travel brush set

How To Pick & Pack The Best Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes

08 dec how to pick & pack the best travel friendly makeup brushes.

So, you’ve got your travel size makeup and your skincare packed onboard for an in-flight pamper, but your makeup brushes are a mess. Well, here’s a solution.

The makeup you pack for your holiday will only get you so far if you don’t have the tools to apply it. Whether you want a sun kissed beachy glow on the Mykonos shores, or a brown smoky eye in the Ibiza clubs, knowing which makeup brushes to travel with can be a bit of a hassle. But we’ve got you covered.

From singular portable makeup brushes, to travel brush sets, we’ve found the best travel friendly makeup brushes. These tools will have your makeup looking effortless on the go, and your makeup bags looking orderly. Read on!

Learn How To Pick Travel Friendly Makeup Brushes:

• Find Retractable Travel Makeup Brushes
• Look out for Multi-Tasking Makeup Brushes
• Try Mini Makeup Travel Brush Sets
• Get A Travel Makeup Case To Protect Your Brushes
• Importance Of Packing Your Makeup Brushes Properly

1. Purchase Retractable Brushes

If you are not able to purchase a makeup case with pockets and separators, then opt for retractable brushes. These are great if you want to avoid your makeup brushes touching and spreading germs and bacteria.

Retractable Face Brush

Nude by nature.

The Nude By Nature Retractable Brush is a perfect face brush for travel . You can use this multi purpose brush for your bronzer, setting powder or blush, because its bristles are dense which to help apply as much product as you desire. Additionally, this brush comes with a cap, therefore limiting the chance of the brush grabbing onto dust or bacteria in your bag.

Retractable Lip Brush

Bobbi brown.

This Bobbi Brown retractable lip brush makes applying your favourite lipstick a piece of cake. Its fine, flat hairs gives you clean precision.

Its small enough to throw in your bag, so you can touch up on-the-go, and you have peace of mind knowing it won’t get dirty whilst you travel.

Portable & Concealer Brush 150

Fenty beauty.

This portable Fenty brush is every contour lovers dream. The bristles are soft synthetic, making it gentle on the skin, and are cut to ensure precision and even blending. It’s multi-purpose use as a concealer brush makes it perfect to touch up and hide any imperfections on the go. Moreover, its magnetic cap ensures that your makeup brush is protected and easy to travel with , ready to conceal away your jetlag and chisel out your cheekbones.

2. Look For Multi-Tasking Travel Brushes

Why have one brush when you can have two or three!

Double-Ended Complexion Brush

The Hourglass brush is a great 2 in 1. With its high-grade synthetic fibers, this dual ended brush gives you flawless application. It’s secured with brush caps, keeping it hygienic in your luggage. The smaller brush end is perfect to conceal under your eyes and the larger brush is perfect to buff in foundation and powder to achieve that perfect base wherever you are!

T-Kit 3-in-1 Brush Set

Trinny london.

A three in one stackable brush set for defining lips, brows and eyes. With cruelty-free synthetic, quick drying fibers, this portable brush kit needs to be in your travel makeup kit when you need to pack light. They also all stack together quickly with a magnet fit, making it quick to apply and go!

Retractable Dual-Ended Eyeshadow Brush

This eyeshadow brush the ultimate on-the-go tool. Featuring dual retractable ends with a cap so you know the powder wont litter all over your cosmetic bag. Apply both creams and powder eyeshadow and even use it for concealer if you wish.

The soft and silky bristles will last forever with proper care and washing, a worthy investment for the regular jetsetter.

3. Try A Mini Makeup Brush Set

Mini kits are usually smaller versions of their large sized counterparts but made from the same materials.

A hot tip: Store them in your carry on luggage so they’re a bit more protected & you can also freshen up on a long-haul flight if you need.

Voyager Travel Brush Set

This mini travel brush set is perfect for your travel bag. Whether you want to get glam’d before you hop off your flight, or have limited room in your luggage, you’ll be prepared for anything. It comes with four soft brushes; a concealer brush, two eye shadow brushes and a brow or liner brush.

It’s perfect for touch ups throughout the day and to blend your makeup seamlessly! The small brush handles gives you more control of your application and it even comes in a mini travel case.

