travel one day

Sightseeing tours, Same day trips & Things to do

e.g: Bangalore local or Delhi to Agra

One Day Dharmasthala Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Dharmasthala is a quaint religious town located in the Western Ghats of Karnataka. It is known for its natural beauty and religious significance. A One Day Dharmasthala Sightseeing Tour by…

One Day Lucknow to Agra, Mathura & Vrindavan Trip by Cab

Agra is home to mesmerizing monuments like the Taj Mahal and other historic structures that attract millions of tourists worldwide. It is also known for its rich history and cultural…

One Day Lucknow to Agra Trip by Cab

Agra is a historic city and a popular tourist destination in India. Located on the banks of Yamuna, it forms part of the renowned Golden Triangle Circuit. The Mughal Period…

One Day Aurangabad to Ajanta & Ellora Trip by Cab

The Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra are close to Aurangabad and are regarded as two of the best examples of prehistoric rock-cut caverns. The complex has Buddhist monasteries and…

One Day Bhubaneswar to Puri & Konark Trip by Cab

Puri and Konark are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Odisha. Puri is known for its beautiful beaches and Konark is renowned for its Sun Temple. On a…

One Day Mangalore to Gokarna Trip by Cab

Gokarna is an excellent destination well-known for its beaches, temples, and scenic beauty. It is suitable for a refreshing One Day Mangalore to Gokarna Tour by Car. You can relax…

One Day Mangalore to Coorg Trip by Cab

Coorg is a great option for an exhilarating and magical one-day vacation in the Western Ghats. Known as the “Kashmir of Karnataka,” the climate of Coorg promises a great getaway…

One Day Trichy to Kumbakonam Trip by Cab

Kumbakonam is a town in the Thanjavur district of TamilNadu. It is also known as “Temple Town” due to the presence of several prominent temples. The city is perfect for…

One Day Trichy to Chidambaram Trip by Cab

Chidambaram is a slice of paradise for all nature lovers and spiritual explorers. You can book a one day Trichy to Chidambaram sightseeing tour by private cab for an entertaining…

One Day Trichy to Madurai Trip by Cab

One of India’s oldest towns that have been inhabited continuously is Madurai. The ancient city is also renowned as the cultural center of Tamil Nadu. It is known as the…

One Day Trichy to Pondicherry Trip by Cab

Pondicherry, formally known as Puducherry is one of India’s seven Union Territories, bordered by the southern state of TamilNadu. It is a former French colony and is a lovely getaway…

One Day Trichy to Thanjavur Trip by Cab

Tanjore or Thanjavur is popularly known as the ‘City of Temples’. It is also the royal city of the Cholas, Nayaks, and Marathas. Once the capital of the Chola Empire,…

One Day Bodh Gaya Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Bodh Gaya is a religious site and also a prominent tourist destination in the Indian state of Bihar. It is famous for being the place where Gautama Buddha is said…

One Day Jhansi Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Jhansi is a famous historical city in the region of Bundelkhand in Uttar Pradesh. Lying on the Betwa and Pahunch riverbanks, it is popular as the City of Rani Lakshmibai.…

One Day Junagadh Sightseeing Trip by Cab

The historic city of Junagadh is a well-known tourist and pilgrimage destination in India. It was formerly home to the Nawabs of Junagadh. The name Junagadh, which is located on…

One Day Dwarka Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Located on the Gomti River at the mouth of the Gulf of Kutch facing the Arabian Sea, Dwarka is an ancient city in the western state of Gujarat. Legend has…

One Day Jamnagar Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Fondly called the ‘Jewel of Kathiawar’, Jamnagar has shaped and nurtured the massive Gujarati culture. Earlier called Nawanagar, it was established on the Nagmatti and Ragmatti riverbanks, by Shri Ram…

One Day Ujjain Jyotirlinga Sightseeing Trip by Cab

In Madhya Pradesh’s Malwa area, on the eastern bank of the Shipra River, sits the ancient city of Ujjain. It is regarded as one of the holiest places in all…

One Day Ooty Sightseeing Trip with Avalanche Lake by Cab

Ooty, also known as Udagamandalam, is a hill station in Tamil Nadu and a popular tourist destination in South India. Booking a personal cab for your one day Ooty sightseeing…

One Day Ooty Sightseeing Trip with Pykara & Mudumalai by Cab

Ooty, renowned as the ‘Queen of Hills’ is nestled in the Nilgiri Hills in Tamil Nadu. It has bountiful natural beauty along with myriad thrilling adventures to impress every traveler.…

One Day Lucknow to Ayodhya Trip by Cab

Ayodhya is a holy city famous for its rich cultural and religious heritage. It is situated on the banks of the Sarayu River and is the birthplace of Lord Ram.…

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One Day Trips near Mumbai

One Day Mumbai to Matheran Trip by Cab

A scenic journey from Mumbai to Matheran in the comfort of a private cab. Witness breathtaking views, lush greenery, and charming hill station vibes. Explore Matheran’s serene landscapes, trek to…

One Day Mumbai to Shirdi and Shani Shignapur Trip by Cab

Shirdi is a holy location and the birthplace of Saint Sai Baba, located near Nasik. The region has several temples like the revered Shani Shingnapur in addition to the well-known…

One Day Mumbai to Igatpuri Trip by Cab

Escape Mumbai with a One Day Trip to Igatpuri by private car. Discover serene landscapes, ancient caves, and breathtaking viewpoints. Enjoy a hassle-free journey with door-to-door pick-up and drop-off, and…

One Day Mumbai to Bhimashankar Trip by Cab

Discover the natural beauty and spiritual charm of Bhimashankar on this One Day Trip from Mumbai. Travel in comfort by private car and explore the ancient Bhimashankar Temple, trek through…

One Day Mumbai to Raigad Fort Trip by Cab

Experience the allure of history on our One Day Mumbai to Raigad Trip by Car. Journey back in time to the majestic Raigad Fort, once the capital of the Maratha…

One Day Mumbai to Lonavala & Khandala Trip by Cab

Escape Mumbai for a day of tranquility in Lonavala & Khandala. Let the lush greenery and cascading waterfalls enchant you on this picturesque journey. With our comfortable cab service, relax…

One Day Mumbai to Pune Trip by Cab

Discover the essence of Pune in a single day with our One Day Pune Sightseeing Tour from Mumbai, where every moment is a bridge between the past and the present.…

One Day Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar Trip by Cab

Craving a hill station escape? Take a One Day Mumbai to Mahabaleshwar tour by car! Breathe in fresh mountain air, visit iconic points like Arthur’s Seat, and soak in panoramic…

One Day Mumbai to Malshej Ghat Trip by Cab

Malshej Ghat is a quiet, peaceful ,and beautiful tourist attraction nestled in the Western Ghats. You can visit the hill station on a one day Mumbai to Malshej Ghat sightseeing…

One Day Mumbai to Khandala Trip by Cab

The lovely hill town of Khandala is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Maharashtra. Located along the lush green landscape of the Western Ghats, it is a great…

One Day Mumbai to Shirdi Trip by Cab

Discover the spiritual charm of Shirdi on a one-day trip from Mumbai by private car. With convenient pick-up and drop-off at your doorstep, explore the sacred sites of Sai Baba’s…

One Day Mumbai to Alibaug Trip by Cab

Alibaug is fondly referred to as ‘Mini Goa’ by vacationers and tourists. It is a coastal town in the Raigad district of Maharashtra. Situated along the Western Coast of India,…

One Day Mumbai to Lavasa Trip by Cab

Craving for a break from your monotonous life, you can consider a one day trip to Lavasa. It is renowned as India’s first planned hill city, located in Maharashtra. It…

One Day Mumbai to Lonavala Trip by Cab

Spending hours looking at the ocean, cold breeze touching your skin, and suddenly there is quick shower of rainfall. You walk a mile and then order yourself a cutting chai…

One Day Mumbai Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Aamchi Mumbai is undoubtedly one of the best cities to visit in India. The city of dreams has attracted tourists from time immemorial and trust us, it only gets better…

One Day Pune to Dehu Alandi Darshan Trip by Cab

Join the enthralling experience of the Pune to Dehu-Alandi Darshan Tour, a journey that blends spirituality, history, and scenic beauty in a single day. This private tour is perfect for…

One Day Pune to Bhimashankar Trip by Cab

Join us on a captivating journey from Pune to Bhimashankar, an experience that promises not just a tour, but a treasure trove of memories. This one-day tour by cab, crafted…

One Day Pune to Aurangabad Trip by Cab

Discover the historical marvel of Aurangabad on a captivating one-day journey from the vibrant city of Pune! From the comfort of a luxury vehicle, with your personal driver-cum-guide, you’ll traverse…

One Day Pune to Nashik Trip by Cab

Nashik is fondly referred to as Mini Maharashtra and Wine Capital of India. The holy city is known for its rich spiritual culture and historical significance. According to legend, Lord…

One Day Pune to Lohagad Fort Trip by Cab

Lohagad Fort was an important part of the kingdom of the Maratha ruler, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. It is located about 50 kilometers from Pune, located near Lonavala, atop a stunning…

One Day Pune to Mumbai Trip by Cab

Mumbai, known as the land of dreams, is one of India’s largest and busiest cities. It lies on the Konkan coast, towards the west of India. The city is home…

One Day Pune to Kolhapur Trip by Cab

Kolhapur in Maharashtra has a rich history and was once ruled by the great Maratha king Shivaji Maharaj. The city is well known for its traditional art, culture, and food,…

One Day Pune to Khandala & Lonavala Trip by Cab

Khandala & Lonavala are two of the most picturesque hill stations in India. Blessed with natural beauty, they are perfect for a one day trip from Pune. Located at a…

One Day Pune to Lavasa Trip by Cab

Lavasa is India’s 1st planned city offering a host of vibrant activities and scenic beauty. Stylistically based on the Italian town of Portofino, it boasts mind-blowing infrastructure. It offers unique…

One Day Pune to Matheran Trip by Cab

Matheran is a charming tiny hill station in the Western Ghats, nestled among the Sahyadri range, at an elevation of 2600 feet above sea level. The beauty of the hill…

One Day Pune Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Pune is a Maharashtrian city that flawlessly combines history and modernity with the allure of colonial times in its architecture. The city is well-deserving of the title-Maharashtra’s cultural capital. Ideal…

One Day Pune to Alibaug Trip by Cab

Imagine a town with serene beaches, low key atmosphere, picturesque backdrops, a sea fort, a plethora of water adventure activities and away from the maddening crowd of any commercialised holiday…

One Day Pune to Shirdi & Shani Shingnapur Trip by Cab

Shirdi which is immensely popular for being the home of Sai Baba, a renowned spiritual philosopher, a fakir and a Satguru. He has millions of followers from various parts of…

One Day Pune to Mahabaleshwar Trip by Cab

Known as the twin city of Bombay, Pune, is away from the maddening metropolitan city life yet has the kind of charm that would make you not leave the city.…

One Day Pune to Shirdi Trip by Cab

Known as the land of Shri Sai Baba, Shirdi is visited by approximately twenty-five thousand visitors every day and the number goes up to a hundred thousand visitors during the…

One Day Pune to Lonavala Trip by Cab

One of the most scenic routes of Maharashtra and also the most famous road trip that tourists often plan is the Pune to Lonavala Trip. Lonavala is a Sanskrit word,…

One Day Trips near Delhi

One Day Delhi to Agra Trip by Cab

Head out on an unforgettable journey from the heart of India’s capital, Delhi, to the historic splendor of Agra in a luxurious one-day trip by car. This private tour is…

