Lenin's Mausoleum is one of the most contested and compelling landmarks on earth. It sits at the centre of Moscow's Red Square and has held the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin — founder of the Soviet Union — for more than 100 years. This guide covers everything worth knowing before you visit, including the best sights to combine on the same day.
#1 Lenin's Mausoleum
A red-and-black granite pyramid that has held the embalmed body of Vladimir Lenin — leader of the Bolshevik Revolution and founder of the Soviet Union — since 1924. Designed by Alexey Shchusev in a Constructivist style fused with ancient ziggurat forms, the mausoleum stands at the heart of Red Square as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry is free and open to the public.
- Open Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday 10:00–13:00 only.
- Free admission — phones, cameras and bags must be left at the cloakroom.
- Dress respectfully: hats off, silence at all times.
- Queues can run over an hour; a bag-screening check precedes entry.
#2 Red Square
Russia's most storied public space, in continuous use since the 15th century. The square is bordered by the Kremlin walls, the rainbow-domed St. Basil's Cathedral, the GUM department store, and Lenin's Mausoleum. It served as the stage for Soviet military parades throughout the Cold War and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Come in the evening for the best light.
- An ice-skating rink opens in winter.
- GUM, the adjacent building, houses the legendary Soviet-era ice cream stall.
#3 St. Basil's Cathedral
The rainbow-domed cathedral that has become Russia's defining image. Ivan the Terrible commissioned it in 1561 to mark his victory over the Khanate of Kazan. Nine polychrome onion domes crown nine interconnected chapels inside.
- Book interior tickets online in advance.
- The best photo angle is from directly in front of Lenin's Mausoleum.
- A 100-metre walk from the mausoleum.
#4 The Kremlin
A medieval fortress that is the largest active citadel in Europe and the official seat of Russia's president. Inside the walls stand several palaces, gold-domed cathedrals, and the Armory Chamber — home to imperial crowns and Fabergé eggs.
- Book Armory Chamber tickets well in advance.
- Allow 3–4 hours for a full visit.
- Some areas are off-limits; signage is clear.
#5 GUM
A grand 1893 pseudo-Russian Revival building with a soaring glass-barrel roof, now filled with luxury-brand boutiques and restaurants. The GUM ice cream — 100 roubles a scoop, a recipe unchanged since Soviet times — is the one thing every visitor eats.
- Try the legendary GUM ice cream.
- Gastronome No. 1 sells Soviet-style provisions and makes for a great browse.
- The glass roof is a prime photography subject.
Before You Pack
The mausoleum is more than a tomb — it is a symbol of an era that reshaped the world. The visit itself takes only 5–10 minutes, but the feeling of stepping directly into that history lingers far longer. Pair it with the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, and GUM and you have a full Red Square day. Just confirm the opening hours and plan your visit on the right day.