travel car play mat

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Housewife Eclectic

Recipes, Crafts, Book Reviews and More

Travel Car Play Mat

April 22, 2015 by Wifeeclectic 12 Comments

• The Print Out found at the end of this post
• A Laminator and Laminating Sheets
• a binder pouch to keep the cars in
• magnet tape for the back of the play mat
• cookie sheet to play on (I bought mine at the dollar store)

I used the same cookie sheet as the first post. It is the perfect size for a regular sized piece of paper. This play set is so easy to make! Check back for some more awesome play mats coming this week.

How do you keep your kids entertained in the car?

Printables in this post are for personal use and available to subscribers of Housewife Eclectic only. To use this printable, please SUBSCRIBE NOW.

Reader Interactions

April 22, 2015 at 7:17 pm

Things like this that are lap-sized are just perfect. What a cute idea to keep them entertained.

April 22, 2015 at 7:43 pm

That is a great idea to keep children entertained while driving in a car. It can also help get their imaginations into gear!

April 22, 2015 at 8:00 pm

Love this idea! I try to pack small toys for the cars and activity sheets. This would be a great addition before we take a couple of road trips this summer.

April 22, 2015 at 11:41 pm

My youngest has little cars that are so fun to play with. She runs them up and down her arms, the floor, the walls. Having this cute mat would be so much fun.

April 23, 2015 at 1:22 am

Great idea for traveling! Lucky to have a graphic designer handy, and super cool that you made this available for anyone!

April 23, 2015 at 3:03 am

Those are some great essentials when taking a baby out. really love the huge mat.

Michelle F.

April 23, 2015 at 4:38 am

I totally love this idea as well. I might need to make it for my 5 year old for when we go RVing this summer.

April 23, 2015 at 3:29 pm

I never thought about using a cookie sheet for something like this. Great idea!

April 23, 2015 at 4:34 pm

I love the idea of a magnetic play mat! Such a great idea for roadtrips!

April 24, 2015 at 2:15 am

This is so cute and so creative. Perfect idea!

April 27, 2015 at 4:52 am

What a fun way to play in teh car!

July 3, 2017 at 2:37 pm

Hi for some reason the link for the car play mat is all jumbled. Can you email me the car mat pdf? Thanks

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The 13 Very Best Play Mats for Babies and Kids

In this article

• Best overall for babies
• Best memory foam
• Best with removable activity gym
• Best overall for toddlers
• Best reversible
• Most stylish
• Best folding
• Best mat with multiple sizes

A lot of baby gear can be garish — bright colors and eye-popping designs stimulate a child’s development but might not fit your more subdued home aesthetic. Baby play mats, with their large surface area, can be some of the primary offenders, but lately, you can find plenty of options that are both padded (i.e., comfortable, protective, and safe for baby) and actually look nice enough to keep out. As a mom of two rambunctious young boys, I’ve tested a few myself over the years and also spoke to 12 editors, bloggers, and fellow parents about their favorites. Below, the 13 best play and floor mats out there for both babies and toddlers, any of which, I should note, would look great not only in a nursery but in your living room, too. While these mats are not to be confused with activity gyms, which typically come with an overhead structure that holds hanging toys, we included two for their versatility. You can remove the structure and use the mats on their own. And if you’re looking for other products for your nursery, we’ve also written about the best glider chairs , stylish cribs , and toy organizers .

What we’re looking for

Depending on your child’s age, you’ll want to get a mat that is made of either fabric or foam. For babies, I prefer a cotton mat because I like the idea of putting them on something more natural when they’re young. And they don’t necessarily need the extra padding since they’re not mobile yet. Most fabric mats will be machine washable. Toddlers, on the other hand, will benefit from the cushion provided by foam for their more active playing.

Still, using a foam mat for children at any age has its perks. Practically speaking, foam mats are easier to clean than fabric mats because they’re typically waterproof, so you can simply wipe down any spills or spit-up. Most will be perfectly safe for babies and tots to play on as they’re likely made of nontoxic materials with minimal off-gassing, so you won’t have to worry about exposing your little one to harmful chemicals. They’ll be free of harmful chemicals such as BPA, phthalates, lead, latex, PVC, and formaldehyde, but check out each manufacturer’s note about their mat’s composition for details.

Size matters, too. A fabric mat will be smaller and therefore easier to fold up and store, while foam mats are a lot larger and thicker (and heavier), like an area rug, which probably means they’ll stay out. Putting them away takes effort as you’ll have to roll them up and stick them in a closet. Foam mats made out of puzzlelike tiles are lighter with pieces that can be stacked.

I only included nice-looking — or at least inoffensive — mats on this list with designs and color schemes that would work in most living rooms and nurseries. While style is subjective, there are a few other considerations to make, including whether you want something that’s reversible, giving you two design options in one, or something you can put together yourself, like one made out of tiles. A couple of our picks for babies come with activities, if you’re looking for something more interactive.

Best play mats for babies

Best play mat for babies overall.

Material: Cotton with polyester fill, machine washable | Size: 40-inch diameter | Design: Reversible

For babies, a padded cotton mat like this one from Pehr, a brand I personally love for its sweet linens and storage baskets, is a soft, safe, and gentle option for tummy time and hanging out. Two of our experts — Ashlee Neuman, the Bump’s content director, and Fatherly deputy editor Matt Berical — recommend this round one, and it’s made of a quilted cotton and filled with a fluffy polyester fill, making it more like a blanket or a quilt. It has a diameter of 40 inches, so it’s compact, easy to pack up, and throw in the wash. Says Berical, “This is a very plain, design-friendly play mat with no bells and whistles, and it has a really nice hand-screen-printed design.” This particular style has delicate line drawings of sea creatures on one side, while the reverse is patterned with stripes. Berical adds that the quilted cotton mat is available in a few styles, telling us, “A lot of parents like it because it fits in everywhere.” While I haven’t tested this mat myself, I own this Pehr blanket in the “magical forest” print and love how soft it is, and can imagine how nice the mat feels, too. It’s something that can be passed down, too, almost like an heirloom. For that reason, combined with the fact that it’s easy to wash, portable, and the right size for infants (and most living spaces), it’s my top pick for best play mat for babies under one year of age.