One Day Delhi to Mathura & Vrindavan Trip by Cab

Join us on an enchanting one-day trip from Delhi to the spiritual sanctuaries of Mathura and Vrindavan by car. This private tour, tailored for those yearning to explore beyond the…

One Day Delhi to Alwar Trip by Cab

Often overshadowed by other popular cities of Rajasthan like Jaipur and Jaisalmer, is the city of Alwar, which is mesmerising, offbeat, and makes for a perfect day tour. This city…

Delhi Darshan by Car

Welcome to the mesmerizing experience of Delhi Darshan by car – your gateway to explore the vibrant heart of India in a single day! Immerse yourself in a journey that…

One Day Delhi to Haridwar Trip by Cab

The ancient city of Haridwar is one of the seven most sacred cities of India. Its proximity to the capital city, Delhi makes it easily accessible. The one-day Haridwar tour…

One Day Delhi to Rishikesh Trip by Cab

Rishikesh is one of the nearest weekend getaways from the capital city of Delhi. Rishikesh drives you away from the hustle-bustle and brings you close to nature, adventure and helps…

One Day Delhi to Haridwar & Rishikesh Trip by Cab

Nestled in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand are the two most spiritual cities of India, Haridwar and Rishikesh. They are famous for its ancient temples, ashrams, the holy water of…

One Day Delhi Sightseeing Trip by Cab

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of India’s capital with our One Day Delhi Local Sightseeing Tour. This private tour promises an immersive experience in the rich tapestry…

One Day Delhi to Jaipur Trip by Cab

The ‘Pink City’ of India, Jaipur is a land of extravagance that owes its beauty to the unparalleled architectural marvels of local palaces and mahals. With our one day Delhi…

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What is a one day trip.

A one day trip is a mini vacation, a shot of adventure squeezed delightfully into 24 hours. That could be traveling after work to your hotel and spending the evening at the theater or on a boat cruise then filling the next day with some urban exploring. Maybe you like to travel in the morning, fill your day with adventures, then relax in your hotel and head home the next morning. Explore our library of one day getaway ideas to get your imagination going and design your dream one day trip around your schedule.

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Pull on your walking boots, rent a bike, or take to the water on a wonderful outdoors adventure then stay in a luxury cabin for the ultimate detox reset. You might prefer to load up on culture by exploring museums before sipping classy cocktails in a chic hotel bar on a one-day city break. At Expedia, we help you discover new places for your one day getaway and find the right flights, accommodation, and car rental to get you there easily.

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One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

Welcome to One Day in a City!

Short on time? You can still have an amazing, memorable vacation filled with top sites, good eats, and local culture. We’re here to help with the best 24-hour itineraries for destinations all around the world.

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Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

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Plan, Ready, Go®

1 Day in NYC: Must-do’s for First-timers + Interactive Map

Only have one day in New York ? Maximize your visit with my itinerary created especially for NYC first-time visitors . I have visited New York City several times. During my last two trips, I was accompanied by people visiting for the first time.

I recommend spending at least four days in NYC . However, even one day can give you a taste of this top travel destination.

Key Things to Know: Top things to do in NYC for a day

• Essential Stops: Don’t miss the Statue of Liberty, the 9/11 Memorial, or Central Park for a mix of history and iconic landmarks.
• Transportation Tip: Maximize your time by using the subway for faster travel between Manhattan’s attractions.
• Customization: This itinerary is completely customizable to your particular interests and the exact amount of time you have in New York City.

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.  See disclaimer.

One day in New York itinerary 

9/11 memorial (and museum).

9/11 Memorial | Closest subway stops: WTC–Cortland St (1) and Cortland Street (R, W)  

Start your day by spending your morning in Lower Manhattan. 

In my opinion, your one-day in NYC itinerary should absolutely include the 9/11 Memorial. It’s one of my favorite free things to do in New York City .   

The terrorist attack on Sept. 11, 2001, which destroyed the Twin Towers, forever changed the city and the United States. In fact, it’s one of the most moving and beautiful memorials that I have ever had the privilege of seeing.

The 9/11 Memorial typically is open to the public all day every day. 

Optional: The 9/11 Memorial Museum is at the same location. Though I haven’t had the privilege of seeing it, I’ve heard great things. There is a charge for admission to the museum.

Statue of Liberty 

Ferry from Manhattan departs from Battery Park | Subway stops: South Ferry Station (1), Whitehall Street (R), Bowling Green (4, 5)  

Your one-day New York City itinerary must include the Statue of Liberty, my absolute favorite place in the city

Buy your tickets ahead of time onlin e, especially if you want to climb up to the crown. When available, those tickets can sell out weeks or even months in advance.    

Even if you don’t want to go up onto the pedestal or the crown of the Statue of Liberty, you can purchase a ticket to enjoy the cruise over to Liberty Island (with great views of both Lady Liberty and Lower Manhattan). You can visit the new museum and walk around the monument’s exterior.

 If you only have a day in New York I recommend skipping a visit to Ellis Island even though it’s included in your ticket. 

More things to do on a day trip to New York City

• Explore NYC with a sightseeing helicopter tour over Manhattan .
• Pay a visit to the top of One World Observatory with this skip-the-line ticket .
• If you’re staying the night in New York, consider this sunset cruise in New York Harbor.

PRO TIP: If you have flexible travel dates you need to check out Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights). You get amazing flight deals sent straight to your inbox with instructions on how to book directly with the airlines. Check out Going here. Going is my favorite way to find great travel deals. 

Lunch options: where to eat 

By the time you finish your visit to the Statue of Liberty, you’ll likely be ready for a bite to eat. The Crown Café offers a wide variety of burgers, salads, and sandwiches. Their menu includes vegetarian options as well as several items that can be made gluten-free upon request. 

Battery Park (where you’ll disembark from your cruise to Liberty Island) is a great picnic spot. You can grab a cheap lunch from a food truck or assemble a picnic from a nearby market.

If a restaurant is more what you’re looking for, wander into the Financial District where you’ll find a variety of popular eateries for all budgets. 

Empire State Building 

20 West 34 Street | Subway stop: 34 St–Herald Square (B, D, F, M, N, Q, R, W), 33 St (M)  

Many believe that visiting the Empire State Building is a must on their trip to New York City.

I will admit right now that in all my NYC trips, I’ve only ever admired this iconic structure from the ground.  I do not like heights, nor do I generally pay money to stand atop them. But you who are not afraid of heights can go as high as the 102nd floor. The main observation deck is on the 86th floor.   

Time-saving tip: Upgrade your Empire State Building ticket to get skip-the-line access.

As an alternative, save the Empire State Building for after dinner, or even enjoy dinner at the State Grill and Bar.  

Times Square 

Subway stop: Times Square–42 Street (N, Q, R, S, W, 1, 2, 3, 7)   

You’ve seen it in movies and TV shows. Of all the places to visit in New York City, it’s hard to think of anything else that’s more New York than Times Square. Soak it in, take a few photos, and wander through so you can say you’ve been there (it’s great at night also). Maybe even buy a cheap souvenir T-shirt or stop in at M&M’s World.  

Times Square is just a 15-minute walk from the Empire State Building.  

Rockefeller Center 

Between 49th and 51st Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues | Subway stop: 47-50 Streets Rockefeller Center (B, D, F, M), 49 Street (N, R, W)  

A 10-minute walk from Times Square will take you to Rockefeller Center. It’s a New York City landmark that includes 30 Rockefeller Plaza (NBC Studios), Radio City Music Hall, and more.

In addition to some great shopping and dining, you can take a guided tour of Rockefeller Center, go to the Top of the Rock Observation Deck , skate at the Rink, and more.     

If you’re feeling snackish, I recommend stopping at Magnolia Bakery for something yummy.  

Grab your Top of the Rock ticket here.

Central Park 

From North 110th Street to Central Park South (59th Street), and from Central Park West (8th Avenue) to 5th Ave | Subway stops: There are several subway stops around the perimeter of the park including 5th Ave/59 Street (N, R, W), 59 Street/Columbus Circle (A, B, C, D, 1), Central Park North (2, 3), and 6 stops on the west side of the park.  

Central Park is so quintessentially New York that you absolutely need to make time in your itinerary to see it even if only spending one day in New York.

Now, keep in mind that this park is huge. I mean it. Central Park covers 1.3 square miles (840 acres) of Manhattan. You could easily spend an entire day just exploring this place.  

To start I’d suggest looking at a map of the park and choosing a few things there you want to see. This might be the Central Park Zoo, the Alice in Wonderland Statue, Belvedere Castle, or the Conservatory Water (where you can rent a model boat to sail on the pond).   

The southeast corner of Central Park is just a 15-minute walk from Rockefeller Center. If you want to walk all the way to the Conservatory Water and the Alice in Wonderland Statue, expect a walk of closer to 30 minutes.

Time-saving Tip: Instead of walking to Central Park from Rockefeller Center, jump in a NYC cab.

Interactive map for your one day in New York City itinerary

Click on the yellow pins on the map below to see more information about each stop on your itinerary.

To see this map in your Google account just tap on the little star next to the map name.

Ways to modify this itinerary

With only one day in NYC, there are an incredible number of ways you could spend your time. Here are a few ways you could modify this one-day itinerary to fit your particular interests. It’s important that you get to see the things you want.

• Take the subway to Brooklyn then walk across the Brooklyn Bridge, enjoying your view of the Manhattan skyline.
• Enjoy a tour of either or both of two of the premier art museums in the world, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and/or the Museum of Modern Art.
• Explore Greenwich Village, Soho, and other iconic neighborhoods.
• End your day with a Broadway show.

Short half-day itinerary for NYC

Even if you don’t have a full day or 24 hours to spend in New York City, you can still see a few of the major highlights. Here are a few options:

• Focus on one area such as Lower Manhattan, grabbing a view of Brooklyn Bridge, followed by the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, and the 9/11 Memorial & Museum.
• Explore the Empire State Building, Times Square, and Rockefeller Center, and then stroll up to Central Park for some more exploring.
• Get the best of New York’s top art museums at The Met, the Museum of Modern Art, and the Guggenheim.

New York 1-day tours

Want to see the best of New York in a day, but rather leave the planning to someone else? Leave the planning to an expert tour guide.

• Pack the very best of NYC into one day with this highly rate expert guided tour . See New York’s major landmarks in only 6 hours.
• Go beyond Manhattan’s major tourist sites with this tour of Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Harlem, and Coney Island .

Where to stay in New York City

If you’re thinking about spending more than a day in New York, you might be overwhelmed by the many hotel options.

Here are my recommendations for where to stay in New York City: 

• Hyatt Place Midtown South (52 West 36th Street): We loved staying at this hotel. It’s just two blocks from the Empire State Building and just around the corner from the 34th Street – Herald Square subway stop. Book Now  
• For a more boutique-style accommodation try Archer Hotel New York (45 West 38th Street). Book Now

How to get around New York City

I say this so often, but I will continue to say it over and over: use your feet and the subway.

I’m serious about the subway. You’ll get where you want to go cheaper than Uber or taxis and of course much faster than walking especially when traveling from one area of Manhattan to another.  You can find subway maps on the MTA website .

Taxis are a fine option for getting around New York City especially if you are in a time crunch or are going someplace that just doesn’t have an easy subway route or a nearby stop.

Final thoughts on one day in New York

There are so many amazing things to do in NYC in a day of course that you can’t possibly see as much as you would like, BUT you can see the best of the best if you have 24 hours in the Big Apple.

