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STARS School Travel Plan – Gold Award

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The Gower School gained yet another Transport for London Gold STARS travel award in June 2022 after previously receiving the award in December 2018. STARS – Sustainable Travel: Active, Responsible, Safe – is an accreditation scheme for schools, nurseries and colleges by Transport for London to inspire young Londoners to travel sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely. In doing this, STARS empowers children and improves the safety and wellbeing of the whole community. It also encourages active travel behaviour and improves the environment around the school.

By receiving the Gold award, The Gower School is amongst the top 10% of London schools who set high standards to inspire others to transform travel habits, fully engage the wider community to promote best practices, and see a measurable reduction in the number of journeys made by car every day. The school will have the TfL STARS Gold status until 2023 and the children led Eco-Committee will continue to tackle important environmental issues such as air pollution and reducing, reusing and recycling materials.

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School travel plans

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• Services for children, parents and schools

A plan by schools to manage transport issues

A School Travel Plan is a practical plan used by schools to manage their transport issues. 

They have two main purposes: 

• to reduce the number of vehicle trips to a school site by encouraging and/or developing alternative travel options 
• to raise awareness about travel issues such as air pollution and road safety 

School Travel Plans are now produced and assessed on Transport for London’s STARS website

Schools doing their School Travel Plans using the TfL STARS online system can achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold award. The award level depends on the amount of activities they do throughout the school year. They also set targets for increasing active travel to school. 

Schools who get involved in the STARS program are eligible to receive funding to support their travel plans. 

STARS schools case studies  

St Anthony’s School, NW3 

• Gold accredited on STARS 
• Been on STARS since 2013, and awarded Gold in 2016 
• Achieved 12% increase in walking/scooting/cycling to school in the last 3 years, and a 3% decrease in car use 
• Popular STARS activities that pupils have participated in are: pedestrian skills training, Bikeability and walking trips 
• The school distributes Travel Information Packs to parents and carers. These raise general awareness about the school's commitment to sustainable transport. They also outline steps parents/carers can take to travel to school by foot, bike, public transport and so on.  

Regent High School (Secondary), NW1 

• Been on STARS since 2015, awarded Gold in 2017 
• Achieved a 2% increase in cycling to school since being on STARS. Active travel to the school has gone up by 12%. 
• The school has a bike club. Pupils who are in the club attend cycling related trips regularly. They also learn bike maintenance skills to City and Guilds standard.

We also offer a number of free initiatives to support your schools travel plan. You can find these on the School travel and child road safety page . 

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School travel plans (stp).

School travel plans help to improve the health and well-being of pupils and staff, and reduce pollution and congestion around schools, as well as saving money for parents and the school community.

STARS accreditation

STARS (sustainable travel, active, responsible, safe) is Transport for London’s (TfL) school travel plan accreditation scheme for London schools and nurseries. STARS inspires young londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing walking, scooting and cycling.

• Unlock additional funding grants and school activities from TfL and Ealing Council
• Provide evidence for Ofsted of promoting and achieving active travel
• Count towards healthy schools silver and gold awards
• Allow Ealing Council to work strategically to address traffic issues around your school
• Comply with planning conditions for schools (where applicable)
• Provide networking opportunities with other schools and invitations to award events.

The STARS accreditation comes as bronze, silver and gold awards and provides an on-line travel plan. The travel plan will also help towards keeping pupils safe, improving punctuality and attendance, reducing child obesity and improving health and well-being. Schools can include sustainability within the curriculum, providing a supportive and caring school environment.

All Ealing schools have been set up on the STARS website . The STARS champion can register to access their school’s profile.

You can see your school's level on 2020-21 STARS accreditation list (pdf)

Want to boost your accreditation level?

TfL have put together some guides to help you do this. Each one lists a range of different activities that can be done as part of each event and how you go about them. Doing extra activities during events all count as additional stories and will boost you towards your school’s next accreditation.

• STARS and active travel booklist
• STARS and Big Walk and Wheel
• STARS and bike week
• STARs and clean air day
• STARS and cycle to work day
• STARS and eco schools
• STARS and healthy schools London
• STARS and London climate action week
• STARS and national walking month
• STARS and road safety
• STARS and school streets
• STARS and walk to school week
• STARS and walk to work day
• STARS and world environment day

Already have Healthy Schools accreditation? Find out where Healthy Schools crosses over with STARS (pdf)

STARS 1:1 Sessions

We advise school travel champions to book a 1:1 STARS surgery every half term. These sessions are for champions to get help and advice from the school travel team on anything STARS related or your work on school travel planning. If you are new to STARS or just want to find out more about it and how to become accredited, you can also book a 1:1 surgery with the team.

