Aptekarsky Ogorod Botanical Garden Moscow - White house with green roof in a park
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Aptekarsky Ogorod Botanical Garden Moscow

4.7
·19k reviews·Moskva, Russia

Russia's oldest botanical garden, founded in 1706, offering a lush escape with diverse greenhouses and seasonal blooms.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
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Aptekarsky Ogorod Botanical Garden Moscow - White house with green roof in a park

Aptekarsky Ogorod Botanical Garden Moscow

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Enjoy tranquility

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Russia's oldest botanical garden, founded in 1706, offering a lush escape with diverse greenhouses and seasonal blooms.

4.7
(19k reviews)

"A green oasis right in central Moscow, perfect for a calm stroll in any season."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Metro Access is Key

Easily reachable via metro, making it a convenient green escape in the city center. :train_2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive grounds and greenhouses. :athletic_shoe:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Tropical Greenhouse

Tropical Greenhouse

Greenhouse

Step into a lush, subtropical paradise year-round, a stark contrast to Moscow's climate.

Instagram+1
Succulent Collection

Succulent Collection

Greenhouse

Explore one of Russia's largest and oldest collections of desert plants, featuring a vast array of cacti.

InstagramReddit
Seasonal Blooms

Seasonal Blooms

Outdoor Gardens

Witness the garden transform with vibrant seasonal displays, from spring blossoms to autumn colors.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds

While the Aptekarsky Ogorod is a peaceful escape, weekends can get busy, especially during popular exhibitions like tulips. Consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy the serene atmosphere and avoid long lines for attractions like the tropical greenhouse. Reddit

Ticket Value

Entry tickets can seem a bit pricey for a short visit, but the diverse attractions, including the renowned succulent and tropical greenhouses, offer significant value. Look into evening tours, which are considerably cheaper. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Enjoy tranquility
Crowd
Low
When
Evening tours
Why
Cheaper entry
Crowd
Medium
When
Spring/Summer
Why
Peak bloom
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#JINSHI + #MAOMAO | the light novels have me in a CHOKEHOLD rn i love these two sm #theapothecarydiaries #jinmao #theapothecarydiariesedit #animeedit #edit #fyp
@gojoarchive
332.2K likes • 1.9M views

🎯 Metro Access is Key

Easily reachable via metro, making it a convenient green escape in the city center. Reddit :train_2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive grounds and greenhouses. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

#ringtone #opening #theapothecarydiaries
@avi_caro
313.6K likes • 2.3M views
The Botanical Garden of Moscow State University (known as the “Apothecary Garden”, or “Aptekarsky ogorod”) is a part of Moscow’s historical and cultural heritage, and is the oldest botanical garden in Russia. 📍 Apothecary Garden (“Aptekarsky ogorod”) Prospect Mira, 26, Building 1 Moscow 🕒 10:00 - 20:00 #apothecarygarden #exploremoscow #traveldiaries #moscowcity #russiatravel #russiatrip #moscow...
photoholic.travelshots
88 likes • 1.1K views

📸 Capture the Beauty

The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially the vibrant greenhouses. Instagram :camerawithflash:

☕️ Relax at Cafés

Several cafés and restaurants are located near the entrance for a post-stroll refreshment. Reddit :coffee:

Botanical Garden of the Lomonosov Moscow State University (APOTHECARY GARDEN). The oldest botanical garden in Russia Founded by Tsar Peter the Great in 1706. Succulent (cactus) greenhouse, one of the largest and oldest collections of succulents in Russia. The Aptekarsky Ogorod is home to the country's best collection of "desert plants". In addition to cacti, there are agaves, molochai, aloes, fat-...
milsoul2023
7 likes • 210 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Metro Access is Key

Easily reachable via metro, making it a convenient green escape in the city center. Reddit :train_2:

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore the extensive grounds and greenhouses. Reddit :athletic_shoe:

📸 Capture the Beauty

The gardens offer stunning photo opportunities, especially the vibrant greenhouses. Instagram :camerawithflash:

☕️ Relax at Cafés

Several cafés and restaurants are located near the entrance for a post-stroll refreshment. Reddit :coffee:

🌸 Check Exhibition Schedules

Look out for special flower exhibitions, like the popular tulip displays. Reddit :bouquet:

What Travellers Say

4.7
(19k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Aptekarsky Ogorod as a beautiful, central green oasis perfect for a peaceful stroll in any season. Highlights include the well-maintained gardens and the impressive tropical and succulent greenhouses. While some find tickets a bit pricey and weekends can be crowded, the overall experience is highly recommended for its natural beauty and relaxing atmosphere. Reddit

"Aptekarsky Ogorod is a green oasis right in central Moscow — easy to reach by metro and perfect for a calm stroll in any season. The gardens are beautifully maintained, and the tropical greenhouse is a real highlight. Plus, there are a few great cafés and restaurants nearby to relax after your walk.