Best (less expensive) play mat for babies

Material: Lyocell | Size: 3 by 3 feet | Design: Wavy quilt pattern, 2 colors

If you prefer a plain play mat that still looks nice, consider this quilted one from Lalo that Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo started using when her son was 6 months old. She likes it for several reasons. “It’s Lyocell, which is a plant-based synthetic, so it’s ecofriendly,” she says. “I love the sheen of the fabric and the wave pattern. Spit-up washes out of it so easily. I don’t put it in the dryer, but it dries really fast hanging.” Corsillo adds, “I have washed it a bunch already, and it’s pretty tough despite looking fancy.” The only downside is that it is on the thinner side, so she pairs it with the Lovevery mat (see below) for extra padding. Available in two colors — blueberry (shown here) and grapefruit — it folds up nicely, too, according to Corsillo, who likes to bring it to the park.

Best memory-foam play mat

Material: Memory foam | Size: 3 by 3 feet | Design: Velcro handles

While the previous two mats are made of fabric, if you’re looking for a baby-friendly one made of foam, I recommend this one from Squishy Mats, which I’ve personally used with both of my kids. (I rotate this with the Skip Hop activity gym below.) It’s made of memory foam and has a supersoft Minky top layer and a nonskid backing that make it plush and comfortable for baby to lie — and play — on. And according to the brand, it’s been certified by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. While it doesn’t come with any bells or whistles in terms of patterns or design, it conveniently folds up thanks to a Velcro handle. Plus its small size — three feet by three feet — makes it perfect for infants and really easy to throw in the wash when it gets dirty. I put a colorful swaddle blanket on top of it to make it look a little more interesting, and the extra protection means I don’t have to wash the mat as often (it helps that the mat is slightly smaller than the average receiving blanket, allowing you to cover the entire thing with one if you please).

Best play mat with built-in activities

Material: Fabric | Size: 5 by 3 feet | Design: Built-in activities

A lot of play mats for babies include a fabric base with an overhead “gym” attached (and are commonly known as play or activity gyms ). But for those looking for just a mat, Berical recommends this extra-large one from Tiny Love that features built-in activities and a variety of textures. “It’s a large quilted mat that works as a portable play space for kids,” he says. “It’s made to help kids move around and interact, and it folds up really small, so it’s easy for parents to pack in a bag whenever they go somewhere. It’s also machine-washable.” It comes with a peekaboo tree, a mirror to encourage tummy time, a variety of textures, a crinkly foxtail, a teether, and shiny satin ribbons.

Best play mat with removable activity gym

Fabric: Polyester, machine-washable mat | Size: Approximately 4-foot diameter | Design: Removable overhead gym

If you want the dual function of an activity gym and a play mat, check out Lovevery ’s play gym, a favorite among parents and my friends. Designed by the child-development experts behind the Strategist-approved age-targeted play kits , it features a removable overhead gym made of sustainably sourced wooden legs, and has accessories like an organic-cotton Montessori ball, wooden batting ring, and teether — all of which are washable. The mat itself is slightly padded like a blanket, making it comfortable for baby, and each accessory is designed to promote developmental milestones. There are flaps open to reveal color tabs, textured ribbons, pockets, and graphic cards, all to stimulate the senses and encourage tummy time. I’ve seen it an action many times, and babies love this thing. I also own several of the play kits and can attest to the quality of all of Lovevery’s products. The mat itself is made from baby-safe polyester materials, and the mouthable accessories are made with 100 percent organic cotton and silicone, and all fabric components are machine washable (you can wipe down the wooden and plastic parts).

Best (less expensive) play mat with removable activity gym

Material: Fabric, machine-washable mat | Size: 3-foot diameter | Design: Removable overhead gym

This activity gym from Skip Hop is a more affordable option than the Lovevery and one that I used with both kids when they were babies. It features a cloud-shaped padded, machine-washable surface with multiple textures as well as an overhead gym with adorable dangling toys that can be set up and removed in two minutes (it’s BPA, PVC, and phthalate free). Both boys especially loved looking at the light-up star, lullaby-playing lamb, and sun mirror. I liked that it had a pretty muted color palette with pops of (subtle) neon accents that were stimulating. It also comes with a removable tummy-time pillow. After using it with two kids (and lending it to a friend in between), it’s held up surprisingly well. After multiple washes, it always came out looking like new. (Unfortunately, the hanging toys are not washable, but they stayed decently clean.) “It’s a really nice padded activity mat with additions that everyone really likes,” Berical adds. “The consensus is that even after kids have passed that stage, there’s still a use for it. It packs up really small, is comfortable, and is made with friendly materials.”

Best play mats for toddlers

Best play mat for toddlers overall.

Material: Foam, waterproof | Size: Customizable sizes | Design: Jigsaw tiles, rug pattern

For older kids who simply need a protective surface to play or learn to crawl on, foam floor mats are your best bet. House of Noa makes play mats that resemble rugs. Instead of being one piece, though, they are made of two-foot square jigsaw tiles that seamlessly interlock and are expandable. After my younger son aged out of the Skip Hop activity mat, I tried this mat in the Ula pattern . The hand-illustrated design inspired by Moroccan Berber rugs looks quite sophisticated — even fooling a couple of visitors who thought it was a rug from afar. The foam is thick and on the firm side and has held up well to the shenanigans of my almost-5-year-old and 21-month-old, who especially loves removing the edge pieces and swinging them around like batons. It’s also a favorite of experts, including including former Babylist editor-in-chief Rebekah Otto and Neuman. According to publicist Alisa Richter , it’s lightweight and thus portable: “When we traveled, we often brought some of the squares so our son had a safe place to play.” Speech-language pathologist Ellice Kim Lacerda used the Noa mat for her kids. While she admits it’s on the pricier side, she says it looks nice and that the customer service is top-notch. “We had a few squares start peeling. When I contacted them, they sent us free replacements quickly,” she says. (She adds that the mats may not necessarily be great for households with dogs or cats, as their claws can scratch up the surface.) For publicist Sonya Li Casino, it’s the mat’s adaptability and expandable nature that won her over. “I found it practical, and I have since ordered two more sets because I keep wanting to cover more spaces,” she says.

Each piece measures 24.8 inches, and you can choose a mat size depending on your space, starting at four by six feet and all the way up to ten by twelve feet It’s made of premium, nontoxic EVA foam with nontoxic dyes and inks, and it’s free of phthalates, lead, BPA, PFAS, PVC, formaldehyde, and latex.

