mlc travel days

Busting myths on MLC, crew vacations, days off

By Emma Batchelder

The Maritime Labor Convention was written in 2006, but made a big impact when it entered into force on Aug. 20, 2013, one year after ratification by 30 countries that represent over 33 percent of the world gross tonnage of ships. As of August 2017, the convention has been ratified by 84 states representing over 89 percent of global shipping.

Establishing basic rights for seafarers, the MLC has been widely scrutinized by professionals who feel that its drafters did not consider the superyacht industry. This is to clarify a few points for yacht crew, specifically.

Q: How many vacation days are crew members entitled to in a year?

A: MLC requires that seafarers employed on ships that fly its flag are given paid annual leave under appropriate conditions. In the case of Cayman Islands flag state, crew members are to be granted 38 days of leave for every 12 months of work. They are broken into two sections; 30 vacation days and eight public holiday days. Crew shall accrue vacation days at 3.2 days a month. Each flag state’s allocation of public holiday days differs slightly.

Q: Can weekend days be counted as vacation days?

A: Under the Merchant Shipping Regulations, there is no such thing as a “standard working week”. Any day of the week can be counted as a vacation day. If the crew member and the captain have made an agreement for a day off, then it is counted as a vacation day. This is regardless of day of the week, weekend, public holiday, etc. It is advisable for this to be clarified in writing, especially since the crew member may stay on the vessel.

Q: If a crew member takes off the entire month of June for vacation, how many vacation days will this count as?

A: This would count as 30 days of leave.

Q: If the boat sits at the dock for extended periods of time and the captain gives the crew weekends off, can either weekend days off be deducted from annual vacation time?

A: No. Temporary shore leave cannot be counted as part of annual vacation time. There needs to be a distinction between “temporary shore leave” and “extended shore leave’. A captain can issue an extended shore leave notice to a crew member that will count as vacation days.

Q: Under maritime laws, are crew owed any days off in a standard work week?

A: MLC laws fall under the laws of the International Labor Organization, which state that for every six days, there will be one day off owed in lieu.

Q: If crew agree to take a set amount of “temporary shore leave”, do they need to sleep off the vessel?

A: There is no requirement under the laws that state that a crew member must sleep off the boat. If the employer is willing to let the crew member sleep onboard, that is OK.

Q: A public holiday occurs during a crew member’s vacation time. Does this not count as a day of leave since it is a holiday?

A: It will still count as a day of vacation since there are already eight days of paid leave (under Cayman Island flag state) that cover public holidays.

Q: How many vacation days would a crew member be owed if he/she quits after only eight months?

A: Again, this comes back to flag state. In the case of Cayman Islands, annual leave shall be accrued at 3.2 days per month and, where a seafarer does not serve a full year, this shall be calculated on a pro-rated basis. In this case, a crew member would be owed 26 days (rounded up from 25.6).

When the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) was established, it was the “fourth pillar” of international maritime law – the other three are International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) and International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Its intention was to enforce regulations that would bring better standards to seafarers’ lives. These laws apply across the board to all mariners, but do not always take into consideration unique aspects of the large yacht industry. The result of this can be more confusion for the yachting community.

As we all know every yacht’s schedule is different. Most yacht crew get the odd day off here or there, but yachting is certainly not an industry in which holidays or weekends are anticipated to be non-working days. There is no set definition of a “standard working week” under the Merchant Shipping Law. There are clear laws under the Merchant Shipping Regulations (certification, safe manning, hours of work and watchkeeping) that state a seafarer must be provided with 77 hours rest in any seven-day period. There is no requirement to which days these hours are to be taken. In addition, MLC enforces a maximum of 14 hours of work in a 24-hour period, or a maximum of 72 hours of work in a seven-day period.

In the case of a day off given by the captain, a distinction between “temporary shore leave” and “extended shore leave” would be highly beneficial. Temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer cannot be counted as part of annual leave pursuant to the regulations, however, shore leave can, and will be, deducted from annual leave.

Vessels that sit at the dock for extended periods of time and are often granted more “temporary shore leave”. If the captain choses to give crew members two days off a week, regardless of which days it is, they cannot be counted against the crew’s “extended shore leave” time. This can get a little tricky in some cases where a yacht sits at a dock for a lengthy amount of time, and crew are regularly being granted two days off a week. Crew accumulating vacation days, while only working five days a week, may seem like a bit of a double standard, but this is compliant with MLC and Cayman Islands laws.

On another note, not all yachts are required to be compliant with MLC. From a Cayman Islands perspective, MLC does not apply to pleasure yachts. There are numerous MLC regulations under Cayman Islands Merchant Shipping law that all contain specific language clarifying this. A vessel that is privately owned and not engaged in commercial activities, that is to say the yacht is not engaged in trade, is not required to be compliant with the laws.

In addition to the subject of vacation days, captains and owners are also running into confusion regarding repatriation laws. It is not uncommon for crew members to work an entire 12-month period onboard, take their annual vacation, only to return to the vessel after a paid holiday, and resign in the 13th month. Crew members then expect another flight back to their home country (or prior determined port of return) to be paid by the boat on their behalf. This is completely legal, but is going to leave a sour taste in owners’ and captains’ mouths, and something the yachting industry needs to somehow rectify.

One way to remedy this situation is to draw up one-year contracts for crew members. This way crew members can take their annual leave and vacation flights, and if they chose to, come back to the vessel and re-sign another one year contract. This creates a much fairer playing field for both the owner and crew.

Q: If a crew member resigns from his/her job onboard, is the boat required to pay for their flight home?

A: Crew members are protected by MLC laws that state that if the seafarer has not breached the contract, they shall be repatriated by lowest cost airline to the place where they signed the employment agreement, the crew member’s country of residence, or such other place as mutually agreed with the ship owner when the employment agreement is signed.

Q: If a crew member did not take all leave owed to them from one year, can they carry it over to the following year?

A: All paid annual leave must be taken in the year in which it accrues. There is also no provision for payment to be made in lieu of untaken leave except where paid annual leave has accrued but has not been taken at the date of termination of employment.

Q: If a crew member terminated their contract in breach of the terms of the agreement, is the owner still required to cover repatriation costs?

A: If the seafarer breached the contract then the employer may treat this as misconduct and recover up to a maximum of $1,000 for repatriation costs.

Former chief stew Emma Batchelder is PR manager at Luxury Yacht Group in Fort Lauderdale. This article is for information purposes only. The information and opinion expressed in this document does not constitute legal advice and should not be regarded as a substitute for legal advice.  For more information, visit luxyachts.com . Comments are welcome below.

Related Posts

Two yacht crew placement agencies have been found compliant with MLC 2006 Convention requirements.“We are delighted to have gained compliancy prior to the Convention entering…

Crew Eye features photos with details on the scene and the photographer. Send us images of yachting as you see it, in all its beauty…

It looks as though 164-foot M/Y Arianna has sprouted sails in this iPhone photo taken by Capt. Ian van der Watt of M/V Copasetic. Behind Arianna…

Yacht crew management software

• Try it Free

Calculating Yacht Crew Leave

Note:   For non MLC yachts there is no statutory right to earn leave.

Different Types of Crew Leave

The MLC 2006 (Amended) outlines the minimum amount of paid annual leave. This is then transferred into the Flag State Regulations and finally the Seafarer Employment Agreement (SEA). So if the SEA outlines everything the leave calculation should be simple. Unfortunately there are still some ill defined components relating to different leave types and if they accrue leave or not. 

Note: Days that do not accrue leave are called “Neutral or Nil days”. These days are generally used for days when the crew member is not working.

Leave Types 

Shore Leave  

• Not considered as Annual Paid Leave under the MLC
• Accrued Leave: Yes  
• Part of the service period. Effectively considered a working day.  

Sick days .

• Sick days can be complicated due to multiple factors inclueding, preexisting conditions, duration or severity of the illness or injury. In general Sick days may accrue leave.

Compassion days

• Accrued Leave: No  

Unpaid days

Training days

• Accrued Leave: (Depends)
• Training days are discretionary and would need to be defined in the individual’s SEA.  

