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DIY Cake Toppers for Birthday & Weddings: Customize Your Own!

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Learn how to make your own DIY cake topper for birthday, weddings, and holidays that are both easy and elegant! Use one of my free topper designs, or make your own with a custom name or phrase to decorate your cake.

My family loves cake . I used to love to bake and decorate cakes, but those days are long behind me at this point. So when I’m responsible for the cake, that means I’m buying one. Sadly, storebought ones are kinda boring, especially when you get the generic ones from the deli case the hour before the party. LOL Sure, you can buy some decorations, but those are generic, too. But what DOES make any cake look magnificent is a CUSTOM CAKE TOPPER! So for Day 9 of The Great Maker 25-Day Gift-Away Challenge , I am showing you how to make DIY cake toppers with custom names and phrases! 

See exactly how to make DIY cake toppers  in my tutorial video  (or keep scrolling if you prefer a step-by-step photo tutorial):

Now you probably have everything you need already to make a cake topper — just a few sheets of cardstock, some bamboo skewers, and some glue. That’s it. So easy.

You’ll want a way to cut your cake topper — you can use scissors or a craft knife , but I’m using my Cricut cutting machine because it’s way faster and I love using technology to make my life easier.

I’ve even made some cake topper designs for you to use (“Make a Wish,” “Celebrate,” and “Best Day Ever”), along with a template so you can make a cake topper with whatever name or saying you want . 

In this tutorial, I will show you how to use my template to create a custom cake topper (or just use a design I already made for you!) and then how to assemble your DIY cake topper so it stays on your cake! This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience (which means if you make a purchase after clicking a link I will earn a small commission but it won’t cost you a penny more)!  Read my  full disclosure policy .

Quick Links to Information in this Post

Materials to Make DIY Cake Toppers

• 65 lb.-110 lb. 8.5″ x 11″ cardstock . The heavier weight, the sturdier it will be. Feel free to even use things like poster board, Kraft board, or even veneer.
• Decorative paper like glitter cardstock or holographic poster board, which are good choices for the name or phrase
• 1 2″ long Bamboo skewers (2 per cake topper)
• Tacky glue or adhesive spray
• A way to cut your cardstock (I used the amazing Cricut cutting machine! )
• StandardGrip cutting mat (the 12″ x 12″ size )
• Breaking Bread and Blackfat Script are the two fonts I used from Font Bundles.
• Design #175 – My free SVG cake topper files and template (available in my free resource library —get the password by filling out the form at the bottom of this page) 

How to Make DIY Cake Toppers with a Pre-Made Design or a Custom Name or Phrase!

Step 1: get my free diy cake topper template.

Get the free cake topper designs and templates (Design #175)  from my free resource library (get the password to the library in the form at the bottom of this post).

Step 2: Prepare Your Cake Topper for Cutting

While you can cut this cake topper by hand with a craft knife, you’ll find it much easier to cut this project on a cutting machine, like a Cricut. To do that, you’ll first upload the SVG design file you downloaded in step 1 to Cricut Design Space. Here’s what my SVG file looks like uploaded to Cricut Design Space :

Tip: I f you’re not sure how to upload an SVG cut file to Cricut Design Space , watch this helpful video training series I made . If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, here’s how to download and upload SVG files to the Cricut Design Space app .

The cake topper design is sized to fit on an 8 inch cake or larger. If you need to resize the image to fit a different size cake, do so before you ungroup the designs.

If you’re curious what font I used for my pre-made cake topper designs, I used Breaking Bread and Blackfat Script , both of which are ideal for joining and welding!

Step 3: Cut Out Your Cardstock

Cut out your cardstock layers. Every layer can be the same color, or choose a different contrasting color for your phrase or name to help it stand out!

I recommend you cut two of the wreath layers and one of the sentiment layer in the desired cardstock or glitter paper. If cutting the sentiment only to use as a topper cut two layers of the sentiment. The double layers add stability to the cake topper.

Step 4: Attach Your Cake Topper Layers

Using spray adhesive or glue, attach the layers together. I recommend you attach the two wreath layers, then attach the name or sentiment to the front.

Step 5: Add Bamboo Skewers

You have two options for attaching the skewers, which are necessary for the cake topper to stand atop your cake. You can either glue the skewers to the back of the design, or you can glue the optional ring to the back and slide your skewers through the holes in the rings. Gluing the skewers is a little stronger, but using the ring with holes means you can remove the skewers when the party is over and keep it flat as a keepsake. Your choice!

Get my free DIY Cake Topper templates and cut files

I’d love to see your DIY cake toppers for every occasion! If you make one, please share a photo in our Facebook group , email it to me at [email protected] , or tag me on social media with #jennifermaker.

