8 Best Travel Umbrellas for Making the Most of a Rainy Vacation

Don't let rain and wind ruin your travels.

best travel umbrellas

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To find the best travel umbrellas that stand up to wind and rain, experts in the Good Housekeeping Institute 's Textiles, Paper & Apparel Lab reviewed hundreds of data points from a previous umbrella test and considered models from trending brands.

Our top picks:

Windguard Umbrella

best overall travel umbrella

Samsonite windguard umbrella.

Compact Travel Umbrella with Case

best value travel umbrella

Gaoyaing compact travel umbrella with case.

Mini Manual Umbrella

best compact and lightweight travel umbrella

Totes mini manual umbrella.

Travel Umbrella

best durable travel umbrella

Weatherman travel umbrella.

Garden Party Umbrella

most stylish travel umbrella

Rifle paper co. garden party umbrella.

The Original Portable Travel Umbrella

best travel umbrella on amazon

Repel the original portable travel umbrella.

Small Auto Close Umbrella

best luxury travel umbrella

Tumi small auto close umbrella.

Mini

most popular travel umbrella

We test travel products of all kinds from the best beach umbrellas to the best beach chairs and feature top products and destinations in our Good Housekeeping Family Travel Awards . When testing umbrellas, we pay close attention to ease of use, performance and durability, and even conduct a spray test to stimulate a light rain shower in Lab. While we haven't tested every travel umbrella in this round-up, we scoured shoppers' reviews to better understand how the product held up in daily life.

Read on to learn more about our top-rated travel umbrellas of all styles and prices, as well as advice on what to consider when shopping for a new mini umbrella.

GH Institute's Executive Director of Strategy & Operations, Lexie Sachs , has been using this smaller version of our top-tested umbrella for the past year. "It’s not the smallest umbrella to pack on the go, but it’s compact enough to easily fit into a tote bag or backpack," she says. The umbrella provides enough coverage to keep you dry, and it's sturdy when the wind and rain pick up. Yellow is a classic color for rainwear, but if you want a more neutral black or a bright pink , the umbrella is available in other colors too. The Samsonite umbrella is also top-rated on Amazon. One five-star review says, "We have had very heavy, windy rainstorms in my area over the past few months. This umbrella has held up very well in the rain and winds."

Dimensions: 12" folded | Weight: 0.82 lbs.

This umbrella is a popular choice on Amazon with over 5,500 reviews. It's also under $10, which means you can stay dry while sticking to your travel budget. What's more? The manufacturer claims the umbrella can fit in a pocket or purse! Choose from over two dozen colors to match your umbrella with your favorite raincoat and rain boots . One satisfied shopper writes, "I knew we would be sightseeing and wanted something compact that I could carry around and pop out when needed. This did the trick!" While this umbrella is super compact and affordable, one GH editor who bought the umbrella for a semester abroad found it to be hard to open and noticed it wasn't as wind-resistant as other models.

Dimensions: ‎7.6" x 4.84" x 2.09" | Weight: 6.7 oz.

When we tested the Totes mini umbrella, we found that it provided good coverage and was compact enough to fit into small purses and bags. While we are fans of this lightweight pick, it is a manual umbrella so you can't open and close via a button. Still, our evaluation found it to be a durable pick and we like the easy-to-grip rubber handle. Choose from seven cute patterns, including polka dots and cheetah print. One five-star review writes, "I took this on my trip to Italy and it worked perfectly without taking up much space in my bag. Love it!"

Dimensions: ‎6.2" x 1.9" x 1.7" | Weight: 8 oz.

Although this is one of the more expensive travel umbrellas in our guide, it comes packed with convenient features we love, and can it stand up against gusts of wind. "I’ve used this travel size one a bunch of times and it’s held up really well," says Sachs. We appreciate the auto open/close and comfortable handle plus a wrist strap for easy holding while your hands are full. Despite its small design, the umbrella still provides good coverage. One satisfied shopper writes they took it to Wellington, New Zealand and the Scottish highlands, fairly wet climates, and reported that "it took both total downpours and heavy drizzles with ease."

Dimensions: 13" x 2.5" x 2.5" | Weight: 0.85 lbs

At the end of the day, an umbrella is also an accessory. If you want to make a fashion statement — and not lose track of yours in a crowded umbrella stand — opt for an umbrella with a unique pattern. The five available floral patterns plus a cute option with drawings of houses and trees bring classic teardrop and polka dot patterns to a whole new level. A wooden handle adds to the luxe look and the auto open/close mechanism makes for easy use. We haven't tested this model yet, but one five-star review writes: "This umbrella is just gorgeous. The colors are vivid and bright." It isn't the most expensive umbrella on our list, but it is definitely above average in cost.

Dimensions: Not listed | Weight: Not listed

This Amazon's Choice umbrella has an impressive 72,650 online reviews with an overall 4.5-star rating. One satisfied customer writes, "This umbrella is the best I’ve owned so far. It’s huge and the water slides right off it. You just shake the umbrella and it’s no longer wet." Available in nine colors and packs of one, two, three or four, this Repel umbrella is a popular choice among shoppers — and it's under $25! The brand claims that you can fit it in your pocket or small purse. While we appreciate the size and price point, Lab analysts found it to be less flip-resistant than other models we've tested, with one noting that it inverted during their first time using it.

Dimensions: 11.5" folded | Weight: 15 oz.

While this is the most expensive travel umbrella included in our list, the splurge can be worth it if you travel often for work and need a high-quality product that'll look chic in your work backpack . It opens and closes with the push of a button, and the subtle red accents and reflective trim set it apart. We also like the rubberized carrying strap for a better grip, and it won't absorb water. The luxury umbrella would make a practical gift for the frequent traveler in your life.

Dimensions: 11.25" x 2.75" x 2.5" | Weight: 0.74 lbs

Davek is a popular brand among umbrella shoppers on Reddit , and the Mini is its smallest model that can fit in a handbag, clutch or pocket. It's available in 10 solid colors and has nice design features like a stylish handle and color-coordinated carry loop. While we appreciate the lightweight design you can store in your bag, we wish that it was more affordable. The frame appears less sturdy than other pricey models and a manual open/close may not be as easy to use compared to an automatic umbrella. That all said, the sleek and minimalistic umbrella fits in the palm of your hand and is nice and sleek.

Dimensions: 7" folded | Weight: 8 oz.

What to consider when buying a travel umbrella

line break

✔️ Size: A travel umbrella will have a shorter canopy diameter than a full-size umbrella. While you lose some coverage, a smaller model means it takes up less space in your suitcase, purse or work bag. If you have a specific bag you plan to store it in, pay attention to the folded dimensions listed by the manufacturer.

✔️ Weight: Similar to size, travel umbrellas tend to be lighter weight than large umbrellas. This again helps with packing light, but it can mean that the umbrella feels less sturdy and may not hold up as well against rough winds.

✔️ Material: Umbrellas are made of synthetic fabrics (e.g., nylon or polyester) that have waterproof coatings so rain slides off easily.

✔️ Vents: These are small openings in the umbrella's canopy that help wind flow through to decrease the likelihood of your umbrella flips inside out. Note that vents are typically more common in full-size umbrellas.

✔️ Features: There are a few additional features to look out for when choosing the right umbrella for you. When it comes to the opening mechanism, the majority of our top-rated picks have an automatic open/close design so you can simply push a button. A few styles have a manual design that requires you to open and close the umbrella yourself. Another minor feature we like is an included case so you can keep your umbrella covered while traveling.

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

Elizabeth Berry is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she works alongside experts to ensure our product guides reflect accurate information and pricing. She has covered a variety of travel accessory categories including the best travel pillows and the best travel journals . To write this article, Elizabeth collaborated with Executive Director of Strategy & Operations at the GH Institute Lexie Sachs , who has more than 15 years of experience in the textiles industry and a degree in fiber science from Cornell University.

Headshot of Elizabeth Berry

Elizabeth Berry (she/her) is the Updates Editor at the Good Housekeeping Institute where she optimizes lifestyle content across verticals. Prior to this role, she was an Editorial Assistant for Woman’s Day where she covered everything from gift guides to recipes. She also has experience fact checking commerce articles and holds a B.A. in English and Italian Studies from Connecticut College.

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The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

Trust us: getting stuck in a downpour will not have you singing in the rain.

travel umbrella colorful

In This Article

Jump to a Section

  • Our top picks
  • Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

  • Tips for Buying
  • Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure/Elena Garcia

Today’s forecast calls for never getting caught in the rain. Whether you’re exploring bustling city streets, trekking through scenic landscapes, or simply commuting to work, having the right travel umbrella can make all the difference in staying dry and comfortable. From lightweight and compact options ideal for keeping in a bag at all times to larger umbrellas that can cover both you and your travel partner, we've rounded up the best umbrellas to suit every traveler's needs. 

Our Travel + Leisure team tested 18 travel umbrellas to assess ease of use, protection, durability, portability, and value. We evaluated and compared each option based on overall construction, packability, performance in wet weather and windy conditions, coverage, drying time, and sturdiness. (Read more about our comprehensive testing process below). We will continue testing our picks for six more months to ensure each option’s reliability and durability, and we will update this article if anything should change. Scroll down below to find your next travel umbrella guaranteed to make sure you never get caught in the rain.

Best Overallf

Weatherman travel umbrella.

We were impressed by this umbrella’s performance and sturdiness.

The price tag is worth it — but not if you’re prone to losing umbrellas.

There’s nothing quite as humbling as an umbrella that flips inside out at the slight whisper of wind, leaving you awkwardly trying to flip it back as you stand in the rain, but this Weatherman umbrella proved its worth during testing. Our team member took this product out during an intense storm in San Francisco akin to a hurricane complete with “purple winds,” and this umbrella stepped up to the challenge like a true hero. It made it through strong winds and rough handling like a champ without popping inside out. Our tester reported back, “It felt like the wind was going to pick me off the ground and the umbrella survived that!”

It also dried quickly and showed no signs of wear. The grip was comfortable, and the umbrella provided ample protection from the rain. Weighing under a pound and just shy of a foot long when unopened, it’s the perfect size to throw into a bag or backpack without feeling like it’s even there. The color options are impressive with 11 styles to choose from, ranging from classic black to fluorescent pink. When it comes to weathering storms with style and reliability, this umbrella takes the cake, leaving flimsy alternatives in the dust. It’s a worthwhile investment, but if you’re notorious for misplacing umbrellas, then you may want to think twice — or at least be extra careful.

The Details: 11.8 inches (closed) | 38-inch diameter (open) | 14 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Best Compact

Davek mini umbrella.

This is the smallest, most lightweight option on our list.

This umbrella is not suitable for more than one person.

Compact and lightweight, the Davek Mini Umbrella is the perfect choice to bring anywhere with you as an “emergency” umbrella, slipping effortlessly into coat pockets or fanny packs without weighing you down. We were impressed that this option is only seven inches long when not in use (for reference, that’s as tall as an iPhone 13 Pro Max). Despite its smaller size, its robust mechanics, sturdiness, quality, and forecasted longevity make it a worthy investment at $60.  Plus, with a range of 10 vibrant colors to choose from, it adds a touch of fun to rainy days. This umbrella is perfect for solo strolls but not ideal for sharing with a friend — unless you're comfortable with a little cozy closeness.

The Details: 7 inches (closed) | 34-inch diameter (open) | 8 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Manual

Travel + Leisure / Maddy Baker

Best for Two People

Shedrain jumbo compact umbrella.

This umbrella provides more than ample coverage for two people.

We wish the handle was longer, although that’s not a deal breaker.

Bigger isn’t always better, but in this case, it might very well be. Despite its jumbo size, this umbrella is easy to handle and comfortably fits two individuals. With a spacious canopy and sturdy construction, it's a reliable shield against the elements, even boasting windproof capabilities up to 75 mph. It is on the longer side at 15 inches when closed, but it’s still compact enough to fit in a small carry-on suitcase . We love that it comes with a rubber wristlet so you can easily throw it on your wrist or hook it onto the outside of your bag when not in use. Bonus points: it only takes this umbrella about 10 minutes to fully air dry. 

The Details: 15 inches (closed) | 54-inch diameter (open) | 1.35 pounds | Steel frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Alicia Dolieslager

Best Quick-Dry

Totes titan umbrella.

Overall, we recommend this umbrella for its portability, durability, and ease of use, in addition to standing out as a top choice for water repellency and fast drying.

We would suggest improving the closing mechanics for a smoother operation.

Say goodbye to leaving your soaking wet umbrella out to dry overnight. The standout feature of this umbrella is how quick it dries after use, only needing minutes to fully dry. Despite facing moderate rain and strong winds of 25-28 mph, this umbrella held its ground admirably. Its one-handed, button-operated opening proved to be smooth, though closing required a bit more force. With a generous 43-inch canopy, it provided ample coverage for one person. The sturdy frame and solid mechanics withstood the wind during testing, offering a secure grip with its textured handle. Compact and lightweight at just 11 inches when folded, it's easily portable for on-the-go use. 

The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Gemma Scott

Most Affordable

Sy compact travel umbrella.

For how compact it is, we were impressed at how wide the canopy was when open, providing great coverage from getting wet.

Minor improvements could include enlarging the closure loop for easier fastening.

If you’re searching for affordability, durability, and style, then look no further. As the most budget-friendly option on this list, this umbrella impressed with its user-friendly design and effectiveness in repelling water. Its easy one-button opening and closing mechanism, though requiring a bit of muscle to fully close, was easy to operate. The comfortable handle added to its appeal, enhancing grip and comfort. Portable and lightweight, it easily fits into various bags without adding bulk. There are multiple colors and prints to choose from, providing an option for every taste. 

The Details: 10.8 inches (closed) | 37.5-inch diameter (open) | 12.2 ounces | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Cara Milhaven

Best Inverted Design

Siepasa inverted reverse upside down umbrella.

This umbrella is lightweight, sturdy, and reliable when it’s windy.

Given the inverted design, it is too large to fit into an average backpack, tote, or carry-on suitcase.

There are a whopping 44 design options to choose from with this stylish umbrella, featuring a solid color, print, or pattern on the inside of the canopy. We thought it was too large to carry in most day-to-day bags, but it would make a great option to keep in a car. In fact, its inverted design makes it especially easy to close when entering a car, while the button-operated opening mechanism provides smooth and hassle-free operation.

It does also offer hands-free carrying options, such as an oval handle for convenient wrist or bag strap attachment. Some users may find the smooth plastic handle difficult to grip for extended periods. However, the umbrella's ability to stand on its own was a standout feature, adding convenience when setting it down. Despite its lightweight and slim profile, it offered ample coverage for one or even two people, with sturdy construction that held up well against gusts of wind during testing. For what you pay, you get a lightweight, incredibly sturdy umbrella that is easy to use and reliable in the wind.