Travel days

• The MLC wording is a little vague. However some flag state regulations (such as Cayman Islands) clearly confirm this statement.
• For crew on the minimum Leave allowance travel days should Accrue Leave.  
• For crew with a generous leave allowance travel days may be Nil days. (see section below “Crew Leave – Real World Examples“)

Quarantine days

• Check Flag Notices, the following is from Cayman Islands Guidance Notes
• Legally imposed quarantine , away from your “agreed place of repatriation” is a work day. Therefor not considered as Annual Paid Leave under the MLC.
• Quarantine imposed by the yacht , should be defined in the SEA and may or may not be a Nil day.

Crew Leave Calculations by Contract Type

There are effectively two types of Leave agreements. The first is “Leave days per year”, this is the most commonly used leave type. The second is based on a work / accrued ratio, work a day accrue a day (or fraction of a day). This Leave Type is used for rotational crew.

Agreement Type – Leave days per year

The agreement will state the Leave Entitlement per month or per year. For calculation purposes you will need the Leave Entitlement per day.

(Date range in days) – Nil days) X Leave earned p/d + Leave owed or Rolled over + Additional days = Accrued

Example: Leave earned 45 days p/y = 0.123 p/d days under contract (Date range) 90.5 days

(91 – 0) x 0.123 + 0 + 0 = 11.21 days

• Date range in days : The range of days you are calculating the leave over.
• Leave Owed : If you are using an Excel spreadsheet you will probably use one worksheet per year. When moving the balance over to the next work sheet this will be the “Leave Owed” column.
• Rolled over : SEA’s start when on the start date and leave may or may not be rolled over on the anniversary date depending on the wording of the agreement.
• Additional days : Additional days may be granted as bonuses or in relation to an Hours of Rest noncompliance. 

Agreement Type – Worked / Accrued

This type is used for rotational crew. The crew member only accrues leave on the days they work. The calculations for this type are based on a ratio. E.g 1:1   one day worked for one day accrued or 2:1, two days worked for one day accrued. There are a number of benefits to this type of Leave agreement. The main advantage is that it is easier to balance leave between team members and the yacht’s ever changing schedule.  

Calculating the Worked / Accrued Ratio

Leave (days p/y) / (365 – Leave (days p/y) ) = Worked / Accrued Ratio

Example: 176 Leave (days p/y): 176 / (365 – 176) = 0.931

Worked / Accrued Calculation

(Number of days worked (This year) – Work days that are Nil days) X Worked/Accrued Ratio + Leave owed or Rolled over + Additional days = Accrued

• Why divide the Leave days figure by (365 – Leave days)? Because the crew is only accruing leave when they work. Therefore the ratio is based on the number of days worked in a year. 365 – Leave days gives you the number of days worked.
• This type of Leave agreement makes it easier for balancing both members of a rotation. If a crew member has an extended period on-board, they are earning more leave. That Leave can then be balanced on the next rotation.
• Paying out additional days for rotational team members due to Travel / Handover days. For a 3:3 rotation you will need 6 to 7 additional days to cover Travel / Handover days. For a 3 on 3 off rotation, we suggest you do not set the ratio to 1:1   (182 days leave p/y).  
• 3 / 3  rotation: Ratio 1 : 0.93 or 1 : 0.92 (176 or 175 days leave p/y)
• 2 / 1 rotation: Ratio 1 : 0.45 (113 days leave p/y)

Crew Leave – Real World Examples

Unfortunately the real World can be messy when it comes to crew leave. Below are some examples for leave scenarios which can be tricky when using spreadsheets

• Start date 13th Oct – Probation period (90 days)
• Leave days per year 45 day p/y
• Travel days are not Nil days
• Probation ends 11th Jan – Change to Rotational position
• Worked / Accrued, ratio 1:0.92
• Travel days are Nil days
• The issue: Changing contract leave types in the middle of a month
• Start date 10th June 2021 – Anniversary 10th June 2022
• Crew member starts a rotation leave period 1st May – 1st Aug 2022
• The issue: Zeroing out all accrued leave on the anniversary date (a Zero Leave Rollover) in the middle of   a Leave period
• The issue: These allowances need to be individually tracked over the crew members contractually period not Jan – Dec
• Tracking bunk capacity by department
• Tracking Inbound / Outbound crew dates with flight details
• Minimising Hand over periods

Superyacht crew leave calculations can be rather complex. These calculations are commonly handled by Captains and Pursers, using excel spreadsheets. Although excel is a great product it can not perform all the required calculations, easily. Generally this means manual calculations still have to be carried out, opening the yacht up to errors and potentially pay disputes.  

Reference material

MLC 2006 Amendments (2014)

Cayman Islands – THE MERCHANT SHIPPING LAW  

Cayman Islands Guidance Notes

By SuperyachtNews 26 Jul 2017

The calculation of paid leave under the MLC

The regulations don't specify whether paid leave is calculated based on a five-day or seven-day working week….

In order to ensure that seafarers have adequate leave, the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) outlines that crewmembers working on commercially-registered vessels are entitled to a minimum amount of paid annual leave and shore leave for the benefit of their health and well-being. Under the MLC, the annual leave entitlement is calculated on the basis of 2.5 days for every calendar month of employment. It adds that justified absences from work, such as sickness or attendance to an approved training course, cannot be considered as annual leave.

Since the implementation of the MLC, however, paid leave and the calculation of it has been a subject of disagreement between some superyacht crew and managers. Because of the way the MLC requirements are presented, it can be left open to interpretation as to whether the amount of paid leave that crew should be given is calculated based on a five-day or a seven-day working week.

“The leave issue has become quite a hot topic with crew in the post-MLC age,” says Guy Waddilove, co-founder and company director of 8 Yachts. “The issue is that crew get a pretty generous amount of leave under the MLC, but this is on the basis that crew are working seven days a week as they do on a merchant ship (minus hours of rest leave which normally takes it to six days a week)."

Waddilove continues to explain that the problem is that some crew wish to interpret the regulations as applying to a Monday-to-Friday working week, particularly if a vessel is in an off season or in the yard. “But this would mean that their 30 days a year increases massively,” he explains. “For example, if a crewmember takes a Friday off as leave, all of the next week and then then the following Monday, they would calculate that as seven days leave, whereas it should be calculated as 11 days.”

On the basis that crew are entitled to 2.5 days of annual leave for every calendar month of employment, if weekends were not to be included in the calculation of this, as above, then crew could receive in excess of three weeks’ worth of extra leave each year - a significant increase that could impact the overall operations of the yacht.

As the MLC was written primarily with the commercial shipping industry in mind, which assumes that crew are often at sea for seven days a week, the hardline view taken by 8 Yachts and many other yacht managers is that if crew are away from the boat and not available for watch or on standby, then it should be counted as leave. This is unless their Seafarers’ Employment Agreement states otherwise. However, this does not mean that any weekends not working given to the crew while the boat is having down time will be subtracted from their annual leave quota, simply that if a crewmember takes a period of leave, the weekends should be factored into the number of days of leave taken.

The Superyacht Forum, taking place from 13 to 16 November in Amsterdam, will include compelling operational-focused discussions. To find out more or secure your place, click here .

Profile links

Join the discussion

To post comments please Sign in or Register

When commenting please follow our house rules

Click here to become part of The Superyacht Group community, and join us in our mission to make this industry accessible to all, and prosperous for the long-term. We are offering access to the superyacht industry’s most comprehensive and longstanding archive of business-critical information, as well as a comprehensive, real-time superyacht fleet database, for just £10 per month, because we are One Industry with One Mission. Sign up here .

Sign up to the SuperyachtNews Bulletin

Receive unrivalled market intelligence, weekly headlines and the most relevant and insightful journalism directly to your inbox.

Sign up to the SuperyachtNews Bulletin

The superyachtnews app.

Follow us on

Media Pack Request

Please select exactly what you would like to receive from us by ticking the boxes below:

SuperyachtNews.com

Register to comment

• Show original

Google translate

Maritime labour convention.

The International Labour Organization's Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 - also known as the Seafarers’ Bill of Rights – sets out the minimum rights that you should expect as a seafarer

Hailed as the seafarers’ bill of rights when it came into force in August 2013, the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) 2006 set out for the first time the minimum rights that you should expect as a seafarer.