From historical monuments to stunning views from the best observatories in the world, you almost can’t go wrong with how you spend your day here.

What do you think everyone should put on their 1-day NYC itinerary?

More articles about New York

• The essential overnight packing list
• Free things to do in NYC
• Must-do things in New York for first-timers
• The top day trips from NYC
• Scenic drives in New York state

Pin this post!  

Darcy Vierow is a busy professional and travel planning expert with years of experience maximizing travel with limited time and on a less-than-average salary. Her tips have been published by Forbes, MSN.com, Yahoo! News, Yahoo! Finance, Aol, Newsbreak and GOBankingRates. Read more about Darcy Vierow .

Can’t wait great job

Great article, Darcy! You have prepared an amazing one-day itinerary for people vising NYC along with some great tips to commute within the city. Subways are indeed the best way to get around the whole city. However, if the time permits, why not go sailing as well? After seeing the city on foot all day, one can relax on a sailboat and enjoy the skyline. Several companies offer rental for 2-3 hours including sunset cruises overlooking Manhattan. Book beforehand to get the best deals.

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• Flight Dallas - Chicago (DFW - ORD) $46+
• Flight Atlanta - Chicago (ATL - MDW) $47+
• Flight Boston - Chicago (BOS - ORD) $61+
• Flight Orlando - Chicago (MCO - ORD) $61+
• Flight Houston - Chicago (HOU - ORD) $62+

Denver Flights

• Flight Minneapolis - Denver (MSP - DEN) $38+
• Flight Ontario - Denver (ONT - DEN) $63+
• Flight Atlanta - Denver (ATL - DEN) $70+
• Flight Houston - Denver (HOU - DEN) $84+
• Flight Houston - Denver (IAH - DEN) $84+
• Flight Phoenix - Denver (PHX - DEN) $84+
• Flight Chicago - Denver (ORD - DEN) $85+

Washington, D.C. Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Baltimore (ATL - BWI) $32+
• Flight Boston - Baltimore (BOS - BWI) $40+
• Flight Chicago - Baltimore (ORD - BWI) $70+
• Flight Los Angeles - Baltimore (LAX - BWI) $76+
• Flight Dallas - Baltimore (DFW - BWI) $91+
• Flight Houston - Baltimore (HOU - BWI) $91+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - DCA) $133+
• Flight Boston - Washington, D.C. (BOS - IAD) $139+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - DCA) $154+
• Flight Houston - Washington, D.C. (HOU - DCA) $154+
• Flight Minneapolis - Washington, D.C. (MSP - DCA) $154+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - DCA) $156+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - DCA) $169+
• Flight Chicago - Washington, D.C. (ORD - IAD) $175+
• Flight Seattle - Baltimore (SEA - BWI) $195+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - DCA) $197+
• Flight Los Angeles - Washington, D.C. (LAX - IAD) $197+
• Flight Atlanta - Washington, D.C. (ATL - IAD) $209+
• Flight Dallas - Washington, D.C. (DFW - IAD) $216+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - DCA) $219+
• Flight San Francisco - Baltimore (SFO - BWI) $223+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - DCA) $226+
• Flight Seattle - Washington, D.C. (SEA - IAD) $269+
• Flight San Francisco - Washington, D.C. (SFO - IAD) $288+

Atlanta Flights

• Flight Miami - Atlanta (MIA - ATL) $33+
• Flight Orlando - Atlanta (MCO - ATL) $33+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Atlanta (FLL - ATL) $35+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (MDW - ATL) $37+
• Flight Chicago - Atlanta (ORD - ATL) $39+
• Flight Detroit - Atlanta (DTW - ATL) $39+
• Flight Philadelphia - Atlanta (PHL - ATL) $39+

United States Flights

• Flight Newark - Fort Lauderdale (EWR - FLL) $40+
• Flight Newark - Miami (EWR - MIA) $40+
• Flight New York - Fort Lauderdale (LGA - FLL) $52+
• Flight Newark - Orlando (EWR - MCO) $52+
• Flight Chicago - New York (ORD - LGA) $55+
• Flight New York - Miami (LGA - MIA) $57+

Hawaii Flights

• Flight San Diego - Hawaii (SAN - USHI) $255+
• Flight San Francisco - Hawaii (SFO - USHI) $257+
• Flight Los Angeles - Hawaii (LAX - USHI) $258+
• Flight Ontario - Hawaii (ONT - USHI) $267+
• Flight San Jose - Hawaii (SJC - USHI) $277+
• Flight Seattle - Hawaii (SEA - USHI) $337+
• Flight Sacramento - Hawaii (SMF - USHI) $341+

Tampa Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Tampa (ATL - TPA) $38+
• Flight Raleigh - Tampa (RDU - TPA) $42+
• Flight Chicago - Tampa (ORD - TPA) $44+
• Flight Baltimore - Tampa (BWI - TPA) $46+
• Flight Chicago - Tampa (MDW - TPA) $49+
• Flight Atlantic City - Tampa (ACY - TPA) $53+
• Flight Dallas - Tampa (DFW - TPA) $54+

Houston Flights

• Flight Dallas - Houston (DFW - IAH) $38+
• Flight Atlanta - Houston (ATL - IAH) $40+
• Flight Orlando - Houston (MCO - IAH) $43+
• Flight Philadelphia - Houston (PHL - IAH) $46+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Houston (FLL - IAH) $50+
• Flight Miami - Houston (MIA - IAH) $50+
• Flight Chicago - Houston (ORD - IAH) $57+

Las Vegas Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Las Vegas (LAX - LAS) $27+
• Flight Burbank - Las Vegas (BUR - LAS) $31+
• Flight San Francisco - Las Vegas (SFO - LAS) $38+
• Flight Dallas - Las Vegas (DFW - LAS) $40+
• Flight Oakland - Las Vegas (OAK - LAS) $40+
• Flight Santa Ana - Las Vegas (SNA - LAS) $40+
• Flight Minneapolis - Las Vegas (MSP - LAS) $48+
• Flight Seattle - Las Vegas (SEA - LAS) $52+
• Flight Denver - Las Vegas (DEN - LAS) $58+
• Flight Charlotte - Las Vegas (CLT - LAS) $78+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (HOU - LAS) $79+
• Flight Houston - Las Vegas (IAH - LAS) $79+
• Flight Chicago - Las Vegas (ORD - LAS) $83+
• Flight Detroit - Las Vegas (DTW - LAS) $84+

Miami Flights

• Flight Atlanta - Miami (ATL - MIA) $37+
• Flight Dallas - Miami (DFW - MIA) $38+
• Flight Baltimore - Miami (BWI - MIA) $40+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (ORD - MIA) $40+
• Flight Philadelphia - Miami (PHL - MIA) $40+
• Flight Charlotte - Miami (CLT - MIA) $48+
• Flight Chicago - Miami (MDW - MIA) $48+
• Flight Houston - Miami (HOU - MIA) $50+
• Flight Houston - Miami (IAH - MIA) $50+
• Flight Boston - Miami (BOS - MIA) $66+
• Flight Raleigh - Miami (RDU - MIA) $66+
• Flight Las Vegas - Miami (LAS - MIA) $70+
• Flight Minneapolis - Miami (MSP - MIA) $74+
• Flight Detroit - Miami (DTW - MIA) $76+
• Flight Los Angeles - Miami (LAX - MIA) $111+
• Flight New York - Miami (JFK - MIA) $117+
• Flight Denver - Miami (DEN - MIA) $139+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (DCA - MIA) $159+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Miami (IAD - MIA) $169+
• Flight Ontario - Miami (ONT - MIA) $179+

San Francisco Flights

• Flight Ontario - San Francisco (ONT - SFO) $38+
• Flight San Diego - San Francisco (SAN - SFO) $48+
• Flight Los Angeles - San Francisco (LAX - SFO) $51+
• Flight Phoenix - San Francisco (PHX - SFO) $68+
• Flight Santa Ana - San Francisco (SNA - SFO) $86+
• Flight Dallas - San Francisco (DFW - SFO) $110+
• Flight Denver - San Francisco (DEN - SFO) $113+
• Flight Minneapolis - San Francisco (MSP - SFO) $136+
• Flight Atlanta - San Francisco (ATL - SFO) $144+
• Flight Seattle - San Francisco (SEA - SFO) $144+
• Flight Chicago - San Francisco (ORD - SFO) $175+
• Flight Orlando - San Francisco (MCO - SFO) $176+
• Flight Miami - San Francisco (MIA - SFO) $189+
• Flight Baltimore - San Francisco (BWI - SFO) $191+

Seattle Flights

• Flight Ontario - Seattle (ONT - SEA) $67+
• Flight Phoenix - Seattle (PHX - SEA) $75+
• Flight Los Angeles - Seattle (LAX - SEA) $78+
• Flight Denver - Seattle (DEN - SEA) $83+
• Flight San Diego - Seattle (SAN - SEA) $85+
• Flight Santa Ana - Seattle (SNA - SEA) $98+
• Flight Burbank - Seattle (BUR - SEA) $100+

Paris Flights

• Flight Los Angeles - Paris (LAX - CDG) $297+
• Flight Baltimore - Paris (BWI - CDG) $299+
• Flight Washington, D.C. - Paris (IAD - CDG) $325+
• Flight Boston - Paris (BOS - CDG) $327+
• Flight New Windsor - Paris (SWF - CDG) $328+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - CDG) $358+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - ORY) $396+

Europe Flights

• Flight Newark - Barcelona (EWR - BCN) $349+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - CDG) $351+
• Flight New York - Paris (JFK - ORY) $392+
• Flight New York - Rome (JFK - FCO) $410+

Florida Flights

• Flight Philadelphia - Florida (PHL - USFL) $38+
• Flight Baltimore - Florida (BWI - USFL) $40+
• Flight Chicago - Florida (ORD - USFL) $40+
• Flight Newark - Florida (EWR - USFL) $40+
• Flight Dallas - Florida (DFW - USFL) $49+
• Flight New York - Florida (LGA - USFL) $52+
• Flight Boston - Florida (BOS - USFL) $55+

Dallas Flights

• Flight Phoenix - Dallas (PHX - DFW) $39+
• Flight Fort Lauderdale - Dallas (FLL - DFW) $40+
• Flight Houston - Dallas (HOU - DFW) $43+
• Flight Atlanta - Dallas (ATL - DFW) $46+
• Flight Chicago - Dallas (ORD - DFW) $46+
• Flight Houston - Dallas (IAH - DFW) $57+
• Flight Minneapolis - Dallas (MSP - DFW) $58+

San Diego Flights

• Flight Houston - San Diego (HOU - SAN) $40+
• Flight Houston - San Diego (IAH - SAN) $40+
• Flight San Jose - San Diego (SJC - SAN) $40+
• Flight Phoenix - San Diego (PHX - SAN) $48+
• Flight Sacramento - San Diego (SMF - SAN) $48+
• Flight San Francisco - San Diego (SFO - SAN) $48+
• Flight Oakland - San Diego (OAK - SAN) $53+

Frequently asked questions

What do i need to know before booking a flight.

There are various factors to consider when booking a flight including cost, fare classes, baggage policies, the complications of flying long haul, and complying with airport regulations. To make your booking journey smoother KAYAK has developed a comprehensive flight guide including insights on finding affordable flights, packing efficiently, and utilizing the best travel tools.

What is the cheapest day of the week to book a flight?

The best day to book your flight depends on a number of factors, but there are general trends that you can follow to increase your chances of cheaper plane tickets. Based on an analysis of KAYAK data for all flights departing from inside United States over the last 12 months, the cheapest day to fly for domestic flights is Wednesday. For international flights, Tuesday had the cheapest tickets on average.