The Details: 31 inches (closed) | 49-inch diameter (open) | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Elise Wang

Most Stylish

Gustbuster automatic umbrella.

You can add a custom metal engraving on The Metro’s hardwood handle for a stylish detail.

This umbrella is better suited to fit in a backpack or tote than a smaller purse or pocket.

Have you ever considered adding a personal touch to your umbrella? Well, now you can with the option to engrave on this Gustbuster option. While it is considered a splurge, the ability to customize your umbrella adds a unique flair to an everyday item and also makes a great gift option. We love this umbrella for its ease of use and impressive water repellency. With a simple button operation and secure Velcro closure, it offers convenience and security, although its slightly larger size may make it bulkier to carry compared to smaller travel-size umbrellas. Despite its larger dimensions, it provides ample coverage for one person and possibly two, thanks to its durable construction and sturdy materials.

The Details: 16 inches (closed) | 43-inch diameter (open) | 1.1 pounds | Alloy steel frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Sophie Mendel

Best Prints

Shedrain compact umbrella.

Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into various bags, making it a versatile choice.

This umbrella is best for one person.

Pick up this ShedRain umbrella if you want to brighten up a sad, rainy day. This travel umbrella comes in a variety of punchy prints, from colorful florals to bold patterns. In terms of performance, the umbrella excelled in repelling rainwater, offering sufficient coverage for one adult and possibly two, although they would need to be close together. While not tested in extremely windy conditions, it still proved sturdy and durable, drying off quickly after we used it, with no signs of wear. Lightweight and compact, it fits easily into various bags, making it versatile for different situations. Priced at under $20, we’d say it’s an affordable option to add to your inventory of travel accessories.

The Details: 12 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 13.6 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Anna Mejorada

EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella

This umbrella offers excellent value for its quality and design, outperforming some more expensive brands.

While the umbrella's compact size is convenient for portability, it does not provide sufficient coverage for multiple people during heavy rainfall.

Four words: ballin’ on a budget. With its simple yet functional build and impressive performance compared to pricier alternatives, this travel umbrella earned our praise and recommendation as a budget-friendly, reliable choice for rainy days. Its automatic push-button opening mechanism, ergonomic handle, and compact size made it easy and comfortable to use during testing. Despite its small size when closed, it provides surprisingly ample coverage when open, suitable for one person. The umbrella's quality surpasses typical travel-size umbrellas, with sturdy construction and wind-resistant design. We found that it effectively repelled water and dried quickly after use, maintaining its functionality and appearance after we used it during light rainstorms. Highly portable and lightweight, it fits easily into various bags without taking up much space.

The Details: 11 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 14.4 ounces | Fiberglass frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Henry Yung

Best for Sun Protection

Sport-brella versa-brella.

This umbrella’s best feature is its versatility, making it a highly adaptable option for providing shade in various outdoor settings.

It's a clamp-on model, so it's not intended to be used as a handheld umbrella.

Did somebody say beach day? This umbrella is best to take on the go to the beach, pool, park, or anywhere you think you’ll need some extra shade. This umbrella has a 1.5-inch clamp that will hold onto anything, making it versatile for any outdoor situation. While primarily designed for sun protection, it proved durable and provided satisfactory rain coverage for one person, although the lopsided design (one half of the umbrella is longer than the other) required adjustments in windy conditions. The material is durable, but we found that the frame can be flimsy depending on what it's attached to.

The Details: 36 inches (closed) | 42-inch diameter (open) | 1.8 pounds | Aluminum frame | Auto-open

Travel + Leisure / Kimberly Souza

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Other Travel Umbrellas We Liked

Three additional travel umbrellas we tested couldn’t quite earn a spot on our list due to minor issues but still had notable features that may meet the needs of some travelers.

Blunt Metro Umbrella : It’s clear that this umbrella’s structure provides durability, but despite its quality build, we found it to be too large for daily commuting and travel. However, this could be an excellent option to keep at home.

Samsonite Windguard Auto Umbrella : The umbrella's durability and quality materials make it feel sturdy and capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions, providing reliable protection. However, it requires significant force to close, which could be challenging for individuals with limited hand or arm strength. It also only comes in one color option: black.

EuroSchirm Swing Liteflex Ultra-light Weight Trekking Umbrella : This umbrella has a lightweight design and spacious canopy that accommodates two people comfortably, but the high price point and elongated size of the collapsed umbrella limits its portability and affordability compared to other travel umbrellas on the market.

Our T+L team tested 18 travel umbrellas in everyday scenarios to assess ease of use, protection, durability, portability, and value. We followed a comprehensive examination to evaluate each option, including overall construction, packability, performance in wet weather and windy conditions, coverage, drying time, and sturdiness. We used the umbrellas in a variety of practical scenarios, including rainy and windy days, and tested them while commuting to and from work to determine functionality, versatility, and durability. 

We took notes on how easy it was to open and close the umbrellas and their portability in different sized bags. Special attention was paid to the durability and quality of the umbrellas’ materials, including the fabric, wire structure, handle, and pole, to assess long-term resilience. In wet weather conditions, the umbrellas’ performance was evaluated in terms of its coverage, sturdiness, and comfort. Assessments include whether the umbrella adequately protects from rain, its size when fully open, the comfort of the handle, and stability in windy conditions. If exposed to rain, we also took notes on the time it took for the umbrella to dry completely and any signs of wear and tear. Some options did not make this list due to low-quality materials that blew inside out too easily and didn’t offer adequate coverage in the rain.

Our long-term plan includes testing these umbrellas for an additional six months to monitor each umbrella’s performance and durability in different travel scenarios and weather conditions. As we continue to test the umbrellas in various real-world settings, we will take notes on portability, practicality, and durability, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of each travel umbrella’s reliability. We will update these results if our findings should change and as we test new umbrellas.

Tips for Buying Travel Umbrellas

Think about how compact you need it to be.

Before purchasing the travel umbrella that is best for you, take a moment and think about your intended use. Determine whether you need the umbrella for occasional travel or everyday use, as this will influence factors like durability and portability. Assess whether the dimensions — especially the length of it when not in use — and weight of the umbrella suit your preferred method of carrying it, whether in a pocket, purse, backpack, or by its strap/handle.

We recommend opting for umbrellas that are specifically designed for travel since they are often more compact and lightweight compared to regular umbrellas. Additionally, pay attention to the dimensions of the umbrella when it’s fully open. Some travel umbrellas are designed for one person, while others are larger and suitable for two. Choose the size that best fits your needs, whether you prefer individual coverage or sharing with a travel companion.

Prioritize durable materials

When you're on the hunt for a travel umbrella, don't forget about durability. Look out for ones that have durable materials to ensure longevity and reliable performance, including fiberglass, aluminum, or sturdy steel for the frame and ribs. (Pro tip: all of our recommendations on this list are made from one of these three materials.) A strong canopy fabric, preferably with water-repellent coatings, adds to the umbrella's durability and weather resistance.

And, don’t overlook the quality of the handle and grip, as this will make or break your rainy day travels. Choose options with handles made from comfortable, non-slip materials like rubber or foam, ensuring a secure hold even in wet conditions. Ergonomic designs further enhance comfort during prolonged use.

Look for useful features

When purchasing a travel umbrella, look for useful features that enhance convenience and functionality. Consider umbrellas with a carrying strap that allows you to loop it around your wrist while walking, keeping your hands free for other tasks. A rubberized handle provides a secure grip, especially in rainy conditions, reducing the risk of slippage.

Opt for umbrellas with alternate designs such as inverted umbrellas or those made from Teflon-coated materials. Inverted umbrellas fold inward, trapping water inside and preventing drips when closed, while Teflon-coated fabrics repel water and facilitate quicker drying, ideal for on-the-go use.

Additionally, consider other features like automatic open and close mechanisms for effortless operation, windproof designs with reinforced frames and vents to withstand strong winds, and UV protection for added sun safety during outdoor activities.

The ideal diameter for a travel umbrella depends on personal preference and intended use, but a common diameter range for travel umbrellas is between 36 to 42 inches when fully opened. This size provides a balance between compactness for portability and sufficient coverage to protect against rain. 

If you plan on using the umbrella for two people, a diameter closer to 48 inches or more would provide sufficient coverage for both individuals. Ultimately, the best diameter for a travel umbrella is one that suits your specific needs and preferences while offering adequate protection from the elements.

An umbrella is considered windproof when it's designed and constructed to withstand strong wind gusts without flipping inside out or breaking. Several key features contribute to making an umbrella windproof, including a sturdy frame and a flexible and durable canopy material that can withstand wind pressure without tearing or collapsing. Even automatic open and close mechanisms ensure quick deployment and retraction, enabling the umbrella to be easily deployed even in sudden gusts of wind.

Yes, you can bring an umbrella on a plane. According to the TSA , umbrellas are allowed for both carry-on and checked baggage, as long as you adhere to size and weight restrictions. In this case, we recommend packing a portable, compact umbrella to avoid any potential hold ups during a security screening.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

An expert on shopping trends and a frequent traveler, Maddie Michalik has been professionally reviewing products since 2014. For this story, she combed through T+L’s detailed testing insights for various travel umbrellas, reading through testing feedback for each umbrella, then referenced product descriptions and additional research to create a comprehensive roundup of the best travel umbrellas today.

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.

travel umbrella colorful

The 10 Best Travel Umbrellas, Tested & Reviewed

By Claire Volkman

Image may contain City Urban Person Architecture Building High Rise Canopy and Housing

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

The one thing that I absolutely never forget to pack: a travel umbrella. No matter where I’m going, except for the Wadi Rum or the Sahara Desert maybe, there’s bound to be some inclement weather. Rain, sleet, thunderstorms; no destination is without them. Having an umbrella on hand allows you to keep your travel plans intact, and even see the sights in some places without all the crowds.

However, the task of picking an umbrella is about as daunting as picking a suitcase . With about a million options to choose from and all of them claiming to be “the best travel umbrella,” it’s no wonder so many just pick the cheapest option and go. However, not all umbrellas are created equally—as anyone who has found themselves with one completely inverted during a torrential downpour will tell you. Below, we’ve rounded up the best of the best travel umbrellas, keeping features like durability, wind-resistance, and size in mind.

This article has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

Discover the best travel umbrellas:

  • Best overall: Weatherman travel umbrella
  • Most compact: Davek The Davek mini
  • Best for cities: Amy's Automatic umbrella
  • Most affordable: Repel windproof travel umbrella
  • Most durable: Blunt Metro umbrella
  • Best splurge: Pasotti Tropical umbrella
  • Most lightweight: Totes mini manual umbrella
  • Best patterns: Rifle Paper Company umbrella
  • Most wind-resistant: Davek Elite umbrella
  • Most sustainable: Totes recycled canopy umbrella

Best overall travel umbrella

Image may contain: Tool, Axe, Umbrella, and Canopy

Why we love it : Sturdy, wind-resistant, lightweight, and incredibly compact, the Weatherman travel umbrella is undeniably the best on the market. This umbrella has a serious fanbase, with hundreds of nearly perfect reviews on Amazon. It is surprisingly lightweight, and can easily fit in a carry-on or tote bag . It has an automatic open and close feature, a reinforced fiberglass base, and a water-resistant, Teflon-coated fabric. Plus, it shields winds up to 45 MPH and is tough enough to withstand even the heaviest of rainfall.

Worth noting : There aren’t many things to complain about this umbrella, however, it is a bit pricey coming in at $69. However, with a lifetime warranty, it’s well worth the splurge.

Dimensions:  Open diameter: 38"; Closed length: 12" Weight: 0.85 oz. Carrying sleeve included: Yes

Most compact

travel umbrella colorful

Why we love it: When they say mini, they mean mini. The Davek Mini is so small and compact that it fits in the palm of your hand. Measuring less than 7 inches when closed, you can easily stash this umbrella in your carry-on, backpack , or even a jacket pocket. Plus, it weighs less than a pound, making it almost unnoticeable when not in use. Made from reinforced fiberglass, it also comes in 10 bright colors so you can coordinate your umbrella with the rest of your outfit.

Worth noting: Because of its size, the canopy doesn’t provide overwhelming coverage. Additionally, it’s not built for extreme storms and functions best in light showers.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 38"; Closed length: 7"

Weight : 0.8 oz.

Carrying sleeve included : Yes

Best for cities

Image may contain: Clothing, Apparel, Lifejacket, Vest, Shirt, Text, and Label

Why we love it : With a sleek and stylish small wooden or plastic handle, this lightweight umbrella features a wind-defying 8-rib canopy that’s also UPF 50+ certified, meaning it provides adequate sun protection, too. Small enough to walk down the busy streets of Chicago during a rainstorm without the awkward “bump and sideswipe,” it fits easily in a work tote, briefcase, or backpack. Plus, it features an automatic open and close, and comes in over a dozen bright and bold patterns and colorways, making it easy to stand out in a sea of black and blue canopies. It also comes with a five-year global warranty and is pretty affordable at only $40.

Worth noting: It’s small enough to fit in your hand, which means the canopy doesn’t offer premium protection in heavy rainstorms.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 38.1"; Closed length: 21.6"

Weight : 0.76 oz.

Most affordable

Image may contain: Umbrella, and Canopy

Why we love it : You can’t go wrong with this incredibly durable, lightweight, and affordable Repel travel umbrella. With over 36,000 4.5-star Amazon reviews, this is an overwhelming crowd favorite among travelers, worker bees, families, and everyone in between. I tested the durability during a heavy summer rainstorm in Chicago, and it stood up surprisingly well thanks to its 9-rib canopy, heavy-duty Teflon-coated fabric, and non-slip rubber grip. Plus, the automatic open and close feature makes it super easy to go in and out of buildings and restaurants without getting soaked or stuck. Another thing to note was how well it stood up to Chicago’s infamous winds—not bending, flipping, or even flapping during big gusts. The best part? It’s only $27 on Amazon and comes in 10 colors.

Worth noting: We didn’t find any problems with the umbrella, but some reviewers found that it didn’t stand up to heavier winds and isn't as lightweight as other comparable brands.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 42"; Closed length: 11.5"

Weight : 0.93 oz.

Carrying sleeve included : No

Most durable

Image may contain: Umbrella, and Canopy

Why we love it : This heavy-duty umbrella stands up to even the strongest rainstorms, and offers supreme coverage thanks to its patented wind-tip rounded edges, which work like mini umbrellas. It’s also built with a 360-degree spinning canopy which prevents it from breaking when dropped or knocked over. It’s extremely wind-resistant and has been tested to withstand the winds and rains of a category one hurricane. It’s also made from rip-resistant pongee fabric that is also super quick to dry, so you can easily go back indoors without needing a plastic cover.