What is the Maritime Labour Convention?

The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) is an International Labour Organization convention. 

For the first time, it set out in one place minimum requirements for how a seafarer should be treated. Many states that ratify the Convention may have higher standards.

It was introduced in recognition that the global nature of the shipping industry means that seafarers need special protection, especially since you can be exempted from national labour laws.

The MLC incorporates and builds on 68 existing maritime labour conventions and recommendations, as well as other fundamental principles, to ensure decent working and living conditions for all seafarers. 

In broad terms, the MLC gives you the right to a safe and secure workplace – where safety standards are complied with; and where you have fair terms of employment, decent living and working conditions, including social protection such as access to medical care, health protection and welfare.

MLC applies to all commercial seagoing ships operating in international waters or between ports of different countries except fishing, naval and traditionally built vessels. The MLC covers any seafarer who is employed, engaged or working in any capacity on board one of these vessels. 

The MLC sits alongside International Maritime Organization (IMO) regulations which deal with the vessel and its operation. 

MLC requirements 

The MLC requires governments to make sure that their laws and regulations respect the following fundamental rights relating to work:

• The right to freedom of association – your right to join a trade union of your choice.
• Effective recognition of the right to collective bargaining – the right of your union to negotiate a collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on your behalf.
• Elimination of all forms of forced or compulsory labour – your right to work of your own free will and to be paid for that work.
• Effective abolition of child labour.
• Elimination of discrimination in respect of employment and occupation – your right to be treated in the same way as your fellow seafarers doing the same work, regardless of race, religion, national origin, gender, or political views.

Seafarers’ rights

The MLC gives more details of the obligations of governments and shipowners under four headings:

• Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship.
• Conditions of employment.
• Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering.
• Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection

If your rights are not respected there are processes to follow for making complaints. If the problems are serious and repeated or a hazard to your health, safety or security, this can result in the detention of the ship.

How the MLC works

The minimum rights that you have under this Convention are put into place either through national laws and regulations, and/or by CBAs and employment agreements.

To make sure they are actually carried out, there is a strong enforcement regime backed by a system of inspection and certification.

Every ship of 500 GT or above operating internationally has to have a maritime labour certificate and a declaration of maritime labour compliance, both issued by the flag State. Through these documents, the flag State provides details of how the ship complies with the MLC requirements. 

These details form the basis of the inspection regime, as Port State authorities can check against them for compliance. In enforcing compliance, the authorities have to make sure that ships flying the flag of a State that hasn’t ratified the Convention don’t get any advantages over those flying a flag that has. This is referred to as the ‘no more favourable treatment’ clause.

Where there is any doubt over how compliance is to be achieved, the Convention requires consultation with representatives of seafarers and shipowners.

Extra protections for seafarers 

Two important amendments to the MLC came into force in January 2017 – to provide further protections to seafarers who have been abandoned, and, in the case of your death or long-term disability, to provide you and your family with financial security and compensation. 

If you are abandoned: 

• Flag states must have a financial security system to provide financial assistance for all their registered ships.
• There will be a simpler system for you to report an abandonment and quickly get financial assistance. 
• You will be entitled to up to four months of outstanding wages and all reasonable expenses you incur on board and until you arrive home, including repatriation and essential needs such as food, clothing, drinking water and medical care. 

Making a claim for death or long-term disability:

• Flag states will be forced to adopt laws to provide you or your family with easy access to contractual compensation due.
• You, your next of kin or your representative can directly request contractual compensation. 
• If the nature of your long-term disability makes it difficult to assess the full compensation, you must be given an interim payment to avoid undue hardship. 

Under both amendments, evidence of financial security and the details of the financial providers must be posted on board and be made available to all seafarers. And any financial entitlements are without prejudice to any other form of compensation you may wish to pursue.

Find out more about your rights under the MLC with the ITF guide -   https://www.itfseafarers.org/en/resources/materials/itf-guide-seafarers-ilo-maritime-labour-convention-2006 .

Related Your Rights

• Brokerage New Construction How to Buy How to Sell
• Yacht Fleet Yacht Catalog Charter Marketing Destination Guides
• Financial Services Payroll & Accounting Payroll Service Process Logistical Support Admin Services Crew Admin
• Job Descriptions Crew FAQ
• About Sitemap

Busting the myths of MLC and flag state laws.

The Maritime Labor Convention was written in 2006. It took until 2015 for it to be ratified and made a big impact when it came into effect in 2016. Establishing basic rights for seafarers, the MLC has been widely scrutinized by professionals who feel that its drafters did not consider the superyacht industry.

• Q: How many vacation days am I entitled to in a year? A: MLC requires that seafarers employed on ships that fly its flag are given paid annual leave under appropriate conditions. In the case of Cayman Islands Flag State, crew members are to be granted 38 days of leave for every 12 months of work. They are broken into two sections; 30 vacation days and eight public holiday days. You shall accrue vacation days at 3.2 days a month. Each Flag State’s allocation of public holiday days differs slightly.
• Q: Can weekend days be counted as vacation days? A: Under the Merchant Shipping Regulations, there is no such thing as a ‘standard working week’. Public holidays, weekend days, and all days of the week can be counted as vacation days.
• Q: If I take off the entire month of June for my vacation, how many days will this of leave will this count as? A: This would count as 30 days of leave.
• Q: The boat I work on sits at the dock for extended periods of time, and the captain gives us weekends off. Can either of my weekend days off start being deducted from my annual vacation time? A: No. Temporary shore leave cannot be counted as part of annual vacation time. There needs to be a distinction between ‘temporary shore leave’ and ‘extended shore leave’. A captain can issue an extended shore leave notice to a crewmember which will count as vacation days.
• Q: Under maritime laws, am I owed any days off in a standard work week? A: MLC laws fall under the laws of the International Labor Organization who state that for every six days, there will be one day off owed in lieu.
• Q: If I have agreed to taking a set amount of ‘temporary shore leave’, do I need to sleep off the vessel? A: There is no requirement under the laws that state that a crew member must sleep off the boat. If the employer is willing to let the crew member sleep onboard that is okay.
• Q: A public holiday occurs over my vacation time. Does this not count as a day of leave since it is a holiday? A: It will still count as a day of vacation since there are already eight days of paid leave (under Cayman Island flag state) that cover public holidays.
• Q: How many vacation days would I be owed if I quit my job after only 8 months? A: Again, this comes back to flag state. In the case of Cayman Islands, annual leave shall be accrued at 3.2 days per month and, where a seafarer does not serve a full year, this shall be calculated on a prorated basis. In this case, you would be owed 26 days (rounded up from 25.6).

When the Maritime Labor Convention (MLC) was established as the ‘fourth pillar’ of international maritime law (the other three are SOLAS, STCW and MARPOL). Its intention was to enforce regulations that would bring better standards to seafarers’ lives. These laws apply across the board to all mariners, but do not always take into consideration our unique superyacht industry. The result of this can unfortunately be more confusion for the yachting community.

As we all know every yacht’s schedule is different. Most yacht crew get the odd day off here or there, but yachting is certainly not an industry in which holidays or weekends are anticipated to be non-working days. There is no set definition of a “Standard Working Week” under the Merchant Shipping Law. There are clear laws under the Merchant Shipping Regulations (certification, safe manning, hours of work and watchkeeping) that state a seafarer must be provided with 77 hours rest in any seven-day period. There is no requirement to which days these hours are to be taken on. In addition, MLC enforces a maximum of 14 hours of work in a 24-hour period, or a maximum of 72 hours of work in a seven-day period.

In the case of a day off given by the captain, a distinction between ‘temporary shore leave’ and ‘extended shore leave’ would be highly beneficial. Temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer cannot be counted as part of annual leave pursuant to the regulations however shore leave can, and will be deducted from your annual leave.

Vessels that sit at the dock for extended periods of time and are often granted more ‘temporary shore leave’. If the captain choses to give crew members two days off a week, regardless of which day it is they cannot be counted against the crew’s ‘extended shore leave’ time. This can get a little tricky in some cases where a yacht sits at a dock for lengthy amount of time, and crew are regularly being granted two days off a week. To some owners, their crew accumulating vacation days while only working five days a week may seem like a bit of a double standard, but this is compliant with MLC/Cayman Islands laws.

