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Essential Travel Vocabulary – Improve Your English

It’s so much fun to travel, practice your English, and learn new things! Traveling is a lot easier if you know some essential English travel vocabulary. These are words you really need to know before you go! Ryan is going to share 17 of these necessary vocabulary words for traveling.

Hi everyone! Traveling is one of my five great passions. I love:

• Working with kids
• Learning new languages
• Meeting new people

Some of the best things I’ve ever experienced happened while I was traveling! I’ve been to:

• The Great Wall of China
• The Fos de Guasso in Brazil
• I’ve met amazing people
• I’ve even fallen in love!

All while traveling! So today, I want to share with  you 17 essential travel vocabulary words I use when I talk about my adventures and my travels. Use them to talk about YOUR adventures and YOUR travels, too!

17 Essential Travel Vocabulary – Words 1-5

1. Book (a flight)

A book is something you read (a noun), but the verb “to book” means “to reserve.” If you “book a flight,” that means you reserve a flight.

I booked  a flight to Buenos Aires. Now I need to book  an accommodation.

2. Accomodation

An “accomodation” is a place to sleep. A hotel, an Airbnb, a hostel, even couchsurfing, are all accomodations.

Do you have an accomodation in Buenos Aires yet?

3. Make a Reservation

To “make a reservation” means to reserve the use of something –  this can be anything! You can “book” an accomodation, specifically, a house or a room to sleep in. To “make a reservation” can also apply to a room, but it can also be a rental car, or a tour. You can fly around the city in a hot air balloon, but you need to make a reservation!

For example, I could say:

I want to go on the dungeon tour. I need to make a reservation. If I want to stay at the Luxor Hotel in Las Vegas, I need to call or go online and make a reservation.

So I’ve booked a flight, I’ve found my accommodation, and I made a reservation for a car rental.  Now it’s time to fly!

4. To Take Off

The verb phrase that we use to describe this is “to take off.”

My flight takes off at noon. Has your flight taken off yet?

The verb “to land” is the plane arriving at its destination.  “To land” can also refer to anything that is flying, then comes to the ground. I could say:

The butterfly landed on my shoulder. The plane takes off at 8:00 am and lands at 5:00 pm.

You can also use the verbs “take off from” and “land in” to talk about when and where you are going. For example:

I take off at 7:00 am. I take off from  New York. (I leave from New York.) I take off from Berlin and I land in Singapore.

If you are very lucky, your flight will not stop. It will go directly from “a” to “b” – from Berlin to Singapore. However, sometimes you have to stop. For example, the flight goes from Berlin to Singapore, but it might stop in Doha, Qatar.

Essential Travel Vocabulary – Words 6-10

6. Connection or Layover

When I stop in Doha, it is called a “connection,” or a “layover.” So when you are talking about airplane flights, the word “connection” means a city that your flight stops in before you reach your final destination. There are even more words to describe this!

Do you have a connection, or do you have a direct flight? Yes, I have a connection in Doha.

7. Leg (of a Trip)

If you have two flights to get to one destination, for example, Berlin to Doha and Doha to Singapore, each flight is called a “leg” – just like the legs I have above my feet!

The first leg of my trip is from Berlin to Doha. The second leg of my trip is from Doha to Singapore.

Another word for a connection is a “layover.”  A “layover” is simply when you have to stop for a few hours in your “connecting” city. Either one of these sentences is correct:

I have a connection in Doha. I have a layover in Doha.

9. Stop Over

If your layover is very long, it’s called a “stop over.” This just means that you will stay in that connecting city for many hours – usually more than four hours.

Last year, I had a stop over in Ankara for 12 hours!

10. Travel Backpack

Before you travel, you need a backpack. Not any type of backpack – you need a “travel backpack.” A “travel backpack” is much bigger than a normal backpack. You have room for lots of clothes, a computer, some toiletries, packing cubes – for lots of things!

Travel backpacks aren’t essential, but they are so practical and useful!

