dswd travel clearance for minors 2023

DSWD Program

How to Apply DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors

In the event that you need to take your child out of the country, you must secure a DSWD travel clearance for minors. You may apply for it at any Social Welfare Development Center (SWDC) or any accredited agency.

Before a minor can travel outside the country, he or she must first obtain a travel clearance from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) . The purpose of the clearance is to ensure that the child is not being trafficked or forced into labor.

In order to obtain a travel clearance, the child’s parents or guardians must submit an application form to the DSWD. The form must be accompanied by a birth certificate, passport, and other supporting documents. Once the application is approved, the DSWD will issue a travel clearance certificate. The certificate is valid for one year and can be used for multiple trips.

But in order to proceed, you need to understand what a DSWD travel clearance for minors is and what it entails. You can learn more about it by reading the following sections.

Table of Contents

What is a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors?

The DSWD travel clearance for minors is an official document that allows you to take your child out of the country. It can also be used to identify you when traveling with your child. This document will contain important information about your child, such as his/her name, birthdate, and nationality.

This document confirms a child’s identity up to 18 years old and his/her relationship with you—the parent or guardian. It also confirms that you have met all the requirements in order to take your child out of the country.

• Authorizes a child to leave the country for a vacation or other purpose either with or without their parents
• Serves as proof that the child can be able to travel abroad
• Helps protect him/her from any form of abuse, trafficking and other forms of abuse that children might encounter while traveling.

These three points are very important to parents who want their children who are minors to travel abroad. The DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors is a very useful document in many situations and can help with the protection and well-being of your child.

Who Needs a Travel Clearance?

The DSWD travel clearance is required by both Filipino and foreign nationals when traveling with a child. The DSWD travel clearance for minors can be used as an alternative to the passport.

This document is issued to a:

• A minor traveling alone to a foreign country ;
• A minor traveling to a foreign country accompanied by a person other than his or her parents.

You don’t need to get this document if:

• A minor traveling to a foreign country with either parent or with his or her solo parent or legal guardian;
• A minor traveling abroad whose parents are in the Foreign Service or living abroad or are immigrants, provided he/she is holding a valid pass such as a dependents visa/pass/identification card or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card which serves as proof that he/she is living with parents abroad. Their travel does not constitute child trafficking.

What are the Requirements to Get a DSWD Travel Clearance?

A. For a minor traveling alone to a foreign country for the first time

• Duly accomplished DSWD Travel Clearance application form – check here
• A photocopy of the birth certificate of the minor
• Written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel alone to a foreign country
• As appropriate, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents or a photocopy of the certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or in the case of solo parents, a photocopy of the solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a photocopy of a certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of being a solo parent or Tallaq or Faskh certification from the Shariah court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader or in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR)* from the National Statistics Office (NSO) or in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate

* Issuance of CENOMAR will take 1-5 days for cases of uncommon surnames and 1-15 days for common surnames.

* Issuing office of CENOMAR is the National Statistics Office not the Local Civil Registrar.

• Two colored passport size photos of the minor taken within the last six (6) months

B. For a minor traveling for the first time with a person other than the parents or legal guardian

• Duly accomplished application form
• A photocopy of the birth certificate of minor
• A written consent of both parents or the solo parent or the legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country with a specific person other than them
• As appropriate, a photocopy of the marriage certificate of the minor’s parents or a certificate of legal guardianship of the minor or in the case of solo parents, a solo parent identification card from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office or a certification from the Local Social Welfare and Development Office of being a solo parent or a court decree of separation, annulment or divorce, or Tallaq or Fasakh certification from the Shariah court or any muslim barangay or religious leader or in the case of an illegitimate minor, a certificate of no marriage (CENOMAR) *from the National Statistics Office or in the case of a deceased parent, a photocopy of the death certificate

* Issuance of CENOMAR will take 1-5 days for cases of uncommon surnames and 1-15 days for common surnames

*Issuing office of CENOMAR is the National Statistics Office not the Local Civil Registrar

• Two colored passport-size photos of the minor taken within the last six months.
• Photocopy of the passport of the traveling companion

C. In the case of illegitimate children traveling abroad accompanied by their biological father, they are still required to secure a travel clearance certificate as parental authority is vested only to the child’s mother, per Article 176 of the Family Code of the Philippines.

What is the Process for Filing an Application for a DSWD Travel Certificate for Minors?

The application for travel clearance and supporting documents should be submitted to the DSWD Field Office.

Step 1:  Obtain DSWD-Field Office Travel Clearance application forms from their website or any DSWD field office.

Step 2:  Submit all the necessary documents. 

Step 3:  Go to the nearest DSWD field office on the appointed due date and pay the required amount for the travel clearance certificate.

The travel clearance certificate may be issued within three (3) working days following the submission of the necessary documents.

How Much is the Fee for the DSWD Travel Clearance Certificate?

The application fee for the DSWD travel clearance certificate will depend on how long you wish to use the travel clearance and what purpose it is used for.

