travel mini jars

7 reusable, travel-size containers that won't spill in your carry-on

Shop tsa-compliant toiletry bottles, capsules, and more..

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You’ve just arrived at your hotel, ready to recharge and shower off that airport musk when you’re greeted by an unwelcome surprise: Your face lotion spilled on everything in your carry-on. Though not uncommon for travelers, this goopy mess can be avoided. With the below list of TSA-approved 3.4 oz. (100 ml) containers (the max liquid size for carry-ons), you can take your six-step skincare routine with you wherever you’re headed—keeping every bit of those precious products securely stored.

Ries Essential Travel Bottle

Available in both green and blue, the Essential Travel Bottle from Ries is a durable, silicone-free container that's meant for your liquid soaps, lotions, and creams. Its unique design features a generous opening for easy filling and airless pump—plus, you can throw it in the dishwasher when you get home for a mess-free cleanup. In addition to the multiple colorways, options include 3.4 oz. or 1.7 oz. sizes and labels: shampoo, conditioner, hair, face, body, SPF, or blank.

Available in 10 colors and three sizes—small (1.7 oz), medium (2.5 oz), and large (3.4 oz)—the GoToob+ is a soft silicone travel bottle with a locking cap, a contoured tube that can stand on its own for easy filling, and a dedicated area on the collar for labeling. Carabiner compatible, you can even clip a GoToob+ filled with hand sanitizer to your backpack, while the others are stored away with shampoo, conditioner, and more.

Cadence Capsules

Possibly the most versatile of the bunch, The Capsule from Cadence is a customizable and magnetic 0.56 oz. container available that comes in eight colors. In addition to the labeled tile each container comes with (which you can customize for your specific products in any language), the brand promises a 100 percent guarantee that the Capsule is leakproof, watertight, and airtight. When putting together the Build Your 6 bundle , the capacity calculator can help you determine how many uses of common products (i.e. supplements or serums) will fit in the container so you're never packing more than you need.

Kitsch Ultimate Travel 11 Pack

Transferring your products from their original packaging to TSA-approved containers can be a challenge, but Kitsch has your back. Along with the actual containers that come in their Ultimate Travel 11 Pack (one 30 ml spray bottle, two 30 ml pump bottles, two 0.35 oz. mini jars, and three 90 ml flat pouch bottles), the kit includes mini tools to assist, like a funnel, spatula, and pipette.

Sea to Summit Travelling Light Clear Zip Pouch

Consisting of three 3 oz. bottles and three 1.3 oz. bottles, this convenient travel kit allows you to bring your entire routine with you. If you don’t need all six, consider using the small containers for those nice-to-haves instead of must-haves (i.e. your favorite hair mask). Plus, the bag itself has a leakproof zipper for maximum luggage protection.

Sonia Kashuk TSA Travel Makeup Bag Kit

This less-expensive, no frills travel kit from Target is ideal for last-minute trips. It comes with three refillable 2 oz. bottles, one refillable jar, a 2 oz. spray bottle, and a funnel for easy transfer. Pack everything together in its clear zip bag for a seamless experience through airport security.

Nalgene 2 oz. Leakproof Travel Dropper Bottle

While the above options focus on almost everything in your toiletry kit, many know the annoyance of traveling with the ever-important contact solution. This 2 oz. dropper from Nalgene functions just like larger contact solution bottles, so you can bring and dispense just the right amount. It can also be used for thinner products in your routine, like serums or toners.

13 Best Travel Toiletry Bottles: Editor Tested, Leakproof, & Reusable

By Meaghan Kenny

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.

Beauty and skincare products like shampoo, moisturizer, and face wash are essential on every packing list , whether you're heading to a hotel or are staying with friends or family. Since buying miniature versions of your favorite products can be expensive—and typically means purchasing a whole lot of single-use plastics—having practical and reliable toiletry travel bottles you can pull out for every trip is a must.

