Areas and Suburbs in Moscow

The different areas and suburbs of Moscow are distinguished according to their relative location to the major ring roads. There is no grid-like pattern of streets in the Russian capital, but rather a centre-point (the Kremlin), and a series of boulevards that encircle it.

• The Boulevard Ring: Series of boulevards closest to the city centre
• Garden Ring: Large motorway just outside the Boulevard Ring
• Third Transport Ring: Intended to reduce traffic and congestion to and from the CBD
• Moscow Ring Road: Outermost ring, marks the city limits

All areas between the Kremlin and the Garden Ring Road are deemed to be in ‘the centre’ of Moscow, and accommodation prices in these areas tend to be higher than anywhere else.

Central areas in Moscow

Patriarshy Ponds

Calm and quiet residential neighbourhood close to the centre of Moscow. Popular with expats and Muscovites, but expensive. This area is close to five metro stations, four different metro lines, and offers direct access to the main city traffic routes. A beautiful city park with a pond is the central focal point, and plenty of restaurants, theatres, embassies and museums are in the vicinity.

Arbat

The most attractive and architecturally beautiful area in Moscow. Very central, next to the golden dome of the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, and dotted with Art Nouveau-style buildings and trendy modern residences. This is a premium area for expat executives, and is consequently very expensive. It is the local equivalent of the pedestrian-friendly areas of Greenwich Village, Soho, and Montmarte.

Chistye Prudy (Ponds)

The former meat district has been gentrified, and is now one of the most desirable expat areas in which to live. The 18th- and 19th-century buildings face onto a lovely little lake. French expats tend to congregate here as it has a certain European charm and is close to the new French School. There are gourmet French eateries close by, as well as English- and French-language cinemas.

Tverskaya

The most central and lively of Moscow’s expat residential areas – Tverskaya Street connects Red Square and the Kremlin to the far north of the city. This area is convenient as it’s close to all transport routes and attractions, but it gets noisy, as one might expect. Still, some of its side streets boast beautiful housing in more quiet, charming areas (such as Kamergersky Lane).

Tretyakov Gallery Area

An up-and-coming area known for its central location and attractive two- and three-storey buildings. The main roads of Pyatnitskaya and Ordynka are very busy, but the quieter off-shoots are more congenial. The area has a lively nightlife with plenty of cafes, cinemas and boutique bars and coffee shops.

Outer areas of Moscow

The areas mentioned above are located within Moscow’s Garden Ring, the main traffic artery. Beyond this ring are some very worthwhile expat living areas, especially for families who demand additional space.

Frunzenskaya Area

Frunzenskaya embankment has lots of greenery, and a park-like feel to it. The area is hemmed in by the Moscow River, and overlooks Gorky Park. This area is most popular with families with children. However, apartments in the Stalinist blocks tend to be small and are expensive.

Leningradsky Prospect

Leningradsky Prospect is a busy avenue that runs up from Tverskaya Street. Parts of it have long been associated with artists and bohemians. The ‘Artist’s Village’ still exists, and is a popular choice for expats who prefer a quirky, eccentric neighbourhood feel. The only drawback is the relatively long commute to the city centre during rush hour.

Barrikadnaya Area

Situated just outside the Garden Ring in the northwest of the city, Barrikadnya is good value, and due to the recent construction of several luxury residential projects, it’s become home to many upper-middle-class expats. The Moscow Zoo and the American Embassy Compound are also located here, and access to public transport is only a short drive away.  

Taganskaya Area

Positioned to the east of the Garden Ring, this old Moscow area was originally ringed by five monasteries, which defended Moscow’s eastern border. Today the area is home to many businesses, and a lively Vegas-like nightlife district. There is good-value accommodation to be found, but it is a little noisy.