• A fee of Php 300.00 per child will be valid for one (1) year
• A fee of Php 600.00 per child will be valid for two (2) years

NOTE: If the travel clearance has been lost, the new requirements for the approval of a new travel clearance should be submitted to the field office. This should not be considered a renewal of the clearance.

Application Form for DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA)

As mentioned, you may download a copy of the DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors Application Form online. Here is a COPY you may use you can download online – https://ncr.dswd.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mta_iso_form.pdf

Check out a sample of the DSWD Travel Clearance Application Form below:

Please read the instructions carefully before filling out the form. You can use either a black or blue ballpoint pen to fill out the form and ensure you have all the necessary documents ready before applying. If you have any questions about applying for a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors or other concerns related to traveling abroad with minors under your care, you may contact the nearest DSWD Field Office. 

Video: Filipino Vlogger Shares Details of Getting a DSWD Clearance for Travel for Child

Follow this step-by-step guide, and learn from the experience of the vlogger on how they went about applying for a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors.

Sending your child overseas on their own can be a very difficult decision to make. One of the most important things you need to do before sending your child overseas is to apply for a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors.

The travel clearance is a document that states the specific details about your child’s travel abroad, including his/her age and any special needs they may have. This document will also show that their parents or guardians are giving them permission to go abroad alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. what is a minor according to the law.

The term minor , also referred to as “Child,” is defined in RA 7610 as a person under 18 years old or one who is over 18 years old but is unable to protect himself or herself from abuse, neglect, discrimination, or exploitation due to a mental or physical disability.

2. Are the following minors exempted from securing a travel clearance?

• A minor with permanent residency card
• A minor who holds a valid pass such as dependents visa/pass/identification or permanent resident visa/pass/identification card is no longer required to secure travel clearance from DSWD. A permanent residency card is a valid pass and a holder of such is exempted from securing a travel clearance.
• A minor born abroad but has no permanent residency card

Depending on the minor’s citizenship and residency, they may not need a travel clearance. For instance, minors who are not Filipino citizens but have a foreign passport may not need one. However, those who are living abroad and do not have a permanent resident card may need one.

3. Who would give consent for the travel of a totally orphaned minor who has no appointed legal guardian?

Grandparents who have the authority to give consent to a minor child whose parents are deceased may do so even without a court order. However, in cases where both the parents are dead, the legal guardians should be the relatives or acting guardians of the child.

4. What about those children whose parents have marital conflict and are on hold order?

Unless a court order is issued to allow a child to travel with either of his or her parents, a travel clearance will not be granted. The child’s name will be added to the Bureau of Immigration’s watch list if the family fails to provide the necessary information. The agency is also responsible for ensuring that the child does not leave the country.

5. Can a travel clearance be issued to illegitimate children who are still applying for their visas in the embassy?

Children of illegitimate parents are under the custody of their mother. If they are going to be traveling with their mother, they do not need to secure a clearance from the DSWD. On the other hand, if they are going with someone other than their mother, they need to secure a clearance.

6. Is a faxed copy of the parental consent of parents residing abroad acceptable?

Sending a copy via fax is acceptable, as long as it is accompanied by a photo of minors. Also, email documents and a computer generated image of children are allowed.

7. What are the requirements for illegitimate children abandoned by the mother and under the custody of the father or other relatives who will be traveling alone or with the father or other relatives?

The father would need to secure a court order granting him the authority to raise his illegitimate children. If the mother has the absolute authority over her children, then the father would not be required to provide a travel clearance for the minor. However, if the minor travels with the father, or with someone else, he or she would need to secure a clearance.

8. Is a married minor required to secure a travel clearance?

Regardless of one’s civil status, a minor must get a travel clearance if they go on a solo or group trip without their parent. 

Aside from providing social services to the poor and needy, the DSWD is also responsible in ensuring that children in the Philippines are protected from abuse and exploitation. For this reason, parents need to ensure that their children are safe and secure when traveling abroad. If you want to send your child overseas alone, you must apply for a DSWD travel clearance first.

We hope that this guide has helped you better understand the application process for a DSWD travel clearance for minors traveling abroad, which is fairly simple and quick.

So, do you think you’re ready to send your child abroad? If so, do you have the right documents? Are there any other things you need to do before you send them overseas? Do let us know in the comments section below!

DISCLAIMER: This post is intended for information purposes only. It is not a substitute for the DSWD’s official travel clearance requirements and procedures. We strongly recommend you visit the DSWD website for more information.

How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors [With Tips on Online Submission]

One requirement for minors to travel abroad (or even on visa applications) is a DSWD Travel Clearance. It’s a requirement to keep those not yet adults to be secure or protected. There are no doubt child traffickers or abusers out there, to keep the children safe, it’s better to follow this. Here’s a guide on how to get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors .

The rules are as per DSWD Administrative Order No. 12, s. 2017 or the Omnibus Guidelines for Minors Travelling Abroad. It’s better to register online then have an appointment as to lessen interaction with people. However, online applications are limited to a few regions. There had been cases on which minors were not allowed to travel abroad or granted visas because of this. Make sure you read thoroughly to get one!