Best (less expensive) play mat for toddlers

Material: Foam, waterproof | Size: 70 by 56 inches | Design: Jigsaw tiles, multicolor

If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, this jigsaw-style play mat from Skip Hop is a hit with parents and comes recommended by Otto, Neuman, and Greenpoint store Flying Squirrel’s owner, Kate Schmitz. “Skip Hop play mats are very tasteful instead of being horrible primary colors,” says Schmitz. They’re the most adaptable, too. Because the pieces are not square, “you can arrange them to create a pattern of your choosing, like chevron stripes,” adds Neuman. Otto calls out the flexibility that the pieces offer: “Because they can be reconfigured, you can change the look of them” depending on your child’s needs, she says, like arranging them into a longer piece to create a hallway for a crawler. “And there’s enough range in the colorways where if you have a gray couch and you want something to match, you can find something,” Otto adds. Speaking of colorways, the mat comes in gray and white or white, peach, and gray combinations. Each set comes with 40 triangle tiles and 32 edge pieces, all made with baby-safe EVA foam.

Best reversible play mat

Material: Foam, waterproof | Size: 72 by 49 inches | Design: Reversible

A rug-like foam mat is also great choice if you intend to keep it out. When Corsillo’s baby became more mobile, she switched to this reversible mat from Totter and Tumble that she says is “very cushy but also firm so it doesn’t shift around at all.” It’s also definitely padded enough for bonks and falls. “He sits, crawls, and is starting to stand on it, and he has fallen pretty hard but hasn’t gotten any bumps from falls,” she says. “It’s nice for me too because I hang out in there with him and it cushions my knees.” Corsillo chose the “Harvester” pattern that has a design inspired by an ancient textile inspiration in olive one on side and a lunar-eclipse pattern on the reverse, but there are 16 other colors and patterns to choose from as well. “I picked it because I wanted something that was kind of neutral, and I also thought a lot about how often I might photograph him on the mat and picked something that was cute but not too busy,” adds Corsillo.

Best (less expensive) reversible play mat

Material: Foam, waterproof | Size: 83 by 51 inches | Design: Reversible

For something slightly less expensive, registered dietitian Shirley Kim recommends Baby Care’s reversible foam mats, which feature ruglike patterns on one side and more kid-friendly prints on the other. “They are relatively light, so they’re easy to move around,” she says, adding that they’re a cinch to clean and comfortable for kids to sit and crawl on. Mother of two Julie Kim agrees, adding that the mats are low maintenance and durable. “We don’t baby a lot of our stuff — our mats have been folded up countless times in the past four years for all of our moves and still look fine, without creases,” she says. Julie Kim has a dog that walks over her mat daily and says “it has held up with that, too.” Available in a handful of patterns, the mats are waterproof, nontoxic, and free of phthalates, BPA, lead, latex, and formaldehyde.

Most stylish reversible play mat

Material: Foam, waterproof | Size: 6.5 feet by 4.5 feet | Design: Reversible

While all of the play mats on this list are nice-looking, Little Bot ’s reversible mats, in our opinion, stand above the rest — at least when it comes to the sides that are meant to look more like rugs. They come recommended by Neuman, who says the “superchic foam mats feature high-contrast geometric patterns in neutral tones.” Little Bot sells a circular mat , too, should you prefer something round. The fire-retardant mats are nontoxic (that is, free of heavy metals, BPA, lead, formaldehyde, phthalates, and PVC), easy to wipe clean, and vacuum safe.

Best folding play mat

Material: Silicon-coated vegan leather, foam, water-resistant | Size: 6.5 feet by 4 feet | Design: Folding, reversible, 2 colors

I’ve wanted this folding play mat ever since I saw a version of it at a friend’s house many years ago, but she had ordered it from South Korea and that felt like too much work for me to figure out. Now, it’s finally available in the US thanks to Wunderkids, distributor of ALZip Korea mats, the same brand my friend had. This is more like a gymnastics tumbling mat, but instead of a vinyl cover, it’s made of the smoothest silicon-coated vegan leather cover that feels so nice underfoot. Inside, there are nine layers of foam that are firm but cushiony, which has been perfect for my gymnastics-loving kids. The mat also comes in two neutral colors, sand and stone, which blend seamlessly into any space. It’s just a very inviting mat. Everytime in the playroom, I want to plop myself down on it and play with the kids (or read a book while they play nearby).

Best play mat that comes in multiple sizes

Material: Vegan leather, water resistant | Sizes: Multiple sizes | | Design: Available in multiple colors and patterns

While they aren’t padded, Gathre’s play mats, which come in three sizes, are so versatile and can be used in a variety of settings, including in your living room, the kitchen, or at the park. I kept my mini size under the high chair to catch mealtime messes but it’s just as easy to fold up and take with you outside, as Claude Viard , the owner of Chalet de la Lune and a member of Mater Mea , a community for Black mothers, likes to do it. Other sizes include the smaller micro (which doubles as a changing pad) and the larger maxi . (The brand recently started selling padded mats too but I haven’t tried them yet.) All the mats are made of durable vegan leather and can be used for other activities in addition to playtime. Viard, who owns a large maxi Gathre mat, notes that even its biggest size is portable: “I can take the mat up to the lake or even just have a picnic on the deck or yard, and it’s comfy,” she says. In addition to a range of sizes, the waterproof mats come in lots of beautiful colors, plus they’re free of toxins, PVC, phthalates, and lead.

Some Strategist-approved toys for babies and kids

Our experts

• El Abad, founder of Happy Mom Land • Matt Berical, Fatherly deputy editor • Sonya Li Casino, publicist • Liza Corsillo, Strategist senior writer • Julie Kim, mother of two • Shirley Kim, registered dietitian • Ellice Kim Lacerda, speech-language pathologist • Ashlee Neuman, the Bump content director • Rebekah Otto, former Babylist editor-in-chief • Alisa Richter , publicist • Kate Schmitz, owner of Flying Squirrel • Claude Viard , owner of Chalet de la Lune and Mater Mea member

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Today’s Top Clicked

Cute Toy Car Carrier with Play Mat (Free Sewing Pattern)

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This easy DIY Toy Car Carrying Case is perfect for stowing matchbox cars, trucks, and trains on the go. Great for kids when going out to eat, play dates, and traveling. Carry Case comes with play mat with roads for endless fun and creativity.

• Toy Car Carrier Pattern

Preparing Outer Piece

Making carrying handle, sewing handle and elastic to toy car carrier, preparing fabric to make toy car pockets, assembling car road pattern and cutting on fabric, sewing car play mat, sewing toy car carrier together.

Do you have a vehicle obsessed toddler? And by obsessed I mean OBSESSED! Every time we go out, my toddler always wants to bring one, two, three…or ALL of his little magnetic trains and cars out.

For awhile we let him do that. However, we would forget trains in the car seat, trains in my purse, trains in the stroller. Later on, he would get upset because he couldn’t find his trains…*sigh* toddlers!

