forclaz trek 100 down jacket

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Forclaz Men's MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket

Regular price, $99.99 Regular price, $9,999,999.99

Forclaz Women's MT100 Hooded Down Puffer Jacket

Forclaz Men's MT100 Hooded Synthetic Jacket

Regular price, $69.99 Regular price, $9,999,999.99

Forclaz Women's Mountain Backpacking Padded Jacket with Hood - MT100 23°F

Sale price, $50.00 Regular price, $69.99

Sale price, $60.00 Regular price, $99.99

Forclaz Women's mountain Backpacking down jacket - MT100 23°F

Sale price, $70.00 Regular price, $89.99

Forclaz Men's MT100 Down Puffer Vest

Sale price, $60.00 Regular price, $79.99

Forclaz Men's MT100 Synthetic Puffer Vest

Regular price, $39.99 Regular price, $9,999,999.99

The Trek 100 Jacket was eco-designed to be  warm ,  compact, light  and  durable .

Designed by our backpacking team, headquartered near the base of Mont Blanc, this jacket was awarded the  Backpacker Magazine's 2018 Winter Editor's Choice Award .

Learn more about   the Insulated Jacket Trek 100   by Forclaz, our Backpacking brand. 

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Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down Hiking Jacket

This down puffy offers lightweight warmth at a sweet price., brand: gear 360 reviews.

Model: Product feedback from every angle

Gear 360 gives consumers the best available product information all in one place, through independent editorial and reader reviews, and verified consumer ratings. Brands pay a fee to be included in the Gear 360 program but have no influence over the reviews or scores we publish. We may earn a commission on purchases made through our site.

Backpacker gear 360 review.

For the most part, down performs like down no matter what garment it’s packaged into, and the non-hydrophobic, 800-fill variety in the Trek 100 works just as well as it would in a jacket four times as expensive. (Decathlon, a European retailer, keeps costs down through in-house designs and sheer volume.) When the temps dropped into the low 40s while our tester backpacked in Alaska’s Caines Head State Park, it was all the warmth he needed over a baselayer. The Trek 100 scrunches down (in its own pocket) to the size of a football. It also slips in well under the 10-ounce barrier, which is mind-boggling given that it costs only $80. Thanks to a burly, 15-denier nylon face fabric, this jacket would have scored higher in durability if it weren’t for a dinky main zipper. We found it hard to use, especially in the cold, and prone to separating. (We fixed it easily with a multitool, though.) Feathers stayed in and seams stayed tight over a year of use, and a DWR treatment knocked back light precipitation. Features-wise, the Trek 100 comes with a snug-fitting hood (with a single cinch in back) and a high collar, zippered hand pockets, and a hem cinch. Our only complaint about the fit is that the cuffs feel a bit too tight, especially if you’re wearing a watch.

Robin Mino First of all, I’m totally psyched that there is a down jacket that doesn’t break the bank. It kept me nice and toasty on multiple backpacking trips here in Colorado when temps went down into the low 40s. There is a very generous length to both the trunk and sleeves, which is a feature I absolutely love. I’m happy to report the jacket did not allow that “bottom-of-your-back breeze” when I was bending over or sitting. It was a huge bonus on some brisk mornings. This is a solid jacket in terms of price, fit (no frills, and I like its simplicity), and performance. I would totally buy this jacket, as it performed much better than my other down jackets.

When you buy something using the retail links in our stories, we may earn a small commission. We do not accept money for editorial gear reviews. Read more about our policy.

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Forclaz Trek 100 jacket review

• February 6, 2021

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Dan Jones (@wildcamping.lifeuk)

Reviewer:  Dan Jones Instagram:  wildcamping.lifeuk Product: Forclaz Trek 100

Looking for a Down jacket but don’t want to spend 100s on one. I’ve been testing out the Forclaz Trek 100 Down Jacket from Decathlon. A budget Down jacket coming in at just 49.99€.

Here are my thoughts 🤔

First of all, I’m totally buzzing that there is a down jacket on the market that doesn’t break the bank. At first, judging by the price it seems too good to be true right?

This is a solid jacket in terms of price, fit (no-frills, and I like its simplicity), and performance. It doesn’t feature the popular Pertex outer shell that the more expensive RAB Down jackets are made of but the nylon material of the Forclaz is water repellant and is surprisingly good at keeping you dry from moisture such as snow, light rain, and fog.