Most-Wanted Brush Set

With a combination of face and eye brushes that were made to be easier to hold, these brushes can create that flawless foundation appearance and softened eye look for any occasion.

This set includes a blending brush, a pencil brush, a tapered blending brush, a tapered highlighter brush and flat kabuki foundation brush. A brush for every step of your makeup routine.

4. Buy a Separate Case to House Your Travel Makeup Brushes

Purchasing a good makeup case that has separate compartments will ensure your makeup brushes stay clean throughout your travels. Firstly, make sure they are cleaned prior, so that they start off fresh. Allow them to dry before packing (this could take a day) because water can cause damage to the end of the brush it it seeps through. It can loosen bristles and build bacteria, making you worse off than where you started.

4-Way Professional Travel Makeup Bag

If you’re a makeup lover, then this travel makeup case is large enough to store everything you own. This sturdy case has a handy brush holder compartment that is dirt-resistant and water-resistant, making it hygienic and easy to clean.

Your brushes will remain protected with a covering and the brush slots are made to withstand turbulence. If you’re headed for a 6 month holiday, you can store your whole life in this travel case!

Jet Set Vanity Bag

Mecca cosmetica.

This brush bag is the perfect size to store your brushes and other essential travel products. You can store your makeup brushes protectively on one side, and store skincare in the zipped pouch.

This is a jet setters dream, as the same suggests, as it keeps all your items separated and clean.

Why Is It Important To Store Makeup Brushes Properly When Travelling?

Protecting and properly storing your makeup brushes when travelling is important, as they can get dirty amongst the dust and junk at the bottom of your bag.

Dirty makeup brushes can lead to clogged pores, premature aging and can cause breakouts from different bacteria build up on your brushes.

Try not to throw your brushes in with your makeup, store them separately in a different bag, preferably one with slots so that you can separate your brushes individually so bacteria doesn’t transfer between brushes. Make sure to clean them often to improve its longevity!

Keeping your makeup brushes clean when travelling can be easy once you’ve picked the right products.

If you want to make sure your makeup brushes make it to the other side, it all comes down to maintaining and caring for them as you would your makeup products. Regularly cleaning your makeup brushes will improve their life, as it avoids a build up of bacteria, which can ultimately damage your brushes.

When travelling, store your brushes in a makeup case that has individual brush slots. This will stop the transmitting of bacteria to each brush.

Do you have any other tips for makeup brushes? Let us know!

Pin this article for later!

Related Stories

FOUNDATION GUIDE

Best Cruelty Free Foundations

TRAVEL BEAUTY

A Guide To The Best Cleansers For Travel

PACKING TIPS

How To Pack Beauty Products Whilst Travelling

Rosé Away 6-Piece Face & Eye Travel Brush Set

We think you'll also love these.

Add to cart for $15 and under.

Make It Big XXL Lip Plumping Serum

Mini bake & set soft focus setting powder.

Translucent

Sun & Done Smooth-Gliding Bronzer Stick

Caramel Cove

M101 Lightform Dual Ended Complexion Brush

Creator Series

M625 Three-In-One Brow Sculpting Brush

Creator Brush Series

Supreme Brow Sculpting & Shaping Wax

Aurascape dripglass glazed lip gloss.

Cosmic Coral

Frose Bliss

Soulmatte Filling Gel Lip Liner

Quick Crush

Soulmatte Velvet Lip Mousse

Morphe x meredith duxbury brow sculpt & brush..., dripglass drenched high pigment lip gloss, dripglass glazed high shine lip gloss.

So Transparent

Pink Mirror

9G Sunrise Glow

Artistry Palette

9M Midnight Dune

9w smoke & shadow, free shipping on orders $35+, free meredith face & lip gloss on $45+ orders.

