ttc day trip

Toronto Public Transportation: How to ride the TTC

Toronto public transportation, more commonly known as the TTC is either excellent or terrible depending on who you ask. For many residents of the city, the network is subpar as there aren’t that many subway lines compared to other major cities in the world. However, visitors will likely find that Toronto public transportation is excellent for their needs

Like any transportation network, understanding how it works can be complicated when you first take a look at it. Trying to figure out your options, the cheapest way to get around and how to get where you’re going isn’t always that easy. In this Toronto public transportation guide, I’m going to teach you how to use the TTC.

TTC prices have gone up quite a bit over the years, but it’s comparable to the cost of other public transportation networks around the world. One thing to note is that children 12 and under ride the TTC for free. Unless your child is insanely tall, it’s unlikely they’ll be questioned if you say they’re under the age of 13.

TTC prices as of July 1, 2020 are as follows:

• $3.25 – Adult 
• $2.30 – Senior (65+) / Youth (13-19)
• $13.50 – Day pass ticket

Toronto public transportation uses a timed ticket system. That means you can travel as much as you want and in any direction within a two-hour window while paying a single fare. Make sure you ask the driver for a TTC Proof-of-Payment (POP) or get it from the machine if you’re at a station or on a streetcar.

If you’re buying your tickets at a station, you can use the presto vending machine or go to the collector (where available) and pay with cash, credit or debit. Only cash is accepted on buses which you pay the driver when you get on (no change given). Streetcars also only accept cash, but you pay via a vending machine towards the middle/back of the bus.

Since a day pass ticket costs $13.50, you need to take at least 5 trips to make it worthwhile. There is no family pass available for the TTC.

Presto pass cost 

Getting around Toronto is easy if you have a Presto pass. This contactless card allows you to preload funds so you can get onto public transit in Toronto without having to carry any cash. The Presto pass cost is $6 and is non-refundable, but it gives the following discounts:

• $3.20 – Adult 
• $2.25 – Senior (65+) / Youth (13-19)

That’s right, you only save 5 cents per ride with a Presto card. That means you need to take 120 rides just to break even. No tourist is ever going to ride the TTC that much. Plus, you can’t get a refund on any outstanding balance or the card itself. Visitors are usually better off just buying tickets as they need them.

That said, if you plan on taking the UP Express from Pearson International Airport, a Presto card might be worth it, which I’ll explain below. 

If you do end up getting a Presto card, there’s no need to get a POP when riding the TTC. However, you do need to tap your Presto pass whenever you transfer to a streetcar or bus. You also only tap on the way in, there’s no need to tap when exiting.

Any visitor to Toronto should get to know the TTC map. There are many TTC maps out there but the one I’ve got here includes all of the subway and streetcar lines. It doesn’t include any of the bus routes, but I’ll touch on that below.

Downtown Toronto is generally classified as anything below the Green line 2 and within the vicinity of the U loop on the Yellow line 1 (Bloor/Yonge to St. George). Generally speaking, if you’re staying anywhere near that U loop, you’ll likely be able to access most of the city’s top attractions by walking or taking public transportation.

I’ll talk about the other TTC lines below, but basically, once you understand how they work and how to read the TTC map, it shouldn’t be too difficult to get anywhere using Toronto public transportation.

When it comes to TTC lines, they’re numbered, coloured and have a name. What can be confusing is that most marketing and online resources just show the number and colours whereas locals refer to the TTC lines by name. The good thing is that the TTC map is pretty clear once you understand how the lines work.

Yonge-University Line 1 Yellow – With 38 stops, the Yonge-University Line features the most stations and is also the oldest line. As the name implies, it mainly runs along Yonge St. and University Avenue going north/south. This is by far the most popular line.

Bloor-Danforth Line 2 Green – Running east/west, the Bloor-Danforth Line has a few stops of interest as they’re close to major attractions such as the Royal Ontario Museum, Yorkville and the University of Toronto. If you’re taking the cheapest way to/from the airport, you’ll be using this line too.

Scarborough Line 3 Blue – Sometimes referred to as the Scarborough RT or SRT, the Scarborough Line 3 runs above ground from Kennedy station to McCowan station. It’s highly unlikely visitors would ever take this line.

Sheppard Line 4 – The most recent line (by Toronto standards) is Sheppard Line 4 which runs for a few stops along Sheppard Avenue in North York. Although most travellers wouldn’t venture this far north, Don Mills station on the eastern end of the line is where you would catch the 85A and 85B bus that takes you to the Toronto Zoo.

Streetcar lines – Here’s where things get confusing. Public transportation in Toronto relies heavily on streetcars in the downtown core which is the thin red lines you see on the TTC map above. Technically, they’re light rail trains, but locals refer to them as streetcars. Each line usually follows a street e.g. 501 Queen St., so it shouldn’t be too hard to get on the right vehicle.

Buses – The rest of Toronto’s public transit is handled by buses that follow specific routes (usually along one street). You likely won’t need to take a bus unless you’re going down to the water outside of downtown.

Toronto airport public transportation

Using Toronto airport public transportation is convenient as there’s a direct line known as the UP Express that goes between Toronto’s Pearson International Airport and Union Station. The entire trip takes only takes 25 minutes and is reasonably priced.

The UP Express costs the following for a one-way ticket.

• $12.35 – Adults/Students (13+)
• $6.20 – Seniors (65+)
• $25.70 – Family (2 adults, 3 children under the age of 19)
• $9.25 (with Presto) – Adults/Students (13+)
• $5.80 (with Presto) – Seniors (65+)

Although getting a Presto card costs $6, adults/students that are 13 or over would save $6.10 on a return trip. You would just come out ahead going this route and then you have the convenience of having a reloadable card that can be used for Toronto public transportation. That said, these cards are non-refundable so you need to make sure you depart with a minimum amount left on the card.

The family ticket offers incredible value since it’s only $25.70 and it can be used for up to 5 people as long as 3 of the travellers under the age of 19. That’s a savings of $36.50. 

The UP Express at Union station is connected to the TTC indoors, but not directly. It’s about a 3-minute walk and you’d have to pay an additional fare.

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to get to downtown Toronto, you could take the 900 Airport Express bus that will take you to Kipling station which is on Line 2. You could then make your way across the subway before transferring to Line 1 to get downtown The cost of this trip is $3.25, but it would take you about 75-minutes to get downtown.

How to use the TTC

If you’re still feeling a little intimidated by the TTC, here’s a little step-by-step guide.

• Pay cash or purchase a presto ticket/card
• Tap your ticket/card to get in (if there’s no collector)
• Get your POP if not using Presto
• Head down into the subway and look for the platform which is going the direction you need to go (refer to the map and look for the direction of the last stop)
• At your transfer station (if transferring), get off and look for the signs to the other lines (do not exit the station)
• After exiting the station, get on the streetcar or bus (make sure you’re getting on the right one) and either show your POP or tap your Presto Pass again
• Get off at your final destination (no tap at exit required)

Toronto public transit is pretty basic, but you should have no problem getting anywhere you need to without having to take an Uber or taxi. What makes things easy is that besides Union station, Toronto doesn’t have any major hubs with more than two stations so navigating won’t be that difficult.

The streetcar lines in downtown Toronto are incredibly handy, but quite often you may be better off just walking. The one exception is King street where only a limited number of vehicles can be on the street.

If you have data while travelling, getting directions from Google Maps is usually accurate, so relying on that may not be a bad thing.

The final thing to address with Toronto public transportation is the TTC delays. Ask any resident of Toronto and they’ll tell you that delays happen all the time. Since the TTC only has a limited number of lines, one unplanned stoppage can cause massive delays and crowds.

Always check the TTC website before you depart for any service alerts and disruptions . It feels like there’s some kind of scheduled closure every other weekend which could affect your travel plans. On a positive note, if it’s a planned disruption, the TTC does a great job of bringing shuttle buses. They’ll also have extra staff at the stations to help you with directions, so there’s no way you’ll get lost.

Even if there are subway closures or sudden disruptions, there’s no reason to panic. Quite often you can find an alternative route on your own. For example, if you’re south of Bloor, it would probably only take about 12 minutes to walk from the University side of the U loop to the Yonge side on Yonge-University Line 1. Walking from Bloor station to Queen Station would only take about 25 mins. 

Final thoughts

Although locals may hate the TTC, there’s no denying that the service is good (when there are no delays) and TTC prices are reasonable. It’s not as good as London , New York , Barcelona or Tokyo , but visitors will have no problem getting around the city. Use the TTC trip planner if you need specific directions or just ask someone.

About Barry Choi

Barry Choi is a Toronto-based personal finance and travel expert who frequently makes media appearances. His blog Money We Have is one of Canada’s most trusted sources when it comes to money and travel. You can find him on Twitter: @barrychoi

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Get a FREE copy of Travel Hacking for Lazy People

Subscribe now to get your FREE eBook and learn how to travel in luxury for less

Getting Around Toronto on Public Transit

Complete Visitor Guide to Getting Around Toronto on Public Transit

• Bike Share Toronto
• Airport Service
• Real Time Transit Alerts
• Transit Tips

The Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is responsible for Toronto public transportation within the city limits. At the heart of the system is the Toronto Subway and RT consisting of three subway lines and one elevated light rail line. Streetcars , which operate on 11 routes are another major form of transportation in the downtown area and you haven't fully experienced Toronto without riding one. An extensive bus network connects these major modes of transit with the suburbs and outlying areas. Transportation beyond the city limits, but within the the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) is covered by other providers, however, most attractions that we cover are within the city. Go Transit, managed by Metrolinx, connects the city proper with outlying areas in the GTA and beyond (see below).

Individual fares only allow for a single trip in one direction (no round trips). If you expect to make more than 4 one-way trips in a single day,consider purchasing a day pass for $13.50 rather than one-ride or two-ride Presto tickets. It provides unlimited travel on all TTC routes within the city of Toronto except Downtown Express routes.

Besides the Toronto Transit Commission, Toronto is also served by Go Transit , a separate system of commuter passenger trains and connecting buses that not only operate from within the city of Toronto, but also extend into outlying regions of the GTA and beyond. Go Transit is a division of Metrolinx which is a crown agency of the Province of Ontario. Some of the neighbouring cities adjoining Toronto also operate their own bus systems, however these are not fully integrated with the Toronto Transit System and require separate fares or add fares. You can however, get to nearly all of Toronto's popular attractions using the TTC system. For more details about each aspect of the Transit system just click on the corresponding links above.

Official Website: https://ttc.ca/

• See the complete line of Toronto Experiences on Viator

Top Things to Do

Free Things to Do

Things to Do With Kids

Skiing Near Toronto

Toronto's Best Beaches

Toronto's Best Parks

Best Museums in Toronto

Theater in Toronto

Shopping in Toronto

36 Hours in Toronto: An Itinerary

Toronto Day Trips

Tours to Take in Toronto

The Best Food to Try in Toronto

Toronto's Most Iconic Restaurants

Toronto's Best Breweries

The Best Time to Visit Toronto

Weather & Climate

Airports in Toronto

Neighborhoods to Know

Public Transportation in Toronto

How to Use the Toronto Transit Commision (TTC)

Toronto's Public Transportation System

 typhoonski/Getty Images

The TTC  is the main public transport provider in Toronto, running a subway system, streetcar lines and bus routes across the city. To make use of the system often involves taking more than one vehicle to get where you’re going, which is why understanding the TTC’s transfer system is helpful to anyone who lives in or is visiting the city. 

The TTC currently issues two kinds of paper transfer. One is distributed by streetcar and bus drivers, while the other is available through machines inside of subway stations. Although the transfers look a little different, they both work the same way. 

Read on for details on how to get and use a transfer on Toronto’s public transit system. 

Do You Always Need a TTC Transfer?

The paper transfers issued by the TTC are only intended for passengers who are paying by cash, ticket or token. If you’re  using a TTC Day Pass , a weekly pass, or a monthly Metropass, you’ll simply show your pass again if you need to change vehicles, rather than showing a transfer. You also don’t need a paper transfer if you are using a PRESTO card. When you tap your PRESTO card against a card reader when getting on a TTC vehicle when you board, your transfer is noted on the card at that time you tap your card. 

Tip : One of the benefits of using any of the TTC’s passes or a PRESTO card is that you can hop on and off vehicles as much as you like, which you can’t do with a transfer. 

Even if you have paid by cash, ticket or token, you don’t always need a transfer to move from one TTC vehicle to another. At some TTC subway stations, the connecting buses and streetcars pull into an area which is inside the fare-paid zone. In these cases, the drivers will assume that you’ve either just paid to enter the station or have gotten off another vehicle to transfer onto theirs. However, this isn’t the case at all stations, so until you’re familiar with the route you’re planning on taking, it’s generally better to get a transfer just to be on the safe side. 