Finally one day I decided it was time to sew him his own little toy train baggie.

At first it was just going to be a simple zipper pouch (like a makeup bag). However, I knew if I just threw all his cars in there, I wouldn’t be able to keep track of them. How many trains did we bring? Is Thomas in the house or did we bring it?

After doing some research on ways to pack toy trains, I came across a Toy Car Caddy Play Mat and BINGO! This is EXACTLY what I need!

In today’s’ tutorial, I will be showing you guys how to make this very easy and handy Toy Car Carrier with Play Mat for the cars to drive around. There are 5 pockets to stow 5 little vehicles, and there’s also a handle for easy carry. When you are ready to go, simply pack your 5 little vehicles, roll up the bag and you are all set!

The carrier is closed via two 1” elastic bands. This allows more flexibility as the toy cars may be different in height. This carrying case is also perfect for matchbox cars or hot wheels!

If you are new here, please don’t be intimidated by the number of photos in this tutorial! This is an easy sewing project and I always post lots of photos to make sure you can follow along. The most time consuming part is appliquéing the road to the play mat. However, you can always cut and sew an oval shaped race track to simplify 🙂

What do I Need to Make THIS SEWING PROJECT?

• PATTERN: Toy Car Carrier Road Map Pattern (available in my free resource library ) – get the password by subscribing, I promise no spam! Just occasional updates of new projects I’m working on.
• VEHICLE PRINT COTTON FABRIC (for exterior)- 2/3 of a yard (24″ or 61cm). Fat Quarters are great too! The car fabric in this tutorial is a 100% cotton fabric I found on clearance at Joann’s Fabric. However, they have a good selection of cute car printed fabric . Otherwise your local fabric store may carry some nice prints as well.
• COTTON FABRIC (for play mat) – 2/3 of a yard (24″ or 61cm). Can also use fat quarters I used Kona Cotton Solid Quilt Fabric in tarragon for the play mat. You can also use a car/train print cotton fabric that’s same or different than #2. Even better, find a fabric that has a road/track print on it because then you don’t need to separately sew on the roads!
• GRAY COTTON FABRIC (for play mat road) – 2/3 of a yard (24″ or 61cm). Can also use fat quarters I used Sew Classic Solid Cotton in Grey . I’ve also used Gray fleece fabric for another play mat and I liked the way it turned out too (soft and fleecy feel)
• FUSIBLE FLEECE – 2/3 of a yard (24″ or 61cm) This gives the play mat extra padding. I used Pellon fusible fleece . I love fusible fleece because you can just iron it on without having to baste first. Alternatively, you can also use a low loft batting .
• FUSIBLE INTERFACING – 1/8 of a yard Helps to stiffen the carrier handle. I used ultra lightweight fusible interfacing
• APPLIQUE STABILIZER – Very important to help stabilize sewing when you appliqué the road fabric onto the play mat. I use embroidery s tabilizer because that’s what I have on hand. However, I recommend using Iron-on Adhesive to make sure the roads sew nice and flat on the play mat.
• 1″ WIDE BLACK ELASTIC – you will need two pieces that are 11″ (28cm) long
• SEWING MACHINE
• FABRIC SCISSORS – these Ginghers are my favorite.
• ROTARY CUTTERS (optional) – great for making quick, clean straight lines.
• CLEAR RULER – I have the DRITZ See-T h rough Sewing Ruler
• FABRIC CHALK – These Chaco Liners by Clover are my absolute favorite
• WHITE FABRIC MARKER – For marking dotted lines on road. I used Deco Fabric Fine Tip Marker in White .
• SEWING PINS
• IRON – for pressing
• MATCHING THREAD
• SCOTCH TAPE/CLEAR TAPE – for sticking pattern piece together
• PAPER SCISSORS – for cutting pattern out

TOY CAR CARRIER PATTERN

Cut out the Following Fabric Pieces:

• 1 OUTER PIECE – this is the exterior of the carrier bag. I used 100% cotton fabric with car print. 21” x 13.5” (53.34 cm x 34.29 cm)
• 1 PLAY MAT PIECE – this is the piece your road will be sewn on. 21” x 13.5” (53.34 cm x 34.29 cm)
• (Optional – not pictured) Fabric with trees, building, etc if you want to add extra details to the area between the roads. Alternatively, you can also create trees, ponds, buildings, etc by sewing solid felt/cotton fabric.
• 1 FUSIBLE LINING PIECE – I used Pellon fusible fleece , which helps to add more padding to the play mat. If you use fleece fabric for the PLAY MAT PIECE you will not need this. 21” x 13.5” (53.34 cm x 34.29 cm)
• 1 PLAY MAT ROAD – You will need a fabric that measures about 21” x 13.5” (53.34 cm x 34.29 cm). Fat quarters work great for this! Download the pattern in my free resource library
• 1 POCKET PIECE – this will make the pockets where the cars will be stowed. I used the same cotton print as the OUTER PIECE 9” x 22.25” (22.86 cm x 56.51 cm)
• 1 HANDLE PIECE – this makes the handle for the toy car carrier. I used the same cotton print as the OUTER PIECE 3.5” x 8.5” (8.89 cm x 21.59 cm)
• 1 FUSIBLE LINING for HANDLE 3.5” x 7.5” (8.89 cm x 19 cm)

Iron fusible fleece to wrong side of OUTER PIECE fabric. You can leave outer fabric as is, or do a simple quilt design like I did (completely optional)

• Apply fusible lining to HANDLE PIECE . I cut 1″ off the length of the fusible lining as you don’t need the seam allowance to be fused.
• Fold HANDLE PIECE in half length-wise and stitch at 1/2″ (1.27cm) seam allowance
• Press open seams
• Sew one end at 1/2″ (1.27cm) seam and trim seam allowance.

Turn HANDLE PIECE to right side and fold in fabric 1/2″ (1.27cm) at opening.

Sew opening closed from right side of HANDLE PIECE at 1/8″ (~3mm) from edge (indicated by yellow dotted line, but please use matching thread color!)

Pin the HANDLE PIECE to OUTER PIECE as shown in diagram. It will be 3.5″ (8.89 cm) from the top edge, and 3.5″ (8.89cm) from both left and right edge.

NOTE: The placement of the handle is designed for carrying magnetic toy trains. If you are making this to carry matchbox cars (shorter in height), you will need to adjust the handle placement so it’s centered when the case is rolled up.

Sew HANDLE PIECE down by stitching a 1″ square with a ‘X’ inside on both sides of HANDLE PIECE . Make sure to back stitch where you start sewing and where you end.

