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How To Add Some ‘Zing’ To Your Travel Photos With AI? A Complete Guide

Capturing the essence of your journeys through images can be profoundly rewarding. But what if you could add an extra ‘zing’ to these memories?

Artificial intelligence lends a helping hand for this, transforming ordinary travel photos into extraordinary masterpieces with minimal effort. Let’s look at how AI bridges the gap between professional and amateur photography, providing everyday users with advanced tools traditionally reserved for pros.

Selecting The Right AI Tools For Enchanting Imagery

In a world where technology meets creativity, you’ve got a lot of choices. So much so, in fact, that working out which AI tool to use can be a struggle in its own right.

Feature set might be important, but for travelers the two main deciding factors will be pricing and accessibility.

You want to pick a platform that’s ideally free to use, as well as one which can be leveraged from within a web browser. That way you can tinker with your snaps from whatever device you like, rather than being tied down to a particular phone or laptop .

Also, choosing the right tool depends on understanding their strengths and how they fit into your artistic vision. Whether you seek granular control over edits or prefer quick automated enhancements, there’s always an AI-enabled tool tailor-made for your style of photography. If in doubt, turn to professional reviews of competing solutions to get the info you need.

Harness the Power of AI for Impeccable Image Retouching

Image retouching is an art form made easier and more accessible thanks to Artificial Intelligence. Here’s how you can harness its power:

• Noise reduction: AI effectively minimizes digital noise in low-light photos without losing important details.
• Crop suggestion: The smart crop feature analyzes your image’s composition and suggests a crop that would enhance the photograph’s aesthetic appeal.
• Sharpening edges: From emphasizing rugged mountain ranges to bringing out delicate textures in fabrics, intelligent sharpening tools highlight exquisite details.
• Automatic color correction: These innovative tools adjust colors in your pictures intelligently, striking the best balance between vibrance and naturalness.

Understanding these AI capabilities adds another dimension to your travel photography. You can make impactful changes while maintaining the original essence of each captured moment, especially if you’ve traveled far to uncover hidden gems .

AI, Lighting Effects and Colors: Let’s Paint a Picture!

Artificial Intelligence can do wonders with lighting effects and colors to breathe life into your travel photos. Here are some key features:

• Dynamic range adjustment : AI systems convincingly brighten shadows or reduce highlights in parts of the photo where needed – creating a visually balanced image.
• Intelligent filtering: Filters powered by Artificial Intelligence transform the mood of an image just tastefully enough to enthrall observers.
• Creating light impacts: Sun rays, lens flares, or spotlights are all things that AI tools can add to uplift your photography.

Teaming up with these intelligent technologies lets you create colorful visual narratives of your travels, eliciting memories at every glance. Remember, it’s about harnessing transformative capabilities without overpowering the story you want to tell.

Master Background Removal With AI To Focus On What Really Matters

We’ve all had those photographs where an unruly crowd or unwanted elements sneak into our perfect frame. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, image background deletion has become a hassle-free process. Here’s how you can leverage this powerful tool:

• Spotlighting the Subject: By removing busy backdrops and replacing them with something simpler, your main subject, be it a person or landmark,- can truly shine.
• Creating Clean Compositions: A clutter-free composition lets the viewer focus on what truly matters in your photograph. Eliminating distracting backgrounds creates clean visual lines.
• Customizing Contexts: Once the original backdrop is removed, you have greater freedom to experiment with creative replacements.

Quelling noisy backgrounds using AI not only refines your photos but also opens up new imaginative possibilities for storytelling.

Advanced Photo Composition Techniques Using AI

Crafting visually pleasing compositions in photography can often be challenging. Fortunately, AI-driven tools are redefining this arena by aiding photographers with intelligent suggestions and automated processes:

• Rule of Thirds Grid: This smart tool overlays a grid on your image and helps align key elements according to the rule of thirds for balanced photographs.
• Horizon Level Correction: Automated leveling makes sure your shots aren’t askew but aligned perfectly with the horizon.
• Golden Ratio Mask: For those drawn to nature’s favorite proportion, some AI applications provide you with golden ratio masks that help you arrange your picture harmoniously.

