beef stroganoff, blini with caviar, and accompanied by premium vodka tastings. Many establishments offer cultural dining experiences with folk music and traditional decor that enhance the culinary journey.

Booking Tip: Food tours range from $60-120 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including multiple venue visits. Book tours that include both street food and upscale restaurant experiences, and look for operators offering vegetarian options and cultural context about Russian dining traditions.

Getting There

Moscow is served by three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO), Domodedovo (DME), and Vnukovo (VKO), all connected to the city center via express trains, buses, and taxis. The Aeroexpress train provides the fastest connection (35-45 minutes) to central Moscow for around $10-15. International visitors require a Russian visa obtained in advance, though some nationalities can use electronic visas or visa-free transit options. The city is also accessible by train from European cities, with the Trans-Siberian Railway connecting Moscow to destinations across Russia and Asia.

Getting Around

Moscow's extensive metro system is the most efficient way to navigate the city, with stations conveniently located near major attractions including Theatre Square. The metro operates from 5:30 AM to 1:00 AM, with trains running every 1-3 minutes during peak hours. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Yandex.Taxi are readily available and affordable, while walking is pleasant in the historic center where many cultural sites are clustered. Consider purchasing a Troika card for seamless public transportation access across metro, buses, and trams.

Where to Stay

Theatre District/Tverskoy
Red Square/Kitay-Gorod
Arbat District
Zamoskvorechye
Patriarshy Ponds
Sokolniki

Food & Dining

Moscow's dining scene ranges from elegant pre-theatre restaurants near the Bolshoi to traditional Soviet-era establishments and modern fusion cuisine. The Theatre District offers upscale dining options perfect for post-performance meals, including renowned establishments serving both Russian and international cuisine. Traditional restaurants like Cafe Pushkin provide authentic Russian atmosphere with dishes like beef stroganoff and caviar service, while modern establishments in converted historic buildings offer contemporary interpretations of classic recipes. The nearby GUM department store houses both casual dining options and gourmet food halls, making it convenient for visitors exploring Red Square and the surrounding cultural attractions.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Moscow

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Trattoriya Venetsiya

4.5 /5
(1867 reviews) 2
cafe

IL PIZZAIOLO

4.5 /5
(1394 reviews) 2
cafe

Trattoria Venezia

4.5 /5
(1018 reviews) 2
cafe

Pasta & Basta

4.5 /5
(912 reviews) 2

La Scarpetta Trattoria

4.5 /5
(575 reviews) 2

Maritozzo

4.6 /5
(355 reviews) 3

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Moscow and the Bolshoi Theatre is during the cultural season from September to May, when the theatre presents its full repertoire of ballet and opera productions. Winter months (December-February) offer a magical snowy atmosphere and peak performance season, though temperatures can drop to -10°C to -20°C. Spring (April-May) and early fall (September-October) provide pleasant weather for exploring outdoor attractions while still enjoying the full cultural calendar. Summer months see reduced Bolshoi performances as the company tours internationally, but offer the warmest weather and extended daylight hours for sightseeing.

Insider Tips

Arrive at the Bolshoi Theatre 30 minutes early to admire the interior architecture and enjoy a champagne intermission in the grand foyer
Book restaurant reservations near Theatre Square well in advance for post-performance dining, as many establishments fill up quickly after shows
Purchase a Moscow CityPass for discounted admission to multiple cultural attractions and skip-the-line access to popular museums and sites

Explore Activities in Bolshoi Theatre