Ice cream and icons at GUM – Moscow’s most glamorous detour

#summervacay #june2025 #europetrip #moscowlandmarks #must-visit Every capital has its gathering ground. In Moscow, it’s GUM, a luxurious mosaic of eras. I arrived expecting a high-end mall; I left with a deeper appreciation for Russia’s layered narrative. Between the aroma of fresh pastries, echoes of Russian chatter, and the charm of Soviet-costumed staff serving ice cream, GUM pulses with both elegance and emotion. Travel tip: Try the classic plombir ice cream while walking the upper galleries—each step offers new angles of this architectural gem. If you’re lucky, you might stumble upon one of their rotating exhibits featuring Soviet posters, Tsarist relics, or modern Russian art.