west midlands travel shop

The Travel Shop

Our approach.

We are a family owned, local, independent travel agency now in our 30th year in Wylde Green. How time flies when you're working in such a fulfilling industry!

Our independent status offers our clients one very distinct advantage; we are not owned or dictated to by any tour operator. Instead, we use our own knowledge and experience to provide our clients with the best possible, personal service and we are incredibly proud that our client base has grown, thanks in a large part, to recommendations from our long-standing clients.

We pride ourselves on our "tailor-made" approach. Our job is to bring your dream holiday to life. And, should you need a little inspiration,  with more than 100 years shared experience, we'll be more than happy to help.

As a fully bonded ABTA agency, we only book with ABTA or ATOL tour operators, so you can be confident your money is safe when you book with us.

Come and meet the team.

Next Steps...

So, why not give us a call, pop in to the office or send us an email or social media message with your requirements and we can work on some ideas for you.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience and security.

Your privacy settings

We use cookies to help you with journey planning and relevant disruptions, remember your login and show you content you might be interested in. If you're happy with the use of cookies by West Midlands Combined Authority and our selected partners, click 'Accept all cookies'. Or click 'Manage cookies' to learn more.

Industrial action will impact train services 6th - 11th May 2024. Plan Ahead.

Journeys that move us forward, plan your journey.

Content is loading...

Which modes of transport will you use?

Find a timetable, wednesbury tram works.

Metro services will be affected from Saturday 23 March for approximately 8 weeks until mid-May due to works happening at Wednesbury.

Plan ahead and check your journey before you travel.

Buy a ticket

Industrial action.

Industrial action will affect West Midlands Railway on Wednesday 8 May . Plan ahead.

Moor Street Queensway

Bus service changes expected from Sunday 7 April 2024 to approximately Autumn 2024 due to track works. 

Apply for your 16-18 card today!

Get 50% off travel to school, college or work. 

Get your 16-18 card today.

Top-up Swift Go at Payzone & Kiosks

You can now top up Swift Go at Payzone agents and Swift Kiosks. 

How to buy & top-up with Swift

Find the easiest and quickest way to Top-Up and buy Swift products.

TfWM- Powered by Swift 4+

West midlands combined authority.

• 1.4 • 126 Ratings

iPhone Screenshots

Description.

Get everything you need to travel around the West Midlands with ease, when you download the TfWM app (Formerly Swift App). View departure times for bus, train and tram, find your nearest mode of transport, manage your Swift account, find and buy transport tickets on the go, plan a journey, and book car hire quickly and simply. Please note: If you have an older device you may experience some slower loading times. For Swift customers, account switching is not available yet within the app. Purchases made for any child linked accounts will not be valid in the app. For now, please continue to buy those products and manage your account online. If you would like to set up a child account, you can still do this online. Features: • Instantly find and buy transport tickets for your West Midlands travel • No need to visit a travel shop or go to a Swift Kiosk, top-up your Swift card on the go • Payment made simple, pay for tickets using Debit/Credit card • Collect your products on your Swift card using the Swift Collector • Use our handy locator map to find your nearest mode of West Midlands transport • Keep up to date with the latest departure times for bus, train and tram · Add all modes of transport as favourites (bus stop, tram stop, train station, cycle bay, car hire, car club) · Manage your favourites by renaming them or removing them from your favourite list · Quick access to departure information from your homepage • Explore our new transport services and book car club, hire a car or a bike • Easily plan a journey and find the best route to get you to your destination quickly • Know everything about your ticket including when you need to collect and when your ticket will expire • View your latest Swift card balance and never get caught out with negative funds We all lead busy lives and want life to be as simple as possible. So why shouldn’t travel be just as simple? The TfWM app makes this possible, combining all your West Midlands transport needs in one place, at the touch of a button. Whether it’s checking a train, bus or tram time, locating the nearest bus stop or train station, topping up your Swift card or planning a journey, this app can make West Midlands travel easy. There’s no need to sit in front of a laptop or go to a shop to manage your travel needs. You can buy transport tickets in advance or just before you travel. Jump on the bus and plan a journey whilst you’re travelling. You can check your next connecting transport service to see if there are any delays. Quickly find an alternative route for when there is a traffic jam or road incident. Beat the rush by knowing when your next bus is arriving. Your Swift account, your tickets, your departure times and your transport service locator all on your phone in one smart app. The TfWM – Powered by Swift app is the smart way to travel around the West Midlands. Use your app for Birmingham travel, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Sandwell, Walsall and Solihull. You can also use it to locate many transport services including, National Express bus, West Midlands Trains and West Midlands Metro. If you’re new to Swift, you can use the app to create an account. Find and buy the transport ticket you need for your journey, whether it be for Birmingham travel, Coventry travel, a Monthly ntrain or Monthly regional travelcard. You can then use your phone to collect your transport ticket on your Swift card and start travelling. It’s as simple as that. https://www.tfwm.org.uk/swift-and-tickets/ A card production time applies to new customers. New customers will need to wait 7 days to receive their Swift card before they can start travelling. NFC is required to use the Swift Collector feature within the app. You will need to have an Apple iPhone 7 or later with iOS 13.

Version 2.9.7

updated tickets link

Ratings and Reviews

126 Ratings

Don’t bother!!!