Fold each 11″ (28cm) piece of elastic in half. Pin 2″ (5cm) in from the sides of OUTER PIECE and machine baste in place.

Fold POCKETS PIECE in half lengthwise and use chalk to mark the measurements as shown. Mark the fabric lightly, just enough to see the line, as some chalk may leave a residue.

Print and cut out ROAD PATTERN (available in my free resource libra ry) . Match arrows as indicated and tape the pattern together.

NOTE : The white area of the pattern is where the road is. The area shaded in Light Gra y is the area between the roads and needs to be cut out.

Pin Pattern to Fabric. I’m using a piece of dark gray solid cotton fat quarter in the photo.

Cut out pattern on fabric.

NOTE: I use a pair of fabric scissors from the dollar store that I use to cut paper and fabric together at the same time. Otherwise, please don’t use your nice fabric shears and cut on paper as it will dull your fabric scissors! In this case you should cut out the light gray area on the pattern with paper scissors first, then trace the pattern onto the fabric and cut the fabric out with fabric scissors.

LEFT: ROAD PIECE once it’s cut out RIGHT: Pin ROAD PIECE to PLAY MAT PIECE , leaving about 3/4″ (1.9cm) border around the sides and top. I found a series of “state pride” fabrics from joann.com that has buildings and trees so I cut out a few pieces and pinned it to the play mat. Alternatively, you can also sew some buildings, trees, pond, etc in the area between the roads.

Applique ROAD PIECE to PLAY MAT PIECE . I used stitch length 1 and stitch width 4 for this project. Check out this post to learn more about how to Applique.

Next, use Chalk to mark the yellow lines on the bottom of the PLAY MAT PIECE as shown in photo. In the next step we will pin the POCKETS PIECE to the PLAY MAT PIECE , matching at the sides and the yellow lines.

Match PLAY MAT PIECE to POCKETS PIECE at marked chalk lines as shown.

NOTE: POCKET PIECE is wider than PLAY MAT PIECE , so you will essentially be creating pleats along each side of the pocket to make a more 3-dimensional pocket.

• Match marked lines on POCKET PIECE to PLAY MAT PIECE and pin in place.

Photo shows POCKETS PIECE pinned to PLAY MAT PIECE . Sew at chalk lines, making sure to back stitch at top of pocket.

LEFT: Create pleats around the pockets with the excess fabric next to the stitch line. Do this by tucking the excess fabric approximately 0.4″ (1cm) in on both side of every pocket. RIGHT: Pin each pocket pleat at the bottom to the play mat

NOTE: The amount you tuck in to make each pleat doesn’t have to be exact as long as you it’s equal on both sides of the pocket. Match the pocket pleats at the stitch line (yellow dotted line)

This is what your pleated pockets will look like once they are all pinned in place. Baste at the bottom of play mat to keep pleats in place.

In the next step, we’re going to sew the PLAY MAT PIECE to OUTER PIECE . Prior to sewing, make sure to push the sides of your car pockets in (red arrow with white outline) so that you don’t accidentally sew into those side pockets.

Sew PLAY MAT PIECE to OUTER PIECE right sides together at 1/2″ (1.27 cm) seam allowance (red dotted line). Make sure to leave a 3-4″ opening at the top so you can turn the mat to the right side.

LEFT: Make diagonal cuts at all 4 corners, making sure not to cut into the stitch line. Turn project to right side through opening. RIGHT: Use a blunt tool to poke out the corners.

Your toy car carrier turned to right side, almost done! Give it a good press and close opening using invisible ladder stitch .

Use a fabric marker to draw in the white dotted line of the road. I used Deco Fabric Fine Tip Marker in White . If you would like to be super exact use a ruler. The lines are about 0.25″ (6.3mm) long and 0.25″ (6.3mm) spaced apart.

Finished! Which vehicle loving child can resist their very own toy car carrier play mat?

Trucks and trains driving around town. Vroom Vroom! Choo Choo!

And when it’s time to go…everyone back into their pockets. We roll, roll, roll it up!

Toy vehicles are all packed up and ready to go…until next time!

The ad-free printer friendly version of this sewing tutorial is available for purchase in our shop . The digital PDF file includes ready-to-print toy car road pattern AND 14 pages of color tutorial with step-by-step photos and clear instructions. This way, you can print a copy and keep it next to you as you sew for quick and easy reference!

I hope you enjoyed this project! My toddler loves this toy car carrier and driving his toy cars and trains around the play mat. It also makes a great gift for any vehicle loving child, not to mention it will last for several years even into the elementary school years. Let me know in the comments below if you made this, happy sewing 🙂

DIY Toy Car Carrier

This fun Toy Car Carrying Case holds matchbox cars, toy trucks and trains on the go. The perfect gift for kids to keep them occupied while dining in a resturant, waiting in line, or traveling.

• TOY CAR CARRIER FREE PATTERN
• VEHICLE PRINT COTTON FABRIC - 2/3 yard (24" or 61cm), for exterior
• COTTON FABRIC - 2/3 yard (24" or 61cm), for play mat
• GRAY COTTON FABRIC - 2/3 yard (24" or 61cm) - for play mat road
• FUSIBLE FLEECE
• FUSIBLE INTERFACING
• IRON-ON ADHESIVE
• 1" WIDE BLACK ELASTIC - two pieces, each 11" (28 CM)
• FABRIC SCISSORS
• ROTARY CUTTER (optional)
• CLEAR RULER
• FABRIC CHALK
• WHITE FABRIC MARKER
• PAPER SCISSORS - for cutting pattern
• SCOTCH TAPE/CLEAR TAPE - for taping pattern together

Instructions

• Cut out all pattern pieces on fabric and interfacing.
• Print and cut out road pattern .
• Match arrows as indicated and tape the pattern together. The white area of the pattern is where the road is. The area shaded in Light Gray is the area between the roads and needs to be cut out.
• Cut out roads pattern on gray cotton fabric.

HOW TO SEW EXTERIOR OF CAR CARRIER

• Iron fusible fleece to wrong side of OUTER PIECE fabric. (optional) quilt outer fabric in any design you like (squares, lines, etc).
• Apply fusible lining to HANDLE PIECE .
• Fold HANDLE PIECE in half length-wise and stitch at 1/2" (1.27cm) seam allowance.
• Press open seams.
• Sew one end at 1/2" (1.27cm) seam and trim seam allowance.
• Turn HANDLE PIECE to right side and fold in fabric 1/2" (1.27cm) at opening.
• Use matching color thread to sew opening closed from right side of HANDLE PIECE at 1/8" (~3mm) from edge.
• Pin the HANDLE PIECE to OUTER PIECE (see notes 1).
• Sew HANDLE PIECE down by stitching a 1" square with a 'X' inside on both sides of HANDLE PIECE . Make sure to back stitch where you start sewing and where you end.
• Fold each 11" (28cm) piece of elastic in half. Pin 2' (5cm) in from the sides of OUTER PIECE and machine baste in place.