To make sure the reusable bottles we're throwing in our Dopp kit are easy to use and don't leak, we tested out a variety of affordable travel sets to see which ones actually get the job done. Below, you'll find 13 of the best travel toiletry bottles that will protect the contents of your luggage—and all of the creams, soaps, and serums you've shelled out for—and keep you organized on the go. Even better, all of these picks are TSA-friendly in size, so you don't have to worry about any of your favorite products being thrown out at the airport. As an added bonus, many of these travel bottles are available on Amazon Prime, so you can get your hands on them quickly before a last-minute getaway.

How we tested

I scoured the internet to find the most popular travel toiletry bottles—searching a variety of retailers, reading hundreds of reviews, and considering online ratings. After my initial research, I put many reusable toiletry bottles to the test, trying out dozens of options that range in price, size, and design. I've had some of these toiletry bottles for over a year and they've accompanied me on a mix of weeklong vacations in checked luggage and short weekend trips in tightly-packed duffel bags .

Over the last several months, I tested another batch of options: I've filled them with a variety of skincare, hair care, and body products—thick body wash, contact solution, and leave-in conditioner included. I've even left these filled containers upside down overnight to see if there were any unexpected leaks. My findings: There are many great options on the market to choose from and you don't need to break the bank to find the perfect set for you. Below, the best travel toiletry bottles to pack wherever you're headed next .

Our top picks

• Best overall: Tocelffe 18-Pack travel bottles
• Best for easy packing: Cadence The Capsule Flex System
• Best for in-shower products: LiquiSnugs silicone travel bottles
• Best for perfume: Vonovo mini refillable perfume bottles
• Best for contact solution: Cauyuan portable contact lens case

Browse reusable bottles for:

Hair and body wash, cleansers and serums, contact lens care, a variety of products.

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

No matter how organized I try to stay, my bathroom counter at every hotel always becomes cluttered with my many toiletries and hair products . The LiquiSnugs look like your classic silicone travel bottles, but they feature a clever suction cup on the back that allows you to stick them onto any shower wall—freeing up limited counter space. These are great for in-shower products like shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. This set of four bottles features two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles, so you can choose how much product you need depending on the length of your trip. Another smart design feature: Twist the top to adjust the label name so you won't forget what's inside. I've had these for about a year now and I consistently reach for these to pack shampoo and conditioner.

Pros : The unique suction cup design makes them great for shower products.

Cons : These occasionally will fall off shower walls if there's not a little bit of water to keep them in place.

This Amazon bestseller is versatile enough for every type of traveler. The 18-pack from Tocelffe features four silicone bottles of varying size (two 3-ounce bottles and two 2-ounce bottles), four small jars for creams and serums, two spray bottles, two spatulas, a funnel, labels, and a cleaning brush. These all come in a waterproof toiletry bag that you can reuse to carry makeup or tech essentials. In this set, I find myself mostly reaching for the ultra-soft silicone bottles, which are great for products like body wash, face cleanser, and micellar water. Each of these bottles feature three-layer leak-proof tops so you don't have to worry about spills in your bag. Something I love about these bottles is how they can be bent and squeezed easily to get every last bit of product out of them.

Pros: Very affordable, comes in a clear toiletry case, and the bottles' wide opening makes it easy to refill. Cons: The small plastic jars are not as reliable as the silicone bottles in this set.

If you're just looking for a few affordable no-frills travel bottles, these are for you. Available in a variety of colors, the silicone bottles do just what they say they will. They're leakproof, come in a set of four, and are easy to refill and clean. While there’s no bells and whistles, these three-ounce bottles pleasantly surprised me with just how much product they fit compared to some of the other classic silicone bottles we tested, making them an ideal option for a longer vacation. Plus, these have an average of 4.5 stars on Amazon with over 11,000 global reviews.

Pros: Versatility; available in many colorways

Cons : This set doesn't come with labels or a proper toiletry case.