Equipped with these advanced composition techniques combined with an understanding of how different visual arrangements influence viewer perception, anyone can step up their travel photography game!

Final Thoughts

In essence, incorporating AI in your travel photography process allows you to add that extra spark and emotion to your captured memories. It’s not just about editing photos, but it’s about elevating the storytelling behind each shot. This journey of exploration welcomes amateur photographers into the world of professional imagery seamlessly.

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My Week With Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Drops

All I want is to find a safe and easy way of looking a little more tanned . (Applying SPF 30+ every day, even in the depths of winter, has its downsides.) I have neutral-toned Southeast Asian skin that browns quickly, so I’ve found that products that promise a natural glow end up looking unnatural on me — no surprise, given so much of the skin-care market is geared toward Caucasian complexions. My current solution — Dr. Jart+ Premium BB Beauty Balm to tone down any spots and red patches and then a dusting of Nars Laguna Bronzing Powder across my cheeks and forehead for color — gives glow but not enough hydration for my mid-30s skin.

Meanwhile, my TikTok feed is filled with videos of teenagers talking about Drunk Elephant’s D-Bronzi Anti-Pollution Sunshine Drops, a liquid bronzer that claims to imbue skin with a natural-looking tan. I’ve been burned by a tan in a bottle in the past (Nivea Gradual Tan came out streaky and orange on me), but D-Bronzi, which is made from raw cocoa powder, says it’s been designed to “flatter every complexion” and has moisturizing ingredients like virgin marula and black-currant-seed oils to boot.

But these teens are glowing and hyperbolic. “Look how tan I am!” they crow . While I don’t exactly trust a 19-year-old to tell me what my 35-year-old skin needs, the hydration D-Bronzi promises is enough for me to test it out. I take it on a trial run across a typical week — parties, work calls, and a night hosting the premiere for Netflix’s Three Body Problem .

I start testing D-Bronzi right before I head out for a friend’s birthday , following the instructions to mix one to two drops of the gloopy liquid into a pump’s worth of light moisturizer, before applying it all over my face and neck. Even though D-Bronzi is described as “fragrance-free,” I do register a slight scent, almost like wood chip — not entirely unpleasant, though it does dissipate quickly. It feels weirdly primitive to mix and smear this peachy-brownish potion all over my face with my fingers. When I’m done, my actual skin tone doesn’t look too different, though it does look subtly warmer, like I’ve been lit from within by a warm glow. I apply my usual light makeup on top, grab my handbag, and head out for the night. When I get back — having ended the night in a sweaty basement club — the D-Bronzi effect is still there, but it feels unpleasantly like a layer of heavy foundation is sitting on top of my face. Not exactly the hydration I was looking for. The next morning, I wash my face with my Cerave cleanser and squeeze a few drops into my Dermaviduals moisturizer. It immediately feels much more comfortable on my skin this time around (I think the cleanse helped), and the sheer wash of color is more noticeable in the daytime. It doesn’t, however, cover up any imperfections or redness — I still have to use my Nars radiant creamy concealer for that.

It’s time to make a smoothie. According to both Drunk Elephant and TikTok, I should be mixing the drops with other Drunk Elephant products, like the Protini Polypeptide Cream. Unfortunately, I don’t own any other Drunk Elephant products. The closest I have to the Protini moisturizer is my f avorite sunscreen, Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Sunscreen SPF 50+. (They both have a gel-cream texture.) On we go. This time round, the gel texture of the sunscreen pairs perfectly with the drops and it sinks in much better. While one drop doesn’t quite give the same tanned effect as two or three, it lifts my skin and makes me look, uh, less tired and sleepy on Zoom calls. The drops give a kind of glowy haze that I’ve never achieved with bronzer — I’m hypnotized by how glossy my skin looks on-camera. I promise I was still paying attention on the call, though.

Total disaster. According to Drunk Elephant, you should be able to mix D-Bronzi with other serum, oil, or cream. This time, I mix it with Violette_fr’s Boum-Boum Milk, a creamy spray that you can use as a serum and moisturizer. I immediately get the ick from my improvised potion. The Boum-Boum Milk usually feels light and velvety on my skin, but adding D-Bronzi has turned it into a tacky film that feels as if it’s been plopped on my face like a layer of old cheese. I end up feeling so grossed out that I wash it off before I even leave the house.