Book an appointment

To book an appointment please email us ( [email protected] ) 3 dates and times which are convenient for you, for example, before or after school, lunch time or during your PPA time. We will do our very best to make sure we can book one of these in.

All we ask is that the sessions do not begin before 8.30am or finish later than 5pm. Each session will usually run for up to 30 minutes. If you need more than one session, we are happy to accommodate this too. So, why not book your STARS 1-1 Surgery today.

Home learning resources for teachers and parents

STARS at home activities primary schools (pdf)

STARS at home activities high schools (pdf)

STARS at home activities special schools (pdf)

Planning applications

Planning applications for school expansions or rebuilding usually require an up to date travel plan which clearly sets out how the school will promote safe and sustainable travel to the school site and what measures will be taken to mitigate against the possible increased levels of car trips/congestion that the expansion might cause.

Developers and schools must review the STP and the planning process guidance and use the interim STP template to produce the travel plan for their planning application available on the Ealing Council website . For more information contact us at the school travel team.

School travel calendar

School travel calendar events related to sustainable travel (pdf) View calendar of school events related to sustainable travel for 2023/24

School Travel for Life activity planner (pdf) We encourage schools to plan ahead to ensure a smooth accreditation process. Please use this planner or one of your own. Word copies can be sent to you by emailing us at [email protected] . Alternatively, you can save this pdf onto your device, open Word, then open the pdf document in Word to make it editable.

Active Travel booklist (pdf) Encouraging active travel can happen as easily as sharing books with children with exciting travel tales and active travel adventures. We would love you to share the Active Travel book list with your school community, during the school year, but particularly around World Book Day each year. Perhaps you could even have a selection of these books in your class libraries/school library for children to enjoy.

Why not showcase the books in assembly, ask your Travel Ambassadors to peer read with the younger children and discuss the stories and lessons in the books. These are ways of not only engaging the children but working towards your Travel for Life accreditation.

If you know of some books that are not included, please get in touch on [email protected] so that we can add them for future updates.

Big Walk and Wheel toolkit (pdf) The Big Walk and Wheel is the UK’s biggest inter-school cycling, walking, wheeling and scooting competition and is celebrating its 15th year.

Register to be in with a chance of not only winning some great prizes but also joining hundreds of other schools including those in Ealing in promoting active travel on the school journey.

From 11 - 22 March 2024 join in the fun to see the longer term impact on your active travel numbers.

Children will be able to participate as long as they use active travel for the school journey – this includes walking, wheeling (wheelchair users, cycling, scooting) and those who use Park and Stride areas. There is an Ealing league table and the school travel team will be giving daily updates on X @EalingSTARS during the competition to spur you along.

Check out the Big Walk and Wheel toolkit above for some great ideas on how to promote it and make it the best year ever. We look forward to seeing how well each Ealing school does.

Road safety week 19 - 25 November 2023 Road Safety Week is the UK’s biggest road safety event every November, organised by ‘Brake’, a national road safety charity. The theme of Road Safety Week 2022 is ’Safe roads for all', which brings together communities and professionals to promote everyone’s right to make safe and healthy journeys on safe roads.

Here is our downloadable Road Safety Week guide 2023 (pdf) with supporting information, resources and ideas to help schools raise awareness for road safety.

This year we have an assembly schools can use to encourage children to Be Bright, Be Seen. It will help schools to raise awareness of the importance of being visible as the days and evenings get darker.

Email [email protected] if you would like the assembly powerpoint with the teachers notes.

Workshop play script A new workshop-play script, linked to active travel, road safety and air quality. A series of 6 drama improvisation workshops that fit together to form a play, performed by pupils to parents and the rest of the school. This raises awareness of environmental and congestion issues associated with car use, in particular parent parking and supports promotion of walking and cycling. It’s perfect for schools who want to target a specific class or year group. We have both PDF and hard copies that schools can borrow. Please contact us for more information.

Health Fair game (pdf) We have produced this downloadable game for schools to give to Junior Travel Ambassadors (JTAs) to use during their health fairs. It’s a great way to engage families with the idea of active travel!

Terri the Tiger (pdf) Sadly, schools cannot hire Terri the Tiger, our sustainable travel mascot, at the moment! We will let you know when it is safe for him to return to schools. Contact us for more information and to book.

Ealing's junior travel ambassador (JTA) annual programme Programme for 2022/23

Walking and cycling initiatives Walk and cycle to school initiatives and resources.

Active travel maps Maps to promote walking to school

Tackling parent parking issues Organising a perfect parking campaign.

Useful links Websites and resources to help with your STP.