This RDS-certified down and feather jacket is promoted to keep you warm between +5° and -5°C. I’ve tested the jacket down to -3 with no issues at all. With a layering system, this jacket becomes a very warm jacket indeed.

Certain aspects of Forclaz Trek 100 jacket fall below average such as the cheap zips and some of the baffles hardly containing any down fill at all. The hood isn’t a snug fit so I found when the wind did pick up the hood had a tendency to get blown off my head.

Setting aside the cons which you would expect from a down jacket this cheap it still did the job. It kept me incredibly warm when it needed to.

WEIGHT OF THE FILLING: XS: 82 g S: 88 g M: 94 g L: 101 g XL: 108 g 2XL: 115 g 3XL: 124 g

The overall weight of the jacket I’ve been testing out (size Large) comes in at 290g which is pretty light considering its warmth value.

Up to yet, I haven’t had any durability issues with the jacket.

Is it ever going to compete with RAB? No, but Forclaz Trek 100 is not made to compete with top-end down jackets. It’s aimed at the budget market. But as budget Down jackets go, this is by far the best on the market. For a Down jacket under €50, it most definitely is one of my favorite winter jackets which I can just throw into my daysack.

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Best Down Jackets for Backpacking of 2024

Y our insulating midlayer is a key component of your backpacking setup, and rarely is there a time when you should hit the trail without an insulation layer wedged in your pack. Here are our top picks for the best down jackets for backpacking from our gear review team, editors, and writers, as well as our tips for choosing and caring for a down jacket for backpacking . We considered features like weight, warmth, materials, and fill power to identify top-performing midlayers for every type of hiker.

Best Down Jackets for Backpacking: Quick Navigation

• Feathered Friends Eos | Best Made-in-USA Down Jacket
• Montbell Superior Down Parka | Best Value Down Jacket
• Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody | Best Down/Synthetic Hybrid Jacket
• Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie | Best Town-to-Trail Jacket
• Rab Microlight Alpine | Best for Alpine Conditions
• Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka | Most Innovative Baffle Design
• Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down Jacket | Best Budget Down Jacket for Backpacking
• Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL | Best Lightweight Down Jacket
• Timmermade SUL .75 Down Sweater | Best SUL Down Jacket

Best Down Jackets for Backpacking: FAQs

Montbell Plasma 1000. Photo: Carl Stanfield

Down vs. Synthetic Jackets for Backpacking

Insulated jackets, commonly known as puffies, are usually filled with either natural goose or duck down or with some form of synthetic polyester insulation. Both have their pros and cons. Down is much more expensive than synthetic fill and doesn’t retain loft when it gets wet. However, it is loftier on average than synthetic fill, has a better warmth-to-weight ratio, and is highly compressible.

Choose a down puffy if you’re trying to go ultralight and want superior warmth and next-to-skin softness for a fraction of the bulk.

Choose synthetic if you’re on a budget or anticipate needing your jacket a lot in wet conditions.

Choosing a Down Jacket for Backpacking

Beyond a few basic recommendations (listed below), your down jacket choice is up to personal preference. For fit, aim for a slim-to-medium style to save weight and bulk. This middle-ground sizing allows the jacket to be layered over base layers as well as under rain gear.

As far as fill weight goes, consider if you run warm or cold, and the climates you’ll be hiking through. Will you be spending multiple nights camped in the alpine zone? Hiking through chilly shoulder seasons? Opt for a heftier option. You can always send it back or trade it out if it’s too much.

Remember that you will occasionally be hiking in this layer, so it should allow freedom of movement without being too bulky and leaving excess air space to heat up. Keep durability in mind as well. If this is your thru-hiking puffy, you’ll want the insulation and face fabric to have some protection against dampness, as well as some level of abrasion resistance.

The Best Way to Care for Your Down Jacket

This layer will spend a lot of time smushed into your pack. Take it out of your pack during breaks or on town days, shake it out, and let it air dry in the sun. This will help keep the insulation lofted (maintaining insulating properties) and prevent clumping.

Launder it at least once per season with down wash in a front-loading washing machine (the agitators of top-loading machines don’t always play nice with delicate gear), then tumble dry on the lowest setting with a few tennis balls to re-loft the down.