HOW TO SEW ROAD TO CAR MAT

• Pin or iron (if using iron on adhesive) ROAD PIECE to PLAY MAT PIECE , leaving about 3/4" (1.9cm) border around the sides and top.
• Applique ROAD PIECE to PLAY MAT PIECE using zig-zag stitch. I used stitch length 1 and stitch width 4.

SEWING POCKETS

• Use Chalk to mark the yellow lines on the bottom of the PLAY MAT PIECE (see note 2). In the next step we will pin the POCKETS PIECE to the PLAY MAT PIECE , matching at the sides and the yellow lines.
• Fold POCKETS PIECE in half lengthwise and use chalk to mark measurements (see note 3). Mark the fabric lightly, just enough to see the line, as some chalk may leave a residue.
• Match PLAY MAT PIECE to POCKETS PIECE at marked chalk line (see note 4).
• Sew at chalk lines, making sure to back stitch at top of pocket.
• Create pleats around the pockets with the excess fabric next to the stitch line. Do this by tucking the excess fabric approximately 0.4" (1cm) in on both side of every pocket .
• Pin each pocket pleat at the bottom to the play mat (see note 5).
• Machine Baste at the bottom of play mat to keep pleats in place.

SEWING CAR CARRIER TOGETHER

• Prior to sewing, make sure to push the sides of your car pockets in so that you don't accidentally sew into those side pockets.
• Sew PLAY MAT PIECE to OUTER PIECE right sides together at 1/2" (1.27 cm) seam allowance. Make sure to leave a 3-4" opening at the top so you can turn the mat to the right side.
• Make diagonal cuts at all 4 corners, making sure not to cut into the stitch line. Turn project to right side through opening.
• Use a blunt tool to poke out the corners.
• Give it a good press and close opening using invisible ladder stitch.
• Use fabric marker to draw in the white dotted line of the road (see note 6).
• The left and right tip of handle will be 3.5" (8.89 cm) from the top edge, and 3.5" (8.89cm) from both left and right edge of outer fabric . Also note that The placement of the handle is designed for carrying magnetic toy trains. If you are making this to carry matchbox cars (shorter in height), you will need to adjust the handle placement so it’s centered when the case is rolled up.
• Mark 3" (7.62cm ) in from left and right sides. Then mark 3 lines in between, each a distance of 2.5" (6.35cm) apart. The height of the markings are 4.5" (11.43cm) from bottom edge. See diagram in photo tutorial.
• Mark 4.75" (12.06cm) in from left and right side. Then mark 3 lines in between, each a distance of 4.25" (10.8cm) apart. See diagram in photo tutorial.
• POCKET PIECE is wider than PLAY MAT PIECE , so you will essentially be creating pleats along each side of the pocket to make a more 3-dimensional pocket.
• The amount you tuck in to make each pleat doesn't have to be exact as long as you it's equal on both sides of the pocket. Match the pocket pleats at the stitch line
• If you would like to be super exact use a ruler. The lines are about 0.25" (6.3mm) long and 0.25" (6.3mm) spaced apart.

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Just want to say a great big thank you for the step by step instructions. I used this idea and combined it with other car mat ideas to create a felt mat for my grandson’s birthday. It really helped to have such good instructions to work with.

You are so very welcome! I’m so glad you found the instructions helpful! I’m sure your grandson was super excited to receive the gift 🙂

Thank you for the tutorial! I made one for my sons and they love it!

Bye from the Netherlands!

Hi Xandra, Thank you for your kind words! And so glad to hear your sons love it! Mine does too!

This is sooooo adorable!

Thank you so much for your amazing free patterns, I’ve made the slouch bag, the tiny purse, two of pencil & colouring book carrier & the matchbox car & Road carrier, your instructions are so easy to follow. Can’t wait to find & try others..

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Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow: The Best of Moscow!

I just got back from one week in Moscow. And, as you might have already guessed, it was a mind-boggling experience. It was not my first trip to the Russian capital. But I hardly ever got enough time to explore this sprawling city. Visiting places for business rarely leaves enough time for sightseeing. I think that if you’ve got one week in Russia, you can also consider splitting your time between its largest cities (i.e. Saint Petersburg ) to get the most out of your trip. Seven days will let you see the majority of the main sights and go beyond just scratching the surface. In this post, I’m going to share with you my idea of the perfect travel itinerary for one week in Moscow.

Moscow is perhaps both the business and cultural hub of Russia. There is a lot more to see here than just the Kremlin and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Centuries-old churches with onion-shaped domes dotted around the city are in stark contrast with newly completed impressive skyscrapers of Moscow City dominating the skyline. I spent a lot of time thinking about my Moscow itinerary before I left. And this city lived up to all of my expectations.

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

No trip to Moscow would be complete without seeing its main attraction. The Red Square is just a stone’s throw away from several metro stations. It is home to some of the most impressive architectural masterpieces in the city. The first thing you’ll probably notice after entering it and passing vendors selling weird fur hats is the fairytale-like looking Saint Basil’s Cathedral. It was built to commemorate one of the major victories of Ivan the Terrible. I once spent 20 minutes gazing at it, trying to find the perfect angle to snap it. It was easier said than done because of the hordes of locals and tourists.

As you continue strolling around Red Square, there’s no way you can miss Gum. It was widely known as the main department store during the Soviet Era. Now this large (yet historic) shopping mall is filled with expensive boutiques, pricey eateries, etc. During my trip to Moscow, I was on a tight budget. So I only took a retro-style stroll in Gum to get a rare glimpse of a place where Soviet leaders used to grocery shop and buy their stuff. In case you want some modern shopping experience, head to the Okhotny Ryad Shopping Center with stores like New Yorker, Zara, and Adidas.

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

Day 2 – Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Tretyakov Gallery, and the Arbat Street

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

As soon as you start creating a Moscow itinerary for your second day, you’ll discover that there are plenty of metro stations that are much closer to certain sites. Depending on your route, take a closer look at the metro map to pick the closest.