School travel plan support can be provided by: Nicky Batkin Senior school travel adviser Tel: 020 8825 9648 Email: [email protected]

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Modeshift STARS

The Centre of Excellence for the Delivery of Effective Travel Plans

Find out more about Modeshift STARS

Modeshift STARS is the Centre of Excellence for the delivery of Effective Travel Plans in Education, Business and Residential settings. The scheme recognises schools, businesses and other organisations that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel.

Modeshift STARS schemes

Stars education.

The scheme encourages schools across the country to join in a major effort to increase levels of sustainable and active travel in order to improve the health and well-being of children and young people.

STARS Business

The STARS Business scheme recognises organisations that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel.

STARS Residential

The STARS Residential scheme recognises organisations that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel.

Have you heard about our #StaySafeGetActive Walking Bubbles?

We’ve developed our Walking Bubbles, to encourage everyone who can, to ‘Get Active’ on their journeys to and from school. Our Walking Bubbles will also encourage families that have to travel by car to park at least 5-minutes away from school, creating a safer space for walking, cycling or scooting.

What is Modeshift STARS?

Modeshift STARS is the Centre of Excellence for the  delivery of Effective Travel Plans in Education, Business and Community settings.  The scheme recognises schools, businesses and other organisations that have shown excellence in supporting cycling, walking and other forms of sustainable and active travel.

The Modeshift STARS online Travel Plan Toolkit provides a comprehensive Travel Plan tool that assists in:

• Creating, developing and implementing Travel Plans

• Monitoring and evaluating Travel Plans and the initiatives contained within them

• Recognising and rewarding excellence in the promotion of sustainable and active travel

Latest News

Hear from Bridgewater Primary School in Hertfordshire who have reached Outstanding Accreditation

Interview with Andrea Bettridge and Rachael Skelding, Bridgewater…

Winners of the Modeshift STARS National School Travel Awards 2023/24 are announced!

Latest STARS Education League Tables, March 2024

Modeshift Active Travel Ambassador Programme continues to thrive and celebrates school street closure!

Bidwell West boasts ‘Very Good’ Modeshift STARS Accreditation

Modeshift STARS is the Centre of Excellence for the delivery of Effective Travel Plans in Education, Business, and Residential settings.

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School Travel Plan

What is a school travel plan.

School Travel Plans (STP) are developed, maintained and monitored by the whole school community, to promote and facilitate sustainable travel for the school journey. A STP sets out practical intiatives and measures to encourage active, healthy, safe and sustainable travel as an alternative to single occupancy car use.

Increasing sustainable travel helps to reduce congestion and pollution, as well as improving the health and fitness of children and young people. These are just a few of the many benefits of an active STP.

A STP is developed and monitored by the school to:

• discover actual and preferred mode of travel for the school journey;
• identify issues to determine why people do not travel sustainably;
• set future targets to achieve or maintain modes of sustainable travel (for example to increase cycling; to maintain walking);
• lay out a plan of action for the tasks that the school will carry out to achieve their targets and aspirations;
• encourage the whole school community to travel in a safer, healthier and more sustainable way.

For more information, see the Buckinghamshire Council SMOTs Report August 2022 .

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About school travel plans

A school travel plan is a document produced by the school community which explores how pupils, staff and visitors travel to and from the school. It contains plans intended to promote and facilitate active, healthy, safe and sustainable travel to school as an alternative to short, single occupancy car journeys.

Our hope is that pupils will gain a better understanding of the health, environmental and social benefits of walking, cycling and the use of public transport as alternatives to unnecessary car journeys. This will encourage them to form more active travel habits that can be carried through into adult life.

How it works

The school should appoint a School Travel Champion, who is able to take overall responsibility for school travel activities and creating the school travel plan.

The appointed school travel champion should contact our school travel plans team for the help and assistance in order to complete the school travel plan.

Sustainable Travel: Active Responsible Safe (STARS)

Submitting the travel plan online enables the school to apply for STARS accreditation . STARS is TfL’s accreditation scheme for schools, nurseries and colleges. It’s designed to inspire young Londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing active travel behaviours like walking, scooting and cycling.

It aims to improve pupils wellbeing as well as reducing congestion at the school gates and improving road safety and air quality.

Receiving this accreditation has various benefits and opportunities, including grants and programmes available only to schools with STARS accreditation.

Find out more about STARS accreditation

See which Havering schools have STARS accreditation

• Next page Grants and benefits for STARS accredited schools

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STARS and School Travel Plans

Since 2012, we’ve worked closely with local authorities and schools to build effective and easy-to-implement school travel plans. Travel plans help schools guide pupils and parents to adopt more active and sustainable travel, building a healthier and happier school community. We strive to give students the freedom to travel independently.