Some down jackets have a durable water repellent (DWR) coating on the shell fabric, which helps protect the insulation from moisture. This coating will wear off over time, but you can use an after-market treatment to re-up the jacket’s DWR coating.

Avoid sweating in your down jacket or wearing it without at least one layer of clothing between it and your skin, as body oils can reduce loft over time. Down doesn’t like getting wet–it makes it clump—so keep your jacket in a waterproof bag inside your pack during rainstorms.

Budget-Friendly Down Backpacking Jacket Recommendations

Why are down jackets so soul-crushingly expensive?

You can read more about our number-one budget down puffy pick below (spoiler alert, it’s the Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100), but our list definitely skews toward more expensive/higher-end puffies.

It’s a list of the best down jackets on the market, and we think our picks truly are the cream of the crop — but for those who don’t need the cream of the crop, just a half-decent puffy to keep them from freezing during their thru-hike, here are a few more budget recommendations. Bide your time and shop the sales for even better prices.

Also, check out our list of the best synthetic jackets for backpacking ; synthetic insulation is much less expensive than down, but it’s also heavier.

• Costco occasionally stocks name-brand down puffies for mind-boggling prices (often less than $50); can’t predict what they’ll have and when, but if you have a membership it’s worth keeping an eye on their online inventory
• Eddie Bauer Cirruslite Down Jacket Men’s | Women’s

Features to Look For in the Best Down Jackets for Backpacking

These are simply guidelines but should narrow down a pretty packed field.

Weight: Under 14 ounces. Fill power: At least 750 fill. Percent fill: Weight of down divided by weight of total garment = percent fill. The higher the better. Treatment: Treated down may protect your insulation, as will a DWR-treated shell. Different brands have varying names for their treatment for both insulation and fabrics. However, some feel that treating down doesn’t improve its performance enough to be worth it. Pockets: Should be placed high enough to be accessible under a hip belt. Zippered side pockets are best; a chest pocket doesn’t hurt either. Hood: Optional, but a hood is nice as it prevents drafts from blowing down the back of your neck. Increases warmth, weight, and price. Ethics and sustainability: Look for recycled materials in the shell fabric, PFC-free DWR treatments, and Responsible Down Standard (RDS)-certified down.

Here are our favorite down jackets for the year, specifically for backpackers. They have a variety of fits, fill powers, and features, but are all lightweight, warm, and packable for long treks.

-Maggie Slepian

Feathered Friends Eos Men’s | Women’s (Best Made-in-USA Down Jacket)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Feathered Friends Eos.

MSRP: $409 Total Weight: 10.8 ounces men’s | 10 ounces women’s Fill Weight: 4 ounces men’s | 3.7 ounces women’s Percent Fill: 37 percent men’s | 37 percent women’s Fill: 900-plus-fill goose down Size range: XS – XXL

This light, super packable jacket from the Seattle-based company is as versatile as it gets. It can layer over or under, is packed with insanely lofted 900-fill down, and is made in Canada and the US. The fit is slimmer than others on this list, so keep that in mind when figuring out sizing. It works well as an active layer and doesn’t feel bulky under a pack.

We’ve long wanted to see a chest pocket or an inner pocket on the Eos, and in 2022 Feathered Friends delivered with the addition of both a chest pocket and an adjustable drawstring component on the jacket’s deep hood. These updates, combined with durable Pertex Quantum face fabric and 3.7 ounces of premium-quality down, give this jacket top marks. – Editors

Note : The Eos is frequently out of stock, so if you’re looking to add this to your collection, just sign up for the notification.

Materials and Features

Feathered Friends is famous for thoughtful designs, premium materials, and outstanding attention to detail. The Eos is no exception. 3.7 ounces of extra-fluffy 900+ fill down give this jacket plenty of loft and warmth, while the windproof, 20D Pertex Quantum nylon exterior provides durable protection and water resistance thanks to a DWR finish.

Unlike most jackets, the Eos uses Lycra, rather than elastic, to seal out drafts at the cuff. The jacket also features an adjustable hood and hem and two zippered hand pockets. As of last winter, the Eos also has a handy (and very cunningly concealed) zippered chest pocket.

Pros: High-quality down; deep, adjustable hood; warm; windproof; chest pocket; made in the USA. Cons: Frequently sold out; expensive; slim fit makes layering tough.

For a similar made-in-US ultralight down jacket, check out the Western Mountaineering Flash hooded down jacket.