On another note, not all yachts are required to be compliant with MLC. From a Cayman Islands perspective, MLC does not apply to pleasure yachts. There are numerous MLC regulations under Cayman Islands Merchant Shipping law that all contain specific language clarifying this. A vessel that is privately owned and not engaged in commercial activities, that is to say the yacht is not engaged in trade, is not required to be compliant with the laws.

The captain plays a vital role onboard the yacht, as an advocate for both the owner and the crew. Finding reliable employees can be challenging in a saturated market, and once you acquire the right people you do what you can to hold on to them. Yachting is a fast-paced, sometimes cut-throat industry, often with high turnover. It is not uncommon for crew to get burnt out and ‘jump ship’ after less than a year.

In addition to the controversial subject of vacation days, captains and owners are also running into the issue of crew trying to finagle the repatriation laws. It is not uncommon for crew members to work an entire 12-month period onboard, take their annual vacation, only to return to the vessel after a paid holiday, and resign in the thirteenth month. Crew members then expect another flight back to their home country (or prior determined port of return) to be paid by the boat on their behalf. This is completely legal, but is obviously going to leave a sour taste in the owners and captains mouths, and something the yachting industry needs to somehow rectify.

One way Luxury Yacht Group suggests remedying this situation is by drawing up one-year contracts for crew members. This way crew members can take their annual leave and vacation flights, and if they chose to, come back to the vessel and re-sign another one year contract. This creates a much fairer playing field for both the owner and crew.

• Q: If I resign from my job onboard, is the boat required to pay for my flight home? A: Crew members are protected by MLC laws which state that if the seafarer has not breached their contract, they shall be repatriated by lowest cost airline to the place where you signed your employment agreement, your country of residence, or such other place as mutually agreed with the ship-owner when you sign the employment agreement.
• Q: If I did not take all my leave owed to me from one year, can I carry it over to the following year? A: All paid annual leave must be taken in the year in which it accrues. There is also no provision for payment to be made in lieu of untaken leave except where paid annual leave has accrued but has not been taken at the date of termination of employment.
• Q: My crew member terminated their contract in breach of the terms of the agreement. Is the owner still required to cover repatriation costs? A: If the seafarer breached the contract then the employer may treat this as misconduct and recover up to a maximum of $1,000 for repatriation costs.

Holding a position on a superyacht is an honor and something to be proud of. Yacht crew work long days and nights delivering the highest level of service to their bosses or guests. Dependent upon the yachts’ schedule, they can work for months at a time with no days off at all. These are some of the reasons why the crew are generally paid such unusually high salaries by comparison to any land based job in a similar form. Their work is commendable, and at times incredibly exhausting, but crew will agree that the good far outweighs the bad.

Great captains will take care of the crew to their best ability. They will also gently educate yacht owners as to how important this is, whilst at the same time keeping their boss’ best interests at heart, and protecting their assets - one of which is their crew. A brilliant captain will create a harmonious relationship between all parties involved.

Experienced yacht owners can easily recognize that having a stable crew onboard is a vital asset. It is crucial not only for the maintenance of the vessel, but is also directly linked to their level of happiness and satisfaction whilst onboard. As a rule, most yacht owners realize this, so they are willing to pay these high salaries, and offer generous contracts to their crew.

With various employee contracts - dependent upon the gross tonnage, and whether the vessel is private or charter, pre-MLC and post MLC, we can help you customize your crew contracts to your needs. We also have an official agreement drawn up for days of shore leave taken which can serve as a legal document when noting official days off.

If you have any further questions or need any help regarding matter like this one, please contact us at [email protected] we would be glad to assist you further.

Engineering License Changes

The MCA has restructured the engineering certifications. The MEOL course has been done away with, and the AEC course made mandatory and more thorough. Luxury Yacht Group explains all these changes, what engineers progressing through the ranks can do now, and how Y ticket holders can convert their licenses over to the structure.

14 Mar 2018

A Day in the Life Series – Chief Stewardess

For a yacht to run smoothly, it requires many working parts, and the interior department is a large component of this. The chief stewardess oversees this department and makes sure all the stewardesses onboard know what their tasks and responsibilities are. The interior department is largely in charge of the guest services whilst they are onboard, and responsible for interior maintenance of the yacht when they are not.

18 Dec 2017

A Day in the Life Of Series - Entry Stewardess

Joining the yachting industry is an exciting and daunting undertaking. In this two part interview we speak with Melanie about why she decided to join the superyacht industry, what her hopes and goals are, and what she has learnt so far as an entry level stewardess.

29 Nov 2017

• Skip to main content

Advancing social justice, promoting decent work

Ilo is a specialized agency of the united nations, maritime labour convention, 2006.

Work at Sea Conference

More must be done to protect seafarers and fishers’ rights says Work at Sea Conference

16 November 2023

The first joint seafarers high-level conference organized by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) acknowledged the pivotal role played by seafarers and fishers in future global development.

Fourth Meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC, 2006) - Part II (May 2022)

5 to 13 May 2022 - Part II

Statement of the Officers of the Special Tripartite Committee on ensuring a safe working environment on board vessels where seafarers can live without fear of discrimination and physical or mental abuse

3 August 2022

FAQ MLC App available for download

27 October 2021

The new Website and App on Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006) - 5th edition, 2019 are now available.

COVID-19 and Maritime Labour Issues

Latest news, global register on seafarer deaths.

09 April 2024

ILO and IMO recommend new steps against shipboard violence, harassment, and sexual assault

06 March 2024

Fifth Meeting of the Special Tripartite Committee established under the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006)

Georgia joins efforts to protect seafarers’ rights by ratifying the maritime labour convention.

15 February 2024

Text of the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006, as amended (MLC, 2006)

Mlc, 2006, as amended.

• MLC, 2006 Preamble and Articles
• Explanatory note to the regulations and code of the maritime labour convention
• Title 1. Minimum requirements for seafarers to work on a ship
• Title 2. Conditions of employment
• Title 3. Accommodation, recreational facilities, food and catering
• Title 4. Health protection, medical care, welfare and social security protection
• Title 5. Compliance and enforcement Appendixes
• Appendix A2-I
• Appendix A4-I
• Appendix B4-I
• Appendix A5-I
• Appendix A5-II : - Maritime Labour Certificate - Declaration of Maritime Labour Compliance - Part I, II - Interim Maritime Labour Certificate
• Appendix A5-III
• Appendix B5-I - EXAMPLE of a National Declaration

Amendments of 2014 to the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006

Amendments of 2016 to the maritime labour convention, 2006, amendments of 2018 to the maritime labour convention, 2006, amendments of 2022 to the maritime labour convention, 2006.

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Maritime and shipping
• Seafarer management, training and certification
• Employment of seafarers
• MSN 1877 (M) Maritime labour convention 2006, hours of work and entitlement to leave
• Maritime & Coastguard Agency

MSN 1877 (M) Amendment 2 MLC 2006 - hours of work and entitlement to leave, application of the hours of work regulations 2018

Published 4 October 2022

© Crown copyright 2022

This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: [email protected] .

Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned.

This publication is available at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/msn-1877-m-maritime-labour-convention-2006-hours-of-work-and-entitlement-to-leave/msn-1877-m-amendment-2-mlc-2006-hours-of-work-and-entitlement-to-leave-application-of-the-hours-of-work-regulations-2018

This Merchant Shipping Notice contains the detailed mandatory requirements specified by the Secretary of State under the merchant shipping (maritime labour convention) (hours of work) regulations 2018 (“the regulations”). It also gives guidance on the application of the regulations.

The regulations:

Apply to all seafarers, including masters, employed, engaged or working in any capacity on board a seagoing ship, and whose normal place of work is on a ship.

Do not apply to seafarers on fishing vessels, pleasure vessels, warships or naval auxiliaries, vessels which are not ordinarily engaged in commercial activities or seafarers subject to the merchant shipping (working time: inland waterways) regulations 2003.

As they apply to UK ships and non-UK ships with no maritime labour certificate, the regulations:

Provide for a minimum of 77 hours rest in any 7-day period and 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period.

Require a schedule of hours of rest to be posted up on board the ship (annex A).

