Moscow Botanical Gardens, or the Russian Academy of Sciences' Main Botanical Gardens, is part of a proud Russian botanic tradition. Moscow itself has five botanical gardens and the whole country has more than 80 such gardens or similar institutions. Visit here, however, where you will see the country’s biggest and best-known gardens.
The gardens were first created in 1945, but this area of Moscow has a long history of botany. The Apothecaries’ Gardens nearby were founded in the 17th century in a bid to find cures for various ailments. Covering about 890 acres (360 hectares), these botanical gardens have long been a magnet for budding botanists. See the latest horticultural curiosities to arrive in the Russian capital.
Spend an hour or two exploring this fragrant oasis and be sure to visit the rose garden, a highlight for many visitors. With about 2,500 different types of rose, this garden is a visual feast. Try to spot the distinctive Bengali rose, noted for its green coloring.
Wander through the Japanese garden while you are here. Created by landscape architect Ken Nakajima and architect Adachi Takeo, it is a truly authentic experience. Imagine that you’ve been transported to Japan amid evocative pavilions and carefully executed features, such as a pagoda and gates made of bamboo. Admire the 100 different types of plant on display, including rhododendrons, sakura and maple mono, all from Hokkaido Island, Japan.
Head to the orangery to see additional exotic plants. Here, orchids and plants that eat living creatures thrive in the hothouse environment. In the garden’s greenhouse, discover species that are too delicate for the harsh Russian weather. If the weather is good, walk through the arboretum and look for curious squirrels scurrying up oak trees.
Reach Moscow Botanical Gardens via the Vladykino metro station. The gardens are open Wednesday through Sunday. While there is no entry fee for the garden itself, attractions such as the arboretum, orangery and Japanese Garden charge for entry. The Japanese Garden may close during the winter months.