When typing into this search field, autocomplete results will appear

Region Search

Shop All Morphe X Ariel Lightform Foundation Aurascape Supreme Brow

Shop All Best Sellers Exclusive Offers

Eyeshadow & Palettes Eyeliner Brow Mascara Eye Primers All Eye

Lipstick Lip Gloss Lip Liner All Lip

Complexion Prime & Set Cheek All Face

Morphe Brush Guide Shop All Best Sellers Morphe x Ariel Exclusive Offers

Brush Sets Eye Brushes Face Brushes Vegan Brushes

Sponges & Applicators Accessories

Artistry Diaries Find Your Shade Rewards

Natural Finish Locked Down + Shine Free Ultra Hydrated Glow

Shop All Gift Sets

$10 and Under Gifts Under $20 Gifts Under $40

Neutral Beauty Minimalist Beauty Beginner Statement Maker Avid Traveler

Festival Shop Travel Sized/Mini Cloud Skin Mob Wife Aesthetic

Vegan Makeup Vegan Brushes Clean Beauty

Morphe X Ariel Morphe X Meredith

Palettes Brush Sets Under $10

$28 ($76 Value)

afterpay available for orders $35+

Get your glow to go with these rose gold brushes for your eyes and face. The super-soft synthetic bristles keep your look flawless, while the chic mini handles and sleek travel tubby are perfectly sized to pack for your next getaway.

Collection Includes

Deluxe Buffer Brush: A full-domed design to blend and buff foundation into an airbrushed finish.

Angled Contour & Blush Brush: Multi-purpose with an angled edge made for more defined applications for your bronzer, blush, and highlighter.

Mini Buffer Brush: Leave no spot un-buffed, with a smaller brush made for hard-to-reach corners.

Blending Crease Brush: A defined tapered point to blend crease colour and soften harsh lines.

Mini Concealer Brush: A flat rounded brush head for precision concealer application to mask blemishes and dark circles.

Oval Shadow Brush: Pack and blend as you see fit with a flat rounded brush made to amplify any eye application.

Travel Tubby: Faux leather in a cylinder shape, go from carry-on to vanity set up in an instant.

Top 10 Travel Makeup Brush Sets

These makeup brush sets are the internet's top picks for traveling.

Packing for a trip always has the potential to create more anxiety than it should, especially if you’re a makeup fanatic. Besides making sure the size of each product doesn’t go above TSA guidelines, deciding what to bring in the first place can be daunting. Some things are non-negotiable and others need to be replaced with airplane-friendly versions of themselves. Makeup brushes certainly fit the bill. For one, they make all the difference when it comes to application because while using your fingers is time-efficient, it can get messy very quickly. Still, quality makeup brushes are major must-haves that you won’t want to leave behind in a hotel or airport bathroom. In this case, investing in a travel makeup brush set means you can keep your trusty everyday tools safe and sound at home.

They also make dependable companions for other places, like your work desk, backpack, or glove compartment. You never know when a last-minute occasion will pop up, and that’s just too much pressure for one brush set. There are no rigid rules for choosing a travel makeup brush set—simply find a combination that best suits your routine. A simple, no-makeup-makeup look only needs a few brushes, while an elaborate beat, with, say, a smoky eye, requires multiple eye tools.

We’ve found some of the best-rated sets out there, and they satisfy a spectrum of makeup needs. From space-conscious minis to boldly designed, Instagram-ready tools, these travel makeup brush sets are as fashionable as they are functional.

How We Found The Best Travel Makeup Brush Sets

As always, this roundup was created with the help of our proprietary algorithm, which identifies our top picks using data from word-of-mouth recommendations, expert reviews, best-seller lists, and more. Keep reading to discover each standout.

Next up, check out the 10 Best Makeup Brushes .  Opening image: sephora.com

January 26, 2022

Product Expert: Georgia Jones

The Rankings

More Than Magic Brush And Bag Set

Overall Score

13 User Reviews

Best Seller

Industry Recognition

Social Buzz

About Our Scoring System

In order for any product to be featured on Rank & Style, it must first meet the requirements set by our algorithm—a vetting process that allocates points based on consumer and industry data to score and rank products within a given category.

WHO IT'S FOR: If you're a makeup novice who's practicing an everyday, low-maintenance look, consider this ultra-cute and affordable set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a powder brush, eyeshadow brush, blending brush, and an angled brush. 