Another solid choice for travelers is this set of four 3-ounce silicone travel bottles. These are squeezable, leakproof, and versatile enough to use for everything from shower products and soaps to sauces and baby food. These reusable bottles are all the same size and each a different color so you can differentiate them. Bonus: This set comes in a transparent toiletry case to keep them all organized in.

Pros : This set is available in a dozen colorways; wide opening makes them easy to refill without needing a funnel. Cons : This set doesn't come with labels.

If you prefer to bring along a bar of soap instead of using what's provided at the hotel, this compact soap box is a great travel companion. Inside, there's a soap mat that absorbs any excess water and prevents the soap from becoming mushy. I've used other plastic soap cases before without a mat and it always leaves a mess. This one features a silicone band that wraps tightly around the box for extra protection, and is about the size of a deck of cards.

Pros : Fits most commonly used soap brands, affordable, and features a simple-to-use design.

Cons : The soap box needs the band to stay secure so be careful not to lose it.

I've been a fan of Cadence's capsules for a few years now. These leakproof, airtight, and watertight magnetic capsules are unlike any other travel bottles I've used and are a true game changer when it comes to packing your own beauty products. The individual capsules magnetically snap together to take up as little space as possible in your Dopp kit and are designed without any right angles or edges, so you get every last bit of product available.

The original .56-ounce individual capsules are great for weekend trips and storing small items like daily vitamins and safety pins. The Capsule Flex System allows you to customize your own bundle with your choice of small , medium , and large sizes, as well as The Extender —an add-on that allows you to increase the size of the bottle when you need more room. This makes it so easy to customize your travel routine, whether you want to pack extra product for longer trips or bring enough body wash for you and your travel buddy. With The Flex System, you can still choose your own label for each capsule (the labels are interchangeable), as well as the color and number of capsules in your bundle.

Pros : It's easy to get every last drop of product inside each capsule and they are so easy to rinse out and reuse. The custom labels can be swapped out depending on what you're packing.

Cons : These are the most expensive option on our list.

I was eager to test out the Ries travel bottles after hearing a lot of buzz about the product and seeing them make their way into retailers like Sephora and Goop. These are a more elevated, aesthetically pleasing take on the classic reusable travel bottles you may have used in the past. Ries prioritized sustainability and design with these essentials: Each bottle is made from recycled plastic and features a large opening at the top, which makes it easy to refill and clean (not to mention, they're dishwasher safe). Travelers can purchases these bottles individually (a 3.4-ounce bottle or a 1.7-ounce bottle) or in a set with both sizes . My favorite thing about these bottles is the airless pump—I feel so glamorous while doing my nighttime skincare routine with these, and it makes it easier to use products like face wash or cleanser on the road. The bottles are pre-labeled (shampoo, conditioner, body, face) and you can twist the top to the side to conceal the opening, so product won't spill out.

Pros : Sustainably made; if you prefer a pump, these are for you.

Cons : On the pricier side; the bottles are a bit bulky and take up a little more room in my makeup bag than most travel-size products I use.

Finally, a solution to my contact lens woes. I can't count the number of times I've stopped into a drugstore to buy a mini bottle of contact lens solution before heading out on a trip, or to pick up rewetting drops because I'm dealing with dry contacts while away from home. This compact case makes cleaning and caring for contacts on the go much easier—it comes with an easy-to-fill reusable dropper that gives me a long weekend's worth of solution, a contact case, and has a mirror to help get them in and out. (I don't like to fly in contacts, so this is particularly handy if I forget to switch to my glasses before leaving home.) It weighs next to nothing, and will fit in all but my smallest handbags, so I've been keeping it on me regularly, not just when traveling. — Madison Flager, senior commerce editor

Pros : It comes with a tiny pair of tweezers to make removing contacts from the case less messy. Cons : The contact solution holder isn't large enough for weeklong trips.