How do we manage travel plans?

In London, we build and track travel plans through TfL STARS, an accredited scheme. Outside of London, our team use Modeshift STARS, and in some cases, a bespoke platform specific to local areas. Our team help schools build their travel plan account and populate it with data on how students and staff travel to school. We’ll then plan and evidence a full year of engaging transport-related activities, designed to help schools achieve the highest accreditation, gold.

Our service includes

• Staff training sessions on STARS and how to collect evidence of activities Travel to school surveys (Hands Up Surveys)
• Identifying and supporting school travel champions
• Creating and maintaining an activity calendar for the school year
• Providing school workshops and assemblies, teaching students about sustainable travel, road safety, air pollution or an introduction to highway engineering.
• Setting up Student Travel Ambassador programs
• Reporting and submitting results of school’s progression throughout the year

“MP Smarter Travel has been running School Travel Plan workshops and supporting schools to gain TfL STARS accreditation for us since 2012 and have been successful in increasing the number of schools accredited. One academic year we had a record number of 65 schools accredited, and most recently have had nine schools achieve gold and 14 schools obtain silver accreditation.” London Borough of Bexley

Recent Achievements

• We’ve helped the London Borough of Tower Hamlets schools achieve a 90% sustainable transport mode split, meaning only 10% of school trips are done by car.
• Our team manage school travel plans for around 270 schools per year.
• We recently gathered over 44,000 student mode split survey responses for the London Borough of Newham, telling us how students currently travel to school.

“The feedback we received from schools was very positive, with many school travel plan champions commenting on the usefulness of the workshops and the one-to-one advice received during school visits.” Enfield Council

How we can help you

We can deliver our school travel plan service at scale, supporting all of the schools in your local area. We’ll engage schools, make sustainable transport an attractive option for families and show the impact of our work through regular travel surveys.

For more information on our school workshops and assemblies contact us by emailing [email protected] or fill in the form below.

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_____________________ STARS School Travel Plan

Stars is tfl’s accreditation scheme for london schools and nurseries. stars inspires young londoners to travel to school sustainably, actively, responsibly and safely by championing walking, scooting and cycling., stars supports pupils’ well-being, helps to reduce congestion at the school gates and improve road safety and air quality., riverside bridge school would like to encourage all children, parents/carers and staff to walk, cycle, and scoot or come by bus/train and be part of the active travel activities. it not only improves pupils’ emotional health and well-being but also contributes to pupils’ 60 minutes a day of physical activity., a school travel plan is a document that:, demonstrates a school’s commitment to environmental and community concerns and the overall welfare of its pupils;, states the way in which a school intends to help reduce the use of cars for the school journey, and for improving safety, the environment, health and the social skills of pupils;, is a whole school initiative and demonstrates support from children, staff, parents/carers, governors and the wider community;, aims to give parents/carers and pupils the choice of traveling by walking, cycling and public transport with confidence thereby reducing congestion at the school gate., looks in detail at pupils’ needs on the school journey and attempts to find suitable solutions for unique situations at each stage.;, has clearly stated aims, objectives and targets which are achievable, measurable and are supported by the whole school community., currently, only 24% of pupils walk, cycle or scoot to school.  we would like to see an increase in this number.,   what are the benefits of active travel, it improves mental health leading to improved attendance and academic success., it improves physical health, helping pupils to achieve the recommended minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity per day., it promotes independence and improves road safety awareness, it reduces congestion and noise in the community., it improves air quality around the school., in order to ensure as many pupils as possible are given the opportunity to realise these benefits we each have an important role to play., staff will encourage pupils to travel to and from school more safely and actively by:, promoting the benefits of active travel;, celebrating the achievements of those who travel actively to school;, raising awareness of the air quality benefits of active travel;, providing cycle training to all pupils who wish to participate., what we ask of parents/carers:, please encourage their child to travel actively to school by walking, scooting or cycling to school whenever possible;, ensure their child walk or ride sensibly and safely on the way to and from school, and to push bikes and scooters on school grounds;, ensure that bicycles and scooters are roadworthy and properly maintained. if in doubt consult a qualified mechanic;, consider providing their child with a cycle helmet;, ensure their child can be seen by fitting lights to their bike by supplying them with high visibility clothing;, make sure their child has a lock for their bike or scooter and that they know how to use it if you are going to leave their bike or scooter on school premises;, ensure you have appropriate insurance cover for their child’s bicycle or scooter as the school is not liable for any loss or damage to cycles or scooters on the premises or being used on the way to or from school;, if you travel by bus, can you get off the bus at least two stops early and walk the last part of the journey, we understand that sometimes there is no alternative to driving to school., where a car must be used we ask parents to drive only part of the way, and drop their child off away from the school so that some of the journey can be walked or scooted., if you do have to drive their child and stop in the near vicinity please do so legally, safely and with respect for our neighbours and local residents., it is not acceptable to park or wait on double yellow lines, on the school zigzags or across residential driveways for any period of time., please note that the decision on whether a child is competent to cycle or scoot to school is for the parents/carers to make. the school has no liability for any consequences arising from this decision., what we ask of pupils:, ask their parents if they can walk, scoot or cycle to school;, behave in a way that shows them and the school in the best light whether walking, scooting, cycling or using public transport;, ride or walk courteously, sensibly and safely on the way to and from school;, push bikes and scooters on school grounds;, check that their bike or scooter is roadworthy and properly maintained;, consider wearing a cycle helmet;, make sure they can be seen by using lights in the dark or bad weather and by wearing high visibility clothing;, make sure they have a lock for their bike or scooter and that they use it., for pupils and staff who are unable to walk, cycle or scoot their whole journey to and from school, we encourage the use of public transport, car share and park and stride., parents and carers are reminded that they are responsible for the safety of their child on the journey to and from school., school travel plan – march 2021, stars travel plan – september 2019 to august 2021.