• Your Golden Ticket to Traveling in Europe: All you Need to Know about Schengen Visas
• 3 Ways on How to get a PSA Birth Certificate – Walk In and Online for Pinoys Abroad
• Philippines Entry Visa for Foreign Spouses, Minor Children of Filipinos
• How to Apply for Philippines Passport in DFA? Requirements & DFA Appointment Step by Step Guide
• One year Visa-free Balikbayan Stay in the Philippines for the Foreign Spouse/ Children of Filipino Citizens

Table of Contents

What is a Minor?

As per the A.O.’s definition, it’s a person below 18 years old or someone who is over 18 but can’t take care or protect him/herself due to physical or mental condition.

Minors required getting a DSWD Travel Clearance

• Traveling alone using P.H. passport only for travel outside the Philippines
• Those traveling with the prospective adoptive parent(s) for intercountry adoption
• Going with a person that is not the parent, legal guardian, or in custody of the child
• An illegitimate child traveling with biological father
• Married minor stated above (P.S. a married minor is someone below 18 who is married at an early age due to their cultural or indigenous practices)

Exempted from getting a DSWD Travel Clearance

• For legitimate children, those accompanied by either or both parents
• Illegitimate child traveling with biological mother
• Illegitimate child traveling with biological father, if the court has granted him sole parental authority or custody
• Accompanied by Legal guardian
• With a parent who has been granted sole parental authority or custody by a court
• Traveling with adoptive parents, with adoption decree and certificate of finality
• Minor who is an immigrant or a permanent resident abroad with a foreign passport or parents have diplomatic or official passports

Who can file for application of DSWD Travel Clearance

• Parent(s) or Legal Guardian
• Traveling Companion
• Duly Authorized Representative of parents within the 4th degree of affinity or consanguinity
• Legal guardian supported by an authorization letter

Requirements needed for a DSWD Travel Clearance

• Minors Traveling Abroad Application form (if online, there’s no need to download) PSA Birth Certificate
• Notarized Affidavit or written consent of parent(s), solo parent, or legal guardian permitting the minor to travel to a foreign country and/or authorizing a specific person (with valid I.D. with signature) to accompany minor
• Two (2) original colored passport size photos of the minor – taken within the last 6 months from the application

Other Required Documents:

Requirements for Minors Traveling Alone or with a Companion other than Parent or Legal Guardian

• Affidavit of Support and Certified Copy of Financial Capability of Sponsor – e.g., Certificate of Employment, Latest Income Tax Return, Bank Statement,
• Original copy of previous Travel Clearance (renewal)
• Passport Copy of Travelling Companion
• Unaccompanied Minor Certificate from Airlines
• Waiver from the parents releasing DSWD from any liability or responsibility in case of an incident during travel of child

Requirements of Minors under the care of Parents/Legal Guardians/Solo Parents

• Married Parents – PSA Marriage Certificate
• Under a Legal Guardian – Copy of Court Order on Legal Guardianship
• Solo Parent – Solo Parent ID or Certificate of being a solo parent, court decree on legal separation, annulment, or divorce
• Illegitimate – PSA Certificate of No Marriage
• For Muslims – Tallaq or Fasakh certification from the Shariah Court or any Muslim Barangay or religious leader
• Sea Man Parents – Certificate from Manning Agency attesting Parent’s Employment, Seaman’s Bool (copy)
• Deceased Parent(s) – PSA Death Certificate
• Social Case Study Report from a Social Worker
• Blotter Report from Police or Barangay Certificate
• 1 Returned Registered Mail to the last known address
• Notarized Affidavit of Undertaking by Foster Parents with the following details: Purpose of Travel, Destination, Duration, Commitment to appear with the child to the Regional Director after 5 days of return in the country
• A notarized affidavit of Consent from Regional Director or Authorized Representative
• Copy of Foster Placement Authority (Original must be presented)
• Copy of Foster Care License of Family (Original must be shown)
• DSWD Certificate stating that Child is available for adoption
• Return Ticket

Other Supporting Documents:

• Migrating to another country – Visa petition approval
• Studying Abroad – Certificate of Enrollment or Acceptance or Registration from School
• Endorsement Letter of School Head
• Certificate from Sponsoring Organization
• Affidavit of Undertaking of Companion (if sports competition)
• Invitation from Sponsoring Agency or Organization Abroad – with itinerary, list of participants, and duration
• Medical Abstract of Minor, Recommendation from Attending Physician (e.g., the procedure is not available in the Philippines), Letter from sponsor covering the expenses,
• Placement Authority issued by the Inter-Country Adoption Board
• Authority to Escort issued by the ICAB

How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance Walk-In

STEP 1 : Gather all the documents required.

STEP 2 : Go to the nearest DSWD Field Office, along with all your documents. You may call them ahead to have an appointment or ask if the in-charge will be present.

