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‎03-03-2022 07:34 AM - last edited on ‎01-25-2024 08:07 AM by BellDRock

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Bell Sim Card & eSIM – Detailed Guides for Tourists

Staying connected while traveling is essential for both work and play. This guide reviews Bell SIM card & eSIM and provides detailed recommendations suited for tourists visiting Canada. We’ll compare eSIM versus traditional SIM cards from Bell and then suggest alternative carriers with more tourism-friendly offerings.

By understanding the ins and outs of Bell SIM Card plans in Canada & eSIM, travelers can affordably enjoy reliable connectivity throughout their trip and without long-term commitments. Let’s explore the best ways for international visitors to stay connected on Canada’s mobile networks.

1. Quick facts about Bell

Bell Mobility is one of Canada’s largest mobile network operators, offering nationwide wireless service since 1986. Currently serving over 10 million subscribers, Bell operates extensive 4G LTE and 5G networks spanning most major metropolitan areas across the country.

Third-largest telecommunications company in Canada: Provides internet, mobile, TV, and home phone services to consumers and businesses.
Founded in 1986: One of the oldest telecommunications companies in the world.
Headquarters in Montreal, Quebec: Operates across all Canadian provinces and territories.
Part of BCE Inc.: A public company with Bell Canada as its main subsidiary.
Known for Canada’s fastest internet and Wi-Fi: Offers various internet plans with speeds reaching up to 1.5 Gbps.

Bell’s networks cover major population centers well but roaming partnerships help deliver service in smaller towns and rural regions too. In total, through its owned brands Bell Mobility has established itself as a leading full-service provider meeting the connectivity and pricing requirements of Canadian consumers.

2. Canada Bell Coverage and Speed in Canada

Bell coverage and speed in Canada are among the best in the country. Bell claims to have the most extensive 4G network in Canada, covering over 99% of the population.

2.1. Bell coverage in Canada

Bell’s network has been tested and rated as the fastest major city network in Canada by third parties like Opensignal, PCMag, J.D. Power, and Ookla. However, Rogers/Telus typically have better rural coverage by sharing towers. Bell also offers expanding 5G coverage.

Coverage and speed can vary by location, device, and plan. Rural and remote areas may have weaker signals. Not all devices support 5G/LTE or perform equally. Data caps or throttling after a limit can affect speeds. Check Bell’s coverage map and networks for your area and device.

2.2. Bell speed

In Opensignal’s latest report on mobile networks in Canada:

Bell shared the top spot for Games Experience with Rogers and Telus, as their users saw no significant difference.
Bell and Telus jointly won Download Speeds Experience at 75.2 Mbps, 13.7 Mbps faster than Rogers.

In Opensignal’s previous look at 5G networks in Canada:

Bell solo led in 5G Download Speeds at 173.8 Mbps. This was 12.3% or 19 Mbps faster than Rogers. And 17.6% or 26 Mbps ahead of Telus.
For key 5G categories across Canada’s regions: Bell, Rogers, and Telus are tied for first in at least three of six regions for Video, Live, Video Games, Voice Apps

So in summary – Bell has a strong network but tends to be pricier for consumers, while Rogers/Telus balances coverage with competitive plans. The choice depends on location/needs.

3. Bell Connectivity Options for Travelers to Canada

Here are a few connectivity options for travelers to Canada through Bell:

No matter which option you choose, be sure to unlock your phone before you travel to Canada. This will allow you to use a SIM card from any provider.

4. Best Bell SIM Cards for tourists & costs

Bell offers SIM cards/eSIMs for those who want to use their wireless services in Canada. As a telecom not focused on tourist customers, Bell does not seem to have a specific option for tourists visiting Canada.

While Bell has wide coverage, Bell SIM Card Canada policies are inconvenient and pricey for short-term use by tourists. Plans require setting up a Canadian account which involves ID verification and credit checks. Contracts are monthly so SIMs aren’t a good pay-as-you-go option for visitors. You can also buy a SIM card that costs ~ 7 USD and choose a monthly plan that suits your needs. If you buy Bell Monthly Plan you can get a physical SIM card free.