I admit I've also been guilty of buying mini versions of my favorite contact solution. As much as I love reusable toiletry bottles for my skincare and hair products, I've never had anything that felt right for the consistency of my contact solution. I wear daily lenses, meaning I don't need a whole lot of solution with me when I travel, so it is a little frustrating to carry around a bottle that takes up precious space in my Dopp kit. Lately, I've been carrying about the Cauyuan eye glass case which comes with a super small dropper for contact solution. This refillable dropper holds just enough contact solution for weekend trips and shorter vacations and takes up such little space (I've even found myself tossing it in my handbag in case my eyes get a little dry.) This durable case keeps all of my eye care essentials together and protected, with a separate compartment for eye glasses, and another that holds the dropper, tweezers, a contact case, and a mirror.

Pros : All of my eyewear essentials are now in once place and stay organized; the dropper is small enough to fit in a tiny purse. Cons : The compartment for your eye glasses is on the small size—if you have thick or bulky frames, they might not fit.

I've never found a reusable spray bottle for my perfume that I've liked, so I've always relied on buying miniature versions of each of my favorite fragrances. But let's be real—those travel-size perfume bottles are expensive! They're often made of glass, too, making them vulnerable to breaking in your luggage. Enter the Vonovo mini refillable perfume bottles: Each of these holds 0.2 ounces of your favorite scent, more than enough for a long vacation. This set comes with five spray bottles, so you can bring along any of your favorites—or all of them. And they are so easy to use—simply pull off the top of your full-size perfume, press the bottom of the mini bottle on top of it, and keep clicking until its refilled. Each of the bottles have a clear vial inside so you can see how much product you have left. My favorite part: These are so tiny—think the size of a lipstick— meaning I can even bring them with me on a date night when I'm only carrying a small purse .

Pros : Easy to refill and compact enough to fit in even the tiniest of travel bags Cons : These spray bottles wont match the look of your full-size perfume and don't have labels, so you'll have to remember based on the color of the mini bottle you choose. Also, these can be refilled with the same perfume, but I wouldn't recommend reusing them with another scent.

For those with a more rigid skincare or haircare routine, this 16-pack lets you bring along every last product you want—and it all fits into one reusable case. The set comes with four silicone bottles, four jars, two spray bottles, two scoopers, a funnel, and a cleaning brush. The variety means you can pack everything from soap and shampoo to serums and sprays in here, and the cleaning brush makes the bottles easy to clean and re-use. I like this set best for packing my more expensive skincare serums and creams in the small jars that have a scooper to use.

Pros : A variety of types of containers

Cons : The toiletry case the bottles come in isn't the best quality.

The Kitsch Ultimate travel set includes leakproof holders that are compact and lightweight enough to pack in a purse or tote bag . In addition to three flat pouches, this set also comes with two pump bottles, two mini jars, one mini funnel, one mini spatula, and one mini pipette. This set is best for a longer trip—say, a European vacation or a cross-country road trip —as you can store a lot more shampoo, conditioner, and lotions in the pouches without going over any TSA limits (plus, they'll get lighter as you use them).

Pros : The flat pouches are easy to pack and take up less room in a Dopp kit than bulkier bottles.

Cons : The pouches are a little bit harder to refill than bottles with a wide opening.

If you're packing toiletries for your entire family , this 21-pack of travel bottles has you covered. This package comes with four silicone bottles, four cream jars, four toothbrush covers, two spray bottles, two pump bottles, two trowels, a funnel, and labels to keep everything straight. Whether it's a trip to Disney World or multi-generational cruise , this set makes packing for the whole family easy.

Pros : These come with toothbrush covers–a nice travel accessory that none of the other options on our list offers.

Cons : Not ideal for weekend trips or light packers.

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6 Tips for Packing Toiletries Like a Pro

Anne's stories have appeared on USA Today, Yahoo Travel, The Huffington Post, ABC News, Boston.com, and other major publications.