Worth noting: This umbrella only features six ribs, which means it's smaller than Blunt’s other umbrellas.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 39"; Closed length: 15"

Weight : 0.85 oz.

Best splurge

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Why we love it : If looking chic is just as important as staying dry, this is the umbrella for you. Handcrafted by Italian umbrella maker Pasotti, the canopy will stop people in their tracks—with a beautiful tropical pattern in sage, gold, and dark green. When I was walking in downtown Chicago, I had four people stop to ask me about this umbrella (and then a few ask to buy it from me). Although I originally gravitated to this umbrella for its looks, the functionality is why it’s my absolute go-to. The canopy extends 102 centimeters and has a 93 centimeter shaft, meaning I’m not going to get pelted by rain when it’s windy (which is everyday in Chicago).

Worth noting: At $275, this is by far the most expensive on the list.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 40"

Most lightweight

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Why we love it : They weren’t kidding when they said this is one of the most lightweight umbrellas on the market, weighing only 8 ounces. Small enough to fit into most purses , carry-ons, totes, and computer bags, this umbrella doesn’t take up any more space than it needs too. One drawback with the size is that you need to activate the canopy manually (no quick release button). However, the handle is sturdy and the canopy provides ample coverage for most light-to-moderate rain storms. I love the fact that it comes in multiple colors and patterns, and the price makes it easy to stock up on a few (only $25 at Amazon).

Worth noting: Due to the size, it’s not super wind-resistant and wouldn’t be a great pick if you’re facing a heavy downpour or storm.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11.2"

Weight : 7.8 ounces

Best patterns

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Why we love it : If you’re someone who buys a bottle of wine based on the label, these umbrellas are for you. Known for its bold, whimsical, and delicate patterns and floral designs, Rifle Paper Company’s umbrellas are true works of art. Each umbrella also features a sleek wooden handle and an automatic open/close feature.

Worth noting: This is not the umbrella to buy if you’re looking for durability, extreme wind resistance, or more bells and whistles. This basic umbrella provides decent coverage in light rain, but isn’t meant for heavy winds or downpours.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11"

Most wind-resistant

Image may contain: Umbrella, Canopy, and Tent

Why we love it : There’s a reason 81 people have given this umbrella a nearly perfect rating on Amazon—it actually holds up. Sure, it may be a splurge at $159, but it is well worth the price tag when you see how it holds up. Surprisingly compact, the canopy extends 50 inches, giving you extreme protection against even heavy rains. Plus, it’s small enough to fit in a carry-on, backpack, or large tote bag. The fabric is 201-thread count, making it luxurious to touch but also extremely powerful against rain. The best feature is the wind-tension frame system, which can withstand heavy winds and prevent inversion. We tested this against a very blustery 55 MPH wind day in Chicago, and there was barely any flapping or movement at all from the tough canopy.

Worth noting: It’s expensive, but comes with a lifetime warranty and replacement guarantee.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 50"; Closed length: 35"

Weight : 1 lb.

Most sustainable

Image may contain: Umbrella, and Canopy

Why we love it : Shopping sustainably is more important now than ever, and that extends to umbrellas, too. Tote’s recycled umbrella is made from 100 percent Recycled PET plastics, equating to about 7.5 recycled water bottles per umbrella. The handle and strap are also made from all renewable resources, like bamboo and hemp, and the production process uses less water overall. In terms of coverage, the Pet umbrella features Tote’s patented NeverWet invisible coating allowing the rain to drip off the umbrella 4 percent faster, leaving you with a drier umbrella once indoors.

Worth noting: Its compact design makes it easy to travel with, however, doesn’t provide a ton of additional coverage beyond your person.

Dimensions : Open diameter: 43"; Closed length: 11.5"

Weight : 1.15 lbs.

Travel Fashion Girl

Best Travel Umbrella Recommendations (By Our Awesome Readers!)

TRAVEL , Travel Accessories

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No matter the season, it’s easy to get caught in a rainstorm while traveling and get drenched if you’re not prepared. We’ve asked our readers for their best travel umbrella recommendations, and they delivered!

Best Travel Umbrella

Written by: Michelle Nati

Table Of Contents

If you’ve ever been to London , Amsterdam , or any other European cities during rainy seasons, you can almost always guarantee some rain while on your trip. On the days it isn’t raining, you might need to keep yourself covered from the sun.

Carrying a heavy raincoat just won’t do. If you’re wondering which are the best travel umbrellas to bring, our readers weigh in with their reviews. They know the importance of having something easy to carry and pack, and that will keep you dry. Here are their tried and tested recommendations!

Top Umbrella Travel Picks

best-travel-umbrella

LANBRELLA Compact Travel Umbrella

Travel Beach Umbrella: LANBRELLA

The Ultra Lite Umbrella  Supermini is an elegant umbrella at an affordable price and you can choose from two sizes. Readers say it’s small, compact, and does the job for keeping them dry or shaded from the hot sun. And when the rain comes, just push the button to automatically open it and away you go. 

You’ll want to look your best when you travel! Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly !

best-travel-umbrella

GAOYAING Mini Travel Umbrella

Small Travel Umbrella: GAOYAING 

This  compact umbrella fits in the palm of your hand and can be stuffed in your purse while on the go. It’s lightweight and able to withstand the wind without breaking. One reader says, “I carry a Travelon crossbody bucket bag that has a compartment for a small umbrella. Mine weighs nothing and is always with me when I travel. It has a UV coating, and I use it when it’s hot and sunny too.”

Create a full rainy day outfit with these cute rain boots for women!

best-travel-umbrella

Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella

Lightweight Travel Umbrella: Rain-Mate

With patented, fail-safe flip technology and a sturdy but lightweight metal and fiberglass frame, the Rain-Mate will keep you thoroughly protected against strong winds and the elements. One reader says the brand’s products are always on point. “They are inexpensive, decent enough quality, and they have many styles/prints. Their umbrellas fit in any bag when folded!”

Blondo Villa is a solid waterproof boot–learn why!

best-travel-umbrella

EEZ-Y Compact Travel Umbrella

Compact Travel Umbrella: EEZ-Y 

This parasol by EEZ-Y has a mechanical locking system that is simple to use, allowing for an almost instant canopy of coverage from the elements. Readers tout its stylishness (it comes in several colors and patterns) and say it’s an overall great accessory that folds up small.

Want something less bulky? Here’s the best lightweight rain products !

best-travel-umbrella

Repel Windproof Umbrella

Travel Umbrella Amazon Best Buy: Repel

The Repel windproof travel umbrella with Teflon coating can chase away any rainy days yet dries fairly quickly. When you’re done using it, shake it off, and store it—you won’t have to worry about your things getting drenched. More rugged than similarly priced umbrellas on the market, it will get you through your vacation, rain or shine!

Here are the best fall coats to keep you dry and warm on the road!

best-travel-umbrella

totes Titan Foldable Umbrella

totes Travel Umbrella: Titan

A windproof umbrella that works when needed comes courtesy of totes . It collapses down easily to fit into a backpack, but when opened has a massive, sturdy canopy that does the job in every situation, from a downpour to a day at the beach. One reader loves hers because it’s “very small and inexpensive.”

Take a look at these lightweight fall jackets !

best-travel-umbrella

Knirps Duomatic Umbrella

Mini Travel Umbrella: Knirps

Knirps invented the folding umbrella way back in 1928, so you know they get rain protection just right. The duomatic will get you where you want to go, dry, and in high style. One reader says it’s not only lightweight, elegant, and functional; it is durable too. “I’ve had mine for years with no problems, and I like it because of its compact size and cute zipper shell case.”

Keep rain-free throughout fall and spring with these versatile boots !

Umbrella Accessories

best-travel-umbrella

Xinda Carabiner Clip 

Travel Umbrella Clip: Xinda

When you’re traveling, you mostly want to keep your hands free when you can. A clip like this one by Xinda will help you carry smaller items by attaching them to your body. When it comes to your umbrella, you can attach it to a carabiner, so you don’t have to shove it back in your purse wet. As one reader says, “Doing this is so much easier than having to haul it around manually all day.” 

Alternatives to an Umbrella

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Columbia Arcadia II Waterproof Jacket | Sizes XXS-3XL

Columbia Arcadia II

This quality rain jacket by Columbia feels thick, allows for plenty of layers, and holds up under rainy day scrutiny. It fits snug around hips and wrists (which have Velcro for tightening) to keep you dry. On top of everything else, it comes in plenty of bright, bold colors and diverse sizing. 

One reader, who touts this brand’s great packable options, calls this jacket, “awesome.” Another reader agrees, adding, “It’s a reasonable price. I’ve had mine for years.” 

Check out our full Colombia jacket review !

best-travel-umbrella

Eddie Bauer Rainfoil Packable Jacket | Sizes XXS-2XL

Eddie Bauer Rainfoil

Eddie Bauer has you covered for whatever Mother Nature has in store. This sturdy piece will shield you from it all, without being overly bulky or heavy. You’ll be cozy, but not too hot in its light, breathable polyester shell, and it comes in three different fits to match your body type. 

One reader who wore hers in Scotland in springtime was impressed with its coverage. “I like that it came down to my hip. It covered my bum, had a hood and, was just the right weight for me. It was very light, so I was able to layer underneath.”

Stay even drier with this list of rain jackets for women !

best-travel-umbrella

Cole Haan Back Bow Packable Hooded Raincoat | Sizes XS-3X

Cole Haan Packable Jacket 

This lux-looking coat by Cole Haan   seems less like you’re roughing it camping and more like you’re up for an urban adventure on the rain-soaked streets of Vienna or Rome. Waterproof, lightweight, roomy, and breathable, it dries quickly and packs small in its own pocket. 

Readers love its streamlined look, with one saying it packs down easy, too. “ The right pocket converts into a stuff sack for packing convenience.”

Look at this post for how to wear trench coats stylishly!

best-travel-umbrella

SaphiRose Hooded Zip Up Poncho

SaphiRose Poncho

A dependable rain poncho can keep you dry but may be more practical than cute. SaphiRose has turned the tables with this whimsical piece in black and white polka dots. One reader, who purchased hers before heading to Ireland says, “I couldn’t find a plus size that suited me, and this totally did the trick! Kept myself and my backpack nice and dry and folded up tight.” 

Here are the best waterproof jackets for travel!

Product Comparison Chart

[wpsm_comparison_table id=”162″ class=”center-table-align”]

You can learn about our hacks with packing cubes in this video !

best-travel-umbrella

Compass Rose Packing Cubes

How Do I Pack My Umbrella?

Many of our readers use packing cubes to organize their rain gear and accessories. Compass Rose packing cubes allows you to do so by number and color, so you know what’s in each bag. 

We put together a five-part YouTube series showing the different methods to use packing cubes for travel. If you use this specific packing strategy, packing cubes can also compress your belongings. This is the secret to traveling carry-on only!

What do you think the best travel umbrella is? Share and comment below!

For more travel accessories, please read:

  • 15 Must-Have Travel Accessories Our Readers Can’t Live Without
  • Best Travel Alarm Clock Recommendations to Help You Wake-Up
  • Business Travel Essentials: 15 Products to Simplify Your Life
  • The 7 Best Eye Masks for Long Flights

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Linda Pearson

I was looking for a wind proof umbrella. Thank you!

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  • Outdoor gear

The Best Umbrellas for Wind and Rain

Two closed stick umbrellas and four regular umbrellas of different colors leaning against a pair of black rain boots.

By James Austin , Daniel Varghese and Sarah J. Robbins

Trudging through rain is rarely enjoyable, but a great umbrella will reduce the misery, keep you (mostly) dry, and easily stow away when it’s not needed.

Our favorite is the compact Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella . Its nine-rib construction held up against gale-force winds, and it’s as sturdy as umbrellas that sell for more than twice the price.

Everything we recommend

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Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella

The best travel umbrella for most people.

This solidly built, easy-to-find umbrella holds up in high winds. It also comes in several colors.

Buying Options

price may vary by color or style

travel umbrella colorful

AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent

A travel umbrella with great wind resistance.

This nicely priced umbrella blew away most competition in wind-resistance tests. It comes in a range of colors, but they tend to vary in price, and this model has a history of stock issues.

travel umbrella colorful

Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella

A travel umbrella that’s slightly more fancy, slightly less practical.

This umbrella performs similarly to our top pick but has a more luxurious feel and build. However, it lacks a wrist strap.

Budget pick

travel umbrella colorful

Lewis N. Clark Umbrella

A cheap, light, and bright travel umbrella.

This isn’t the toughest umbrella, but it comes in many colors, and it’s portable and inexpensive. So it’s great for kids or forgetful folks.

travel umbrella colorful

Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella

A low-priced stick-style umbrella.

With this model, you get classic style and impressive durability at a very reasonable weight—and price.

Upgrade pick

travel umbrella colorful

Davek Elite

A premium stick-style umbrella.

If you’re willing to pay a lot more for a timeless umbrella with elevated style and construction, this is the one to get.

How we picked

The top job of any worthy umbrella is to keep the user dry and protected from the elements.

Though we picked umbrellas of varying lengths, we made sure they were all light and easily portable.

An umbrella should be able to withstand strong gusts, invert without breaking, and then resume its original structure.

Umbrellas are not heirloom items. Since they’re frequently lost or loaned, we looked for options that weren’t overly expensive.

And to suit a range of preferences, we have four other picks, including a budget travel umbrella (perfect for forgetful types) and a high-end, stick-style umbrella that provides more coverage (and is constructed from premium materials).

The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella folds up to a compact size (11½ inches long), so it fits in most bags and glove boxes. At the touch of a button, it forcefully expands to reveal an ample canopy (37 inches in diameter), which protects your torso and head from precipitation in all but the windiest conditions. And its textured handle is easy for hands of all sizes to grip. We also appreciate that this umbrella comes in several colors (see other options here ), so you can more readily find yours in a crowded umbrella bucket. Finally, Repel backs this reasonably priced umbrella with a lifetime refund or replacement guarantee —but only if you purchase directly from Repel and register the item under its warranty.

The AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent costs less than our top pick—if you get it in black (the other shades cost more.) And due to its vented design and sturdy build, it shrugged off even the toughest gusts during testing. Since 2017, when it first came to our attention, this umbrella has gone in and out of stock several times, making it hard to predict when it would be available. But as of winter 2023, the stock issues seem to have been resolved. Provided that remains the case, this is a solid umbrella.

The Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella looks and feels premium—with a wooden handle and solid build quality—yet it costs less than our top pick, the Repel umbrella. But its wooden handle is more slippery than the Repel’s handle, and since the Balios umbrella also lacks a wrist strap, you need to be more vigilant in keeping a grip on it. This umbrella held up well to strong winds, and its 37-inch-wide canopy easily bounced back after it was forced to invert during testing. The Balios umbrella deploys quickly.

