walkabout travel gear

Travelpro Walkabout 5 Review: Worth The Hype?

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Travelpro Walkabout 5

Interested in the Travelpro Walkabout 5 Collection? Then you’re certainly in the right place because this detailed review will tell you all you need to know about this awesome luggage collection!

The first thing you should know is that the Walkabout 5 suitcase collection is sold exclusively at Macy’s. They offer international shipping, so getting your hands on the collection should be easy enough. If you’d rather not order from the popular retailer, the Travelpro Maxlite collection is the next best thing.

Anyway, read on to see what we (don’t) love about the Walkabout 5 luggage, and decide whether it’s right for you!

Collection Variety

Travelpro usually offers a lot of variety within their different luggage collections, and the Walkabout 5 is no exception. It includes five suitcases, a rolling underseat bag, a rolling garment bag, a laptop backpack, and a two-in-one tote cooler.

I’m guessing you’re most interested in the suitcases, so let’s start with those. The Walkabout 5 collection features three carry-on suitcases – a 20” bag that will pass as a carry-on with pretty much every airline in the world, a slightly larger 21” suitcase with spinner wheels, an upright 21” carry-on (inline skate wheels), and two checked bags.

Both checked suitcases feature a honeycomb frame for enhanced durability. This helps improve their overall impact resistance, so they’re able to withstand more heavy use. In other words, while they’re still not the ideal suitcases for checked luggage (those would be  polycarbonate cases ), they’re a lot sturdier than your average softside bag.

The Tote Cooler is the most unique piece of luggage in the collection. It’s a tiny tote that easily fits on top of the other Walkabout 5 suitcases, and features an insulated compartment for drinks and food. The bag also offers several other pockets and compartments, so it can certainly hold more than just lunch!

The Walkabout 5 Laptop Backpack is a great carry-on for all travelers who prefer backpacks to suitcases. It has four separate compartments, as well as a bunch of internal and external pockets. The bag even has a USB port for charging your tech on the go, as well as a padded and ventilated backpanel for ultimate carrying comfort.

The Rolling Garment Bag is great for business travel, thanks to the intricate system that prevents garments from creasing and crumpling. If you’re always packing several suits in your luggage, this might just be what you need.

The Rolling Under-The-Seat Bag is a classing small carry-on designed to fit under most airplane seats. With a USB port, dedicated laptop compartment, and several other pockets, it’s perfect for keeping your necessities handy and organized.

The Materials

All of the bags in the Travelpro Walkabout 5 collection are softside bags. They’re made from the same high-quality polyester with DuraGuard coating, and they all feature the H2O Guard coating on the interior lining. The coating doesn’t let the lining absorb moisture, so even if the luggage gets wet on the outside, your clothes in the luggage should stay dry.

DuraGuard coating protects the exterior of this luggage. It makes the bags water and stain-resistant and keeps them looking brand new for longer. Keep in mind that DuraGuard coating will work as long as there’s not too much water involved – in other words, you’re fine in light rain, but not so much if the bag ends up in a pool.

It’s worth noting that the H2O Guard coating will also work only up to a certain amount of water, which unfortunately isn’t specified here. It should work perfectly fine in light rain, but if the bag gets absolutely drenched, it’s likely some of the stuff inside will get wet as well.

The polyester fabric is very durable and rip-resistant, so the luggage should be able to withstand frequent travel.

Suitcase Features

The five suitcases featured in this luggage collection differ just in size – the important features are pretty much the same on all five suitcases. It’s worth noting that all the Walkabout 5 suitcases are super lightweight – even the largest case is under 9 lbs, which makes them great for trips when you need to stay under a certain weight limit with your baggage.

One thing they all have in common is expandable capacity . You can expand the capacity of the bags by 2” with the expansion zipper, which is awesome for all of us who haven’t mastered the art of packing light.

Also, all the suitcases are equipped with one packing compartment that has tie-down straps, a zippered pocket, and a large, zippered compartment on the lid. That’s not all the packing space you get on the suitcases – all five also feature an external zippered compartment on the front of the bags.

Four out of five suitcases in the Walkabout 5 collection are equipped with double-spinner wheels. They’re sturdy and smooth-rolling, so the perfect option if you want to be able to roll your suitcase in any direction. If you prefer dragging your suitcase behind you, then the 21” two-wheel bag is the better option for you.

No matter which suitcase you get, you’ll get an extendable wheel handle that locks into multiple positions. The luggage also boasts grab handles on the top, side, and bottom, so it should be super easy to just pick up your suitcase whenever you need to.