Require records of hours of rest to be maintained (annex B).

Provide for employed seafarers (as defined) 2.5 days of paid annual leave per month of employment, and an additional 8 days of paid leave per year in respect of public holidays (both pro-rated for shorter periods).

Give employed seafarers (as defined) the right to take a case regarding their entitlements to paid leave to an employment tribunal.

Require shipowners to grant shore leave to benefit seafarers’ health and well-being, where compatible with their operational duties (not applicable to ships of traditional build).

Provide for inspection and enforcement by the MCA.

Application of the regulation to non-UK ships with a maritime labour certificate

Regulations 8, 10, 13, 16 and 17 apply the standards of the MLC standard A2.3, regulation 2.4 and standard A2.4 to non-UK ships with a maritime labour certificate.

Regulations 20 and 21 provide for the inspection and, if appropriate, the detention of the ship by the MCA.

Relationship with the merchant shipping (maritime labour convention) (hours of work) regulations 2018

The Regulations need to be read together with this merchant shipping notice (MSN), as this MSN sets out some of the details, standards and formalities which must be observed in order to comply with the legal obligations under the regulations,

Failure to comply with these obligations may be a criminal offence under the regulations.

In order to assist with this, section 17 contains an index which identifies the provisions in this Notice which relate to the relevant provision in the regulations.

Amendment 2 includes updated guidance on shore leave in section 11.3. Any reference to MN 1877 (M) in the merchant shipping (maritime labour convention) (hours of work) regulations 2018 should be taken to be referring to this merchant shipping notice only.

1. Introduction

1.1 The merchant shipping (maritime labour convention) (hours of work) regulations 2018 (referred to in this notice as “the regulations”), implement for the UK:

a) regulations 2.3 and 2.4 of the maritime labour convention, 2006 on hours of work and rest and entitlement to leave

b) regulation VIII/1 of the international convention on standards of training, certification and watchkeeping for seafarers (STCW, including 2010 manila amendments)

1.2 The regulations also provide for penalties in the event of non-compliance.

2. Application

2.1 The regulations apply to seafarers on board a UK seagoing ship wherever it may be, and on non-UK ships in UK waters. They do not apply to seafarers working on a fishing vessel, pleasure vessel, warship or naval auxiliary, or any vessel not ordinarily engaged in commercial activities, nor to any seafarer who is subject to the merchant shipping (working time: inland waterways) regulations 2003. The entitlements to paid leave apply to employed seafarers and this term is defined in a way that includes seafarers who are contractors engaged under a contract for services.

2.2 The regulations therefore apply to government ships which are ordinarily engaged in commercial maritime operations. Government ships such as those operated by the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, which are not ordinarily engaged in commercial maritime operations are not covered by the regulations.

2.3 All vessels engaged in trade, carrying cargo or fare-paying passengers, are covered as are charter yachts and sail training vessels, including vessels certificated under MCA codes of practice for small commercial vessels, and harbour tugs (other than those operating exclusively in category A to D waters as defined in MSN 1837 (M)).

2.4Seafarer is defined in the regulations as any person, including a master, who is employed or engaged or who works in any capacity on board a (seagoing) ship, whose normal place of work is on a ship. Boatmaster licence holders operating on seagoing vessels, and those working in the harbour towage industry are subject to these regulations.

2.5 A person whose normal place of work is ashore but who is working on a ship n a temporary or one-off basis for the duration of a voyage is excluded. These workers are covered by the requirements of the working time regulations 1998 (SI No. 1998/1833). For guidance on how the MCA applies the meaning of seafarer in its enforcement activities, see MGN 471 (M) Amendment 1.

2.6 There are separate working time regimes for workers on fishing vessels (MSN 1884 (F) and mobile workers on inland waterways (MSN 1876 (M)).

2.7 Employed seafarer is defined in the regulations as a seafarer who is employed under a contract of employment or engaged (or where the employment has ceased, was employed or engaged) and “employer” in relation to an employed seafarer means the person by whom the employed seafarer was or is employed or engaged and “employment” in relation to an employed seafarer is to be construed accordingly. “Engaged” in the application of the regulations to a seafarer, means engaged under a contract, whether express or implied and (if it is express) whether oral or in writing, whereby the seafarer undertakes to do or perform personally any work or services for another party to the contract whose status is not by virtue of the contract that of a client or customer of any profession or business undertaking carried out by the seafarer. The definition of employed seafarer is based on the definition of “worker” in the working time regulations 1998. A person who is considered “self-employed” for tax purposes by HMRC may nevertheless be an “employed seafarer” under this definition. A seafarer is not an “employed seafarer” if they are working as part of their own business in an arrangement where the shipowner is actually a customer or client – for example, a contractor providing technical support to ships, who spends extended periods at sea.

3. General duties (regulation 5)

3.1 The regulations require that the shipowner, the employer (in the case of an employed seafarer) and the master must ensure that seafarers are provided with at least the minimum hours of rest.

3.2 It is the responsibility of all seafarers to ensure that they are properly rested when they begin duty on a ship and that they obtain adequate rest when not on duty.

3.3 Day to day monitoring of compliance with minimum hours of rest is likely to be part of the duties of the master. However, on ships with many different departments, the master may delegate the monitoring of hours of rest to department managers, including the managers of franchises, who are responsible for the personnel working for the franchise, and any employer of a seafarer working on board the vessel. However, the legal responsibility remains with the shipowner, employer and master to ensure that the regulations are complied with.

4. Minimum hours of rest (regulation 6)

4.1 Definition of hours of work

4.1.1 For the purposes of the regulations, hours of work are when seafarers are required to do work on the business of the ship.

4.1.2 On-Call Time is not counted as “hours of work” unless the seafarer is required to work during that time. The regulations provide that a seafarer whose normal period of rest on board a ship is disturbed by a call-out, should have compensatory rest. An example is where a seafarer, having set the alarms in an unattended machinery space, retires to his bunk but has their rest disturbed by a call-out to work. In such circumstances, the seafarer is entitled to compensatory rest to make up for the rest time lost because they were called out to work.

4.2 Definition of hours of rest

4.2.1 For the purposes of the regulations, hours of rest means time outside hours of work, and does not include short breaks.

4.2.2 The minimum hours of rest shall be not less than:

a) ten hours in any 24-hour period

b) 77 hours in any seven-day period

4.2.3 Subject to exceptions authorised by the MCA (see section 5), the daily hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least six hours long. Those two periods must in total, provide at least ten hours rest.

4.2.4 The regulations provide that a seafarer must have ten hours of rest in any 24-hour period. This means that the interval between periods of rest must be no more than 14 hours.

4.2.5 Any periods of rest of one hour or more additional to the one or two periods making up the minimum of ten hours of rest in any 24-hour period may be counted towards the weekly rest total. A 24-hour period is normally counted from the start of the main period of work, but may be counted from the start of any period of work.

5. Authorised exceptions to the limits on hours of rest (regulation 7)

5.1 Exceptions to the limits on the hours of rest may be authorised by the MCA provided that they are the result of an agreement between employers and seafarers, have due regard to the general principles of health and safety of workers, and comply with certain limits.

5.2 Those limits are:

a) the ten hours daily rest are divided into (no more than) three periods

b) one of the periods is at least 6 hours long and neither of the others is less than one hour long

c) intervals between consecutive periods are no more than 14 hours

d) the exceptions may not apply to more than two 24-hour periods in a seven day period

e) there are at least 70 hours rest in any seven day period

f) the exceptions authorised do not apply for a period of more than two consecutive weeks and

g) where the exception applies in relation to two periods separated by an interval, the interval shall be at last twice the duration of the longest of the two periods.

The conditions in (a)-(g) above apply to the hours of work and rest of individual seafarers.

MCA may consider applications falling outside these limits in relation to seafarers working on ships which operate only within 60 miles of a safe haven in the UK on domestic voyages, and which are not engaged in the transport of cargo or passengers. Applications relating to such ships are not subject to the conditions in (a) to (g). (regulation 7(4) and (5) of the regulations)

5.3 Agreements can be either a “collective agreement” between the employer and an independent trade union or a “workforce agreement” between the employer and the employees or their elected representatives and meeting the conditions in Schedule 1 to the Regulations. Exceptions may take account of more frequent or longer leave periods or the granting of compensatory leave for watchkeeping seafarers or seafarers working on board ships on short voyages.