The Lewis N. Clark Umbrella was a previous top pick in this guide, and it’s still a great value. This lightweight travel model frequently goes on sale for about half the price of our other picks, so it’s a good choice for kids or those who tend to lose umbrellas. It isn’t as solidly built as our other picks, but at 10 ounces, it’s about a quarter-pound lighter than the Repel and AmazonBasics models. And its 38-inch canopy offers better coverage and more wind resistance compared with most other umbrellas in the sub-$20 range. We also like that it comes in nine colors.

If you want more coverage than a compact automatic umbrella can provide, stick umbrellas, though typically taller and heavier, have a wider canopy, so they protect more than just your upper torso. Among the nine stick options we tested, the Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella was by far the most affordable. Yet it held up against the strongest winds and didn’t feel at all top-heavy, which is a common issue with this type of umbrella (often misidentified as a golf umbrella). This one also looks nicer than you might expect for the price. But if you want something made from more premium materials, and you’re willing to spend a lot more, consider our other stick-umbrella pick, the Davek Elite.

As we’ve established, you don’t have to shell out a lot of money to get a great umbrella. But if you do opt to splurge on a timeless stick, the Davek Elite is worth it. It has a stitched leather handle, a high-quality fiberglass frame, and a 44-inch microfiber canopy. (Plus, there’s a lifetime guarantee to back it all up.) The Elite is available in three colors (black, navy blue, and copper). Beyond its fancy materials, this umbrella can really perform. It withstands wind exceptionally well. And, thanks to its flexible ribs, it doesn’t become a kite when subjected to strong gusts; instead, it turns inside out and then recovers easily. It’s worth noting, however, that the Elite’s cane handle measures 5 inches across, which could be a lot for a smaller hand to manage.

The research

Why you should trust us, how we tested, our pick: repel windproof travel umbrella, runner-up: amazonbasics automatic travel umbrella with wind vent, also great: balios folding double canopy umbrella, budget pick: lewis n. clark umbrella, also great: an inexpensive stick-style umbrella, upgrade pick: a premium stick-style umbrella, other good umbrellas, what about inverted umbrellas, care and maintenance, the competition, frequently asked questions.

Over the past several years, we’ve taken umbrellas on errands, run them under the shower, attacked them with a leaf blower, and tortured them to the point of failure in gusty winds and blizzard-like conditions. In between the tests, we’ve lived with these umbrellas and loaned samples to family members and friends. This has generated impromptu side-by-side comparisons and ultimately revealed how these umbrellas hold up with long-term use. After all of our testing, we’re confident we’ve found some of the best umbrellas among the hundreds available.

When we initially conducted our research, we also visited Rain or Shine in New York City. At the time, it was one of the few umbrella specialty retailers left in the US (it has since closed). Peggy Levee, Rain or Shine’s owner, was a protégé of Gilbert Center , a storied umbrella sales and repair expert, who was also a source for this guide. Levee formerly operated out of a Midtown Manhattan office stocked with high-end models from around the world. Together with Levee, we examined a range of brands and discussed performance, value, and owner satisfaction.

A group shot of colorful, closed umbrellas that we tested.

As always, we started by reassessing our own past research and testing, and we looked at other online reviews. Before visiting the Rain or Shine umbrella store in New York City, we consulted the work of the good folks at OutdoorGearLab , who have done their own extensive umbrella trials. A post on The Art of Manliness website provided historical context and some well-informed general opinions.

Our 2015 interview with umbrella sales and repair guru Gilbert Center revealed a sad truth: Most (though not all) umbrella making is outsourced to generalist manufacturers, often at the expense of quality. Our dive into online reviews and retail offerings supported that fact; it revealed that there’s an alarming number of cheap, physically identical umbrellas available under multiple, rarely well-known brands. Our digging also revealed there’s a startling similarity and positivity in supposed owner reviews (we’re on record as being skeptics of this phenomenon ). Armed with this background information, we were able to develop some key criteria to help us narrow the field of qualified contestants.

  • It turns out that a 37- to 39-inch-diameter canopy is just about perfect for keeping someone’s head and torso dry—without adding too much bulk to the total package. That’s why this is the range for most manufacturers’ standard or “full-size” portable umbrellas. Regardless of an umbrella’s size, no model will keep you dry from head to toe, especially if there’s a breeze. Blowing rain and puddles inevitably produce wet calves and pant cuffs, dampened thighs, and even soaked waists. It’s better to think of an umbrella as protection for your hairdo and upper torso as you scurry between car and office or subway and home. In 2017 and 2018, we looked into larger options, for those who may value extra coverage stretching to the abdomen. By contrast, mini umbrellas are generally no better than a wide-brimmed hat, so we skipped those models.
  • We focused on umbrellas that were shorter than 12 inches fully folded —with the exception of some stick umbrellas—since most people want something that fits into a car’s glove box or a backpack’s water-bottle pocket. But we don’t recommend ultra-compact models: Though banana-sized umbrellas do exist, their canopies are often too small to be effective. And on ultra-compact full-size umbrellas, the ribs have four joints rather than two, so there are more potential points of failure.
  • We sought a main pick that weighed less than a pound , with preference given to lighter models. After all, you’ll probably be carrying it with you most of the time. But we allowed some wiggle room for the larger stick umbrellas, since you typically tote them more like a cane or walking stick.
  • Materials don’t vary much among brands. What matters: the quality of the design and production, and the specific alloy employed . All umbrellas use a synthetic fabric—usually polyester or nylon—for the canopy. Some boast an additional quick-dry coating of Teflon (though we’ve found this doesn’t make much difference in practice). The ribs and shaft are usually constructed from steel, aluminum, and fiberglass, either alone or in combination. Aluminum construction is sometimes considered a weakness, probably because of the metal’s association with soda cans and cooking foil. (“Stay away from it,” said Rain or Shine’s Peggy Levee. “What’s better is steel and fiberglass.”) But this could be an unfair generalization. After all, if you’ve taken a commercial flight, you’ve entrusted your life to critical components made of aluminum, such as wing ribs and roots; the process is not functionally different from that used to make soda cans, but it’s on an incomprehensibly larger ( and epoch-making ) scale.
  • Although canopy and rib materials aren’t of primary importance, leather, pleather, and rubberized plastic handles offer a much better grip than hard plastic ones—especially when they’re molded into a shape that follows the hand’s natural contours. Stick umbrellas often (though not always) come with a cane handle made of wood or laminate, leather, or rubberized plastic.

A close-up of the handles of six of the umbrellas we tested for this guide.

  • Choosing an automatic or manual opening mechanism is simply a matter of preference. Our research into owner experiences and our own internal polls bias us toward automatics—umbrellas that fully open and partially close with the push of a button on the handle. (So far, no automatic umbrella provides the finishing touch of cinching the canopy with the strap, and it’s hard to imagine one ever will.) If you’re carrying groceries, a purse, a briefcase, or a child in one hand, it’s helpful to be able to snap your umbrella open or closed with the other. That’s why our top pick remains an automatic. We should note, however, that virtually all stick umbrellas have a manual close, and many lightweight umbrellas are fully manual in order to save weight.
  • Then there’s the question of economy . We discovered it’s possible to get an under-$25 model that’s solid enough to bend in the wind and reliably snap back into shape—so you won’t be heartbroken if you leave it at a restaurant. You can find ones for even less, but we wouldn’t recommend them, nor would Levee: “Yes, you can get a $5 umbrella in the street and a $10 umbrella at the drugstore. But how many are you buying?” With these, it’s less a matter of if than of when it will finally break (often on the same day you bought it). If you want to spend much more than $30 on an umbrella, you can get something special. But whether an umbrella is worth that investment depends more on your style proclivities or if you tend to lose umbrellas. “The average price for a nice stick umbrella is around $80 to $120,” Levee said. To be sure, a custom-carved, maple-handled Italian stick umbrella with a twill canopy, such as the Davek Savile we tested, is long on style. However, it won’t perform much better than our budget-friendly stick pick . (Though the steeper investment might motivate you to check the umbrella stand before you walk out the door of a restaurant.)
  • Warranties also matter. Many companies that produce budget umbrellas offer lifetime coverage or other attractive claims. But they make the return shipping and documentation so costly and bureaucratic that it’s not worth the hassle. We favor well-known companies with simple, reliable return-and-replace programs, even if that means a slight increase in up-front cost.

Multiple stick and expanding umbrellas arranged on grass.

For our 2018 update, we conducted research on dozens of new automatic, manual, ultralight, reversible, and stick umbrellas. In the end, we decided to test seven models (from Ace Teah, Bodyguard, Crackajack, Elementex, LifeTek, and Tadge Goods) against our picks from Repel, AmazonBasics, and Lewis N. Clark.

In 2019, we built on what we’d learned from previous updates, testing an additional seven umbrellas from Herschel, Balios, Davek, and Totes. We also checked out inverted umbrellas and included detailed notes on what we thought of that design.

To state the obvious: An umbrella is supposed to keep you dry. So in 2015, we tested several umbrellas for their ability to keep a T-shirt–clad mannequin dry beneath the spray of a dual shower head. To nobody’s surprise, we learned that wider umbrellas did a better job of reliably protecting the mannequin’s head, shoulders, and upper torso.

But once canopies get larger than the 37- to 39-inch range (the typical size of the automatic umbrellas we tested), you start running into weight issues without gaining significantly better coverage. Having established that, in subsequent years we focused our testing on other aspects of umbrella performance and build quality.

A person holding a green lewis and clark umbella in front of the New York skyline.

Instead, we concentrated on testing the umbrellas in real-world scenarios and, perhaps most important, seeing how they held up to stiff winds. Ideally, an umbrella should be lightweight and tough, flexible and resilient.

A good umbrella will withstand a stiff breeze, but it should also invert—flip inside out—when a sudden gust overwhelms its strength limits. In effect, it should bend rather than break. What matters is an umbrella’s ability to easily and repeatedly flip back to proper form. In 2017, on a rainy February day, Wirecutter’s Sarah J. Robbins took 16 models with her as she ran errands with her infant son in a BabyBjörn carrier. A few days later, during a sunny but blustery day, she did a second lap, this time pushing her baby in a stroller. She brought her observations to senior staff writer Tim Heffernan, who had performed the 2016 tests. Together, they reached subjective conclusions based on factors such as weight, balance, and handle comfort.

For the stick umbrellas, which were considerably taller and heavier, we considered how easy they were to use for Sarah, who is 5-foot-2, and for Tim and Daniel Varghese, who are both about 6 feet tall. After that, the most promising candidates weathered a series of stress tests.

We began our tests in the small park outside our office in Long Island City, New York. The goal was to force the umbrellas to invert by holding them in a position they’d rarely, if ever, be subjected to in real-world use: with the handle facing parallel to the ground and the canopy directly downwind, catching the wind like a sail. Once we’d made the canopy invert, we attempted to reverse it.

After weeding out models that were too hard to flip back or were damaged in the process, we tested the survivors during various New York City squalls. Staff writer James Austin used these umbrellas during his daily commute, taking into account the amount of protection they provided and how easy they were to carry on the buses, trains, and streets of New York City.

An opened Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella in the color grey.

The Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella is our top pick because in quality and durability, it’s on a par with models we saw for more than twice the price. In fact, the Repel umbrella felt just as solid in every phase of our testing as $100-plus models we tested. You can find lighter options (the Repel weighs just over 14 ounces), but along with its heft comes an ability to withstand big gusts. Billed as a “travel umbrella,” it folds up to just 11½ inches long, so it’s easy to store and carry. Still, when this umbrella is fully extended, its 37-inch canopy offers plenty of coverage.

A person holding a red Repel Windproof Travel umbrella to see the bottom.

One of the Repel’s selling points is its nine-rib construction. While most standard umbrellas have eight or fewer ribs, this model has an extra rib, which provides greater reinforcement across the canopy, leading to better durability. We believe this design contributed to our test sample’s valiant fight against 40 mph gusts (in which many competitors flipped). When the Repel did invert, its fiberglass ribs arched easily in the direction they were pushed. And when we pressed the automatic close button, the ribs snapped back into place.

The Repel’s sturdy build goes beyond the extra rib. Its automatic open-and-close mechanism is quite satisfying: Pressing the button forcefully snaps the umbrella to attention. The comfortable-to-hold, rubberized handle is relatively long (about 2½ inches). So Sarah could fit almost her whole hand around it, yet it didn’t feel too small in Tim’s or Daniel’s larger hands.

The polyester, Teflon-coated canopy of the Repel showed no sign of dents or frayed stitching—even after the stress tests. Should anything go wrong, however, the umbrella is also covered by Repel’s lifetime replacement guarantee —with no return required.

A closed Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella in the color grey.

This umbrella comes in several colors (as well as in black). So you shouldn’t have trouble finding yours among the many identical models in the coffee-shop stand. (For additional colors, beyond the options available on the main product page, see this listing on Amazon.) One caveat: We recommend sidestepping the double-canopy color options (like the blue-sky design); these have an extra layer of fabric, making the umbrella heavier and harder to tie together.

After we used the Repel umbrella regularly for over six months, it continued to impress us. Even in the face of significant wind gusts, it never flipped inside out.

In April and May of 2018, the Repel umbrella experienced a pervasive counterfeit issue, but a representative from Upper Echelon Products (Repel’s parent company) assured us that this problem has been resolved. We’ve found no recent evidence to suggest this is an ongoing issue, but it’s still a good idea to be mindful of third-party sellers of this umbrella on Amazon. (The best way to avoid a counterfeit is to be sure the seller is Upper Echelon Products and/or that your order is being fulfilled directly by Amazon.)

After using the Repel umbrella on and off for over a year in rough city weather, senior staff writer Tim Heffernan said this model has held up well. It was stuffed into backpacks and handbags, and it was carried through trains crowded with damp, disgruntled New Yorkers. After all that, it still worked perfectly. Another of our testers, Wirecutter’s Christina Colizza, noted that the Repel expanded with more energy than she’d expected. And she said this umbrella was a bit harder to close than others she tested (she said a friend lost a fake nail while trying to secure it).

Flaws but not dealbreakers

Although we appreciate the Repel umbrella’s sturdy build, the snappy opening and tight tolerances do require a strong spring to drive them. As a result, retracting the shaft back down to its fully folded form takes a bit more force than you might anticipate. But once you’re aware that closing the Repel requires extra effort, it’s likely to become more of an afterthought.

An opened AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella in the color yellow.