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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!

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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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!

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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!

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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

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Moscow Travel Guide

• Guide to Russia
• Russian Destination Guide

Why travel to Moscow

Contrasts: 12th century monasteries and some of the tallest skyscrapers in Europe can be found side-by-side in this complex and captivating city. The diversity of this mega-city is astounding. Only a few steps away from the solemn red facade of the Kremlin and the sounds of righteous church bells, a buzzing night scene and alternative-fashion boutiques can be found.

Culture: In Moscow only the best goes. Be it a theatre, restaurant or gallery, the standards are certain to be world-class. The Bolshoi ballet company is reputed to be even better than the Mariinsky’s and “MMOMA” (Moscow’s museum of modern art) exhibits works of art as profound as any that could be found in the famed MOMA.

Convenience: Unlike the rest of Russia, it’s easy enough to get by with just English in Moscow and, driving excepted, it is surprisingly safe: the murder rate is lower than in some of America’s major cities.

Top Sights in Moscow

St. Basil’s

Novodevichy Convent

MORE SIGHTS

• Moscow Fact File
• History of Moscow Russia
• Arriving in Moscow
• Getting Around
• Moscow Museums
• Nightlife in Moscow
• Moscow Restaurants
• Moscow Entertainment
• Activities in Moscow
• Outside Moscow

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Why visit Moscow

It would take more than two days to walk around the perimeter of the biggest city in Europe, Moscow. Many of its inhabitants barely know what’s beyond the few blocks around their flat and there are so many attractions that it’s almost impossible to know where to start. If there is such a thing as an antidote to boredom, Moscow City is it. The mind-boggling range and diversity of things to do, places to eat, parks, historical monuments and more means that a vacation in Moscow has a wealth of activities to offer for every type of traveler, from young families to retirees.

Reasons to Vacation in Moscow in 2022

The Bolshoi theatre is familiar to almost everyone as Russia’s grandest theatre, but what people don’t know is that there are many more bolshoi (big) sites in Moscow that are worth travelling all the way to Moscow to see. For more than 100 years, the world’s biggest bell has been hidden behind the Kremlin’s walls and inside Moscow’s main park (which is bigger than some countries!) there is the world’s largest outdoor ice-rink. Travelers that visit Moscow can stay at the Izmailovo, Europe’s biggest hotel, then eat at the largest and most historic McDonald’s in Europe and after that have fun at the largest European indoor theme park!

Ancient Past & Stunning Architecture:

As those who travel to Moscow will see, just because Moscow is a city of record-breaking, glitzy high-rises doesn’t mean that there is no history. On the famous Arbat street, time-worn, wooden storehouses and century-old churches are squashed up against grey, soviet blocks which are then towered over by 21st century office-blocks. Unlike its much younger sibling, St Petersburg, Moscow’s roots stretch way back to the 12th century. Within the walls of the Kremlin, the city’s oldest building the Cathedral of Assumption can be admired in all its 500+ years of age.

Culture & Convenience

For a foreigner who has never visited Russia, Moscow is the perfect stepping stone into this great land of mystery. From the country’s best classical ballet troupes to snow-white troikas trotting through the parks, all the highlights of Russian culture can be had in Moscow without any of the complications that would be expected in other, less developed regions of Russia.