PRESTO and Transfers

If you are using a PRESTO card to ride the TTC, you now have the advantage of a two-hour transfer. The two-hour transfer is a new feature available to PRESTO card customers only. With this transfer, you can hop on and off of a vehicle and switch directions at any point within two hours of your first tap of the card. 

The transfer is automatically applied to your PRESTO card the first time you tap onto a bus or streetcar or into a subway station. Each time you tap your card, the reader validates the transfer within that two-hour period. When the two hours run out, you then get charged another fare and the two-hour time frame starts again. These two-hour transfers make it a lot easier to run errands while using the TTC since you can hop on and off with a longer window of time.

Just note that this two-hour transfer doesn’t apply if you’re using tickets, tokens or cash.  

Getting a TTC Transfer

If you start your TTC trip by boarding a vehicle, you’ll need to get a transfer from the driver when you  pay your fare . Most TTC bus and streetcar drivers will offer you one of the paper transfers automatically if you pay using a ticket, token or cash. If the driver doesn’t offer, just ask. Remember to get you transfer  as you board  the vehicle and not when you’re trying to get off. 

If you start your trip at a TTC station, you won’t get your transfer from a staff member. Instead, you’ll need to use an automated transfer machine. These red boxes, which have a small digital display showing the current time, are positioned just inside station entrances. Push the button and you’ll get a transfer with the current time stamped on it. 

Using a TTC Transfer

A Trip-Based System : Most of the TTC runs on a trip-based transfer system. That means you can only use a transfer to help you complete one continuous trip. For example, if your destination is to the north-east, you’re expected to pay your fare to get on a northbound route, get a transfer, get off at a station or intersection where you can switch to an eastbound route, then show your transfer to get on the next eastbound vehicle that comes along.  

Good for Any Number of Vehicles During That One Trip : You may use a transfer more than once as long as the trip is continuous. For example, if you’re taking a trip that involves taking a streetcar to a subway station then taking the subway to another station to catch a bus, you’ll get a transfer when you get on the streetcar which you’ll show both at the subway collector booth and to the bus driver. 

No Getting Back on the Same Route : You may NOT use a trip-based transfer to get back on the same route where you got the transfer. This means you can’t get off and spend time in an area before continuing your trip, whether you want to keep going in the same direction or head back the way you came. And even if you are transferring to another route, you may not spend time  shopping  or doing anything else before you get on the next vehicle. 

Remember, Get Your Transfer When You Pay Your Fare:  You also may NOT use a transfer from a subway station to get on buses outside the same station. You need to get your transfer from the automated machine at the station where you get ON the subway, not where you get off. 

Walking Transfers:  It’s also important to remember that in some cases, two routes may operate near each other but not serve the same intersection and won’t have any stops in common. When this happens, where specifically identified, you can use a paper transfer to transfer between routes at these walking transfer locations. 

Transferring to Other Transit Systems 

Even if you are taking one continuous trip, you may not use a TTC transfer to board vehicles which are part of other transit systems, such as Mississauga’s MiWay system or York Region Transit (YRT). If you’re traveling into surrounding municipalities, check the specific fare information for public transit options in the  Greater Toronto Area (GTA) . 

If you’ll be traveling by both GO Transit (Government of Ontario Transit) and the TTC, learn about the  fare options for riders who are using both systems . 

Getting Around Seattle: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Salt Lake City: Guide to Public Transportation

Toronto's GO Transit Tickets, Passes, and Fares

Getting Around Detroit: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Pittsburgh: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Mexico City: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Beijing: Guide to Public Transportation

Using a TTC Day Pass

Getting Around Atlanta: Guide to Public Transportation

Toronto Pearson International Airport Guide

How to Visit Los Angeles Without a Car

Getting Around Paris: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Melbourne: A Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Kyoto: Guide to Public Transportation

Getting Around Munich: Guide to Public Transportation

Our Passion

Our purpose.

Passion For Travel

• inherent Passion
• Travel Styles
• Destinations

Travel Inspiration

• Immersive Experiences
• Arrived Magazine

Specialized Travel

Group travel.

Spreading our passion and love of travel

To take your breath away

TTC Sustainability

• impactful Purpose
• How We Tread Right
• MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experiences
• Sustainability Awards
• TreadRight Foundation

Learn how we Make Travel Matter

MAKE TRAVEL MATTER EXPERIENCES

Travel that makes a difference

Our Culture

• Our Offices
• incredible People
• TTC I.D.E.A.

Our Heritage

• Stanley Tollman

Learn about what makes our team unique

Discover your career path in travel

SIGHTSEEING

Tailor-made, sustainability.

TTC SUSTAINABILITY

Our passion, our purpose, passion for travel, travel inspiration, specialized travel.

• Group-Travel
• Our DMC’s

OUR CULTURE

Our heritage.

• Thoughts from our Chairman
• MTM Experiences

TRAVEL STYLES

Travel your way, whatever your taste or pace.

There are so many ways to see and explore the world and at TTC we have been honing the craft of blending transformative travel with extraordinary service for 100 years. With ten travel styles to choose from, we are confident that we have a travel style that will suit your needs and desires. We are passionate and dedicated to consistently creating new and life changing travel experiences designed to elevate how you discover the beauty and magic of our world.

Explore our 10 travel styles below to begin your journey

River cruising, luxury hotels, tailor-made, safari & adventure, sightseeing, guided travel.

Come with us as we guide you through some of the most incredible and transformative travel experiences curated by our service driven teams to ensure that all of your needs are taken care of so that you can focus on whats important; truly connecting to the people and places you visit and explore.

Come with us as we guide you through some of the most incredible and transformative travel experiences curated by our service driven teams to ensure that all of your needs are taken care of so that you can focus on whats important; truly connecting to the people and places you visit and explore. 

We craft each of our award-winning guided trips to leave our guests free to live in the moment without a worry in the world. Feel secure in the knowledge that we’ve seen to every detail, just turn up & enjoy the journey.

Insight Vacations

Travel with like-minded companions and be guided by knowledgeable Local Experts. Let us take care of the driving while you sit back and enjoy the journey on our luxury, customised coaches.

Culturally immersive trips for 18-35’s.

Discover the best of luxury boutique river cruising. You deserve the best.

Essentials by us, tailored by you. With the travel essentials & must-see icons included & options for our guests to tailor their trip their way, each vacation flows smoothly from arrival to departure. 

Luxury Gold

Enjoy a luxury immersive journey with Luxury Gold. Along the way you’ll be accompanied by a professional, knowledgeable and personable Traveling Concierge who will tailor your experience to your desires.

Brendan Vacations

Guided Vacations are easy to take and easy to enjoy. If must-see sights, insider experiences and care-free travel sound like your cup of tea, then this is the travel style for you.

Experience the getaway of a lifetime on a fully Guided Holiday through Australia and New Zealand.

Haggis Adventures

We make sure our guided tours to keep your spirits high and show you the authentic charm of our beloved country and its people. Whatever your tipple, our Highland hospitality will shine.  

Highland Explorer Tours

Discover Scotland’s breathtaking landscapes and magnificent history on our 1-6 day tours, led by our passionate Local Guides. Taste what the Scots have eaten for centuries and go to places only the locals know. We’re proud to show you the treasures that won’t be found in a guidebook.

Inspiring Journeys

You’re invited to venture off the beaten track, to truly connect with your destination, through immersive experiences in an intimate small group setting. 

African Travel

Guided, small group, safaris are ideal for travelers seeking camaraderie and exploration with like-minded guests.

Lion World Travel

Small group, affordable luxury safaris. Choose from a wide range of exclusive vacation packages in Africa, or create your own custom five-star dream safari.

Grand European Travel

Guided vacations offer genuinely unparalleled travel experiences. Explore iconic sites with Local Experts and get a true sense of your destination with immersive local experiences.

Small group, affordable luxury safaris. Choose from a wide range of exclusive vacation packages in Africa, or create your own custom five-star dream safari.[

Next-Gen Travel

Travel is as much about you as the places you visit. Through learning new ways of life and discovering the transformative cultural and natural experiences our world offers, we also learn about ourselves, our dreams and aspirations. Wanderlust starts in the soul and with our brands for the young and young at heart we help ignite it.

Culturally immersive trips led by our expert Trip Managers and Local Guides.

At HAGGiS we grab Scotland by the horns and take you straight to the heart of its draw dropping scenery. We show you the best of its wild side, and help you find yours too.

Luxury Travel

Designed with elegance and care with you always at the heart of our thinking, we believe and follow the philosophy of ‘No request too large, no detail too small’. From our boutique luxury hotel collection to our boutique river cruise collection or our luxury guided travel offerings we always provide the most incredible, tailor made and sought after luxury travel experiences. You will never be able to see the world in another way.

Designed with elegance and care with you always at the heart of our thinking, we believe and follow the philosophy of ‘No request too large, no detail too small’. From our boutique luxury hotel collection to our boutique river cruise collection or our luxury guided travel offerings we always provide the most incredible, tailor made and sought after luxury travel experiences. You will never be able to see the world in another way.

Red Carnation Hotels

From London’s Hotel 41 to the elegant Hotel d’Angleterre on the shores of Lake Geneva, each and every Red Carnation Hotel is unique and special and showcases original design, delicious cuisine and world-class hospitality.

Each exquisitely appointed Uniworld river cruise ship is a work of art designed to be as unique as our guests and as inspiring as the destinations we visit. You deserve the best.

We will do everything within our powers to ensure you enjoy the best, most comfortable and hassle-free travel experience. We always choose the best mode of transport for the destination, ensuring luxury and comfort each step of the way.

Luxury means different things to different travelers. Whether a private villa or tented camp, we’ll customize your journey with extraordinary experiences and outstanding accommodations.

DESTINATIONS

We are proud to offer the world’s only authentic boutique luxury river cruise lines. River cruising with us combines the pleasure of discovering new places each day all while enjoy the luxury accommodation we have made renowned through The Red Carnation Hotel Collection. A boutique luxury hotel on the water as you peacefully sail away to destinations you have always dreamed of exploring. Experience something truly remarkable today.

We offer enticing voyages around the globe, with all-inclusive river cruises that set a new standard for luxury and excellence.

Begin your experience directly with one of our award-winning luxury hotels through The Red Carnation Hotel Collection or experience the same incredible service and quality through one of our luxury guided holiday and river cruise brands as they take you to amazing locals that leave you breathless.

From London’s Hotel 41 to the elegant Hotel d’Angleterre on the shores of Lake Geneva, each and every Red Carnation hotel is unique and special and showcases original design, delicious cuisine and generous hospitality.

We bring the world-class hospitality and accommodation made famous by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection to our industry leading fleet of luxury river ships. 

We bring the world-class hospitality and accommodation made famous by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection to our industry leading fleet of luxury river ships.

Family Travel

As a fourth-generation family owned company, we truly understand the importance of sharing wondrous moments with those we hold special in our lives. The ability to learn and experience new cultures and places together creates life-long memories and bonds that change us forever. Discover the world as a family and create cherished memories with one of our award-winning brands.

We take the stress out of family travel, allowing our guests to be fully present, experiencing each incredible moment together. Designed with the whole family in mind, just show up & let the fun begin!

An incredible luxury river cruise experience for the entire family because you deserve the best.

Whether traveling with younger kids, teenagers or several generations, a family safari in Africa is safe, fun and a cultural opportunity to build a bridge across continents and experience one of the last sanctuaries for wildlife.

Down Under Tours

Enjoy incredible family experiences and create memories to treasure for a lifetime.

From our youngest to our oldest guests, there is no request too large, no detail too small. Welcome home.

Tailor-made Travel

Freedom is everything. Your choice, your rules, your story. Allow us to help create your personal and fully tailored travel expedience. You will find that we are deeply passionate about helping you create your travel story. Being your independent travel experience with one of our award-winning brands.

We know that travel is personal and our trips are handcrafted to give you the absolute freedom of discovering Ireland and Scotland on your own. We make it easy to travel your way.

Us Scot’s pride ourselves on doing things differently. Our routes take you to the must–see sights, but you decide what to do when you get there. We fought for our freedom, so we know the value of yours.

Our trips give you versatility and the choice to see Scotland your way with our ‘ explore more’ option. Saunter around a beautiful town, delve into a historic castle or jump aboard the Jacobite Steam Train; it’s your trip, and it’s your choice.