Here is the list of Bell SIM card plans in Canada with monthly plans:

While Bell does not have plans specifically tailored for tourists, the options listed above could still allow you to access Bell’s network during your visit. Though not entirely optimized for short-term travel, these plans offer data allotments that can be used for basic tasks like light web browsing and social media usage. However, there may be more travel-friendly options from other providers to compare as well.

5. Does Bell Canada support eSIM?

Yes, Bell offers Bell eSIM on supported devices. However, plan types require setting up a recurring Bell account with a Canadian address and ID documentation. This involves credit checks, contracts, and extended commitments that don’t cater well to short-term visitors.

Bell’s prepaid options also are expensive for tourists staying briefly. Using a Bell eSIM would require leaving the account/number active even after the trip. It’s difficult to purchase an eSIM plan temporarily without establishing residency.

Here are the Bell eSIM Plans and prices for anyone wanting to use Bell eSIM:

So in summary, while Bell does support eSIM technology, their plan structures are not suitable for tourists.

Alternatives like eSIMs from canada-esim.com are better suited as they offer prepaid monthly options. Options are starting at just $9 for 3 days, up to 30-day packages – perfect no matter your trip length. Daily data allotments of 1-2GB let you navigate. Discover the easiest and most affordable way to enjoy reliable mobile connectivity!

6. Where can you buy a Bell SIM card & eSIM?

Whether you’re visiting or staying long-term in Canada, Bell is one of the major network providers you’ll want to consider. Here are some options for getting a Bell SIM card or eSIM for your trip:

6.1. Where to buy a Bell SIM for Canada

Here are some places where you can buy a Bell prepaid SIM card:

Bell stores – Bell has its corporate stores located across Canada. These stores will have prepaid SIM cards available for purchase. You can check the list of Bell stores here .

The Source by Bell – This is Bell’s electronics and accessories retail chain. Stores will carry Bell prepaid SIM card kits.

Authorized dealers – Bell has agreements with other major wireless carriers and big box retailers to sell their products. Places like Rogers, Telus, Walmart, Best Buy, and Shoppers Drug Mart often have Bell prepaid SIMs.
Online – You can purchase Bell prepaid SIM cards directly from the Bell website for delivery. Amazon also sells them.
Major retailers – national chains like 7-Eleven, Circle K, Mac’s stores, and Shell gas stations sell SIM cards as a side business.

Mobile kiosks – Malls and public spaces sometimes have independent mobile accessory kiosks selling various carrier SIM cards.
Grey market – Sites like Kijiji, and eBay from private sellers (check for authenticity and activation support).

The best official retail options are Bell stores, The Source, and major national retailers/gas stations for availability, ease of purchase, and activation support.

6.2. Where to buy a Bell eSIM

Here are some options for buying a Bell eSIM:

Direct from Bell website : You can purchase an eSIM plan or package directly from Bell.ca. This allows you to activate easily the eSIM profile online.
At Bell store : Visit a Bell retail location to purchase and activate an eSIM plan. It can be set up on a compatible eSIM device by staff.
Using the MyBell app : If you own an eligible smartphone, you’ll probably be able to register for Bell eSIM through the mobile app immediately without having to go into a store.
Travel apps : Services like Canada-esim.com sell eSIM data passes valid on Bell’s network for tourists.

To sum up, the official website, MyBell app, and Bell stores are your best bets. It is necessary to first look at the Canada eSIM Compatible Devices List before switching your mobile plan. As long as the device you intend to use is eSIM compatible, that’s it.

Buying a prepaid SIM card or an eSIM card for Canada online before your trip may be a cheaper and more convenient option. There are some travel SIM cards and eSIM cards that offer coverage in Canada with reasonable prices and data bundles. You can check out Canada eSIM from canada-esim.com for the best deals:

7 days of LTE data from $17. eSIM delivered to your email – simply scan and roam Canada with no worries. Book now at canada-esim.com:

Browse hassle-free for up to 15 days of high-speed LTE data for just $12:

7. How to activate Bell Canada SIM/eSIM

Once you’ve procured a Bell SIM card or eSIM, activating and using it on your device is straightforward. Here are the basic steps to get connected to the Bell network in Canada:

7.1. How to use Bell Canada SIM Card

Here are the basic steps to use a Bell Canada SIM card:

Step 1 : Activate the SIM card. You can do this online at bell.ca/activate or by calling the activation number on the instruction sheet. You’ll need the SIM ID number.