Super central location, just a minute from the metro
Seasonal blooms and tropical greenhouse
Peaceful, well-kept space in the middle of the city
Cafés and food options right by the entrance


Tickets can feel pricey for a short visit
Some paths get crowded on weekends

❤️: A lovely spot to recharge and enjoy nature without leaving the city."

Kristina Tochilko

"It is truly a magical place. I loved it. It can be a great place to visit with friends, kids or go on a romantic date. Be prepared to walk a lot. There is a lot of entertainment. Cafes, fountains, restaurants, flower exhibitions, cactus room, tropical room, insect room, mini aquarium room. Fresh air. Highly recommend."

Valeriya Andreeva

"The garden is cute. I dare say that there are many exotic plants if we take into consideration the geographical location of Moscow. The only minus is there place is horribly overcrowded. My daughter couldn't tolerate the long line of visitors to enter the tulips exhibition, so we decided to move away; despite of the fact that we had paid for the tickets."

Alexander Potapov

What People Like

Central location
Tropical greenhouse
Seasonal blooms

What People Dislike

Pricey tickets
Weekend crowds

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Aptekarsky Ogorod is very centrally located and easily accessible by public transport. Take the metro to Prospect Mira station (Koltsevaya Line or Kaluzhsko-Rizhskaya Line), and it's just a short walk from there. Reddit

Parking in central Moscow can be challenging and expensive. It's highly recommended to use public transportation like the metro to reach the garden. Reddit

The closest metro station is Prospect Mira. From there, it's a very short walk to the garden entrance. Instagram

Yes, taxis are readily available in Moscow. You can use ride-sharing apps or hail a taxi to get directly to the Aptekarsky Ogorod. Reddit

While many paths are paved, some areas might be uneven. The greenhouses are generally accessible, but it's advisable to check specific accessibility details upon arrival. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The garden is typically open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. Instagram

Ticket prices can vary depending on the season and any special exhibitions. Regular adult tickets are around 300 rubles, but evening tours are significantly cheaper at about 50 rubles. Reddit

While tickets are available for purchase at the entrance, it's often convenient to buy them online in advance, especially during peak seasons or for popular exhibitions to avoid queues. Reddit

Generally, a single entry ticket grants access to most areas, including the greenhouses. However, it's always good to confirm if specific exhibitions or areas require separate tickets. Reddit

If you have limited time, consider focusing on the highlights like the tropical greenhouse or succulent collection. The evening tours offer a more budget-friendly option for a shorter visit. Reddit

🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the stunning tropical greenhouse with its lush vegetation and the extensive succulent collection. The outdoor gardens are also beautiful, especially during blooming seasons. InstagramReddit

Yes, the garden is very family-friendly. Kids often enjoy exploring the greenhouses, looking at the diverse plants, and the open spaces for a stroll. Reddit

Photography is generally allowed, and the garden offers many picturesque spots. However, professional photography or filming might require special permits. Instagram

Guided tours are sometimes offered, especially for specific exhibitions or themed walks. Check the garden's schedule or inquire at the information desk. Reddit

You'll find a vast array of plants, including tropical species, succulents, cacti, seasonal flowers, and various trees and shrubs. The collection is quite diverse. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are cafés and restaurants located within or very close to the garden, offering various cuisines like Georgian, Italian, and Vietnamese. Reddit

You can find a range of options, from quick snacks and coffee to full meals. Some places even offer unique items like rose-shaped ice cream. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume food in designated café areas to maintain the garden's pristine condition. Check for any specific picnic policies. Reddit

With diverse international cuisine available, you should be able to find vegetarian and likely vegan options at the various eateries. Reddit

