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Best Travel Chess Sets: 2024 Expert Recommendations

Ever found yourself yearning for a game of chess while on the go? Whether you’re jet-setting across the globe or simply commuting, a travel chess set can be your perfect companion. In this article, we’ve curated a list of the best travel chess sets that combine portability with playability.

Intrigued? Read on to discover the ideal set that will make your travels not just enjoyable, but intellectually stimulating as well.

In a hurry? If you don’t have much time please check the table below for quick access to our favorites. Detailed guide below.

See also: The Best Tournament Chess Sets [Top 3 Reviewed in 2022]

Benefits of Travel Chess Sets

Travel chess sets are more than just miniature versions of your home chess set; they offer a range of benefits that make them a must-have for any chess enthusiast. Below, we delve into the key advantages of owning a travel chess set.

Portability

• Easy to Carry : Travel chess sets are designed to be lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry in your backpack or luggage.
• Foldable Boards : Many sets come with foldable or roll-up boards, allowing for even easier storage and transport.
• Tough Materials : These sets are often made from robust materials like plastic, metal, or high-quality wood to withstand the rigors of travel.
• Magnetic Pieces : Some sets feature magnetic pieces that stick to the board, reducing the risk of losing them.

Convenience for Travel

• Quick Setup : With a travel chess set, you can set up a game almost anywhere—be it an airport lounge, a park, or a hotel room.
• Multi-Functional : Some travel sets come with built-in storage compartments or even double as chess tables , offering multiple uses.

🔗 Want to take your game to the next level while traveling? Don’t forget to read our tips on how to improve your chess game .

Buying Guide for Travel Chess Sets

Navigating the world of travel chess sets can be a bit overwhelming, especially with the myriad of options available. In this section, we’ll guide you through the essential factors to consider and where to find the best sets to suit your needs.

What to Look for When Buying a Travel Chess Set

• Material Quality : Opt for sets made from durable materials like high-quality wood, metal, or sturdy plastic.
• Board Design : Look for boards that are either foldable or roll-up for easy storage and transport.
• Magnetic or Pegged Pieces : These features help keep the pieces in place, especially useful when playing in moving vehicles.
• Size : Choose a set that fits comfortably in your luggage but is still large enough for an enjoyable game.
• Additional Features : Some sets come with built-in storage compartments or even serve as multi-functional chess tables .

Where to Buy the Top-Rated Sets

• Specialty Chess Stores : These stores often offer a curated selection of high-quality sets, including those suitable for tournaments.
• Online Retailers : Platforms like Amazon and eBay are convenient but be cautious and read customer reviews before making a purchase.
• Local Game Shops : Your neighborhood game store can be a hidden gem, offering unique and sometimes handcrafted sets.
• Chess Tournaments : These events often feature stalls selling top-of-the-line chess sets and other chess-related merchandise.

🔗 For in-depth reviews and recommendations on the best chess sets available, don’t miss our Chess Set Reviews category . Here, we provide expert insights on a wide range of chess equipment to help you make the best choice.

This updated section should guide your readers more effectively to your category section where they can find comprehensive reviews on various chess sets.

See also: The Best Chess Clocks for Beginners [Top 5 Reviewed]

The Best Travel Chess Sets for 2023

In today’s world of Internet shopping, it’s easy to find a wide array of options for anything you’re shopping for. This is also true for travel chess sets.

No matter your budget, you want to be sure that you’re getting the absolute best-quality chess set for your money. We’ve reviewed some of the best travel chess sets, and we hope these reviews will help you choose one that will bring you years of enjoyment.

Ultimate Wooden Magnetic Travel Chess Set

The House of Staunton is the ultimate chess set maker, so we knew it would be top-notch when we found this magnetic chess set.

Hearkening back to travel chess sets from centuries past, the pieces in this set are stout, squat, and easy to grasp. It's made of Golden Rosewood and beautiful, light Maple wood.

These high-quality woods make this set an absolute beauty, but they also ensure that it will last through many years of travel and use. 

Although this set is beautiful, it's also functional.

The magnets are incredibly strong. Unlike some sets where the pieces shift when the board is bumped or moved, you can turn this set entirely upside down, and the pieces will stay firmly in place.

If you need to pause your game and finish it later, it's no problem with this board. Use the two-part closure system and secure the lid over the pieces. When you open it up again, they'll be right where you left them.

As far as travel chess sets go, this one is medium-sized.

The king is 1 inch high, and the squares are 0.75 inches. The entire set, once folded, is 7.5 by 7.5 inches. If you're hoping to buy a magnetic chess set, you can't go wrong with one crafted by the House of Staunton. This one is an absolute beauty, and it's one that you'll enjoy for a very long time.