Return to top.

Montbell Superior Down Parka Men’s | Women’s (Best Value Ultralight Down Jacket)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Montbell Superior.

MSRP: $249 Weight: 8.6 ounces men’s | 7.3 ounces women’s Fill Weight: 2.5 ounces men’s | 1.9 ounces women’s Percent Fill: 29 percent men’s | 26 percent women’s Fill: 800-fill down Size range: S – XL

The Montbell Superior Down Parka is one of the best values for a down jacket—$249 for an 800 fill-power down jacket with hood and pockets that weighs 7.3 oz. Basically, it’s the Ghost Whisperer, but more than $100 cheaper. The square baffles keep the down in place, and the high collar protects from drafts. I’ve also had the Montbell Plasma Jacket , which is lighter and more expensive, but the Superior Down Parka is more versatile. – Megan McGowan

Two-and-a-half ounces of 800-fill down and ultralight 10D ripstop nylon shell fabric keep the weight down in the Superior Down Parka. The quilting pattern stops down migration in its tracks, but we’re leery of all those extra seams, which can create cold spots and also represent potential future failure points. The jacket features an adjustable hood and hem, elastic cuffs, and two zippered side pockets.

Pros: Great price for the weight and quality; quilting functionally eliminates down migration. Cons: Lots of sewn-through seams reduce warmth and durability; not a whole lot of insulation (functionally limited to mild conditions).

Arc’teryx Cerium Hoody Men’s | Women’s (Best Down/Synthetic Hybrid)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Arc’teryx Cerium.

MSRP: $400 Weight: 11.8 ounces men’s | 10.2 ounces women’s Fill Weight (Down)*: 4 ounces men’s | 3.2 ounces women’s Fill: 850-fill goose down/Coreloft polyester fibers Size range: XS – XXXL men’s | XXS – XXL women’s

*Total fill weight (including synthetic) not reported

Our reviewer originally nominated the Arc’teryx Cerium SL for this list after thru-hiking the PCT with it. Sadly, that jacket is no longer widely available, but we still recommend that you check out the slightly heavier (but still awesome) Cerium. “It uses Down Composite Mapping, which places synthetic insulation in the “high use” areas (cuffs, armpits, top of the shoulders, and facial area),” wrote Carl Stanfield of the Cerium SL in 2021. “Everywhere else uses 850 fill-power goose down, which does a solid job keeping you warm out on the trail.”

The beefed-up Cerium still uses Down Composite mapping and keeps the weight reasonable at 11.8 ounces for a men’s medium while featuring a more durable 15D shell fabric.

850-fill goose down supplies the bulk of this jacket’s insulation, but Arc’teryx made the ingenious move to use their in-house synthetic Coreloft insulation in the armpits, cuffs, and hood—areas that are highly vulnerable to moisture. The Cerium was upgraded to a stronger 15D ripstop nylon shell, which is stronger than the former 10D model. Yes, this jacket is expensive, but it’s surprisingly hardy—just be sure to protect it from snags.

The shell has a DWR treatment to protect it from light moisture, while the nylon liner feels buttery-soft against your skin. The adjustable storm hood snugs down well and has better coverage than most, while elastic cuffs and an adjustable hem further cut down on drafts. The Cerium packs down into a baby stuff sack that comes with the jacket. The jacket has two zippered hand pockets.

For a loftier / more durable (but substantially heavier) version of this jacket, check out the 18-ounce Arc’teryx Thorium .

Pros: Areas of synthetic fill protect against moisture damage; very lightweight and packable; great hood. Cons: Expensive; thinner shell fabric can be prone to snagging.

Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie Men’s | Women’s (Best Town-to-Trail Jacket)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie.

MSRP: $329 Weight: 14.8 ounces men’s | 12.1 ounces women’s Fill Weight: 5.4 ounces men’s | 4 ounces women’s Percent Fill: 36 percent men’s | 33 percent women’s Fill: 800-fill goose down Size range: XS – XXXL men’s | XXS – XXL women’s

“I wore the Patagonia Down Sweater Hoodie on the PCT in 2017, and throughout numerous trips since then. I’ve had it for several years, and it still keeps me warm. It’s durable, reasonably water-resistant, and I prefer a jacket with a hood. I started the trail with a Patagonia Nano Puff and upgraded to this sweater model on trail. I also appreciate that Patagonia has responsibly sourced down and highlights sustainability.” – Alex Cremer

If sustainability is a primary concern for you, Patagonia is the way to go. Their Down Sweater features 800-fill, RDS-certified, traceable goose down and a recycled, windproof 20D ripstop polyester shell with moderate water resistance via a DWR treatment.