Adventure World

Whether you’re after wildlife and wilderness, culture and heritage, an active adventure or simply a personalized experience, we know how to create an extraordinary itinerary, tailored for you.

Join us as an independent traveler and feel right at home on one of our sightseeing tours or unique small group experiences, where you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Britain.

Like the stripes on a zebra, no two human fingerprints are the same, that’s why we tailor your journey to suit your personal travel style and interest.

Discover our Africa through tailored experiences designed your way.

Enjoy the freedom of tailor-made travel and choose an adventure in Cairns and the Great Barrier Reef Region.

Evan Evans Tours

Safari & adventure.

The world awaits you. Experience the majesty of the wilds or feed your adventurous spirit, the choice is yours. Using lodges, safari camps, adventure ships and expertly trained staff we offer a variety of experiences. Our staff passionately impart a wealth of knowledge both personally experienced and researched. Whether you are interested in our safari offerings or exploring the Antarctic Bay our teams are here to help you reach places others only dream about.

Our handcrafted safaris are the culmination of more than 40 years of passion for creating spectacular, luxurious African experiences that will connect you to wildlife.

Experience Africa in affordable luxury. We love Africa and so will you.

Embrace your adventurous spirit and revel in the excitement and passion of adventure travel.

Sightseeing Tours

Our sightseeing day tours include the ‘must sees and do’s’ of a destination to help you cross some of those travel wishes off your list and will also help you discover more things to add on. Our award-winning brands help you get off the beaten path and explore spectacular historical destinations and nature’s treasures in the way you want to.

Discover Britain’s rich cultural and historical heritage on a sightseeing tour led by an Expert Guide. Explore London’s most famous historic sights and visit iconic locations such as Stonehenge and Windsor Castle.

Discover Australia’s most iconic bucket list destinations on a sightseeing day tour.

Whether you’re a culture chaser, a bit of an adventurist or a taste enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in Ireland and Scotland. Let our Experts help you plan the ultimate trip.

For a wee country, Scotland punches well above its weight. We take you to must-see sights such as Loch Ness and the Isle of Skye, but also to the remote and rugged landscapes of The Outer Hebrides and Shetland.

Subtle flavours and magnificent mountains, friendly locals and frantic battles, beautiful lochs and boisterous traditions. We share all of Scotland’s secrets, beauty and history with a passion.

​Down Under Tours

Let us take you on a journey of discovery through the world’s oldest living tropical rainforest and learn about the oldest living culture on Earth.

Cullinan Guided Journeys

Experience the magic of Southern Africa.

We offer comprehensive group travel services for businesses and consumers, with group tours from 9 or more guests traveling together. Our group tour package options include small groups, private tour groups, all-inclusive vacation packages, and fully custom tours.

This website uses cookies. We use cookies to analyse our traffic, enhance our website’s functionality and performance and better experience for our users. If you require more information please view our cookie policy .

Plan a trip

Example: 42 Chicora Ave

Example: College and Dufferin

Example: 11 am

Example: May 2 at 1:30 pm

Example: in 30 minutes

Accessibility options new!

Caution: Accessibility options are considered VERY BETA.

Please consider leaving us feedback so we can tune our results.

Log In / Sign Up

Why bother.

Opening an account here will allow you to access your saved stops from any computer, as well as edit articles and use the (upcoming) SMS service.

Also, we'd think you're cool. Very cool. What are you waiting for?

Include your e-mail if you want a response

Tell us all about it

Who's listening?

We are! Really.

Tell us all about problems you've experienced, features you'd like to see in the future, stuff you found confusing... anything really! We're great listeners.

Also, by giving us feedback you're helping make this application better for everyone. That can be your good deed for the day, but it probably won't count against your community service.

Welcome to MyTTC .ca

MyTTC was born out of a desire for free, open access to transit data. When we started, the amount and quality of the data available from the TTC was somewhat lacking. However, The TTC has since released schedules and real time data which make other applications like MyTTC easier to build.

We are not the TTC, nor are we affiliated with them. This is an independent effort because we love the TTC and just want to create a better experience for everyone. From counting every stair at every subway station, to placing ten thousand bus stops and over three million stop times, MyTTC is a product of passion by a small, dedicated and potentially obsessed team.

Community Headlines

Carpool week, february 4 to 10.

Want to save time and money? Split the cost of driving by carpooling. Carpool Week, February 4 to 10, is an annual campaign ...

via Transit Toronto  //  February 4

Construction at Weston GO Station affects motorists, starting February 4

Starting Monday, February 4, GO Transit contractors start a project to improve Weston GO Station. The work mostly affects ...

Update: Newmarket GO Bus Terminal construction

GO Transit started a project to repair the fencing along the south side of Newmarket GO Bus Terminal and concrete paving within ...

Step Right Up for the Miracle Cure! (Updated)

For those readers here who do not follow the Torontoist website, I have an article there commenting on the City of ...

via Steve Munro's Web Site  //  February 3

Video: Breakthrough near Downsview Station!

At dawn, Friday, December 7, the tunnel-boring machine (TBM) “Holey” broke through the “extraction ...

via Transit Toronto  //  February 3

Video: OpenBVE TTC academy multiplayer run

Note: Not knowing too much about this field, we present this information (mostly) unedited as we received it from the ...

GO relocates bus stops on Steeles Avenue in Brampton

GO Transit is revising the locations of its bus stops on Steeles Avenue East in Brampton to co-ordinate service with Brampton ...

• About the site

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips From Moscow

Is the hustle and bustle of Moscow starting to wear you down? No worries. There are multiple great day trips from Moscow that will let you see a different side of Russia that you won’t find in the metropolitan area. Each day trip I’ve listed below can easily be done by train from Moscow, and there are trains every day of the week.

The area surrounding Moscow is rich in cultural attractions and natural beauty. By traveling only a short distance, one feels far away from the crowds, and lines of the sprawling Russian capital. Since Russia is undoubtedly an expansive country it may take from half an hour to two hours to reach some of the landmarks on this list (by train or car) from the Moscow city center.

You can escape to the picturesque Russian countryside, visit war memorials, battlefields, admire onion-domed churches, and get insight into the local way of life. Easy day trips from Moscow include the incomparable white-stone Trinity Cathedral in Sergiyev Posad, the spectacular Cathedral of the Assumption in Dmitrov, and the Russian military aircraft in Monino. For those who love rural tranquility, Suzdal and Vladimir are a must-see. History buffs will appreciate the Patriotic War of 1812 reenactment that took place in Borodino on the first weekend of September.

Without further ado, here are 15 best day trips from Moscow that are well worth your attention.

The Best Day Trips from Moscow

There’s a reason Moscow is one of Europe’s most enigmatic destinations. It’s got culture, class, food, history, and more, but even better, is that it is the country’s main transport hub with so many attractions within a day trip from Moscow. While you can definitely spend days or even weeks in Moscow, it can, of course, be done in just one week. What can you do in Moscow in seven days ? Well, you can do a lot if you know how to plan a trip to a place you know so little about.

If you’re ready to get out of the city a bit and soak up the culture, fresh air, and enchanting architecture, I’ve rounded up my favorite day trips outside of Moscow. I often get asked: What are the best cities to visit in Russia? And these are places that I’ve been and loved.

My Favorite Easy Day Trips from Moscow:

Dmitrov Kolomna Zvenigorod Sergiyev Posad Yaroslavl Arkhangelskoye Estate Vladimir Suzdal Korolev Borodino Patriot Park in Kubinka Melikhovo Gorki Leninskie Kaluga Monino

1. Day Trip to Dmitrov from Moscow

Dmitrov may not be as popular as other cities in Russia, but the fact that the city was founded only 7 years earlier than Moscow makes for a great day trip. This small city some 90 kilometers from Moscow is particularly beautiful in the summer. As you walk the streets you can see sparkling fountains, charming centuries-old buildings, yachts and boats transiting through the canal and, of course, the Museum-Reserve Dmitrov Kremlin.

The Kremlin (castle) is the city’s main draw. The 10m high and about 1km long earthen rampart remained behind the wooden wall and gives an idea of how the castle looked like 400 years ago. The oldest surviving building on the Kremlin grounds is the 16th-century Assumption Cathedral with a unique five-tier iconostasis.

Not far from the Kremlin there is a compact 15th-century Borisoglebsky convent. Its main building – the 16th-century Cathedral of Sts. Boris and Gleb is open to the visitors only for services of worship. In the 1930s in the convent housed a labor camp, which contained the builders of the Canal named after Moscow.

Getting There: Dmitrov sits an easy hour and sixteen minutes by train from Savyelovskiy Rail Terminal. This cheap day trip from Moscow is a great chance to soak up the historic charm to be found in Moscow Oblast.

2. Day Trip to Kolomna from Moscow

Situated to the south-east of Moscow, Kolomna is a beautiful port city on the Oka River. This is one of the oldest Russian cities in the region. So you can discover the old history in museums and monasteries. Interestingly, the city was a site for important weapon factories under the Soviet Union. Although it was opened up in 1994 Kolomna is not as popular as other day-trip destinations in the region.

Nevertheless, it is a great place to visit with friends and family where you can explore the 15th-century Kremlin made of red brick, try incredibly sweet traditional pastila (marshmallow), and visit some of the cute little churches and 19th-century mansions.

Getting There: Take the express train (commuter line train) from the Kazansky rail terminal to Golutvin station. The trip lasts one hour and forty minutes.

3. Day Trip to Zvenigorod from Moscow

This one is usually a given due to its proximity to and ease of transport from Moscow. It’s one of the easiest day trips from Moscow by train. You can easily hop on the train from the city and land right in the town of Zvenigorod where you can visit the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery and sample the sparkly and refreshing kvass, a Russian specialty beverage that’s enjoyed in the summer months.

Zvenigorod is an adorable little town just under an hour away from the Moscow city and is an amazing place to visit as it will give a relaxing break from the hectic life of Moscow. Check this day trip if you don’t feel like planning.

If you have a sweet tooth, spend some time in the quirky Museum of Russian Desserts, where you can indulge in uniquely delicious treats and explore the intersection of food and culture.

Then you may want to pay the Zvenigorod Museum of History, Architecture, and Art a visit. The museum’s exposition is located on the territory of the Savvino-Storozhevsky monastery, or rather, in the 17th-century Tsaritsyny chambers, built for the wife of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich. Stroll through the museum halls to view the permanent exhibitions, which offer insights into various aspects of Russian history. The intricate museum’s building is adorned with a decorative porch, complex patterned elements, and looks very impressive in general.

4. Day Trip to Sergiyev Posad from Moscow

If you’re looking for cheap day trips from Moscow, Sergiyev Posad is a good choice at just a few dollar train ride away. Known as a major center of pilgrimage and home to one of the largest Russian Orthodox Monastery which has been here for hundreds of years, Sergiyev Posad is a fun day trip from Moscow and can be combined with Abramtsevo Museum Estate. As the only town in Moscow Region which is included in the Golden Ring of Russian cities, Sergiyev Posad is an incredible destination for a day trip from Moscow that packs UNESCO-protected Trinity Sergius Lavra, great museums, and gorgeous architecture into one day.

Make sure you see the six-pillared Assumption Cathedral that was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in mid-16th-century and go inside to marvel at the impressive iconostasis that features Simon Ushakov’s masterpiece, the icon of Last Supper. Enjoy a delicious lamb steak with wheat kasha, Ukha fish soup, or hand-made dumplings as you learn a lot about religious and cultural history.

Getting There: Known for its small-town charm and welcoming feel, you can get to Sergiyev Posad by train, by bus, or by car. Trains depart from Yaroslavsky Rail Terminal every thirty minutes, and the trip lasts about an hour and a half. Alternatively, you can hop on a bus at the ‘VDNKh’ metro station. A bus trip to Sergiyev Posad takes two hours on average but can be reached in 90 minutes depending on traffic. If you go by car expect to spend about an hour and a half attempting to traverse the congested Yaroslavskoye highway.

5. Day Trip to Yaroslavl from Moscow

Going from Moscow to Yaroslavl may seem like a really long day trip, but honestly, if you take the comfortable train, it only takes about four hours to reach the city, so making a Yaroslavl day trip is totally doable. Although I do recommend much more than one day in Yaroslavl, especially if it’s your first time.

Cultural tourists visiting Yaroslavl should start their exploration by strolling the historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A spacious 100-hectare area enclosed by Sobinova and Republican streets is home to most popular attractions – the 17th-century Church of Elijah the Prophet that survived almost exactly in its original form, and in contrast to it, the white stone Assumption Cathedral, restored in the 2000s.

