Red Square (Krasnaya Ploshchad) is the ceremonial square in central Moscow between the Kremlin wall, GUM, the State Historical Museum, and St. Basil's Cathedral. The square itself is an open public space when not closed for events. Cathedrals, the Kremlin, and Lenin's Mausoleum are separate visits.
The colourful cathedral at the south end is a museum-church with its own ticket. It is not the Kremlin, and it is not free.
The east wall of the Kremlin defines one side of the square. Kremlin grounds and cathedrals inside the fortress are a separate ticketed precinct.
Shopping arcade and museum buildings frame the other sides. Each has its own hours.
The square can close for rehearsals, parades, or skating-rink seasons. Lenin's Mausoleum has limited, specific hours. Check current access before you go.
Even without entering a museum, the square is the orientation point for the Kremlin quarter.
St. Basil's, the Kremlin, and the Historical Museum are all extra. Decide which interiors you actually want.
Several lines feed the square. Follow signs for Red Square / GUM rather than a long surface walk from a random station.
Is Red Square free?
The open square is generally free when it is not closed for an event. Buildings on it are not all free.
Is St. Basil's inside the Kremlin?
No. It sits at the south end of Red Square, outside the Kremlin walls.
Can I see Lenin's tomb?
The mausoleum has limited opening days and a security process. Confirm current hours; it is often closed on some weekdays.
Best Metro?
Ploshchad Revolyutsii and Okhotny Ryad are the standard exits toward the square.
Red Square grew along the Kremlin's east wall as market and ceremonial space. St. Basil's was built in the 16th century for Ivan IV. The name 'red' in Russian is tied to an older sense of 'beautiful' as well as the later political colour.
Treat the square as a public plaza and the interiors as a menu of separate tickets. Event closures are common enough that you should have a backup indoor plan.