Prices can vary, but you can find both budget-friendly snacks and more upscale dining experiences. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The tropical and succulent greenhouses offer incredibly vibrant and exotic backdrops. The outdoor gardens are also stunning, especially during peak bloom seasons. InstagramReddit

Drone usage is typically restricted in botanical gardens and public spaces in Moscow. It's advisable to check with the garden administration for any specific regulations. Instagram

Portrait photography is usually permitted for personal use. However, if you plan a professional photoshoot, it's best to inquire about potential permits or fees. Instagram

Early mornings or late afternoons often provide softer, more flattering light. Golden hour can be particularly magical for capturing the garden's beauty. Instagram

Avoid disturbing plants or other visitors. Stick to designated paths and be mindful of the environment. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Aptekarsky Ogorod is a fantastic destination for families. The open spaces are perfect for children to explore and run around, and the greenhouses offer a sense of wonder with their exotic plants. Reddit The 'insect room' and 'mini aquarium room' mentioned by visitors add extra layers of engagement for younger ones. Reddit

Tips for families: Pack snacks and drinks, though cafés are available. Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid crowds, especially if your children are sensitive to long lines. The sheer variety of plants can be a fun learning experience, making it an educational outing as well as an enjoyable one. Reddit

❤️ Couples & Romantic Dates

The botanical garden provides a serene and beautiful backdrop for a romantic outing. Strolling hand-in-hand through the blooming gardens or enjoying the lush greenery of the greenhouses offers a peaceful escape from the city bustle. Reddit

Recommendations: Visit during the 'golden hour' for stunning photography opportunities. Afterwards, enjoy a meal at one of the charming cafés nearby. The garden's tranquil atmosphere makes it ideal for quiet conversation and shared appreciation of nature's beauty. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Aptekarsky Ogorod is a dream. The vibrant colors and diverse textures of the plants, especially within the greenhouses, offer endless creative possibilities. InstagramReddit

Photo tips: Focus on macro shots of flowers and intricate plant details, or capture the grand scale of the greenhouses. Early morning or late afternoon light will enhance your images. Be mindful of other visitors and the delicate environment while you shoot. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Founded in 1706 by Tsar Peter the Great, the Aptekarsky Ogorod (Apothecary Garden) is the oldest botanical garden in Russia. It was initially established to grow medicinal herbs for the pharmacy of the Moscow Kremlin. Over centuries, it has evolved from a functional medicinal garden into a significant scientific and cultural institution. Instagram+1

Today, it holds the status of a historical and cultural monument of Moscow and a monument of garden and park art of the 18th century. Its rich history is palpable as you wander through its grounds, a testament to Russia's long-standing interest in botany and horticulture. Instagram+1

The garden is a part of Moscow State University and plays a crucial role in scientific research, plant conservation, and education. Its historical significance combined with its living collections makes it a unique destination. Instagram

The Enchanting Greenhouses

The tropical greenhouse at Aptekarsky Ogorod is a true highlight, offering an escape into a humid, subtropical environment regardless of the season. Visitors can marvel at a diverse array of exotic plants, creating a stark and beautiful contrast to the often chilly Moscow weather outside. InstagramReddit

Equally impressive is the succulent and cactus greenhouse, which houses one of the largest and oldest collections of 'desert plants' in Russia. This section showcases an incredible variety of cacti and succulents, demonstrating the resilience and unique beauty of flora adapted to arid conditions. InstagramReddit

These greenhouses are not just for display; they are vital for research and conservation, housing species that might be rare or endangered in their natural habitats. Visiting them provides a fascinating insight into global plant diversity. Instagram

Seasonal Spectacles

Aptekarsky Ogorod truly shines throughout the year with its ever-changing floral displays. In spring, the garden bursts into life with blooming trees and a vibrant carpet of flowers, including famously beautiful tulips that can even smell like chocolate! Reddit

Summer brings lush greenery and the blooming of magnificent water lilies and other aquatic plants. As autumn arrives, the foliage transforms into a rich tapestry of colors, offering a picturesque setting for a leisurely stroll. Even in winter, the greenhouses provide a warm, green sanctuary. Instagram

Keep an eye out for special exhibitions and festivals, such as the 'Spring Repetition' festival, which showcase the garden's most spectacular blooms and offer a unique sensory experience. Reddit

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