STEP 3 : Give your documents so that you will be assessed.

STEP 4 : Once you are approved, you will be given a payment stub. Pay the Fee at the Cashier. It will cost PHP 300 for 1 year, while its PHP 600 for two years.

STEP 5 : Present your Official receipt to get the Clearance printed. Receive it and use it for travel purposes.

How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance Online

(Available to NCR, Region 7, and 9)

STEP 1 : Gather all the documents required. Scan them Ahead.

STEP 2 : Go to this website .

1. Choose Travel Clearance for Minors Travelling Abroad.

2. Register to an online account.

3. Sign-up.

4. Then, log-in.

STEP 3 : Select Minor Travelling Abroad Form or Apply for Travel Clearance for Minors Travelling Abroad. Fill up the information asked.

STEP 4 : Upload the documents needed.

STEP 5 : Review the documents then submit the application form.

STEP 6 : You will receive an e-mail that your form has been received. After the initial assessment, you will receive another e-mail for the interview schedule.

STEP 7 : On the appointment date, go to the DSWD Field Office with original copies of the documents. Pass it to the officer-in-charge.

STEP 8 : Once you are approved, you will be given a payment stub. Pay the Fee at the Cashier. The fee is PHP 300 for 1 year, while its PHP 600 for two years.

STEP 9 : Present your Official receipt to get the Clearance printed. Receive it and use it for travel purposes.

Sometimes it will take less than a day in getting a DSWD Travel Clearance , especially if your documents are complete. What takes time is gathering the documents. You can do this a month before your travel or before the visa application as it doesn’t expire immediately. You’ll have to secure usually before applying for a visa as a DSWD Travel Clearance is needed as a requirement. I hope this will help in your future travels!

About the Writer

Hey, I’m Lyza! I once was a person who just imagined going to places “one day” but decided to pursue my dreams. My first travel abroad was in Japan, solo, last 2018, and fell in love with the journey since. I’m aiming to visit 10 countries before turning 30 and 2 new places in the Philippines every year. Besides traveling, I love organizing trips, photography, reading, and making new friends. Follow my adventures through my  Instagram .

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

11 thoughts on “ How to get a DSWD Travel Clearance for Minors [With Tips on Online Submission] ”

Paano po kukuha ng affidavit of support papunta po ng Switzerland pero kasama nya nmn nya c mama nya magtravel para sa bakasyon nila kc doon nagwork Ang mama nya at sunduin nya dto sa pilipinas at sabay na cla pupunta doon ..wat is the requirements po?..I’m the father of the girl po

Is it still needed if the minor is travelling with his/her sibling to their biological mother with an affidavit of consent and marriage certificate from the biological father?

Double check with the DSWD po; there are no “siblings” under the exemption

Hi, my son will be travelling abroad with my sister in law. Is my sister in law considered as legal guardian? Do we still need to get DSWD travel clearance? When is court legal guardianship needed? Thanks!

He probably needs to have one as your sister-in-law is not considered a legal guardian. legal guardians usually are there in case the minor is orphaned and they are in custody of them.

Is it possible to get a travel clearance with only one parent consent? as i dont have any contact with my ex husband? any suggestions? thank you.

You’ll need to present a Solo Parent – Solo Parent ID or Certificate of being a solo parent, court decree on legal separation, annulment, or divorce

This was very helpful. Thanks a lot!

Would you know where I can find a template for the waiver that needs to be attached?

we don’t have a template po, you can search the internet or get it from a lawyer

Do you have any experience with applying travel clearance online? I applied 1 week ago and no reply yet from DSWD, the status is still “submitted”. I’ve been calling DSWD Region 4A but all the nos. I tried are incorrect. I’m based here in Dubai and don’t know who can I contact to follow up. My daughter’s flight is in 2 weeks.

Hi Irish, I also applied online and after two weeks I dont have a reply with DSWD. How long it takes for you to have your application assess and how about the travel clearance processing time. Thank you very much.

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

48 Hours in Tokyo – Exploring Japan’s Vibrant Capital

How to find the best hotels in new york, top california destinations for families to enjoy, scuba diving and snorkeling in the philippines, what are the benefits of booking flight tickets in advance, related posts, how to get a schengen d visa in the philippines (long-term visa in europe), things to do to lake sebu, south cotabato, philippines, travel guide to nasugbu, batangas, philippines (beaches & mt. batulao), how to apply for schengen finland visa for filipinos [finland schengen visa guide for filipinos], previous post, 10 awesome things to do in macau [with suggested tours], 13 problems only women travelers can understand, subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

• Toggle Accessibility Statement
• Skip to Main Content

Minors Travelling Abroad

Minors Traveling Abroad (MTA) Downloadable Forms:

• Application Form
• Affidavit of Consent and Support
• Checklist of requirements
• Affidavit of Undertaking for Sport Competition

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

We’re in Myanmar right now and it’s SO epic… click here to follow along on Instagram.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

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!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

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!