• King Height: 1.5'' inch / 3.81 cm
• Square Size: 1.0'' inch / 2.54 cm
• Travel Set Size: 10" inch x 10" inch
• Materials used: Golden Rosewood & Maple

See also: The Best Electronic Chess Sets in 2022 (Top 3 Reviewed)

Folding Wooden Magnetic Travel Chess Set

With this next travel chess offering by the House of Staunton, you have options. Their Folding Wooden Magnetic Travel Chess Set comes in four different sizes. Choose from a 5-inch, 7-inch, 10-inch, or 12-inch chessboard.

 The pieces for the 5-inch set are amazingly tiny. If you're a person with large, fumbling fingers, one of the bigger sets may suit you best. If you'd like a micro-chess set that you can easily stash inside a purse or backpack, the smaller sets will be absolutely perfect.

     Each of these sets is beautifully crafted from Golden Rosewood and Maple. As with the last House of Staunton magnetic chess set we reviewed, this one features incredibly strong magnets. Turn the entire board upside down during play, and the pieces simply won't move! 

 The only downside to this chess set is that you must remove all of the pieces and store them in order to fold it up and travel with it.

 That being said, it's a wonderful set that lives up to the House of Staunton reputation. The interior of the box has foam inserts so that you can store your chessmen without jostling them around.

No matter which size you choose, you can't go wrong with any of these Folding Wooden Magnetic Travel Chess Sets. The magnetic chess board included with each piece is of the highest quality.

 The craftsmanship that goes into carving each wooden piece is simply exquisite. When you travel with a House of Staunton chess set, you travel with a bona fide work of art. 

• Solid wood frame construction
• Dimensions; 14 x 7 x 2 3/8" Folded,  14 x 14 x 1 1/8" Unfolded
• Square Size 1.5"
• Entire product weight: 3.4 lbs
• Pieces are made from Shisham & Boxwood
• King Height: 2 3/4 (2.75")
• King Base: 1"
• King Weight: .7 oz
• Piece Set weight: 10.6 oz

Magnetic Travel Chess And Checkers Set

You'll recall that earlier on in this article, we discussed budget. Those who would like a travel magnetic chess set but who are working within a limited budget should definitely consider the Magnetic Travel Chess Set.

 Its pieces are rendered in classic black and light colors and are made of plastic, keeping them cost-effective and very light. The board is made of metal (allowing the magnets to stick). The clever thing about this set is the heavy-duty cardboard storage box in which it comes. When you've reached a stopping point mid-game, simply tuck the lid back on the box to pause the game and store the pieces until you're ready to pick it up again. 

The playing squares are 14.96 x 7.28 x 1.77 inches. The box that contains the board measures 14" inch x 14" inch. The Magnetic Travel Chess and Checkers Set is a very low-cost, convenient option for enjoying your chess game on the go.

• Versatile Magnetic Board: Play chess and checkers wherever you go with this handy magnetic travel multi-game set; Playing board measures 14 x 14 x 1 inch (36 x 36 x 2.25 centimeters)
• Foldable Chessboard: The board folds with all the game pieces inside it making it portable and easy to travel with
• Magnetic Chess/Checkers Board: This set comes with quality magnetic features for stable gameplay whether you're playing at home, at school or traveling around
• Everything You Need to Play: This set comes with complete chess and checkers playing pieces; Queen: 2.75 x 1.2 inches (7 x 3 centimeters); Checkers: 1 x 0.25 inch (2.8 x 0.5 centimeter)

See also: The Best Chess Sets for Beginners [Top 5 Reviewed]

Sondergut Chess/Checkers Roll-Up Travel Set

For the ultimate in portability, check out this German chess/checkers combination set made by Sondergut. Although this set is non-magnetic, it's small and amazingly lightweight.

 Simply unroll the beautiful hand-sewn anthracite/white suede board when you're ready to play. All of your pieces fit in a convenient zippered compartment to one side of the board.

  The pieces are round, flat, checkers-style pieces. Use the solid black and white sides of the pieces to play a game of checkers and then flip them over to play a game of chess (the chess piece icons are imprinted on their other sides).

 When it's rolled open for play, the Sondergut Chess/Checkers board measures 10 x 12-2/3 inches.

 When it's time to go, simply zip the pieces up in the side compartment and pull the brass zipper closed. Roll the board up and button it closed with the attached suede straps.

 Once it's all rolled up and secured, the set only measures 10 x 2 inches - the size of a pocket umbrella. It's incredibly lightweight, too, weighing less than 8 ounces. 

 Although you can't magnetically save your game on the go, this set is absolutely perfect for toting anywhere and everywhere. Take it with you on the beach.

 Unroll it on your tray during an airplane flight and make the time pass more quickly. Bring it to a family get-together or cookout to keep everyone entertained. Take it camping. This is the perfect travel chess set to slip into a large purse or a backpack.

 For its affordability, convenience, weight, and portability, the Sondergut Chess set is wonderful.