Step 2 : Insert the SIM card into your unlocked phone. Make sure the gold contacts are facing down, and cut off any extra plastic tabs.

Step 3 : Power on your phone. After getting a new SIM from the Bell network, it might take you several minutes to register before you can make calls and use data.

Tips : Establish a Bell account online to monitor your plan, bills, usage, and value-added services such as voicemail. No accounts are needed for prepaid plans.

7.2. How to use Bell Canada eSIM

Here are the basic steps to set up and activate a Bell Canada eSIM:

Step 1 : Go online to buy a Bell eSIM plan.

Step 2 : During signup, give ID, address and credit check info.

Step 3 : Download the MyBell app.

Step 4 : Open the app and tap “Activate eSIM”.

Step 5 : Go ahead, and scan the QR code to set everything up. From now on, your Bell eSIM number will work for calls, texts, and data.

If you’d rather have a step-by-step guide for installing Canada eSIM plans on major devices, we can provide that too. Take a look at our easy guides and videos on how to add eSIM on iPhone, Samsung or Google Pixel. Our Canada eSIM installation guide will help you get set up and connected.

8. Canada Bell Call & SMS rates

In Canada, the type of plan, add-on, or usage determines call and SMS rates at Bell. These rates are only approximate and change with time, so before using a pay-per-use service, please come back to check whether the figures here are current. Here is a summary of the current pay-per-use call & SMS rates for Bell Mobility:

9. Useful USSD Codes for Bell Canada SIM/eSIM

Here are the quick access codes to check your Bell balance:

One simple and convenient way to access your Bell balance is through the official mobile application MyBell, or by using the official Bell website. Here are the steps to launch and use the app:

Checking Balance via MyBell App: On your device, start the MyBell app → Balance is at the bottom of the screen → touch this to display your balance and account details → See How: Checking your account balance.
Via Bell Website: Click login to MyBell → Select Prepaid account.\ → Your balance and account details are displayed.

10. How to top-up Bell Canada SIM/eSIM

There are several convenient methods for topping up your Bell SIM/eSIM, both online and in person. The options include:

11. Alternatives to Bell Canada

The best options for travelers visiting Canada would be to look at other MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that offer reliable SIM cards and eSIM, such as:

Koodo Mobile – Runs on the Telus network, providing reliable nationwide coverage. They offer prepaid options without contracts that are well-suited for travelers. Plans start at around $15 for limited data. Prepaid plans do not require a Canadian ID or credit check, just an online account registration.
Public Mobile – Runs on Telus’ network. Offers cheap prepaid plans without contracts, including data-only eSIM options suitable for tablets/devices—activation via app.
Canada eSIM Plans – Offers flexible short-term eSIM data plans on Telus/Koodo networks. Plans start from a few days up to 30 days. Easy digital activation. Sites like Canada-esim.com provide this option.

The above options don’t require a Canadian phone number or identity. They provide reliable connectivity without contracts better suited for temporary visitors than direct provider plans. Just check compatibility with your unlocked device.

How do I choose the right Bell SIM card plan for me?

When choosing a Bell SIM card plan, you need to consider your needs and budget. How much talk, text, and data do you use each month? Do you need international calling? Once you know your needs, you can compare different plans to find the best one for you.

How do I activate a Bell SIM card plan?

To activate a Bell SIM card plan, you can visit a Bell store, call Bell customer service, or activate it online. If you are activating a new line of service, you will need to provide your personal information and choose a plan. If you are porting your number from another carrier, you will need to provide your account information and transfer your phone number.

How do I activate a Bell eSIM?

To activate a Bell eSIM, you can visit the Bell website or use the MyBell app. You will need to create a Bell account if you do not already have one. Once you have created an account, you can follow the instructions on the website or in the app to activate your eSIM.

13. Final words

An eSIM option is offered by Bell but at first glance appears to offer convenience for tourists. To use it, however, requires opening a Canadian mobile account, supplying ID, and undergoing a credit check. This means that activation is unsuitable for short visits. Moreover, Bell doesn’t have any true pay-as-you-go plans–the cheapest option is $25/month. However, MVNO prepaid plans have no contracts, lower rates, and are more suited to travelers who won’t need phones for a long time. In sum, although Bell’s goal is to bring digital convenience, other carriers and virtual SIM vendors provide better-prepaid options for staying in Canada short term.