Better yet, the jacket now contains PFC-free DWR, and a company-wide shift means that all of the company’s water-repellant products will be PFC-free by 2024 (PFCs are a class of highly persistent, toxic chemicals commonly found in DWR).

The jacket has all the usual features you’d hope for in a puffy, including two zippered hand pockets, elastic cuffs, and an adjustable hood and hem. It’s also a great choice for hikers who want style points that count with the general population and not just fellow hiker trash.

Pros: Recycled/responsibly sourced materials; no PFCs; windproof shell enhances warmth; ripstop polyester shell has more native water resistance than nylon. Cons: Heavy; can feel under-stuffed; hood is only one-way adjustable.

Rab Microlight Alpine Men’s | Women’s (Best for Alpine Conditions)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Rab Microlight Alpine.

MSRP: $295 Weight: 16.5 ounces men’s | 14.6 ounces women’s Fill Weight: 5 ounces men’s | 5.1 ounces women’s Percent Fill: 30 percent men’s | 35 percent women’s Fill: 700-fill goose down Size range: XS – XXL

Throughout the years, Rab has consistently built durable, sleek apparel with function and fit in mind. The Rab Microlight Alpine is a mid-fit layer packed with ethically sourced down and narrow baffles.

This jacket fits well either as a mid-layer or on its own, and with intended use for alpine climbs, it packs down small and has a deep hood. It has a windproof and water-resistant face fabric (Pertex Quantum) and hydrophobic goose down, making it one of the more protected jackets on the list, ideal for hikers who might be heading into questionable conditions. – Editors

700-fill goose down is far from the loftiest on this list, but it keeps the price reasonable, and a generous five ounces of fill ensures that this jacket has plenty of loft. The shell is made of durable (by ultralight standards) 30D Pertex Quantum ripstop nylon, which is windproof and, aided by a DWR treatment, water-resistant. Even if moisture does penetrate in harsh weather conditions, the Microlight’s hydrophobic down won’t be damaged and will still retain partial loft.

A close-fitting collar, adjustable wire-brimmed hood and hem, and elastic cuffs maximize the warmth of this jacket. In addition to two zippered hand pockets, the Microlight is also the only jacket on this list to feature a zippered chest pocket.

The most recent update to this jacket saw a redesigned baffle system and a boost in sustainability. While the previous version of the Microlight featured a recycled inner lining, the newest version ups the ante with recycled outer shell fabric and recycled inner lining, too.

Pros: Very warm; inexpensive for the amount of insulation it provides; hydrophobic down; windproof, durable 30D shell; chest pocket; fully recycled shell, insulation, and lining; brimmed hood. Cons: Heavy; warmer than most thru-hikers will need; number of baffles seems excessive for the amount of fill.

Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka Men’s | Women’s (Most Innovative Baffle Design)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine.

MSRP: $479 Weight: 8.4 ounces men’s | 7.9 ounces women’s Fill Weight: 3.4 ounces men’s | 3 ounces women’s Percent Fill: 40 percent men’s | 38 percent women’s Fill: 1,000-fill down Size range: S – XL

Simply put, the Montbell Plasma 1000 Alpine Down Parka is the best down jacket I’ve ever tested. It uses 1,000 fill-power down, which is borderline unheard of, weighing in at just 8.4 ounces. It’s plenty warm for three-season backpacking. And for being made with such ultralight materials, is surprisingly durable. Mine has seen over 3,500 miles of trail and is still going strong. I’ll say it again: it’s the best down jacket I’ve ever tested. – Zach Davis

Read our review of the Montbell Plasma 1000 down jacket.

Montbell isn’t the only company that utilizes a discontinuous quilting pattern rather than standard tube-shaped baffle chambers, but they execute it pretty darn well: their unique quilting disrupts down migration while minimizing the number of sewn-through seams.

Ultra-premium 1000-fill down is hard to come by and boasts the best warmth-to-weight ratio around. Ultralight, DWR-treated 7D ripstop nylon shell fabric seals the deal, bringing this jacket in at a featherlight 8.4 ounces for the men’s version and 7.9 for the women’s.