 Some may turn their noses up at playing chess with a set that doesn't feature standard chess pieces on a regular board, but others will enjoy the beautiful suede and the delightful, disc-shaped pieces.

• Designed in Germany by our backpacker friends at Sondergut. Hand sewn pliable leather chess board in gray with all playing pieces.
• Board size is 10 x 12-2/3" but rolls up to the size of pocket umbrella. Weighs less than 1/2 a pound. Great for travel.
• Everything about the game was designed with two things in mind: To weigh next to nothing and be the highest quality travel game on the market.
• Comes in a beautiful retail box with Chess and Checkers game instructions.
• All playing pieces neatly fit in the zippered pocket for easy and reliable storage and transport.

We hope our reviews of our favorite portable chess sets have been helpful in guiding you in your choice. We tried to cover various sets, from high-quality, higher-cost ones to more affordable yet very attractive and functional chess sets.

Whether your travel style or taste – from hiking to high-flying, traditional to more eclectic, there is a travel chess set that will entertain you and make you happy.

See also: The Best Chess Sets for Kids in 2022 [Top 5 Reviewed]

What are the best chess sets in the world?

The best chess sets in the world are often handcrafted from premium materials like ebony, rosewood, or high-quality metal. They combine aesthetic appeal with functionality and durability.

Is an expensive chess set worth it?

An expensive chess set can be worth the investment if you’re looking for exceptional craftsmanship, durability, and a luxurious playing experience. However, the “worth” is subjective and depends on your specific needs and budget.

What chess set do professionals use?

Professionals often use Staunton-design sets made from high-quality materials. These sets meet the standards set by chess governing bodies like FIDE and are designed for serious play.

Are roll-up chess boards good?

Roll-up chess boards are a practical choice for travel and casual play. They are lightweight, portable, and usually made from durable materials like vinyl or silicone. However, they may not offer the same luxurious feel as wooden boards.

Is a 20-inch chess board too big?

A 20-inch chess board is generally not too big for home use but may be less convenient for travel. The ideal board size depends on where you plan to use it and how much space you have available.

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Best Travel Chess Sets

This article may contain affiliate links .

Searching for the best travel chess sets might not be common for everyone, but for chess enthusiasts who relish the game on the go, it’s a typical query.

Chess, a strategy game from the 6th century, has a charm that extends beyond grand tournaments to spontaneous matches. Ideal for both seasoned players and beginners, travel-friendly chess sets enable enjoyment of the game anywhere.

This article is your ultimate guide to explore various options and select the best portable chess set that suits your needs, ensuring a delightful mobile gaming experience.

9 Best Travel Chess Sets Reviewed

This section brings you the top-rated travel chess sets online.

We’ll delve into the details and features of each to help you make an informed choice.

Genuine Leather Roll-Up Travel Chess Set

The Pitkin Stearns International, Inc. Genuine Leather Roll-Up Travel Chess Set by Sondergut is a game changer in the world of travel chess sets. Its unique design, incorporating high quality materials and compactness, make it a top contender for any chess enthusiast.

Firstly, this set is made from genuine, soft pliable leather, giving it a unique feel and aesthetic that’s pleasing to the touch and eye. The chess/checkers board is carefully embossed on the leather, maintaining the traditional 8×8 grid. The pieces are also made of quality materials, adding to the overall premium feel of the set.

The set rolls up into a compact cylinder measuring a mere 10 x 2 inches, easily fitting into most bags or backpacks. When unrolled, the board measures 10 x 12 inches, offering a decent play area while maintaining its portability. The magnetic pieces are stored in a velvet pouch, keeping them safe and secure during transportation.

One notable feature is its dual functionality. The set can be used to play either chess or checkers, making it a versatile choice for those who enjoy multiple games. The chess pieces are denoted by traditional symbols, while the checkers pieces are plain, fitting into the simplistic aesthetic.

QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set

Moving on to a more traditional design, the QuadPro Magnetic Travel Chess Set with Folding Chess Board  stands out for its compact size, strong magnets, and robust construction. This is a budget-friendly option without compromising on quality or functionality.

This set’s main feature is its magnetic design. The magnets are strong enough to keep the pieces in place during gameplay, while still being easy to move. This is perfect for on-the-go gaming, whether you’re in a car, plane, or just sitting in a park.

The chess board folds in half for easy storage and portability. When folded, it’s compact and lightweight, making it easy to slip into a bag or carry on. Once folded you can store the chess pieces inside it, ensuring they stay organized and protected.

The board itself is a standard 9.8 x 9.8 inch square, providing ample playing space. The design is simple yet effective, with clearly marked squares and traditional chess piece designs. This makes it an ideal choice for beginners and younger players, but equally suitable for seasoned players who want a no-fuss, reliable travel set.

Finally, this set is durable. It’s made of high-quality HIPS plastic, ensuring it can withstand the rigors of travel and regular play. The pieces are also sturdy and well-made, promising longevity and consistent performance.