I’ve had to update to this app as the old one had as old version had been turned off. This app is absolutely crap and will be getting removed as every time I’ve tried to open it it’s taken forever to load. I’ve tried to sign in every time as it doesn’t remember my details despite I’ve pressed the save details box and not supported on iOS keychain so that doesn’t save it but says details not recognised. You can’t pinpoint your location straight away it just gives you a overview of the whole of the midlands with loads of little circles with numbers on them. You have to pinpoint the actual bus stop you want to view the times of, if you add the bus stop and the one across the road to your favourites it doesn’t say what direction it’s going, for example the 2 bus stops I’ve added one goes towards Solihull and the other goes towards Sheldon but nothing is physically said on the page so you need to check and then check again to make sure you’ve got the bus stop. Please go back to old version or get this app sorted out!!!

Awful user experience

This app just doesn’t work at all. So many poor reviews all citing the same bugs, I’m so surprised that a professional app with this many faults is allowed to be released to the public. Far from making life easier, it makes it ten times worse if not more. Even the website is out of sync in terms of information to go with this app, and it drives me absolutely insane. We’re told to use more public transport, yet this is just plain confusing. Maybe they can learn how to do things the right way from TFL.

This is awful. All I need to know is what time the next bus is. I could do that from the old app quickly and easily. No chance of that with this one! Why the need to change? Also, I have tried numerous times to register and just get blank screens part way through the registration process and can’t go any further. This app needs some serious attention before it can be considered to be even remotely useful. Take a look at TfL and the Cardiff Bus app to see how things should be done.

App Privacy

The developer, West Midlands Combined Authority , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Contact Info
• User Content
• Identifiers
• Diagnostics

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

More By This Developer

Swift Collector

SwiftParking

You Might Also Like

NX Bus mTicket

West Midlands Metro

WMBus East/West Midlands Buses

WMR: Train Tickets & Times

UK Bus Checker

Diamond Bus

• Single trips & day tickets
• Adult bus passes and travelcards
• 18 & under tickets
• Student bus pass
• Flexible ticket bundles
• Paying on the bus
• See all timetables
• Use our interactive map
• Latest service updates and diversions
• Our operating area
• Changes to bus stops in Birmingham City Centre
• May Bank Holidays
• Places to go
• Activity stop
• Ways to pay for my ticket
• Your Guide to Fun in Digbeth!
• National Express West Midlands passengers can now purchase bus tickets on the Uber app
• Tara and Dalton clock up 90 years of loyal service
• Last bus promise included in new passenger charter
• Single tickets just £2
• 16-18 photocard
• Workwise travel scheme
• Free older person's travel pass
• Free disabled person's travel pass
• Frequently asked questions
• Lost property
• Ways to pay
• New online booking system
• Tickets & prices

Plan your journey

• Accessibility

All tickets & prices

All services & timetables

Inspiration & news

See all offers

All help & information

• Adult bus passes & travelcards

Unlimited travel, everywhere for less than you pay now

Save money with a monthly bus pass.

The cheapest way to buy your bus travel

• Unlimited travel on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses
• Save up to £224 per year with a bus pass
• Remove the hassle of renewing each week

Buy online only

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

For anyone over the age of 16.

This pass holds a minimum term of 12 months and payments will automatically be deducted on a monthly basis providing you with continuous travel.

Buy on swift card or to your mobile

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Unlimited adult travel for 52 weeks from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Pre 9.30am passes

Unlimited travel between 4am and 9.29am Monday to Friday. 

Unlimited travel between 4am - 9.29am Monday to Friday

Monthly direct debit subscription

£27.50

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date Monday to Friday until 9.29am on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses. For anyone over the age of 16. This pass holds a minimum term of 12 months and payments will automatically be deducted on a monthly basis providing you with continuous travel.

Buy on swift card

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date Monday to Friday until 9.29am on all bus operators within the nBus zone and on all National Express buses.

Bus & metro - travel on bus and Metro tram

Unlimited travel on all bus operators within the nBus zone , on all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram.

£96.90

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone  and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

£31.20

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone  and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

£110.20

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone , on all National Express buses and the West Midland Metro tram zones 1-4.

Unlimited adult travel for 52 weeks from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone , on all National Express buses  and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

Unlimited travel between 4am and 9.29am Monday to Friday, on all bus operators within the nBus zone , all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram.

£47.50

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all bus operators within the nBus zone , all National Express buses  and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date Monday to Friday until 9.29am on all bus operators within the nBus zone , all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

Unlimited adult travel for 52 weeks from your chosen date Monday to Friday until 9.29am on all bus operators within the   nBus zone , all National Express buses and the West Midlands Metro tram zones 1-4.

nNetwork - Zone 1 travel on bus and rail

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone  and train travel within zones 1 .

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone and train travel within zones 1 .

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone and train travel within zones 1 .

£92.50

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone and train travel within zones 1 .

nNetwork - Zones 1 to 2 travel on bus and rail

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone  and train travel within  zones 1 - 2.

Zones 1 to 2

£32.50

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone and train travel within  zones 1 - 2 .

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone and train travel within  zones 1 - 2

£95.50

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone and train travel within  zones 1 - 2 .

For anyone over the age of 16. This pass holds a minimum term of 12 months and payments will automatically be deducted on a monthly basis providing you with continuous travel.

nNetwork - Zones 1 to 3 travel on bus and rail

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone , the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 3. 

Zones 1 to 3

£37.50

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 3 .

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 3 .

£110 from 3rd March 2024

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 3 .

nNetwork - Zones 1 to 4 travel on bus and rail

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone , the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 4.

Zones 1 to 4

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 4 .

