Alexander Garden (Alexandrovsky Sad)
Stretching along the western wall of the Kremlin, Alexander Garden is one of Moscow’s oldest urban parks, laid out in the early 19th century. A popular spot for picnicking and strolling, it’s dotted with historic monuments, lined with colorful flower beds, and has sweeping views of the Kremlin.
The basics
Alexander Garden has three sections—the Upper, Middle, and Lower Gardens. Start in the Upper Garden, where the star attraction is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The poignant memorial contains the remains of a soldier killed in World War II and is watched over by an eternal flame. The site is guarded by the military and it’s worth timing your visit for the hourly Changing of the Guard.
Additional highlights include the Middle Arsenal Tower, which harbors a grotto and the Romanov obelisk; the Kutafiya and Troitskaya Towers, which mark the main entrance to the Kremlin; and the Borovitskaya Tower, at the border of the Lower Garden.
Things to know before you go
- Alexander Garden is not only an important historic site but a popular destination for families—kids will enjoy playing in the fountains in the summer months.
- Alexander Garden is open 24/7 and is free to visit.
- There are public restrooms and a number of restaurants and cafés by the northern entrance to the park.
- The spacious walkways of the gardens provide easy access for wheelchairs and strollers.
How to get there
Alexander Garden is easily reached on foot in central Moscow; the Upper Garden lies just a 2-minute walk from the Red Square. The closest metro station is Aleksandrovsky Sad.
Trip ideas
When to get there
The gardens attract visitors all year round. Come in the summer to picnic on the lawns or splash around in the fountains, or in the winter months to see the treetops blanketed in snow. Return after dark for a romantic stroll through the illuminated gardens.
A Walking Tour of Moscow
Alexander Garden makes a strategic starting point for a walking tour. Set out from Troitskaya Tower, the entrance to the Kremlin (give yourself at least half a day if you want to explore inside), then stroll through the gardens to reach the Resurrection Gate, the entrance to the Red Square. In the Red Square, admire landmarks including Kazan Cathedral, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Continue to Zaryadye Park, where the Floating Bridge affords views along the Moskva River.
- State Historical Museum (Gosudarstvennyy Istoricheskiy Muzey)
- GUM Department Store
- Kazan Cathedral (Kazansky Kafedralny Sobor)
- Revolution Square (Ploshchad Revolyutsii)
- Russian State Library (Rossiyskaya Gosudarstvennaya Biblioteka)
- Moscow Kremlin
- Bolshoi Theatre
- Cathedral Square
- Cathedral of the Archangel (Arkhangelsky Sobor)
- St. Basil’s Cathedral (Pokrovsky Sobor)
- Kremlin Armoury (Armoury Chamber)
- Diamond Fund (Almazny Fond)
- Assumption Cathedral (Dormition Cathedral)
- Lenin's Mausoleum
- Cathedral of Christ the Savior (Khram Khrista Spasitelya)