Yellow Mountain Imports Magnetic Travel Chess Set

The Yellow Mountain Imports 2-in-1 Magnetic Travel Chess Board Game Set is another dual-function game set that promises hours of fun. This set impresses with its larger playing surface, excellent craftsmanship, and inclusion of two popular games.

The main feature of this set is its size. Measuring 12.5 inches when unfolded, it’s larger than most travel sets, offering a spacious playing surface. This is ideal for those who prefer a more traditional-sized board, while still valuing portability.

The set also includes both chess and checkers pieces, which are magnetically attached to the board. This 2-in-1 functionality offers variety and allows you to switch between games easily. The pieces are well made, and the magnets are strong enough to keep them in place.

The board folds in half for convenient storage and transport. Inside, the pieces are stored, keeping them secure and organized. The external casing is robust, providing additional protection for the pieces and board.

The craftsmanship of this set is apparent. The board and pieces feature detailed designs and well-defined markings, making it easy to identify each piece. The checkered pattern on the board is clear and attractive, and the magnetic pieces are well-sized and easy to handle.

Finally, the quality of materials used in this set is commendable. The board is made of high-quality plastic, ensuring durability and a smooth playing surface. The pieces are also well made, offering a comfortable feel and good balance.

Get The Games Out Travel Chess Set

If you value the traditional aesthetic of wooden chess sets, the Get The Games Out Wooden Magnetic Travel Chess Set is a great pick. This set combines the beauty of a handcrafted wooden board with the convenience of a foldable design, making it an excellent travel companion.

First and foremost, the aesthetic appeal of this set is undeniable. The chessboard is made of high-quality wood, with each square carefully carved and polished. This gives it a rustic, timeless appeal that’s perfect for those who appreciate the finer things in life.

The chess pieces are also made of wood and feature felt bottoms for smooth movement across the board. Each piece is carefully carved with attention to detail, creating a beautiful and functional set.

In terms of portability, this set is foldable, which makes it relatively easy to carry around. When unfolded, it measures a substantial 14 x 14.25 inches, providing a generous playing area. When folded, it’s still large compared to other travel sets, but the aesthetic and playability make up for the size.

Inside the folding board, there’s a lined storage area for the pieces, keeping them secure and preventing them from scratching the board. The pieces are magnetic, ensuring they stay in place during gameplay.

Yellow Mountain Imports Magnetic Travel Chess Wallet

The Yellow Mountain Imports Magnetic Travel Foldable Chess Wallet Set offers a unique design that’s both compact and practical. This set, measuring just 7.9 inches, is perfect for those who need a truly portable option.

The set’s standout feature is its wallet design. The board folds up to look like a wallet, with a secure snap closure to keep everything in place. This makes it extremely portable and perfect for slipping into a pocket or small bag.

The chess pieces are magnetic, ensuring they stay in place during gameplay. They’re also detailed and well-made, considering their small size. This set may be compact, but it doesn’t skimp on playability.

The board is made of quality materials, offering a smooth playing surface and clear markings. The wallet casing provides excellent protection for the board and pieces, ensuring they stay in good condition even with regular use.

Despite its compact size, this set offers a full game of chess, with all the pieces and a complete 7.9 x 6.6 board. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want a portable set but don’t want to compromise on the full chess experience.

Finally, this set’s affordability is a big plus. It offers great value for money, considering its quality, portability, and functionality.

Big Mo’s Toys Magnetic Foldable Travel Chess Set

The Magnetic Travel Chess Set by Big Mo’s Toys is a cleverly designed set that transforms from a compact case into a full chess board. This set combines practicality, functionality, and affordability into one package.

This set’s unique feature is its transformation design. The case opens up to become a full-sized chess board, while the pieces are stored securely inside. This all-in-one design makes it extremely portable and convenient for travel.

The pieces are magnetic, ensuring they stay in place during play. They’re also well-made, offering a good balance and comfortable grip. The board itself is marked with clear squares and offers a smooth playing surface.

This set is also robust and durable. The case/board is made of sturdy plastic that can withstand regular use and travel. The pieces are also durable, ensuring they won’t chip or break easily.

Despite its compact size, this set doesn’t compromise on playability. It offers a full game of chess, with all the pieces and a complete board. This makes it a great choice for those who want to play chess on the go, without carrying a large set.

Finally, this set is affordably priced, offering excellent value for money. Its combination of functionality, durability, and affordability makes it a top choice for a travel chess set.

Mini Travel Chess Set by Vikutu

The Vikutu Foldable Magnetic Mini Chess Set is the perfect pick for those who prefer a truly pocket-sized option. At just 5.11 inches, it’s one of the smallest travel chess sets available, but it still offers a full game of chess.