Essential Travel Vocabulary – Words 11-17

11. Clamshell or Suitcase Style Opening

A travel backpack can open like a suitcase. This is also called a “clamshell” opening – meaning it opens like a clam – on three sides. This is important because it allows you to pack very quickly, and to quickly access all your things.

12. Packing Cubes

“Packing cubes” are simply little bags to organize your things inside the travel backpack. For example:

I have my shirts in one packing cube. I have packing cubes for my shoes, my socks, and even the clothes I need to wash!

13. Toiletries

Now, the last packing cube you need is for your “toiletries.” “Toiletries” is essential travel vocabulary for things that you find in the bathroom, like a toothbrush.

Toiletries might include mouthwash, toothpaste, lotion, and shampoo. It’s a smart idea to put your toiletries in a clear bag, because that will make the security people very happy.

Let’s Review!

• You made your reservation.
• You booked an accomodation.
• You have a travel backpack with packing cubes and toiletries.
• You are ready to go!
• You take off from Buenos Aires.
• You land in Paris.

Now you are feeling really sleepy. This is called:

14. Jet Lag

“Jet lag” is the feeling of being tired after you travel because your body is used to a different time zone.

Sometimes when I travel from Europe to Asia I get jet lag.

15. Sightsee

This is a simple verb that just means to visit, or to look around. If I just landed in Shangai, I could say:

I really want to sightsee downtown! I really want to sightsee around the People’s Square!

If I’m traveling with a friend, I can ask:

“Hey, Foofy, do you want to sightsee around Stockholm tomorrow?”

You can also say to “go sightseeing,” if you don’t have a particular destination in mind.

“Hey, Foofy, do you want to go sightseeing?”

What’s Next?

• You’ve been sightseeing;  observing the city and taking it all in.
• Now you’re ready to go to a new city!

You can book a trip on a bus, or make a reservation for a flight, or you could try:

16. Hitchhiking

“Hitchhiking” is when you put your thumb up and ask people for a ride! I’ve “hitchhiked” almost 100 times in many countries, and I’ve always had great experiences. You can have fun conversations and meet really cool people. It’s not always the most fun way to travel, because the weather might be bad or people might be rude, but it’s worth a try!

17. Bucket List

Hitchhiking was on my “bucket list.” A “bucket list” is a list of things you want to do before you die. It comes from an English idiom “kick the bucket,” which means “to die.” Here are some things on my bucket list:

• Visit Antarctica
• Learn 10 languages
• Become a father
• Teach sports and English at a kids’ camp

What’s on your bucket list? I’m curious! Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear what you think.

Now that you know how to get where you want to go, check out this post to help you save money along the way!

if you want to continue on your English journey, we have a great ebook for you called Travel English Expert. ​​

The Travel English Expert is a collection of 50+ recorded conversational lessons with a text guide. Everything is directly related to real world travel. This course will give you templates to practice your listening & speaking skills – including more essential travel vocabulary – even if you aren’t planning an awesome trip to Singapore any time soon!

I hope these 17 Essential Vocabulary Words for Traveling were helpful for you! Be sure to leave a comment, and check back soon for more great English tips!

Gabby Wallace, M.Ed TESOL

About the Author Gabby Wallace is the Founder of Go Natural English, where you can quickly improve your confidence speaking English through advanced fluency practice. Even if you don't have much time, this is the best place for improving your English skills. Millions of global intermediate - advanced English students are learning with Gabby's inspiring, clear, and energetic English lessons. Gabby has a Masters Degree in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages from Boston University and 20+ years experience helping students become fluent through her online courses and membership program.

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Learn English Vocabulary for Tourism: resort, cruise, charter, all-inclusive…

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80 comments.

Thanks for an informative lesson. Travel is one of the main reasons to learn English. :)

Thank very much Adam, I have been travelled a lot, so I learned more expressions.

Thanks; there are some types of travel that I hadn´t hearing before.

Thanks for that class, very informative

Did Adam talk about all kinds of tourism? Tourists fly to Thailand to treat their teeth and not only … ;)

That’s true Bitaly :)

It’s awesome.