Moda Brush Total Face 7pc Travel Sized Makeup Brush Set With Travel Flip Case

54 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you want to perfect your smokey eyes and arches, this seven-piece set has you covered.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a powder brush, foundation brush, angled eyeshadow brush, smoky eye brush, pointed lip brush, and travel-friendly case. 

More Colors

E.l.f. Cosmetics 11pc Brush Collection

796 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: Look to this kit when you want to go all out for special occasions—think your BFF's wedding.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a large powder brush, tapered foundation brush, tapered eye crease brush, tapered flat concealer brush, soft rounded eyeshadow brush, angled eyeliner brush, and an eyebrow brush.

IT Brushes for Ulta Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Brush Set

200 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: From last-minute date nights to Youtube tutorials, this high-quality brush set is perfect for anyone in need of the basics.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a large face powder brush, dense foundation brush, narrow crease brush, flat concealer brush, rounded eyeshadow brush, and an angled eyeliner/eyebrow brush.

nordstrom.com

Sigma Beauty Multitask Brush Set

9 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: Want to save space and maximize a small brush collection? Meet your match.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a detail blending brush, eye shading brush, tapered face brush, large angled contour brush, and a multitasker brush.

walmart.com

Real Techniques Travel Essentials Makeup Brush Set With 2 In 1 Case & Stand

126 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: For those who are all about the five-minute makeup look, this three-pack of brushes couldn't be more perfect.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes a foundation brush, shadow brush, multitasking brush, and a case that can also function as a brush stand.

bkbeauty.com

BK Beauty Travel Brush Set With Pouch

103 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you want a skin- and animal-friendly approach to makeup on the go, look no further than this beautiful brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW:  This set includes a foundation brush, flat blush brush, defined crease brush, shader brush, and pencil blender brush, all made with vegan fibers.

sephora.com

Sephora Collection Deluxe Brush Set

73 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: The beauty influencer who's all about the details will definitely appreciate this all-inclusive brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes 10 brushes: five for the face, four for the eyes, and one for the brows.

Real Techniques Makeup Brush Set

17501 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you're a makeup fanatic on a budget, Real Techniques has you covered with this set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes four everyday brushes, along with a makeup sponge and sponge case.

Charlotte Tilbury Magic Mini Brush Set

29 User Reviews

WHO IT'S FOR: If you like to blend fashion and function, Charlotte Tilbury has you covered with this gorgeous makeup brush set.

ADDITIONAL THINGS TO KNOW: This set includes four mini brushes: face powder, eye smudger, eye blender, and precision, all inside a stylish clutch case.

Top 10 Budget-Friendly Anti-Aging Products

The 10 Most Popular And Effective Drugstore Anti-Aging Products

Foundations

Top 10 Foundations

The Ultimate Guide To Finding The Right Foundation For Your Skin Type And Coverage Needs

Top 10 Bronzers

With A Combined 100K+ Reviews, These Are The 10 Most-Loved Bronzers On The Internet

Top 10 Concealers

We Used Industry Data To Find The Top 10 Concealers—Here Are The Results

From Our Partners

Jane Iredale

Shop jane iredale for the season's latest makeup trends..

Shop P448 for the best in fashion sneakers.

New arrivals now at Target—for all your summer needs.

Top Sale Finds

50% off new favorites.

Nordstrom Rack Sale

New markdowns up to 70% off..

Anthropologie Sale

Up to 30% off furniture, bedding, decor, and more..

Straight-to-the-point emails to make finding what you love even easier.

• Best-sellers
• Buy with Prime
• Classic Sigma
• Face Brushes
• Eye Brushes
• Skincare Brushes
• Build Your Own Brush Set
• Influencer Sets
• Disney Collections

Get on the list to be the first to know when our new launch drops!

Your cart is empty

ESSENTIAL TRAVEL BRUSH SET

Create flawless looks anytime, anywhere using this elite set of 7 basic, travel-size brushes for the face and eyes. With a chic and sturdy Brush Cup included, your brushes will always be protected and organized! FEATURED ON OPRAH'S FAVORITE THINGS 2021

Use the F60 Foundation Brush to smooth on liquid or cream foundation and concealer. Set the face with powder using the F30 Large Powder brush. Then, using the F40 Large Angled Contour brush, softly contour the cheekbone with your favorite bronzer. Pack color onto the lid using the E55 Eye Shading brush. Then, blend it out using the E40 Tapered Blending. Next, smoke out eyeliner with the E30 Pencil brush. Fill in the brows for a finishing touch with the E65 Small Angle.