The compact size of this set is its primary feature. The board folds into a small square that can easily fit into a pocket or small bag. Despite its small size, it opens up to a full chess board, providing a complete gaming experience.

The chess pieces are magnetic and small, but still well detailed. They stick to the board well, ensuring your game won’t be disrupted by movement. The pieces are stored inside the folding board, keeping them safe and organized.

The board itself is well-made, with clear square markings and a smooth surface. The folding design is sturdy and secure, ensuring the set stays in good condition even with regular use.

Despite its mini size, this set is fully functional. It offers a full game of chess with all the pieces and a complete board. This makes it perfect for those who want a compact, portable chess set that doesn’t compromise on playability.

COBER Genuine Leather Roll-Up Travel Chess Set

The COBER Leather Roll-Up Chess Set is a stylish and portable option for those who value aesthetics as well as functionality. This roll-up set is made of genuine leather, giving it a sophisticated look and feel.

The most notable feature of this set is its roll-up design. The board is made of soft, pliable leather that rolls up into a compact cylinder for easy transport. The pieces are stored in a velvet pouch, keeping them safe and organized.

Despite its portable design, this set offers a full game of chess. The board, when unrolled, provides a decent play area with clear, embossed squares. The pieces are well made and aesthetically pleasing, fitting into the overall sleek design of the set.

Finally, this set’s aesthetic appeal is worth noting. The black and white color scheme, combined with the leather material, gives it a sophisticated look. This makes it an excellent gift for chess enthusiasts, as well as a stylish addition to any travel kit.

Chess Armory Travel Chess Set

Last but not least, the Chess Armory Folding Magnet Travel Chess Set offers a balance of size, functionality, and aesthetics. At 9.5 inches, it’s small enough for travel but large enough for a comfortable gameplay.

The foldable design is the standout feature of this set. The board folds in half for easy storage and transport. Inside, there’s a special slot for each piece, ensuring they stay organized and protected during transit.

The chess pieces are magnetic, providing a secure gameplay on the go. They’re also well-crafted and easy to handle, despite their small size. The set even includes two extra queens, a nice touch for those who prefer using the optional rule of pawn promotion.

The board itself is well made, with clear square markings and a smooth playing surface. The folding design is sturdy and secure, ensuring the set stays in good condition even with regular use.

Finally, this set’s affordability is a big plus. It offers great value for money, considering its quality, portability, and functionality. It’s a perfect choice for kids and adults alike, making it a versatile option for family trips.

Understanding Travel Chess Sets

Before the digital age, chess lovers who travelled often were presented with a unique challenge—how to play their favorite game on the move.

The answer was the travel chess set—compact, convenient, and designed for portability. Unlike standard sets, travel chess sets are created with mobility in mind.

They are usually smaller in size, often foldable, with dedicated spaces for each piece, and sometimes even magnetic to keep the pieces from moving around.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Travel Chess Set

When choosing your travel chess set, consider these factors:

When looking for a travel chess set, you must take into consideration several factors that can significantly influence your playing experience. Let’s explore each one in detail.

Portability

Travel chess sets should be easy to carry around. Consider the size and weight of the set. It’s also important to check if it comes with a protective case or a pouch for easy transportation.

The set should be robust and durable to withstand the rigors of travel. Some sets come with a soft-felt interior to protect the pieces from scratches.

Piece Design

The pieces should be well-crafted and stable. They should have a pleasant feel in your hands and should not easily topple over.

Board Design

A good board should have clear and distinct squares. It should also lay flat when unfolded.

Magnetic or Non-magnetic

Depending on your needs, you may want to opt for magnetic pieces that stick to the board, preventing them from moving around during travel or outdoor play.

Tips on Caring for Your Travel Chess Set

Caring for your travel chess set can significantly extend its lifespan. Clean the pieces gently and avoid harsh chemicals. When not in use, store the set in a secure place to prevent losing any pieces. Handle each piece properly to maintain its shape and integrity.

Enhancing Your Chess Experience while Travelling

To take your chess experience a notch higher, consider using chess apps and online platforms to play against opponents worldwide. If you’re keen on physical gameplay, organize mini-tournaments or chess meetups with fellow travelers. Remember, practice makes perfect. Use travel time to hone your skills and strategies.

Whether you’re a grandmaster or a chess enthusiast, a quality travel chess set allows you to enjoy this splendid game wherever your travels take you. While this guide provides a comprehensive starting point, your perfect set will ultimately depend on your personal needs and preferences. So, embark on this exciting journey, and may the best player win!

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Dan Claydon

" > " > VentureBoard

The world's best travel chess set.

Play chess anywhere. Roll your game up anytime. Pieces stay in place.

Start. Pause. Resume. Repeat.

Save your game anytime, instantly. A quick flick of the wrist will lock your game safely in a magnetically sealed compartment. You can pick up where you left off whenever and wherever you like.

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Designed for adventure.