Montbell also makes an almost unbelievably light summerweight version of the Plasma 1000 that weighs a scant 4.9 ounces. However, we love the Plasma 1000 Alpine for its generous 3.4 ounces of stuffing (more than 40 percent of the jacket’s total weight, as Montbell points out). This added insulation will serve thru-hikers better across a range of three-season conditions. An adjustable hood and hem, elastic cuffs, and two zippered hand pockets maximize the warmth and functionality of this jacket.

Pros: Superb warmth-to-weight ratio; very warm; quilting pattern designed to minimize down migration; good longevity if you protect it. Cons: Expensive; very thin shell fabric will need to be babied; limited size range.

Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100 Down Jacket Men’s | Women’s (Best Budget Down Jacket)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Decathlon Forclaz Trek 100

MSRP: $100 Weight: 10.4 ounces men’s large | 9.8 ounces women’s medium Fill Weight: 3.1 ounces men’s | 3.1 ounces women’s Percent Fill: 30 percent men’s | 32 percent women’s Fill: 800-fill down Size range: S – XXXL men’s | XS – XXL women’s

If you’re on a budget, it doesn’t get better than the Trek 100. It costs a fraction of the price of most down jackets, yet the weight, materials, and features are on par with the best of them. It may not be as durable as a top-shelf jacket, but it should be able to survive a thru-hike if you’re careful with it.

Even among budget offerings, this jacket stands out: it’s cheaper and lighter than the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 , a staple among budget-conscious hikers. It also weighs less than the similarly-priced Uniqlo Down Parka and offers more transparency on the product page regarding materials and design, which, when a product seems too good to be true, helps to inspire some much-needed confidence. – Editors

Decathlon supplies this jacket with a generous 3.1 ounces of RDS-certified 800-fill duck down sealed inside a 15D, DWR-treated nylon taffeta shell. The Trek 100’s insulation contains 85 percent down plumes and 15 percent feathers, better than the federal minimum standard of at least 75 percent down but below the 90 percent threshold set out by higher-end down jackets.

The jacket has two zippered pockets and an adjustable hem, but it lacks elastic cuffs or a drawcord adjustment for the hood. Decathlon says this jacket runs small, so consider sizing up to make sure you have plenty of room for layers underneath.

Pros: Inexpensive; moderately lightweight; high quality down. Cons: Heavy; some users complain about lack of loft in arms; nylon taffeta not as durable as ripstop; no elastic cuffs or adjustable hood.

We have to acknowledge that the jackets on this list are almost all very expensive. Check out these additional recommendations for budget puffies .

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL Men’s | Women’s (Best Lightweight Down Jacket)

Best down jackets for backpacking: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer UL.

MSRP: $420 Weight: 7.1 ounces men’s large | 6 ounces women’s small Fill Weight: 2.5 ounces men’s | 1.9 ounces women’s Percent Fill: 35 percent men’s | 32 percent women’s Fill: 1000-fill down Size range: S – XXL men’s | XS – XL women’s

The Ghost Whisperer has long been a thru-hiker favorite and a dominant player in the ultralight puffy arena. The Ghost Whisperer UL’s gotten even lighter thanks to ultra-thin shell material and 1000-fill down insulation. Believe it or not, this isn’t actually the lightest down jacket out there in absolute terms, but we consider it the lightest jacket that’s still functional across a broad range of three-season conditions. -Editors

The Ghost Whisperer UL is nearly 2 ounces lighter and $50 more expensive than its sibling, the Ghost Whisperer/2 . That difference is entirely down to materials: the UL version uses 2.5 ounces of 1000-fill down and 5D ripstop nylon for the shell fabric (the thinnest material on this list), while the Ghost Whisperer/2 uses three ounces of 800-fill down and a heavier 10D shell fabric.

It’s worth noting that the UL uses virgin materials in the shell fabric, while the 2 uses more sustainable recycled materials. Both jackets feature the same DWR treatment on the face fabric, an elastic hood and cuffs (meaning the hood is snug, but it isn’t adjustable, unlike most jackets on this list), two zippered hand pockets, and a drawcord-adjustable hem.