PRODUCTS INCLUDED: E30 PENCIL - Soften liner along lashlines E40 TAPERED BLENDING - Soften + blend harsh color lines E55 EYE SHADING - Evenly apply color across entire lid E65 SMALL ANGLE - Create precision lines + strokes F30 LARGE POWDER - Evenly apply powder all over face F40 LARGE ANGLED CONTOUR - Softly contour cheekbones F60 FOUNDATION - Smooth on liquid or cream foundation Brush Cup - 2 storage cups snap together for 360° protection

BRUSH LENGTHS: E30 Pencil - 5 1/8 in. (13.2 cm) E40 Tapered Blending - 5 in. (13.9 cm) E55 Short Shader - 5 1/16 in. (13 cm) E65 Small Angle - 4 15/16 in. (12.5 cm) F30 Large Powder - 6 in. (16 cm) F40 Large Angled Contour - 6 1/16 in. (15.5 cm) F60 Foundation - 5 7/8 in. (15 cm)

TECHNOLOGY 

HIGHEST-QUALITY FIBERS: Exclusive synthetic antimicrobial fibers Engineered to better hold, apply + blend product FERRULES WITH UNMATCHED STRENGTH: Durable + corrosion-resistant SigmaAlloy™ Precious metal plating for shine + strength Exclusive, patented interlocking technology Double-threaded engineering SLEEK, DURABLE HANDLES: Solid polymer-based handles are waterproof Outlasts all product formulas + frequent brush care

US Patent No. D862,901 EU Registered Design 005782018-0001 ZL 201830331890.3 Additional Patents Pending

Choose options

Free standard shipping on any $35 purchase

Now Trending

The Wellness Shop

Black-Owned & Founded

Conscious Beauty

SPARKED at Ulta Beauty

The brightest up and coming brands

Celebrating our diverse communities

Beauty Reads

Ulta Beauty Live

Use the following zoom and pan buttons to control the image that follows them

Tab through the images or use the previous or next buttons to navigate each product image

IT Brushes For ULTA Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set

Exclusive | Item 2274527

IT Brushes For ULTA Your Superheroes Full-Size Travel Makeup Brush Set is the ultimate set of makeup brushes for looks on the go. Includes foundation, concealer, crease, eyeliner and eyeshadow brushes.

• Unstoppable Powder: Plush, large domed face powder brush
• Seamless Foundation: Dense, tapered foundation brush for cream and liquid foundations
• Effortless Crease: Narrow, tapered crease brush with a head designed to fit into the crease of the eye
• Smoothing Concealer: Small thin, tapered flat concealer brush great for getting into small hard to reach areas of the face
• Absolute Shadow: Small, soft rounded eyeshadow brush designed for the delicate eye
• Flawless Liner & Brow: Firm, flat angled eyeliner brush and eyebrow brush

Unstoppable Powder: Deliver a light, even dusting of powder all over the face by buffing small circular movements for the best coverage possible!

Seamless Foundation: Seamlessly blend primer and liquid or cream foundations smoothly over the face by blending in upward and outward strokes.

Effortless Crease Brush: Apply your darker eye shadow to the crease to create depth and make your eyes pop!

Absolute Shadow Brush: Blend shadow evenly all over the eyelid using gentle strokes for an eye-opening experience!

Flawless Liner & Brow Brush: Apply your favorite powder, liquid or cream liner or brow products as this brush softly lines lids and fills in and enhances thin or sparse brows.

Ingredients

PBT Plastic

Shipping & Coupon Restrictions

This brand is excluded from most Ulta Beauty coupons.

See brand eligibility details

Makeup Brush Sets for Creating the Perfect Looks

Options for makeup experts and beginners alike.

Caring for Your Makeup Brushes

• What to Look for

Best Makeup Brush Sets

Meet the expert.