Drop it. Shake it. Roll it up mid-game. VentureBoard fits in a cup-holder and is the most travel friendly chess board ever created. Sturdy magnets on every piece keep your game right where you left it. 

Fits in a Cupholder

With a 3 inch diameter and only 6 inches long when rolled, VentureBoard easily fits in a cupholder, bag, or purse.

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After years of searching for the perfect travel chess set, we decided to build it ourselves. Customers seemed to agree, as we went on to be one of the most successful chess campaigns in Kickstarter history.

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Whether you are unrated or 2000+ FIDE rating, players of all skill love VentureBoard. 

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VentureBoard's strongly magnetized pieces stack, so you can play checkers on the go when you're all chessed out.

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It really just work perfectly. What a great chess set.

I take it for travel and use it during down time for long shifts at the hospital. I love this Chess Board!

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Drop it. Bounce it. Bump it. The venture board withstands all sorts of evironments.

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Everything you need in one delightful package. 32 pieces + bonus pieces.

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Designed to be the most portable board in the world take it anywhere.

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I love this chess set. Classic and top quality product and ChessnBoards provid ethe best customer service

While I typically do not like abstract chess sets, I bought this set for my wife. She loves it, and after giving it a close look I have to say I'm impressed. It is nicely weighted and the pieces are easy to tell apart. There may be some confusion telling the Knight from the Bishop, but once you realize the comical Bishop is based on his miter, and the octagonal Rook on its battlements, the Knight is the only piece remaining. In particular, I like the little cubes for the Pawns.

Beautiful and modern chess set—better than expected.

Interestingly, this causes a handicap for my quite color-blind son, who struggles to distinguish my pink & orange pieces from his blue & green pieces.

We are new to chess in our family so this board wasn't the best choice for us. It's hard to remember which pieces are which, especially when they are all over the board. That being said, it's a stunning chess set and a great find for someone who knows chess well.

I really can't believe this is still available in now days we are unable get these things with such huge quality. I strongly recommend to buy it.

Magnetic Folding Travel Chess & Checker Set - Small

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That's why 21,522 people rate Chess House 4.8 out of 5 stars.

About The Magnetic Folding Travel Chess & Checker Set - Small

• King height: 2"
• King base: 0.750 ( 3/4")
• Board size: 9 13/16"
• Board closed: 9 13/16" x 4 7/8"
• Board height when closed: 1 9/16"
• One queen per side

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Customer reviews.

I like the chess set however the magnets in the chess pieces could be stronger. Also the clasps to shut the chess set at the fold, are too strong. It would be better if the board opened and shut with magnets to keep the board closed.

I got my son the small magnetic set. It was larger and better quality than I expected. I nice surprise nowadays. Thank you. I’ll be coming back for a nicer set soon.

Pieces are easy to tell apart and magnets really hold them on the board.

Pieces are well made, easy to distinguish and securely held to the board with magnets that are not haphazardly placed. Very much worth the money!

Great travel board with evenly weighted pieces that stay in place.

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The Best Travel Chess Sets – Master Chess In 2024

My family are addicted to chess. So much so, that my Mum set up a giant chess board in the garden for us to play during the summer.

This is genuinely the the giant chess board in her garden:

With this gigantic board, we obviously couldn’t take our competitive chess playing on the road, we needed a travel chess set for that.

Which is why I have found the best travel set, perfect for any type of travel and all levels of chess play.

My Favourite

The best travel chess set.

Yellow Mountain Magnetic Mini Set

My Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5 Check Price

If you want to remain at the top of your chess game whilst travelling, the Yellow Mountain Magnetic Mini Set will be the perfect set to help you on your way to becoming the next Grand Master.

This Magentic Mini Chess Set is the most versatile, affordable and compact travel chess set on the market today.

Basically, it rocks!

You’ll be proud to whip out this chess set in a beach bar due to it’s sleek design. It’s light in weight, but small enough to pop into your carry on luggage or beach bag.

There’s nothing worse than carting a board game around on holiday, but never finding the space to play it, that’s not possible with the Yellow Mountain chess set, because with a maximum length of 6.5inches(16cm) this compact magnetic travel chess set can squeeze into the tightest of playing spaces.

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• This Magnetic board takes the stress out of playing on the go. Chess pieces stay in place on the magnet board, making it very difficult to knock off pieces whilst playing.
• At only 6.3inches(16cm) wide you can enjoy playing chess with this quality chess set at any location. The small and lightweight board will fit on the smallest of surfaces. You’ll have no excuse not to play.
• The folding board enables you to store you chess pieces safely. The secure clasp keeps your chess pieces in one place. You don’t need to worry about them getting lost in your bag or going missing.
• This magnetic travel chess set is neat and smartly designed. You’ll be proud to play chess on this sophisticated portable board. The silver and gold metallic chess pieces look really stylish.
• We struggled to find one, but as this chess set is made of plastic, it’s not for you if you prefer to play on a wooden board.