If you walk a bit further passing the Holy Trinity sculpture and city’s foundation stone, you will find yourself at Strelka, a park on the cape, which offers panoramic views of the spot at the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. On the way back, there is a pleasant walk along the picturesque Volga embankment to the Governor’s Garden with shadowy alleys and an open-air Sculpture museum.

Getting There: Yaroslavl is about 280 km (173 miles) northeast of Moscow, so the best way to get there is to take a morning train from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal. A tour is also a great way to see the Yaroslavl without having to worry about driving or searching for trains. You can book a tour here.

6. Day Trip to Arkhangelskoye Estate from Moscow

Situated on the outskirts of Moscow and dates back to the late 18th-century, Arkhangelskoye Estate was the domain of the nobility for over a century until the Russian Revolution swept people who owned the estate out of the country. The estate was turned into a museum, which it remains today.

The Arkhangelskoye Estate Museum holds the largest rare-book collection. The exhibition also includes old manuscripts, historical documents, photos from the past, a vast collection of sculpture, paintings, engravings, and exceptional examples of decorative art. These art objects once belonged to Prince Nikolai Yusupov, the former owner of the estate.

Arkhangelskoye Estate is often referred to as the Russian version of Versailles because of the intricately manicured garden and beautiful 18th-century park. Famous Russian writers and poets such as Pushkin, Herzen, Mayakovsky loved to spend their free time here making long excursions in the surrounding area. Arkhangelskoye is a perfect place to appreciate the terraces decorated by delightful statues, exquisite vases, and busts.

Visitors can take tours, which introduce them to vibrant examples of Russian art and culture.

Getting There: To reach the estate it’s best to take a bus or a privately-owned minibus that departs from Tushinskaya metro station.

7. Day Trip to Vladimir from Moscow

Situated only two hours east of Moscow, Vladimir is absolutely one of the best places to visit near Moscow for a day trip. This splendid city dates back to the 12th century and has a very rich history. If magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture entice you, then this place is perfect for a day trip with your significant other.

First things first, you need to see the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town. This 12th-century medieval masterpiece of military architecture is associated not only with Vladimir but with the Golden Ring tourist route itself. At the top of the gate, where once was the Church of the Deposition of the Robe, there is the Museum of Weapons. Great looking arrowheads and spear points date back to the Grand Principality of Vladimir, while the exhibition in an impressively majestic setting features a number of Batu-Khan related artifacts.

There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of St Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs like birch-bark masterpieces of Kunov’s masters, drawings, carving, embossing, figures of people and animals, stop by the Lacquer Miniature, the Museum of Crystal, and the Gingerbread Museum. Many of the local attractions were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites.

Getting There: The best way to visit this area is to catch an early train from Moscow and book a full-day tour of Vladimir in advance. This one includes the town of Suzdal as well.

8. Day Trip to Suzdal from Moscow

This gem of a little medieval town perched on a hill just a 30-minute ride from Vladimir is one of those places I’ve visited and could move there permanently and be happy! It’s a charming little piece of history that also has a Kremlin and visiting it feels like stepping back in time. if you’re a culture enthusiast you’ll be glad to know there are numerous churches, five monasteries, including Spaso-Yevfimiev Monastery in Suzdal. Check them out if you want to get a real taste of the country!

pend some time shopping at the Torgovaya ploshchad (Market Square), where you can buy baskets made of birch bark, ceramic handmade plates, honey or souvenirs and, of course, grab some afternoon tea!

Getting There: Trains leave regularly from Moscow’s Kurskiy Rail Terminal to Vladimir where you can hop on a bus to Suzdal. You can also take a bus from Moscow. In this case, it might take longer and you’ll probably encounter infamous traffic jams. If you go by express train the trip takes about 1 hour and 40 minutes. There are slower trains of course, but I’d recommend going with the fast one and save a lot of time!

9. Day Trip to Korolev from Moscow

Located some 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow, Korolev has become arguably the most important space research center with skilled workers from across the Soviet Union who came here to expand the space program.

It became a leading institute dedicated to aerospace research in the country. Today, that tendency can still be clearly seen on the streets and in the buildings. When the Soviet Union collapsed, the city retained its status as the headquarters of Russia’s space surveillance network and now it hosts the Russian Mission Control Center, an analogue of the American Mission Control Center at NASA’s Space Center in Houston.

If you want to learn more about Mission Control Center and the former Russian Mir space station, book a tour with a knowledgeable guide who can clearly tell the history of this place.

If you’re not into space exploration there is also a Memorial Apartment Museum of Marina Tsvetaeva in Bolshevo. With a picturesque park next to the museum, it’s a great place for walking in the fresh air. The highlight of the park is memorial stones with quotes from Tsvetaeva’s poems.

Getting There: I’d recommend going by train. Catch one at Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal that departs every 30 minutes to reach Bolshevo station.

10. Day Trip to Borodino from Moscow

The historic Battle of Borodino on September 7, 1812, took place just outside the small village of Borodino, about 140 km west of Moscow, and about 15 km from the nearest town of Mozhaysk. Although the French won the Battle of Borodino and went to capture Moscow, it was one of the bloodiest battles of the pre-twentieth-century that is also predetermined Napoleon’s defeat.

While it was a battlefield back then, not much remains today. It’s mostly a green and grassy field now with a few monuments of military honor, architectural objects dated back to 19th and 20th century, and fortification facilities scattered throughout the area. The largest of these is the 27-meter high obelisk located right at the heart of the former battlefield.

Every year the military and patriotic festival and theatrical performance take place in Borodino. Early September is considered to be the best for visiting. But if you just want to feel the spirit of the battle, it’s better to go at any other time of the year.

Getting there: Hop on a train from the Belorussky rail terminal, disembark in Mozhaysk, and then take a bus to the museum. The whole travel time is about 2 hours.

11. Day Trip to Patriot Park in Kubinka from Moscow

Once a Red Army tank training ground, now it’s a military Disneyland with history, structure, guns, and armored vehicles! The tank museum originally housed one of the world’s largest and rarest collections of tanks. In 2016 they combined the training grounds with the newly-created Patriot Park. Since then, some of the notable and rare items have been moved to the Patriot Park site, so you may want to combine both sites into one tour (only about 20 minutes apart).

The exhibition grounds include some very rare specimens that are must-see for any military enthusiasts out there. The staff is friendly, helpful and kind, while the museum has a small shop. As this site is part of an operating military base, they may ask you to show your passport, or provide them with a photocopy of the front pages. There are vending machines for snacks and drinks, and there are bathroom facilities. There’s plenty to see, so I recommend setting aside an entire day!

Getting there: Situated halfway between Borodino and Moscow, the best way to reach Patriot Park in Kubinka is by car. Alternatively, if you don’t want to rent one, consider car-sharing apps like Gett or UBER. The price of ride-sharing services is cheap enough to make them a viable proposition for choosing them.

12. Day Trip to Melikhovo from Moscow

Located some 80 km from Moscow, Melikhovo is one of the most important museums dedicated to Anton Pavlovich Chekhov. This renowned Russian writer and playwright acquired Melikhovo in 1892. He lived there with his parents and close relatives for 7 years before moving to the Crimea in 1899. Melikhovo is where he wrote his plays “The Man in the Case” and “The Seagull”.

The estate faded into oblivion right after the Revolution but in 1939 Anton Chekhov’s sister Maria and his nephew established a museum based on Chekhov’s place of living. The museum opened its doors to the public in 1941.

Today museum’s exhibition reveals the legacy of a celebrated writer and shows his path not only as a writer but as a doctor and public figure as well. The collection also features some of the best-known paintings by famous artists like Isaac Levitan and Vasily Polenov, who were Chekhov’s friends. When it comes to fun and educational day trips from Moscow, Melikhovo is a nice place for learning more about Chekov’s life and work.

Getting There: You can reach Melikhovo by train from Kurskiy rail Terminal. Disembark in the town of Chekhov and hop on a minibus that will get to the estate. Alternatively, hop on a bus that departs from the Yuzhnaya metro station.

13. Day Trip to Gorki Leninskie from Moscow

Once the realm of Russian nobles, Gorki Leninskie was turned into Lenin’s museum some 25 years after his death. The estate sits some 30-minute bus ride from the Domodedovskaya metro station and houses Soviet-era memorabilia and Lenin’s memorial flat recently transferred from the Kremlin, as well as his vintage Rolls-Royce.

Most people only associate this place with the name of the first communist leader. In fact, the name of the estate was first mentioned in documents dating back to the 16th-century. Throughout its history, the estate was owned by a number of prominent figures. It’s in fact one of the best museums that holds the country’s finest collection 19th-century furnishings and a unique collection of domestic items owned by nobles. Plus, ancient Vyatichi native tribe or East Slavs who inhabited a part of the Oka basin’s burial mounds and a few notable sculptures are hidden behind the avenues of lime trees in the park.

Getting There: You could, of course, hop on a bus from Domodedovskaya metro station. But it would be much easier just to use UBER or Gett. The estate isn’t that far from the Moscow Circle Road but going there by bus may involve some navigating.

14. Day Trip to Kaluga from Moscow

If you’re looking for an educational day trip from Moscow, look no farther than Kaluga! This beautiful city could really entertain you for more than just a day, but to get a taste of science, be sure to visit the Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics. Or in other words, the Space Museum.

Visitors to the museum will learn more about the history of space exploration. In fact, this is one of the largest Space Museums in Russia, which opened its doors in Kaluga in 1967. Here you can see a prototype of the iconic MIR space station and a duplicate of the Voskhod rocket. The very same rocket that took the first man to space. There’s also a planetarium, which from the outside resembles a spaceship.

Kaluga is a totally walkable city. Make sure to spend some time strolling Teatralnaya street with the authentic 19th-century pavement that now marks the Kilometer Zero. Then walk across the 18th-century Kamenniy Most (the Stone Bridge) that somewhat resembles a Roman aqueduct. If you’re an architecture buff marvel at the Church of St. Cosmas and Damian.

It is assumed that the church was erected by one of the followers of Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in 1794. The church resembles the Smolny Convent in St. Petersburg. With five church towers directed upward and six tiers of oblong windows give the exterior a sense of lightness and airiness.

Getting There: Trains from Kiyevsky Rail Terminal to Kaluga leave every 90 minutes. The trip takes about 2 hours and 35 minutes.

15. Day Trip to Monino from Moscow

Are you looking for great family & kid-friendly day trips from Moscow? If so, consider visiting the Central Museum of the Air Forces at Monino. This unique military open-air museum is home to over 180 Russian aircraft and 100 aircraft engines and the perfect place to go when your crowd is looking for a break from hectic city life. Check this tour if you don’t feel like planning.

This site was formerly an operational airbase from 1932 till 1956 and many of the Russian aviation Design bureaus have made a contribution to the operation and maintenance of the museum. Along with aircraft from the Second World War, there are the TU-95 Bear four-engine turboprop-powered strategic bomber and the TU-144 Charger a Soviet supersonic passenger airliner (which resembled the Concorde). The museum also has exhibits related to military aviation history such as the uniform of captured U2 pilot Gary Powers.

Getting There: This museum is located at Monino Town, about 30 km from Moscow. It is open on all days from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except Mondays and Tuesdays. To get there take a train departing from Yaroslavskiy Rail Terminal and disembark at Monino station. Alternatively, hop on a bus from Schelkovskaya or Partizanskaya metro station.

Final Thoughts on the Best Day Trips from Moscow

I hope this post has helped you discover some amazing day trips from Moscow. From imposing cathedrals, mighty fortresses and monasteries, there are a lot of incredible places to visit the Russian capital, and the best part is that getting there is always ways to get around on the cheap.

New here? Join hundreds of others and subscribe to the MindTheTravel blog via email.

Some of the links in this blog post are affiliate links. At no cost to you, I earn a small commission when you click on it and make a purchase. It doesn’t affect the way you shop, and it’s a great way to support MindTheTravel blog.

PIN IT FOR LATER!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

Great article for visitors in Moscow , thanks for sharing

Marie Hernandez

I hadn’t considered traveling to Moscow until NOW! Fantastic post and ideas for visitors! Thanks!

Graham Marsden

Nice to see so many options outside of Moscow, but I have to say I wish this list had a recommendation for a hike or a beautiful natural areas or national parks. Maybe the next list!

I have to admit that I knew nothing about the area surrounding Moscow. This is definitely an inspiring list of places to go.

When I read this article about Moscow. I wanted to pack my bags and get there sooner. thank you for the great write up.

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.

You are using an outdated browser. Please upgrade your browser .

• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

Accommodation

PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

Our travel brands include

Express to Russia

Join us on Facebook

We invite you to become a fan of our company on Facebook and read Russian news and travel stories. To become a fan, click here .

Join our own Russian Travel, Culture and Literature Club on Facebook. The club was created to be a place for everyone with an interest in Russia to get to know each other and share experiences, stories, pictures and advice. To join our club, please follow this link .

We use cookies to improve your experience on our Website, and to facilitate providing you with services available through our Website. To opt out of non-essential cookies, please click here . By continuing to use our Website, you accept our use of cookies, the terms of our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service . I agree

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

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

Moscow is the heart of Mother Russia. Just the mention of this city conjures images of colorful bulbous pointed domes, crisp temperatures, and a uniquely original spirit!

Moscow has an incredibly turbulent history, a seemingly resilient culture, and a unique enchantment that pulls countless tourists to the city each year! Although the warmer months make exploring Moscow’s attractions more favorable, there’s just something about a fresh snowfall that only enhances the appearance of the city’s iconic sites!

If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or simply wanting to see as much of the city as possible, this Moscow itinerary will help you do just that!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

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

Best Time To Visit Moscow

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

Here is a quick look at the seasons so you can decide when to visit Moscow!

The summer months (June-August) are a great time to travel to Moscow to take advantage of the enjoyable mild temperatures. This is considered peak travel season. Bear in mind that hotel prices rise along with the temperatures!

If you’re planning a trip to Moscow during fall (September-November) try to plan for early fall. This way the temperatures will still be pleasant and winter won’t be threatening.

Russian winters (December-February) are not for the faint of heart as Napoleon learned to his peril. Some days the sun will be out for less than an hour, and snow is guaranteed. Although winters are exceptionally cold, this is when you’ll get a true glimpse of the Moscow experience!

The best time to visit Moscow is during spring  (March-May). The temperatures will begin to creep up and the sun begins to shine for significant portions of the day. Hotel rates will also have yet to skyrocket into peak ranges!

With a Moscow City Pass , you can experience the best of Moscow at the CHEAPEST prices. Discounts, attractions, tickets, and even public transport are all standards in any good city pass – be sure invest now and save them $$$ when you arrive!

Moscow is a large city with many accommodation options to choose from. Staying in a location that fits with your travel plans will only enhance your Moscow itinerary. Here is a brief introduction to a few great areas of the city we recommend checking out!

The best place to stay in Moscow to be close to all the action is Kitay-Gorod. This charming neighborhood will put you within walking distance to Moscow’s famous Red Square, thus cutting down on travel time. This will allow you to see more of the city in a shorter amount of time!

It’s surrounded by restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops. If you’re a first-time visitor to Moscow, or just planning a quick weekend in Moscow, then this area is perfect for you!

Another great area to consider is the Zamoskvorechye district. This area of the city offers a blend of new and old Moscow. It has an artsy vibe and there are plenty of fun sites you can explore outside of the main touristy areas of Moscow.

Of course, as in all areas of Moscow, it’s close to public transportation that will quickly connect you with the rest of the city and make your Moscow itinerary super accessible!

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

Modern and cozy, this apartment is in the heart of Old Moscow. Bordering the Basmanny and Kitay-Gorod districts, this two-bedroom flat is walking distance to the Kremlin and Red Square. Safe, quiet, and comfortable, this is the best Airbnb in Moscow, no question!

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

The Izmailovo Alfa Hotel is a very highly rated accommodation that provides all the components necessary for a comfortable trip to Moscow. There is an on-site restaurant, bar, fitness center, and an airport shuttle service. The rooms are modern and spacious and are equipped with a TV, heating/air conditioning, minibar, and more!

Best Luxury Hotel in Moscow – Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre

If you’re touring Moscow in luxury, the Crowne Plaza Moscow World Trade Centre is the hotel for you! Elegantly furnished rooms are equipped with a minibar, flat-screen TV,  in-room safes, as well as tea and coffee making facilities! Bathrooms come with bathrobes, slippers, and free toiletries. There is also an onsite restaurant, bar, and fitness center.

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station. Guests will enjoy all the usual hostel perks such as self-catering facilities, 24-hour reception, Free Wi-Fi, and security lockers. This is one of the best hostels in Moscow and its wonderful social atmosphere and will make your vacation in Moscow extra special!

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

An important aspect of planning any trip is figuring out the transportation situation. You’re probably wondering how you’re going to get to all of your Moscow points of interest right? Luckily, this sprawling city has an excellent network of public transportation that will make traveling a breeze!

The underground metro system is the quickest and most efficient way to travel around Moscow. Most visitors rely exclusively on this super-efficient transportation system, which allows you to get to pretty much anywhere in the city! It’s also a great option if you’re planning a Moscow itinerary during the colder months, as you’ll be sheltered from the snow and freezing temperatures!

If you prefer above-ground transportation, buses, trams, and trolleybuses, run throughout the city and provide a rather comfortable alternative to the metro.

Moscow’s metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses are all accessible with a ‘Troika’ card. This card can be topped up with any sum of money at a metro cash desk. The ticket is simple, convenient, and even refundable upon return to a cashier!

No matter which method you choose, you’ll never find yourself without an easy means of getting from point A to point B!

Red Square | Moscow Kremlin | Lenin’s Mausoleum | St. Basil’s Cathedral  | GUM Department Store

Spend the first day of your itinerary taking your own self guided Moscow walking tour around the historic Red Square! This is Moscow’s compact city center and every stop on this list is within easy walking distance to the next! Get ready to see all of the top Moscow landmarks!

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

• Why it’s awesome: The Red Square is the most recognizable area in Moscow, it has mesmerizing architecture and centuries worth of history attached to its name.
• Cost: Free to walk around, individual attractions in the square have separate fees. 
• Food nearby: Check out Bar BQ Cafe for friendly service and good food in a great location! The atmosphere is upbeat and they’re open 24/7!

The Red Square is Moscow’s historic fortress and the center of the Russian government. The origins of the square date back to the late 15th century, when Ivan the Great decided to expand the Kremlin to reflect Moscow’s growing power and prestige!

During the 20th century, the square became famous as the site for demonstrations designed to showcase Soviet strength. Visiting the Red Square today, you’ll find it teeming with tourists, who come to witness its magical architecture up close!

The square is the picture postcard of Russian tourism, so make sure to bring your camera when you visit! No matter the season, or the time of day, it’s delightfully photogenic! 

It’s also home to some of Russia’s most distinguishing and important landmarks, which we’ve made sure to include further down in this itinerary. It’s an important center of Russia’s cultural life and one of the top places to visit in Moscow!

In 1990, UNESCO designated Russia’s Red Square as a World Heritage site. Visiting this historic site is a true bucket-list event and essential addition to your itinerary for Moscow!

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

• Why it’s awesome: The Moscow Kremlin complex includes several palaces and cathedrals and is surrounded by the Kremlin wall. It also houses the principal museum of Russia (the Kremlin Armory).
• Cost: USD $15.00
• Food nearby: Bosco Cafe is a charming place to grat a casual bite to eat. They have excellent coffee and wonderful views of the Red Square and the Moscow Kremlin!

The iconic Moscow Kremlin , also known as the Kremlin museum complex, sits on Borovitsky Hill, rising above the Moscow River. It is a fortified complex in the center of the city, overlooking several iconic buildings in the Red Square!

It’s the best known of the Russian Kremlins – citadels or fortress’ protecting and dominating a city. During the early decades of the Soviet era, the Kremlin was a private enclave where the state’s governing elite lived and worked.

The Kremlin is outlined by an irregularly shaped triangular wall that encloses an area of 68 acres! The existing walls and towers were built from 1485 to 1495. Inside the Kremlin museum complex, there are five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers.

The Armoury Chamber is a part of the Grand Kremlin Palace’s complex and is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1851. It showcases Russian history and displays many cherished relics. Definitely make sure to check out this museum while you’re here!

The churches inside the Moscow Kremlin are the Cathedral of the Dormition, Church of the Archangel, Church of the Annunciation, and the bell tower of Ivan Veliki (a church tower).

The five-domed Cathedral of the Dormition is considered the most famous. It was built from 1475–1479 by an Italian architect and has served as a wedding and coronation place for great princes, tsars, and emperors of Russia. Church services are given in the Kremlin’s numerous cathedrals on a regular basis.

The Grand Kremlin Palace was the former Tsar’s Moscow residence and today it serves as the official workplace of the President of the Russian Federation (Vladimir Putin seems to have bagged that title for life) .

Insider Tip: The Kremlin is closed every Thursday! Make sure to plan this stop on your Moscow itinerary for any other day of the week!

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

• Why it’s awesome: The mausoleum displays the preserved body of Soviet leader Vladimir Lenin .
• Cost: Free!
• Food nearby: Khinkal’naya is a charming Georgian restaurant with vaulted ceilings and exposed brick. It’s a popular place with locals and right next to the Red Square!

Lenin’s Mausoleum, also known as Lenin’s Tomb, is the modernist mausoleum for the revolutionary leader Vladimir Lenin. It’s located within the Red Square and serves as the resting place for the Soviet leader! His preserved body has been on public display since shortly after his death in 1924.

It’s located just a few steps away from the Kremlin Wall and is one of the most controversial yet popular Moscow attractions!

Admission is free for everyone, you’ll only need to pay if you need to check a bag. Before visitors are allowed to enter the mausoleum, they have to go through a metal detector first. No metal objects, liquids, or large bags are allowed in the mausoleum!

Expect a line to enter the building, and while you’re inside the building, you’ll be constantly moving in line with other visitors. This means you won’t be able to spend as long as you’d like viewing the mausoleum, but you’ll still be able to get a good look. Pictures and filming while inside the building are strictly prohibited, and security guards will stop you if they see you breaking this rule.

The mausoleum is only open on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday – unless it’s a public holiday or a day scheduled for maintenance. The hours it’s open for each day are limited, make sure to check online before you visit to make sure you can fit this into your Moscow itinerary for that day!

Insider Tip: The Lenin’s Museum is there for people to pay their respect; remember to keep silent and move along quickly, it’s not intended for people to congregate around. Also, men are not allowed to wear hats and everyone must take their hands out of their pockets when inside the building.

Day 1 / Stop 4 – St. Basil’s Cathedral

• Why it’s awesome: A dazzling designed cathedral that showcases Russia’s unique architecture. This cathedral is one of the most recognizable symbols of the country!
• Cost: USD $8.00
• Food nearby: Moskovskiy Chaynyy Klub is a cozy cafe serving food items and pipping hot tea; it’s the perfect place to go if you’re visiting Moscow during the winter months!

Located in the Red Square, the ornate 16th-century St. Basil’s Cathedral is probably the building you picture when you think of Moscow’s unique architecture. Its colorful onion-shaped domes tower over the Moscow skyline!

The cathedral was built from 1555-1561 by order of Tsar Ivan the Terrible. It was designed with an iconic onion dome facade and enchanting colors that captivate all who see it. Fun fact: If you’re wondering why Russian churches have onion domes, they are popularly believed to symbolize burning candles!

This iconic cathedral has become a symbol of Russia due to its distinguishing architecture and prominent position inside the Red Square. It’s one of the most beautiful, wonderful, and mesmerizing historical cathedrals in the world!

The interior of the church surprises most people when they visit. In contrast to the large exterior, the inside is not so much one large area, but rather a collection of smaller areas, with many corridors and small rooms. There are 9 small chapels and one mausoleum grouped around a central tower.

Visiting the inside is like walking through a maze, there are even small signs all around the cathedral tracing where to walk, and pointing you in the right direction! The walls are meticulously decorated and painted with intricate floral designs and religious themes.

The church rarely holds service and is instead a museum open for the public to visit.

Insider Tip: During the summer months the line to go inside the cathedral can get quite long! Make sure to arrive early or reserve your tickets online to guarantee quick access into the cathedral!

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

• Why it’s awesome: This is Russia’s most famous shopping mall! It’s designed with elegant and opulent architecture and provides a real sense of nostalgia!
• Cost: Free to enter
• Food nearby: Stolovaya 57 is a cafeteria-style restaurant with a variety of inexpensive Russian cuisine menu items including soups, salads, meat dishes, and desserts. It’s also located inside the GUM department store, making it very easily accessible when you’re shopping!

The enormous GUM Department Store is located within the historic Red Square. It has a whimsical enchantment to it that sets it apart from your typical department store.