When it comes to applying an impeccable face of makeup, your brushes are crucial. Think of yourself as a painter and of your face as a pristine canvas: The tools you're using are bound to impact the thickness, saturation, and depth of the colors you apply. That's why, when investing in a makeup brush set, you should pay attention to details like brush types and bristle quality to ensure that you have the best products possible to achieve your ideal look.

But with all the types and brands of makeup brushes on the market, you can easily feel overwhelmed while trying to find the best makeup brush set for you. Thus, I've asked celebrity makeup artist Elaina Badro for her top tips on how to select, use, and care for your makeup brushes. Plus, we've combed the internet to bring you makeup brush sets that are well worth your investment.

Badro reminds us that makeup brushes don't last forever, but you can get more bang (and years) for your buck by investing in premium products.

"Cheap quality makeup brushes barely last due to poor quality bristles and handles," she explains. "They tend to break and shed much more. Quality makeup brushes can last anywhere from two to five years. Some individuals take such good care of their brushes, or barely use them, that I've heard of them lasting for even seven years, although I would opt for new ones by then!"

No matter the quality of your brushes, though, she says that you should learn how to take care of them, especially if you want them to last. "Keeping makeup brushes clean allows for the longevity of the bristles," she says, "especially because it will prevent mold growth as well."

And caring for makeup brushes doesn't just extend their shelf life—it also keeps your skin clean and clear.

"It’s essential to wash makeup your brushes!" stresses Badro. "Opting out from washing your makeup brushes can cause blemishes, allergic reactions, and can even result in an infection." In that vein, she also advises, "To help avoid skin infections, do not share your makeup brushes!"

Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes

When it's high time to clean your brushes, you're going to need to do more than a simple rinse. We asked Badro about the best strategy for thoroughly cleansing makeup brushes, and she delivered.

"Wash your hands first," she begins, and advises that you then "pour mild shampoo into the palm of your hand or into a bowl, then run bristles under lukewarm water." One the brush is soaked, she says to "dip bristles into the shampoo and swirl in a circular motion. Lather repeatedly to ensure that all makeup residue comes off." Be sure to repeat until your water starts running clear!

Once you no longer see pigment coming off of the brush, Badro says, "Rinse the bristles under lukewarm water. Steer clear of immersing the entire brush, as this can cause the adhesive/glue to break down, resulting in the ferrule to disassemble from the bristles and/or handle."

Once you're sure that the brush is clean and that the water is running clear, Badro says, "Squeeze the water out of the bristles. You can also use a paper towel to squeeze out excess water."

Finally, it's time to let dry! "Shape and smooth the bristles with your fingers to make sure they are not bent and/or warped," says Badro. "Lay each brush flat to dry horizontally on a paper towel or towel, ensuring that they are not touching each other. Refrain from placing wet brushes in a vertical container. This can also cause the adhesive/glue to dissolve resulting in the ferrule to disassemble from the bristles and/or handle."

What to Look for In a Makeup Brush Set

When shopping for a makeup brush set, it's important to consider a number of factors. First, shoppers should realistically assess how many makeup brushes they need in their sets. For instance, someone who doesn't wear much makeup or who likes a pared-down routine might not opt for a set with over 10 brushes in it. On the other hand, if you like to blend, contour, and experiment, it may be best to look for a set with more brushes in it so you can achieve the exact look you're going for.

One should also know what kinds of brushes they need. Makeup brushes can be used for the face, eyes, or brows, and you can find collections that focus on one particular part of the face as well as ones intended to meet every need.

Brushes for the Face

If you're in need of brushes for face makeup like foundation, blush, bronzer, and highlighter, there are a few options that Badro says you should start with.

"The best types of makeup brushes to cater to your blush, bronzer, and highlight should be an angled multi-purpose brush," she says. "The angled brush allows you to sculpt and define the facial features." Foundation brushes , meanwhile, are wider, focused less on precision and more on distributing product for an airbushed look.

Brushes for the Eyes

"Eye brushes that are smaller allow for precision, which are ideal for smaller eyes," says Badro—but that doesn't mean that eye makeup brushes are one-size fits-all. There are several types of eye makeup brushes on the market, each of which has a particular use.