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Best for Beginners

The best travel chess set for beginners.

If you are relatively new to playing chess or are looking for a well made board to teach children or beginner chess players, then a portable, magnetic travel chess set is great for new players. It’s important when learning that the board has the grid reference squares around the edge for ease of explaining the moves, which this board has. It slots perfectly into a backpack and is waterproof, making it ideal for a long beach holiday.  Check Out Reviews On Amazon

• Waterproof board and chess pieces are perfect for by the beach or pool. With these high quality plastic pieces you can easily wipe away any splashes.
• Algebraic notion around the board makes it perfect for a game of chess with players that are just starting out.
• This magnetic chess set features a vertical height of the king of 1.74 inches, so it’s perfect for players both older and younger.
• FanVince, the board manufacturer, have fantastic customer support reviews for players which need spare pieces etc.
• Not for the seasoned chess professional.

There are a range of travel chess set options so I have reviewed the top travel chess sets just for you.

Factors to Consider When Looking For A Travel Chess Set 

• The size. How much room can you give up to a travel chess set in your bag?
• The type of trip. Hiking Machu Picchu or taking a relaxed beach holiday?
• The budget. How much are you willing to spend on a travel chess set?
• Durability. How long do you want it to last?

These are all important factors as you don’t want it to take up unnecessary room, the chess pieces to get lost or for it to break after 5 minutes.

As the partner of a chess addict, I know chess matches can get heated with the competitive nature of the game, therefore durability is a must!

With these pointers in mind, here are the best travel chess sets!

Best for Intermediate / Advanced Chess Players

Best travel chess set for intermediate / advanced players.

My Rating      5/5 Check Price

If you already know basic chess moves and are looking to improve your chess skills and learn advanced moves , then the iCore electronic talking chess set will let you level up your chess skills and learn some killer chess tactics. 

• This electronic chess set set lets you play as either a one or two player game, great for solo travellers.
• This talking chess computer is brilliant if you don’t want to always be looking at a screen to play chess, the voice will be your very own personal chess tutor.
• Not just a chess board, this electronic chess set includes eight other games, perfect for on the road when you might want to mix up your games according to who you are on your trip with.
• No headphone jack. Voice activation can be turned on or off but you cannot plug headphones in to listen to the voice prompts.

Best for Size (Pocket Size)

Best travel chess set for size.

For the chess playing addict that needs a chess board constantly accessible, the WE Games Magnetic Pocket chess set is exactly what you need.

• Pocket sized, measuring just 5.75 x 3.25 inches, take it to a cafe, or play on a fold out aeroplane table with ease. It literally fits into your pocket making it the perfect travel companion, no matter where you’re going on your trip.
• The algebraic notation on this board makes learning chess a breeze, and you’ll be beating your competitors in no time!
• Two extra Queens and extra blank pieces makes having a game of chess possible, even if you lose the odd piece.
• This product comes with a 60 day guarantee with WE games.
• This chess board really is pocket size, which can make it difficult for people hard of sight to play for long periods of time.

Best Luxury Travel Chess Set

If you’re a chess pro or a complete beginner, this Magnetic crafted wooden chess set will have you held in the highest regard by your opponents, fellow players and friends and family.

This beautifully crafted board, is a joy to play chess with because not only does it looks exquisite , it’s also magnetic and comes with spare pieces included with the board.

• This handcrafted chess board is made of the highest quality wood and the chess pieces are individually hand carved.
• The elegant chess pieces are magnetic so you can play without the fear of the wind coming and knocking all the pieces off.
• Chess piece bottoms are smooth for quiet playing and ensure that there board remains scratch free.
• The solid wooden base gives this board a vintage feel perfect for Queen’s Gambit fans!
• When the board is opened for play, there can be a slight gap between each side of the foldable boards.

Best Roll Up Travel Chess Set

Best roll up travel chess set​.

If you want a chess set that you can easily transport from place to place but is a tournament size board, the HolyKing roll up chess set is the board for you. Storage wise this chess set fits neatly into a car or cupboard when at home rolled up.

It is easily transported using the handy carry bag with a shoulder strap too. The carry bag makes it great for taking to any location, but the vinyl mat is high quality and the corners don’t roll up at the sides after its been used a few times.

• Large board which is fun for all the family to play, no matter what their eyesight is like.
• The handy carry tube with shoulder strap means this game of chess is easily transported.
• This set is perfect for tournament play as it meets the World Chess Federation’s height, weight, and proportions standards for tournament play.
• The roll up vinyl chess board is tear resistant and durable making it easy to be wiped clean if your playing with younger chess players and want to mark out moves with a whiteboard pen.
• Slightly larger than the other recommended travel chess sets in this list.