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 4 .

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1 - 4 .

nNetwork - Zones 1 to 5 travel on bus and rail

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone , the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 1  - 5. 

Zones 1 to 5

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zone 1 to 5 .

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zone 1 to 5 .

£124 from 3rd March 2024

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zone 1 to 5 .

nNetwork - Zones 2 to 5 travel on bus and rail

Unlimited travel on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone , the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within zones 2 - 5.

Zones 2 to 5

Unlimited adult travel for 7 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within  zones 2 - 5 .

Unlimited adult travel for 28 days from your chosen date on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within  zones 2 - 5 .

Unlimited adult travel paid for by Direct Debit each month from your chosen date on all on all National Express buses, any other operator part of the nBus scheme within the West Midlands nBus zone, the West Midlands Metro tram and train travel within  zones 2 - 5 .

See all tickets & prices  

Back to top

Email Sign Up

Subscribe for updates & special offers!

Download Our App!

Search 'NXBus mTicket'

• Clean air zone
• Cookie policy
• Corporate governance policy
• Disability awareness & accessibility
• Help & information
• Modern slavery statement
• Partnerships
• Platinum buses
• Privacy policy
• Private hire
• Read our blog
• Safer travel partnership
• Services & timetables
• Sustainable travel
• Zero emissions buses

Call or get in touch online We are here to help

Coventry buses

Visit National Express Coventry

National Express great value coach travel and holidays

Part of Mobico Group

© West Midlands Travel Limited 2024

Passenger descriptions

Our passenger descriptions are designed to help you choose the right ticket for yourself or your fellow travellers.

Adult fares are applicable to all passengers aged 2+. Adults under the age of 16 are not permitted to travel alone on any European service unless accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over or they have a letter of authority from a parent or guardian.

Infants 0-1 Inclusive

Children aged under the age of 2, must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over. Unaccompanied children will not be carried.

• Entertainment

Wolverhampton bus station's ticket and travel advice shop to close next month

A travel shop at Wolverhampton bus station will permanently close at the start of next month but staff will still be around to help, chiefs have said.

The store – known officially as a "travel centre" offering tickets and travel advice – will shut on April 1 after leaders decided to make "changes to the way we serve our customers".

But they have said staff will continue to be in and around the bus station to help customers face-to-face from 8am to 6pm Monday to Saturday.

The closure, by Transport for West Midlands, comes after National Express West Midlands closed its travel shops at Dudley, Walsall and West Bromwich bus stations in October 2021.

The Wolverhampton store will be open this week from 8.30am to 3pm to Saturday, from March 20 to March 25 at 8.30am to 5.30pm, and March 27 to March 31 from 10am to 4pm.

Dudley Council election results in full: Tories lose control as they end up level with Labour Dudley | 20 hours ago

West Midlands Mayor election: One side predicts defeat after reports of neck-and-neck race Local elections 2024 | 21 hours ago

Taxi driver: 'I'm losing hundreds of bookings a week because of town centre roadworks' Business | 4 hours ago

Man accused of murdering boy, 16, in Wolverhampton drugs den says teen attacked him Plus Crime | 4 hours ago

More than 20 firefighters work to tackle 'severe' house blaze Stourbridge | 14 hours ago

Bus station travel shops axed by National Express

Fewer people using shops means they will close next month.

• 16:30, 16 SEP 2021
• Updated 16:37, 16 SEP 2021

Get the latest Black Country news straight to your inbox

We have more newsletters

Travel shops based at bus stations across the Black Country and used by passengers to buy tickets and get travel information are to be axed.

National Express is to close the shops at bus stations in Dudley, Walsall and West Bromwich, as well as another one on Corporation Street, Birmingham, at the end of October, with staff facing the prospect of redundancy.

People are currently able to use the shops to buy and collect tickets, get travel information, access travel discounts and for various other reasons.

READ MORE: Ambulance 999 calls rocket as demand doubles across the West Midlands in last decade

But National Express said fewer people were visiting the shops due to the rise in online purchasing. The pandemic has "accelerated" this change, the company said.

A consultation has been launched with affected staff and the travel firm said some staff could be offered alternative roles "wherever possible".

A National Express spokeswoman said: "Like many other retailers, our customers' buying habits have changed over the last five years, with fewer people visiting National Express West Midlands travel shops and a consistent increase in purchases through our digital channels. This rate of change has accelerated during the pandemic.

"We are therefore increasing the level of support we provide for our customers online, over the phone and at our Payzone ticket agent locations across the West Midlands. We have also taken the difficult decision to close all five of our travel shops at the end of October.

“Over the next month and a half our travel shop teams will be helping customers who use the shops to understand all the other buying options they have available to them. "We have entered into a period of consultation and are liaising closely with all employees affected by the closures. We will continue to support the team throughout the coming weeks, including offering alternative roles within National Express wherever possible."

Stay abreast with the very latest from the region with our Black Country Email Updates .

• National Express
• Black Country
• West Bromwich
• Most Recent

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

West Midlands Bus Users

SWIFT Smartcard

SWIFT is the new easy and flexible way of travelling around the West Midlands.

There are four types of SWIFT card available:

Pay As You Go

The cashless way to buy single or day tickets for use on buses and the Metro.

• Cheaper tickets than paying with cash
• No need to find exact change
• No photo, share with friends or family when you’re not using it
• Auto top-up available, never run out of credit

Season Tickets

Most weekly, monthly and annual passes for travel on buses, Metro and trains are now only issued on SWIFT.