Godzillas Hostel is one of our favourites in Moscow but they’re not taking guests right now. We’re not sure if they’re closed for good but we hope they’ll come back soon.

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

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Schedules & Route Maps

SMART Transit east and west routes take you to popular destinations throughout the City of Moscow. Buses stop at medical offices, shopping areas, schools (including the University of Idaho campus) and high-density housing developments.

Everyone rides FREE!

Current alerts and announcements

• RIDER ALERT! Closed Monday, Feb. 19th for President’s Day.
• RIDER ALERT! Closed Christmas Day (12/25) and New Year’s Day (1/1)
• RIDER ALERT! Single bus today, Oct. 25th

There are two fixed routes. Both routes connect at Moscow’s Intermodal Transit Center at 1006 Railroad Street. 

Download current route maps and schedules

Single route schedule, west side loop.

Covers the west side of Moscow and the University of Idaho campus. Common stops include:

• Student Union Building (ISUB) and residence halls along Sixth Street
• Moscow Family Medicine QuickCARE
• Palouse Mall
• Downtown Moscow
• Gritman Medical Center

East side loop 

Covers the east side of Moscow from the UI campus. Common stops include:

• Moscow High School
• East City Park
• Aquatic Center
• Moscow Junior High School
• Skateboard Park
• Latah County Fairgrounds
• Eastside Marketplace 
• Styner Avenue

Buses depart the Intermodal Transit Center at 10 minutes and 40 minutes after the hour.

Most stops are served every half hour. 

Download current map and schedule poster

West side loop schedule.

Transit Center

6:40, 7:10, 7:40, 8:10, 8:40, 9:10, 9:40, 10:10, 10:40, 11:10, 11:40, 12:10, 12:40, 1:10, 1:40, 2:40, 3:40, 4:40, 5:40, 6:40

College & Deakin Ave.

6th & Deakin

6:41, 7:41, 8:41, 9:41, 10:41, 11:41, 12:41, 1:41, 2:41, 3:41, 4:41, 5:41, 6:41

Ash & University Ave.

7:11, 8:11, 9:11, 10:11, 11:11, 12:11, 1:11, 2:11, 3:11, 4:11, 5:11, 6:11

7:12, 8:12, 9:12, 10:12, 11:12, 12:12, 1:12, 2:12, 3:12, 4:12, 5:12, 6:12

6:42, 7:42, 8:42, 9:42, 10:42, 11:42, 12:42, 1:42, 2:42, 3:42, 4:42, 5:42, 6:42

Wallace Complex

7:12, 7:42, 8:12, 8:42, 9:12, 9:42, 10:12, 10:42, 11:12, 11:42, 12:12, 12:42, 1:12, 1:42, 2:12, 2:42, 3:12, 3:42, 4:12, 4:42, 5:12, 5:42, 6:12, 6:42

6th & Perimeter

7:13, 7:43, 8:13, 8:43, 9:13, 9:43, 10:13, 10:43, 11:13, 11:43, 12:13, 12:43, 1:13, 1:43, 2:13, 2:43, 3:13, 3:43, 4:13, 4:43, 5:13, 5:43, 6:13, 6:43

6:46, 7:46, 8:46, 9:46, 10:46, 11:46, 12:46, 1:46, 2:46, 3:46, 4:46, 5:46, 6:46

Moscow Family Medicine/QuickCare

6:47, 7:47, 8:47, 9:47, 10:47, 11:47, 12:47, 1:47, 2:47, 3:47, 4:47, 5:47, 6:47

6:50, 7:15, 7:50, 8:15, 8:50, 9:15, 9:50, 10:15, 10:50, 11:15, 11:50, 12:15, 12:50, 1:15, 1:50, 2:50, 3:50, 4:50, 5:50, 6:50

Baker Hill (Wish Medical)

A & Baker

6:51, 7:16, 7:51, 8:16, 8:51, 9:16, 9:51, 10:16, 10:51, 11:16, 11:51, 12:16, 12:51, 1:16, 1:51, 2:16, 2:51, 3:16, 3:51, 4:16, 4:51, 5:16, 5:51, 6:16, 6:51

A & Peterson

A & Cherry

6:52, 7:17, 7:52, 8:17, 8:52, 9:17, 9:52, 10:17, 10:52, 11:17, 11:52, 12:17, 12:52, 1:17, 1:52, 2:17, 2:52, 3:17, 3:52, 4:17, 4:52, 5:17, 5:52, 6:17, 6:52

A & Lily

6:53, 7:18, 7:53, 8:18, 8:53, 9:18, 9:53, 10:18, 10:53, 11:18, 11:53, 12:18, 12:53, 1:18, 1:53, 2:18, 2:53, 3:18, 3:53, 4:18, 4:53, 5:18, 5:53, 6:18, 6:53

A & Almon

7:19, 8:19, 9:19, 10:19, 11:19, 12:19, 1:19, 2:19, 3:19, 4:19, 5:19, 6:19

Almon & E

7:20: 8:20, 9:20, 10:20, 11:20, 12:20 1:20, 2:20, 3:20, 4:20, 5:20, 6:20

E & Main (Rosauers)

