Tucked away in the heart of Moscow, St. Daniel Monastery is a quiet sanctuary where time slows down. Crumbling red brick walls, serene courtyards, and an eternal flame whisper tales of faith and resilience. Step inside, and you’ll feel the weight of centuries—perfect for reflection, stillness, and soulful moments.




















Everything you need to know about Danilov Monastery 2
Stay at the Metropolitan Hotel Moscow, just a 15-minute walk from St. Daniel Monastery, blending classical Russian architecture with modern luxury. The hotel offers private guided tours and complimentary shuttle service to the monastery. Guest rooms feature original Orthodox Christian artwork, creating a serene, contemplative atmosphere. Its on-site monastery-themed restaurant specializes in traditional Russian vegetarian cuisine, allowing guests to experience spiritual culture through taste. Located along the Moskva River promenade, it’s ideal for morning walks with views of the monastery bathed in dawn light.
Take the Moscow Metro to Park Pobedy Station, then transfer to Bus 270 or walk about 20 minutes. For comfort, book a private car transfer via hotel or tour operator—just 15 minutes without traffic delays. The monastery has a free parking lot nearby, ideal for self-drive visitors. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy tranquil moments amid natural lighting and peaceful surroundings.
Join a guided Orthodox prayer service led by monks, offering deep insight into Russian Orthodox traditions and rituals. Another highlight is the icon painting workshop using traditional egg tempera techniques, where you create your own miniature religious artwork. The annual summer Monastery Music Festival features performances of Bach and Taneyev pieces in the cathedral square—serene and moving. Nighttime lighting tours illuminate the historic architecture, revealing its mystical character, perfect for photographers and history enthusiasts.
The Moskva River Greenway adjacent to the monastery features children’s play zones, picnic lawns, and shaded pavilions—perfect for families. Free maps and multilingual signage help guide exploration. Bike rental stations allow families to ride along the river to nearby parks. The monastery café offers child-sized meals and gluten-free options for safe dining. Weekends often host family cultural days with storytelling, crafts, and religious art exhibits—educational and engaging for all ages.
Founded in 1499 under Grand Prince Ivan III of Moscow, St. Daniel Monastery was built to honor Saint Daniel, a revered Orthodox saint. Originally a wooden church, it underwent multiple reconstructions and evolved into one of Moscow’s most significant Orthodox spiritual centers. It played a vital role in defending national territory and religious traditions during 16th-century conflicts. The complex blends Byzantine domes with distinct Russian architectural elements. Inside, priceless icons and manuscripts from the 17th–18th centuries remain preserved, reflecting immense historical and artistic value. Today, it remains an active monastery with daily liturgies.
Book guided tours via the official website or authorized travel agencies—recommended to reserve at least three days in advance, especially during holidays. Tours are available in Chinese, English, and Russian, limited to 20 participants per session for intimate, in-depth experiences. Content includes architectural insights, religious rituals, and historical artifact interpretations. Upon completion, guests receive a digital guidebook and commemorative badge. On-site self-guided audio guides also support multiple languages, enabling flexible exploration.
Marriott Hotel Kremlin Moscow is a top choice, just 5 km from St. Daniel Monastery with complimentary high-speed rail shuttles to downtown. The hotel blends Russian classical architecture with modern luxury, featuring a traditional Russian sauna and a Renaissance-style restaurant. Guests enjoy panoramic views of the monastery’s golden domes from their rooms—especially breathtaking at sunset. Additionally, the hotel partners with local tour operators to offer a "Monastery Night Illumination Tour," allowing visitors to experience the site’s spiritual ambiance in quiet evening light.
Yes, it's easily reachable via public transit. Take Line 3 (Sokolniki Line) of the Moscow Metro to "Suvorovskaya Station," then transfer to bus 709 or take a taxi—just 20 minutes away. Alternatively, use local ride-hailing apps like Yandex.Taxi or Bolt, which take about 15 minutes and cost around 300 rubles. The monastery has a dedicated parking lot for self-drive visitors. Several sightseeing bus tours (e.g., "Moscow City Tour") also include the site, offering audio guides and historical commentary—ideal for first-time travelers.
The monastery houses an 18th-century Monastery Museum showcasing rare icons, ancient manuscripts, and liturgical artifacts—some donated by the Russian Orthodox Patriarch himself. Each summer, the "Monastery Music Festival" features performances by the church choir and the State Symphony Orchestra, presenting works by Bach and Prokofiev in a solemn, reverent atmosphere. Visitors can also book the "Traditional Monk Breakfast Experience," savoring rye bread, honey, and sour milk while learning basic prayer rituals. Spots are limited to 20 guests per session and require advance HopeGoo for an immersive encounter.
Founded in 1490 by Grand Prince Ivan III to honor his son Prince Daniel, the monastery combines Byzantine and Moscow architectural styles, built with red brick and centered around the Golden-Domed Assumption Cathedral—once hailed as the "Eastern Hagia Sophia." Despite destruction during wars and closure under Soviet rule in the 1930s, it was restored in the 1990s and reactivated as a religious site. Today, it remains a key center of the Russian Orthodox Church and is listed as a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status. Original 16th-century frescoes still adorn its walls, preserving centuries of spiritual artistry.
Yes, nearby attractions include the Moscow Zoo (Moscow Oblast branch) and the Old Kremlin Children's Park—both ideal for families. The zoo features interactive educational zones where visitors can observe Siberian tigers and snow leopards up close. The children’s park includes play structures shaped like a monastic castle and hosts monthly "Little Monk Role-Play Events." Additionally, the adjacent green walking trail offers family strolls with historical plaques along the way, blending recreation and education. All sites support wheelchair access and provide Chinese-language audio guides.
The monastery is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (October–March) and 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM (April–September). Admission is 250 RUB for adults, 150 RUB for students, with half-price tickets for seniors and holders of valid ID. Guided tours cost 300 RUB per hour, including Chinese-speaking guides. Tickets are recommended for purchase online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays. Photography is prohibited inside, but designated photo zones are available outside for capturing icons and golden domes.
See what other travelers say about Danilov Monastery 2