Pros: Lightest jacket on this list; warm enough for moderate three-season conditions; fully featured despite low weight. Cons: Expensive; uses virgin materials (unlike regular Ghost Whisperer/2); probably excessive baffles; 5D fabric is extremely thin and must be babied; limited size range.

Timmermade SUL .75 Down Sweater | Best Super Ultralight Down Jacket

Best down jackets for backpacking: Timmermade SUL .75.

MSRP: $299 Weight: 4.4 ounces (unisex) Fill weight: 1.8 ounces (unisex) Percent Fill: 45 percent Fill: 900-fill Hyperdry goose down Size range: XS – XL (or contact Timmermade for custom sizing)

Despite its scant 4.4-ounce total weight (!!), Dan Timmerman estimates on his website that his Timmermade SUL .75 pullover puffy will keep most people warm down to freezing while inactive, “but it’s probably getting uncomfortable for most people in the 30s (Fahrenheit).” The sweater boasts a generous fill ratio: insulation accounts for a solid 45 percent of the sweater’s total weight. Besides being insanely light, the SUL sweater is also customizable for those who want a more tailored fit.

Note that there are warmer versions of this puffy. The SUL 1.1 weighs 5.6 ounces, comprises 51 percent down, and is estimated to be comfortable down to freezing—ideal for most three-season conditions. Meanwhile, the four-season SUL 1.5 weighs 6.1 ounces, comprises a whopping 61 percent down, and should keep the average human warm to below freezing. -Editors

As Timmerman points out on the website, this is a sweater in the truest sense: no zippers, pockets, or liners to add weight to this efficient, streamlined garment. It’s just premium water-resistant down encased in a simple nylon shell with as few seams as possible.

Broad, four-inch baffle chambers minimize sewn-through seams (aka cold spots) throughout the garment, with the down lofting to 0.75 inches in between. You can customize every aspect of the fit, so Timmerman recommends requesting extra-long sleeves to replace the hand-warming effect of pockets if this feature is important to you.

The sweater’s simplicity also keeps the price down; $299 is a lot of money, but it’s still one of the more affordable puffies on this list while also being among the warmest. Be aware that, like with most small, made-to-order companies, you’ll probably face long wait times to get your puffy (and/or you may find yourself on a waitlist).

Pros: Excellent warmth-to-weight ratio; affordable; customizable; simple; optional hood; removable neck and hemline cinches Cons: No zipper or pockets; long lead times

Why should you trust us?

Because we’re so incredibly intelligent, of course! Attractive, too. (Not to mention extremely humble).

But if that isn’t enough to impress you, there’s also the fact that everyone who contributed to this article is an experienced thru-hiker with thousands of on-trail miles under their belt. We’re gear nerds who love putting our equipment to the test on trails long and short, and we’ve tested dozens of puffies in pursuit of cozier backcountry days.

Moreover, we do our best to stay plugged into the trail community’s gear preferences (we are definitely those obnoxious people on trail who always want to know what everyone else is packing). That means our picks for the best down jackets for backpacking aren’t just our opinions. They’re based on years of feedback from the thru-hiking community.

To all you people in the comments section: we’re listening to you too. Thanks to everyone who commented on the list. We’ve incorporated many of your suggestions and requests in the list.

Competence and backpacking proficiency personified.

Rachel Shoemaker and Alexander “GPS” Brown contributed to this list.

Featured image: Graphic design by Chris Helm .

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To learn more, please visit the About This Site page.

We are the word nerds of The Trek who want nothing more than to infuse some hiking and backpacking joy into your day.

Comments 25

I have a question about the durability of the VERY expensive Montbell Plasma 1000 which I just bought and am now trying to decide whether to keep it.

It is SO light-weight that durability is a big concerns. Zach, you said that yours has been very durable. But a Montbell rep told me over the phone that he does not recommend wearing the jacket when you are hiking unless you have another layer (that is, a shell) between the Plasma 1000 and your pack.

So my question is: Did you baby your Plasma 1000 like this in order to have it last the 3,500 miles? Did you wear it directly next to your pack when it was cold, or either just use it in camp or use it under a shell as Montbell recommends?

Good question, Stephen. I sweat a lot, so I very rarely hike while wearing my down jacket. In the rare situations where I would hike with my down jacket- when it’s exceptionally cold (below freezing)- I would also pair it with my rain jacket- more so to trap body heat than preserve the down, though I suppose that is an unintended benefit.