• Great for commuters and students who travel often
• Requires a photo – only you can use it
• Easy to buy and renew online
• Spread the cost with Direct Debit

Multi Day Tickets

A SWIFT card loaded with 5, 10 or 15 day tickets for all day travel on bus services.

• Great for flexible or part time workers
• Cheaper than buying a ticket on the day
• Buy online or at your local Travel Centre
• No photo, share with friends or family when not using it

Swift Go is here to cut out the confusion. This product takes away the need to understand which ticket to buy for your journey. A product, designed for those who don’t travel the traditional, Monday – Friday commute.

Once you’ve set up an account, choose how you want to pay, and use your Swift card each time you travel on the bus or tram. At the end of each day, we’ll calculate the cost, based on the number of journeys you’ve made and cap the price.

This could work out cheaper and more convenient than buying single or day tickets each time you need to travel.

Find out more information on the various types of SWIFT card available and how to use at the SWIFT website .

Tell others!

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
• Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
• Click to print (Opens in new window)

Protected by Security by CleanTalk

Skip To Main Content

Visit Birmingham

• Meet Birmingham

Make It West Midlands

Other Websites

• Family events
• Festivals & Events
• Art & Exhibitions
• Food & Drink events
• Theatre & Performance
• Concerts & Gigs
• Sporting events
• What's on this weekend?

Submit an event

• 100 Days Of Creativity
• Free things to do in Birmingham
• Museums & Galleries
• Culture & Heritage
• Only in Brum

Merlin Entertainments

• Music & Nightlife Venues
• Parks & Countryside
• Food & Drink
• Cycling Tours in Birmingham
• Walking tours in Birmingham
• Special interest

Gamers and experiential seekers

• On a budget
• Thrillseekers
• Peaky Blinders
• Dog friendly

Bottomless brunching

• Splashing out
• Yuup Experiences

Escape the Everyday

• Virtual West Midlands
• Serviced Apartments
• Self Catering
• Caravans and Campsites
• In the region
• VIP city breaks
• Submit an accommodation

Bullring & Grand Central

Mailbox birmingham.

• Jewellery Quarter
• Arcades and Independents
• High street
• Digbeth & Markets
• Resorts World
• McArthurGlen West Midlands
• Restaurants in the Mailbox
• Restaurants in Brindleyplace

Independents

• Adam's Restaurant
• Peel's Restaurant
• Purnell's Restaurant
• Simpsons Restaurant
• Cocktail bars in Birmingham
• Rooftop bars in Birmingham
• Afternoon Tea
• Balti Triangle
• Veggie & Vegan
• Halal Restaurants

Birmingham Blogs

• The Birmingham Balti
• Brindleyplace
• Westside & Broad Street
• Edgbaston Village
• Chinese Quarter
• City Centre
• Colmore Business District
• Gay Village
• The Jewellery Quarter
• The Mailbox
• Stratford-upon-Avon
• Wolverhampton
• England's Waterways
• Competitions and offers
• Accessibility

Download our Visitor Map

• Waterways Map
• West Midlands Travel Trade Guide
• Getting here
• Getting around
• Birmingham Airport
• Car parks & Vehicle hire
• Coaches & Coach parking
• West Midlands Railway Student Offer

West Midlands Railway

• Birmingham's Clean Air Zone
• Travel updates
• The Birmingham Toolkit
• Travel Trade
• Press trips
• Subscribe to our newsletter

• Things to do
• What's on

Your Birmingham

To begin adding to your itinerary planner, simply click the planner button when you see something you like

Already saved a planner?

You are here > Home > Things to do > The Pen Shop

The Pen Shop

Tel: 0121 227 7091

Visit Website

Book Tickets Online

Book tickets, tripadvisor, map & directions.

• Make it West Midlands
• Family events ,
• Festivals & Events ,
• Art & Exhibitions ,
• Food & Drink events ,
• Theatre & Performance ,
• Concerts & Gigs ,
• Sporting events ,
• NEC events ,
• What's on this weekend? ,
• Submit an event ,
• Attractions ,
• Entertainment ,
• Activities ,
• Tours & Sightseeing ,
• Recommended for... ,
• Submit an accommodation ,
• Serviced Apartments ,
• Self Catering ,
• For groups ,
• In the region ,
• Bullring & Grand Central ,
• Mailbox Birmingham ,
• Jewellery Quarter ,
• Arcades and Independents ,
• High street ,
• Digbeth & Markets ,
• Resorts World ,
• Restaurants ,
• Independents ,
• Pubs & Bars ,
• Afternoon Tea ,
• Balti Triangle ,
• Veggie & Vegan ,
• Halal Restaurants ,
• Competitions and offers ,
• Birmingham Blogs ,
• Areas of Birmingham ,
• England's Waterways ,
• Only Here ,
• Accessibility ,
• Maps, brochures & guides ,
• The Birmingham Toolkit ,
• Travel Trade ,
• Subscribe to our newsletter ,
• Press trips ,
• Accessibility Statement
• Data Protection Policy
• Terms and Conditions

Ratings Powered By

© West Midlands Growth Company

Don't miss

100 Days of Creativity

11 Events in Birmingham and the West Midlands You Can’t Miss This May

What’s on in Birmingham

The Custard Factory

Attractions in Birmingham & the region

English Tourism Week

Arden Hotel & Leisure Club

Selfridges & Co

Splashing out in the Mailbox

Pubs & Bars in Birmingham

Restaurants in Birmingham

Instagrammable Restaurants

Explore the West Midlands

Latest news

London Northwestern Railway

No products in the basket.