I am dancing in a sweaty room at yet another birthday party (why is everyone born in March?) when I have a revelation. These drops are not a tan, they’re a bronzer — you have to treat them like makeup, rather than skin care. I am pleased with my insight, but my friends are too busy panicking over not getting enough birthday candles for the joint birthday cake. When I get home at four in the morning, I’m not surprised that my D-Bronzi/Biore sunscreen glow has faded — I haven’t used any kind of setting spray or powder.

Tonight I’m hosting a big Netflix premiere, which means it’s time for a full face of makeup, setting powder, the works. I reach for the drops. The glow is irresistible. I stick with my now go-to combo of D-Bronzi and Biore sunscreen for my base and apply my usual Dr. Jart+ BB Cream on top before using my Fenty contour stick, Nars Orgasm quad blush and Laura Mercier setting powder. My base actually matches up pretty well with the BB cream’s tint (I’m surprised!), and the shades for all my other makeup products still suit my skin tone, even with D-Bronzi on — this has never happened with other fake-looking tan products I’ve used. I post a nervous pre-show selfie from the bathroom of the fancy venue and get a ton of flame emojis from friends. When I get home at midnight, I have to triple cleanse to get everything off and I remember why I hate wearing a full face of makeup.

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Today’s Top Clicked

The Complete Guide to Travel Photography

By Megan Spurrell

As travelers, our cameras can feel like a fifth limb—an essential tool with which to move through the world and absorb new experiences. They make it possible to document the people we meet. They provide tangible memories of the remarkable beauty we travel so far to see. Ultimately, they help us communicate what words cannot.

In the digital era, the tie between travel and photography feels more innate than ever. Photography has become more accessible and affordable to dabble in (who even needs a real camera with phones these days? ). On the flip side, it can feel as if documenting and sharing our travel experiences has become half of the seeing itself. In her essay on pushing herself to take a photo-free trip , Allie Jones asks a question we can all relate to: “If you visit a trendy upstate New York museum and don’t take any photos, were you ever really there?”

As the routine of snapping and sharing becomes as habitual as rinse and repeat, others urge us to become more thoughtful with our travel photography. Just because we can photograph and share everything, in a matter of seconds, doesn’t mean we need to. In his feature, Tyler Moss explores the #nogeotag movement , and looks at just how our photo sharing can drastically alter a destination—and decide who gets to experience it. For professional photographers Gray Malin and Alex Strohl , the “how” of nailing their iconic travel photographs has relied more on patience, and analog techniques like driving massive props cross-country, or waiting for the perfect shot in sub-zero temps, than on any new developments.

And, just in case you were starting to let your Instagram feed convince you that you’ve seen it all, we’ve pulled in photo studies from photographers whose work we can’t help but ogle. Jessica Sarkodie shares a refreshing look at the unspoiled beaches of her native Ghana. Cedric Angeles flew to Mongolia for a peek inside the lives of the country’s famous eagle hunters (and yes, there are photos of the eagles in their hunting caps ahead). For Sandy Noto , photographing harvest season in the Dolomites while off-duty yielded gorgeous slices of life.

Of course, if you’re ready to step up your own game, we’ve also got the gear you need—from underwater cameras to camera bags that don’t look like camera bags. And, we’ve rounded up our favorite photographers to follow right now, because as much as we want to cut the social media umbilical cord, there is so much to admire there. You just need to know where to look.

Through the lens

Think before you shoot

Behind the scenes

The gear you need

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• 2021 IN REVIEW

These are the best travel photos of 2021

Explore the world in 18 stunning images from our contributors.

Even with an unsteady return to travel, 2021 proved to be a time of renewed exploration. The photographs we published this year reflect an intimacy that comes from staying closer to home and looking deeper into the landscapes and cultural traditions all around us.

Our National Geographic contributors shared surprising glimpses of regions they know well, from the urban trails of San Francisco to the untamed lands of Patagonia to the watery wilds of Alaska. These images reveal the enduring essence of inspiring places.  

( Best of the World: Here are 25 incredible journeys for 2022 .)

