Every hour, on the hour, two soldiers walk out in perfect step, watched by a crowd that has gone completely silent. It happens every single day of the year — and most first-time visitors to Moscow have no idea it's happening until they stumble onto it.
If you're planning a trip to Red Square, the Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is one of the best free things to see in Moscow. This guide covers what the ceremony is, the rules to follow, and the easiest ways to get there.
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| Artist's impression of the Changing of the Guard ceremony beside the Eternal Flame at the Kremlin wall |
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
Just beside Red Square, inside Alexander Garden, sits Russia's most important national war memorial: the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. It honors the millions of Soviet soldiers killed or missing during World War II — known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
The Eternal Flame. At the center of the memorial, a flame burns continuously from a bronze five-pointed star. It has stayed lit, without interruption, since 1967.
The Unknown Soldier. In 1966, the remains of an unidentified Soviet soldier were found at the site of the Battle of Moscow and honorably reburied here.
The inscription. Carved into the memorial in Russian are the words: "Your name is unknown, your deed is immortal."
Watching the Changing of the Guard
Soldiers from the Kremlin Regiment, Russia's presidential guard unit, stand watch at the tomb around the clock. Every hour, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., two new guards march out in a precise, ceremonial routine to relieve the soldiers on duty.
Did you know? The guards must stand almost completely still for their full hour of duty, in any weather — rain, snow, or summer heat.
The ceremony takes only a few minutes but draws a crowd every time. It's one of the most photographed moments in Moscow, and it's completely free to watch.
Rules to Follow
Because this is a solemn national memorial, visitors are expected to show respect:
- Do not shout, laugh loudly, or make noise while the guards are changing.
- Do not cross the barrier or try to get close to the soldiers.
- Follow instructions from the security officers nearby — they take this seriously.
How to Get to Red Square
Red Square sits at the center of Moscow and is easy to reach without a car.
By metro (fastest and easiest). Three metro stations connect underground and all sit within a short walk of Red Square:
- Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Blue Line) — the closest exit to Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral.
- Okhotny Ryad (Red Line) — exits near the State Historical Museum and the main entrance to Red Square.
- Teatralnaya (Green Line) — near the Bolshoi Theatre, about a 5-minute walk to Red Square.
| Getting There | Best For |
|---|---|
| Metro | Fastest, cheapest, most reliable option |
| Walking | Scenic route through Alexander Garden if staying nearby |
| Taxi (Yandex Go) | Convenient at night, but drops you near the square (it's pedestrian-only) |
| Bus (M1, M2, M3, M6, M7, e10) | Slower, but a scenic way to see the city |
On foot. If you're staying in central Moscow, walking is a pleasant option. From Arbatskaya station, it's about a 15–20 minute walk (roughly 1.2 km) through Alexander Garden to Red Square.
By taxi. The Yandex Go app is Russia's most popular ride-hailing service. Since Red Square itself is a pedestrian-only zone, your driver will drop you nearby — usually a one- or two-minute walk from the square.
Tips for Visitors
- Download Yandex Maps. It tracks Moscow's buses and metro in real time more accurately than Google Maps.
- Get a Troika card. This rechargeable card works on the metro and buses and costs less than single tickets.
- Expect security checks. Metal detectors and bag checks are standard at every entrance to Red Square, so avoid carrying anything that might raise questions.
Planning a Visit
Combine your visit to the Changing of the Guard with a walk through Red Square's other landmarks — St. Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin wall, and GUM department store are all within a few minutes' walk. (New to Red Square's history? Read our full guide first.)
Want more travel tips for Russia? Keep exploring Visit in Russia for guides written for first-time visitors.
FAQ
What time does the Changing of the Guard happen?
Every hour, on the hour, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., daily.
Is it free to watch?
Yes, it's completely free and open to the public.
Which metro station is closest to Red Square?
Ploshchad Revolyutsii is the closest, putting you right next to Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral as soon as you exit.