And if you’d like to learn how to make LAYERED cake toppers, check out my fun Rainbow and Mermaid layered cake topper tutorial!

Want to remember this? Save the DIY Cake Topper Tutorial to your favorite Pinterest board!

Jennifer Marx is a designer, an enthusiastic crafter, a lifelong teacher, and a proud overcomer of a variety of life's challenges. In her spare time she loves to play D&D and video games, garden, sew costumes, and go to Disney. She lives a full, happy life in beautiful Ann Arbor, Michigan with her partner Greg, her daughter Alexa, their two dogs, Hunter and Chloe, and their sassy orange cat, Butterscotch.

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17 DIY Cake Toppers that Will Steal the Show at Your Next Celebration

Take your cake decorating skills to the next level with these fun and customizable DIY cake toppers.

A celebration is never complete without a show-stopping cake, and what better way to elevate said cake than with a unique and personalized DIY cake topper? 

Crafting your own easy cake toppers add a touch of creativity and love to your celebration, making it truly unforgettable and cute to look at too!

DIY cake toppers are easy to make but they will also steal the show, or as we like to say, take the cake (ba-dum-tish) at your next gathering. From whimsical to sparkly, there’s cake topper ideas for every occasion and every style. 

Table of Contents

DIY Cake Toppers

1 – balloon arch topper.

Celebrate good times with this  DIY balloon cake topper ! Tie small balloons together in a cascading arrangement and attach to wooden skewers. This colorful topper leaves you with a finished cake that is sure to be the center of attention at any  birthday party ,  wedding , or  baby shower .

2 – Paper Flowers Topper 

Florals are an easy way to elevate your cake. There are so many ways that you can tie in your colors and make an elegant and might we say tasty centerpiece for your party with these  DIY paper flowers . These paper craft ideas can also work as cupcake toppers.

3 – Animal Ear Toppers

These cutest  DIY animal ear cake toppers  are perfect for a birthday gathering, Easter celebration, or any animal-themed party. From bunnies to kittens, there are endless possibilities as to what animal you can use. These ear-resistible additions turn your cake into a real party animal.

4 –  Fringed Love Cake Topper

We L-O-V-E this charming  DIY fringed cake topper ! While it’s perfect for Valentine’s day, it can easily be customized for any occasion or holiday. Hosting a Christmas gathering? Create a “Ho Ho Ho” topper. Or spell out a name or even their special number and customize with their favorite color for a super whimsical touch. 

They also pair well with our  DIY fringe cocktail stirrers  that we made for a New Years party.

5 — Berry Wreath Cake Topper

Here’s a cake topper DIY that’s edible! All you’ll need for this  DIY berry wreath cake topper  are sugared cranberries, blueberries, and raspberries. Garnish it with a few sage leaves to create the wreath effect.

6 — Edible Leaves Topper

This DIY cake decorating idea is actually edible! This tutorial shows you how to make  DIY edible leaves  with with paper wafer sheets and petal dust. It’s totally an unconventional yet creative way to spruce up any cake.

7 – Mini Paper Chain Cake Topper

This colorful and adorable  DIY mini paper chain topper  is easy to make as well as customize, which we always love! It’s the perfect topper for any celebration and let’s just admit that everything miniature is always extra cute!

All you need is construction paper, a glue gun and wood skewers. Cut, link and loop your way to cake topper glory. Life is too short for boring desserts!

8 – DIY Bunting Topper

Get ready to raise the tiny flag of triumph with  DIY mini bunting cake toppers ! It’s the cutest way to declare, “This cake is officially a party zone!” Think of it as dessert diplomacy, one little flag at a time. Free templates are included with this DIY cake topper printable.

9 –  DIY Tassel Topper 

Prepare your cake for a tassel takeover because these  DIY mini tassel toppers  are here to turn your dessert into a full-on fiesta! It’s like giving your cake a mini makeover with a side of sass. 

Who needs a regular cake when you can have a dessert that’s ready to party with its own tassel entourage? Customize colors and add a phrase or name for your own personalized tassel twirling confection. Use pre-made wood cutouts or create your own  Cricut design .

10 –  DIY Peg People Topper 

Time to marry your cake with some personality with  DIY wooden peg people toppers , where even the cake figures say, “I dough!” These little wooden sweethearts are here to prove that love is not only blind but also totally splinter-free. Custom paint to each likeness and add to the cake for a rustic and whimsical look. 

11 – Honeycomb Paper Cake Topper 

Give your cake a buzz worthy makeover with a  DIY mini honeycomb paper cake topper . This little topper is the bees knees of cake decor crafts, adding style and color to create a statement piece. Your cake will be the talk of the party that everyone will be buzzing about! 