My Top Pick

I am a huge fan of the Yellow Mountain Magnetic Chess Set If you want a chess set that is easy to transport in your hand luggage and in your beach bag, then the Yellow Mountain Magnetic Chess Set ticks all the boxes. Being magnetic, durable and aesthetically pleasing, means you’ll be proud to display your Yellow Mountain Magnetic Chess Set   travel set anywhere your travelling.

Chess players can be very particular about their chess boards, depending on the type of trip you’re travelling on, it could be extremely useful to ensure that your board is water resistant, this feature is essential if you will be making regular trips to the pool or beach during your holiday.

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Travel Chess Set Buyers Guide

As the partner of a chess addict, I’ve regularly witnessed the highs and lows that come with winning or loosing a game of chess. If you are someone that regularly plays chess online, having a travel chess set is a great source of entertainment on long train journeys or by the pool when you’ve got company or don’t want to be isolated looking at your phone.

Chess is a great game to play whilst travelling as you can play it with your fellow travel companions or it can act as a fantastic ice breaker to play with other solo travellers on your trip.

If you’re on the hunt for the best travel chess set then some things you might want to consider are your budget, how compact you would like the chess set to be, how durable it is and if the board should be magnetic. This is dependent on the types of trips you make.

For example, if you regularly travel on aeroplanes, then you can’t go wrong with a compact, magnetic chess set, so that the pieces don’t fall off the board in the case of any movement or turbulence. I’m here to help you find the best travel set according to your trip and level of play.

There are a few things to consider before you take the plunge and buy a chess set.

How To Choose The Best Travel Chess Set?

Consider your skill level of chess.

Are you new to the world of chess or are you a seasoned pro? If you’re a relatively new player, then I recommend you choose a board which has algebraic notion around the edge. These are the reference squares printed around the edge of the board. The algebraic notion doesn’t appear around the edge of every board, so make sure you check a chess board has this feature before you purchase.

Think About Where You’ll Play Chess 

Weighted chess pieces are useful if you want to avoid your pieces being knocked over by a slight breeze. They are especially useful for playing outside. An alternative to weighted chess pieces, especially for travel are magnetic chess pieces. Having a magnetic travel chess set is brilliant for playing chess on the move because it’s almost impossible for the pieces to fall off the board due to a beachside breeze. I would recommend a magnetic chess set for travel.

Consider Who You’ll Play Chess With

Will you have any travel companions on your trip? Are they interested in learning how to play chess? You might be a seasoned chess player, but if everyone else on your trip is a beginner then you should probably make sure that the chess pieces are easily discernible and the board is a good size. If your travelling companions are more advanced chess players, you might want to invest in a more luxurious, quality wooden board to really make the most of those longer games of chess you could be playing.

Consider Your Budget

There are a few determining factors when it comes to the price of your chess set. These are the quality of the material it’s made from, the craftsmanship involved and the number of queens included in a set. A handcrafted premium wooden chess set will cost more than a standard plastic one. It’s worth considering what you would like your travel chess set to be made from.

What Should Come In A Chess Set? 

A chess board.

A chess board should feature alternating coloured square tiles. A chess board can be made of wood, plastic, vinyl or tiles(see photo at the top!). Chess boards are usually square in shape, each side is divided into eight squares equalling a total of sixty-four squares. Often boards are coloured black and white or have a dark and light colour combination.

Chess Pieces

A chess piece of chessman can be any of the six different types of chess piece. These are pawns, rooks, knights, bishops, queens or kings. Each player starts a game of chess with a total of sixteen pieces. The pieces can only make certain moves as determined by the rules of that piece.

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The Chess Store Folding Magnetic Travel Chess Set - 8"

Brand: the chess store, bulk discount rates.

Below are the available bulk discount rates for each individual item when you purchase a certain amount

• Buy 2 - 4 and get $1.00 off
• Buy 5 - 10 and get $2.00 off
• Buy 11 - 25 and get $3.00 off
• Buy 26 or above and get $4.00 off

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• Product Description

If space and ease to carry is the most important factor, this little magnetic travel chess set is the perfect choice. This magnetic travel chess set is small enough to fold up and slip into your front shirt pocket and carry anywhere. Measuring 7.75" x 6.6" and only about .21" thick, it weighs almost nothing but large enough to easily play a game wherever you might be. The pieces are round magnetic discs with a picture of the piece on top and are easy to move from one square to the next. There's a place to conveniently hold captured pieces on each side. Made of a durable plastic, it folds in half and snaps closed. For the price, you won't find a better travel chess set this size.

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2 reviews hide reviews show reviews, chess store folding magnetic travel chess set - 8".

Posted by Joey Lueck on 27th Jun 2023

I really enjoyed the product, it's the right size, price, and quality. Thank you!

Best quality travel companion

Posted by Michael on 14th Mar 2023

I also have the $100 pocket chess, I want to say that I may actually prefer this one over the expensive Chessmate version.

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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