"Shader brushes help to pat shadow onto the lid and/or brow bone," Badro explains. Meanwhile, flat tip brushes are made for precision.

"If you have hooded eyes, use flat tip brushes that will allow you to create a 'cut-crease,'" she says. "Typically, the tighter the bristles on the brush, the higher the coverage."

And when it comes to eye makeup, Badro stresses, "It's very important to blend, blend, blend!" Therefore, she says, "Blending brushes are great for the crease of the eye"—this way, your makeup looks soft and smoky rather than jarring.

"The best type of brush for applying foundation depends on what you want the finished look to appear like," says Badro. "For instance, smaller foundation brushes while stippling can help to create more coverage. Duo Fiber Brushes are great to thoroughly blend foundation without leaving harsh  lines." She adds that, to create an "airbrushed" look, users can apply their cream or powder foundation in a circular motion using these brushes.

Pros: expert-approved; soft bristles; good for blending; different sizes allow for application to different parts of the face (i.e., the smaller brush is great for the under-eye area)

Cons: small set

If you love luxury and are in the market for a new set of brushes, Badro recommends checking out Tom Ford’s collection . The brushes are sold separately rather than in pre-curated sets, but that just makes it easier for you to customize your purchase by choosing from their line of 10 premium, synthetic hair options. In particular, Badro recommends including this bronzer brush in your repertoire. "The Tom Ford #05 Bronzer Brush is a bit pricey, but it truly is great for all over bronzy-look," she says. “This is because the bristles are synthetic and allow for a sheer coverage. Less is more when it comes to luxury makeup brushes.”

Pros: expert-approved; luxurious; long-lasting; customizable set; ergonomic handle

Cons: expensive

When it comes to concealing and highlighting in particular, Badro recommends this set of brushes from beloved makeup brand Pat McGrath. “Pat McGrath's ‘Sublime Perfection Brush Duo’ is great for concealer,” says Badro of the set of thin, precision- oriented brushes. “These brushes are wonderful for layering and building makeup.” With their angled design, they’re also made to cater to the unique contours of the face, so you don’t need to worry about getting makeup in places where you hadn't intended.

Pros: expert-approved; precise; great for layering

Cons: some users say the bristles aren't soft

Customer Review: "Bristles are a little prickly but otherwise very well functioning brush. Both brushes are great for concealer and my liquid highlighter." -Pat McGrath

For a complete brush set that includes options for both your face and eyes, consider this vegan, PETA-approved set from Hourglass. It includes a number of their bestsellers, including Badro’s favorite, the Veil Powder Brush. “The ‘Veil Powder Brush’ by Hourglass is a great brush!” she gushes. “Who doesn't love a double sided brush?! Although I suggest throwing it in your bag, as it doesn't stand up on i's own for obvious reasons. The smaller side is great for setting the under-eye area, while the larger side can really be used all-over.”

Pros: includes options for both face and eyes; expert-approved; comes in a carrying case; vegan; cruelty-free

Cons: expensive; large

Customer Review: "The brushes themselves are nice and there is a good variety of them. However, I am not sure why this is marketed as travel size. The bushes are all their usual sizes and the case is nice but certainly not compact in any way." -Sephora

This brush set from Badro’s eponymous brand is a great value, filled with brushes for both the face and eyes, including a number of bestsellers. Highlights include a foundation brush, contour brush, and four unique eye brushes, one of which is the blending eye brush, which Badro calls a top seller. She explains, “The design of the brush was created with functionality in mind—it allows for a seamless blend.” Plus, she adds that the ferrules on these brushes are “made of copper, so overall you have better blending and less shedding!”

Pros: expert-approved; includes both face and eye brushes; big value

Cons: not as many face brushes as eye brushes

This set from Morphe is an incredible value, with 12 premium brushes coming in at under $100. It contains both face and eye brushes, including options for foundation, blush, setting, concealer, bronzing, and more. Some of the brushes are best for powder products while others are intended for cream products, so this is perfect for the makeup aficionado or for anyone who loves experimenting and mixing their routine up. The set even includes a soft blending sponge. 