When it comes to travel and lifestyle, Anne is most passionate about local cuisine and culture, as well as sustainability, and she especially enjoys traveling to Europe, the U.K., the Caribbean, remote islands, and even her own backyard.

When she's not at the office, she's usually visiting local farms, gardening, taking food photos, or developing recipes in her "test kitchen."

In 2012, she graduated with high honors in the Professional Pastry Program at The Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, and was granted the Jean Creveux (MOF) Award for outstanding skill with sugar.

Anne received her undergraduate degree from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, and studied abroad at Trinity College, Oxford University. She's an active member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW).

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After years of traveling, I’ve found that less is almost always more, even when it comes to some of the smallest items you bring along. Seeming innocent at just a few ounces here and there, toiletries can actually add up, becoming the silent killers that push your bag into bulky burden territory. And often, you don’t use up most of what’s in your cosmetics kit. When it comes to figuring out how to pack toiletries for air travel, the magic word is mini toiletries. With downsized versions of your favorites, you can pack the toiletries you need and still travel light.

Every little bit helps, and with a concerted effort, you can significantly lighten your load with mini travel toiletries featuring your favorite products. With the following strategies, I trimmed my kit down to a third of its original weight. You can, too.

Individual Toiletry Packets 

At SmarterTravel’s HQ, we have a wall-mounted medical kit filled with all sorts of first aid supplies portioned into individual packets. I see it as pure packing inspiration. Small and easily tuck-able, packets are ideal for keeping things light (and complying with TSA rules ), especially for short trips or for when you don’t need a lot of one thing. Plus, you can toss the empty packets as you go and avoid coming home with space-grabbing, half-empty containers.

While your local drugstore will have products similar to those in our wall kit, you can also think beyond aspirin and ointment. Here are some of our favorite packet products:

Hand Sanitizer : Giovanni Mini Sanitizing Towelettes and EO Products Organic Sanitizing Hand Wipes

Nail Polish Remover : Ella + Mia Soy Polish Remover Wipes , Alleyoop Acetone-Free Nail Polish Wipes , and Karma Naturals nail polish remover wipes

Makeup Remover : La Fresh Makeup Remover Cleansing Travel Wipes

Sunscreen : Squeeze Pod Travel Facial Sunscreen

Tip: La Fresh has a whole lineup of travel wipes that includes sunscreen, insect repellent, antibacterial lotion, face cleanser, antiperspirant, makeup remover, and shoeshine.

Razors for Travel

You try to keep those unwanted hairs at bay with a pre-trip waxing, threading, or good ‘ole plucking. But let’s face it: That scratchy stubble will inevitably come back, transforming you from well-groomed jetsetter to grungy backpacker in a matter of days. While the average razor isn’t a major space hog, more diminutive alternatives can help you shave a few ounces off your dopp kit.

For Ladies : I think Gillette’s Venus Snap with Embrace is as close as it comes to the most perfectly packable razor. Shaped like a flat mushroom and weighing in at about a half ounce, the tiny razor comes with an easy-to-grip handle, takes regular Venus blades, and packs safely in its own carrying case (though you can let it fly solo to save even more space). The beauty brand, Alleyoop , makes an all-in-one razor that lets you shave your underarms literally anywhere. The dial-like case includes a refillable water spray, a shea butter moisturizing bar, and two razor cartridges. Oh, and it’s TSA-approved, cruelty- and paraben-free, and vegan.

For Gents : Men have many options, both electric or manual, for manscaping on the go. SmarterTravel editors like the compact but classy Merkur Travel Safety Razor . Or go super light with Schick’s ST2 Slim Twin Sensitive Disposable Razors .

Tip: Let your hair conditioner do double duty as a shaving cream to save even more space.