The year ahead promises a grand return to travel, and we’re eager to hit the road. We hope these photographs reignite your desire to discover, spark your adventurous imagination, and set you off on your next journey, near or far.

Correction: The correct name of the Greek church is Agios Onoufrios. 

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What Is A Photo Zine?

The popularity of digital cameras means that most photos remain in digital format and are only shared on various social media platforms. Those who wish to print their photography can still do so, although the price of prints and photobooks can be a costly expense. Enter the photo zine. What is a photo zine? I’m glad you asked. Keep reading to find out how creating your own zine can showcase your photos at an affordable price.

If you’ve never heard of a photo zine, you’re not alone. A photo zine, or photography zine (pronounced “zeen”) is a creative and inexpensive way to self-publish your work. Originally called fanzines (short for “fan magazine”), they were first created in the 1930s by science fiction fans who wanted to publish and trade their own stories. 

As it relates to photography, there are no hard and fast rules on how to create a zine. Some are presented as a booklet, and others are three-fold pamphlet-style. An avant-garde zine design prints photos as postcards that are contained in a fancy, handmade envelope. Whatever your preference, creativity is a key feature of your zine, and original presentations will generate more buzz. You have ultimate freedom as to how you present your vision, so go all-in on the presentation that speaks to you.

Photography printing does not come cheap. Even the lowest-priced photography book can cost hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on the run size and materials used. This is another reason that makes photo zines so attractive. You can create something unique, and not have to break the bank doing so. 

How To Make A Photography Zine

Making a photo zine is a do-it-yourself project. As a creative person, you probably have this initiative hard-wired into you already. There is no set quantity when it comes to publishing a zine, but usually, they’re run in a lower number as a limited edition.

The only limitation to the presentation of your photo zine is your imagination. You can make it however you wish. Many creators take inspiration from those that have come before them. You can do this but make sure to put your own spin on it so it’s a somewhat original idea.

A photo zine is nothing without content. You’ll need to have a body of work to present. Stick with a specific theme if you want your zine to have the most impact. If it’s a travel photography zine, but you include family portraits, they’re going to look out of place and confuse the viewer. However, if the entire zine is a mixture of random photos, that would actually be more thematic. 

Once you define your theme, pick the best photos to tell your story. The argument can be made to stick with your artistic intuition and only present the photos you deem worthy. But you may want to include a few shots that you know to be crowd-pleasers, even if you don’t consider them your best work.

The layout of your photo zine is one of the most important aspects of it. Properly laid out, the photos should succinctly tell the story you’re intending to convey. You’ll have to first decide on a size for your zine. A common layout is an 8.5” (H) x 5.5” (W) booklet, which is essentially a letter-size 8.5” x 11” piece of paper folded in half. This layout gives you 4 pages per page – two images on the front of the page, and two images on the back. As each piece of paper overlaps, you’ll have to pay extra attention to which images go on what pages. 

Some zines are designed to be much smaller, so you can fit them in your pocket. You may want to create yours to be larger and maybe even in landscape orientation. Only you know the best way to present your photography, so take your time to look into various zines layouts before settling on one.

Also, take into account how you want your photos to be displayed. You can have a single image centered on a page or you could stretch it to fill the entire page. You might want a single photo to stretch across two pages, or have two or four small images per page. Mixing and matching creates a dynamic photo flow that keeps readers’ interest. It’s much more effective than having a single, centered image on every page of your zine.

You should think about how big you want your photo zine to be. Zines are traditionally smaller in size, which means keeping them under the 40-page mark. This gives you the front and back covers (both sides), plus 36 inside pages to use how you wish. It’s important to note that the more pages that are in your photo zine, the more difficult it will be for the zine to lay flat when not in use. More paper means the zine will be thicker and push out the cover, which can be an eyesore. For this reason, printing companies usually put size limits on their zines.

The affordability of zines comes down to the materials used for them. This doesn’t mean that you’ll be using cheap materials, but rather you’ll be using materials that aren’t going to cost as much as the high-quality paper, binding, and covers used in traditional photobooks. 