Which month of the year are flight prices lowest?

It’s well established that flights in the low season are generally cheaper than ticket prices during the high season. That means that knowing which month to find the lowest priced plane tickets will depend heavily on seasonality and your destination. While avoiding peak travel times can help you keep costs down, our data shows that the month with the lowest priced plane tickets for domestic flights based on all searches made on KAYAK in the last 12 months was January, while the most expensive was March. If you’re booking an international flight, then January is the cheapest month to fly and June the most expensive.

When is the best time to buy plane tickets - Last minute or in advance?

Last minute flight deals are definitely up for grabs but when exactly to purchase your plane tickets will depend on where you’re traveling to and from. Based on all data for flight searches made on KAYAK over the last 12 months, prices for domestic flights remained below the average price up to 1 weeks before departure. For international flights, deals could still be had up to 1 weeks prior to the departure date, with prices remaining below average. If you’re flexible, KAYAK brings you both advance and last minute one-way and round-trip flight deals.

Can flying international flights with a layover save money on airfare?

For many long-haul international flights, flying non-stop is not possible and you will have to fly with a layover. Some routes will offer both and you could consider flying with a layover for a number of reasons. Firstly, breaking up what would otherwise be a long-haul flight, taking a rest and then completing the journey might make the flight more manageable. Secondly, prices can also be lower than non-stop flights, so while it might take longer for you to reach your destination, you could save money. We’ve looked at prices over the last 12 months for the 100 most popular international destinations for KAYAK users and on average, prices for non-stop flights were cheaper than flights with a layover.

How does KAYAK find such low flight prices?

KAYAK processes over 2 billion flight queries annually and displays results from hundreds of airlines and third party sites, allowing it to find a variety of flight prices and options. It also displays results from 2M+ properties along with rental cars, vacation packages, activities and millions of verified reviews so users can see as many available travel options as possible.

How do I find the best flight deals on KAYAK?

A simple flight search at https://www.kayak.com/flights scans for prices on hundreds of travel sites in seconds. We gather flight deals from across the web and put them in one place. Then on the search results page you can use various filters to compare options for the same flight and easily choose the best flight deal from all of the deals coming straight from the travel sites to your screen, with no extra fee from KAYAK.

How can Hacker Fares save me money?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets on different airlines when it can save you money over a traditional round-trip ticket.

Does KAYAK query more flight providers than competitors?

Yes, KAYAK has access to more data and information than online travel agencies and consistently outperforms the competition in accuracy, globally.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy?

KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a given destination and date is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you flights up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. That way, you can see if leaving a day or two earlier will find you a better deal. You can also select the flexible "weekend" or "month" search options to widen your search range and find the cheapest price that works for you.

Search cheap flights with KAYAK. Search for the cheapest airline tickets for all the top airlines around the world and the top international flight routes . KAYAK searches hundreds of travel sites to help you find cheap airfare and book a flight that suits you best. Since KAYAK searches many plane ticket sites at once, you can find cheap tickets from cheap airlines and for trains and buses quickly.

KAYAK also helps you find the right hotels for your needs.

How to spend a perfect weekend in Moscow

Feb 11, 2020 • 5 min read

Moscow enjoyed the status of capital for most of Russia’s history, except for a relatively brief period (about two hundred years), when the Tsar and the government relocated to St Petersburg . But the Bolsheviks moved the capital back to Moscow in 1918, and today it’s an extremely diverse city. It can easily take a couple of weeks to see all of its sights, but if you've only got a weekend to explore, here's how to have two perfect days in Moscow.

Start your weekend in Moscow by acquainting yourself with top-notch Russian cuisine at Grand Cafe Dr Zhivago . Located on the first floor of the historical hotel National and overlooking the Kremlin, it’s definitely one of the best breakfast spots in the city. Try millet porridge with crawfish, pearl barley porridge with oxtail or traditional cottage cheese with raisins and candied fruit.

Set aside at least half a day for Russian capital’s major attractions: the Red Square and the Kremlin . To reach the Kremlin, cross the street from Dr Zhivago and walk through the Alexander Garden to the main entrance at the Kutafya Tower . Check out all the cathedrals, including Archangel cathedral with all the tsars’ tombs and Uspensky cathedral with medieval icons. Pause to look at the famous Tsar Bell and climb Ivan the Great Bell Tower to enjoy some great views.

Exit and walk to the Red Square through the Alexander Garden, where, if lucky, you can see the change of guard. If you’re feeling hungry, stop by the food court at Okhotny Ryad shopping complex to pick up a snack.

The Red square is dominated by four buildings of equal historical importance: the Kremlin's most famous Spasskaya (Saviour) Tower , with a clock and fourteen bells that chime national anthem four times a day (6am, noon, 6pm, midnight), St Basil's Cathedral , Moscow's best-known symbol with its multi-colored domes, Lenin’s Mausoleum , the resting place of the leader of the 1917 October revolution, and GUM , Moscow's oldest department store, topped with a glass roof, designed by one of Russia's most celebrated architects, Vladimir Shukhov. 

A guide to shopping in Moscow

Right behind the St Basil’s it is the relatively new Zaryadye Park , designed by Diller Scofidio + Renfro, famous for its work on the High Line in New York City. Zaryadye showcases flora from all the climate zones of Russia, which is the largest country in the world. The floating bridge at the edge of the park is one of the biggest selfie magnets in Moscow, providing spectacular views of the river and the city skyline as the background. 

Another Zaryadye attraction is a glass pavilion that hosts restaurant Voskhod  (Sunrise) – a perfect spot for your lunch or early dinner. Voskhod focuses on dishes from all fifteen former Soviet Union republics and its inside looks like a Soviet-made spaceship with great views of the Moscow river. Try Azeri home-made pasta or trout from Lake Sevan in Armenia.

After all that walking and exploring you need some quality downtime and what better way to spend it than relaxing for a couple of hours at the famous Sanduny  traditional Russian hot bath. Make sure to get a massage with birch sticks!

You might still have time to go to Winzavod Center – a creative cluster with galleries housed at a former wine factory. Galleries like XL , pop/off/art and Ovcharenko always have something on, most likely a cutting-edge Russian contemporary art exhibition. Finish the evening hanging out at one of the best Moscow bars – try socialites’ paradise Noor Electro , co-joined with one of Moscow’s avant-garde theatres or Powerhouse Moscow , located in a 19th-century mansion, which is famous for live indie and jazz band performances. Both serve great food, too. 

Power up for a busy day ahead at one of Moscow’s trendiest coffee/breakfast spots,   Nude . Located in the upscale, well-heeled neighborhood of Patriarch’s Ponds, Nude offers a wide range of breakfast dishes, including scrambled eggs, toast, porridge and banana bread. Book ahead as it might be busy on a weekend morning.

After checking out the Patriarch's Ponds, which features prominently in Mikhail Bulgakov’s perennial novel The Master and Margarita , devote the rest of the morning and early afternoon to exploring Moscow’s best museums. Depending on your tastes, pick one of the following: Tretyakov Gallery for traditional Russian art, from medieval icons to the early 20th century;  New Tretyakov for 20th century and contemporary art as well as great temporary exhibitions;  Pushkin Museum for one of the greatest collections of Impressionist and post-Impressionist art in the world; and the Garage Museum for some eye-opening modern-art exhibitions. 

Whichever museum or gallery you choose, be sure to go to LavkaLavka for lunch, certainly one of the best places to try new Russian cuisine, which is a contemporary reading of centuries-old recipes. It’s one of the few places to try polugar , which is, allegedly, what Russians called vodka in the 19th century. 

When you talk about Russian culture, literary giants usually pop into mind: the likes of Leo Tolstoy, Fyodor Dostoevsky and Anton Chekhov. There are plenty of literary museums in Moscow, but if you had to pick one, visit Tolstoy Estate Museum , located just opposite the headquarters of Yandex, the Russian equivalent of Google. Every little detail has been restored just the way it looked when Tolstoy lived here in the 1880s–90s. 

Leave some time for exploring the Moscow Metro : every station is an architectural masterpiece in its own right. Our favorites include Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya and Kievskaya. Later, unwind at one of dozens of Moscow’s craft beer places . Try  Jawsspot , named after one of the leading breweries in Russia, Jaws from the Urals region, which also serves decent pizza and salads.  

You might also like:

Why food markets in Moscow are having a moment    Russia for first-timers: dos and don’ts    Russia's best drinks and where to try them   

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One Day in New York: Itinerary for NYC Top Sights (+ Map & Local’s Tips)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: October 4, 2023

Visiting New York City for a day and wondering how to make the most of your time and see some of the main landmarks? In this guide, we share a detailed 1-day NYC itinerary that covers some of the ‘musts’ in the most efficient way.

Good to know: This one-day New York itinerary is best suited for first-time visitors and everyone who wants to see the top sights and the best places that the Big Apple is famous for in just a day.

Of course, you can’t see all the best places in NYC in a day (so you’ll definitely want to come back for a longer visit). But – if you plan well – you can visit a few of the most famous sights in New York in one day.

This itinerary includes the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, Central Park, the Financial District, Ground Zero, and some of the best views in the city. You can soak up the unique atmosphere through various parts of Manhattan, and maybe even catch a Broadway show or mingle with locals at a rooftop bar…

Though one day in New York City is not a lot of time, with proper planning, you can accomplish quite a bit. To help you do that, we asked for recommendations from NYC-loca l, fellow travel writer Sean Lau of LivingOutLau . He grew up and lived in New York for over 15 years and in this guide, he shows you how to maximize your 24 hours in NYC and experience as much as you can.

Top Experiences in NYC:

• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island .
• 9/11 Memorial & Museum .
• Top of The Rock .
• SUMMIT ONE Vanderbilt .

This itinerary is packed with some of the best spots that you can see in New York in a day. It will help you plan every activity from sunrise to midnight to make sure you don’t miss anything important. 

In addition, we include a map indicating all the places mentioned in this guide and planning tips to make the most out of your day.

You can also find some practical tips for visiting NYC because we all know how intimidating it can be to visit such a big and bustling city, even more so if it’s your first trip. You can find all this info and the map at the bottom of the article, together with a short overview of the detailed itinerary that we start with.

But first – our suggestions for the best places we recommend visiting in the Big Apple in a day!

What to do in New York in one day:

Brooklyn Bridge

There is no bridge in NYC more iconic than the Brooklyn Bridge , a hybrid cable-stayed/suspension bridge that spans the East River and connects Brooklyn with Lower Manhattan. And what is more fitting for the so-called “City That Never Sleeps” than to visit this iconic landmark at sunrise?

There is a good reason for this. Brooklyn Bridge during the day can be one of the most crowded places in NYC. The bridge is shared by pedestrians and cyclists, so it is always filled with people.

Visiting early in the morning, you can appreciate this beautiful Instagram location in NYC at its fullest potential. You don’t absolutely have to arrive as soon as the sun rises (this might be easier in winter than in summer), but starting sightseeing as early as possible is also the best way to ensure that you make the most of your day in New York. So try to get here as early as you can.

TIP: We recommend getting on the bridge from the Manhattan side and walking about halfway before turning back. Walking back towards the city center, you can get some stunning views of the Manhattan skyline from here.

Financial District – Wall Street

The Financial District is situated in Lowest Manhattan, making it the perfect place to visit in NYC after Brooklyn Bridge. This area is sometimes referred to as FiDi, and is home to some of New York’s most famous attractions such as Wall Street and Ground Zero.