DIY Mini Toiletries for Travel

Sometimes, your full-sized toiletries are miniatures in disguise. Unleash their packable potential by trimming them down, taking just a portion with you. This works especially well for semi-solid items like your favorite bar soap or deodorant: Just slice off a travel-sized chunk and place it in a container fit to size. Pieces of solid bars of shampoo and conditioner are another space-saving option.

Eye pencils and lip liners offer similar possibilities: Just save the stubs you’ve ground down through daily use and put them in your travel kit rather than tossing them into the trash.

Be creative. There are many other toiletries that you can cut down to size. Once, when I needed an eyebrow brush and couldn’t find a travel-sized version, I snipped off most of the handle (filing down the sharp edge first).

Surprising Travel-Sized Products

Yes, purchasing sample- or travel-sized products is an obvious packing no-brainer. But you might not know the extent of what’s out there, beyond the mini deodorants and shampoos available in your drugstore’s travel aisle. Here are some options:

Mascara : Mascara tends to dry out quickly, so you might consider saving the inevitable waste by using these half-sized tubes (at half the price) for every day as well as for travel. Try Benefit They’re Real Mascara or Clinique High Impact Mascara , or see if your favorite brand offers a travel-size mascara .

Tweezers : Tweezerman makes downsized versions of many of its grooming products, including the Mini Slant tweezers and a Mini Brow Rescue Kit that comes with a tiny brow brush, “Browmousse,” and brow highlighter in addition to the tweezers.

Makeup Brushes : EcoTools has an on-the-go set with petite versions of its normal brush line. Alleyoop also sells a handy 4-in-1 makeup brush which includes a sponge, blush, brow, and eyeshadow brushes.

Eyelash Curler : With a funky, three-dimensional shape, most eyelash curlers don’t play nicely inside a toiletries bag. But a travel eyelash curler , one with a flatter and boxier style, takes up less space. Though its unconventional grip might take a little getting used to, the tiny lash crimper tucks nicely into any corner of your bag.

Dental Floss : Next time you’re at your dentist’s office, ask for a few containers of trial-sized floss, and set them aside for your next trip. Or stock up on mini-containers of floss.

Hair Gel and Other Goop : When you just need dollops of creams and gels, Squeeze Pod offers individually portioned snap-and-squeeze pouches of hair gel, moisturizer, shaving cream, and hand sanitizer.

Tip: Buy in bulk, especially if you travel frequently, to save money on your per-item cost, as trial sizes are usually highly marked up compared to their full-sized counterparts. I buy mini Tom’s of Maine toothpaste tubes in packs of 12 from Amazon.

Mini Makeup

Despite what the name implies, makeup compacts are often much larger than they need to be for travel. Luckily, many manufacturers make compact versions of compacts (and other types of cosmetics). Here are a few ways to find them:

Samples : Go to Sephora or your department store’s makeup counter and ask for trial sizes of your favorite products. You can also check with your favorite cosmetics company; Smashbox , for example, offers samples online.

Starter Kits : To entice you to commit to their products, many companies package cost-effective starter kits with small-sized versions of their lines. With a single kit, you can get many of your makeup travel needs fulfilled. My favorite brand, bareMinerals , offers a mini foundation, concealer, a face brush, mascara, and other products for about the price of a single regular-sized mineral foundation jar.

Stackable Makeup: This is the latest invention to hit the beauty world and as travelers, we’re thrilled at the concept. Subtl Beauty sells a “Starter Stack” which includes a shine control powder, highlighter, bronzer, lip cheek, and concealer all in one convenient stack. Alleyoop also offers a similar product, a multi-use face palette , featuring a blush, contour, highlight, and mini-mirror.

Smaller Sized  Containers

When you can’t find pint-sized versions of your favorite toiletries, find pint-sized containers and make them yourself. For instance, I found these super-slim Mini Sprayers from The Container Store, which I use to hold just enough pumps of hair spray and face toner for a few days on the road. The retailer has a page full of mini bottles, jars, tubes, and boxes for all your storage needs. Humangear , which sells tubes, tubs, and other tiny containers, is another great resource.