I am careful with the piece, however, and would caution anyone using this or any piece with a thin denier to be.

Thanks, Zach. Super helpful. I’m 5’8” and about 150 lbs and the medium seems a bit roomy if I’m just going to wear it with a base layer. What size do you have if your don’t mind my asking?

Just going to throw this out there. I know its not down, and some of you will hate this, but the Amazon Essentials puffy coat is not awful. Its water resistant, packs down very small and is quite liteweight (comes with its own stuff sack) I know it is not a down jacket, but its just as warm as the Columbia puffy down coat I have except it only cost $40. Zippered pockets, proper fitment, wind resistant zipper, truly Water resistant, and a price that I could afford to spend again when something happens to it. Because something always seems to happen to a puffy coat on trail. Again, I know its not down, but it is a decent jacket. Just as good as some of the cheaper offerings listed here. I like it because I don’t overheat in it when really hiking hard. Also, they are true to size.

Just curious but why was the northface summit L3 hoody left off of this list? I’ve tried a couple of these jackets and that one was by far my favorite.

Wondering why Western Mountainering was not on this list? Great down jacket I’ve been using.

Your list is a great one, thanks!

It’s pretty messed up that this list only links to men’s gear. Way to perpetuate sexism in the outdoors.

Each jacket has a link to both men’s and women’s jackets.

Really pleased to see your reviews are including quality affordable gear choices for those of us who can’t drop hundreds on a single coat or simply want to spend wiser. I have an old GW but bought a Forclaz after seeing some youtube reviews and looking into Decathlon. True, as you note they are very forthcoming on how the gear is made and by what standards. I live in the PNW and have been seriously impressed with my Forclaz and like the reviews I too think it’s as good as my GW has been. I’ve since tried a number of their merino products and am equally impressed. I’ve become a believer that the low price is more about economies of scale with Decathlon being one of the worlds largest sporting equipment companies than about being cheaper in quality. Plus if a catch an errant spark from a camp fire I won’t go to bed crying my eyes out over a much more expensive jacket with a patch on it.

None of these jackets are in large men’s’ sizes- tall or 3XL. Eddie Bauer carries one. For backpacking, a wool base layer, a wool Pendleton or prior to being a fashion company instead of a outdoor clothing company Woolrich made good wool shirts. Now their whole line stinks. Maybe a fleece vest and a rain jacket, I have never been cold. These retailers do what Colin Fletcher dubbed-“over engineer a simple concept/ jacket with feathers inside.” Most of us aren’t in the Alaska Range or the Himalayan summits. Their marketing attempts to convince you otherwise,

Please add available sizes to your summaries of all clothing and outerwear! This is helpful to a lot of people from short to tall and from small to big! It is extremely tedious, time consuming and frustrating to have to go to each website to find what sizes a company offers an item in, just to discover that they do not make it in a fairly standard size (like xxl) or offer a petite or tall version. Thanks.

There are EIGHT best down jackets – this seems like a regular occurrence in The Trek best of articles. I’d love to know what you think the best are, but when it’s more than four I’m left feeling mostly confused by the time I read to the end.

seems crazy to me how expensive this stuff is.. I have a few puffy’s from Eddie Bauer and LL Bean. all between $80-$150 .Not sure its been a while since I bought them, but I’d remember if I spent more than that on them. They seem ok.. I xc ski, fat bike and winter hike in them in Maine .. seems like they would work on a thru hike.

Thanks for all this great information on down puffys. I wanted to mention the statement in the Patagonia Down Sweater review “but as of yet the Down Sweater still contains PFCs (PFCs are a class of highly persistent, toxic chemicals commonly found in DWR).” is not currently accurate. Patagonia no longer uses PFC’s in their DWR for this jacket. I’m guessing this review was written prior to them removing the chemical.

I like this thoughtful list. When my puffy was a jacket, I found that when it was cold enough to put it on, it was also cold enough to not have it unzipped. I upgraded to an Anorak. My Montbell anorak wins the weight contest, and I don’t miss the full zip.

Eight jackets and enlightened equipment torrid is not on the list?

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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.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

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!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Alya and Campbell

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

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

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

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

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

A Brief Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buying Tickets

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

Rules, spoken and unspoken

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

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

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

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

An Easy Tour

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

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

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

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

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

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

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

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

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

Keep going one more stop west to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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