We love practically everything about the AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent . This decently priced umbrella is made with high-quality fabric and has sturdy stitching, and it holds a fierce stance against the wind. Also, its slightly curved handle is comfortable and easy to grip.

The only thing keeping the AmazonBasics umbrella out of our top spot is its relative elusiveness: In the past, this umbrella has gone in and out of stock frequently, and when it disappeared, there was no indication of when it would be back. As of our 2023 update to this guide, the umbrella seems to be available in most color options, so we’re hopeful that stock issues have been fully resolved (and will remain that way).

A closeup of the AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella's wind vent.

What impressed us most about the AmazonBasics model during testing was its windy-weather performance. That’s thanks to the wind vent, a gap in the umbrella’s fabric. The umbrella has two overlapping layers of fabric that lie flat and watertight in the rain; when these layers are caught by wind from underneath, they open, releasing air pressure and preventing the umbrella from inverting. Whether in a blizzard or facing gusts near the top floors of a high-rise apartment building, this umbrella refused to quit against the toughest gales. AmazonBasics also makes a ventless umbrella , but during and after the stress tests, we found that it didn’t hold up as well as the vented one.

A closed AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella in yellow.

Fully closed, the AmazonBasics is just 11 inches long; the fabric of its canopy, however, is thicker than that of the Repel, so when it’s bundled, it’s a bit stockier as well. The round handle is comfortable to hold, as is the wrist strap, and the automatic open-and-close function is as responsive as any we encountered.

After a little over half a year of using the AmazonBasics umbrella, travel and outdoors editor Ria Misra reported that her test model broke. Tim (who’d been testing the AmazonBasics as well as the Repel) said the vented canopy came in handy on the windy hill near where he lives—until the umbrella was forgotten somewhere.

An opened Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella in a light color blue.

If you want an umbrella that looks and feels a bit more premium than our other picks, but you don’t quite want to upgrade to a heritage piece, the Balios Folding Double Canopy Umbrella is a great option. Its 37-inch vented canopy expands rapidly when deployed, and the auto-close function is quick, with a satisfying click. The wooden handle is a nice addition, and it was comfortable to hold, though it may seem a bit large in smaller hands. The Balios stood up well to wind in our tests, inverting only when held directly parallel to the wind on a particularly blustery day in the city, and it snapped back easily and quickly.

A closeup of the Balios umbrella's wooden handle.

The wooden handle lacks a wrist strap and feels slicker than the rubberized handle of the Repel. This combo left us worried that the umbrella might be snatched into the air by a particularly strong gust. The handle also made this one of the longest collapsible umbrellas we tested, measuring 13.5 inches when collapsed. Also, though the company takes pains to note that the handle is “ ethically sourced, ” we have been unable to confirm what that means, exactly.

An opened, light blue Lewis N. Clark Umbrella.

If both the Repel and the AmazonBasics umbrellas are out of stock, the Lewis N. Clark Umbrella is another good low-cost option (it was a top pick in a previous version of this guide). It comes in eight colors in addition to black, although black tends to be the cheapest.

One of the most easily portable of the bunch, this travel umbrella is the same height as the AmazonBasics umbrella, and it’s just 10 ounces. Despite this model’s low price, the Lewis N. Clark survived our stress tests with very minor damage, and we’ve had no issues with the units we’ve been using for long-term testing. (Wirecutter’s Sasha VanHoven had the Lewis N. Clark for more than a year and reported that it was “beat up but still kicking!”)

The Lewis N. Clark umbrella in light periwinkle.

Still, compared with our other top picks, the Lewis N. Clark has a lightweight polyester canopy that’s more wrinkly and less taut in certain places—telltale signs of looser quality-control standards. And although its metal ribs are listed as being made of steel, we are nearly certain they’re actually aluminum, judging from their light weight, lack of magnetism, and appearance.

For these reasons, we think most people are better off spending a bit more to get one of our other picks. But if you want something for kids, or you constantly lose umbrellas, the Lewis N. Clark is a good option to consider.

An opened Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella in blue.

Stick (or cane) umbrellas are taller and often have significantly larger canopies than their more portable cousins. Plus, they can double as musical props . Though they’re fun to use, they can be a pain to hold with one hand, especially if you’re on the smaller side. But at just over 20 ounces, the Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella has good weight distribution, and its 42-inch-wide span kept us dry while we were running around town, even in rough weather. This umbrella was easy to use, and that put it ahead of other similarly sturdy but more expensive stick models, such as the GustBuster Classic (which felt considerably more top-heavy).

A closed Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella.

Though it offers the same length and canopy size as the other stick umbrellas we tested, the Totes is significantly cheaper. (And OutdoorGearLab also named this umbrella one of its favorites.) Its canopy is made from a lighter (and likely lower-cost) material compared with the other umbrellas we considered, and we wondered whether it would hold up to strong winds.

During our blizzard tests, however, as hard as Sarah tried, she couldn’t get this umbrella to flip inside out. This could, of course, be considered a flaw: Seeing your umbrella bend alleviates the fear that one sudden, harsh gust will break it. Still, given the price of admission, that risk seems to be one worth taking. James had this umbrella for several years (before it eventually went MIA). And he says it continued to hold up well in city storms, despite being used in a few too many Gene Kelly impressions.

An open Davek Elite umbrella in black.

If you’re looking for a classically styled stick umbrella to go with a suit, consider the Davek Elite . It feels sumptuous, with a stitched leather handle, a fiberglass frame, and a 44-inch microfiber canopy, which the company says is “190 thread count.” This umbrella has an equally lofty price tag, and it’s the most expensive of our picks by far. That price is partially justified by Davek’s easy-to-use lifetime guarantee (which includes 50% off a new umbrella if you lose your original ).

A closeup of the Davek Elite's leather stick handle.

The Davek Elite performs exceptionally in the wind: Thanks to its flexible ribs, in our tests it didn’t become a kite in the gusts. Instead, it turned inside out and then easily recovered. This umbrella comes in three colors : black, navy blue, and copper.

It’s worth noting that the Davek Elite’s cane handle measures 5 inches across, which is quite a lot for a smaller hand to manage. There were some mentions in online reviews about the umbrella seeming too big overall. And a few people have complained that the silver tip at the end of their umbrella fell off—an especially unwelcome event, considering the price.

If you want an extremely good (and extremely expensive) travel umbrella: The travel-size Davek Solo is a redesign of a past Davek model that we previously recommended in this guide. The collapsible umbrella was the best we tested, with a comfortable-to-hold handle, a strong canopy, and a surprisingly convenient metal belt clip. It was also the only umbrella that elicited comments from other New Yorkers: One person excitedly told James all about his own Solo, which he’d had for years. But it’s hard to justify spending over $100 on something so small and easy to lose, especially when our main picks are nearly as good and are a fraction of the price.

If you want a solid alternative to our top travel umbrella picks: The LifeTek Traveler 45 FX2 impressed us in our 2018 tests. It withstood being battered by violent gusts without ever inverting, likely because of its vented canopy structure (a design it shares with our runner-up pick, the AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent ). This was one of the strongest umbrellas we have ever tested. And when we did force it to invert, the canopy snapped back into place without much effort. However, depending on the color, the LifeTek often costs more than our top travel picks, the Repel and AmazonBasics models, and it doesn’t offer enough of an advantage over those to justify making it a pick. That said, because it’s an excellent umbrella with a solid warranty (LifeTek’s two-year “Peace of Mind” replacement guarantee against defects and malfunctions), we feel confident recommending it, especially if you can find it on sale.

A Sharpty inverted umbrella, folded and resting on a wet wooden bench.

Inverted umbrellas are a relatively recent development in “holding something over your head to keep water off” technology. The canopy deploys and collapses in an odd way: unfolding down and out, like a blooming flower, and collapsing up and away from the holder, like a normal umbrella broken by the wind. This is supposed to reduce water dripping onto the floor and make it easier to do things like getting in and out of a car.

We put two inverted umbrellas to the test: the Kazbrella (now discontinued), one of the early examples of this concept, and the Sharpty Inverted , the best-selling inverted stick umbrella on Amazon at the time. Alas, we found the novel design underwhelming.

When we tested the Kazbrella, we noticed extra material on the canopy (there are two layers of fabric, with a flexible structure in between, allowing for the fold). This makes the umbrella more top-heavy than other, similarly sized models, and that can cause extra strain and make the umbrella harder to control in a gust of wind. Also, in order for it to be “drip free,” the umbrella would need to be placed in an umbrella bucket with the canopy up, rather than the handle.

The generic-looking Sharpty Inverted shared the Kazbrella’s problems. It also felt cheap and was difficult to deploy correctly, often requiring a few shakes to get the canopy to fully unfold. And it was a pain to hook its C-shaped handle on a bag strap or a cubical wall (as you can do with most regular stick umbrellas).

With their unique folding style, inverted umbrellas are certainly eye-catching, but in practice they seem to cause more problems than they solve.

If you want your umbrella to keep you dry for a long time, you need to remember to let it dry. Just leave your umbrella open after use—the bathtub is a handy spot. If you don’t, its metal parts—especially an automatic open-and-close function—can corrode. Mildew can also develop in the canopy of a wet umbrella that’s left closed; this not only smells awful but can destroy the fabric over time.

And make sure to let your automatic umbrella do its job, said Peggy Levee, owner of the former New York City umbrella specialty retailer Rain or Shine: If you’re using one with an automatic open-and-close function, do not pull it closed like you would a manual model. “I always point that out to customers,” she said. Over time, that unnecessary tugging could cause the mechanism to break.

A number of colorful umbrellas arranged open on the ground.

Blunt Metro : This is a good travel umbrella if you’re concerned only about the wind. Its shallow, scalloped shape—a direct result of some innovative engineering—shrugged off gusts better than any other umbrella in our test. Unfortunately, we learned that it also does a poor job of keeping you dry when the rain blows sideways.

Bodyguard Inverted Umbrella : This compact model was one of the most popular umbrellas available on Amazon when we first tested it, featuring an impressive 10-rib construction. Though it performed decently in our real-world wind tests, inverting several times without breaking, it was difficult to flip back—a bit too sturdy for its own good. It has since been redesigned with a 12-rib construction; we have not tested the newer model.

Davek Duet : With a 48-inch canopy, this umbrella provides enough shelter for two, yet it’s less than 15 inches long folded and weighs under a pound and a half. It’s wider than most people want or need, but if you’re big or tall, travel in pairs, or just want maximum coverage, it’s worth considering. The eye-watering price is backed by Davek’s unconditional lifetime guarantee .

Davek Mini : If having a really compact umbrella matters to you above all else, this model, which folds down to the size of a banana, is a great choice. When we tested it, the Mini’s tiny, 26-inch canopy could barely keep our head and shoulders dry; the canopy has since been redesigned and expanded to 34 inches, which is likely to be an improvement.

Davek Savile : Hand-assembled in England, this stick umbrella—the granddaddy of Davek’s offerings—is billed as an heirloom piece, and it has a very hefty price tag to match. The handle and shaft are hand-carved from chestnut wood, adding to this umbrella’s weight (30 ounces). It’s impressive, for sure. But for an umbrella of this style, we prefer to save $200 and choose the still-luxe, and more portable, Davek Elite .

EuroSchirm Light Trek : This German travel umbrella is quite good overall, especially given its scant, 9.25-ounce weight. But subpar wind resistance holds it back. The lightweight fiberglass ribs are considerably more flexible than those on other umbrellas, and as a result the canopy collapses easily when blasted head-on and flexes like a leaf in high winds when held upright. This means you’d suffer more inside-out episodes than you would with our picks. Although it didn’t break during testing in a snowstorm, it did look somewhat worse for the wear compared with our picks. But it’s still a decent lightweight choice for less-windy climates.

EuroSchirm Light Trek Automatic : The automatic version has the same issues as the manual version but weighs a lot more.

EuroSchirm Light Trek Automatic Flashlite : This is like the other two EuroSchirm Light Trek models, except it has a small LED flashlight in the handle. That gimmick brings its weight to 13.5 ounces—not a light trekker at all.

GustBuster Metro : This travel umbrella has a well-deserved reputation for durability in the wind: It never came close to inverting during testing. But its strength comes from a complex truss of multiple ribs and springs, making it extremely top-heavy: When the wind catches the canopy, it’s like holding a sledgehammer. That design, plus a hard-plastic handle that’s slick when wet, added up to a losing combination.

GustBuster Classic : Though this stick-style umbrella has a cane handle and a wider canopy than its relative, the GustBuster Metro, their construction is similar. One plus: The contours of the Classic’s cane handle make it easier to manage in the wind. The Classic is a quality tool for a good price, but it didn’t lead the pack in value or function.

Knirps Xtreme Vented Duomatic : This automatic travel umbrella weighs 13 ounces, but its canopy handily opens to an impressive 48 inches—the size of many stick umbrellas. It’s a good choice if you want the coverage but not the hassle of carrying a cane around town. Still, it could be overkill for most people.

Senz Automatic: We had high hopes for this unique umbrella. The main draw is its odd, teardrop shape, which keeps your shoulders and back drier than a typical round canopy. Unfortunately, the long, rear-facing ribs are weak; we damaged one just by cinching the canopy strap.

Totes Signature Clear Bubble Umbrella : The bubble-style umbrella makes sense conceptually, to provide more coverage with a longer canopy that surrounds the user in a sort of traveling dome. But in practice, at least with the Totes Signature Clear Bubble, that extra wall of fabric is just something for the wind to push against, making the umbrella difficult to control, even though it’s light. Also because of its design, the canopy isn’t as wide as on other, similarly sized stick umbrellas, and this limits its protection.

Totes Blue Line Auto Open/Close Umbrella : This umbrella is well reviewed (and we recommend the Totes Auto Open Wooden Stick Umbrella as our favorite lower-priced stick-style umbrella). But the Totes Blue Line compact travel umbrella arrived with a 3-inch rip in one of the canopy seams, and it widened in the wind. Also, one of the ribs tore loose from another section of the canopy during our inversion test. And this umbrella may have stock and availability issues.

Tumi Medium Auto Close Umbrella : This umbrella is average in terms of its size and compactness. And despite its premium price, it didn’t stand out in any particular test.

What’s the best umbrella fabric?

In our testing, there is no singular best fabric for umbrellas. All of the umbrellas we looked at had canopies made of synthetic fabrics like polyester or nylon, and some had an additional quick-dry coat, such as Teflon (but those additions don’t help much). The fabrics all do an equally good job of keeping you dry and shedding water quickly.

How do I choose an umbrella?

Look for an umbrella with a canopy that’s 37 to 39 inches across. This size is good for protecting one person from the rain, and the umbrella can still fold down to a compact package. Similarly, we think one that collapses to 12 inches (when closed) and weighs less than a pound hits the sweet spot: It’s easy to carry an umbrella of this size with you everywhere, yet it will still keep you dry. We suggest the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella for its size, comfortable-to-hold handle, and affordable price.