12 – Sprinkled Number Cake Topper

Counting down to a sprinkle-filled celebration? Say it in style with a  DIY sprinkled number cake topper . Because why settle for basic digits when you can have numbers that are both sweet and sassy! When it comes to cakes it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about the sprinkles too! 

13 – Personalized Photo Birthday Cake Topper

These  personalized photo cake toppers DIY  may just be the cutest things we have ever seen! Use your favorite snapshots and cut out the faces of the ones you are celebrating. Add a party hat and you are good to go! They add such a silly yet sentimental flare to your cake that makes it extra special.

14 – Shaped DIY Birthday Candles

Why settle for ordinary flames when you can top your cake with these  shaped DIY Birthday Candles . They aren’t just here to burn, they came to steal the show! 

Use molds in the shapes of all your favorite shapes, letters, numbers and animals. Cluster them all together for a colorful and fun centerpiece that will surely be the hottest thing in the room. 

15 –  Balloon Animal Cake Topper

Get ready for a cake that’s ballooning with personality! These easy  DIY balloon animal cake topper  are here to turn your dessert into a whimsical extravaganza! These balloon critters are like the icing on the cake, literally! 

16 – Party Animal Cake Topper

Prepare for a cake that’s ready to party harder than you do. This  DIY party hat animal cake topper  is here to turn your cake into a party animal! These party hat-wearing critters are not just decorations. They’re the life of the dessert party. This is a super easy tutorial that only requires some wrapping paper or cardstock and mini pompoms.

17 – DIY Mini Mylar Letter Balloon Topper 

We are absolutely smitten with these  DIY mini mylar balloon toppers ! The best part about this cake topper tutorial? They aren’t actually mylar balloons, and they can’t pop! Customize with any color metallic tissue wrap and use your favorite celebratory phrase for the perfect DIY birthday cake topper!

How to Create a Gorgeous Cake with No Baking Required

No bake? No problem. Listen, we know we aren’t all Betty Crocker when it comes to baking. Some of us lack the skills and that is totally ok. And sometimes, we are short on time with all the party preppring.

So purchase a plain cake from your local bakery or grocery store. We love a good “naked cake” from HEB. You can add homemade  brushstrokes icing candies  or even  watercolor paint on cake .

For More Party Inspiration

Now that you’ve got some cake topper ideas, don’t forget about your DIY cake stands ! For more party ideas, check out some inspirational roundups below —

• Tres Chic Paris Theme Party Ideas 
• Girls’ Birthday Party Ideas
• Our Frozen Birthday Party 
• Fun Adult Birthday Party Ideas

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A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

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Ingredients for the base:

• 200g hazelnuts
• 140g egg whites
• a pinch of salt

Ingredients for the cream:

• 350g boiled condensed milk or dulce de leche
• 30ml rum or brandy
• 400g butter
• 150g hazelnuts

1. First, finely crush hazelnuts with a knife or food processor. In a clear big bowl beat the egg whites and add a pinch of salt at high speed. Start adding sugar into the egg whites, tablespoon by tablespoon, until very stiff peaks appear.

2. Add the chopped hazelnuts into the meringue and work it carefully with a spatula. Divide the meringue mixture into three or four equal parts, depending on how many layers you prefer. Time to bake the meringue layers.On sheet pans covered with parchment, spoon the meringue mixture. You should have round layers that are each about 18-20 centimeters in diameter.

3. Bake for 10 minutes at 150°C, then lower the temperature to 100°C and bake for about two hours. Let the meringue layers cool completely after baking.

4. For the cream, first beat soft butter at high speed until it is smooth and almost white. You can easily replace it with mascarpone if you are not a fan of buttercream. Put half of the soft butter in a separate bowl, add powdered sugar and a couple of drops of red color, mix everything together and set aside: this red part of the cream will go for the cake’s decoration.

5. In the remaining half of the soft butter add boiled condensed milk or dulce de leche, as well as some rum, cognac or brandy and give the mixture another whisk.

6. Using your food processor make a fine hazelnut paste from the whole hazelnuts and add to the cream. Mix with a spatula until the cream is smooth and leave in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.

7. Now build the cake: cover the first meringue layer with the hazelnut cream, and repeat with all the layers.

8. When you finish with the layers, cover the cake with the red cream and decorate with chopped hazelnuts and white chocolate or classic buttercream.

9. Leave in the fridge for a couple of hours, or better overnight.  Priyatnogo appetita !

Read more: 10 mouthwatering Russian cakes you need to try 

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion and Recommendations

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

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

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

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

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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

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

Tara Pittman

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

Adriana Lopez

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

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

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

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

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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

DANA GUTKOWSKI

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

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

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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

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

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

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

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

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