It’s such a nice lesson and amazing to make it short like this.

Thanks very interesting class

Thanks, Adam I understood the rule you are the best!!

Dear Adam, Thank you.

Muchas gracias Adam. Esta lección me vino como anillo al dedo, en este momento estoy en la carrera de Turismo y Hotelería, muy buena las explicaciones, pero siempre he tenido la confusión entre Amenities and Facilities. Could you explain me, please?

The only thing I understand is amenities and facilities, but I’ll see what I can do about that in terms of a video.

In the meantime, people often use these words interchangeably. Amenities are things set up for one’s comfort and convenience, while facilities are places people can use for different purposes.

Does this help a little?

Yes, it does! Thanks you so much Adam, you’re very kind

Thank you Adam. After this Lesson, I am longing about a new vacation somewhere in the world. Unfortunately, this time is still delayed due to the corona virus crisis.

I feel the same Beernaard :) Hopefully it will pass sooner rather than later.

Thank you !

Think you very much for the lesson

Eco-tourism is geared toward protecting the environment. I missed it. 9 out of 10

Thank you for the class.

Looks good. Tourism seems to be a safe way to visit beautiful places with amenities and have fun. I’ve traveled like this before to Porto Seguro, in Bahia. I bought a package in low season. There was only breakfast included in the package. All attractions and excursions were chosen as a criterion by hotel guests, beaches, shows and busy spots in the city at night.

i would like have the subtitles of the video.

If you click on CC in the video, it should be there.

I love your lessons, I would like to have you as my teacher, you make me smile when you say sorry or I shouldn’t said that. Hope to see more videos from you. Thanks for helping us

Adam, you are an amazing teacher and you know how students understand easily that you follow the way. I don’t mean that other teachers are not good. When I started to learn English from engvid.com then I did realized how many mistakes I used to do while writing and speaking. So I’m trying to shaping myself. But one thing I would like to add to you is that when you giving examples of talking each other at that time if you take one more friend to say something in response will be more practical to understand better and immediately.

That’s a good idea Shreepepe. I’ll pass it along :)

thank you Adam

the lesson was helpful

Great. When I visit Canada, I will remember this class. Thank you very much.

Thank very much Adam, , so I learned more expressions.

Thank you Adam …It was very helpful to me

Thanks Adam I got 9/10 your awesome!

Thanks Adam, Nice Class!

thanks now i know clearly what a la carte means and its uses…

I love Canadian teacher. all of you have the great expression. the more I study English here, the more I get better. I got 9 correct out of 10, It is ok. Not bad. I am improving my English day by day here. Thanks so much to all teachers by my gratefulness !

Thank you for the class

Thank you very much for your excellent class.

Great 9/10 :)

Thanks Adam, nice class…

Adam thank you for your lesson.

I want to study English very. Thanks teachers.I will work hard.

I love your classes

Great information, about tourism

Hello teacher Adam, I’m very happy, I got 100, this is a result that your explcanation is very clear and mainly very informative.Tnanks a lot.

Thank you, Adam You are my favorite English teacher

Your explaination is very clear. Thank you so much.

Thank you everybody :)

10 of 10. I’ll wait video about traveling. :)

Thanks to this lesson,Mr. Adam. And thank you to engvid

that was so though

thanks my new teacher Adam :D

than you sir i have learned new things from you

thanks my new teacher

Hi Adam, I like your lessons & easily to understand how to use. But I’m not well in writing. Is it useful for writing if I purchase E-book from “Write to Top”? Or those books are only for Essay?

Very useful. I like to travel.

Many thanks for your efforts keep it up. and wish for me to can immigrate to Canada :)

(there is no good place on engvid to ask one-off questions, unrelated to a specific video, therefore…)

This is a question about “so”.

Let’s take this exerpt containing a question: “Do you admit to [whatever]…? If yes, then…”. Shouldn’t it be “if so” instead? Does “yes” sound natural here?