5.4 A workforce agreement is made with elected representatives of the workforce in most cases. It can apply to the whole workforce or to a group of workers. A workforce agreement must:

i) Be in writing

ii) Have been circulated in draft to all workers to whom it applies together this guidance to assist their understanding of it

iii) Be signed before it comes into effect:

By the elected representatives of the members of the workforce or group of workers; or

If there are 20 or fewer employed by a company, either by the elected representatives of a workforce or by a majority of the workforce

iv) Have effect for a specified period of no more than five years.

5.5 Applications for authorisation of exceptions should be made in writing to an MCA Marine Office.

6. Posting-up of table of duties (regulation 9 and 10)

6.1 Shipowners must ensure that a table of scheduled watchkeeping duties and hours of rest is produced, setting out the hours of work and rest periods. The table must be in English and in the working language of the ship, if that is not English.

6.2 The table must be in the same format as annex A (i) and (ii) to this notice, or in a format substantially like it. The table must contain at least the following information for every seafarer:

a) the daily schedule of duties at sea and duties in port and

b) the daily minimum hours of rest as required by the regulations or any collective or workforce agreements in force.

6.3 The master or a person authorised by the master must ensure that the table is posted in a prominent and easily accessible place in the ship. Where there is more than one table, the master or authorised person is responsible for ensuring that all tables are posted in a suitable place.

6.4 In devising the schedule, shipowners should take account of factors such as:

a) trade and type of operation

b) type and size of ship

c) construction and technical equipment of the ship

d) manning levels and changes in crew numbers due to crew changes and sickness

e) the maximum period of continuous watchkeeping

f) minimum rest periods

g) total workload

h) the seriousness or irregular working hours and their contribution to causing fatigue and the importance of scheduling reasonably stable working hours over a voyage.

6.5 Changes should not be made to the schedule of duties unless they can be justified by substantially altered work patterns made necessary, for example, by a change in trading pattern or other significant factor. Where it is known that a ship engages in an irregular working pattern or that working hours are unlikely to be uniform, this can be taken into account and recorded in the schedule.

6.6 It is not necessary to draw up a new schedule of duties for each voyage, so long as the schedule used is applicable to the voyage in question and the composition of the crew for whom it was originally intended has not changed.

6.7 When first drawing up the schedule of duties for a ship, shipowners should seek the view of the master, who in turn should seek the views of the officers, the ship’s safety committee (if applicable) or the seafarers or their representatives or a trade union as appropriate. The final decision on the schedule lies with the shipowner who will be responsible for ensuring that it is appropriate in relation to the safety of the ship and the performance of duties.

7. Exceptions for emergencies (regulation 11)

7.1 The regulations recognise that situations may arise in which a seafarer may be required by the master to work during schedules hours of rest. These include emergencies which threaten the safety of the ship, persons on board or the cargo or where another ship or person in distress requires assistance. In these circumstances, hours of rest schedules may be suspended until the normal situation is restored. The master shall ensure that any affected seafarer is then given an adequate rest period to avoid fatigue.

8. Records (regulation 12)

8.1 The master or authorised person must maintain records of hours of rest for all seafarers serving on the ship. (regulation 12(1))

8.2 The records must be completed at least monthly in arrears and must be in the format in annex B of this notice or an equivalent format containing the same information. The records, once endorsed in accordance with regulation 12(4) (see section 8.4 of this notice), must be retained for at least one year. Records must be available for inspection by MCA surveyors at any time, in accordance with regulation12 (2).

8.3 The records must be in English, and in the working language of the ship if that is not English (regulation 12(3)).

8.4 Each record must be endorsed by the master or authorised person and the seafarer to whom it relates (regulation 12 (4)). A copy must be given to the seafarer (regulation 12(5)).

8.5 When an unforeseen emergency occurs (as described in section 7) changes may be unavoidable. In these cases, records should reflect all deviations from the schedule.

8.6 If during the period when the records are being retained, a company ceases to operate, the duty to retain the records remains with that company.

8.7 Checking the ship’s documentation will be carried out by the MCA as part of the MKC survey or inspect and may be carried out at any other time as part of the routine of ships ship inspection. This will include a check that the appropriate schedules are posted and records maintained. Following examination, the records will be endorsed as part of the process.

9. Power to require information (regulation 14)

9.1 The MCA may require the shipowner to provide information of watchkeepers and other seafarers who are working at night. This may include the records of their hours of rest, any health assessment requested or carried out, and any measures taken to protect their safety and health. A requirement for information is most likely to occur in the event of a seafarer complaint to the MCA or following a report of an incident or accident.

10. Entitlement to annual and additional leave (regulation 15)

10.1 This section deals with the annual and additional leave entitlements under the regulations, which are together referred to in this notice as “paid statutory leave.”

10.2 Under the regulations, an employed seafarer is entitled to paid annual leave of two and a half days for each month of employment in the leave year (which over a full year totals 30 days). Seafarers cannot be paid in lieu of their annual leave entitlement under the regulations, unless their contract is terminated. The 2.5 days’ paid leave for each month of employment is referred to as “paid annual leave” in this notice.

10.3 In addition, an employed seafarer is entitled to eight days’ paid leave in each leave year in respect of public holidays.

10.4 In either case, leave may be taken in instalments and where an employed seafarer works for a shorter period than a month or a leave year, the paid leave entitlement must be calculated pro-rata. This is likely to apply not only to seafarers employed for short periods, but also so seafarers whose period of employment includes part of a leave year or month. Part time employed seafarer will also receive pro-rated leave entitlements under general principles.

10.5 Justified absences from work must not be counted as paid annual leave.

10.6 Justified absences include an absence authorised by any enactment, contract between the seafarer’s employer and the seafarer, collective agreement or workplace agreement or by custom and practice. Examples are given in section 10.10 of this notice.

10.7 It is the employer’s reasonability to comply with regulation 15. Paid annual leave is an entitlement for seafarers. However, in view of the welfare benefits of leave and its beneficial impact on fatigue, seafarers should be encouraged to take the leave to which they are entitled in the year in which it is earned, unless there are exceptional circumstances. If seafarers wish to defer leave, that is a matter for agreement between the seafarer and the employer.

10.8 The practical arrangements for the taking of lave are a matter for agreement between the employer and the seafarer.

10.9 The level of pay during paid statutory leave should be at the seafarer’s normal level of remuneration.

10.10 The following are examples of justified absences which should not be counted as part of paid annual leave:

absence from work to attend an approved maritime vocational training course, or any course which the employer requires to be undertaken. “Approved maritime vocational training course” means any training course approved by the MCA (or another competent authority) for seafarer training required for the role currently undertaken or, in the case of a cadet, for the completion of a cadetship or for the seafarer’s next certificate of competency.

periods of absence as a result of sickness or injury (unless, in the case of a seafarer on sick leave, the seafarer chooses to take paid annual leave)

leave arising as a result of any statutory entitlement applicable to the individual seafarer, such as maternity or paternity leave

temporary shore leave, other than in cases where the seafarer requests annual leave while the ship is in port

compensatory leave

10.11 Paid periods of work which form part of an employed seafarer’s agreed pattern of work (e.g. one month on, one month off) may include paid leave, as well as leave in recognition of long hours worked while the seafarer in on board ship. The nature of this leave should be made clear in the seafarer’s employment agreement.

10.12 Entitlement to paid statutory leave continues to accrue during periods of employment off articles (e.g. during a scheduled period ashore as part of the agreed pattern of work).

10.13 The time at which leave is to be taken is a matter to be determined between the employed seafarer and the employer.

10.14 Employed seafarers should in principle be able to take paid annual leave in the place with which they have a substantial connection, which would normally be the same as the place to which are entitled to be repatriated. This should be specified in the seafarer’s employment agreement. Except with their consent or as provided for in the seafarer’s employment agreement, seafarers should not be required to take paid annual leave due to them in another place. If seafarers are required by the shipowner to take their paid annual leave from a place other than the place with which they have a substantial connection, they should be entitled to the costs of transport to the place where they were engaged or recruited, which is nearer their home, and subsistence for the journey. The travel time involved should not be deducted from the paid annual leave due to the seafarer. The divisions of paid leave into parts, and he carry-over of any paid leave from one year to another, are matters to be agreed between the employed seafarer and employer.