A massive domed glass ceiling lines the top of the building and fills the interior with natural sunlight. There are live plants and flowers placed throughout the mall that give the shopping complex a lively and cheerful feel! A playful fountain sits in the center, further adding to the malls inviting a sense of wonder and amusement!

The GUM department store opened on December 2, 1893. Today, it includes local and luxury stores, including Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Prada, and many more! There are numerous cafes, restaurants, and even a movie theater inside!

For a special treat, head into Gastronom 1. This 1950s-style shop sells gourmet food items, like wine, freshly-baked pastries, cheese, Russian chocolate, and of course, vodka! Also, be on the lookout for a bicycle pedaling ice cream truck with an employing selling ice cream!

The ambiance is simply amazing, a trip to this idyllic shopping mall is an absolute must on any Moscow itinerary!

Insider Tip: Make sure to carry some small change on you in case you need to use the restroom, you’ll need to pay 50 rubles – or about USD $0.80 to use the bathroom in GUM.

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

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Novodevichy Convent | Gorky Park | State Tretyakov Gallery | All-Russian Exhibition Center | Bolshoi Theater

On your 2 day itinerary in Moscow, you’ll have a chance to use the city’s excellent public transportation service! You’ll explore a few more of Moscow’s historic highlight as well as some modern attractions. These sites are a little more spread out, but still very easily accessible thanks to the metro!

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

• Why it’s awesome: The Novodevichy Convent is rich in imperial Russian history and contains some of Russia’s best examples of classical architecture!
• Cost: USD $5.00
• Food nearby: Culinary Shop Karavaevs Brothers is a cozy and simple place to have a quick bite, they also have vegetarian options!

The Novodevichy Convent is the best-known and most popular cloister of Moscow. The convent complex is contained within high walls, and there are many attractions this site is known for! 

The six-pillared five-domed Smolensk Cathedral is the main attraction. It was built to resemble the Kremlin’s Assumption Cathedral and its facade boasts beautiful snowy white walls and a pristine golden onion dome as its centerpiece. It’s the oldest structure in the convent, built from 1524 -1525, and is situated in the center of the complex between the two entrance gates.

There are other churches inside the convent as well, all dating back from many centuries past. The convent is filled with an abundance of 16th and 17th-century religious artworks, including numerous large and extravagant frescos!

Just outside the convent’s grounds lies the Novodevichy Cemetery. Here, you can visit the graves of famous Russians, including esteemed authors, composers, and politicians. Probably the most intriguing gravestone belongs to Russian politician Nikita Khruschev!

The Novodevichy Convent is located near the Moscow River and offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. In 2004, it was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent remains remarkably well-preserved and is an outstanding example of Moscow Baroque architecture! 

Insider Tip: To enter the cathedrals inside the complex, women are advised to cover their heads and shoulders, while men should wear long pants.

Day 2 / Stop 2 – Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

• Why it’s awesome: A large amusement area in the heart of the city offering many attractions!
• Cost: Free! 
• Food nearby: Check out Mepkato, located inside Gorky Central Park for a casual meal in a cozy setting. There are indoor and outdoor seating options and the restaurant is child-friendly!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is a large green space in the heart of Moscow. The park opened in 1928, and it stretches along the scenic embankment of the Moskva River. It covers an area of 300-acres and offers a lovely contrast from the compact city center.

You’ll find all sorts of wonderful attractions, from boat rides to bike rentals to tennis courts and ping-pong tables, and much more! there are an open-air cinema and festive events and concerts scheduled in the summer months.  A wide selection of free fitness classes is also offered on a regular basis, including jogging, roller skating, and dancing!

Although many of the options you’ll find here are more suited for outdoor leisure during the summer, you’ll also a selection of winter attractions, including one of Europe’s largest ice rinks for ice-skating!

If you’re trying to decide what to do in Moscow with kids, the park also offers several venues designed specifically for kids. Check out the year-round Green School which offers hands-on classes in gardening and art! You can also feed the squirrels and birds at the Golitsinsky Ponds!

The park is very well maintained and kept clean and the entrance is free of charge, although most individual attractions cost money. There is also Wi-Fi available throughout the park.

With so many attractions, you could easily spend all day here! If you’re only planning a 2 day itinerary in Moscow, make sure to plan your time accordingly and map out all the areas you want to see beforehand!

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

• Why it’s awesome: The gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian art made by Russian artists!
• Food nearby : Brothers Tretyakovs is located right across the street from the gallery. It’s a wonderfully atmospheric restaurant serving top quality food and drinks!

The State Tretyakov Gallery was founded in 1856 by influential merchant and collector Pavel Tretyakov.  The gallery is a national treasury of Russian fine art and one of the most important museums in Russia!

It houses the world’s best collection of Russian art and contains more than 130, 000 paintings, sculptures, and graphics! These works have been created throughout the centuries by generations of Russia’s most talented artists!

The exhibits range from mysterious 12th-century images to politically charged canvases. The collection is rich and revealing and offers great insight into the history and attitudes of this long-suffering yet inspired people!

All pictures are also labeled in English. If you plan to take your time and see everything inside the museum it will take a good 3-4 hours, so make sure to plan your Moscow trip itinerary accordingly! This gallery is a must-see stop for art lovers, or anyone wanting to explore the local culture and history of Russia in a creative and insightful manner! 

Insider Tip: When planning your 2 days in Moscow itinerary, keep in mind that most museums in Moscow are closed on Mondays, this includes The State Tretyakov Gallery!

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

• Why it’s awesome: This large exhibition center showcases the achievements of the Soviet Union in several different spheres. 
• Food nearby: Varenichnaya No. 1 serves authentic and homestyle Russian cuisine in an intimate and casual setting.

The All-Russian Exhibition Center is a massive park that presents the glory of the Soviet era! It pays homage to the achievements of Soviet Russia with its many different sites found on the property.

The center was officially opened in 1939 to exhibit the achievements of the Soviet Union. It’s a huge complex of buildings and the largest exhibition center in Moscow. There are several exhibition halls dedicated to different achievements and every year there are more than one hundred and fifty specialized exhibitions!

The Peoples Friendship Fountain was constructed in 1954 and is a highlight of the park. The stunning gold fountain features 16 gilded statues of girls, each representing the former Soviet Union republics. 

The Stone Flower Fountain was also built in 1954 and is worth checking out. The centerpiece of this large fountain is a flower carved from stones from the Ural Mountains! Along the side of the fountain are various bronze sculptures.

You will find many people zipping around on rollerblades and bicycles across the large area that the venue covers. It’s also home to amusement rides and carousels, making it the perfect place to stop with kids on your Moscow itinerary! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and allow a few hours to explore all the areas that interest you!

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

• Why it’s awesome: The Bolshoi Theater is a historic venue that hosts world-class ballet and opera performances!
• Cost: Prices vary largely between USD $2.00 –  USD $228.00 based on seat location.
• Food nearby: Head to the Russian restaurant, Bolshoi for high-quality food and drinks and excellent service!

The Bolshoi Theater is among the oldest and most renowned ballet and opera companies in the world! It also boasts the world’s biggest ballet company, with more than 200 dancers!

The theater has been rebuilt and renovated several times during its long history. In 2011 it finished its most recent renovation after an extensive six-year restoration that started in 2005. The renovation included an improvement in acoustics and the restoration of the original Imperial decor.

The Bolshoi Theater has put on many of the world’s most famous ballet acts! Tchaikovsky’s ballet Swan Lake premiered at the theater in 1877 and other notable performances of the Bolshoi repertoire include Tchaikovsky’s The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker!

Today, when you visit the theater, you can expect a magical performance from skilled singers, dancers, and musicians with the highest level of technique!

If you don’t have time to see a show, the theater also provides guided tours on select days of the week. Tours are given in both Russian and English and will provide visitors with a more intimate look at the different areas of the theater!

The stage of this iconic Russian theater has seen many outstanding performances. If you’re a fan of the performing arts, the Bolshoi Theater is one of the greatest and oldest ballet and opera companies in the world, making it a must-see attraction on your Moscow itinerary!

Godzillas Hostel

Godzillas Hostel is located in the center of Moscow, just a short walk from all the major tourist attractions and the metro station.

• Towels Included

Cosmonautics Museum | Alexander Garden | Ostankino Tower | Izmaylovo District | Soviet Arcade Museum

Now that we’ve covered what to do in Moscow in 2 days, if you’re able to spend more time in the city you’re going to need more attractions to fill your time. Here are a few more really cool things to do in Moscow we recommend!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

• Hear the timeline of the ‘space race’ from the Russian perspective
• This museum is fun for both adults and children!
• Admission is USD $4.00

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a museum dedicated to space exploration! The museum explores the history of flight, astronomy, space exploration, space technology, and space in the arts. It houses a large assortment of Soviet and Russian space-related exhibits, and the museum’s collection holds approximately 85,000 different items!

The museum does an excellent job of telling the full story of the exciting space race between the USSR and the US! It highlights the brightest moments in Russian history and humanity and is very interesting and fun for all ages!

If you’re a fan of space or just curious about gaining insight into Russia’s fascinating history of space exploration, make sure to add this to your 3 day itinerary in Moscow!

The Alexander Garden

• A tranquil place to relax near the Red Square
• Green lawns dotted with sculptures and lovely water features
• The park is open every day and has no entrance fee

The Alexander Garden was one of the first urban public parks in Moscow! The garden premiered in 1821 and was built to celebrate Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s forces in 1812!

The park is beautiful and well maintained with paths to walk on and benches to rest on. The park contains three separate gardens: the upper garden, middle garden, and lower garden.

Located in the upper garden, towards the main entrance to the park is the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier with its eternal flame. This monument was created in 1967 and contains the body of a soldier who fell during the Great Patriotic War!

The park stretches along all the length of the western Kremlin wall for about half a mile. Due to its central location in the city, it’ll be easily accessible when you’re out exploring The Red Square.

It provides a bit of relief from the city’s high-energy city streets. Bring a picnic lunch, go for a walk, or just sit and people watch, this is one of the best Moscow sites to wind-down and relax!

Ostankino Television Tower

• Television and radio tower in Moscow
• Currently the tallest free-standing structure in Europe
• Make sure you bring your passport when you visit, you can’t go up without it!

For spectacular views of the city, make sure to add the Ostankino Television Tower to your itinerary for Moscow! This impressive free-standing structure provides stunning views of the city in every direction. The glass floor at the top also provides great alternative views of the city!

It takes just 58 seconds for visitors to reach the Tower’s observation deck by super fast elevator. The tower is open every day for long hours and is a great site in Moscow to check out! There is even a restaurant at the top where you can enjoy rotating views of the city while you dine on traditional Russian cuisine or European cuisine!

The tower is somewhat of an architectural surprise in a city that is not known for skyscrapers! To see the city from a new perspective, make sure to add this stop to your Moscow itinerary!

Izmaylovo District

• The most popular attractions in this district are the kremlin and the flea market
• Outside of the city center and easy to reach via metro
• Most popular during the summer and on weekends

Travel outside the city center and discover a unique area of the city! The Izmaylovo District is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and one of the coolest places to see in Moscow! The two main attractions we recommend checking out are the Kremlin and the flea market.

The Izmailovo Kremlin was established as a cultural center and molded after traditional Russian architecture. This colorful complex is home to several single-subject museums, including a Russian folk art museum and a vodka museum!

Next to the Kremlin is the Izmailovo open-air market, which dates back to the 17th century! The market is connected to the Izmailovo Kremlin by a wooden bridge. Pick up all your Russian souvenirs here, including traditional handicrafts, paintings, books, retro toys, and Soviet memorabilia!

You will find many hand-made and hand-painted options available at higher prices, as well as mass-produced souvenir options at lower prices!

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

• Closed on Mondays
• Filled with old arcade games that visitors get to try out!
• The museum also includes a small cafe and burger shop

For something a little different, check out the Museum of Soviet Arcade Games! The museum features roughly 60 machines from the Soviet era, including video games, pinball machines, and collaborative hockey foosball! The machines inside the museum were produced in the USSR in the mid-1970s.

The best part is, most of the games are still playable! Purchase tickets and try the games out for yourself! The museum also has a neat little screening room that plays old Soviet cartoons and an area with Soviet magazines! This unique attraction is a fun addition to a 3 day itinerary in Moscow, and an attraction that all ages will enjoy! 

Whether you’re spending one day in Moscow, or more, safety is an important thing to keep in mind when traveling to a big city! Overall, Moscow is a very safe place to visit. However, it is always recommended that tourists take certain precautions when traveling to a new destination!

The police in Moscow is extremely effective at making the city a safe place to visit and do their best to patrol all of the top Moscow, Russia tourist attractions. However, tourists can still be a target for pickpockets and scammers.