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Bell Roaming Rates

Roaming rate information, voice text and data combo, international, pay per use rate.

Zone 1 includes: Aland Islands, Albania, Andorra, Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Aruba, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Bermuda, Bonaire , Bosnia & Herzegovina, British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Cayman Islands, China, Croatia, Curacao, Cyprus, Czech Rep., Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Finland, France, French Guiana, Germany, Gibraltar Greece, Greenland, Grenada, Guadeloupe, Guernsey, Haiti, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Isle of Man, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jersey, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macau, Macedonia, Malta, Martinique, Mexico, Monaco, Montenegro, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Saba, San Marino, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, St. Bart’s, St. Eustatius, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Saint Maarten, St. Martin, St. Vincent & Grenadines, St. Pierre & Miquelon, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Turks and Caicos, United Kingdom and Vatican City.

Zone 2 includes: Afghanistan, American Samoa, Argentina, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvaor, Falkland Islands, Fiji, French Polynesia, Georgia, Guam, Guatemala, Guyana, Honduras, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Malaysia, Moldova, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Nicaragua, Northern Mariana Islands, Oman, Pakistan, Palestinian Territory, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Samoa, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Syria, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Venezuela, Vietnam, and Yemen.

The Travel Zone 3, 20mb or Travel Zone 3, 60mb can also be added long term if needed.

Zone 3 includes: Algeria, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Cook Island, Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Kenya, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mali, Mauritius, Mauritania, Mayotte, Micronesia, Morocco, Mozambique, Namibia, Niger, Nigeria, Norfolk Island, Palau, Reunion, Rwanda, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Solomon Island, South Sudan, Sudan, Swaziland, Tanzania, Tonga, Tunisia, Uganda, Vanuatu, Western Sahara, Zambia, Zanzibar.

Zone 4 (Cruise Ships and Airplanes)

Zone 4 includes: Angola, Brunei, Cuba, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Lebanon, Maldives, New Caledonia, Togo, Zimbabwe ,Cruise Ships, Airplanes

Cuba Flex Data

Data roaming thresholds.

•– Thresholds are increased to these limits with the addition of roaming features. (ie: Zone 1 Data Flex or US Data Flex)

Data Thresholds – calculated based on billing cycle, blending all zones

Exclusion List – available at request from your account manager.

Exclusion Threshold – 10GB threshold for combined worldwide roaming

Rates and countries subject to change without notice

Bell Launches New Travel Data Passes with LTE Roaming, Starts at $30 for 100MB

Bell has announced today new Travel Data Passes, with data buckets doubling for some locations such as Mexico, the UK and China, seeing 100MB of data for $30 instead of the former 50MB.

Wade Oosterman, President of Bell Mobility, said “By doubling the value of our Travel Data Passes, Bell customers travelling in international destinations will find accessing maps, using apps, sharing pictures or keeping up with emails more affordable than ever.”

Below are the new updated prices for Zone 1, 2 and 3 countries:

Bell also noted 4G LTE roaming is now available in the U.S., Austria, France, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Peru, Philippines, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Switzerland, and Taiwan, with more countries to come. If you’re roaming on an LTE network with just 100MB, be careful as it’ll get used up quickly.

If you’re heading to the U.S. or Mexico, getting a local SIM would be a cheaper option, or something from Roam Mobility .

Are these new updated data pass rates truly “more affordable than ever?” That’s up for you to decide…

New Bell Ad-Supported Channels Launch on LG, Samsung TVs

Telecom Complaints Surge, Rogers Leads with 118% Increase: CCTS

Lucky Mobile Axes 3G Plans, Everything Now 4G Speeds

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The trains and stations of the Moscow Metro

2 Comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Cities , Travel , Video

The Moscow Metro is the third most intensive subway system in the world after Tokyo and Seoul subways. The first line was opened on May 15, 1935. Since 1955, the metro has the name of V.I. Lenin.

The system consists of 12 lines with a total length of 305.7 km. Forty four stations are recognized cultural heritage. The largest passenger traffic is in rush hours from 8:00 to 9:00 and from 18:00 to 19:00.