10.15 Particular regard should be had to the need to facilitate leave for young seafarers under the age of 18 years who have served for six months (or other shorter agreed period) on foreign-going ships that have not returned to their country of residence in that time and will not return in the subsequent three months of the voyage. It may, for example, be appropriate to provide for a paid home visit to take any leave earned during the voyage.

10.16 Emergency recall from leave. A seafarer taking paid annual leave should be recalled only in cases of extreme emergency and with the seafarer’s consent.

10.17 When the employed seafarer’s leave year begins and ends is determined by agreement between employee and employer. However, if there is no such agreement and the seafarer’s employment began before 30 June 2002 then the leave year should be treated as beginning on that date and each 30 June thereafter. If there is no agreement and the seafarer’s employment begins after 30 June 2002 then the leave year begins on the date on which employment begins and each subsequent anniversary of that date.

11. Shore leave (regulation 17)

11.1 The shipowner and the master must ensure that shore leave is granted to seafarers to benefit their health and well-being where consistent with the operational requirements of their positions.

11.2 There is no absolute duty to give seafarers shore leave in all circumstances, but it must be given where such leave is compatible with the seafarer’s operational duties and benefits the seafarer’s health and wellbeing. An example of where shore leave may not benefit the seafarer’s health and well-being is where there is a public disorder or a security risk in the port.

11.3 To determine whether shore leave is a risk it is appropriate to base decisions on a risk assessment for public disorder, pandemic or security risk in the port etc. Shore leave should only be withheld or restricted where that is proportionate to the risk, taking into account other measures which might be taken to reduce the risk of seafarers going ashore. Recognising risk cannot be eliminated, a balance needs to be struck between the detriment to seafarers’ wellbeing of withholding or restricting shore leave and the risk. Shipowners should always consult with crews and/or the safety committee on the measures proposed in accordance with health and safety regulations and provide information on the risk assessment and the safety measures agreed. Complete bans on shore leave should not be in use for any seafarer or ship regardless of rank, contract duration, operating area or operational duties.

11.4 The duty is placed on the shipowner (which has responsibility for the operation of the ship) and the master (who has day to day control of operations).

11.5 The statutory duty to give shore leave does not apply to ships of traditional build, because the MLC does not apply to such ships. However, allowing seafarers shore leave where practicable is recognised good practice on any ship.

12. Entitlements under other provisions (regulation 18)

12.1 Statutory entitlements to hours of rest or statutory paid leave under the regulations and their rights under their contracts of employment or other arrangements are not cumulative. The seafarer may opt for whichever entitlement is the most favourable.

13. Release of information (regulation 24)

13.1 The MCA is required to ensure the publication of information about all ships detained under regulation 21 of the regulations. This is done through reporting procedures to the Paris Memorandum of Understanding and publication by the European Commission of information that has been reported on the THETIS database. The information to be reported and published is specified in annex C of this notice.

14. Offences/remedies (regulation 25, 26 and 27)

14.1 MCA is the enforcement authority for employer/master duties. Breaches of these duties are criminal offences and may be prosecuted. More detail of these offences is set out in annex D of this notice. It is a defence for the defendant to show that all reasonable steps had been taken to ensure compliance with the regulations.

14.2 An employed seafarer may bring a claim before an employment tribunal (or industrial tribunal in Northern Ireland) to enforce their entitlement to paid leave or to payment in lieu of paid leave when the seafarer’s employment ends.

14.3 As with shore-based workers, a claim should normally only be made where in-house dispute resolution procedures have been followed and failed to reach a resolution. The Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 introduces complaints procedures both onboard ship and ashore (see MSN 1849 (M) and MGN 487 (M)), and these procedures are in line with the ACAS (Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service) procedures. In considering a case, the Employment Tribunal is likely to consider whether efforts have been made to resolve the case between the employer and the employed seafarer at a company level. Evidence that the MLC procedures have been followed will demonstrate that this is the case.

14.4 There is a three-month time limit for bringing a case to an Employment Tribunal, but the Tribunal has discretion to extend this limit where it is not reasonably practicable to present the claim within the time limit. Claims may be submitted by post or e-mail and being out of the country is not, on its own, likely to be a sufficient reason for not meeting the deadline.

14.5 For further information see making a claim to an Employment Tribunal .

15. Protection for seafarers’ rights under these regulations (regulation 31 and schedule 2 to the regulations)

15.1 By amending other employment legislation, regulation 31 and schedule 2 to the regulations ensure that seafarers exercising their rights under these regulations, and seafarer bringing a complaint to an employment tribunal in respect of their entitlement to paid leave, are protect in the same way as those working in other sectors, for example against dismissal or detrimental treatment.

16. Restriction on contracting out (regulation 28)

16.1 Regulation 28 provides that provisions in agreements that purport to exclude or limit the operation of the regulations, or preclude a person from bringing proceedings under the regulations are void.

16.2 However, the regulations make an exception for certain specified agreements (regulation 28(2)).

16.3 In order for an agreement to preclude a person from bringing proceedings before an employment tribunal, certain conditions must be met. Any agreement not listed cannot limit or exclude the operation of those provisions.

17. References to this notice in the merchant shipping (maritime labour convention) (hours of work) regulations 2018

17.1 The references to this notice in the merchant shipping (maritime labour convention) (hours of work) regulations 2018 are indexed blow. This is the version of merchant shipping notice 1877 (M) amendment 2 which is considered to be relevant until further notice.

17.2 Regulation 9(2) (a) and (b): the information to be contained in a table of scheduled hours of rest, and the standard format of such a table are in annex A.

17.3 Regulation 12(2): the procedures for keeping records of hours or rest, and the format for such records are in annex B.

17.4 Regulation 24: rhe information to be published by the MCA each month concerning ships other than UK ships which have been inspected under regulation 19 or 20 or detained under regulation 21 (detention of ships), is specified in annex C.

18. More information

Seafarer Safety and Health Maritime and Coastguard Agency Bay 2/17 Spring Place 105 Commercial Road Southampton SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0)203 81 72000

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.gov.uk/mca

General enquiries: [email protected]

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

Published: September 2022

© Crown Copyright 2022

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Cult of Sea

Maritime Knowledge base

Entitlement to leave – MLC 2006

Regulation 2.4 – entitlement to leave, purpose: to ensure that seafarers have adequate leave.

1. Each Member shall require that seafarers employed on ships that fly its flag are given paid annual leave under appropriate conditions. 2. Seafarers shall be granted shore leave to benefit their health and well-being and with the operational requirements of their positions.

Standard – Entitlement to leave

1. Each Member shall adopt laws and regulations determining the minimum standards for annual leave for seafarers serving on ships that fly its flag, taking proper account of the special needs of seafarers with respect to such leave. 2. Subject to any collective agreement or laws or regulations providing for an appropriate method of calculation that takes account of the special needs of seafarers in this respect, the annual leave with pay entitlement shall be calculated on the basis of a minimum of 2.5 calendar days per month of employment. The manner in which the length of service is calculated shall be determined by the competent authority or through the appropriate machinery in each country. Justified absences from work shall not be considered as annual leave. 3. Any agreement to forgo the minimum annual leave with pay prescribed in this Standard of MLC 2006, except in cases provided for by the competent authority, shall be prohibited.

Calculation of entitlement

1. Under conditions as determined by the competent authority or through the appropriate machinery in each country, service off-articles should be counted as part of the period of service. 2. Under conditions as determined by the competent authority or in an applicable collective agreement, absence from work to attend an approved maritime vocational training course or for such reasons as illness or injury or for maternity should be counted as part of the period of service. 3. The level of pay during annual leave should be at the seafarer’s normal level of remuneration provided for by national laws or regulations or in the applicable seafarers’ employment agreement. For seafarers employed for periods shorter than one year or in the event of termination of the employment relationship, entitlement to leave should be calculated on a pro-rata basis. 4. The following should not be counted as part of annual leave with pay: (a) public and customary holidays recognized as such in the flag State, whether or not they fall during the annual leave with pay; (b) periods of incapacity for work resulting from illness or injury or from maternity, under conditions as determined by the competent authority or through the appropriate machinery in each country; (c) temporary shore leave granted to a seafarer while under an employment agreement; and (d) compensatory leave of any kind, under conditions as determined by the competent authority or through the appropriate machinery in each country.