The best things to do and places to visit in Moscow, Russia

Updated On 14th October, 2021

While Moscow isn’t always at the top of everyone’s Europe bucket list , it’s certainly one of the best places to visit in Europe if you’re looking for a more alternative adventure! In this blog post I plan on sharing some of the free things to do in Moscow, as well as the best places to visit in Moscow, so that you can enjoy some of the best things to do in Russia! 

Moscow, the capital of Russia, sits in the European part of the country. It’s an incredibly beautiful city, which I personally found to be more beautiful than Saint Petersburg (which is often people’s preference). The capital is certainly a lot busier, and less laid back than Saint Petersburg , but it’s a much more colourful and vibrant city, full of stunning and unique architecture.

Visiting famous landmarks such as The Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral, enjoying some of the green space in Gorky Park, watching a ballet in the Bolshoi Theatre… these are just a few reasons that you should visit Moscow! On top of that, because of visa restrictions (we’ll get onto that later), it’s also one of the most unique destinations in Europe. 

There is a common misconception that Moscow is a dangerous city, but now that I’ve visited, I don’t believe this to be true. I would say the same rules apply here as to other large cities: avoid walking in dark areas alone at night, keep an eye on your belongings on public transport, and be streetwise. There’s no reason to avoid visiting this energetic city and miss out on these amazing things to do in Moscow! 

It would take months if you wanted to truly explore Moscow because it’s a huge city, but I’m going to share some of my favourite things to do in Moscow and places to visit in Moscow so that you can prepare for your upcoming adventure! Even if you’re only there for a few days, you should be able to fit in these highlights from my trip. 

Other blog posts you might be interested in...

• The best things to do in St Petersburg
• A 2-week Norway road trip
• A complete guide to Helsinki
• A complete guide to Tallinn
• Europe: the ultimate travel guide
• The best capital cities to visit in Europe
• The best things to do in Europe: the ultimate Europe bucket list

Where is Moscow?

If you’re wondering ‘Where is Moscow, Russia?’ then you’ve come to the right place! Moscow in in west Russia, the European part, and it’s the capital city. 

How do you get to Moscow?

Getting a visa for moscow:.

To get into Russia, you need to get a visa. The processing time is approximately 20 days, and you’ll need to have your fingerprints taken at a visa centre in London , Edinburgh or Manchester. You can find out more about getting a visa for Russia here.  

Getting to Moscow:

Once you’ve got your visa, the easiest way to get to Moscow from the UK is by flying. Direct flights between London and Moscow take just under four hours, and with an airport layover you’re looking at a 6-7 hour trip. You can also fly in from many other major European and international cities. 

Top tip: Check out flights to and from Copenhagen on  Skyscanner here.

Check out how to pack a weekend away in a carry-on suitcase here.

16 best places to visit in Moscow...

1. st basil’s cathedral.

The most iconic building in Russia and one of the most iconic buildings in the world. St Basil’s Cathedral is one of the best places to visit in Moscow, if not the best! 

St Basil’s is situated on Red Square, where you’ll also find many other popular places to visit in Moscow. In my opinion this still stands out against them all. There’s something about the multi coloured domes against the Moscow skyline that I found quite spectacular. 

Although I’d already been in Russia for several days, it wasn’t until I was at this amazing piece of architecture that I really felt I was in Russia.

The cathedral was built by order of Ivan the Terrible, and apparently after the architect completed it, Ivan blinded him so that he could never build anything more beautiful. Whether or not this story is true, it certainly adds a bittersweet feeling as you stand admiring the beauty of St Basil’s Cathedral.

Inside is a museum displaying many historic items once used at the cathedral, which costs 700 rubles to enter. In my opinion it’s worth the entry fee, as simply seeing the ornate interior walls is a spectacle in itself.

2. The Kremlin

This historic fortress that sits on Red Square is probably the largest landmark and one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. It’s the official residence of the President, although he doesn’t actually live there. It’s been rebuilt many times since it was first constructed in 1147 out of wood, before Ivan III the Great ordered it to be made from stone, which is the Kremlin you’ll recognise today. 

This place is huge, and there’s quite a lot to see. The first problem I had was finding where the entrance was. Even though I had a pre-booked ticket, I was then told I still had to visit the ticket office to exchange it for another ticket. I also needed my passport, so make sure you have yours if you plan to visit the Kremlin. After a lengthy queue I finally had a ticket I could use to enter the Kremlin, and had to go through security. The security here is thorough, so make sure you don’t take too much in with you. I had my pockets full, and it was a nightmare emptying them and explaining each item, before I was finally allowed in. Once inside you can pay for extra tickets to visit the various museums, however there’s also quite a lot to see simply on the grounds if you don’t want to spend too much. 

See more tips for travelling on a budget here. 

There’s so much to see here, including The Assumption Cathedral, Ivan the Great Bell Tower Complex, the Grand Kremlin Palace, the Armoury Chamber and Diamond Fund. There is also the Tsar Cannon (a huge artillery cannon), and the Tsar Bell. The Tsar Bell is the largest bell in the world. An incident with a fire and water being poured over the bell caused it to crack and for a slab to break off from it, which can now be seen propped up next to it.