Cellular communication is available on most of the stations of the Moscow Metro. In March 2012, a free Wi-Fi appeared in the Circle Line train. The Moscow Metro is open to passengers from 5:20 to 01:00. The average interval between trains is 2.5 minutes.

The fare is paid by using contactless tickets and contactless smart cards, the passes to the stations are controlled by automatic turnstiles. Ticket offices and ticket vending machines can be found in station vestibules.

Tags: Moscow city

The Moscow Metro Museum of Art: 10 Must-See Stations

There are few times one can claim having been on the subway all afternoon and loving it, but the Moscow Metro provides just that opportunity. While many cities boast famous public transport systems—New York’s subway, London’s underground, San Salvador’s chicken buses—few warrant hours of exploration. Moscow is different: Take one ride on the Metro, and you’ll find out that this network of railways can be so much more than point A to B drudgery.

The Metro began operating in 1935 with just thirteen stations, covering less than seven miles, but it has since grown into the world’s third busiest transit system ( Tokyo is first ), spanning about 200 miles and offering over 180 stops along the way. The construction of the Metro began under Joseph Stalin’s command, and being one of the USSR’s most ambitious building projects, the iron-fisted leader instructed designers to create a place full of svet (radiance) and svetloe budushchee (a radiant future), a palace for the people and a tribute to the Mother nation.

Consequently, the Metro is among the most memorable attractions in Moscow. The stations provide a unique collection of public art, comparable to anything the city’s galleries have to offer and providing a sense of the Soviet era, which is absent from the State National History Museum. Even better, touring the Metro delivers palpable, experiential moments, which many of us don’t get standing in front of painting or a case of coins.

Though tours are available , discovering the Moscow Metro on your own provides a much more comprehensive, truer experience, something much less sterile than following a guide. What better place is there to see the “real” Moscow than on mass transit: A few hours will expose you to characters and caricatures you’ll be hard-pressed to find dining near the Bolshoi Theater. You become part of the attraction, hear it in the screech of the train, feel it as hurried commuters brush by: The Metro sucks you beneath the city and churns you into the mix.

With the recommendations of our born-and-bred Muscovite students, my wife Emma and I have just taken a self-guided tour of what some locals consider the top ten stations of the Moscow Metro. What most satisfied me about our Metro tour was the sense of adventure . I loved following our route on the maps of the wagon walls as we circled the city, plotting out the course to the subsequent stops; having the weird sensation of being underground for nearly four hours; and discovering the next cavern of treasures, playing Indiana Jones for the afternoon, piecing together fragments of Russia’s mysterious history. It’s the ultimate interactive museum.

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

Kievskaya Station went public in March of 1937, the rails between it and Park Kultury Station being the first to cross the Moscow River. Kievskaya is full of mosaics depicting aristocratic scenes of Russian life, with great cameo appearances by Lenin, Trotsky, and Stalin. Each work has a Cyrillic title/explanation etched in the marble beneath it; however, if your Russian is rusty, you can just appreciate seeing familiar revolutionary dates like 1905 ( the Russian Revolution ) and 1917 ( the October Revolution ).

Mayakovskaya Station

Mayakovskaya Station ranks in my top three most notable Metro stations. Mayakovskaya just feels right, done Art Deco but no sense of gaudiness or pretention. The arches are adorned with rounded chrome piping and create feeling of being in a jukebox, but the roof’s expansive mosaics of the sky are the real showstopper. Subjects cleverly range from looking up at a high jumper, workers atop a building, spires of Orthodox cathedrals, to nimble aircraft humming by, a fleet of prop planes spelling out CCCP in the bluest of skies.

Novoslobodskaya Station

Novoslobodskaya is the Metro’s unique stained glass station. Each column has its own distinctive panels of colorful glass, most of them with a floral theme, some of them capturing the odd sailor, musician, artist, gardener, or stenographer in action. The glass is framed in Art Deco metalwork, and there is the lovely aspect of discovering panels in the less frequented haunches of the hall (on the trackside, between the incoming staircases). Novosblod is, I’ve been told, the favorite amongst out-of-town visitors.