The hotel is perfectly located—just a short walk from the metro and within easy reach of major attractions. The room was modern, clean, and well-appointed, with fresh linens and a comfortable bed that made for a great night's sleep. The bathroom was in excellent condition, with no issues at all. The only minor note was that it was a bit cool inside, but I simply mentioned it to the front desk and they responded immediately with a heating blanket—very efficient and thoughtful. The staff were incredibly friendly and helpful throughout my stay, making me feel welcome. Overall, this place offers fantastic value and comfort. I’d definitely stay here again on my next trip to Moscow!

This hotel is absolutely fantastic! The staff are incredibly warm and welcoming, making the entire stay feel seamless and comfortable. The room layout is smart and spacious, offering a great balance between comfort and functionality. What really stands out is the location—everything you need is within walking distance. Just a short stroll to the metro, countless cafes for breakfast or lunch, and the beautiful Zaryadye Park right nearby. From there, Red Square is just a quick walk away. No need to worry about transportation; everything is so accessible. It’s an ideal spot for exploring Moscow without hassle. Highly recommended!

Staying at Arbat Hotel was a perfect choice! Located just a 5-minute walk from Arbat Street, it's incredibly convenient for exploring the city center. The neighborhood is quiet and peaceful—no street noise at all, making it ideal for a restful night's sleep. Across the street, there's a great Chinese restaurant with delicious food, which made dining out super easy. The location, comfort, and vibe all come together to create an outstanding experience. I'd definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Moscow.

We stayed at Tverskaya 5 Mini-Hotel as a family during our trip to Moscow, mainly for sightseeing and city walks. We chose this hotel because of its central location and affordable rates—and we couldn’t be happier with the decision. The staff were incredibly welcoming and helpful throughout our stay. Our room was clean, cozy, and well-appointed, offering a comfortable retreat after a day out exploring the city. Despite being rated as a 3-star property, the experience far exceeded expectations—definitely worth 150% of what you’d expect. If we ever return to Moscow, this will be our first choice. Highly recommend it!

This hotel is absolutely charming! It’s small but incredibly comfortable, with every little detail thought through. Our attic double room was fantastic—two separate beds, a cozy little sofa, ample storage space, an iron and ironing board, a hairdryer, smart scales, and more. The toiletries were a delightful surprise, especially the body lotion with such a refreshing scent—it really elevated the experience. What truly stood out? The TV screen greeted us by name when we turned it on—such a sweet, personal touch that made us feel truly welcomed. Breakfast was an absolute highlight: delicious oatmeal, pancakes with various fillings, heavenly cottage cheese pancakes, fresh salads, appetizers, and perfectly brewed coffee. The staff were friendly and attentive, though the reception area could use just a bit more attention—minor tweak, but overall, this place is absolutely worth recommending. I’d love to come back again! Huge thanks to the owner for creating such a magical, intimate retreat. Cheers to you! 🥂

I booked this hotel for my daughter based on its convenient location—right near the metro, making it easy to get around Moscow. Everything was excellent and exceeded our expectations. The interior design is beautiful, the rooms are spotless, and the overall atmosphere feels welcoming. The only downside is the lack of an elevator, which made carrying heavy luggage up the stairs a bit challenging. However, I appreciated being able to leave my belongings in the room until late in the day after check-out while I sorted out some personal matters. The staff were incredibly friendly and always ready to help with any request—whether it was extra towels or local recommendations. Their attentiveness really made the stay more comfortable. Overall, a fantastic experience with great value for money. I’d definitely stay here again.