“If yes” works, but “so” sounds more natural.

this class, clear the matter and become easier for the travellers

Thank you Adam

very important to tell us about flight discount

I am very interesting to listen in your lessons

interesting Mr.Adam.Thank you

wow, it’s an amazing lesson adam, I learned new things from this lesson, I hope you to add some extra topics about culture and historical places in the coming lessons that belongs to tourism.

Hello Adam… A very interesting and updating video about tourism. In my country, during last years, vineyards offer several types of culinary excursions (wine and food)… Thanks!!!

Hello sir , it’s an interesting video . Thanks

You’re speak so fast

9/10! Good! I like culinary tours, every year our family will go to a famous culinary place.

Thank you, the lesson was excellent, I loved it, very good class

10 out of 10. thank you for the lesson.??

Hello, good morning Adam, we are Carlos and Guillermo who are following the English lessons at the beginner level, we find it very interesting, for now we take the vocabulary part, but also I wanted to ask you if you know a platform similar to engvid but for the French language , thank you very much and we follow you

Thank you Mr. Adam.

Thanks Adam, a usefull lesson

thanks adam i really understand the lesson, altough i got 9/10

Thank your so much for everything:) I really enjoy your class and learn a lot.

thanks a lot for this lesson. it`s really helpful.

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40 Basic Vocabulary Words and Common Phrases for Travel in English

Embarking on a journey to a foreign country can be both exciting and a bit daunting, especially when language barriers come into play. But fear not, we’ve got you covered! This page is dedicated to all the globetrotters out there who are keen on enhancing their English language skills specifically for travel.

We’ve curated a list of 40 essential English words and phrases that will prove to be your best companions on your travels.

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first overseas trip, mastering these words and phrases will not only boost your confidence but also enrich your travel experiences. So, let’s dive in and start preparing for your next adventure with our comprehensive travel vocabulary guide. Happy learning and safe travels!

40 essential English words and phrases for travel

• Passport – “Don’t forget to bring your passport to the airport.”
• Luggage – “Please make sure your luggage is not left unattended.”
• Reservation – “I have a reservation under the name Smith.”
• Itinerary – “Our itinerary includes stops in Rome, Paris, and London.”
• Destination – “Our final destination is Sydney.”
• Accommodation – “I’ve booked accommodation for three nights in the city center.”
• Sightseeing – “We’re going sightseeing in the old town tomorrow.”
• Currency – “What’s the local currency in Japan?”
• Boarding Pass – “Please have your boarding pass and identification ready.”
• Departure – “Our departure time is 6:00 PM.”
• Arrival – “Our estimated arrival time is 8:00 PM.”
• Customs – “You’ll need to declare any items at customs.”
• Visa – “Do I need a visa to travel to the United States?”
• Tourist – “As a tourist, I love exploring new places.”
• Landmark – “The Eiffel Tower is a famous landmark in Paris.”
• Guidebook – “I bought a guidebook to learn more about the city’s history.”
• Souvenir – “I bought a souvenir from each city we visited.”
• Jet Lag – “I’m feeling a bit of jet lag after the long flight.”
• Travel Agency – “The travel agency arranged all of our accommodations.”
• Backpack – “I prefer to travel with a backpack instead of a suitcase.”
• Could you help me, please? – When you need assistance.
• How much does this cost? – When you want to know the price of something.
• Where is the nearest…? – When you’re looking for something specific, like a bathroom or a subway station.
• I would like to book… – When you want to make a reservation.
• Do you speak English? – When you need to find someone who speaks English.
• I’m lost. Can you help me? – When you need directions.
• Can I have the menu, please? – When you’re at a restaurant and want to see the menu.
• I’m allergic to… – When you need to inform someone of your allergies.
• Can I have the bill, please? – When you’re ready to pay at a restaurant.
• What time does it open/close? – When you want to know the operating hours of a place.
• Can I have a ticket to…, please? – When you’re buying a ticket.
• Where can I catch the bus/train? – When you need to find the bus or train station.
• Is it far from here? – When you want to know the distance to a place.
• Can you recommend a good…? – When you’re looking for recommendations.
• Do you accept credit cards? – When you want to know if you can pay with a credit card.
• What’s the Wi-Fi password? – When you need to connect to the internet.
• I’d like to go to… – When you’re telling a taxi driver your destination.
• Is there a pharmacy nearby? – When you need to find a pharmacy.
• Can I try this on? – When you’re shopping for clothes and want to try something on.
• Could you take a picture of us, please? – When you want someone to take a photo of you and your group.

