Moscow on Instagram: from hidden gardens to unusual architecture

Buildings seen from the Aviapark shopping centre in Moscow. Photograph: Chirag Nikam / @chiragushka

For Moscow week, we wanted to see the city through the eyes of its residents. What are the most beautiful parts of Moscow? What are the hidden gems? Where can you find the most bizarre architecture – and the best food? We asked some great Instagrammers from Moscow to show off their city – and you shared your pictures too.

Evgeniya Muravyeva (@evmsk), a self-confessed “minimalism and architecture enthusiast”, took over @guardiancities to share her own take on the urban landscape.

‘Moscow is becoming more cycle-friendly. There are city bicycle rental stations everywhere in the centre, a nice cycle lane along Gorky Park and Museon embankment, but the city still lacks safe riding lanes. Hope this will change for the best in the future’

‘In 2013 Moscow government started a project to transform dull and boring facades into art works. This one is on Pokrovka Street’

‘This is the pedestrian bridge in the north-west of Moscow, opened in November 2014. At the length of 422 meters, it is the longest one in the Moscow region’

Katya Trofimova (@ohmymoscow) showed us “unknown Moscow” – those hidden gems in the city. She set up @ohmymoscow to “reveal hidden places of beautiful Moscow to people from all over the world – as well as curious locals.”

Chirag Nikam (@chiragushka) likes to find the overlooked or surprising aspects of his city, so we asked him to share pictures of the most unusual or out of place buildings in Moscow.

Arseny Morozov Mansion

Anya Latariya (@latarianna), a life-long Moscow resident and photography enthusiast, explored the city’s food culture, focusing on the best of Russian cuisine in the capital.

Alexey Balashov (@mikkymay) shared pictures of the city’s peaceful spots to spend time in.

‘It so happened that @guardiancities has asked me to take photos of quiet places in our noisy metropolis. If anyone knows any interesting places, let me know and I will try to visit them.
Here’s the Kremlin in Izmailovo. There is a park next to it where you can chill’

‘I love this bridge’

‘A very good morning and a good day to you! If you ever feel like chilling on the grass somewhere, it’s best to do it in Tsaritsyno park with its awesome lawn’

As well as our wonderful team of Instagrammers, many more Moscow residents shared their pictures of the city using #GuardianMoscow. Here are some of the best, from Moscow’s “High Line” to beautiful brick facades.

Check out the #GuardianMoscow hashtag on Instagram for all the photo contributions from this week and add your own.