Cheap as Caviar

In Moscow, everything is bargain when with the current foreign exchange rates being what they are. Even caviar doesn’t seem so dear when the exchange rate is at 60rub to the dollar, so go on indulge yourself! Take your 2022 vacation in Moscow and have the best of both worlds, with European luxury at very affordable prices.

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.

We had a great time both in Moscow and St Petersburg. Your travel agency was excellent in coordinating the whole trip. Everything worked like clockwork. The guides assigned to us were very nice and friendly. They had a great knowledge of their subjects. The cars and the drivers were great. The hotels were good and the itinerary was good. All in all, it was a wonderful experience. It was nice dealing with you and your company. Thank you very much for a great Russian experience. Have a great future ahead

• 31 reviews of Express to Russia Moscow Tours in Moscow

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School board sues parent for $600,000 after dispute over son’s special needs education plan

BEDFORD COUNTY, Va. ( WDBJ /Gray News) - A legal battle is brewing between a Virginia school board and the parent of a student with special needs.

The Bedford County Public School Board is suing a parent for $600,000 because the parent, David Rife, has been verbally abusing and harassing school staff for three years with excessive communication, the lawsuit said.

The suit said Rife used profane language to threaten teachers and administration, with dates documenting when the alleged offenses happened.

The dispute stems from conversations about Rife’s son’s individualized education plan. The parent said the school is not following the plan.

Rife said he never made statements with malicious intent but was instead advocating for the school to follow his son’s education plan.

Rife said Staunton River High School does not provide direct reading instruction or accommodated notes for his son, among other items not followed in the plan. He filed a complaint, and the Virginia Department of Education found the district was in noncompliance with following certain aspects of the plan.

The complaint was filed at the end of January, and the lawsuit was filed at the end of March.

Rife’s attorney said the lawsuit looks like a retaliatory move by the school board.

“It at least raises the appearance that it could be retaliation,” said David Whitehurst, Rife’s attorney. “If they [the school district] had just provided the services they’re supposed to provide under law, he [Rife] wouldn’t have needed to contact [the Virginia Department of Education], there wouldn’t have been any issues with communication.”

The school board recently filed an emergency injunction, requesting the court to stop Rife from using harassing language against school staff. Rife’s attorney made a motion to dismiss that emergency injunction.

Rife and his attorney have also filed a counter lawsuit, demanding the school implement his son’s education plan.

Bedford County Public Schools said they are unable to comment on the matter.

Copyright 2024 WDBJ via Gray Media Group, Inc. All rights reserved.

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New owner plans to bring craft cocktails to popular downtown coffee shop

E ven as Robby Dow was establishing the innovative bar program at Olivero restaurant in Wilmington last year, he was also thinking about opening his own place. When he connected with Chris Batten and Bespoke Coffee & Dry Goods at 202 Princess St. in downtown Wilmington, he knew he’d found the right spot.

He took over the business mid-March. 

“It’s great,” Dow said. “I love that it’s downtown ... and I think this Princess Street intersection is really special.” 

In the coming weeks and months, Bespoke will continue to operate as it has been with the same staff, Dow said. Eventually, there will be a short renovation period so he can update the bar space to include cocktail service. 

“Big picture, that’s the plan,” he said.  

During his four years in Brooklyn, Dow earned accolades as the bartender/beverage director for Grand Army Bar. More recently, he’s been working with Sunny Gerhart and Lauren Krall Ivey at Olivero, which opened in September at 522 S. Third St. 

There, he created a program driven by sherry, vermouth and Italian amaro that uses modern techniques to update classic cocktails, Gerhart said.   

“(It's) a great complement to the Spanish, Italian and New Orleans dishes Lauren and I are cooking and modernizing in the kitchen,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have a craft cocktail talent like Robby in Wilmington and are excited to see him expand on his own here in town.”  

Dow isn’t ready to reveal too many details about what he has planned for Bespoke but said it would include some new things for the area. 

“I would say my background in cocktails is about technique,” Dow said. “I’m always passionate about world class cocktails that are still approachable.” 

Batten opened Bespoke in 2015 and was one of the first coffee shops to add beer and wine during evening hours. He also acquired the restaurant space next door, once home to Port City Cheesesteaks. (For a time, Savorez was serving breakfast burritos and more there .) Eventually, Dow will also extend the hours at Bespoke, and find the right food fit for the space, too.

“It would be great if there could be both a daytime presence and a dinner concept, too,” Dow said. “It’s also a great space for a pop-up.” 

STAY CONNECTED:   Keep up with the area’s latest food news by signing up for the  Port City Foodies newsletter  and following us on  Facebook  and  Instagram . 