What’s the best umbrella for windy conditions?

All of our umbrella contenders were tested against stiff winds and fared well. But the AmazonBasics Automatic Travel Umbrella with Wind Vent excelled, thanks to the vent at the crown: It lets strong winds pass through without snatching the umbrella from your hands.

This article was edited by Ingela Ratledge Amundson and Jennifer Hunter.

Sara Aranda, The 5 Best Umbrellas , OutdoorGearLab , October 24, 2022

Brett McKay and David Bastistella, The Gentleman’s Guide to Umbrellas , The Art of Manliness , June 12, 2009

Meet your guides

travel umbrella colorful

James Austin

James Austin is a staff writer currently covering games and hobbies, but he’s also worked on just about everything Wirecutter covers—from board games to umbrellas—and after being here for a few years he has gained approximate knowledge of many things. In his free time he enjoys taking photos, running D&D, and volunteering for a youth robotics competition.

Daniel Varghese headshot

Daniel Varghese

travel umbrella colorful

Sarah J. Robbins

Further reading

Five patio umbrellas tested shown setup outdoors side by side.

The Best Patio Umbrella and Stand

by Kalee Thompson, Katie Okamoto, and Ellen Airhart

After hours of research and weeks of testing, we think Treasure Garden’s Market Umbrella and Article’s Paima Umbrella Base are the best patio umbrella and base.

two people walking through the woods in rain gear.

Getting Outside on a Rainy Day

by Kit Dillon

This is the gear we’d use during—and after—a rainy-day outing.

Two of our testers walk on a trail while wearing rain pants.

The Best Rain Pants

by Jenni Gritters

The Marmot PreCip Eco Pants, which come in men’s and women’s sizes and multiple lengths, are the pants that kept us comfortable and dry through wet weather.

A gray camping tent outside on top of a wooden platform.

The Best Camping Tents

by Claire Wilcox, Kit Dillon, and Kalee Thompson

After sleeping in 51 tents, we think the Mountain Hardwear Mineral King 3 is the best for two people and Kelty’s Wireless 6 is best for most families.

Asher & Lyric Travel & Family Journalism

7 Best Travel Umbrellas – Pack Light & Stay Dry (2024 Reviews)

best travel umbrellas

When I packed for my trips, it always seemed like the last item I remembered to include was a travel umbrella. I once got caught in Mexico City in a sudden downpour far from my hotel, leaving me too soaking wet to continue sightseeing. I had to turn back, and let’s just say the soggy return journey to my hotel wasn’t a fun one.

I know from experience how important it is to have a reliable travel umbrella when taking a trip. They’re light and won’t weigh you down, but they’re durable and will actually keep you dry if you get caught in the rain.

hero travel umbrella

1. So you can get out and explore even in the rain.

I’m slightly obsessed with checking the weather forecast when we go on vacation. I want to be able to plan our activities based on the weather, but as we all know, the weather is unpredictable. Plan to bring an umbrella on days that it might rain as well as days it looks unlikely. You don’t want to risk getting soaking wet and catching a cold on your vacation. You also don’t want to be stuck inside all day because you don’t have an umbrella to help you brave the rain. Choosing a reliable travel umbrella will let you continue to explore even on rainy days.

2. So you don’t overspend on a poor-quality umbrella.

Maybe you’re thinking you’ll take your chances and not pack an umbrella. If it does rain you can easily find one at any gift shop anyway, right? While this may be true, I think we all also know how overpriced and poor-quality gift shop items are. You’ll end up spending way too much on an umbrella that probably won’t even last one rain shower. It happened to me! I bought a cheap umbrella in Mont-Saint-Michel, France and it turned inside-out with the first gust of wind. It’s better to be prepared, buy a quality travel umbrella before your trip, and you’ll save yourself some money and a lot of trouble.

3. To protect yourself from the elements.

The best travel umbrellas, 1. hero travel umbrella, (most well-rounded — $$).

Why it’s great: This umbrella has all the important features that a travel umbrella should have. It’s windproof and won’t collapse on you thanks to the strong, but lightweight fiberglass-reinforced ribs. It weighs less than a pound and comes in at just a foot long, making it super portable and comfortable to carry around. The canopy is coated in Teflon so it’s ultra waterproof and it’s 25% bigger than most travel umbrellas with a canopy of 46 inches so you can fit two people underneath. The added hard case is also an awesome bonus that you won’t see with most travel umbrellas.

Keep in mind: It’s only available in black so that could be a downside for those who love color.

Hero Travel Umbrella

View on Amazon.com ➜

2. EEZ-Y Travel Umbrella

(double vented design — $).

Why it’s great: This umbrella is available in a rainbow of fun colors. It’s one of the more lightweight umbrellas on the list at only 0.9 lbs and when folded is only 11 inches long. It also boasts durable materials and a windproof design.

Keep in mind: Since this umbrella is slightly more lightweight and compact than others, there is less room under the canopy than with other umbrellas.

EEZ-Y Travel Umbrella

3. Repel Travel Umbrella

(sturdy design — $$).

Why it’s great: The auto open and close makes using this umbrella a breeze. It’s built to withstand all kinds of weather with its nine fiberglass-reinforced ribs. The fun patterns set it apart from other travel umbrellas.

Keep in mind: The patterned design options cost a bit more than the solid color options.

Repel Travel Umbrella

4. Amazon Basics Travel Umbrella

(best budget option — $).

Why it’s great: If you’re looking for a budget, no-frills option, then Amazon Basics has got you covered. This travel umbrella is small, lightweight, and gets the job done at a low cost.

Keep in mind: It lacks some premium features like windproof fiberglass ribs and Teflon coating that other umbrellas have.

Amazon Basics Travel Umbrella

5. Yoobure Mini Umbrella

(best compact option — $).

Why it’s great: This is the most lightweight umbrella on our list, but it still boasts an excellent windproof design and UPF 50+ protection on sunny days when you want to stay cool and protected from the sun.

Keep in mind: Since this lightweight umbrella weighs just half a pound it’s smaller than most and is best suited for one person.

Yoobure Mini Umbrella

6. Rain-Mate Travel Umbrella

(nicest colors — $).

Why it’s great: This travel umbrella is a sturdy, lightweight option for your next trip. It has a lifetime replacement guarantee so you know you can depend on it for many years to come.

Keep in mind: If sun protection is important to you, you may not want to choose one of the lighter-colored options as they let more light through.

Rain-Mate Travel Umbrella

7. Lanbrella Travel Umbrella

(most unique design — $$).

Why it’s great: The unique, inverted folding design of this travel umbrella makes sure surfaces and your belongings don’t get wet when the umbrella is folded. It’s also one of the larger travel umbrellas and comfortably fits two people under the canopy.

Keep in mind: It might be easy to forget that the umbrella is wet when folded so be sure to let it dry before packing it away for good and be careful that it doesn’t splash when opening.

Lanbrella Travel Umbrella

Hero Travel Umbrella

The Hero Travel Umbrella is our overall top recommendation. It's the highest quality product we have found with the most affordable price making it the best value on our list..

Hero Travel Umbrella

Other Accessories

1. quick-dry travel towel.

A quick-dry travel towel is compact and easy to throw into any day bag. It’ll come in handy in case you get caught in a rain storm and need to dry off. It’s fast-drying and odor-resistant so you can store it away until you get back to your hotel without worrying it will start to smell. Hang it up and in no time it’s dry and ready to be used again and again.

HERO Travel Towel - Blue

2. Raincoat

Using a raincoat along with an umbrella will ensure you stay as dry as possible. It will also provide an extra layer to keep you warm in case of any chilly wind. By packing an umbrella and a raincoat, you’ll be prepared for whatever the weather throws at you.

Raincoat

3. Waterproof Shoe Spray

A waterproof spray will keep your shoes protected and your feet comfortable. Nothing is worse than walking around in wet, soggy shoes. A waterproof spray will protect your shoes and keep your feet dry. It also works as a stain repellant to help keep your shoes clean and free from stains.

waterproof shoe spary

4. Waterproof Phone Pouch

It’s important to keep your phone safe from water damage in the rain. Even inside the pocket of a raincoat, water can get in, or condensation can expose your phone to moisture that could potentially damage it. A waterproof phone pouch is a great solution for protecting your phone from water. It’s fully submersible, and you can even take photos and videos underwater.

Waterproof Phone Pouch

When traveling and connecting to public wifi networks, it’s important to use a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your online information secure. Things like bank details, passwords, and credit card numbers can easily be stolen by hackers connected to public wifi networks. As the name suggests, a VPN like NordVPN creates a private network for your devices so that you can be online without worrying about potential hackers gaining access to your digital information.

how a vpn works

View NordVPN.com Options ➜

6. Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is one of the most important things you can have for any trip. Since we travel with our two young kids, having travel insurance gives us peace of mind in case any accidents happen while we’re traveling. Travel Insurance is also great in case of cancelations or lost/stolen items. We use TravelInsurance.com to shop for the right plan for our family and our travels, and it has really saved us when we’ve found ourselves in a bind!

Travel Insurance

Compare policies at TravelInsurance.com ➜

FAQs about Travel Umbrellas

1. what’s the ideal size of a travel umbrella.

An ideal travel umbrella is compact and lightweight enough to carry in a day bag. Ideally, it’s less than a foot long and weighs under a pound so you can comfortably carry it around. If you want to be able to fit two people underneath then a canopy size of more than 42 inches is recommended.

2. For what countries should I pack a travel umbrella?

Most countries have sporadic rain showers year-round so it’s good to pack a travel umbrella no matter where you go. However, countries close to the equator tend to have rainy and dry seasons so look into what season it is when you plan on visiting.

3. What’s better to pack, a raincoat or a travel umbrella?

An umbrella does a better job overall at keeping you dry. With a raincoat, just your upper body stays dry and your pants tend to get soaking wet. An umbrella is also better in cities because it can be put away more easily than a raincoat and is less likely to get other things wet when stored properly.

What we can do during a trip is often dependent on the weather. It can often make or break the day’s plan, but it doesn’t always have to. Having a good travel umbrella can mean the difference between staying in the hotel all day or getting out and exploring. These well-made travel umbrellas have got you covered for all of your exciting trips to come!

10 Best Travel Umbrellas 2023 Reviews

Firstly, we will be discussing something that’s always a great thing to have handy no matter where you’re going, the best travel umbrellas for you. Incorporating every important aspect from size to strength to where you can get it from whether it be months before your next trip or only a week before.

In this new day and age, almost everything is accessible from the comfort of our own houses, making it easier to get things you might need especially if you’re traveling with a big group of people notably children. Almost every product is at our fingertips nowadays purely for our convenience.

“How do I go about choosing the right umbrella?”, you might ask. To adequately choose an umbrella perfect for you and your needs there are plenty of factors to keep in mind. Will I be sharing the umbrella or will it be only for me? How much space am I willing to have it take up? Is it strong enough to withstand extreme weather? These are just a few questions that might come to mind while looking for your perfect umbrella.

Let’s begin the countdown to finding your most suitable umbrella:

Best Travel Umbrellas

Top 10 Best Travel Umbrellas

1. betsey johnson designer travel umbrella (rose stripe).

travel umbrella colorful

Designed with different fashion statements scattered on the outer and inner parts of the umbrella, this is fit just for those ladies with a particular fashion sense who want to make that bold statement with everything down to the accessories.

The eye-catching, but fun and cute pattern makes it accessible for people of all ages without it looking too grown or too childish. Equipped with a three-section frame, auto-open/close, and a high fiberglass handle, you can feel like you’re walking in luxury anywhere you go. You can get these cutesy umbrellas with single lips, a pink rose stripe, a shiny smooch, pink/blue flower stripe, dotty roses, dreamy cheetah, flower stripes, happy pineapples, insects & flowers, insects & ruffles, retro rainbow stripes or the xox betsey design.

Cute Design

Auto open & close

Fun patterns

Designs made primarily for women

Gloss handle makes it harder to get a good grip

Non inverted closing design

No umbrella warranty

Covers only 1 person.

2. PFFY 2 PCAK Compact Travel Umbrella Windproof Collapsible

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All come in two packs that you could use if you wanted to keep one in one place, maybe at home, and one to take with you when you travel. Especially since it’s a small package it makes it easier to store making it easy to keep them anywhere compact and out of sight.

These umbrellas are as windproof as a strong, small umbrella can be without turning inside out. Also worth mentioning is this umbrella is great for kids because it’s almost unbreakable with a three-fold, chrome-plated metal shaft and a strong metal frame. It has automatic open and close features.

Pack includes 2 umbrellas.

Automatic open & close.

Almost unbreakable.

Covers 2 people.

Slippery handle

3. OfficeLead Travel Umbrella, 10 Bones Auto Open Close Compact Umbrella

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Leaning for a more affordable umbrella? Well, this one might just be it. This umbrella is equipped with a fast open and close one press automatic folding switch. The best part is it’s special windproof/waterproof design and performance.

It has a strengthened black metal shaft and ten reinforced fiberglass ribs that allow it to protect against strong winds without it turning inside out, as well as it’s high-density impact cloth that allows for better waterproofing without water droplets soaking through or leaking. Even in overflowing downpours, it stays waterproof, weatherproof and instantly dries. The build is a foldable thirteen inches long and one pound to carry, it can be slipped into a backpack, briefcase or any other item you travel with.

Fast & automatic open/close

High density impact waterproof & windproof cloth

Compact lightweight

Umbrella warranty

Protects more sun then wind/rain

Not very sturdy

4. VAN BEEKEN Umbrella Windproof I Wind Resistant Travel Umbrella

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Coming into fourth place are these special umbrellas with Teflon coating technology enabling it to offer superior water-repelling abilities and maximum protection from any precipitation. They are sturdy, windproof and durable because of the nine resin, reinforced fiberglass ribs. They are super compact and lightweight with its small size of 11.4 inches and its weight of 13.5 ounces, coming equipped with a hard case and an extra-large sleeve with a zipper for easy storage anywhere. Also, they include an automatic open/close button with a comfortable, slip-proof, rubberized handle with wrist straps for easier carrying.

Large canopy

Comes with case & large sleeve for storage

Rubberized handle

Extra windproof

No warranty

Hard to retract

5. Viteps Windproof Travel Umbrella

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They come in multiple sizes ranging from 42” – 68” inches. Enhanced durability enabled to protect against rain, winds and strong sunlight. Including a double or single canopy design for the benefit of being able to absorb strong gusts of wind without flipping over. And also has that special type of fabric, named 210T, that has a higher thread density and a tighter fabric weave that gives the sturdy umbrella, ultimate water repellency.