Moscow has a huge flow of tourists, therefore there is a risk for pickpocketing. Simple precautions will help eliminate your chances of being robbed. Stay vigilant, keep your items close to you at all times, and don’t flash your valuables!

If you’re planning a solo Moscow itinerary, you should have no need to worry, as the city is also considered safe for solo travelers, even women. Stay in the populated areas, try and not travel alone late at night, and never accept rides from strangers or taxis without a meter and correct signage.

The threat of natural disasters in Moscow is low, with the exception of severe winters when the temperature can dip below freezing! Bring a good, warm jacket if you visit in Winter.

However, please note that Russian views on homsexuality are far less accepting than those in Western Europe. Likewise, Non-Caucasian travellers may sadly encounter racism in Russia .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Now that we’ve covered all the top things to see in Moscow, we thought we’d include some exciting day trips to other areas of the country!

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

On this 7-hour guided tour, you’ll visit several scenic and historic areas of Russia. Start your day with hotel pick-up as you’re transferred by a comfortable car or minivan to Sergiev Posad. Admire the charming Russian countryside on your drive and enjoy a quick stop to visit the Russian village, Rudonezh!

You’ll see the majestic Saint Spring and the Church of Sergiev Radonezh. You’ll also visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most famous Orthodox sites in Russia!

Lastly, you’ll swing by the local Matreshka market and enjoy a break in a nice Russian restaurant before returning to Moscow!

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

On this 13-hour trip, you’ll discover old Russia, with its picturesque landscapes and white-stoned beautiful churches! You’ll visit the main towns of the famous Golden Ring of Russia – the name for several cities and smaller towns north-east of Moscow.

Your first stop will be in the town of Vladimir, the ancient capital of all Russian principalities. The city dates back to the 11th century and is one of the oldest and the most important towns along the Ring! Next, you’ll visit Suzdal, a calm ancient Russian town north of Vladimir with only 13,000 inhabitants!

The old-style architecture and buildings of Suzdal are kept wonderfully intact. If you’re spending three days in Moscow, or more, this is a great option for exploring the charming areas outside the city!

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

On this 9-hour private tour, you’ll explore the ancient town of Zvenigorod, one of the oldest towns in the Moscow region! As you leave Moscow you’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the Moscow River, and make a few stops at old churches along the way to Zvenigorod.

Upon arrival, you’ll explore the medieval center, including the 14th-century Savvino-Storozhevsky Monastery. Next, you’ll take a break for lunch (own expense) where you’ll have the chance to try out the Russian cuisine! Next, you’ll visit the Museum of Russian Dessert and sip on tea at a Russian tea ceremony.

The final stop of the day is at the Ershovo Estate, a gorgeous place to walk around and enjoy nature!

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

On this full-day tour, you’ll enjoy a a full round trip to St Petersburg where you’ll spend an exciting day exploring another popular Russian city! You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moscow and be transferred to the train station where you’ll ride the high-speed train ‘Sapsan’ to St Petersburg.

Upon arrival, you’ll start the day by touring the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. Next, you’ll visit the Faberge Museum, where you’ll explore the impressive collection of rare Faberge Eggs! In the afternoon, enjoy a sightseeing boat ride and a traditional 3-course Russian lunch.

If you’re spending 3 days in Moscow, or more, this is an excellent trip to take!

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

On this 10-hour tour, you’ll escape the city and travel to the historic town of Kolomna! First, you’ll visit the 14th-century Kolomna Kremlin, home to the Assumption Cathedral and an abundance of museums!

Next, enjoy lunch at a local cafe (own expense) before embarking on a tour of the Marshmallow Museum – of course, a marshmallow tasting is provided!  Your final stop is the Museum of Forging Settlements, where displays include armor and accessories for fishing and hunting.

Discover this beautiful Russian fairytale city on a private trip, where all of the planning is taken care of for you!

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Find out what people want to know when planning their Moscow itinerary.

How many days you need in Moscow?

We recommend that you spend at least two or three days in Moscow to take it all in.

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

The best time to visit Moscow is over the spring, from March to May as temperatures are mild, crowds are thin and prices are reasonable.

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

I mean, queuing up to see an almost 100 year old corpse is pretty unsual! Check out Lenin’s Mausoleum if you fancy it!

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

The Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is a fun place to explore the famous space race from the perspective of the ‘other side’!

We hope you enjoyed our Moscow itinerary! We’ve made sure to cover all the Moscow must-sees as well as some unique attractions in the city! Our addition of insider tips, favorite food stops, and day trips from Moscow is an added bonus and will guarantee you make the most out of your exciting Russian vacation!

Immerse yourself in the modern and traditional Russian lifestyle! Get lost in museums, witness awe-inspiring architecture, and indulge in Russian cuisine! Spend the day strolling through all of the charming sites of Moscow, admiring the beautiful scenery and discovering the city’s fairytale-like enchantment!

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

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

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

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• Skip to main content
• Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

As Venice grapples with overtourism, the city tests a 5-euro fee for day-trippers

Willem Marx

The storied city of Venice, Italy, has begun charging fees for day trips by tourists.

LEILA FADEL, HOST:

The Italian city of Venice has introduced a daily fee for visitors as part of an effort to control the crowds of tourists that too often overwhelm the city, especially in the summer months. But as Willem Marx reports, this new charge on arrivals is not proving entirely popular with all the locals.

(SOUNDBITE OF MUSIC)

WILLEM MARX, BYLINE: Venice is an iconic island city filled with baroque beauty and gliding gondolas, its ancient, narrow streets often crammed with crowds of visitors. Authorities recently barred cruise ships from docking in the lagoon around Venice. Now, this new plan means people arriving for just a day must pay 5 euros, roughly $5, for a ticket valid from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Given the crowds, city officials like Marco Bettini says this new approach has become unavoidable.

MARCO BETTINI: I cannot guarantee a suitable visit to the city if we don't know how many people are coming to Venice.

MARX: Young children and visitors who've booked a hotel will be exempt from the fee, and so will residents, but that doesn't mean all Venetians are happy about this new idea.

(SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED RECORDING)

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER #1: (Speaking Italian).

MARX: One man at this protest rally called it a sad day for Venice, as the new entrance fee turned his city into a museum, a theme park. "And besides," he said, "the police would struggle to enforce the new rules."

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER #2: (Speaking Italian).

MARX: Other residents say the ticket will only really hinder day-trippers, and the new charge will do nothing to combat the mass tourism from around the world that at times overwhelms their city.

UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: (Chanting in Italian).

MARX: "We live here, and we will stay here," they chant. And it's not just residents and local leaders in Venice working to preserve their community against the impact of tourism. In the stunning Cinque Terre region on the other side of Italy, a famous coastal path now charges visitors who choose to walk it. In Capri, ferry costs are going up, and in Florence, authorities have banned short-term rentals on sites like Airbnb. Italy remains among the most visited countries on Earth, and authorities welcome the impact those visitors have on their economy, but they say they must find the right balance between Italian residents in their hometowns and those from elsewhere who wish to enjoy them.

For NPR News, I'm Willem Marx.

Copyright © 2024 NPR. All rights reserved. Visit our website terms of use and permissions pages at www.npr.org for further information.

NPR transcripts are created on a rush deadline by an NPR contractor. This text may not be in its final form and may be updated or revised in the future. Accuracy and availability may vary. The authoritative record of NPR’s programming is the audio record.

In honor of Earth Day 2024, today's Google Doodle takes us on a trip around the world

Want to take a trip around the world? You can in two seconds thanks to Google.

Releasing its annual Earth Day doodle, Google displays the beauty of all six continents around the world. Using satellite technology, the search engine giant created a collage with each Google letter that shows the global sustainability efforts within each continent. The goal for this doodle is to give the audience a tour of positive environmental change in the world.

Here's a look at the Google Doodle for Earth Day:

When is Earth Day 2024?: Get ready to help your planet with our guide to the holiday.

Letters in Earth Day Google Doodle represent climate change progress

Location: Turks and Caicos Islands

Turks and Caicos is home to many biodiversity areas. In an effort to preserve the countries conservation, the island has made an effort to protect natural resources such as reefs and restoring endangered species like the rock iguana.

Location: Scorpion Reef National Park, Mexico .

Flying to the Gulf of Mexico, Google makes a stop in Arrecife de Alacranes. This is the largest reef in the southern Gulf of Mexico and the UNESCO biosphere reserve. In this marine protected area, many coral and several endangered bird and turtle species call this area home.

Location: Vatnajökull National Park, Iceland

If you like the cold you'll love Google's pitstop in Iceland. Although the country is well-known for its polar bears, the country has more beauty offer. In 2008, the UNESCO World Heritage Site was established as a national park to protect the ecosystem in and around Europe’s largest glacier. With the mix of volcanoes and glacial ice, this area is able to produce rare landscapes and flora.

Location: Jaú National Park, Brazil

If you'd like to spend time in a forest, Brazil's got you covered. Parque Nacional do Jaú is one of South America’s largest forest reserves. Located in the heart of the Amazon rainforest this UNESCO World Heritage Site protects many species, including the Amazonian manatee, the giant otter, jaguar and the margay.

Location: Green Great Wall, Nigeria

Bringing you back to the heat, Google take us to Nigeria. The African Union-led initiative's goal is to restore the land affected by desertification across the width of Africa. To combat this, the group has planted trees and other vegetation in sustainable ways. By doing this, communities in the area have seen an increased economic opportunities, food security and climate resilience since 2007.

Location: Pilbara Islands Nature Reserves, Australia

To end the journey around the world, Google's last stop is one of the Pilbara Island Nature Reserves in Australia. These reserves help protect fragile ecosystems, increasingly rare natural habitats and threatened or endangered species. Some of the species include marine turtles, shorebirds and seabirds.

Ahjané Forbes is a reporter on the National Trending Team at USA TODAY. Ahjané covers breaking news, car recalls, crime, health, lottery and public policy stories. Email her at  [email protected] . Follow her on  Instagram ,  Threads  and  X @forbesfineest.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes

Venice’s Tourist Fee Is Now in Effect — What to Know

The fee is in place for day-visitors over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Stacey Wreathall/Travel + Leisure

Day visitors to Venice on Thursday had to pay to get in as the famous city started implementing the much-talked about day trip fee.

Travelers hoping to explore the Italian city had to pony up €5 ($5.36) per person at the train station. The fee, which was first floated as an idea in 2019 but postponed several times , will initially be in effect for 29 days and cover most weekends through mid-July.

“We need to find a new balance between the tourists and residents,’’ Simone Venturini, the city’s top tourism official, told The Associated Press . “We need to safeguard the spaces of the residents, of course, and we need to discourage the arrival of day-trippers on some particular days.”

The dates the fee is in effect were displayed on large signs at Venice’s main train station on Thursday, the wire service reported, with separate entrances available for tourists, and residents, students, and workers.

The fee, which is in effect for travelers over 14 years old from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m., can be paid online . Day visitors who pay in advance receive a QR code, which they must then show to officials at Venice's main access points.

On Thursday, the AP noted there were stewards available to help travelers unaware of the new rules to download the QR code and pay.

Tourists who are staying overnight will not have to pay the new day fee, but must apply online for an exemption . Overnight guests who book a hotel stay are already subject to a different tax.

This fee is the city’s latest effort to address overtourism. In January, Venice built on that goal by announcing plans to limit the number of travelers allowed on tour groups to no more than 25 people. That rule will apply to Venice’s historic center as well as the popular islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello.

These efforts come months after UNESCO spared Venice from its list of world heritage sites in danger once again despite recommendations to add it.

Day trip: A farm-inspired brunch in Stuart. A Tuscan wine shop in Hobe Sound.

When I lived in Miami, I’d drive to the upper Keys sometimes for lunch. My parents and I loved to do this, spur of the moment, drawn by the promise of fresh fish and key lime pie. For me, it was about the drive, particularly the stretch of road that ran between the ocean and the bay. That first sight of water was a much-needed segue into a more relaxed dimension.

I always remember this when I drive north on U.S. Highway 1, past Tequesta and toward Hobe Sound. The segue to chill is not a water view but the blur of preserve land that’s part of Jonathan Dickinson State Park. For a few soothing miles, there are no strip plazas or other signs of big-city life. By the time you’ve reached the first glimmers of Hobe Sound, you’ve shifted into island mode. For me, this alone is worth a day trip. 

On a recent Saturday, I took such a trip. Here are my three favorite experiences from my Palm Beach Gardens to Stuart drive.