Wrapping Up Our English Travel Vocabulary Journey

And there you have it! We’ve journeyed through 40 essential English words and phrases that will help make your travels smoother and more enjoyable. Remember, language is a powerful tool that can open doors to understanding new cultures, making new friends, and creating unforgettable experiences.

Don’t worry if you can’t memorize all the words and phrases at once. The beauty of language learning is that it’s a continuous process. Keep practicing, and soon these words will become second nature to you.

But why stop at 40? If you’re eager to expand your travel vocabulary even further, we have an exciting offer for you. Follow us on Instagram and send us a direct message to get your hands on our comprehensive eBook (write “Travel eBook”), which features 200 essential English words and phrases for travel, plus 2 special bonuses!

We hope this guide will be a valuable resource for your travel adventures. Whether you’re exploring bustling cities, tranquil countryside, or exotic beaches, these phrases will help you navigate your way with confidence.

Thank you for joining us on this linguistic journey. We wish you all the best in your English learning and your future travels. Remember, every journey begins with a single step, or in this case, a single word. Happy travels and happy learning!

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Travel Vocabulary for English-Language Learners

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The travel-related words below are the most important terms to know when talking about travel or taking vacations . Words are categorized into different sections depending on the type of travel. You'll find example sentences for each word to help provide context for learning, as well as a short quiz at the end to test your knowledge.

Air Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Airport : I went to the airport to catch a flight to San Francisco. Check in : Make sure to get to the airport two hours early to check in. Fly : I like to fly on the same airline to get mileage points. Land : The airplane will land in two hours. Landing : The landing took place during a storm. It was very scary! Plane : The plane is packed with 300 passengers. Take off : The airplane is scheduled to take off at 3:30 p.m.

Vacation Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Camp : Do you like to camp in the woods? Destination : What is your final destination? Excursion : I'd like to take an excursion to the wine country while we're in Tuscany. Go camping : Let's go to the beach and go camping next weekend. Go sightseeing : Did you go sightseeing while you were in France? Hostel : Staying in a youth hostel is a great way to save money on vacation. Hotel : I'll book a hotel for two nights. Journey : The journey will take four weeks and we'll visit four countries. Luggage : Can you carry the luggage upstairs? Motel : We stayed in a convenient motel on our way to Chicago. Package holiday : I prefer to buy package holidays , so I don't have to worry about anything. Passenger : The passenger felt ill during the voyage. Route : Our route will take us through Germany and on to Poland. Sightseeing : The sightseeing in this town is rather boring. Let's go shopping . Suitcase : Let me unpack my suitcase and then we can go swimming. Tour : Peter went on a tour of the vineyard. Tourism : Tourism is becoming an important industry in almost every country. Tourist : Every May, many tourists from around the world come to see the flower festival. Travel : Travel is one of his favorite free time activities. Travel agent : The travel agent found us a great deal. Trip : The trip to New York was lovely and interesting. Vacation : I'd love to take a nice long vacation on the beach.

Overland Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Bicycle : One of the best ways to see the countryside is to ride a bicycle. Bike : We rode a bike from shop to shop. Bus : You can catch a bus for Seattle at the bus station. Bus station : The bus station is three blocks from here. Car : You might want to rent a car when you go on vacation. Lane : Make sure to get into the left lane when you want to pass. Motorcycle : Riding a motorcycle can be fun and exciting, but it's also dangerous. Freeway : We'll have to take the freeway to Los Angeles. Highway : The highway between the two cities is quite lovely. Rail : Have you ever traveled by rail? Go by rail : Going by rail offers the opportunity to get up and walk around as you travel. Railway : The railway station is down this street. Road: There are three roads to Denver. Main road : Take the main road into town and turn left at 5th Street. Taxi : I got in a taxi and went to the train station. Traffic : There's a lot of traffic today on the road! Train : I like riding on trains. It's a very relaxing way to travel. Tube : You can take the tube in London. Underground : You can take the underground in many cities throughout Europe. Subway : You can take the subway in New York.