Start your visit with Wall Street , the heart of the financial district in NYC. Visitors will find historical buildings such as the NYSE (New York Stock Exchange) and Federal Hall (where George Washington became the country’s first president). 

The symbol of Wall Street is the Charging Bull , a 3-ton bronze bull that represents the prosperity of NYC. Rubbing its testicles is said to bring good luck! And if you visit early in the morning, you won’t have to wait in queue just to rub them.

TIP: The Financial District is also an excellent place to grab some breakfast . We recommend trying something local, such as a smoked salmon bagel or a bacon egg and cheese on a roll from a deli! 

Ground Zero – 9/11 Memorial

After seeing the Wall Street area, head towards Ground Zero , the site where the tragedy of 9/11 unfolded. After the Twin Towers were destroyed, there was nothing but debris and rubble at Ground Zero. But now the site has been rebuilt, and many of the most impressive structures of NYC reside there.

The most breathtaking site at Ground Zero is the 9/11 Memorial Pools . These reflective pools are built at the footprints of the twin towers and have an area of 1 acre. It is an impressive engineering feat and also the biggest manmade waterfall in the world.

You may also want to check out the 9/11 Memorial & Museum . For this, it’s essential to plan in advance and book the timed-entry tickets . This will usually save you at least an hour if not more. However, with just one day in NYC, even with skip-the-line tickets, you probably won’t have enough time to do this museum justice (most people recommend at least 1.5-2 hours inside). If you decide to visit inside, get the 10 am tickets and adjust the rest of the itinerary accordingly and based on your interests.

Next, head over to the Oculus at the World Trade Center . This is arguably the most uniquely-shaped building in NYC and one of the most expensive and extravagant railway stations in the world. On the exterior, the Oculus is a steel building with wing-shaped tips sprawling towards the sky. It is designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, and the building resembles a hand releasing a dove.

The exterior of the Oculus is spectacular, but the interior is far from lackluster. The steel ribs create perfect symmetry. With the elegant white marble decor, it is one of the most beautiful places in NYC. The building houses various shops and you can just wander around a bit admiring its unique interior. It can get really busy here during the morning commute, but if you come at around 10 am, the biggest crowds will likely have passed.

The High Line

Next on this itinerary is the High Line , one of the most unique places to visit in NYC . The former freight rail line has become one of the best green spaces in the city. Spanning a total of 1.45-mile, this elevated structure runs from Gansevoort St. to 34th St. on Manhattan’s West Side.

The Highline’s unique feature is its ability to integrate with the urban spaces around it. It is rare that green space and a busy urban area can co-exist so harmoniously, and that is exactly what the High Line has done.

It’s difficult to describe this unique place and no pictures do it justice. The architecture , the art installations , the street art , the views of the city and Hudson River, and many other details make it one of my personal favorite places in the city. It’s a nice place to experience yet another facet of the Big Apple, and a great addition to your 1-day NYC itinerary.

Good to know: Walking the entire length of the High Line takes about 30-45 minutes. If you want to shorten it a bit, start around W 18th St on the High Line and finish on W 34th. Along the way, make sure you check out the view on W 23rd Street and the giant skyscrapers of Hudson Yards. The views on the High Line are spectacular.

Getting here: The distance from Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan to the start of the High Line on Gansevoort Street is about 2.2 miles and it would take you about 45-60 minutes to walk here. To maximize your time, we recommend getting an Uber or a taxi. A nice alternative is biking along the Hudson River Greenway. You can use one of the city bikes for that.

Lunch at Mercado Little Spain

At the end of the High Line, just next to the Vessel, there is a nice food court called Mercado Little Spain . It’s located on the street level of the mall at Hudson Yards.

Here, you’ll find bars, kiosks, and restaurants serving authentic Spanish and Portuguese dishes. You can see their website for the menu and other info.

This could be a nice place for a quick early lunch. The food court is open daily from 11 am, so it would be a good fit with this itinerary, before heading to your next activity which is about 20 minutes walk from here.

Alternatively, you can also have lunch after the Statue of Liberty Cruise or even later in the day – it depends on your preferences.

Statue of Liberty Cruise

The Statue of Liberty is one of the most iconic landmarks of North America , not just in NYC. It is a gift from France to commemorate the US and France’s alliance during the American Revolutionary War. 

It would be unthinkable to plan any trip to New York without seeing the Statue of Liberty. However…

The Statue of Liberty is situated on Liberty Island, and the only way to visit it is during a guided tour. As memorable as it is to set foot on Liberty Island and climb to the top of the Statue of Liberty, it’s not something we’d recommend with just one day in NYC.

Besides, when you are that close to the 93-meter-tall statue, you don’t really see much of it. That is why we recommend doing a Liberty of Statue cruise . That way, you get close enough to appreciate its craftsmanship, but far enough to take photos and still see its entirety. It’s also the best use of your limited time.

Good to know: Most Statue of Liberty tours recommend planning 4 – 6 hours for a visit. Unless you are prepared to skip half of the other places in this itinerary, you simply won’t have time to do it with 1 day in NYC. If, however, you absolutely want to visit the Statue of Liberty, check out this early-access tour , book the 8.45 am option, and you’ll likely be done by 1-2 pm.

TIP: There are countless ferry and cruise options when it comes to visiting the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. However, with just one day in New York and trying to maximize your time in the most efficient way, we recommend this 1.5-hour cruise that starts from Pier 83 .

Depending on the season, they usually have a departure at around noon, which will ‘split’ your day and let you rest your legs a bit. In addition, this tour is a good fit for this itinerary location-wise. Furthermore, not only do you get close to Liberty Island, enjoy the Manhattan skyline, but the boat also passes under the Manhattan Bridge, Brooklyn Bridge, and the Williamsburg Bridge. It’s also one of the highest-rated Statue of Liberty cruises in NYC.

Another highly-rated option at this same location is this 45-minute speedboat tour (May-September only). They have hourly departures starting from 11 am, so it could fit this itinerary as well.

Central Park

No NYC itinerary is complete without a visit to the famed Central Park , an 843-acre park between Upper West Side and Upper East Side. This massive park is filled with tons of unique little attractions, and as a result, it can be very overwhelming for first-time visitors.

So after the boat tour, get a taxi/ Uber to the park. We recommend using the entrance at West 72nd Street – it’s the closest to some of the nicest parts of the park (see below).

As someone who has frequented Central Park, I recommend that you visit the Bethesda Terrace and Bow Bridge . Those two attractions are arguably the most scenic locations inside the park.

The Bethesda Terrace is a bi-level terrace that features an arcade and the famous Bethesda Fountain. At the top of the fountain is the iconic “Angel of the Waters” statue that was designed by Emma Stebbins in 1873. 

A short walk away from Bethesda Terrace is the Bow Bridge , one of the most romantic places in New York City. Earned its name from the bow-like arc, this 1862 bridge offers stunning views of Fifth Avenue. With a combination of the bridge, Manhattan’s best skyscrapers, and a scenic lake, this spot is drop-dead gorgeous, especially with the fall foliage.

With limited time in NYC, you won’t be able to explore many other parts of Central Park. However, you’ll walk through the southern part of the park on the way to your next destination anyway. We recommend taking the Mall and Literary Walk and checking out the Pond at Central Park .

Good to know: The walk from Bethesda Terrace in the middle of the park to your next destination -top of the Rock – is about 1.3 miles and should take about 30-45 minutes.

Top of the Rock

No trip to New York would be complete without enjoying the amazing views over the city from above. Although there are many amazing observation decks in NYC, there is still no better one than Top of the Rock , the observation deck at the top of the Rockefeller Center .

The view of the Empire State Building from the Top of the Rock is hands-down the best in the city. It’s also one of the best spots to see the sunset in NYC. However, whether you’ll actually be here at sunset, will highly depend on what time of the year you visit and what else you decide to see and do in the evening.

Practical info: The Top of the Rock is open daily the whole year round and is accessible until late at night (11 pm or midnight depending on the season). Keep in mind that the last elevator to the top goes up 1 hour before the closing time. All tickets give you access to 3 levels of the observation deck, including the outdoor one on the 70th floor with panoramic views of the city.

Good to know: Top of the Rock is extremely popular, so be sure to get timed-entry tickets online in advance . You need about 1 hour for a visit.

OR The Empire State Building

Alternative option: If you rather visit the iconic Empire State Building instead of the Top of the Rock, it’s possible to include it in this itinerary as well.

In that case, you’ll have to walk 1 mile further (or simply take a taxi there from Central Park).

Needless to say, it’s also extremely popular. So also here you have to book the skip-the-line tickets in advance .

The Empire State Building is also open very late (11-12 pm, depending on the day).

Broadway Show

If you want to make the absolute most out of your day in New York City, you can enjoy some of the best NYC nightlife, starting with a Broadway show . The theatrical productions on Broadway in NYC are some of the best in the world, and you have a huge variety of plays and musicals to choose from.

Going to a Broadway show as a tourist can be a little bit intimidating. Where do you get tickets? What are the shows that are on? How do I avoid counterfeit tickets? There are so many things that could go wrong.

As someone who’s been to several Broadway shows in NYC, the best way to go about securing your ticket is actually online via a third-party website such as HelloTickets . Not only do you get to see the different shows in the various Broadway theaters (there are 41 in the city), but you can immediately reserve your seat and time. 

The prices are pretty much the same everywhere. Plus, the alternative is running around looking for Broadway ticketing booths, and that would be very time-consuming (not something you want to do with just a day in NYC!).

TIP: You can’t go wrong with Aladdin (New Amsterdam Theater) or The Lion King (Minskoff Theater)! The Lion King plays right at Times Square, and the Aladdin is a few blocks further south. We indicated both theaters on the map as well – both fit this itinerary really well.

Note: Depending on the time of your Broadway show, you might want to consider exploring Times Square first (see below)! In this area, you’ll also find plenty of places where you can get dinner.

Times Square

At night, the legendary Times Square comes alive! In fact, the term “night” doesn’t really exist in Times Square, because the lights from the billboards, buildings, and every single crevice of the area are so bright.

Times Square is sometimes referred to as the heart of NYC, and that cannot be any more accurate. An invigorating wave of energy sweeps through this part of Midtown Manhattan and the giant red staircase above the TKTS booth are filled with tourists trying to get the perfect photo.

If you are lucky, you might even encounter the famed Naked Cowboy! If you are not, you will encounter street performers in horrible costumes looking to take a photo with you and then ask you for ridiculous amounts of money. Just know what you are getting yourself into when taking a photo with them!

Rooftop Bar

After exploring Times Square and enjoying a Broadway Show, it is time to party (that’s if you still feel your legs). Nightlife in NYC is one of the best in the world, and there is no better place to enjoy it than one of the rooftop bars . So even if you don’t want to party, you can still enjoy the immaculate night views from a rooftop bar!

One of the best rooftop bars in NYC is 230 Fifth on 27th St and 5th Ave. Situated in the center of Midtown Manhattan, some of the most famous NYC landmarks are within eyes’ reach. The venue often features live music and a variety of drinks. In the winter, they have their iconic igloos, which allow you to enjoy the NYC views on their outdoor rooftop without being cold!

However, it’s quite a walk from Broadway. There are a few other great options that are closer by (and would save you lots of walking) – such as Haven Rooftop , Bar 54 , Castell Rooftop Lounge , or St. Cloud Rooftop Bar to mention just a few. We indicated all of these on our map below as well.