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More from smartertravel:.

• The Ultimate Packing List
• The Best Toiletries Bags for Every Trip
• 10 Ultralight Rolling Carry-on Bags Under 6 Pounds

Editor’s note: This story was originally published in 2015. It has been updated to reflect the most current information.

We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission.

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• Russian destinations

Saratov is a major city in southern Russia. The city was initially founded in the 16th century as a fortress to protect the southern districts of the Russian Empire. Situated on the Volga River, Saratov was a major military aircraft manufacturing site, the home of the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin, and a vital part of the Soviet space program. There is a museum dedicated to Gagarin and his life. Saratov has a rich cultural life, as well - among the most famous sites is the Conservatoire designed in a Neo-Gothic style as well as the Drama Theatre named after Ivan Slonov, one of the oldest theatres in Russia. For those interested in art there is the Radischev Art Museum with more than 20,000 exhibits. Of other interest, the community of Volga Germans was centred in the Saratov region. In the early 20th century over 800,000 ethnic Germans made their home in this area preserving many of their German customs.

There are flights and trains from Moscow to Saratov, but is normally visited as part of a river cruise. The embankments along the Volga give some spectacular views including the ‘Old Bridge’ which was the longest bridge in Europe until the 1980s.

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Cross the bridge to Saratov, the city that appeared practically overnight

Saratov is a great place to feel the immense grandeur of the Volga River. Saratov offers an unusual collection of architecture from the pre-revolutionary and Soviet period and its large center makes for an excellent place to take an aimless walk through centuries of Russian history literally living on top of each other.  

By the early 1800s Saratov had grown to be a significant port city and the railroad arrived in 1870. The city experienced a boom during World War II as many factories and institutes were relocated here, although it was closed during Soviet times as it was the site of a military aircraft manufacturing plant.

Surprisingly, Saratov went three full centuries before a promenade was built along the river. One of the main attractions here is a statue dedicated to the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin. Gagarin first moved to Saratov to continue his studies in 1951 at the Saratov Industrial Technical School. He studied tractors and spent his weekends volunteering at a local aviation club where he learned to fly. He also worked part time on the Volga docks. 

The Leonid Sobinov State Conservatory opened in 1912 at Kirova 1 not far from the entrance to the charming Park Lipki. At the time it was only the third in the country as Saratov was then the third largest city in Russia and the largest on the Volga (16th largest today).

The Nikitin Bothers Circus at the top of Kirova (away from the Volga) was the second stationary circus in Russia (the first is in Penza). This is probably the best place in town to see tigers and clowns under the same roof. Across the street is the Kryty Rynok, a covered market built in 1916. Behind the market is an example of a classic Soviet movie palace, Pobeda; it opened in 1955. If walking away from the circus towards the Volga there are well-preserved examples of proletarian communal buildings constructed in the 1920s on the left.

Park Pobedy is the city’s largest and is located at about three kilometers from the Volga. It hosts the National Village of the Peoples of Saratov Region, an open-air architectural and ethnographic museum. 

How to get there There are many trains to Saratov, but the daily direct from Moscow’s Paveletsky station is both comfortable and convenient. It leaves at 17:50 and arrives the next morning at 08:50. There are limited flights to Saratov, although  Saratov Airlines  flies to and from Moscow Domodedovo up to six times daily. 

Where to stay Hotel Slovakia  is probably the best budget option for those seeking Volga views. A standard large Soviet-era renovated hotel, rooms start at 2600 rubles. Nearby is the beautiful St. Trinity Cathedral. A church has stood here since 1675. Also of note is the Soothe My Sorrows Church (Utoli moi pechali) at Volzhskaya St. 36. It was inspired by St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow and completed in 1906. Another good central option is  Irbis Business Hotel  at Maksima Gorkogo St. 9 with rooms starting at 2400 rubles.

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