As you walk around the grounds you’ll hear the sound of whistles. The guards patrolling the area will blow a whistle at anyone walking where they shouldn’t. Even if it’s just on the grass, or towards more restricted areas. This can sometimes be funny to watch, as often the tourists will be in a world of their own whilst a guard is blowing a whistle at them. Sometimes a guard will be stood face to face with a tourist angrily blowing their whistle before the tourist realises they need to get back onto the main path.

This is perhaps one of the more unusual places to visit in Moscow! Gum is a huge department store situated on Red Square. It’s an interesting department store to walk around, with several levels, although the shops inside are certainly quite pricey. It’s a beautiful building when it’s lit up at night, and it seems to fit in nicely amongst the other famous sights on Red Square. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything here, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to take a quick look inside, although bear in mind there are usually security checks before entering.

4. State Historical Museum

The large crimson building on Red Square is now the State Historical Museum. It was originally the first pharmacy in Russia, and later a University before finally becoming the museum it is today.

Unfortunately I didn’t go inside as my time was limited and there was so much else I wanted to see, but if you have the time I think it would be one of the best things to do in Moscow. There are items dating back to the 6th century, and maybe even further. There’s also a library inside storing many ancient manuscripts and the largest coin collection in Russia. 

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi means big in Russian, so it roughly translates to large theatre. The Bolshoi Theatre is one of the foremost ballet companies in the world. The exterior of the building is an impressive sight, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow, and it’s certainly worth admiring from the outside. There are guided tours of the interior, but if you really want to experience the theatre, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to watch a ballet here.

I was torn between booking a seat, but the ballets were very expensive. I’d have liked to have seen “Swan Lake”, (as at least I may have recognised some of the music). Unfortunately there were no performances on the days I was in Moscow, so I decided to pass. But if I return to Russia, then watching a ballet will be on my list of things to do.

6. Sparrow Hills

If you want a good view of the city, then Sparrow Hills is one of the best places to visit in Moscow. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the centre, but if you have the time then it offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of the busy city. There’s a viewing platform here which gives you fantastic panoramic views of Moscow.

Nearby you’ll see the magnificent Moscow State University building, which is one of the seven sisters of Moscow.

7. Seven Sisters

Whilst in Moscow, you’ll no doubt notice these magnificent soviet skyscrapers dotted around the city. At the time of construction they were the tallest buildings in Europe, Moscow State University being so until 1997. There are, as the name suggests, seven in total, which are: Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building.

If you visit Sparrow Hills, then you’ll come across Moscow State University, but I’m certain as you explore the city, you’ll see more of these giants against the Moscow skyline. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to see if you can locate all seven as you wander round the city! 

8. Nikolskaya Street

The start of this street is found by Red Square. It’s one of the most prominent pedestrianised streets in Moscow, filled with shops, restaurants and bars, so one of the best places to visit in Moscow if you’re looking for a bite to eat or some souvenirs!

What makes this street extra special are the thousands of bright lights in the sky above. After dark it looks simply magical with the many colourful lights overhead as you walk beneath them. One of the best things to do in Moscow is to visit Nikolskaya Street after dark and see them for yourself. It almost feels like Christmas in London!

There is another street nearby which also features similar lights, “Kuznetskiy Most”, which is also quite beautiful, but I thought “Nikolskaya Street” was ever slightly more impressive.

9. Izmailovo Kremlin and Izmaylovskiy Bazar

Did you know that The Kremlin in Red Square is not the only Kremlin in Moscow? Kremlin actually means a type of fortress, so there are many in Russia.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is a fairly new addition to the city, having been built in 2007 as a cultural centre. With its multitude of colours and historic style, it has a real fairytale feel to it. There are several small museums here for you to explore, devoted to subjects such as Russian folk art, vodka and bread (yes, bread). Visiting these is definitely one of the more unique things to do in Moscow! 

It’s a little way out of the centre, but it’s an interesting place to visit in Moscow to see something a little bit different, and it won’t be as overcrowded with tourists. 

Next to the Izmailovo Kremlin is the best market in Moscow for souvenirs. You’ll find good and poor quality items, but you’ll certainly pick up a bargain if you take your time and haggle for a good price. Many of the items here you’ll get for half the price you would in souvenir shops in the city centre. It’s here that I picked up several Matryoshka dolls for a very good price. I think I’d have paid more than double, or possibly even triple if I’d have bought them elsewhere.

10. Izmailovsky Park

Not too far from Izmailovo Kremlin you’ll find this huge park, one of the prettiest places to visit in Moscow. It’s easy to get lost here, so try to make sure you keep track of where you entered if you plan to go back the same way. There’s a lot to see in this park, a round pond, ferris wheel, playgrounds and sports grounds, shooting galleries, cinemas and a skate park.

There are often festivals, concerts and exhibitions at the park, on top of firework displays and dance parties.

The main reason I chose to visit the park was to find the painted trees. A local artist “Yevgenia Khlynina” has been painting on trees in this park, and one of the best things to do in Moscow is to explore the park looking for them. One of the most famous pieces of hers is the “Hedgehog in the Fog” from a famous soviet cartoon.

11. Gorky Park

The most famous park in Moscow is named after the writer “Maxim Gorky”. Although it’s likely you’ve heard it mentioned in the song “Wind of Change” by “The Scorpions”. 

There’s lots to do and see in the park with sports facilities and exhibitions. During the summer months this is one of the best places to visit if you’re looking for things to do in Moscow; there are often open air concerts and an open air cinema. There are many statues and sculptures in the park, including a small sculpture park area which features many interesting pieces.