Pros: includes eye brushes, face brushes, and a blending sponge; long-lasting

Cons: some users find the bristles brittle

Customer Review: "The brushes are the perfect density and softness where my makeup always comes out looking airbrushed on my face! I have had them for a year and they still are in perfect condition." -Ulta

If you love going hard on your eye makeup, this is the set for you. It includes shading, creasing, and defining brushes that work on both powder and liquid eyeshadows, so you can create smoky eyes, contoured lids, or dramatic works of makeup art. Plus, the set includes a fine liner brush for liquid or gel eyeliner, a smudge brush for creating grunge-y and effortless looks, and even a lash separator for banishing pesky mascara clumps.

Pros: affordable; clean; cruelty-free; vegan; sustainable packaging

Cons: some users say the brushes shed easily

Customer Review: “These brushes are a must. The bristles are so soft creating the perfect match for blending. Not to mention the grip they have to be able to motion them back and forth with ease.” -Ulta

This makeup brush set is simple, small, and minimalist, making it perfect for travel, for keeping in your desk at the office, or for stowing away in your purse for emergency touch ups on the go. It includes a foundation brush, powder brush, and eyeshadow brush, all of which are made from soft bristles that are easy to use and to blend with. Plus, the set comes in an adorable makeup bag that you can use to store all your other makeup essentials. 

Pros: small enough for travel; vegan; comes with a carrying case

Cons: doesn't contain as many brushes as other, fuller sets

Customer Review: "I love it, they are a perfect size to keep in your bag, their bristles are soft." -Sephora

This is another great makeup brush set for the makeup enthusiast on the go. It comes in a handy case made from luxurious velvet, and includes four brushes—two for the eyes and two for the face. One brush is designed for applying powder formulas to the face, such as setting powder, and another has a more precise design that’s ideal for applying highlighter, bronzer, or blush. Meanwhile, the eye brushes, one of twitch is for smudging while the other is for blending, are great for creating a myriad of soft, smoky, or monochromatic looks.

Pros: includes both face and eye brushes; comes in a carrying case

Cons: carrying case isn't big enough to fit other brushes; brushes are limited

Customer Review: "I did think this was expensive but I just had to have it and I am not disappointed because I LOVE it. The colour of the pouch is gorgeous, the set looks very classy and the brushes are great. Perfect for people like me who like to travel." -Bloomingdale's

Although I own a lot of beauty products, from skincare to tools to makeup, I do like to keep things as pared down as possible. That means opting for products that have more than one use and therefore save some much-needed space, and a great example is the dual-ended makeup brush. These brushes, unfortunately, can’t be stood up, but they’re great for travel, for consolidating makeup products, and for streamlining one’s makeup routine. This set from Jenny Patinkin includes option for the face, for applying eyeshadow, and even for applying eyeliner and brow products. Plus, they come in a compact, travel-ready case.

Pros: brushes are dual-ended; saves space; large number of bristles on each brush

Cons: brushes can't be stood up

Elaina Badro is a makeup artist from Southern California who has worked with celebrities, fashion brands, and magazines. She founded her eponymous beauty brand to include high-quality tools and skincare, including makeup brushes, and is committed to providing beauty enthusiasts with makeup tips that bring results. She is currently based in California.

Stay In The Know

Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.

Gabrielle Ulubay is a Beauty Writer at Marie Claire. She has also written about sexual wellness, fashion, culture, and politics both at Marie Claire and for publications like The New York Times, Bustle, and HuffPost Personal. She has worked extensively in the e-commerce and sales spaces since 2020, including two years at Drizly, where she developed an expertise in finding the best, highest quality goods and experiences money can buy. As a film school graduate, she loves all things media and can be found making art when she's not busy writing.

Business casual, but make it Western.

By Julia Gray Published 19 April 24

Yes, Travis Kelce is listed, too.

By Danielle Campoamor Published 19 April 24

If the actress can re-shop her favorite pieces, then so can everyone.

By India Roby Published 19 April 24

• Contact Future's experts
• Advertise Online
• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Cookies policy

Marie Claire is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Visit our corporate site . © Future US, Inc. Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036.

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

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.

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.