The easiest way to publish your photo zine is to design it in a program such as Adobe InDesign, and then send it to a print company. Some print companies may supply you with templates if you’re not familiar with InDesign. They also give material options to keep your zine well with your budget. Some zines are printed with the same paper all the way through, while others opt for thicker paper for the cover. You can also choose between matte and gloss finishes, depending on the look you’re going for.

Of course, if you want to do it all yourself you absolutely can. If you have access to a printer, you can do the printing yourself, and then put the zine together on your own. 

Many photographers prefer to let their images tell the story. You may wish to include anecdotes alongside your photos to elaborate on what the reader is seeing. Again, there’s no right or wrong. I personally feel that adding words can enrich the experience. You can include a little blurb of when and where the photo was taken. Maybe you want to include the camera settings that were used on each shot. Another idea is to put a photo on 1 page and a story explaining it on the adjacent page. Play around with things before your zine is finalized. You may have a certain idea in your head, but by expanding on it you can create something even more compelling.

Sell, Sell, Sell

Unless you’re a well-renowned photographer, you probably won’t make major waves with your first few zines. In fact, you might even struggle to sell them to anyone who isn’t family or friends. At this point, you should focus on the creation of it and providing value, rather than the potential monetary return. 

However, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try to make some money. Every little bit helps, and with a bit of savvy, you might break even, or even turn a profit. The internet has made it easier than ever to connect with people. The DIY nature of photo zines means you can sell them on Etsy, a huge “handmade product” marketplace. Join online photography or zine communities and let them know about your work. Social media is another great way to get your name out there and bring awareness to your latest project. 

Making A Photo Zine Is Easy

By now you should have a good idea of what a photo zine is and isn’t. Creating one isn’t very difficult, and you can either do it all by yourself or use a printing company to help out. Whichever route you take, know that there will always be a market for printed work and physical products. You may think your photography is nothing spectacular. But the only way you’ll know if it inspires others is to create your zine and release it into the world.

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• In Photos: Every Three Key Hotel in New York City

The ins and outs of the most outstanding hotels in the city.

Hotels Travel MICHELIN Keys NYC hotels NYC

New York City by The MICHELIN Guide

See the New York City guide

In 2024, The MICHELIN Guide is announcing the first ever MICHELIN Keys — a brand new distinction that recognizes the most outstanding hotels across the world. Head here for everything you need to know about the new Key distinction, and visit this page to explore the full list of Key hotels in the United States.

The Three Key distinction is the highest hotel honor in The MICHELIN Guide. Earning One Key (80 properties) or Two Keys (33 properties) is difficult enough, but only 11 hotels earned Three Keys in the United States. Of those, four can be found in New York City. The Three Key hotels excel in all five criteria used to judge hotels by our Inspectors. But in this series , we thought it fitting to focus on just one of those criteria — the most photogenic of the five — architecture and interior design. Below, take a look at the interiors and exteriors of each of our four Three Key hotels in New York City.

Casa Cipriani

Whitby Hotel

Aman New York

Crosby Street Hotel

Hero Image: © Aman New York

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• #Luxury travel
• #Unusual Moscow
• #Jewish Heritage
• #Russian traditions

Best spots in Moscow for photo maniacs

• #Special Interest
• #Photospots
• Capturing the Kremlin and central Moscow: the higher, the better

Of course, pictures of the Kremlin shot from the Red Square are no doubt iconic and must-have, but they are taken by thousands of tourists every day and can hardly make a wow-effect on your friends on Instagram and other social networks.

Another problem with shooting from Red Square is that the photos do not fully represent the scale of the medieval fortress of Kremlin. So, you need to make some steps further and higher to catch the right shot. You’ll be surprised by the fact that the panoramic views of the Kremlin are pretty easy to get. We have four hints for you: Zaryadie, Ritz Carlton, Patriarch bridge, and Radisson riverboat.

If you want to not only make beautiful photos but also to learn something interesting about the history of Russia, we recommend an individual tour of the Kremlin. You can order it online here .

First, go to Zaryadye, which is located right next to the Red Square, behind the St Basil’s Cathedral, on the closest Moscow river bank. The most impressive views over the Kremlin are unfolded from the so-called Flying bridge of Zaryadye and Glass Dome building in the back part of the park.

