Moscow is one of the greenest megacities in the world. Residents and visitors of the city have a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature without leaving the MKAD. We decided to join the "circle of naturalists" and headed straight to the Tsitsin Main Botanical Garden of the Russian Academy of Sciences, the largest in Europe.
How to Get There
The easiest way to get to the garden is by metro or MCC, to the "Vladykino" station. Just a 5-minute walk and you arrive at this picturesque place. By the way, it is quite inconvenient to reach it from the similarly named metro station "Botanical Garden." If you want to optimize your walk, you can use the entrance from VDNKh, located behind the "Kosmos" pavilion.
We decided to enter from the main entrance (from Botanicheskaya Street), where we were greeted by a colorful mansion located near a small pond. This place is very beautiful and is popular among newlyweds and photography enthusiasts.
And then, as if in a fairy tale: go left, and you find yourself in a real forest. It seems that the plantings here are natural, not man-made. However, most of the plants are actually planted by scientists and are closely studied. Turning right, you head towards the conservatory.
It's worth noting that the park is great for both walking and cycling. Necessary markings are present. Just be prepared for pedestrians, especially mothers and children, who may suddenly dart in front of you. The terrain of the garden is quite varied, so be ready for a workout. We visited both on foot and by bike, and both options are interesting.
Several exhibitions are open for viewing in the garden. The Arboretum, which features plants characteristic of various regions of Russia. The Rose Garden, showcasing various varieties of these beautiful flowers. The Garden of Ornamental Plants. The Japanese Garden, where you can admire the cherry blossoms in spring. The conservatory with many tropical plants. A new building as tall as a ten-story house has been built for it, but it is not yet open to visitors. So, welcome to the old building, complete with a classic Soviet-style grandma as the ticket seller, cashier, and coat checker. Entrance to all exhibitions except the Arboretum is paid, ranging from 100 to 250 rubles per person (cash only).
We especially liked the continuous blooming garden, which only ends for the winter period. Also, be sure to visit the natural flora exhibition to learn what grows in your grandmother's village or in the park near your home.
Animal lovers will appreciate the opportunity to feed the squirrels. They are quite urban and allow close-up photos. So, bring some hazelnuts or other treats. By the way, there are almost no places to buy snacks or water in the garden, so take everything with you in advance. Another important point: due to the large number of plants, the microclimate in the garden is quite peculiar. Bring warm clothes and repellents.
In summary:
- An excellent place to be alone or to have a group outing;
- Suitable for walking and cycling;
- Bring warm clothes and repellents with you.