In case you don’t want to go with the basic black, multiple color options are available including red, blue, gray and red/black blend (black on the outside, red on the inside), etc. Automatic opening and folding is an asset as well to make your life less of a hassle, especially if you happen to have a handful that day.

Many color choices

Enhanced durability

Automatic open/close

Not very travel sized

Closing is difficult

6. WSKY 12 Ribs Inverted Umbrella Windproof Automatic Folding Umbrella

travel umbrella colorful

This umbrella has a different sense of style than the usual with it’s inverted design. With this reverse folding design, it prevents water droppings from getting everywhere, especially your clothes. It is super windproof with it’s twelve reinforced fiberglass ribs well supported by a premier stainless steel stretcher.

Tested against sunlight, it’s canopy will protect you from those strong UV rays if you happen to be somewhere where the sun is always out. It is also extremely waterproof with it’s 210 Teflon fabric and waterproof technology allowing you to shake it off after use and put it in your bag mess-free. Automatic open and close makes it easy to use with a single hand. At less than one pound in weight and thirteen-inch length makes it extremely easy to put anywhere and carry it around without any hassle. A special 24/7 customer service line is in order just in case you break it and need a replacement, it malfunctions or any other reason you might have for calling them.

Inverted design

Automatic open & close

Waterproof & windproof

Lighter & stronger

Doesn’t close easily

7. VIWINVELA Inverted Automatic Umbrella Double Layer Windproof

travel umbrella colorful

This umbrella is just slightly better because it has more fashionable designs for less money and was rated the #1 New Release for golfers according to amazon. It also has that new inverted design that prevents water from dropping out when you close it, as well as that automatic open and close feature for those people that travel with a lot of stuff in their hands.

Still lightweight at under one pound and at twelve inches lengthwise, it’s an inch smaller than the previous one still making it easily portable and able to fit almost anywhere. A more enhanced feature, however, is the double-layer canopy that provides high water repellency and UV light protection but additional vents allow slight winds to pass through for those hot summer days. The special designs on the insides of the umbrellas make each one even more unique and appealing.

Multiple designs

Inverted umbrella design

Lightweight & portable

Bulky on the outside

8. SY COMPACT Travel Umbrella Windproof Automatic

travel umbrella colorful

The next one up is another affordable but reliable umbrella. It is a premium quality, stainless steel, ultra-slim, windproof travel umbrella. It’s been tested for durability up to 5000 times and can withstand winds up to fifty-five miles per hour without bending or flipping over. The umbrella’s canopy has been tested to make sure water does not soak through or leak, even in downpours. The rubber grip handle makes it easy to keep it secure and slip-free in your hand.

It has auto open and close features, measures thirteen inches long and weighs twelve ounces for easy and quickly accessible storage. The best part is even if you lose or break the umbrella, just contact the manufacturer on your own with your receipt and they will send you a repair replacement for free.

Withstands heavy gusts & downpours

Wide range of shades

Durability tested

Hard to lock in open position

Small size causes backpacks to get slightly wet

9. Repel Umbrella Windproof Double Vented Travel Umbrella

travel umbrella colorful

This umbrella is a #1 Best Seller in the folding umbrellas categories and was featured on Good Morning America. Automatic open and close functions allow easy one-hand usage. It measures 11.5 inches long and weighs less than one pound making it easily packable. With its wind defying, the double vented canopy is made to flex slightly while withstanding strong winds without turning inside out. The special Teflon coating provides super repellency making the umbrella waterproof, weatherproof and the ability to instantly dry.

Quality workmanship went into the making of this specific umbrella because it’s designed with a three-fold, chrome-plated metal shaft. It also has a strong metal frame allowing for greater stability in higher winds. The slip-proof, rubberized handle makes it easier to get a good grip with wrist straps allows for easier handling without it falling completely out of your hands. It comes with a protective travel sleeve.

Compact & lightweight

Wind defying technology

Superior Repellency

Quality craftsmanship

World Renowned

Doesn’t protect well against strong winds

Not built to last in extreme conditions

Metal ribs sometimes break though the material if overused

10. Miserwe Umbrella 12 Ribs Windproof Lengthened Handle Travel Umbrella

travel umbrella colorful

It is durable and sturdy with its super windproof umbrella of twelve ribs made of premium fiberglass designed to easily withstand powerful gusts of wind and heavy rain. Each umbrella is designed with an ergonomic handle of 3.6 inches making it easier to hold and feel as well as staying comfortable.

The lightweight, quick-drying feature gives you the best protection from rainstorms, strong winds, and even hail. It’s portable and lightweight design, compact size and handle that has an automatic open-close button makes your life so much easier and comes with an upscale waterproof covering for easy carrying without getting other items wet.

Sturdy and durable

Rubberized, easy to hold handle

Lightweight

Slip proof wrist strap

Hard to close

Flimsy wrist strap if overused

Heavy for a travel umbrella

Best Travel Umbrellas

Now that we’ve finally narrowed down the Top 10 travel umbrellas, we have moved on to the actual hard part: picking the right one for you. Sometimes when you’re shopping online for things you get distracted by the things you want but can’t have maybe for reasons such as budget, timing, accessibility or whatever other factors. Firstly, I would suggest you make sure you aren’t going out of your way to getting an expensive umbrella that will collect dust in the corner of your house after you complete your trip. But otherwise here are some of the questions you might have on the choosing process:

How do I know which umbrella is best for my travel destination? 

You should look at your destination’s weather forecast as well as how much precipitation or sun is normal at that time of year you will be traveling. Doing the research will give you the knowledge of what to look for in your umbrella search.

Are the more expensive umbrellas of higher quality than the others?

The majority of the time, no they are not. Sometimes competitors that are known for their branding, endorsements, publicity, etc raise the price on their items because they’re already well known and established. There are millions of competitors out there that may even have better quality, eco-friendly products for way less than those authorized brands. Don’t go breaking the bank for a travel umbrella just because of how nice it looks.

What if I need an umbrella to protect against UV rays? 

You need to focus more on umbrellas that have proven to have that extra protection against UV rays rather than umbrellas just for precipitation because some just shade and others protect against UV rays.

What if my umbrella breaks?

If you know that you or someone in your party is clumsy or prone to break something I would suggest looking for umbrellas that come with a lifetime warranty. Most of these companies listed allow you to either sign up for warranty directly through their website or through amazon themselves.

Can you fit two people under the umbrella?

I would say no if you’re looking for that small, compact, easily accessible yet easy to fit anywhere umbrella because of those travel-sized umbrellas made for easy packing without taking up much space. But if you wanted to try and fit two people underneath with that type of umbrella, at least some part of one of both of you and your party would get affected by whatever weather condition you’re trying to protect yourself against. However, some of these umbrellas do come in larger sizes when you find them on Amazon if that’s what is necessary for you and your party.

Do these umbrellas auto shut?

Yes, the majority of umbrellas auto open and shut. But although they auto shut they do not retract, that you will have to do manually.

When wearing a large backpack, will the umbrellas be good enough to use?

Yes, if you’re traveling with a large backpack, purse or briefcase the umbrellas will cover everything.

Do the umbrellas easily fit into their cover/case? 

Depending on how tightly you wrap it back up after use will determine if you can slip it back in with ease or if you will have to fight a little to get it back in its case. But keep in mind not all umbrellas listed come with covers or cases, some only come with the wrist strap.

Will this get through TSA carry on?

How do i get the water off the inverted umbrellas .

After you close the umbrella, with its automatic shut feature, you would just shake the umbrella in the same way you do with your regular one to get out the water droplets.

Do all of these umbrellas protect against the sun?

Technically all of these umbrellas will shield you from the sun but they will not protect you from the sun’s UV rays which is the important part.

Don’t go spend all the money in your bank account because you want to look luxurious on your vacation. Make sure you’re able to use the umbrella when you return home from the trip too.

Say, for example, if you live in a state like Texas where you may not get a lot of snow, rain or hail, but you sure do get that sun 24/7, and you’re going on a trip out of country to the Bahamas where they get unexpected rain all the time based off of their tropical climate. You’ll need an umbrella that can protect against the rain, definitely, but can still primarily block UV rays for when you return home.

I would suggest going with the fourth or fifth option on this list since one of the main objectives that they were made and tested for is their protection against UV rays. This is just one out of the hundred thousand examples for what you should look for in your travel umbrella needs and apply it to your everyday life as well as your vacation necessities.

All in all your perfect travel umbrella depends on you, what you’re looking for, the weather you will be facing at your specific travel destination and how portable an umbrella you’re looking for are all factors that come into choosing an umbrella meant for you. I hope this article gave you much more insight in order to narrow down your options. Remember these are just our top ten picks off of Amazon, but there are millions of options to fit everybody’s needs in case these don’t meet your requirements. Also great to keep in mind that just because something looks good and is expensive does not mean that it’s the best quality for what you need.

Don’t forget to keep yourself updated on our new website for all your travel needs, dreams and wants. New articles will be coming out constantly covering every topic you can think of that is travel related. Make sure you stay tuned on this website for more top 10, reviews, tips, tricks , hacks, funny stories, etc all on traveling and all your travel needs. Thanks for taking the time to read we appreciate all the support, I hope we could help you out on your endeavors! Stay tuned and keep a lookout for the next article!

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Noella Schink

Noella Schink is a travel writer from Portland, Maine who loves a good road trip! Whether she’s exploring her home state, driving cross country or in a rental car in Europe, she loves the freedom of a paper map and an open road.

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travel umbrella colorful

Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella Review

A small, no-frills travel umbrella

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella

TripSavvy / Stephanie Vermillion

Portable size

Auto-open and auto-close button

Multiple color options

Lifetime warranty

Flips in the wind

Flimsy build

Lacks UV protection

The Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella offers decent coverage and has all the makings for a good product, but it’s best suited for lighter, low-wind rainstorms. 

  • Performance
  • Portability
  • Competition
  • Final Verdict

We purchased the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella so our reviewer could put it to the test. Keep reading for our full product review.

The Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella comes in a tiny size that makes it highly appealing for travelers. You can stick this umbrella in your suitcase or purse and virtually forget about it, given it weighs just one pound and packs up to just 12 inches in length. 

As a traveler, I was particularly intrigued by the performance promises. This tiny umbrella was designed to outlast wind and storms despite its compact size. To find out if this was one of the year’s best travel umbrellas , I took the Rain-Mate out on a test-run during a rainstorm in New York City. Read on to find out whether or not it lived up to my expectations. 

Performance: Struggles with the wind

Based on its 42-inch canopy, I had a feeling this umbrella would keep me dry—and it did. It’s a spacious umbrella with more than enough room for one. Then the wind hit. The NYC waterfront has some mighty gusts of wind, and the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella simply couldn’t withstand them. After the third gust, the umbrella flipped, leaving me scrambling to flip it back as I dodged puddles and sought shelter.

Unlike many cheap umbrellas that flip once and go kaput, this umbrella has fiberglass ribs that make it easy to flip back.

To test it out in milder weather, I took the umbrella to Central Park on a breezy, sunny day. I used the umbrella to stay cool while reading on the lawn. Yet again, one gust too many sent this umbrella flipping. 

Here’s the good news, though: Unlike many cheap umbrellas that flip once and go kaput, this umbrella has fiberglass ribs that make it easy to flip back. Would I prefer it not to flip at all? Of course. But at least you won’t need an entirely new umbrella whenever a little wind hits.

Design: A large canopy that opens quickly 

When I first used the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella’s auto-open button, I was blown away by two things. First, I loved how quickly it opened. When I’m traveling, I’m often running in and out of stores, public transit, or restaurants, so the quick auto-open, auto-shut feature controlled by a button on the rubberized handle makes the umbrella highly functional when I need it most. 

Another impressive feature? Despite its tiny size, this umbrella’s canopy reaches 42 inches. While I could have fit someone else under the umbrella with me, I enjoyed keeping it all to myself—because I stayed pretty dry! (That is, until the wind hit.)

The quick auto-open, auto-shut feature controlled by a button on the rubberized handle makes the umbrella highly functional when I need it most.

While the manufacturer site doesn’t specify what material was used for the canopy, it feels like nylon to me. Unfortunately, it does not have UV protection features. While it kept me cool (when it wasn’t flipped out) during my sunny day at Central Park, I would’ve been better off with an umbrella built with UV protection . 

Portability: A compact, easily packable size

This umbrella weighs about one pound and packs down to 12 inches via a three-fold telescopic shaft, making it easy to stash in a travel purse or my go-to travel backpack . Given the umbrella’s size, it’s easy to throw it in a carry-on suitcase and forget about it—until you’re on a trip and need it!  

Despite its tiny size, this umbrella’s canopy reaches 42 inches.

Price: On par with competitors

At around $20, the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella is priced fairly and is comparable to its closest competitors. It costs more than the cheapest umbrellas, but it works slightly better. Plus, it’s guaranteed for life; no matter what happens, the company will replace it free of charge.

Competition: Can’t beat the competition

Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella: When comparing the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella with the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella , both of which I tested, you’d expect the Rain-Mate to be much cheaper. It’s not nearly as durable, it flips out in the wind (when the Repel umbrella doesn’t), and it lacks Teflon waterproof material. Yes, it has a lifetime guarantee, but so does Repel. And yet, the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella is around $20, while the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella—the better option, in our opinion—is only about $5 more. Both come in virtually identical sizes with similar colors, so the obvious choice—the one that withstands wind!—is the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella.

Bodyguard Travel Umbrella: I also reviewed the Bodyguard Travel Umbrella, which packs down to about the same size as the Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella (the Bodyguard closes to 11.5 inches long, while the Rain-Mate is 12 inches). When expanded, though, the Bodyguard is far and away the winner. It reaches 46 inches, 4 inches wider than the Rain-Mate umbrella. That means multiple people can fit under the Bodyguard umbrella. And while the Bodyguard umbrella is not as durable as the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella, it’s much more durable than the Rain-Mate umbrella, which feels flimsy when compared to its two main competitors. When it comes to the Rain-Mate versus the Bodyguard, the Bodyguard is the better choice. When it comes to all three umbrellas, the Repel Windproof Travel Umbrella takes the cake. 

The Rain-Mate Compact Travel Umbrella is far from perfect. Similarly priced competitors work better when it comes to wind, but this umbrella does its job in the rain—and it comes with a lifetime guarantee. 