1 Day in NYC: Itinerary & Map

Below is a quick summary of our suggested 1-day New York itinerary and a map to give you a better idea of where everything is.

Please note that the times in the itinerary are the starting times of the activities and are indicated just for your reference, to give you a rough idea of how much time to spend in each place and how to plan your time.

New York 1-day itinerary:

• Early morning: Brooklyn Bridge (great place for sunrise if you want to start very early).
• Financial District (Wall St, Ground Zero, 9/11 Memorial).
• +-10.30 am: Taxi/Uber/bike to the High Line.
• Walk the High Line and have a quick lunch at Mercado Little Spain (or lunch after the boat tour).
• +-12-12.30 pm: Pier 83 Statue of Liberty cruise (takes 1.5 hours) or speedboat tour (takes about 45 minutes and has more departures, but you need to arrive a bit longer in advance).
• +-2-3 pm: Taxi/ Uber to Central Park.
• Central Park.
• Top of the Rock (or Empire State Building ) and early dinner.
• +- 6-8 pm: Broadway Show .
• Times Square.
• Rooftop bar.

How to use this map:  Use your computer mouse (or fingers) to zoom in or out. Click on the icons to get more information about each place. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the index. Click the star next to the map’s title to add it to your Google Maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open Google Maps, click the menu and go to ‘Your Places’/’Maps’. If you want to print the map or see it in a bigger window, click on ‘View larger map’ in the top right corner.

Is 1 Day in NYC Enough?

No, one day is not enough for New York City. There is so much to see that even in 3-4 days, you would just scratch the surface.

However, with a day in New York (and advance planning!), you can get a glimpse of some of NYC’s best attractions including the Statue of Liberty, Central Park, Times Square, the Financial District, and soaring views from one of the observation decks. If you plan well, you can even see a Broadway Show and get a bit off the beaten path at the High Line.

We hope that our suggested itinerary will help you plan an amazing day trip to New York! See also below for some practical tips and info on where to stay and what to know before your visit.

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Where to Stay

Depending on your travel plans – and even with just a day in New York – you might need a place to stay in the city. Ideally, you stay for at least two nights as this will give you one full day to explore.

For this itinerary, it would be best to stay in Lower Manhattan (where you start in the morning) or close to Times Square (where you end in the evening).

Here are some hotel recommendations that would fit this itinerary well, for various budgets (although ‘budget’ is a relative term in NYC):

• $$$$$ Times Square EDITION
• $$$$ citizenM New York Times Square
• $$$ Pod Times Square
• $$ Element Times Square West

TIP: Using the map below, you can find some of the best deals for accommodations in Manhattan. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see what’s available for your stay. Check it out!

Practical Tips for Visiting NYC

• Wear comfortable shoes. Since our NYC itinerary has strategically placed some of the attractions in the same area together, you will walk a lot to maximize your time.
• Take a taxi/Uber for longer distances. Subway is also ok, but it can be overwhelming for first-time visitors and it won’t always be the best option depending on where you are going.
• Carry as little as possible with you . Many attractions in NYC have strict security checks, some ask you to leave backpacks in the lockers, etc. We prefer to pack a small crossbody bag for city trips (something  like this ).
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help. New Yorkers have a reputation for being very unfriendly, but that is not always true. Most of us are actually very nice and willing to help.
• Don’t just stop in the middle of the sidewalk. If there is one thing that annoys New Yorkers, it is stopping in the middle of the sidewalk. NYC is a busy city and people are always trying to get to places. Step to the side and make sure you are not blocking anyone’s path before you stop!
• Decide which airport you will fly into. If you have the option to choose which NYC airport to fly to, we highly recommend Newark International Airport. Though it is in New Jersey, it is the quickest one to get to Manhattan, which is where you will want to stay if you only have limited time.
• Book as much as possible in advance! NYC is an extremely popular destination, the prices are high and it’s busy everywhere you go. The sooner you book your accommodations, the more availability, the better prices. Also, planning and booking your tours/tickets in advance is the only way to make the most out of your time in this overwhelming city. Otherwise, you’ll be wasting half of your time looking for information and queuing.
• Pack a  portable charger  for your smartphone. You’ll be using your phone all day – to navigate the city, show tickets at the attractions, take pictures, etc.

This concludes our 1-day NYC itinerary. Of course, this is just one of the gazillion possibilities for how to spend one day in New York… But if you want to see some of the most famous places and soak up the bustling atmosphere that the Big Apple is famous for, this itinerary should help you do just that.

More travel inspiration for the USA:

• Best Things to Do in Las Vegas
• Philadelphia 1 Day Itinerary
• Chicago 2 Days Itinerary
• San Diego Itinerary
• Los Angeles 3 Days Itinerary
• Phoenix – Scottsdale Itinerary
• Grand Canyon 1 Day Itinerary
• For many more destinations all over the country, take a look at our USA travel blog .

If you found this post useful, don’t forget to bookmark it and share it with your friends. Are you on Pinterest? Pin these images!

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Tuesday 2nd of January 2024

Sending a big thank you for the fantastic New York city itinerary! We explored many places you mentioned. It wasnt possible without you.

Glad to help, Nandhini. Happy travels!

One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary – How to Spend a Perfect Day in Los Angeles, California

Lights, camera, action! Home to some of the world ’ s most well-known film, fashion and music, Los Angeles is a destination that must be visited – even if just for a day. Whether you want to spend the day on one of Golden State ’ s beautiful beaches or roam around the city’s trendy and gentrified downtown, LA has it all. Los Angeles is your favorite curated Instagram feed come to life.

GUEST POST BY ANGELA STERLEY BLOG: Destination Drifter

What’s the best time to visit Los Angeles?

Store your luggage:  LuggageHero allows you to store your luggage for as long as you want to. If you are there only for a day, or waiting for a check-in, this sounds like a perfect option!

Lucky for Angelenos and   visitors alike, the weather is warm and sunny year-round. The summer months can become overly hot and crowded but autumn and spring create perfect   temperatures and less of a tourist crowd. Winter rarely drops below 55 degrees   Fahrenheit   during the day,   so though it may not be ideal for lounging on the beach it is still comfortable weather for a day of sight-seeing. If you   plan to make a stop at Downtown ’ s LA Live or stroll along the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, it is   recommended to check the award   ceremony scheduled to avoid attraction closures.

What’s good to know about Los Angeles?

Many main attractions such as the Walk of Fame and L.A. Live are not located within   walking distance of   each other. Los Angeles has a metro system between many of the main attractions and ride-share apps such as Uber and Lyft are commonly used throughout the city. Though Los Angeles was a city   built for cars, it is still easy to get around without renting one. Don’t worry about the weather, there is an average of 284 sunny days of the year in the City of Angels so your stay will likely be under the warm California sun.

One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary

Top things to do in los angeles, california.

Follow this guide and make the most of your trip even if you’re short on time. These are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Los Angeles.

Santa Monica

Start your morning at the end of Route 66 on the famous Santa Monica Pier. Take a stroll past the musicians and vendors or jump on the roller coaster in Pacific Park if you are feeling like a morning adrenaline rush. After taking in the coastal views head up to the Third Street Promenade for endless shopping or take a moment to take in the sunshine   on the beach.

Venice Beach

Rent a bike in Santa Monica and ride down the beach walk to   Venice Beach . The boardwalk is lined with street performers, artists, restaurants, and shops. Venice is a haven for the artists of Southern California and attracts unique visitors from all around the world.   A round-trip ride from Santa Monica with a walk down the Venice   boardwalk will likely take approximately 2 hours.

After a morning on the coast, hop on the Metro Expo Line in Santa Monica to Downtown LA.

Grab lunch at one of the many incredible downtown restaurants or accompany your meal with a drink at The Upstairs Bar   on the rooftop of the Ace Hotel or at Perch if you are searching for a trendy hang out with city views. Downtown ’ s food scene includes indulging favorites such as the Mexican-fusion restaurant B.S. Taqueria and french restaurant and bakery Bottega Louie.

Avoid the notorious Los Angeles traffic and ride the Metro Red Line to Hollywood Highland . This drops you off directly at the Walk of Fame and Hollywood Highland complex which boasts   views of the Hollywood sign, downtown, and numerous shops, restaurants, and attractions.

West Hollywood/Beverly Hills

After getting your fix walking along the stars, take an Uber over to one (or all)   of the iconic L.A. streets. Window-shop and spot Lamborghinis on Rodeo Drive , hunt through the vintage shops on Melrose , or throwback to the 1980 ’ s rock scene on the Sunset Strip. But first, get your caffeine fix at the trendy cafe   Alfred on Melrose. Eat among the stars and end your L.A. excursion dining in one of the many upscale West Hollywood restaurants.

Where to stay in Los Angeles?

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel

1700 Ocean Avenue, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel is a contemporary beachfront hotel Situated on the Pacific Ocean, offering dramatic views of the Pacific Ocean and beyond. The hotel features an on-site spa and a large oceanfront pool with a great lounge area.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Kimpton La Peer Hotel

627 N LA PEER DR, West Hollywood

Kimpton La Peer Hotel is a luxurious five-star hotel, perfect for both business travel and leisure. The luxury you get, its brilliant design and beautiful details are the reason why this hotel is a fantastic choice.

LEVEL Furnished Living Suites Downtown Los Angeles

888 South Olive Street, Downtown Los Angeles

LEVEL Furnished Living Suites is a modern and stylish hotel located in Downtown Los Angeles, very close to Metro. It features fabulous facilities, well-appointed rooms, a heated outdoor pool, gym and even a basketball court.

HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel

1436 2nd Street, Santa Monica, Los Angeles

If you prefer a stay in a hostel, or just want to meet other fellow travelers, HI Los Angeles – Santa Monica Hostel is a great choice for your stay in Los Angeles. The hostel provides a bike rental and features facilities such as pool and lounge areas.

Day trips from Los Angeles

LA is definitely a city that has it all, but sometimes it’s good to simply get away from it a little and to spend your day in a less hectic place. Fortunately, there are plenty of options when you’re planning a day trip from Los Angeles, no matter how long you’re staying here. If you want to take a nice break, these are the places you really should visit.

Heading to Solvang means entering a completely different world. The town’s Danish origins are clearly visible on every corner – windmills, houses reminiscent of those in northern parts of Europe, things dedicated to Hans Christian Andersen… the lot! You should definitely stop by one of the many bakeries to try a Danish pastry or two, or check out the farms of ostrich and miniature horses on the town’s outskirts.

Ojai is the perfect place if you want to slow your lifestyle down a bit. Loads of olive and citrus trees are all around it, plus there are some really excellent places where you can grab something to eat. Its main street is home to many excellent antique shops, so if you’re into that kind of thing you’ll be strolling up and down for quite a while. The swimming holes in Sespe Creek are a great way to refresh yourself if the weather is good, and they provide an excellent excuse to enjoy the serene nature of this place even more.

Santa Barbara

Just the trip to Santa Barbara will make your day before you even get to your destination because the route will take along the Pacific Coast and provide some incredible views. But that’s just the beginning of it! Beautiful houses and their surrounding gardens, loads of great shops, excellent food and above all incredible wine and wineries will make sure you always have something to experience. Don’t forget to check out the sandy beaches surrounding this place, either. This is paradise, in every sense of the word.

Want to combine beaches and museums? Then head to San Diego for a visit to its famous Balboa Park where exactly 17 different museums are located. Of course, like so many other places in California, this one also boasts beautiful beaches, but what is particularly nice that many of the things worth seeing are close to the train station. Therefore, if you go on your day trip from Los Angeles by train, you will skip the traffic and arrive at a great location in about two hours. Don’t forget to check out the incredible array of museum ships in the bay.