One thing that all five suitcases are missing is a TSA-friendly lock or any lock for that matter. If you want to be certain that this luggage will stay safe even when you’re not around, you’ll need to invest in some padlocks. However, bear in mind that the bags feature ergonomic and soft zipper pullers, so I’m not entirely sure how you would go about locking them.

Features of the Cabin Bags

In addition to the five suitcases, the Travelpro Walkabout 5 Collection also features three in-cabin bags. They’re all made from the same high-quality polyester, they all feature luggage straps in the back so you can attach them on top of the bigger suitcases, and they’re all built for different purposes.

The tote is the smallest bag, and it’s the best option if you need something to keep the essentials organized. It’s the perfect size for a phone, some snacks, a passport, a boarding pass, and maybe a few other items as well. The tote bag features a key clip, internal and external pockets, and a dedicated insulated compartment for snacks/drinks.

The backpack can almost replace a carry-on suitcase. It’s great for shorter trips, especially if you know how to pack light and you only bring the essentials with you. With a plethora of different pockets and compartments, you’ll be able to find a dedicated spot for every single item you want to put in the bag, plus you’ll have easy access to anything you need in-flight. Even if you don’t want to use this as a carry-on bag, it’s a great backpack in general, whether you need it for travel, everyday wear, or even school!

The Rolling Under-The-Seat is slightly smaller than the backpack, and a great option if you need two in-cabin bags. It features a built-in organizer, a padded sleeve for tablets and smaller laptops, a USB port for charging on the go, and zippered external pockets. It’s small enough that most US airlines accept it as an underseat bag without any issues, so it’s the perfect companion to your other carry-on and checked bag.

Travelpro Walkabout 5 Rolling Garment Bag

The Rolling Garment Bag is an interesting piece of luggage. It’s technically not a suitcase and it’s too big to be a cabin bag. The checked bag is specifically designed to transport suits and other items that need to arrive at the destination without wrinkling or crumpling during the trip.

It’s a great bag for business travel, or for transporting big and bulky items that take up way too much space in your regular suitcase. Whether you want to use it for a wedding dress or your favorite coat, it will certainly help get your clothes from point A to point B in pristine condition.

The bag features a metal clamp for a hanger, a roll bar padded with foam, hold-down straps that are adjustable, and several built-in pockets for easier organization. Additionally, it’s worth noting that the garment bag shares most of the other features with the suitcases, such as the extendable wheel handle, the external compartment, multiple grab handles, etc.

Final Thoughts

Is the Travelpro Walkabout 5 luggage collection worth it? If you’re looking for high-quality softside luggage, it most certainly is!

Travelpro is known for manufacturing great quality luggage, and they’ve even made collections specifically for cabin crew. All their luggage is of premium quality, known for excellent durability, convenient features, and quality details. Whether you’re looking for a tiny tote or a large checked suitcase, the Walkabout 5 collection has an option for you.

The only issue with these bags is that they’re only available at Macy’s, so the shipping and import costs might be a bit much for some people. Macy’s returns procedure isn’t quite as convenient as Amazon’s either, which could be a problem if you end up not liking the luggage.

If you like the luggage collection but you vary about ordering from Macy’s, be sure to check out other Travelpro collections like the Maxlite and the Crew 11 , which are very similar to Walkabout 5, but they’re available for purchase in more places!

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How To Replace Wheels On A Travelpro Original Walkabout

Published: December 2, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Shirlene Boling

• Tech & Gear

Introduction

Welcome to the comprehensive guide on how to replace the wheels on a Travelpro Original Walkabout. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a casual adventurer, having reliable and functional luggage is essential for a smooth and hassle-free journey. The Travelpro Original Walkabout is a popular choice among travelers due to its durability, practicality, and timeless design. However, over time, the wheels on the suitcase may become worn out or damaged due to heavy use or rough handling.

Fortunately, replacing the wheels on a Travelpro Original Walkabout is a relatively simple process that can be done at home with just a few basic tools. In this article, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of replacing the wheels, as well as provide you with essential tips for maintaining your replacement wheels to ensure their longevity.

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a closer look at the Travelpro Original Walkabout and why replacement wheels are so important.

Understanding Travelpro Original Walkabout

The Travelpro Original Walkabout is a high-quality luggage option that has gained popularity among travelers for its durability and functionality. Designed with the needs of frequent flyers in mind, the Original Walkabout offers a range of features to enhance convenience and ease of use.

One of the standout features of the Travelpro Original Walkabout is its rugged construction. It is crafted from tough materials such as ballistic nylon, which provides excellent resistance against tears, abrasions, and other common forms of damage. This durability ensures that your luggage can withstand the rigors of travel and stay in good condition for many trips to come.