Allison Ballard is the food and dining reporter at the StarNews. You can reach her at [email protected] .

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New owner plans to bring craft cocktails to popular downtown coffee shop

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

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

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

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

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

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

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

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

Conclusion and Recommendations

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

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

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

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

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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

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

Tara Pittman

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

Adriana Lopez

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

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

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

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

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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

DANA GUTKOWSKI

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

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

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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

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

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

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

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

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Analysis-Tesla's plan for affordable cars takes page from Detroit rivals

Friday, 26 Apr 2024

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FILE PHOTO: The logo of Tesla on display at the Everything Electric exhibition at the ExCeL London international exhibition and convention centre in London, Britain, March 28, 2024. REUTERS/Peter Cziborra/File Photo

SAN FRANCISCO/AUSTIN, Texas (Reuters) - Elon Musk's new plan to use current product lines as the basis for new affordable vehicles — rather than springing for all-new models — follows the playbook of Tesla's old-school Detroit rivals, as some Tesla investors and analysts see it.

The shift toward incremental improvement, mirroring a common strategy of Ford and General Motors, suggests the future of car-making that Musk has promised to disrupt may still look a lot like the past.

Musk's new strategy followed an exclusive Reuters report that Tesla had shelved plans to release a long-awaited, new model expected to cost $25,000 in late 2025. Investors had expected the affordable car, often called the Model 2, to drive the company's growth into a mass-market automaker.

Instead, Tesla said this week, it will use a current platform and production lines to produce what it called "more affordable" models by early next year. It did not provide details or pricing.

The announcement sparked a double-digit stock rise and drew widespread praise from investors. Some analysts expect Tesla to offer basic versions of the Model 3 and Y, which currently start at about $39,000 and $43,000.

"It is a traditional automaker strategy," said Sandeep Rao, a senior researcher at Leverage Shares, an investment management company with assets of about $500 million, including in Tesla and other EV makers.

"You can go and buy a Volkswagen Golf Highline, which is a basic version, or you can go buy a GT, which is a pricier version and also 25% more expensive."

Tesla did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

"That's probably going to be one of the most popular cars, if they do get it launched," said King Lip, chief strategist at BakerAvenue Wealth Management, which has a small position in Tesla.

Tesla said the change would allow the company to launch low-cost vehicles swiftly but would result in smaller cost reduction than had been expected and modest volume growth.

'STRIPPED-DOWN VERSIONS' IN A YEAR?

Some analysts expect the new models to look familiar.

"We see it as more likely that Tesla will attempt to launch stripped-down versions of the Model 3 and Y as lower-cost models, however we are unclear on how much cost Tesla can realistically take out," Bernstein analyst Toni Sacconaghi said in a report.

In January, Tesla said it was approaching "the natural limit of cost down of our existing vehicle lineup."

Musk's target of a new car in a year was seen as optimistic at best by many investors and analysts, given that Musk has often failed to meet his own timing predictions: The new Cybertruck arrived four years after Musk unveiled it in 2019, and Tesla is still having trouble ramping up production.

"By traditional, legacy car guy standards that Cybertruck ramp is a crawl," said James Womack, a former research director at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He co-authored a 1990 book on Toyota's lean production philosophy and methods and said it was long overdue for Tesla to act like a legacy car maker when it came to launching new vehicles on time.

"Musk can tread out on the ragged edge and lean over the cliff as tech visionary," he said. But he and others raised concerns about "execution risk" — whether Tesla could do what Musk plans, on time. "They just need to avoid too much Musk in execution" of the production plan, Womack said.

While Tesla's shift "tempers or slows down manufacturing innovation," the change will enable Tesla to respond faster to the threat from Chinese automakers, said K. Venkatesh Prasad, a former Ford engineer, who is now chief innovation officer at the Center for Automotive Research.

"There is an urgency. If you didn't have speed, then you lose the game," Prasad said.

The change in strategy has some investors rethinking Tesla's industry-leading valuation. Don Nesbitt, senior portfolio manager at ZCM, said that while there is the possibility of autonomous driving, eventually, right now they need to shift to making lower-cost models.

Tesla used to be seen as a tech stock; "Now you're really talking about an automaker and that's it," he said.

(Reporting by Hyunjoo Jin, Abhirup Roy and Norihiko Shirouzu; additional reporting by Lewis Krauskopf and Suzanne McGee; Editing by Peter Henderson, Jonathan Oatis and Lisa Shumaker)

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Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage 2024 Review

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Alignment Health Plan

CMS Star Rating Average Medicare star rating, weighted by enrollment. Star ratings are determined by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Alignment Health Plan sells Medicare Advantage plans in six states, and star ratings from CMS are about average.