Bridge Road: the ‘establishing shot’

Driving north on U.S. 1/Federal Highway, I wanted to double-down on the island feel. So I made a right turn on Bridge Road and took the scenic drive that is always my Hobe Sound establishing shot. In filmmaker terms, it means the shot that captures your setting and sometimes mood. Southeast Bridge Road always does just that.

Drive slowly beneath the canopy of intertwined banyan tree branches, and you’ve reached the enchanted-forest part of your day trip. Cross the Bridge Road Bridge and you’ll find another tree-lined stretch before you reach Hobe Sound Martin County Beach Park, where you can park and access the public beach. Even if you haven’t planned a beach day, you can soak up the salt air, the sun and surf. 

On this recent day trip, we only paused at the beach for a look-and-see. We had brunch plans in Stuart.

Brunch at the Colab Kitchen

You can only follow a cool spot on Instagram for so long before the food photos and funky al fresco views beckon you to visit. Stuart’s Colab Kitchen restaurant and market has been calling my name for a while now. And when I heard the farm-inspired restaurant and market had a new brunch menu, I headed north.

When I got there, I realized Colab Kitchen’s concept goes beyond the farm inspiration. It is as “farm-to-table” as you get. As you step into the spacious and modern building in downtown Stuart, you’re greeted by a kind of farmers market. You can buy freshly harvested greens from Indiantown’s Colab Farms, produce, farm eggs, fresh bread, bakery items, prepared sauces, natural toiletries and other items.

The main dining room and bar area follows in a sweep of clean lines and modern lighting over more rustic wood floors. It’s a welcoming space, both in decor and hospitality. Even though we arrived less than an hour before the end of brunch, we were greeted warmly and led to a sunny indoor table that offered terrific views of Colab Kitchen’s large dining patio and sprawling lawn.

The brunch menu proved to be a problem, but only because I wanted to order everything on it. It’s one of those rare menus on which the “healthy” items — the salads and bowls — are as tempting as the comfort-food items, such as the smoked brisket hash with poached eggs, sweet potato, onions and sourdough toast ($19), the lemon-ricotta pancakes ($17) and the egg-topped tomato pie ($19). 

I ordered a small-plates type of brunch because I couldn’t decide on one big dish. It offered me a good introduction to Colab Kitchen’s talents.

We started with house-made sourdough bread ($14), a deliciously crusty half-loaf served on a wood board with salt-sprinkled cultured butter, roasted garlic and a good dollop of the best pimento cheese I’ve had in a while.

Our deviled eggs appetizer ($9) was almost too lovely to eat: Four boiled egg halves, topped with a tall swirl of deviled filling and crowned with a bit of tomato jam and pickled mustard seed, were served atop a mix of farm greens. 

I had to have some crispy, thick-cut bacon on the side ($5), and it did not disappoint. Ditto for the loaded hash browns side dish ($8), a perfectly crispy smash topped with melting cheeses and snipped chives — put an egg on top and you’ve got a yummy entree. 

We got a sweet kick from one of the daily dessert specials, a warm peach bread pudding topped with caramel and vanilla ice cream ($12). 

As much as I wanted to try the lemon-ricotta pancakes, I had to leave those for the next time. (Because I’m hoping there will be a next time!)

Colab Kitchen: 100 S. Martin Luther King Blvd., Stuart, 772-872-6243, ColabKitchenFl.com

A Tuscan wine shop visit

Heading back south, I made an obligatory stop at my favorite area wine shop, Casa del Vino. This cozy shop is where proprietors Silvia and Franco Mininni have welcomed wine lovers, wine novices and the community at large since opening seven years ago. 

They furnished the place with decorative touches from their native Tuscany, a few comfy chairs and a long wooden table they hand-built and covered with a tapestry of wine crates. Inspired by the eclectic variety of wine crates they had amassed during years of working with Italian wineries, they built the table inside their warehouse a good two years before opening the shop. 

“There was no particular reason why we built it, but we thought that maybe one day we would know why,” says Silvia. “Two years later, we opened this place, and this table is now a major part of it.”

It didn’t take long for her to realize the why of the table. It brought together a new wine-appreciating community, sparked conversation and new friendships over generous pours of wine and cheese and salumi boards topped with cured meats and cheeses imported from Italy.

Now Silvia and Franco have given their shop a new focus. While they continue to sell imported wine and goods at Casa del Vino, they are serving multi-course dinners just about every night. The dinners, intimate affairs that tend to sell out quickly, are offered at the wine-crate table.

During my recent visit to the shop, Silvia told me she and Franco plan to expand into the space next door in the plaza. The new space will be for wine tastings, classes and other events, she said.

I could not leave without buying some of my Casa del Vino Italian favorites: pecorino studded with pistachios, mortadella from Bologna, Italian crackers, a bottle of Ad Astra Super Tuscan, a sippable pinot bianco from Trentino and a fiano wine from Campania.

Back home later, I thought about my day’s adventures — and of the Italy I’ve found in Hobe Sound — as I enjoyed bites of the pecorino and mortadella.

Casa del Vino: 11330 SE U.S. Hwy 1, Hobe Sound, 772-675-2228, on Instagram @casadelvinolifestyle

Read recent columns by Liz Balmaseda

◾ A fresh batch of places to eat and locally made treats

◾ New West Palm steakhouse restaurant kicks off Sunday brunch

◾ A favorite seafood restaurant gets a glow-up in the Gardens

◾ New oceanfront bar opens, 2 others named ‘best’ in The South

◾ 3 new pizzerias to put on your radar

◾ Where to find the best meatballs in town? Some favorites!

Liz Balmaseda is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist for  The Palm Beach Post , part of the USA Today Network. She covers the local food and dining beat. Follow her on  Instagram and  Post on Food Facebook . She can be reached by email at  [email protected] . 

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

Zeynep Tufekci

This May Be Our Last Chance to Halt Bird Flu in Humans, and We Are Blowing It

By Zeynep Tufekci

Opinion Columnist

The outbreak of H5N1 avian influenza among U.S. dairy cows, first reported on March 25 , has now spread to at least 33 herds in eight states. On Wednesday, genetic evidence of the virus turned up in commercially available milk. Federal authorities say the milk supply is safe, but this latest development raises troubling questions about how widespread the outbreak really is.

So far, there is only one confirmed human case. Rick Bright, an expert on the H5N1 virus who served on President Biden’s coronavirus advisory board, told me this is the crucial moment. “There’s a fine line between one person and 10 people with H5N1 ,” he said. “By the time we’ve detected 10, it’s probably too late” to contain.

That’s when I told him what I’d heard from Sid Miller, the Texas commissioner for agriculture. He said he strongly suspected that the outbreak dated back to at least February. The commissioner speculated that then as many as 40 percent of the herds in the Texas Panhandle might have been infected.

Dr. Bright fell silent, then asked a very reasonable question: “Doesn’t anyone keep tabs on this?”

The H5N1 outbreak, already a devastating crisis for cattle farmers and their herds, has the potential to turn into an enormous tragedy for the rest of us. But having spent the past two weeks trying to get answers from our nation’s public health authorities, I’m shocked by how little they seem to know about what’s going on and how little of what they do know is being shared in a timely manner.

How exactly is the infection transmitted between herds? The United States Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention all say they are working to figure it out.

According to many public health officials, the virus load in the infected cows’ milk is especially high, raising the possibility that the disease is being spread through milking machines or from aerosolized spray when the milking room floors are power washed. Another possible route is the cows’ feed, owing to the fairly revolting fact that the U.S. allows farmers to feed leftover poultry bedding material — feathers, excrement, spilled seeds — to dairy and beef cattle as a cheap source of additional protein.

Alarmingly, the U.S.D.A. told me that it has evidence that the virus has also spread from dairy farms back to poultry farms “through an unknown route.” Well, one thing that travels back and forth between cattle farms and chicken farms is human beings. They can also travel from cattle farms to pig farms, and pigs are the doomsday animals for human influenza pandemics. Because they are especially susceptible to both avian and human flu, they make for good petri dishes in which avian influenza can become an effective human virus. The damage could be vast.

The U.S.D.A. also told me it doesn’t know how many farmers have tested their cattle and doesn’t know how many of those tests came up positive; whatever testing is being done takes place at the state level or in private labs. Just Wednesday, the agency made it mandatory to report all positive results, a long overdue step that is still — without the negative results alongside them — insufficient to give us a full picture. Also on Wednesday, the U.S.D.A. made testing mandatory for dairy cattle that are being moved from one state to another. It says mandatory testing of other herds wouldn’t be “practical, feasible or necessarily informative” because of “several reasons, ranging from laboratory capacity to testing turnaround times.” The furthest the agency will go is to recommend voluntary testing for cattle that show symptoms of the illness — which not all that are infected do. Dr. Bright compares this to the Trump administration’s approach to Covid-19: If you don’t test, it doesn’t exist.

As for the F.D.A., it tells me it hasn’t completed specific tests to confirm that pasteurization would make milk from infected cows safe, though the agency considers it “very likely” based on extensive testing for other pathogens. (It is not yet clear whether the elements of the H5N1 virus that recently turned up in milk had been fully neutralized.) That testing should have been completed by now. In any case, unpasteurized milk remains legal in many states. Dr. Bright told me that “this is a major concern, especially given recent infections and deaths in cats that have consumed infected milk.”

Making matters worse, the U.S.D.A. failed to share the genomes from infected animals in a timely manner, and then when it shared the genomes did so in an unwieldy format and without any geographic information, causing scientists to tear their hair out in frustration.

All this makes catching potential human cases so urgent. Dr. Bright says that given a situation like this, and the fact that undocumented farmworkers may not have access to health care, the government should be using every sophisticated surveillance technique, including wastewater testing, and reporting the results publicly. That is not happening. The C.D.C. says it is monitoring data from emergency rooms for any signs of an outbreak. By the time enough people are sick enough to be noticed in emergency rooms, it is almost certainly too late to prevent one.

So far, the agency told me, it is aware of only 23 people who have been tested. That tiny number is deeply troubling. (Others may be getting tested through private providers, but if negative, the results do not have to be reported.)

On the ground, people are doing the best they can. Adeline Hambley, a public health officer in Ottawa, Mich., told me of a farm whose herd had tested positive. The farm owner voluntarily handed over the workers’ cellphone numbers, and the workers got texts asking them to report all potential symptoms. Lynn Sutfin, a public information officer in the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, told me that response rates to those texts and other forms of outreach can be as high as 90 percent. That’s heartening, but it’s too much to expect that a poor farmworker — afraid of stigma , legal troubles and economic loss — will always report even mild symptoms and stay home from work as instructed.

It’s entirely possible that we’ll get lucky with H5N1 and it will never manage to spread among humans. Spillovers from animals to humans are common, yet pandemics are rare because they require a chain of unlucky events to happen one after the other. But pandemics are a numbers game, and a widespread animal outbreak like this raises the risks. When dangerous novel pathogens emerge among humans, there is only a small window of time in which to stop them before they spiral out of control. Neither our animal farming practices nor our public health tools seem up to the task.

There is some good news: David Boucher, at the federal government’s Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, told me that this virus strain is a close match for some vaccines that have already been formulated and that America has the capacity to manufacture and potentially distribute many millions of doses, and fairly quickly, if it takes off in humans. That ability is a little like fire insurance — I’m glad it exists, but by the time it comes into play your house has already burned down.

I’m sure the employees of these agencies are working hard, but the message they are sending is, “Trust us — we are on this.” One troubling legacy of the coronavirus pandemic is that there was too much attention on telling the public how to feel — to panic or not panic — rather than sharing facts and inspiring confidence through transparency and competence. And four years later we have an added layer of polarization and distrust to work around.

In April 2020, the Trump administration ousted Dr. Bright from his position as the director of the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, the agency responsible for fighting emerging pandemics. In a whistle-blower complaint , he alleged this happened after his early warnings against the coronavirus pandemic were ignored and as retaliation for his caution against unproven treatments favored by Donald Trump.

Dr. Bright told me that he would have expected things to be much different during the current administration, but “this is a live fire test,” he said, “and right now we are failing it.”

The Times is committed to publishing a diversity of letters to the editor. We’d like to hear what you think about this or any of our articles. Here are some tips . And here’s our email: [email protected] .

Follow the New York Times Opinion section on Facebook , Instagram , TikTok , WhatsApp , X and Threads .

Zeynep Tufekci  ( @zeynep ) is a professor of sociology and public affairs at Princeton University, the author of “Twitter and Tear Gas: The Power and Fragility of Networked Protest” and a New York Times Opinion columnist. @ zeynep • Facebook