7:21, 8:21, 9:21, 10:21, 11:21, 12:21, 1:21

2nd & Main

6:55, 7:22, 7:55, 8:22, 8:55, 9:22, 9:55, 10:22, 10:55, 11:22, 11:55, 12:22, 12:55, 1:22, 1:55, 2:22, 2:55, 3:22, 3:55, 4:22, 4:55, 5:22, 5:55, 6:22, 6:55

Friendship Square

6:56, 7:24, 7:56, 8:24, 8:56, 9:24, 9:56, 10:24, 10:56, 11:24, 11:56, 12:24, 12:56, 1:24, 1:56, 2:56, 3:56, 3:56, 4:56, 5:56, 6:56

8th & Main (Gritman Medical Center)

6:57, 7:25, 7:57, 8:25, 8:57, 9:25, 9:57, 10:25, 10:57, 11:25, 11:57, 12:25, 12:57, 1:25, 1:57, 2:25, 2:57, 3:25, 3:57, 4:25, 4:57, 5:25, 5:57, 6:25, 6:57

Friendship Square stop not serviced during Saturday Farmers’ Market May through Oct

East Side Loop Schedule

6:40, 7:10, 7:40, 8:10, 8:40, 9:10, 9:40, 10:10, 10:40, 11:10, 11:40, 12:10, 12:40, 1:10, 1:40, 2:10, 3:10, 4:10, 5:10, 6:10

College & Deakin

6:41, 7:10, 7:41, 8:10, 8:41, 9:10, 9:41, 10:10, 10:41, 11:10, 11:41, 12:10, 12:41, 1:10, 1:41, 2:10, 2:41, 3:10, 3:41, 4:10, 4:41, 5:10, 5:41, 6:10, 6:41

6:41, 7:11, 7:41, 8:11, 8:41, 9:11, 9:41, 10:11, 10:41, 11:11, 11:41, 12:11, 12:41, 1:11, 1:41, 2:11, 3:11, 4:11, 5:11, 6:11

Almon & A

8:42, 9:42, 10:42, 11:42, 12:42, 1:42, 2:42, 3:42, 4:42, 5:42, 6:42

8:43, 9:43, 10:43, 11:43, 12:43, 1:43, 2:43, 3:43, 4:43, 5:43, 6:43

8:44, 9:44 10:44, 11:44, 12:44, 1:44, 2:14, 3:14, 4:14, 5:14, 6:14

D & Jefferson

8:45, 9:45, 10:45, 11:45, 12:45, 1:45, 2:45, 3:45, 4:45, 5:45, 6:45

D & Howard

8:46, 9:46, 10:46, 11:46, 12:46, 1:46, 2:46, 3:46, 4:46, 5:46, 6:46

Moscow High School / 1912 Center

3rd & Polk

7:13, 8:13, 9:13, 10:13, 11:13, 12:13, 1:13, 2:13, 3:13, 4:13, 5:13, 6:13

3rd & Lincoln

7:14, 8:14, 9:14, 10:14, 11:14, 12:14, 1:14, 2:14, 3:14, 4:14, 5:14, 6:14

1st & Hayes

Hayes & D St.

6:45, 7:15, 7:45, 8:15, 8:45, 9:15, 9:45, 10:15, 10:45, 11:15, 11:45, 12:15, 12:45, 1:15, 1:45, 2:15, 2:45, 3:15, 3:45, 4:15, 4:45, 5:15, 5:45, 6:15, 6:45

Hayes & F St.

F St. & Orchard

6:46, 7:16, 7:46, 8:16, 8:46, 9:16, 9:46, 10:16, 10:46, 1:16, 11:46, 12:16, 12:46, 1:16, 1:46, 2:16, 2:46, 3:16, 3:46, 4:16, 4:46, 5:16, 5:46, 6:16, 6:46

F St. & Mountain View

6:47, 7:17, 7:47, 8:17, 8:49, 9:17, 9:49, 10:17, 10:49, 11:17, 11:49, 12:17, 12:49, 1:17, 1:49, 2:19, 3:19, 4:19, 5:19, 6:19

Mountain View Skate Park

Mountain View & Rolling Hills

6th & Mountain View

6:48, 7:18, 7:48, 8:18, 8:48, 9:18, 9:48, 10:18, 10:48, 11:18, 11:48, 12:18, 12:48, 1:18, 1:48, 2:18, 2:48, 3:18, 3:48, 4:18, 4:48, 5:18, 5:48, 6:18, 6:48

6th & Park

6:49, 7:19, 7:49, 8:19, 8:49, 9:19, 9:49, 10:19, 10:49, 11:19, 11:49, 12:19, 12:49, 1:19, 1:49, 2:19, 2:49, 3:19, 3:21, 4:19, 4:49, 5:19, 5:49, 6:19, 6:49