I visited Moscow for academic purposes and needed a one-night stay in the area. I didn’t expect much, but was pleasantly surprised by the cleanliness and comfort of the room. My room faced a quiet green courtyard—peaceful and serene, perfect for relaxing after a long day. The space is modest but thoughtfully designed, with all essentials well-placed and functional. I had dinner in the evening and enjoyed a delicious breakfast the next morning—the food was fresh and satisfying. Even though my stay was brief, the experience exceeded expectations. From the welcoming atmosphere to the attention to detail, this hotel offers great value. I’d definitely consider staying here again if I return to Moscow.

This charming little hotel has been beautifully renovated and truly shines in every aspect. The room was spacious and impeccably clean, offering a comfortable stay from the moment I arrived. The staff were warm, welcoming, and incredibly helpful—every question I had was promptly addressed at the front desk. Breakfast was a highlight: a well-curated buffet with diverse, delicious options, served by a genuinely friendly hostess who made me feel right at home. One thing I really appreciated? No staff from neighboring countries—just local team members, which added to the authentic and personal touch. It’s clear this place values quality and hospitality. I hope the owners keep preserving these strengths for years to come. A standout choice in Moscow, and definitely worth returning to.

The Ozerkovskaya Hotel is absolutely fantastic! Located just a short walk from the metro, it’s super convenient for getting around Moscow. The room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable—especially the bed, which made for a restful night’s sleep. Noise insulation is excellent, so you won’t be disturbed by outside sounds. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout our stay, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. What really stood out was the great value for money—this place offers so much more than expected at this price point. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Moscow.

I can't recommend this hotel at all—our experience was extremely disappointing and deeply unsettling. While the location is convenient, just a short metro ride away, the service was appalling. The front desk staff was rude and dismissive, with no regard for basic customer respect. Later, a manager named Sergey reached out, claiming he wanted to understand the situation—but his real goal seemed to be persuading us to delete our negative review. He even tried to shift blame onto me, suggesting I was at fault for the incident. When we explained that we had to cancel due to a family member’s sudden heart attack—well in advance (12 days prior), and with full prepayment for four nights—he insisted the rate was non-refundable and that our circumstances didn’t matter. He cited a message stating, 'By choosing a non-refundable rate, you accept all risks—you’ll never get your money back, even if something serious happens.' We sent medical documentation, flight tickets, and booking details as proof of the emergency, but he still refused to refund us, saying the evidence wasn’t sufficient. This contradicts Russian consumer protection laws: when services aren’t provided due to unforeseen circumstances, refunds are legally required. There was zero empathy, no understanding, and no humanity in their response. Instead, they offered a voucher in exchange for deleting our feedback—like we were the ones who caused the problem. This kind of behavior feels predatory. We’re now preparing to file a police report and take legal action for fraudulent practices. Please, avoid this hotel. Don’t let them profit from your trust. Choose a place with integrity, compassion, and transparency instead.

Staying at Boxtel Hostel in Moscow was an absolute delight! The room was incredibly clean and well-maintained—so tidy it felt like a fresh start. What really stood out was the owner's thoughtfulness: he personally ironed my clothes, which was such a nice surprise. The location is super convenient for getting around town via metro, just a short ride to the city center. With its friendly vibe, excellent cleanliness, and great value, this hostel offers more than just a place to sleep—it’s a memorable experience. I’ll definitely be back!

The location was excellent—just a short walk from the exhibition venue, making everything super convenient. We arrived to find the hotel temporarily closed due to unforeseen circumstances, but the staff handled it professionally and swiftly. They arranged a driver to transfer us to a partner property with no hassle, ensuring we had a smooth check-in. Despite the unexpected situation, the team’s responsiveness and customer care were outstanding. The alternative hotel was clean, comfortable, and well-maintained. Overall, the experience exceeded expectations given the circumstances. Great communication, strong problem-solving, and genuine hospitality make this a standout stay in Moscow.
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