The white marble walls of Christ the Saviour Cathedral are awe-inspiring. As you approach this tallest Orthodox Christian church, you may notice the bronze sculptures, magnificent arches, and cupolas that were created to commemorate Russia’s victory against Napoleon.

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Unfortunately, the current Cathedral is a replica, since original was blown to bits in 1931 by the Soviet government. The new cathedral basically follows the original design, but they have added some new elements such as marble high reliefs.

Home to some precious collection of artworks, in Tretyakov Gallery you can find more than 150,000 of works spanning centuries of artistic endeavor. Originally a privately owned gallery, it now has become one of the largest museums in Russia. The Gallery is often considered essential to visit. But I have encountered a lot of locals who have never been there.

Famous for its souvenirs, musicians, and theaters, Arbat street is among the few in Moscow that were turned into pedestrian zones. Arbat street is usually very busy with tourists and locals alike. My local friend once called it the oldest street in Moscow dating back to 1493. It is a kilometer long walking street filled with fancy gift shops, small cozy restaurants, lots of cute cafes, and street artists. It is closed to any vehicular traffic, so you can easily stroll it with kids.

Day 3 – Moscow River Boat Ride, Poklonnaya Hill Victory Park, the Moscow City

Metro Station: Kievskaya and Park Pobedy on Dark Blue Line / Vystavochnaya on Light Blue Line

Voyaging along the Moscow River is definitely one of the best ways to catch a glimpse of the city and see the attractions from a bit different perspective. Depending on your Moscow itinerary, travel budget and the time of the year, there are various types of boats available. In the summer there is no shortage of boats, and you’ll be spoiled for choice.

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If you find yourself in Moscow during the winter months, I’d recommend going with Radisson boat cruise. These are often more expensive (yet comfy). They offer refreshments like tea, coffee, hot chocolate, and, of course, alcoholic drinks. Prices may vary but mostly depend on your food and drink selection. Find their main pier near the opulent Ukraine hotel . The hotel is one of the “Seven Sisters”, so if you’re into the charm of Stalinist architecture don’t miss a chance to stay there.

The area near Poklonnaya Hill has the closest relation to the country’s recent past. The memorial complex was completed in the mid-1990s to commemorate the Victory and WW2 casualties. Also known as the Great Patriotic War Museum, activities here include indoor attractions while the grounds around host an open-air museum with old tanks and other vehicles used on the battlefield.

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The hallmark of the memorial complex and the first thing you see as you exit metro is the statue of Nike mounted to its column. This is a very impressive Obelisk with a statue of Saint George slaying the dragon at its base.

Maybe not as impressive as Shanghai’s Oriental Pearl Tower , the skyscrapers of the Moscow City (otherwise known as Moscow International Business Center) are so drastically different from dull Soviet architecture. With 239 meters and 60 floors, the Empire Tower is the seventh highest building in the business district.

The observation deck occupies 56 floor from where you have some panoramic views of the city. I loved the view in the direction of Moscow State University and Luzhniki stadium as well to the other side with residential quarters. The entrance fee is pricey, but if you’re want to get a bird’s eye view, the skyscraper is one of the best places for doing just that.

Day 4 – VDNKh, Worker and Collective Farm Woman Monument, The Ostankino TV Tower

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

VDNKh is one of my favorite attractions in Moscow. The weird abbreviation actually stands for Russian vystavka dostizheniy narodnogo khozyaystva (Exhibition of Achievements of the National Economy). With more than 200 buildings and 30 pavilions on the grounds, VDNKh serves as an open-air museum. You can easily spend a full day here since the park occupies a very large area.

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First, there are pavilions that used to showcase different cultures the USSR was made of. Additionally, there is a number of shopping pavilions, as well as Moskvarium (an Oceanarium) that features a variety of marine species. VDNKh is a popular venue for events and fairs. There is always something going on, so I’d recommend checking their website if you want to see some particular exhibition.

A stone’s throw away from VDNKh there is a very distinctive 25-meters high monument. Originally built in 1937 for the world fair in Paris, the hulking figures of men and women holding a hammer and a sickle represent the Soviet idea of united workers and farmers. It doesn’t take much time to see the monument, but visiting it gives some idea of the Soviet Union’s grandiose aspirations.

I have a thing for tall buildings. So to continue my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow I decided to climb the fourth highest TV tower in the world. This iconic 540m tower is a fixture of the skyline. You can see it virtually from everywhere in Moscow, and this is where you can get the best panoramic views (yep, even better than Empire skyscraper).

Parts of the floor are made of tempered glass, so it can be quite scary to exit the elevator. But trust me, as you start observing buildings and cars below, you won’t want to leave. There is only a limited number of tickets per day, so you may want to book online. Insider tip: the first tour is cheaper, you can save up to $10 if go there early.

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

Metro Station: Kolomenskoye, Tsaritsyno on Dark Green Line / Kuskovo on Purple Line

I love visiting the manor houses and palaces in Moscow. These opulent buildings were generally built to house Russian aristocratic families and monarchs. Houses tend to be rather grand affairs with impressive architecture. And, depending on the whims of the owners, some form of a landscaped garden.

During the early part of the 20th century though, many of Russia’s aristocratic families (including the family of the last emperor) ended up being killed or moving abroad . Their manor houses were nationalized. Some time later (after the fall of the USSR) these were open to the public. It means that today a great many of Moscow’s finest manor houses and palaces are open for touring.

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There are 20 manor houses scattered throughout the city and more than 25 in the area around. But not all of them easily accessible and exploring them often takes a lot of time. I’d recommend focusing on three most popular estates in Moscow that are some 30-minute metro ride away from Kremlin.

Sandwiched between the Moscow River and the Andropov Avenue, Kolomenskoye is a UNESCO site that became a public park in the 1920’s. Once a former royal estate, now it is one of the most tranquil parks in the city with gorgeous views. The Ascension Church, The White Column, and the grounds are a truly grand place to visit.

You could easily spend a full day here, exploring a traditional Russian village (that is, in fact, a market), picnicking by the river, enjoying the Eastern Orthodox church architecture, hiking the grounds as well as and wandering the park and gardens with wildflower meadows, apple orchards, and birch and maple groves. The estate museum showcases Russian nature at its finest year-round.

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If my travel itinerary for one week in Moscow was a family tree, Tsaritsyno Park would probably be the crazy uncle that no-one talks about. It’s a large park in the south of the city of mind-boggling proportions, unbelievable in so many ways, and yet most travelers have never heard of it.