One piece of advice: don’t visit Gorky Park or any other parks on 2nd August if you’re in Russia. 2nd August is Paratrooper day, which usually encourages a lot of drinking in the park, which is not always very welcoming.

12. Arbat Street

One of the oldest and busiest streets in Moscow, and the most famous pedestrian street in the city. Arbat is one of the most popular places to visit in Moscow. There are several shops including many dedicated to souvenirs, but although these will have a good range of goods, they will be quite expensive . You may see street performers and buskers, and there are often poets reciting famous works, if not their own works.

It’s within walking distance from the Kremlin, which should only take around 10 minutes.

There are actually two streets with this name, Old Arbat Street and New Arbat Street. Old Arbat Street is where you’ll find the pedestrianised area. New Arbat Street is a separate street which runs alongside a main road, filled with many bars and restaurants.

13. Metro station art

The best way to get around Moscow is by using the metro, and the metro is a tourist attraction in itself.

Although I obviously didn’t visit every metro station, I believe that every single station is unique in its own beautiful way. Many of the stations I passed through were impressive, quirky or simply jaw dropping. You’ll more than likely pass through many of them on the way to other sights, but I’d recommend the following:  Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Teatralnaya, Arbatskaya, Prospekt Mira and Ploschad Revolutsii (be sure to pet the dog statue for good luck).

There are of course many others for you to explore, but these are the ones I considered to be some of the most impressive places to visit in Moscow (even if they’re only metro stations!).

VDNKh is an exhibition centre with many monuments and museums. Now that it’s combined with the Botanical Garden and Ostankino Park, one of the best things to do in Moscow is to spend the day at this recreational centre enjoying a mix of nature and culture. The most popular museum in the complex which you shouldn’t miss on your trip to Moscow is the Museum of Cosmonautics.

15. Lenin's Mausoleum

Despite requesting to be buried with his mum in St Petersburg, it is at the foot of the Kremlin on Red Sqaure that you will find Lenin’s Mausoleum, where Vladimir Ilych Lenin has been frozen in time since 1924. It’s only open for a few hours a few times per week. Photography is not allowed, and you should line up on the western corner of the square (near Alexander Garden) to wait you turn to see the embalmed body. 

16. Novodevichy Convent

Novodevichy Convent, on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Moscow. Located south west of the centre you’ll find this stunning monastery. Inside you’ll find a cathedral and several churches, surrounded by high walls and 12 towers.

Where are your favourite places to visit in Moscow?

What about the best things to do in Moscow? Anything you’d add?

Love as always and happy adventuring…

I’m Spike! Solo traveller, cultural explorer and world adventurer! With 57 countries under my belt, I live and breathe travel. I never plan to stop exploring new destinations and experiencing new cultures.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it for me.

Pin and save this blog post for later…

IT’S LOVELY TO MEET YOU

I’M MOLLIE AND I STARTED THIS BLOG BACK IN 2013 WHEN I HEADED OUT ON MY FIRST BACKPACKING ADVENTURE. 

I’D LOVE TO SHARE THE JOURNEY WITH YOU, WE’VE GROWN A LOT SINCE THEN!

Shop the google map legends

Search by adventure type, active travel, backpacking, budget travel, love and relationships, once in a lifetime, packing tips, solo travel, weekend getaways, where's mollie newsletter, travel shop, search by destination, other posts that you may like....

RECIPE: Banana and blueberry oat bites

Goal setting: How to bring your dreams to life

Behind the scenes photos from my debut video ‘These are the days’ ♡

Chiang Mai – Tiger Temple

A complete guide to the Lake District National Park, England

A San Cristobal de las Casas travel guide

A complete guide to the Kiwi Experience, New Zealand

‘Vulnerability is the greatest human measure of courage.’ Today’s thoughts from the clouds…

Top tips for travelling Western Australia

Privacy overview.

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.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

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.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

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.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

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.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

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.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

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.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

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.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

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.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

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.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

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.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

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.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

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!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

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…

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

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

• Reunion Island
• South Africa
• El Salvador
• Philippines
• South Korea
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Ras Al-Khaimah
• Saudi Arabia
• New Zealand

• Entertainment
• Agents & Operator
• Write for India Outbound
• Work for India Outbound
• Partner with us
• Advertise with us

Enthusiastic response from Indian travel trade to Destination Britain India roadshow

VisitBritain officials believe that a travel boom from India is now imminent, likely to propel India to a new landmark of GBP 1 billion (Photo: India Outbound/Aman Kanojiya)

With expectations of an imminent boom that would propel the Indian travel market for Britain to the GBP 1 billion landmark in 2024, the Destination Britain India 2023 roadshow came to a successful conclusion earlier this week.

The event saw hundreds of pre-fixed meetings between ample window for networking meetings with gala dinners (Photo: India Outbound/Aman Kanojiya)

Organised after a hiatus of almost four years, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the roadshow held in Delhi attracted dozens of British industry suppliers from across Great Britain as part of VisitBritain delegation to come to meet with 75 top buyers from India as well as several other local buyers from across India over the three days of the roadshow. The British suppliers included hotels, retailers, visitor attractions, tour operators, transport providers and local destinations from across Britain.

The event saw hundreds of pre-fixed meetings between the suppliers and Indian travel agents during the roadshow. It also provided ample window for networking meetings with gala dinners. 