  • Product Name Compact Travel Umbrella
  • Product Brand Rain-Mate
  • Price $20.95
  • Weight 1 lbs.
  • Product Dimensions 12 x 2.5 x 2.5 in.
  • Color Black, blue sky, navy blue, pink, rainbow, red, yellow
  • Warranty Lifetime guarantee

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Weatherman

Special Edition

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The Collapsible

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Folds of Honor

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Travel Umbrella

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Travel Umbrella

Best Travel Umbrella | Shop Weatherman Umbrellas The Weatherman Travel Umbrella  

High quality umbrellas are what we do best at Weatherman and our travel umbrellas are no exception. As some of our top sellers, the Weatherman travel-size umbrella is small enough to pack in your bag for ease and portability, while still possessing the same intuitive engineering for defense against the harshest of storms. Whether you travel often or commute on the daily, our commuter umbrellas, collapsible umbrellas, small travel umbrellas, or any of our high end umbrellas are a must-have to keep you dry or protected from the sun.  No matter where you go, our travel umbrellas will become your best companion. Explore our wide range of special edition umbrellas including the Arnold Palmer Golf Umbrella, Weatherman Golf Umbrella, College Umbrellas (considered the best umbrella for college students), and more.

The Best Travel Umbrella  

At Weatherman, we believe that there is no such thing as bad weather – only lack of preparation. With the best travel umbrella, you can feel prepared for any change in the weather – rain or shine. Our travel umbrellas are designed with a number of intuitive features that we’ve spent over 3 years engineering, testing and developing to bring you a product you can rely on during the wettest and windiest of seasons.  We’re proud to deliver on durability due to its industrial-strength fiberglass, water-repellent fabric, and vented canopies that can withstand winds that have a speed of up to 55 mph. Whether you get a small travel umbrella, compact travel umbrella, or windproof travel umbrellas, you can rest assured knowing that it is built to last.  

Features  

Choosing the Weatherman Travel means you enjoy the following features and benefits:

  • An auto-open and manual close  
  • A wrist strap to ensure easy carrying  
  • Wind-tunnel tested for speeds of up to 55 mph 
  • Closed length (when collapsed) measuring around 19.5" 
  • An open canopy that measures about 40" in diameter and has a 50" arc 

The Weatherman Difference 

What sets the Weatherman umbrella apart from other high end umbrellas ? Whether you opt for a small travel umbrella or one of our streamlined golf umbrellas , we pride ourselves in our careful attention to detail to each special edition umbrella in our collection. After years of engineering and patience, we found the perfect combination of durability, safety, design and comfort to bring you the Weatherman Collapsible Umbrella. 

More Products to Enjoy 

Here are some additional products that you will find to be worth getting.

The Collapsible Umbrella  

With the Weatherman Collapsible Umbrella, you can enjoy portability at its finest. It is easy to store in your bag and ready to use in seconds at the first sight of rain. If it’s the time of year to shop umbrellas, our collapsible commuter umbrellas are an excellent choice. 

The Golf 62” Umbrella  

Another product that Weatherman Umbrellas offers is a golf umbrella. Our 62" golf umbrella is a true display of slick design for sturdiness and comfort. They’re available in a variety of colors and styles, which is one of the reasons it is considered one of the best gifts for golfers . Make the Weatherman golfing umbrella your best friend as it will protect you from the harsh rays of the sun while spending the day out on the course. We offer a number of special edition designs for the golf lover in your life, including our collapsible golf umbrellas , Arnold Palmer Golf Umbrella , Folds of Honor Umbrella , and more. 

The Golf 68” Umbrella  

Another product that Weatherman Umbrellas offers is a golf umbrella. Our 68 Golf Umbrella is a true display of intuitive design. It’s built to last and engineered with sturdiness and comfort in mind. Available in a variety of colors and styles, which is one of the reasons it is considered one of the best gifts for golfers. Make the Weatherman golfing umbrella your best friend on and off the golf course. You can feel confident it will protect you from the harsh rays of the sun and ensure you have an even more enjoyable experience. We offer a number of special edition designs for the golf lover in your life, including our collapsible golf umbrellas , Arnold Palmer Golf Umbrella , Folds of Honor Umbrella , and more. 

The Stick Umbrella  

The Weatherman Stick Umbrella offers an upscale look for your big day. Stay dry in style. Our stick umbrellas combine many of the same intuitive features we’ve mentioned above such as high-quality water-repellent fabric and windproof capabilities, with a modern elegance for the modern professional. 

Weatherman is one of the best umbrella brands for delivering an umbrella that is high quality and designed for the long haul. Explore all of our styles and stay tuned for new designs. 

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Mom of two, Carlie Mary Butler, jumped into the chat to admit she’s a black SUV mom and owns it loud and proud.

“So I’ve heard this mom-trend going around that’s basically like, white SUV mom is put together; she’s on top of it. But a black SUV mom is a hot mess express,” she starts her viral video.

“This is a shout-out to all the black SUV moms: that’s us, that’s me. We’re in this together. If we’re going to be labeled the hot mess express – let’s own it.”

“They make their own sourdough”

Without wanting to “dis” the moms who drive white SUVs, Carlie had a few other things to say.

“I bet the white SUV moms wear JCrew; they’ve already done their taxes, and they for sure make their own sourdough. White SUV moms have a calendar, and it’s color-coordinated.”

“This is a ‘hey, we’re taking notes from you; you have it together. I wanna be more like you’.”

A trend is growing on social media, defining what kind of mom you are, depending on whether you drive a black or white SUV.

She leans into her ‘black SUVness’ as she runs out of the car, saying, “Moms with white SUVs are probably never late to pick up their kids from school or drop them off.

“[They] don’t say any words that I would say.”

Carlie ends her video dancing around the car with her kids to Ludacris’s song, ‘Get Back.’ 

As any mom driving a black SUV would do. 

“The messy mix of hot mess”

Hundreds of SUV moms had lots to say about the post, and kicked off with the moms driving black SUVs because they are the “hot mess”. 

Mom of two, Carlie Mary Butler, jumped into the chat to admit she's a black SUV mom and owns it loud and proud.

“Black SUV mom, always late, filed an extension, and they know my voice at the drive-thru,” one bragged. 

“I drive a white SUV, but CLEARLY should trade it in for a black one,” another joked. 

“I dunno…I have a black SUV with my Monster energy drink next to my Stanley cup of water, with 90s hip hop blasting and a color-coded calendar…the messy mix of hot mess, mom,” shared a mom who was on both teams.

But there was also dissent, with this mom writing, “I drive a black SUV, and I run on a coordinated schedule! 15 minutes early always, and I don’t like to procrastinate! I’m the oldest child of five and the family manager!”

"This is a shout-out to all the black SUV moms: that's us, that's me. We're in this together. If we're going to be labeled the hot mess express - let's own it."

“It’s the f*ing Wiggles on 24/7”

What did the moms driving white SUVs have to say?

“White SUV driver here who wears JCrew has filed my taxes and has a color-coordinated calendar, but all my bread comes from the store, and it’s alt-rock only playing in the car (I’m lying, it’s the f’ing Wiggles on 24/7),” wrote one mom. 

Another confessed she’s been posing: “I think I’m a black SUV mom in disguise as a white SUV mom.”

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Some moms felt left out of the debate and wanted to weigh in. 

“Gray SUV mom here,” one said. “Mysterious, and you never know what version you’re getting. Used to be white [SUV driver], but once I turned grey, there was no going back.”

In defense of a black SUV-driving mom

On a personal note, I have something to say as a mom driving a black SUV with a white interior. Yes, I am playing both teams.  

“I’m no hot mess!”

I have three kids, and yes, my car has crumbs hidden in the creases of the chairs, but I reject the notion that I’m not put together, always running late and blaring hip-hop music.

Although, admittedly, occasionally I slip into black SUV mode and forget library day. 

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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!

when to visit moscow

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!

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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!

where to stay in moscow

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

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

moscow itinerary

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

moscow itinerary

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

moscow itinerary

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!

moscow itinerary

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 Red Square

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 Moscow Kremlin

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!

Lenins 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!

St. Basils Cathedral

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!

GUM Department Store

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.

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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!

Novodevichy Convent

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!

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

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 State Tretyakov Gallery

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!

All Russian Exhibition Center

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!

Bolshoi Theater

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!

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!

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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.

The Alexander 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!

Ostankino Television Tower

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!

Izmaylovo District

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.

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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.

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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)

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage and 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

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!

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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

Alya and Campbell

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  • Summer In Moscow: Soak In The Landscapes Of This Stunning City In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

Moscow is one of the most vivacious European capitals. The city is known as the powerful blend of edginess and history. Moscow is Russia’s capital city has been in existence for around more than eight hundred years and has a plethora of activities and places to visit that are enough to keep the visitors of this city busy for all moths. Moreover, the capital city of Russia is filled with world-famous sites and attractions. There are a lot of tourist attractions of visiting Moscow in summer that offers a bunch of enjoyment, from Europe’s oldest fortress & grandiose cathedrals to the futuristic skyscrapers and lively green spaces, the city offers a lot of places for every individual. Moscow is such a global and iconic place in the actual sense.

The true essence of the city lies beached in its glorious architecture & its rich imaginative tradition that persists to captivate tourists till now. The whole city is fascinated by the sheer beauty of Moscow’s art & architecture. There are various places to visit in summer in Moscow, Russia .

Summer In Moscow: 6 Best Places To Visit

Taking you to the city’s ancient traditions, modern culture, & affluent historical past, these are the places to visit in Moscow in the summer season. These places are not just exciting, but these are beyond supernatural. These are some of the enthralling places to visit during the summer time in Moscow.

1. Red Square

Red Square

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It is one of the most popular city attractions in Moscow. It is just like other tourist attractions like- Kremlin, Lenin’s mausoleum , state historical museum, and the Kazan Cathedral. This square is seen a lot of times in Hollywood movies, as it is a huge city plaza that offers enough space for the people so that they can sit and enjoy various games. It is the most popular area in Moscow and that is the reason people love to visit this place especially in summers. Moreover, if you are traveling to Moscow in the summer, then one must visit this place.

Must Read: Thinking Of Spending Spring In Moscow In March? Here’s Why It’s A Good Idea

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2. St. Basil Cathedral

St Basil's Cathedral Moscow Red Square

It is the perfect piece of architecture that is designed in an alluring way. This place is outlined in an unusual as well as a unique color that gives a perfect look to the place. Earlier the cathedral was built in white, but then it was colored into the dazzling design. The patterns are extremely unique and that is the reason tourist can get attracted easily. This cathedral has 8 smaller churches that are designed in a perfect manner. The St. Basil’s Cathedral is a museum that allows the visitors to see the unique interiors properly.

Suggested Read: 9 Fabulous Beaches In Russia That Let You Relish The Taste Of The Good Life!

3. Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin

It is a big architectural complex that helps in attracting the visitors easily. So, if you are planning to visit summer in Moscow,Russia then make sure to visit Kremlin once. This complex offers cathedrals, towers as well as palaces so that the visitors can enjoy easily. The walls of Kremlin were built in the 15th century using beautiful designs. It contains 20 towers, and the tallest tower is Troizkaya, as it is 73 meters high. The cathedral is located in the center of this complex and has a magnificent architecture that attracts all the visitors without any hassle. It is the home to various palaces.

Suggested Read: 9 Hotels In Russia That Are A Perfect Blend Of Modern Culture And Old-World Charm!

4. State Tretyakov Gallery

State Tretyakov Gallery

This gallery is made by the collection of merchants but now carries more than 130,000 pieces of the artwork from the history of Russia. It was opened in 1893 in a small building. But now it has become one of the most eye-catchy tourist attractions that give information about the history to all the people who love to know new things. This gallery carries the painting of the famous Russian artist. It has the collection of around 130,000 items that help in attracting the visitors properly.

Suggested Read: 20 Fascinating Places To Visit In Moscow That Reflect The Real Russian Beauty!

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre

This is the historic theatre of opera as well as a ballet in Russia. Even this place is famous for its classical Russian architecture that helps in attracting all the visitors without any hassle. If you are visiting to Moscow in summers, then make sure to go to Bolshoi theatre once. This building was completed in 1824 and later it was served, as the national theatre of Russia. It is completely white in color and has 8 columns at the entrance so that people could enter the place easily without any hassle. Summer is the best time to visit Moscow where people could relax and look up to such theaters without any hassle. The performance in this theatre is from the origin of Russia along with other foreign plays. It is the best time-pass for visitors who wish to spend the time properly.

Suggested Read: The Glass Beach In Russia Turns Empty Beer Bottles Into A Stunning Kaleidoscope Of Colourful Pebbles!

6. Kolomenskoye

Kolomenskoye

Kolomenskoye is a sprawling and beautiful place, which now serves as the open-air museum that is intended with wooden architecture. The place was urbanized as the retreat for beautiful princes of Moscow. The oldest configuration in Kolomenskoye is the Ascension Church. It is the eye-catching piece of Russian architecture which is made up of the white stone. It is rising towards the sky in the octagonal form that was recognized as the World’s Heritage spot by the UNESCO. It is the most enjoyable place to visit in Moscow in Russia during the summer season.

Tips For Summer Travel In Moscow

Wondering what to wear in Moscow in summer , where to eat, what to buy, or where to go? Fret not, and let us guide you right.

  • Make sure to pack light and comfortable clothes for summer in Moscow. Women can carry flowy dresses and men can pack lightweight slacks.
  • Carry comfortable shoes as you will have to do a lot of walking while in Moscow.
  • Keep a small travel umbrella, sunglasses, sunscreen and a lightweight bag.
  • Plan your trip to Russia at least 3-6 months prior as the travel requires a valid Visa and passport along with a Hepatitis series of vaccination.
  • As June and July are the peak months to visit to Moscow, make sure to book your flights and hotels beforehand.
  • The weather can get very hot during summers in Moscow, so make sure to carry a small travel umbrella with you even on sunny days, and apply generous amounts of sunblock before stepping out.
  • Drink refreshing glasses of kvas, a fermented, effervescent drink to keep cool during summer in Moscow, Russia .

Further Read: 19 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Russia That You’ve Never Heard Before!

The above list of places to visit in Moscow during summer’s season goes on & on. The above destinations are a few of the famous places to visit in Moscow. These places are just the commencement of what this far-fetched capital city has to offer. So, what are you waiting for? Plan your trip to Moscow with TravelTriangle for a soothing vacation experience like never before!

Disclaimer:  TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note:  Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Summer In Moscow

What are the summer months in Russia?

June to August are the summer months in Moscow.

How hot does it get in Russia during the summer?

During the summer temperature rises upto 104 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best time of year to visit Moscow?

The best time of the year to visit Moscow is in the Mid-June to September. Despite being expensive at this time, witnessing the 24 hour sunshine and white nights celebrations in St. Petersburg is worth everything.

What do Russians wear in the summer?

The Russians in the summer usually keep the clothing according to the chilly nights. Fleece vest, skirt, infinity dress or skirt, convertible pants, and capris.

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