Extra tips for visiting Los Angeles

– Be aware that if you choose to take a photo with the movie characters walking around on Hollywood Blvd. they will expect you to pay them.

– Downtown LA is located next to Skid Row – which is one of   the United State’s largest homeless populations.   Though it is completely safe to walk around in downtown it is best to stay between Figueroa St. and Los Angeles St. to avoid ending up in a dangerous situation.

– Street vendors and food trucks are a great way to try great LA cuisine for cheap. Most are cash only – come prepared!

– Skip the sightseeing vans in Hollywood. There are so many things to do in Los Angeles and it is not worth it to spend hours driving near   celebrity houses that are often not even placed accurately .

– If you want to blend in with the locals it is best to dress for the seasons . Though the city certainly does not require a winter coat, Angelenos will be wearing cold-weather clothing in autumn and winter no matter the temperature.

Pin for later!

If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Los Angeles Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

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Angela Sterley

Angela owns the travel and lifestyle blog Destination Drifter. Coming from a background in fashion she covers how to explore the world in style, location itineraries, and travel inspiration.

I really appreciate these tips as I’m coming in a week and hope to have one day to see what I want to see. I hope it’s possible! Santa Monica pier, walk of fame, are just two of the things I want to see. The food choices are going to be overwhelming! I dont have a lot of money to spend on food.

I really have to commend you with this well written blog that contains all the information that I need to know about affordable tour. Every city and every moment worth it!

Thank you very much for your kind words, this means a lot to us! 🙂

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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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Trump trial schedule: Latest on the trial and what you should expect this week

Former President Donald Trump 's hush money trial is on break Monday, but court will reconvene Tuesday morning .

Although the jurors and lawyers typically gather on Monday mornings, Judge Juan Merchan ruled last week that there would be no proceedings Monday, April 29.

Monday is part of the last two days of the Jewish holiday of Passover . Court also let out early on April 22 and April 23 to allow people to travel for religious gatherings.

Trump faces 34 counts of falsifying business records to disguise the hush money payment to porn star Stormy Daniels that allegedly constituted an illegal campaign contribution.

Here is what to know as Trump's trial continues into Week 3:

Prep for the polls: See who is running for president and compare where they stand on key issues in our Voter Guide

Trump trial live updates: Testimony to continue on Cohen hush money recording

Trump trial schedule

The tria is expected to last six to eight weeks, according to a media advisory .

Proceedings typically start at 9:30 a.m. local time and run through the business day. Court is on break on Wednesdays .

Trial is not televised, but you can read transcripts

New York City Criminal Court is publishing the trial transcripts and copies of evidence shown to the jury.

Transcripts of proceedings aren't always available, but officials decided to make them available because of "unparalleled public interest."

Monday, Tuesday and Thursday's transcripts are available now on the New York State Unified Court System's media website. Evidence shown to the jury, including texts, emails and photos , also are available from last week's proceedings.

Week 2 ended during third witness testimony

Jurors heard from three witnesses last week.

First, David Pecker, former head of the National Enquirer’s parent company, testified about how he used the publication to write positive stories about Trump and prevent negative stories about him from coming out during his 2016 presidential campaign.

His testimony and cross-examination spanned three days. He also said his editor-in-chief believed Stormy Daniels' story about an alleged sexual encounter in 2006, which Trump denies.

Trump's former executive assistant Rhona Graff made a brief appearance on the witness stand Friday. When court wrapped for the week, the prosecution was questioning Gary Farro, former senior managing director at First Republic Bank. Farro, who was former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen's banker in 2016, could be used to bring in email evidence about the payment to Daniels. CNN reported Cohen used money from his home equity line to cover Daniels' payment, and an email from a First Republic Bank employee confirmed the transfer.

Leaving the courthouse Friday, Trump challenged President Joe Biden to a debate.

“We’ll do it at the White House,” Trump said. “That would be very comfortable, actually.”

Contributing: Bart Jansen and Aysha Bagchi

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We almost missed our wedding celebration due to flight delays — so we partied on the plane.

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She’s the  flyest  bride by far. 

Erika Hammond didn’t let her flight’s delayed departure from the runway stop her from turning the airplane’s aisle into a bridal fashion runway. 

“You gotta just roll with the punches sometimes,” chimed the blushing bride-to-be, 33, as she got glammed up for her pre-wedding celebration at 35,000 feet in the air. 

Fast-trending footage of the stratospheric fête has scored nearly 1 million views on TikTok. 

But Hammond, a former WWE Diva and the founder of KNOCKOUT at Equinox, tells The Post that what turned out to be a sky-high spectacular almost caused an emotional crash and burn.  

“It was definitely stressful nearly missing our wedding welcome party,” said the NYC newlywed. She tied the knot with tech billionaire and founder of Bilt Rewards Ankur Jain, 34, in the foregrounds of Egypt’s Great Sphinx of Giza on April 26. 

But just ahead of their four-day “I Do” extravaganza, the Big Apple lovebirds were en route from a South African safari to their pyramid-studded wedding destination when a plane snafu nearly derailed the festivities. 

Hammond and Jain had chartered an EgyptAir plane to transport themselves and a few of their 130 guests to Cairo, where they’d arranged to kick off their nuptials with a soirée at the opulent Prince Mohamed Ali Palace at 8:00 p.m. April 24. 

However, after encountering a few fueling issues and permit problems, the twosome was told their flight wouldn’t be touching down until 2:30 a.m. the next day.

But thanks to some fast-thinking friends, they stylishly toasted their love on cloud nine — literally. 

“We were able to make lemonade out of lemons,” said Hammond, “and ended up having the best time on the plane getting ready together.”

While in midair, she and posh pals, including Fox5 news anchor Bianca Peters and Peleton instructor Aditi Shah, ditched their travel togs for chic garb, dolled up with makeup and transformed the aircraft into a wedding couture catwalk.  

“[Peters] got on the plane’s PA system and hyped everyone up to get ready,” Hammond said. “We had music playing, wine flowing and a runway show down the aisle after everyone was ready.”

“The crew was cheering us all in too,” she gushed. “It was one of our Top 5 wedding memories for sure!”

Wide-eyed social media watchers were stunned by the couple’s mile-high bash, too. 

“Getting ready in the plane with all your guests is not only iconic but something none of you will ever forget. You guys crushed this!,” applauded an impressed fan. 

“This is like a movie! I’m obsessed,” confessed another. 

“Doing hair and makeup on the plane with your guests is a vibe and it actually looks like part of the plan,” wrote an equally wowed commenter. 

Hammond and Jain aren’t the only jet-setting sweethearts to toast to forever in the friendly skies. 

A Texas bride-to-be donned a gown of toilet paper for her makeshift ceremony on a Southwest Airlines flight to Oakland, California in March 2023. 

High school honeys Vidhi Popley and Hridesh Sainani joined in holy matrimony on a Boeing 747 in November. Theirs became the first airplane wedding in the United Arab Emirates.

And although her airplane party was totally unplanned, Hammond tells The Post she wouldn’t have had it any other way. 

“When we all finally arrived at the Mohamed Ali Palace at 2:30 a.m. to meet our other guests we all had the best night,” bragged the brunette. She and Jain ate, drank and danced with A-list invitees, such as “Shark Tank” star Kevin O’Leary, Lance Bass and “Million Dollar Listing New York” alum Ryan Serhant, until 5:30 a.m. 

“It was perfect,” said Hammond. “We’ll be forever grateful to our close friends and family for showing up for us.”

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3 hassle-free L.A. hikes with free and easy parking

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Editor’s note: The Wild is all about featuring a variety of exciting voices from SoCal’s outdoors scene. Starting this week, that voice belongs to Laura Randall, a veteran journalist who has written extensively about hiking and the outdoors. She is the author of “60 Hikes/60 Miles: Los Angeles,” now in its third edition, and “Pacific Crest Trail: Southern California.” She has lived all over Los Angeles County and has never failed to find good hiking trails nearby.

Every once in a while I get the itch to flee Los Angeles. To get as far away as possible from the gridlock of the 405, the digital billboards, the soul-crushing drives around LAX. I’ve found the easiest way to do that is a local day hike.

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But even hiking here can be frustrating, complicated and, yes, expensive. Some parking lots near trailheads charge as much as $12 a day. A few years ago, Rancho Palos Verdes introduced an online parking reservation system with a head-spinning number of restrictions and time limits near the popular Portuguese Bend Reserve. And the L.A. City Council recently announced stricter parking regulations for nonresidents in the dense area surrounding Runyon Canyon.

That’s why my criteria for these mini-getaways are strict: They must be easy to navigate without a lot of confusing spur trails, be outside of areas where weather-related closures are common and — most crucially — offer abundant, free parking. The sooner I can drive to a trailhead and get out of the car, the sooner I can have a welcome respite from the chaos of city life.

In my 25 years of living and hiking in L.A., I’ve collected a handful of go-to trails that fit this bill. Let me be clear: There are plenty of hikes I love that are worth the aggravation and extra effort. But whenever I need to get away and don’t have time to plan ahead, I pick one from this list.

As the weather improves and hillsides turn lush and green, here are three trails to consider for a spur-of-the-moment escape. Like a late summer visit to the Hollywood Bowl or a barefoot walk on the beach in January with Mt. Baldy in the distance, they are only-in-L.A. experiences that never fail to make me feel lucky to live here.

Beaudry Motorway Loop There are so many things I love about this six-mile loop in northwestern Glendale: easy street parking, a moderately challenging climb to Tongva Peak and views that showcase the best (and sometimes worst) of Los Angeles. On a clear day, you will see the movie studios of Burbank, the downtown L.A. skyline, the less-glamorous northern side of Griffith Park, the Pacific Ocean and even one of the tallest peaks in Orange County.

You will also see (and hear) the cars on at least three major freeways, the transmitters of iconic L.A. radio station KROQ-FM, the foothill communities of Montrose, La Crescenta and Tujunga and the trails of other mountain ranges that appear (deceivingly) close enough to touch. Reaching the peak always takes a little longer than anticipated. But that’s just what you want from a good hike: the feeling that you have really earned those views upon arriving at the top.

Rocky Peak Trail Don’t be put off by the trailhead’s proximity to the 118 Freeway as you start this five-mile out-and-back hike at Simi Valley’s eastern edge. The traffic noise disappears quickly and you are rewarded with spectacular mountain views and otherworldly rock formations. You’ll see other hikers (and some mountain bikers) on this trail, but thanks to its wide, dusty fire road, it rarely feels crowded. There are plenty of boulders right off the trail, perfect for a lunch pit stop or a view lookout. The trailhead has a small parking lot, with overflow parking a short walk away across the freeway bridge.

Sara Wan Trailhead at Corral Canyon This shadeless Malibu coast trail is best enjoyed in the morning before beach crowds show up. There’s a small fee-based parking lot but also ample free parking along Pacific Coast Highway. Most people opt to follow the 2.5-mile loop counter-clockwise, but either way it’s a lovely introduction to Malibu’s canyons and coastal bluffs. Right now, Corral Creek is flowing, the area is exploding with wildflowers and the intoxicating aroma of sage, fennel and salt is in the air. If you time your visit right, you can end your hike just as Malibu Seafood is opening for the day and cap off your excursion by enjoying a lobster roll while staring out at the Pacific.