In terms of storage capacity, the Travelpro Original Walkabout offers ample space to accommodate all your travel essentials. It features multiple compartments and pockets, allowing you to organize your belongings efficiently and access them easily when needed. Additionally, the suitcase is expandable, providing extra room for items you may acquire during your journey or for packing bulkier items.

Another notable feature of the Travelpro Original Walkabout is its smooth-rolling wheels. The wheels are designed to provide effortless maneuverability, allowing you to navigate through crowded airports, busy streets, and other challenging terrains with ease. However, despite the high-quality construction, the wheels may eventually show signs of wear and tear, requiring replacement.

Now that we have a better understanding of the Travelpro Original Walkabout, let’s explore why replacing the wheels is an important maintenance task to ensure the longevity and functionality of your luggage.

Importance of Replacement Wheels

The wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout play a crucial role in ensuring smooth and effortless navigation during your travels. Over time, due to constant use and exposure to various surfaces, the wheels may become worn out or damaged. This can result in difficulties maneuvering your luggage, which can be incredibly frustrating and inconvenient, especially when you are rushing to catch a flight or navigating through crowded areas.

By replacing the worn or damaged wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout, you can restore the functionality and maneuverability of your suitcase. This will make your travels more enjoyable and stress-free, allowing you to move with ease and efficiency throughout your journey. Additionally, having properly functioning wheels can also prevent further damage to your luggage, as dragging or struggling with faulty wheels can cause unnecessary strain on the frame and handle.

Another important aspect to consider is the impact on your overall travel experience. When your luggage is equipped with smooth-rolling wheels, you can effortlessly glide through airport terminals, train stations, or city streets. This not only saves you valuable time but also eliminates the physical strain of carrying or dragging heavy bags.

Moreover, replacing the wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout is a cost-effective solution compared to purchasing a new suitcase. The Original Walkabout is known for its durability and longevity, so replacing the wheels allows you to extend the lifespan of your luggage and continue to enjoy its other features without having to invest in an entirely new suitcase.

Overall, the importance of replacing the wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout cannot be overstated. It ensures the functionality, maneuverability, and longevity of your luggage, enhances your travel experience, and saves you from the inconvenience and cost of purchasing a new suitcase.

Factors to Consider before Replacing Wheels

Before embarking on the process of replacing the wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout, there are a few factors you should consider to ensure a successful outcome and a seamless experience. Taking these factors into account will help you make informed decisions and choose the right replacement wheels for your suitcase.

• Compatibility: It is important to ensure that the replacement wheels you choose are compatible with the Travelpro Original Walkabout. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines or consult customer support to determine the appropriate wheel model or size for your specific suitcase.
• Quality: Opt for high-quality replacement wheels that are designed to withstand the demands of travel. Look for wheels made from durable materials, such as rubber or polyurethane, which can provide smooth rolling and excellent resistance to wear and tear.
• Installation: Consider the installation process and whether you are comfortable with performing the replacement yourself or if you need to seek professional assistance. Some replacement wheels may require additional tools or knowledge, so assess your DIY skills before proceeding.
• Warranty: Check if the replacement wheels come with a warranty or guarantee. This will provide you with peace of mind in case you encounter any issues with the new wheels or if they fail to meet your expectations.
• Budget: Set a budget for the replacement wheels and research different options within your price range. While it is important to choose wheels that offer good quality and durability, it is also essential to find a balance that fits your budget.

By considering these factors, you can make a well-informed decision when selecting replacement wheels for your Travelpro Original Walkabout. This will ensure a smooth and successful wheel replacement process, allowing you to continue enjoying hassle-free travels with your trusted suitcase.

Step-by-Step Guide to Replacing Travelpro Original Walkabout Wheels

If you’ve determined that it’s time to replace the wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout, fear not! With a few simple steps and basic tools, you’ll have your suitcase rolling smoothly again in no time. Follow this step-by-step guide to ensure a successful wheel replacement:

• Gather the necessary tools: Before you begin, make sure you have the following tools on hand: a screwdriver (typically Phillips head or flathead depending on the screws used), a pair of pliers, and replacement wheels that are compatible with your Travelpro Original Walkabout.
• Empty your luggage: To avoid any mishaps or damage to your belongings, remove all items from your suitcase and set them aside in a safe location.
• Locate the screws: Flip your suitcase upside down and locate the screws holding the old wheels in place. There are typically two screws per wheel, but this may vary depending on the specific model of your Travelpro Original Walkabout.
• Remove the old wheels: Using a screwdriver, carefully unscrew and remove the screws that secure the old wheels. Set the screws aside in a safe place as you will need them to attach the new wheels.
• Install the replacement wheels: Take your new replacement wheels and align them with the wheel housing on your suitcase. Insert the screws into the pre-drilled holes of the replacement wheels and use a screwdriver to tighten them securely. Repeat this step for all the wheels.
• Tighten the screws: Grab a pair of pliers and use them to give the screws a final twist to ensure they are tightly secured. Be careful not to overtighten and damage the screws or the suitcase frame in the process.
• Test the wheels: Once the replacement wheels are securely attached, turn your suitcase right-side up and give it a test roll. Check that the wheels spin smoothly and freely without any wobbling or resistance.
• Repack your luggage: With your Travelpro Original Walkabout now equipped with new wheels, repack your belongings and ensure everything is properly organized and secured.

By following these step-by-step instructions, you can easily replace the wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout and get back to traveling with ease and confidence. Remember to take your time, stay organized, and exercise caution when handling tools and screws to ensure a successful wheel replacement.

Tips for Maintaining Replacement Wheels

Once you’ve replaced the wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout, it’s important to take proper care of them to ensure their longevity and optimal performance. Here are some valuable tips to help you maintain your replacement wheels:

• Keep them clean: Regularly clean your replacement wheels to remove dirt, debris, and other particles that can accumulate during your travels. Use a soft cloth or brush to gently wipe down the wheels, ensuring that no dirt or residue is left behind.
• Inspect for damage: Periodically inspect your replacement wheels for any signs of damage, including cracks, chips, or excessive wear. If you notice any issues, it’s important to address them promptly to avoid further damage or wheel failure.
• Lubricate if necessary: If your replacement wheels start to feel stiff or show signs of limited movement, apply a small amount of lubricant to the wheel axle or bearings. This will help ensure smooth rolling and prevent unnecessary strain on the wheels.
• Avoid overloading: Be mindful of the weight limit recommended by the manufacturer for your Travelpro Original Walkabout. Overloading your suitcase can put excessive pressure on the wheels, leading to premature wear and potential wheel damage.
• Avoid rough surfaces: While the replacement wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout are designed to withstand a variety of terrains, it’s best to avoid dragging your suitcase over rough surfaces or uneven pavements whenever possible. This will help prevent unnecessary wear and tear on the wheels.
• Store properly: When you’re not using your Travelpro Original Walkabout, store it in a dry and clean area, preferably in an upright position. This helps to protect the wheels from unnecessary pressure or impact that can occur when the suitcase is stored in a cramped or haphazard manner.
• Replace as needed: Even with proper maintenance, replacement wheels will eventually wear out over time due to regular use. It’s essential to monitor the condition of your replacement wheels and replace them when signs of significant wear or damage appear.

By following these tips, you can extend the lifespan of your replacement wheels and enjoy smooth and hassle-free travels with your Travelpro Original Walkabout for years to come. Remember, proper maintenance is key to ensuring the reliability and performance of your suitcase’s wheels.

Replacing the wheels on your Travelpro Original Walkabout is a straightforward process that can greatly enhance the functionality and longevity of your suitcase. By following the step-by-step guide provided in this article and considering important factors such as compatibility, quality, and installation, you can successfully replace the wheels and restore smooth maneuverability to your luggage.

The importance of maintaining your replacement wheels should not be overlooked. Regular cleaning, inspection, and lubrication, along with proper weight distribution and storage, will help prolong the lifespan of the wheels and ensure optimal performance throughout your travels.

Remember, your Travelpro Original Walkabout is designed to be a reliable travel companion, and by taking care of it, including replacing the wheels when necessary, you can continue to enjoy stress-free journeys. So, don’t let worn-out wheels slow you down – follow the steps outlined in this guide, maintain your replacement wheels, and get back on the road with confidence!

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Walkabout Universal Adapter with USB by Walkabout Travel Gear › Customer reviews

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Walkabout Universal Adapter with USB by Walkabout Travel Gear

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

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

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

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

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

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

Top Ten Stations (In order of appearance)

Kievskaya station.

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

Mayakovskaya Station

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

Novoslobodskaya Station

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

Komsomolskaya Station

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

Dostoevskaya Station

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

Chkalovskaya Station

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

Elektrozavodskaya Station

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

Baumanskaya Statio

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

Ploshchad Revolutsii Station

Novokuznetskaya Station

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

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

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

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

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

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

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

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

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

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

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

Revolution Square Metro Station

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

Arbatskaya Metro Station

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

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

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

Kievskaya Metro Station

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

Novoslobodskaya metro station

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

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

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

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

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

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

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

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

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

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

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

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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