Zaryadye is the new place of attraction in Moscow. It’s a landscape park, opened in September 2017 by the Moscow government on the hill where the giant soviet hotel ‘Rossiya’ located before its demolition in the early 2000-s. As a bonus, you’ll get an incredible view over one of Stalin’s skyscrapers, located on the opposite bank of Moscow river — the so-called Vysotka at Kotelnicheskaya, used as a residence of many Russian famous people and officials.

• The roof of the Ritz Carlton Hotel

This option is ok only in case if you’re ready to pay the average bar bill of over 2500 rubles (about $40). Visit the O2 Lounge Bar on the roof of the Ritz Carlton Hotel, where all the global celebrities take their Moscow pictures, from Angelina Jolie to Robert Downey Jr.

But such photo investments seem to pay off immediately. The deck of the bar makes an excellent panorama point for the Kremlin walls and towers, the Historical Museum, the Great Kremlin Palace, and the Kremlin cathedrals. All these landmarks are not too far away, which makes them perfectly recognizable, even in the background.

• The Radisson riverboat

This hint will be useful in case you’re traveling to Moscow in the cold season. River transportation in Moscow doesn't stop in winter. Many enclosed and heated tourist yachts with panoramic windows and ice-breaking equipment can be found in the Moscow River. For instance, one of the most recognizable is the flotilla Radisson.

Their route goes past all the main sights of pre-revolutionary and Soviet Moscow – from Stalin's skyscrapers (Ukraina hotel and Vysotka at Kotelnicheskaya) to the Kremlin and the Novodevichy Convent. It is possible to go out to the open deck and take photos of you and your family or friends against a backdrop of the city’s lights and their reflection in the river. The cruise lasts 2.5 hours. You can book a tour with a car roundtrip transfer from your hotel to the pier and back: book online here

• Patriarch bridge

The bridge is located further from the Kremlin, than Zaryadye or Ritz Carlton, so the Kremlin walls on your photos will look smaller. The brighter side of walking through the bridge is that you can do more fabulous pics of the Moscow river and city center landscapes. The Moscow river and the pretty recognizable giant statue of Peter the Great are ideally viewed from the bridge. Be prepared that it’s a famous and popular pedestrian area for tourists all over the world so the bridge may be crowded.

Also, the bridge is a part of a long promenade which leads from the Christ the Saviour Cathedral through the Balchug island to the opposite bank of the Moscow River, where another pedestrian area — Museon embankment — is ready to joy you with its cafes, cozy lawns and impressive views over the river flow, ducks and boats.

• Moscow City

The best spot to shoot the famous Moscow business downtown is located on the Taras Shevchenko embankment. To get there you need to come to the metro stations Vystavochnaya or Delovoi Tsentr, then go to the Bagration bridge (use the metro navigation, the path is tricky), cross the bridge — and voilà! You’ve reached the best spot for shooting, posing, sending selfies, and Instagramming.

• Ponds and orangeries

There are two ponds in Moscow, that deserve your attention in summer: the Chistye ponds (actually there is only one pond, but it’s worth it) and the pond in Gorky Park, which is full of small boats and catamarans. Both lakes are lost between the green alleys and are drowning in all the shades of green. Those are the perfect spots to catch the moment of peace amid the madness of big city life.

• Banya: Russian steam bath read
• Luxurious travel to Moscow: best places to visit read
• 7 Top Things to Do in Karelia Region read
• Russian Souvenir: what to bring home from a trip to Russia read
• The Top 10 Unusual Things to Do in Moscow read
• Christmas Festival in Moscow read

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I'm Brittany — Wife. Mama. Travel Specialist.

I’m a wife, mama of two, and currently reside in Arizona. My family and I love to travel and experience new things! I work for the amazing Smart Moms Travel Agency! When I am not planning vacations or helping with our family business, I enjoy hanging out with my family, reading, crafting, and watching sports. Our family loves the magic of Disneyland and Disney World and I am excited to share my passions with other families, too. I believe with my whole heart that we get one life to live and I am truly committed to making the most of it and creating special memories with my husband and kids. I can’t wait to go on this magical journey with you!

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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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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

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Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

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Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

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This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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