Sea / Ocean Travel Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Boat: Have you ever piloted a boat? Cruise: We will stop at three destinations during our cruise through the Mediterranean. Cruise ship: It's the most elegant cruise ship in the world! Ferry: Ferries allow passengers to take their cars with them to their destination. Ocean: The Atlantic Ocean takes four days to cross. Port: There are all kinds of commercial ships in the port. Sailboat: The sailboat requires nothing but the wind. Sea: The sea is very calm today. Set sail: We set sail for the exotic island. Ship: Have you ever been a passenger on a ship? Voyage: The voyage to the Bahamas took three days.

Travel Vocabulary Quiz

Test your knowledge by taking this short quiz.

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English Travel Vocabulary: Planning a Trip

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15 Easy-to-Learn Languages for English Speakers

Posted: May 1, 2024 | Last updated: May 1, 2024

Taking up a new language opens the door to several things, including travel, cultural understanding, and personal growth. Thankfully, for English speakers, some languages are easy to learn due to shared vocabulary, similar grammar structures, or historical connections. We’ll reveal 15 languages so you can make a great choice when considering a new but easy language.

Spanish is often an easy pick for English speakers, with its alphabet and numerous cognates. Although the grammar may differ, its consistent verb conjugations and sentence structures simplify the learning process.

Sharing Latin roots with English, French has many similar words and sentence structures. Despite its challenging pronunciation, its grammar rules are relatively straightforward.

Italian is inarguably one of the easiest languages for English speakers due to its pronunciation and vocabulary similarities with English. Many Italian words are recognizable to English speakers, particularly in food, music, and art. Italian grammar, while different from English, is straightforward than other languages.

English and Dutch share Germanic roots, resulting in some vocabulary and sentence structure similarities. English speakers may find Dutch pronunciation easy, as it is phonetic and similar to English in many respects.

Despite its reputation for complex grammar, English speakers benefit from the abundance of German-origin words. The subject-verb-object order mirrors English, simplifying sentence construction.

Often rated as one of the easiest languages for English speakers, the advantage lies in the simple grammar and familiar pronunciation, using the Latin alphabet.

Like Norwegian, Swedish is a straightforward language with easy pronunciation and familiar alphabets, making it easy for English speakers.

While pronunciation might be challenging, Danish’s simple grammar and shared vocabulary with English make it approachable for learners.

With similarities to Spanish and some unique grammar features, Portuguese offers an easy path for English speakers, especially in vocabulary and sentence structure.

The pronunciation and grammar simplicity of Maori, the language of indigenous New Zealand, along with some shared vocabulary, make it an attractive option for English speakers.

Indonesian/Malay

These languages’ simple grammar, phonetic spelling, and use of the Latin alphabet make them easy for English speakers to grasp. Additionally, Indonesian and Malay have simpler verb conjugation than many other languages.

With its phonetic spelling and simple grammar, Swahili is accessible to English speakers, aided by its familiar alphabet and straightforwardness.

Sharing many similarities with English in vocabulary and sentence structure, Afrikaans is phonetic and relatively easy to pronounce.

Frisian is closely related to English, especially for speakers of Northern English dialects. Its vocabulary and sentence structures offer familiarity to English speakers, with straightforward pronunciation.

While Hawaiian may seem exotic, its grammar is simple compared to many other languages and has a phonetic writing system. English speakers may also find some familiar words, as Hawaiian has borrowed from English and other languages over the years.

The post 15 Easy-to-Learn Languages for English Speakers appeared first on Housely .

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Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

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