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Members in high-rated plans Percentage of members who are in rated contracts with a Medicare star rating of 4 or higher.

High (90% or more)

Member experience The average of CMS' star ratings for quality measures in the domain "Member Experience with the Health Plan," weighted by contract enrollment.

2.36 (Below average)

• Low-cost plans, and a lower average out-of-pocket max than most.
• All plans include prescription drug coverage.
• Some plans in 2024 will include Part B rebates.
• Available in only 6 states.
• Member experience ratings are below the average for major providers.

Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans are available in six states, and the provider’s star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are average. Member experience ratings, however, fall below those of major providers. In 2024, members may have access to new benefit offerings, such as Medicare Part B premium rebates.

Here’s what you should know about Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage.

Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage pros and cons

Alignment Health Plan’s offerings have advantages and disadvantages.

Low-cost plans: Most Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans offer a $0 premium, and the average maximum out-of-pocket cost is lower than major providers. 

Part B help: Alignment’s smartHMO plans offer Medicare Part B rebates.

Drug coverage: All Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

Help for chronically ill: Alignment offers a $500+ quarterly allowance to members of some Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) that they can use for things like groceries and home safety items.

Limited availability: Alignment Health Plan offers Medicare Advantage plans in just six states: Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina and Texas. 

Member experience marks: Average member experience ratings, including customer service and care coordination, for all Alignment Medicare Advantage plans fall below the average for major providers. 

» MORE: Best Medicare Advantage plans

Alignment Health Plan Medicare star ratings

Average star rating, weighted by enrollment: 3.95

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services maintains star ratings for Medicare Advantage plans on a 5-point scale, ranking plans from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency bases these ratings on plans’ quality of care and measurements of customer satisfaction, and ratings may change from year to year.

Based on the most recent year of data and weighted by enrollment, Alignment Health Plan’s 2024 Medicare Advantage plans get an average rating of 3.95 stars [0] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . 2024 Star Ratings Data Tables (Oct 13 2023) (ZIP) . Accessed Apr 18, 2024. View all sources .

For comparison, the average star rating for plans from all providers is 4.04 [0] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . 10.13.23 Fact Sheet - 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings (PDF) . Accessed Apr 18, 2024. View all sources .

You can find a plan’s rating with the Medicare plan finding tool .

What does Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage cost?

Costs for Medicare Advantage plans depend on your plan, your geographic location and your health needs.

One of the costs to consider is the plan’s premium. In 2024, nine out of 10 Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans that aren’t special needs plans (SNPs) have a $0 premium [0] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . CY2024_Landscape_Files_Final_20240314 (ZIP) . Accessed Apr 18, 2024. View all sources .

Even as a Medicare Advantage user, you’ll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $174.70 per month in 2024 [0] Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services . Costs . Accessed Apr 18, 2024. View all sources , although some plans cover part or all of this cost. (Most people pay this standard amount, but if your income is above a certain threshold, you'll pay more .)

Copays, coinsurance and deductibles

Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:

Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.

Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.

The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.

Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out of network for care.

Whether you require extra benefits, and if the plan charges for them.

To get a sense of costs, use Medicare’s plan-finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Alignment Health Plan plans or compare across carriers.

Available Medicare Advantage plans

There are a few kinds of Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage plans, and they vary in terms of structure, costs and benefits. Alignment Health Plan offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MAPDs).

Plan offerings include the following types:

A health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.

HMO point of service (POS) plans are HMO plans that allow members to get some out-of-network services, but they’ll pay more for those services.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Special needs plans (SNPs) restrict membership to people with certain diseases or characteristics. Hence, the benefits, network and drug formularies are tailored to the needs of those members. Alignment Health Plan offers two types of SNPs:

Chronic Condition SNP: Designed to meet the needs of members living with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes, congestive heart failure and cardiovascular disease.

Dual-Eligible SNP: For people who are entitled to Medicare and who also qualify for assistance from a state Medicaid program.

Alignment Health Plan Medicare Advantage service area

Alignment Health Plan offers Medicare Advantage plans in six states: Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada, North Carolina and Texas.

Alignment Health Plan covers 144,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries [0] The Chartis Group . Mounting Headwinds in Medicare Advantage Market Haven't Stopped Growth . Accessed Apr 18, 2024. View all sources .

Compare Medicare Advantage providers

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

AARP Medicare Advantage plans .

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans .

Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans .

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans.

Humana Medicare Advantage plans .

Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans .

Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans .

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

It’s important to do your research before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for yourself . Here are some questions to consider asking:

What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

More on NerdWallet.com

Best Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know

What Is Medicare, and What Does It Cover?