Blaine Street at 6th Street

7th & Blaine

6:50, 7:20, 7:50, 8:20, 8:50, 9:20, 9:50, 10:20, 10:50, 11:20, 11:50, 12:20, 12:50, 1:20, 1:50, 2:20, 2:50, 3:20, 3:50, 4:20, 4:50, 5:20, 5:50, 6:20, 6:50

Blaine & Mabelle

Blaine & White Ave. (Eastside Marketplace)

6:51, 7:21, 7:51, 8:21, 8:51, 9:21, 9:51, 10:21, 10:51, 11:21, 11:51, 12:21, 12:51, 1:21, 1:51, 2:21, 2:51, 3:21, 3:51, 4:21, 4:51, 5:21, 5:51, 6:21, 6:51

Styner & Northwood

6:53, 7:23, 7:53, 8:23, 8:53, 9:23, 9:53, 10:23, 10:53, 11:23, 11:53, 12:23, 12:53, 1:23, 1:53, 2:23, 2:53, 3:23, 3:53, 4:23, 4:53, 5:23, 5:53, 6:23, 6:53

Styner & Hawthorne

Styner & Main

6:54, 7:24, 7:54, 8:24, 8:54, 9:24, 9:54, 10:24, 10:54, 11:24, 11:54, 12:24, 12:54, 1:24, 1:54, 2:24, 2:54, 3:24, 3:54, 4:24, 4:54, 5:24, 5:54, 6:24, 6:54

Need curb-to-curb service?

If you need a more personalized transit option than fixed-route buses, consider using Dial-A-Ride . It offers curb-to-curb service with pickups at prescheduled times.

Intercity travel

Starting may 15, 2023, smart transit is no longer selling northwestern trailways intercity bus tickets.

You may purchase tickets directly from the intercity carriers:

• Northwestern Trailways (800-366-3830)
• Salt Lake Express

Contact the carriers or visit their websites for information about routes, schedules, baggage, and more.

When you buy tickets online, most exchanges, refunds, and customer service inquiries must also be made online.

Trip planning tools

Google Maps and Bing Maps

Both tools provide directions for your entire trip, including the walk to the bus stop.

Visit the Idaho Transportation Department online for road reports, maps, and more.

Moscow in winter | What to do in Moscow in winter? How to dress?

• October 1, 2023

Moscow winter: how does it look like? What to do in Moscow in winter? How to dress foe Moscow winter? Here are our travel tips to discover Moscow in December, January and February.

Rest sure, you will not be bored! Even if you are travelling during at -20 degrees (which is now really rare), you will always find cool things to do. Going to Moscow in December, January or February is great! Let’s see it together!

A week in Moscow and St Petersburg. If after Moscow you are also going to Saint Petersburg, then find out our blog post on what to do in Saint Petersburg in winter.

What to do in Moscow in winter? Our TOP 6 of things to do during Moscow winter!

Here is our TOP 6 of things to do during Moscow winter:

• Go to the Red Square Christmas market

Ice skating on the largest ice rink in Europe at VDNKh

Enjoy the snow-capped moscow parks, live the experience of a russian banya, stroll the most beautiful streets of moscow in winter, discover the fairy tale world of izmailovo, go to the red square christmas market, the number 1 thing to do in moscow in winter.

It’s magic! Moscow’s Red Square in December, January and February turns into a fairy tale: small stands for mulled wine, tea or sweets. The festive atmosphere reigns there throughout the winter. There is also an ice rink installed on November 30, just opposite the luxury store GUM. In summary, if there should be only one thing to do in Moscow in winter, that would be the Red Square Christmas market.

• Where? Red Square , free entry to the Christmas market. If you are going to stay only 2 or 3 days in Moscow, choose an accommodation not too far from Kremlin. Find further tips about hotels in Moscow here: Where to stay in Moscow?
• When? From December 1 to the end of February

Indeed, the rink is 20,000m²! If you are going to Moscow in December, January or February, ice skating is an activity to discover. Music and lights to accompany your skate ride: great atmosphere! However, VDNKh is not in the historical Moscow center.

• Where? Exhibition center, VDNKh. You will need to take a public transport (metro or bus) or taxi to go there. This blog post could be helpful: Transport in Moscow: how does it work?
• When? From November 30 to February 28, closed on Monday
• Opening hours: 11 am-3pm and 5 pm-11pm weekdays; 10 am-3pm and 5 pm-11pm on weekends and holidays. Technical break to smooth the ice from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Prices: from 300 RUB to 600 RUB for a 1 hour session (more expensive on weekdays and weekends), discounts for children under 12 + 150 RUB for skate rental

What to do in Moscow in winter? Enjoy the parks whose entry is completely free! Indeed, the parks of Moscow are great spaces of relaxation and entertainment very appreciated by the Muscovites. However, you must know the most interesting of the city center: these are the new Zariadié park and the Gorky park.

Pay attention to the temperatures! Long walks can be quickly difficult to hold, if you are not well equipped. Especially if temperatures drop to -10 and above. Further informations about how to dress for Moscow winter below.