Several product seminars were also organised on the occasion. These included seminars by West Midlands Growth Company, Marketing Manchester and Visit Cumbria, to inform the Indian travel trade about the latest market developments and trends. VisitBritain also showcased its GREAT Britain ‘See Things Differently’ campaign promoting the fresh and exciting experiences on offer, inspiring visitors to explore more of Britain, to travel across the seasons and to come now.

The outlook for 2024 is extremely positive, with airline capacity in September having already risen 53 pc above the pre-pandemic level. VisitBritain officials believe that a travel boom from India is now imminent and which is likely to propel India to a new landmark of GBP 1 billion in terms of travel spend in Great Britain next year.

VisitBritain officials believe that the Indian market is well-suited to go and explore Britain beyond London, notably its interiors, thanks to the ease of travel that exists for them. 

According to Bryce, dramatically improved air connectivity has helped in propelling tourist traffic from all over India (Photo: India Outbound/Aman Kanojiya)

‘‘So, what we have seen actually is a trend in travellers from India looking at travelling into the regions, outside the cities as well. Be it exploring the countryside, the coast, going into and immersing themselves in the culture. They are spending more time in destinations and also looking at mono country itineraries. And I think what we are trying to do over here is that we have got a few destination management organisations and we have got attractions, a lot of regional products that the travel trade in India can actually look at contracting with, which they can then offer to their clients,’’ Louise Bryce, Partnerships Director of VisitBritain tells India Outbound .

Bryce adds that dramatically improved air connectivity has helped in propelling tourist traffic from all over India, especially from Tier II cities.

“You have got Air India, which we know has expanded a lot into the market and Virgin Atlantic, for example, is starting in March with the Bengaluru flight. So there is that connectivity that is coming in. What it has also done is that it is in the regions and the Tier II cities in India where we are seeing a lot of the economic growth. There is disposable income that is coming in and that is a market that we need to start educating and we have been advocating for the past few years now and will continue to actually, you know, try and inspire and encourage product development there. For example, because Air India connects Tier II Indian cities directly with Birmingham, but the consumer and the travel trade there is not very aware of our products. So we are  trying to get those connections, trying to get that product in which can eventually serve the customer,’’ Bryce adds.

There is a lot of new products and experiences that await Indian travellers in Britain, some of which were highlighted at the Destination Britian India roadshow (Photo: India Outbound/Aman Kanojiya)

VisitBritain’s Country Manager India Vishal Bhatia says that like many other countries, the Indian outbound travel market, too, has evolved in the post-pandemic era.

‘‘There are some global trends that are playing out in India as well, and that is a move much more towards experiential travel. People want to feel that having an authentic experience, they want to get to know the locals. They want variety and a richness of experience. So we’re seeing that play out in the Indian market with much more travel outside of London of Indians spending 50 pc of their time now outside of London, they are using public transport and some of them are even jumping in a car and driving themselves, which is very exciting,’’ Bhatia tells India Outbound .

Bhatia says there is a lot of new products and experiences that await Indian travellers in Britain and some of which were being highlighted at the Destination Britain India roadshow.

“Well, actually, we have three key areas which are actually on this mission, the Birmingham in the West Midlands, which I think became very popular for hosting the Commonwealth Games. And they are showcasing some new product. It is also Cadbury’s 200th anniversary. There is a new attraction where you can experience the Peaky Blinder effect in Manchester. There are new music arenas opening there are always new restaurants opening, and Cumbria, which is a countryside destination, has actually now got 13 Michelin stars, which is incredible really, for for a such a small area and which is perhaps known best for being rural,’’ Bhatia adds.

The response from the Indian travel trade that participated in the roadshow has been no less enthusiastic. They say they found a high quality of suppliers, with new offerings for the Indian travellers.

The gathering saw participation from some of the key delegates of the travel trade industry (Photo: India Outbound/Aman Kanojiya)

‘‘It has been a great platform. All in terms of the destination, I would like to say in terms of the suppliers and sellers that have come in from UK, there is a huge, big platform of new sellers that have come on the table. Earlier, when we used to kind of plan products, it used to be mainly London and a bit of Lake District, but today you can actually have the opportunity to talk to many more sitting right here whether it is from Birmingham or from a destination like Liverpool or Manchester. You have a wide range of people that you can meet and talk so that we could actually get into on your product for our clients,’’ Sunita Amarnani, Executive Vice President of V-explore, a travel firm based in Mumbai, tells India Outbound .

Amarnani adds that the Indian client, today, is seeking precisely these new experiences, stepping beyond London. “That’s what our client today is looking at. I mean, London has been done and dusted with. I know I shouldn’t be saying this, but it is now more like a getaway into the UK and people are looking beyond London. So I think it has been a great opportunity for all of us to meet such a huge team out here and I am looking forward for many more meetings,’’ Amarnani adds.

‘‘Luxury today is all about the experiences. And I think UK as a destination has loads of experiences right from culinary to adventure. Language is not a problem in the UK because everybody speaks English. Our food is not a problem, so people are willing to actually go to the interiors because today vegetarian food is easily available everywhere in the UK,’’ says Amarnani.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

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

Read our Magazine

After air india, indigo also doubles frequency on delhi-phuket flights.

India Outbound is India’s only B2B travel media platform, that encompasses a print magazine, a website, an online TV channel and dynamic social media platforms, entirely dedicated to the promotion of foreign destinations and products in India. Read More

Subscribe to our newsletter

IO General B2B Newsletter IO Africa B2B Newsletter

Advertisement

Video of the week

Twitter Feed

Instagram feed.

• Market Analysis
• Experiences
• Privacy Policy

Get Magazine