3 things to do

1. Tour a marsh teeming with wildlife in Carson Once part of a much larger wetlands environment known as Bixby Slough, Bixby Marshland was restored by the Los Angeles County Sanitation Departments and opened to the public in 2009. Now, it’s an unlikely haven of green space tucked in the shadows of the 110 Freeway and home to herons, hawks, ducks, tree frogs, willow and sycamore trees and more. It’s open Saturday for guided and self-guided tours from 8 a.m. to noon. There will also be programs that focus on teaching, healing and entertaining led by Indigenous people, local performance artists and naturalists. No reservations are necessary, and the paved paths are wheelchair-accessible. For more information, visit www.lacsd.org .

2. Practice yoga on the sand in Hermosa Beach The warrior pose is even more rejuvenating when you’re staring at the ocean with crashing waves as your soundtrack. Hermosa Beach kicks off a month of free mindful yoga classes on Monday as part of the Beach Cities Free Fitness series. Classes are led by certified instructors the first three Mondays in May from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. You’ll meet in front of Scotty’s restaurant, 1100 the Strand, near the Hermosa Beach Pier. Walk-ups are welcome, but you can register in advance at www.bchd.org .

3. Go stargazing on Mt. Wilson The venerable Mt. Wilson Observatory kicks off its warm weather season Saturday with an evening lecture on Edwin Hubble and the dawn of modern cosmology presented by retired Jet Propulsion Laboratory astrophysicist Tim Thompson. Guests can then observe the skies through the observatory’s 60- and 100-inch telescopes, as well as additional ones provided by the Los Angeles Astronomical Society. Tickets are $50 and food trucks will be on hand. Or bring your own picnic to enjoy under the stars. The event runs from 5:30 to 11:30 p.m., and you can find tickets at mountwilson.edu .

The must-read

The first house I lived in here in Los Angeles sat on a canyon that had a couple of oak trees with canopies so wide that an entire class of kindergarteners could fit under them. My husband and I were advised by our neighbors to treat them with respect and care: never overwater them and prune lightly, if at all, and only during certain times of the year.

I thought of those majestic trees when I read Laurie Wayburn’s Arbor Day opinion piece in The Times about the important role that older, more natural forests play in the climate crisis and reducing carbon dioxide emissions. Planting new trees, while well-intentioned, Wayburn notes, doesn’t have nearly the impact on carbon sink as properly caring for the forests we already have. There are so many trails in Los Angeles with old-growth native trees that provide shade, tranquility and joy for hikers who approach them on scorching-hot days. Next time you see one, take a moment to appreciate not only its beauty but also its role as a climate-change-fighting powerhouse.

Happy adventuring,

A few more tips to make any hike as hassle-free as possible: Get your backpack ready the night before. Fill your water receptacle and put it in the fridge and make sure you have sunscreen, snacks and a first-aid kit ready to go. The earlier you can leave, the better your chances of avoiding traffic and parking headaches and achieving that goal of getting away from it all.

I’m excited to share my own experiences covering travel and the outdoors in Southern California. At the same time, I love that there’s always something new and exciting to discover here, whether it’s an under-the-radar trail or a group hosting an outdoorsy event. If you hear of something that might interest readers of The Wild, drop us a line.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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We’ll help you find the best places to hike, bike and run, as well as the perfect silent spots for meditation and yoga.

Laura Randall is a Los Angeles-based writer and author of several Southern California hiking guides. She has written about hiking and travel for a variety of newspapers and magazines and is the author of “60 Hikes 60 Miles: Los Angeles” and the Wilderness Press guide to the Pacific Crest Trail in Southern California. When she’s not hiking, she can usually be found reading L.A. noir novels at the beach or being walked by a headstrong golden retriever named Boris.

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Students get a ‘Jumpstart’ on their careers in Dallas

Uc blue ash students experience transformative travel on their path to lindner.

Students from Carl H. Lindner College of Business’ Jumpstart program — a pipeline between UC Blue Ash and the business college that provides students with additional support toward transitioning into a bachelor’s degree program — experienced a whirlwind visit to Dallas during spring break 2024.

The group of 12 students balanced a packed schedule of professional development and networking with cultural and tourist experiences. Sponsored by Deloitte, students connected with Lindner alumni and employer partners throughout the four-day trip.

Arun Murthy, BBA '95, (center) offered students advice on actions they can take now that will create positive impact for their futures.

Day one: Diving right in

Day one brought a visit to the Charles Schwab corporate campus where students met with Lindner alumnus  Arun Murthy , BBA ’95.

After a tour of the campus, students engaged in a Q&A session with Murthy to gain his insights on what they should be doing right now to prepare them for the next phase of their educational and career journeys. 

Murthy encouraged the young professionals to “keep your eyes open” and pay attention to what piques their interest. But Murthy’s greatest advice to students was to get involved and be open to meeting and getting to know new people.

After finishing their day with a visit to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum for reflection and remembrance, and an evening in the Discovery District of Dallas for dinner and exploration, students looked to a second day packed with adventure. 

Day two: A non-stop adventure

I think one of the reasons that I probably succeeded in this type of environment was my ability to connect and the relationships that I made with the people I interviewed with. It wasn't just transactional. It's very relational in nature.

Kasey Beiting Campus recruiting specialist, Deloitte

Day two’s itinerary featured visits to the American Airlines corporate campus, Deloitte University and AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, to learn about sales and sports marketing.

First on the list: American Airlines.

Led by Scott Mallory, a campus recruiter for the company, students toured the expansive headquarters asking questions along the way about everything from employee benefits to navigating career changes.

“One of the most significant lessons I learned was the unpredictability of your professional career,” said Manuel Chacon Molina, who is interested in studying international business upon transferring to Lindner. “Observing individuals like Scott Mallory at American Airlines, who began in human resources and progressed across various departments, has reinforced the notion that while academic foundations are crucial, practical experience is fundamental for professional growth.”

Jumpstart students enjoyed their tour of the American Airlines' corporate headquarters.

For Abybatou Diop, a first-year  Jumpstart  student interested in supply chains and international business, the experience was transformative.

“The American Airlines company tour profoundly changed my perspective on the business world, igniting a passion within me," Diop said. "This experience was life-altering, pushing me to think beyond my previous limits. I am forever grateful for the inspiration it has given.” 

Still in awe from their first tour of the day, students had even more in store as they headed to Deloitte University, the training grounds for all Deloitte employees.

Students were welcomed by a committee of Deloitte representatives, including several from Cincinnati who made the trip to Dallas to connect with the Jumpstart students. 

Jeff Suttle, director, client relations, led students on a facility tour and provided an overview of the purpose of Deloitte University and how it helps the organization to continuously grow and invest in its employees.

Students enjoyed lunch alongside company representatives Jim Sowar, managing partner, Kasey Beiting, campus recruiting specialist, and Zach Wall, audit senior manager. Afterward, Sowar, Beiting and Wall engaged with students in a more formalized Q&A session, providing advice for how to prepare for their future careers, identifying their ideal career path and challenges they may face along their journey.  

“In the first couple of years, I wasn't sure what my path to take, but it was really diving in and owning the fact that, if I'm going to be successful, I'm going to have to work hard, I'm going have to put my head down at times that I might not want to,” Wall told students. “But ultimately, that's the way to meeting that goal on that path.”

Deloitte representatives Kasey Beiting (left), campus recruiting specialist, Zach Wall (center), audit senior manager, and Jim Sower (right), managing partner, engaged in a Q&A session with students at Deloitte University.

As an active leader in the campus recruitment process for Deloitte, Beiting was able to offer the students an insider’s point of view on how to approach the interview process.

“I think one of the reasons that I probably succeeded in this type of environment was my ability to connect and the relationships that I made with the people I interviewed with,” said Beiting. “It wasn't just transactional. It's very relational in nature.”

With nearly 40 years of experience in the tax industry, and more than 20 years with Deloitte, Sowar hammered home this point for students.

“Is this candidate going to be able to not only maintain relationships but grow relationships and create new relationships that will lead to new business?” Sowar said of what Deloitte is looking for in its employees. “And that gets into what kind of personal skills do you have? Can you carry out a conversation? Are you asking interesting questions? How do you interact with people in a group setting and so forth? We do notice those things, and I think they really stand up.”  

The themes of leadership and relationships expressed by Wall, Beiting and Sowar resonated heavily with students as they thought about their own career trajectories.

“Deloitte's emphasis on nurturing leadership qualities and continuous improvement resonated deeply with me,” said Chacon Molina. “The immersive experience at Deloitte University, allied to a rigorous training program, helps individuals not just with job-specific skills but also with the mindset and capabilities to lead effectively.”

Students took in city views at the Reunion Tower Observation Deck.

Students’ attention then turned to a more light-hearted adventure: a tour of AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. But, before the fun began, the group stopped to connect with Bohn Crain, account executive with the AT&T Stadium sales team.

Crain’s energy and passion for his career path radiated over the students as they took in his message and holy grail advice: network, network, network.

Crain discussed his mission to meet one new person per day and encouraged students to take on the same challenge, as you never know where that connection may lead. Students were able to put this advice into immediate use as they connected with members of the Lindner Career Services team over dinner at Kitchen & Kocktails, a Black-owned business in the heart of Dallas.

Day three: Making connections

The final day of the trip allowed students to continue bonding with one another as they explored all Dallas has to offer, including the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and the Reunion Tower Observation Deck. Through these experiences, students were able to form new bonds and identify new ways that they may support each other into the future, both personally and professionally.

“I thought Dallas was a great experience for the students. They were able to see what their futures could look like, the places that their degree could take them,” said Abbey Wulf, academic adviser to the Jumpstart program. “It was rewarding to see them engaging with different companies and asking them questions. I think they also bonded with one another over this experience and their time together. I personally hope that the bonds created during this trip remain. That they now have people they can lean on at UC Blue Ash and in Lindner once they transition and after graduation.”

Lasting impact and looking forward 

The idea behind the Jumpstart program is to plant seeds and watch them grow. By encouraging our students to constantly show up and just do it, no matter how hard it is — a course, a test, a project — we help to push them further so they can thrive.

Arielle Betts Program coordinator, Office of Inclusive Excellence

Top of mind for both students and employers throughout the company visits: diversity, a topic near and dear to many Jumpstart participants’ experiences.

“The most important thing that I learned from our experience in Dallas was how much businesses are in search of diversity and how important it is for them to have as much diversity as possible. Diversity can help them reach their highest peak of success,” said marketing major Cris Mejia-Sanchez.

According to Arielle Betts , the program coordinator behind Jumpstart from Lindner’s Office of Inclusive Excellence , this experience represents another cornerstone of the foundation of the program and what she hopes to achieve with it.

“The idea behind the Jumpstart program is to plant seeds and watch them grow," Betts said. "By encouraging our students to constantly show up and just do it, no matter how hard it is — a course, a test, a project — we help to push them further so they can thrive.”

Featured image at top: Jumpstart students pose with company representatives from Deloitte at the Deloitte University campus. Photos/Haley Fite.

Building a pipeline from UC Blue Ash to Lindner

The University of Cincinnati Jumpstart program helps students enrolled in the UC Blue Ash Pre-Business Administration program transition into the Bachelor in Business Administration program at the Carl H. Lindner College of Business . This program builds students’confidence as they transition to UC’s Clifton Campus through a variety of resources, including academic support, staff guidance, informative and impactful workshops, and opportunities to connect with other students and build community.

• Lindner Diversity & Inclusion
• Blue Ash College
• Lindner College of Business
• Career-Services
• Undergraduate-Programs
• Experience-based Learning
• Student Experience

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