The snow-covered Zariadye Park and its platform suspended in the air offer a beautiful view of the Kremlin and the Moskva River. The park area is open 24 hours a day and free. In addition, for 180 RUB you can visit an artistic installation: the ice cave (hours 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.).

The Gorky park is very large, it runs along the Moskva to the Mont des Moineaux. Besides, Gorky Park is a park to visit in summer and winter. If you go to Moscow in December, January or February, inside the park you will find small stands where you can buy hot drinks to warm up, cafes to rest and a museum of modern art Garage, and then an ice rink! Impressive too, but smaller than that of VDNKh. However, there are a lot of people on weekends. Map of the park .

Warm wine and tea are not enough to warm you up? Now is the time to try the Russian bania! It’s clearly an experience to do in Moscow in winter. Moscow winter would not be so cold for you! Finishing a day of walking in the snowy city with a traditional bania, there is nothing better.

What is the bania? In summary, the Russian bania is a hot steam bath. It’s an ancient tradition that dates back to the time of Peter the Great. Bania enthusiast, he then zero-rated the construction of the banias. They then multiplied everywhere in Russia. In the countryside, the bania is a small wooden house. In town, the place is apparently different from the outside, but the principle remains the same. The steam warms our bodies, the pores are cleaned, we wash … then we pat ourselves with the venik, a broom of dry birch branches! It wakes up, for sure!

Salduny baths is an institution. With over 200 years of history, they are the largest and most popular baths in Moscow. However, there are Women and Men sections. To be able to stay together, you must then reserve a private banya.

• Where? Neglinnaya Ulitsa 14, Kuznetsky most metro
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed on Tuesdays.
• Prices: 1800 RUB for 3 hours of bania – basic part, 2200 RUB – more “premium” part

In what to do in Moscow in winter, I cannot not mention the walk in the streets of Moscow. Indeed, the streets of the city center are very nicely decorated. In addition to the famous places to visit, such as Saint Basil’s Cathedral or Red Square, there are nice neighborhoods to see to enjoy the winter and better understand Moscow.

Neighborhoods to visit. The districts of Patriarchy Prudy and Tchistye Prudy are to be discovered, because there are already more locals there. In addition, in each of these districts, there is a pond and cafes and restaurants around.

Streets to see. Nikolskaya, Bolchaya Dmitrovka, Pereoulok Stoleshnikov, Pereoulok Kamergersky and Kuznetchny Most streets are also worth a walk.

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is certainly a tourist spot, but it is well worth seeing during a winter weekend . It looks like Disneyland! First, you enter a colorful fortress surrounded by frozen water, walk the decorated streets, then discover the market stalls filled with fur, chapka, Russian scarves.

• Where? 10 min of walk from Partizanskaya station
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Free admission

How to dress for Moscow winter?

To know how to dress for Moscow winter and Russian winter in general, you can use my Russian grandmother’s golden rule (who lived on Novaya Zemlya Island in Russia). You have to cover the strategic places to be warm. That is, clothes and shoes in winter in Russia must protect the extremities of the body as much as possible, then the throat and buttocks. It is quite the same in Canada I guess.

Three important things for how to dress for Moscow winter:

• Undershirts are very important. They shouldn’t be wide, they should stick to your skin.
• Hooded coats
• High shoes with a thick and gripping sole

What to enjoy Moscow winter: in summary

As we have seen, Moscow is therefore transformed during the winter into a magical place: decorations, snow, evening lights, ice rink … Indeed, everything is there for New Year’s Day, the most important holiday in Russia. So let’s take advantage of this winter and its magic to the fullest: Red Square Christmas market, skating rink, walk in the snowy parks!

If you are leaving during the holiday season, this blog post will certainly be useful for you: Christmas and New Year in Moscow .

Finally, here is a wonderful video of Moscow snow-covered in February! 🙂

Have a nice trip! 🙂 Use the blog search bar to find the articles that interest you about Moscow.

Tell us what are you planning to do in Moscow in winter? Are you going to Moscow in December, January or February?

Other travel tips for Moscow:

• Airport transfer: how to get to the Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow?
• Kremlin: what to see and how to visit?
• Things to do in Moscow in 1, 2, 3, 4 ou 5 days: all the places you need to know about!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Tourist Voucher Russia for visa: how to get a tourist voucher for 19$ ?

St petersburg in winter | best things to do in winter in saint petersburg, you may also like.

Visit Moscow and St Petersburg in one week | Itinerary, cost, tips

• November 3, 2023

Red Square in Moscow: everything you need to know before visiting

• February 22, 2024

Moscow transport: metro, bus & taxi in Moscow | How does it work?

• August 15, 2023

Bolshoi Theatre Moscow: how to buy tickets for Bolshoi theatre ballet?

• July 28, 2023

Weekend in Moscow | What to do in Moscow for a long weekend?

• June 22, 2023

Moscow Kremlin: skip-the-line tickets and 8 things not to miss

• July 6, 2023