The palace was supposed to be a summer home for Empress Catherine the Great. But since the construction didn’t meet with her approval the palace was abandoned. Since the early 1990’s the palace, the pond, and the grounds have been undergoing renovations. The entire complex is now looking brighter and more elaborately decorated than at possibly any other time during its history. Like most parks in Moscow, you can visit Tsaritsyno free of charge, but there is a small fee if you want to visit the palace.

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Last, but by no means least on my Moscow itinerary is Kuskovo Park . This is definitely an off-the-beaten-path place. While it is not easily accessible, you will be rewarded with a lack of crowds. This 18th-century summer country house of the Sheremetev family was one of the first summer country estates of the Russian nobility. And when you visit you’ll quickly realize why locals love this park.

Like many other estates, Kuskovo has just been renovated. So there are lovely French formal garden, a grotto, and the Dutch house to explore. Make sure to plan your itinerary well because the estate is some way from a metro station.

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

Creating the Moscow itinerary may keep you busy for days with the seemingly endless amount of things to do. Visiting the so-called Golden Ring is like stepping back in time. Golden Ring is a “theme route” devised by promotion-minded journalist and writer Yuri Bychkov.

Having started in Moscow the route will take you through a number of historical cities. It now includes Suzdal, Vladimir, Kostroma, Yaroslavl and Sergiev Posad. All these awe-inspiring towns have their own smaller kremlins and feature dramatic churches with onion-shaped domes, tranquil residential areas, and other architectural landmarks.

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I only visited two out of eight cities included on the route. It is a no-brainer that Sergiev Posad is the nearest and the easiest city to see on a day trip from Moscow. That being said, you can explore its main attractions in just one day. Located some 70 km north-east of the Russian capital, this tiny and overlooked town is home to Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, UNESCO Site.

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Sergiev Posad is often described as being at the heart of Russian spiritual life. So it is uncommon to see the crowds of Russian pilgrims showing a deep reverence for their religion. If you’re traveling independently and using public transport, you can reach Sergiev Posad by bus (departs from VDNKh) or by suburban commuter train from Yaroslavskaya Railway Station (Bahnhof). It takes about one and a half hours to reach the town.

Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius is a great place to get a glimpse of filling and warming Russian lunch, specifically at the “ Gostevaya Izba ” restaurant. Try the duck breast, hearty potato and vegetables, and the awesome Napoleon cake.

Day 7 – Gorky Park, Izmailovo Kremlin, Patriarch’s Ponds

Metro Station: Park Kultury or Oktyabrskaya on Circle Line / Partizanskaya on Dark Blue Line / Pushkinskaya on Dark Green Line

Gorky Park is in the heart of Moscow. It offers many different types of outdoor activities, such as dancing, cycling, skateboarding, walking, jogging, and anything else you can do in a park. Named after Maxim Gorky, this sprawling and lovely park is where locals go on a picnic, relax and enjoy free yoga classes. It’s a popular place to bike around, and there is a Muzeon Art Park not far from here. A dynamic location with a younger vibe. There is also a pier, so you can take a cruise along the river too.

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The Kremlin in Izmailovo is by no means like the one you can find near the Red Square. Originally built for decorative purposes, it now features the Vernissage flea market and a number of frequent fairs, exhibitions, and conferences. Every weekend, there’s a giant flea market in Izmailovo, where dozens of stalls sell Soviet propaganda crap, Russian nesting dolls, vinyl records, jewelry and just about any object you can imagine. Go early in the morning if you want to beat the crowds.

All the Bulgakov’s fans should pay a visit to Patriarch’s Ponds (yup, that is plural). With a lovely small city park and the only one (!) pond in the middle, the location is where the opening scene of Bulgakov’s novel Master and Margarita was set. The novel is centered around a visit by Devil to the atheistic Soviet Union is considered by many critics to be one of the best novels of the 20th century. I spent great two hours strolling the nearby streets and having lunch in the hipster cafe.

Conclusion and Recommendations

To conclude, Moscow is a safe city to visit. I have never had a problem with getting around and most locals are really friendly once they know you’re a foreigner. Moscow has undergone some serious reconstruction over the last few years. So you can expect some places to be completely different. I hope my one week Moscow itinerary was helpful! If you have less time, say 4 days or 5 days, I would cut out day 6 and day 7. You could save the Golden Ring for a separate trip entirely as there’s lots to see!

What are your thoughts on this one week Moscow itinerary? Are you excited about your first time in the city? Let me know in the comments below!

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

Moscow looks so beautiful and historic! Thanks for including public transit information for those of us who don’t like to rent cars.

MindTheTravel

Yup, that is me 🙂 Rarely rent + stick to the metro = Full wallet!

Mariella Blago

Looks like you had loads of fun! Well done. Also great value post for travel lovers.

Thanks, Mariella!

I have always wanted to go to Russia, especially Moscow. These sights look absolutely beautiful to see and there is so much history there!

Agree! Moscow is a thousand-year-old city and there is definitely something for everyone.

Tara Pittman

Those are amazing buildings. Looks like a place that would be amazing to visit.

Adriana Lopez

Never been to Moscow or Russia but my family has. Many great spots and a lot of culture. Your itinerary sounds fantastic and covers a lot despite it is only a short period of time.

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

I know very little about Moscow or Russia for the\at matter. I do know I would have to see the Red Square and all of its exquisite architectural masterpieces. Also the CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR. Thanks for shedding some light on visiting Moscow.

Thanks for swinging by! The Red Square is a great starting point, but there way too many places and things to discover aside from it!

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

You are making me so jealous!! I’ve always wanted to see Russia.

Moscow is in my bucket list, I don’t know when I can visit there, your post is really useful. As a culture rich place we need to spend at least week.

DANA GUTKOWSKI

Looks like you had a great trip! Thanks for all the great info! I’ve never been in to Russia, but this post makes me wanna go now!

Wow this is amazing! Moscow is on my bucket list – such an amazing place to visit I can imagine! I can’t wait to go there one day!

The building on the second picture looks familiar. I keep seeing that on TV.

Reesa Lewandowski

What beautiful moments! I always wish I had the personality to travel more like this!

Perfect itinerary for spending a week in Moscow! So many places to visit and it looks like you had a wonderful time. I would love to climb that tower. The views I am sure must have been amazing!

I was lucky enough to see the skyline of Moscow from this TV Tower and it is definitely mind-blowing.

Chelsea Pearl

Moscow is definitely up there on my travel bucket list. So much history and iconic architecture!

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

OMG I dream to visit Moscow someday! Hope the visa processing would be okay (and become more affordable) so I could pursue my dream trip!

Yup, visa processing is the major downside! Agree! Time and the money consuming process…

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