Komsomolskaya Station

Komsomolskaya Station is one of palatial grandeur. It seems both magnificent and obligatory, like the presidential palace of a colonial city. The yellow ceiling has leafy, white concrete garland and a series of golden military mosaics accenting the tile mosaics of glorified Russian life. Switching lines here, the hallway has an Alice-in-Wonderland feel, impossibly long with decorative tile walls, culminating in a very old station left in a remarkable state of disrepair, offering a really tangible glimpse behind the palace walls.

Dostoevskaya Station

Dostoevskaya is a tribute to the late, great hero of Russian literature . The station at first glance seems bare and unimpressive, a stark marble platform without a whiff of reassembled chips of tile. However, two columns have eerie stone inlay collages of scenes from Dostoevsky’s work, including The Idiot , The Brothers Karamazov , and Crime and Punishment. Then, standing at the center of the platform, the marble creates a kaleidoscope of reflections. At the entrance, there is a large, inlay portrait of the author.

Chkalovskaya Station

Chkalovskaya does space Art Deco style (yet again). Chrome borders all. Passageways with curvy overhangs create the illusion of walking through the belly of a chic, new-age spacecraft. There are two (kos)mosaics, one at each end, with planetary subjects. Transferring here brings you above ground, where some rather elaborate metalwork is on display. By name similarity only, I’d expected Komsolskaya Station to deliver some kosmonaut décor; instead, it was Chkalovskaya that took us up to the space station.

Elektrozavodskaya Station

Elektrozavodskaya is full of marble reliefs of workers, men and women, laboring through the different stages of industry. The superhuman figures are round with muscles, Hollywood fit, and seemingly undeterred by each Herculean task they respectively perform. The station is chocked with brass, from hammer and sickle light fixtures to beautiful, angular framework up the innards of the columns. The station’s art pieces are less clever or extravagant than others, but identifying the different stages of industry is entertaining.

Baumanskaya Statio

Baumanskaya Station is the only stop that wasn’t suggested by the students. Pulling in, the network of statues was just too enticing: Out of half-circle depressions in the platform’s columns, the USSR’s proud and powerful labor force again flaunts its success. Pilots, blacksmiths, politicians, and artists have all congregated, posing amongst more Art Deco framing. At the far end, a massive Soviet flag dons the face of Lenin and banners for ’05, ’17, and ‘45. Standing in front of the flag, you can play with the echoing roof.

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

Novokuznetskaya Station finishes off this tour, more or less, where it started: beautiful mosaics. This station recalls the skyward-facing pieces from Mayakovskaya (Station #2), only with a little larger pictures in a more cramped, very trafficked area. Due to a line of street lamps in the center of the platform, it has the atmosphere of a bustling market. The more inventive sky scenes include a man on a ladder, women picking fruit, and a tank-dozer being craned in. The station’s also has a handsome black-and-white stone mural.

Here is a map and a brief description of our route:

Start at (1)Kievskaya on the “ring line” (look for the squares at the bottom of the platform signs to help you navigate—the ring line is #5, brown line) and go north to Belorusskaya, make a quick switch to the Dark Green/#2 line, and go south one stop to (2)Mayakovskaya. Backtrack to the ring line—Brown/#5—and continue north, getting off at (3)Novosblodskaya and (4)Komsolskaya. At Komsolskaya Station, transfer to the Red/#1 line, go south for two stops to Chistye Prudy, and get on the Light Green/#10 line going north. Take a look at (5)Dostoevskaya Station on the northern segment of Light Green/#10 line then change directions and head south to (6)Chkalovskaya, which offers a transfer to the Dark Blue/#3 line, going west, away from the city center. Have a look (7)Elektroskaya Station before backtracking into the center of Moscow, stopping off at (8)Baumskaya, getting off the Dark Blue/#3 line at (9)Ploschad Revolyutsii. Change to the Dark Green/#2 line and go south one stop to see (10)Novokuznetskaya Station.

Check out our new Moscow Indie Travel Guide , book a flight to Moscow and read 10 Bars with Views Worth Blowing the Budget For

Jonathon Engels, formerly a patron saint of misadventure, has been stumbling his way across cultural borders since 2005 and is currently volunteering in the mountains outside of Antigua, Guatemala. For more of his work, visit his website and blog .

Photo credits: SergeyRod , all others courtesy of the author and may not be used without permission

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow. Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