Taking of annual leave

1. The time at which annual leave is to be taken should, unless it is fixed by regulation, collective agreement, arbitration award or other means consistent with national practice, be determined by the shipowner after consultation and, as far as possible, in agreement with the seafarers concerned or their representatives. 2. Seafarers should in principle have the right to take annual leave in the place with which they have a substantial connection, which would normally be the same as the place to which they are entitled to be repatriated. Seafarers should not be required without their consent to take annual leave due to them in another place except under the provisions of a seafarers’ employment agreement or of national laws or regulations. 3. If seafarers are required to take their annual leave from a place other than that permitted by paragraph 2 of this Guideline, they should be entitled to free transportation to the place where they were engaged or recruited, whichever is nearer their home; subsistence and other costs directly involved should be for the account of the shipowner; the travel time involved should not be deducted from the annual leave with pay due to the seafarer. 4. A seafarer taking annual leave should be recalled only in cases of extreme emergency and with the seafarer’s consent.

Division and accumulation

1. The division of the annual leave with pay into parts, or the accumulation of such annual leave due in respect of one year together with a subsequent period of leave, may be authorized by the competent authority or through the appropriate machinery in each country. 2. Unless otherwise provided in an agreement applicable to the shipowner and the seafarer concerned, the annual leave with pay recommended in this Guideline of MLC2006 should consist of an uninterrupted period.

Young seafarers

Special measures should be considered with respect to young seafarers under the age of 18 who have served six months or any other shorter period of time under a collective agreement or seafarers’ employment agreement without leave on a foreign-going ship which has not returned to their country of residence in that time, and will not return in the subsequent three months of the voyage. Such measures could consist of their repatriation at no expense to themselves to the place of original engagement in their country of residence for the purpose of taking any leave earned during the voyage.

• International Institutions and their Association with…
• UNCLOS - Salient Features, Objectives, Maritime Zones,…
• Port State Control (PSC) - An agreed regime for the…
• Condition Assessment Scheme (CAS)
• Repatriation - MLC 2006
• BLU Code - Code Of Practice For The Safe Loading And…

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Things to do in Moscow: how to visit Moscow | Unmissable, cool & unusual

• September 2, 2023

What are the best things to do in Moscow? What to do in Moscow? First, I will list the main places to visit by theme, passing by the must-sees, but also more unusual places in Moscow. Then, I will describe what to see in Moscow in one day and how to visit Moscow in 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 days. Let’s go!

Good to know. For more information, click on the places to open the dedicated blog posts.

Main places to visit in Moscow & best things to do in Moscow

I worked in Moscow and I loved this city for its dynamism and energy. We find there from time to time to see friends, remember good memories and enjoy this giant city! Then the time has come for us to share with you our practical guide.

TOP 5 must-see places in Moscow

• Moscow Red Square
• St. Basil’s Cathedral
• Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Bolshoi Theatre

Places of cultural, historical and religious interest in Moscow

• Novodevichy Convent and cemetery
• Tretyakov Gallery
• Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts
• Kremlin Izmaïlovo (pseudo-historic place, recently built in the image of the old, one of the best things to do in Moscow for your Instagram account 😉 )
• Park and ancient village of Kolomenskoye

Visit Moscow of the Soviet era

• Moscow State University and Sparrows Hill
• VDNKh and the Museum of Astronautics, one of the key landmarks of the Soviet era in Moscow
• GULAG Museum
• Metro stations
• The Stalinist skyscrapers, scattered all over the city

Less touristy places in Moscow

• Gorky Park and the GARAGE museum
• The old Krasny Oktyabr factory
• Zaryadye Park
• Center for Contemporary Art, WINZAVOD
• Business center, Moscow City

Main districts of Moscow to visit

• Patriarch Ponds
• Tchistye Prudy
• Kuznetsky most
• Arbat Street

However, regardless of the length of your stay, whether you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days or in 2, you need a visa. The article Obtaining a tourist visa for Russia could then be useful in any case.

What to do and see in Moscow in one day?

List of things to see and do in Moscow in one day:

• Go to Red Square
• Visit St. Basil’s Cathedral
• See Kremlin walls (but not to visit)
• Visit Cathedral of Christ the Savior
• Discover Kuznetsky most districts and see Bolshoi Theatre building
• And if you have time at the end of the day: go to the Sparrows Hill or to the Moscow City for a beautiful view

Things to do in Moscow in 2 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, there are 2 purposes: do not miss the essential places of Moscow and optimize travel.

• First day: Red Square , Saint Basil’s Cathedral , Zariadye Park, Bolshoi Theatre , Kremlin
• Day 2: Cathedral of Christ the Savior, the former Krasny Oktyabr factory on Balchug Island, Gorky Park, Moscow State University (one of the Seven Sisters buildings ) and Sparrow Hill

As 2 days os really short, be sure to choose an accommodation in the best districts where to stay in Moscow .

Walking on Red Square in Moscow: one of the unmissable things to do in Moscow

Iconic place and one of the must-see places in Moscow and even in Russia! Besides, if there was only one place to visit in Moscow in 2 days, this place would then be Red Square, without hesitation. Therefore, starting the city tour with Red Square is ideal . Several buildings are on the square, but not all of them have to be visited. Check out my blog post about Moscow’s Red Square in detail to learn more and not miss anything.

Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside

Even more emblematic than Moscow’s Red Square! Built in the middle of the 16th century under the orders of Tsar Ivan Le Terrible, this cathedral is one of the most beautiful monuments of Orthodox art, and definitely one of the unmissable places in Moscow. Visiting Saint-Basil’s Cathedral inside is one of the most beautiful things to do in Moscow!

• Visit estimate time : 1h30
• Entry ticket : 700 RUB. Tickets can be purchased on the cathedral’s official website 45 days before the tour.
• Audio guide (recommended): 500 RUB
• Opening hours : June to August 10 am-6pm; from November to April: 11 am-5pm; May, September, October 11 am-5pm. Cathedral closed on Wednesdays. Entrance is closed 45 minutes before closing.
• Find out more in the dedicated article: Saint Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow

Take a walk in Zariadye park: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow after visiting Red Square

Zaryadie Park is just a 10-minute walk from St. Basil’s Cathedral, so it’s easy to include in your itinerary if you’re going to visit Moscow in 2 days. From its heights, you can see the red walls of the Kremlin. But, the most impressive point of view is the platform which overlooks the Moskva river. A must see! And clearly one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

• Open 24 hours a day
• Good to know! Park Zaryadye is also a place to visit in Moscow in winter. Find out more here: What to do in Moscow in winter?

See the Bolshoi Theatre and discover the Kuznetsky Most district

The Bolshoi Theatre is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy entrance tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets

The Bolshoi Theater is the most famous Russian theater in the world. The most economical way to see a presentation at the Bolshoi Theater is to take the tickets on the theater’s official website in advance, so here is our tutorial to help you: How to buy tickets to the Bolshoi? In addition, several pedestrian or one-way streets are located north of the theater. It is therefore very pleasant to find them to leave the main axes of the megalopolis.

Visit the Moscow Kremlin

Visit Kremlin is on top of things to do in Moscow. A place of power for centuries, the Kremlin then shows us a whole different image when viewed from the inside. If you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, the Kremlin is certainly one of the must-see places in Moscow.

• Opening hours : Daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thursday.
• See our blog post about visiting the Moscow Kremlin

Visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior

This impressive Moscow Cathedral is the seat of the Russian Orthodox Church. It is a must see if you visit Moscow in 2 days and clearly one of the things to do in Moscow. The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was first built in 1883 in memory of Russia’s victory over Napoleon’s Grand Army. Then in 1931 Stalin ordered its destruction. It was then rebuilt again (identically) only in 2000.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 15. At the foot of the Kropotkinskaya metro station.
• Opening hours . Daily: 10: 00-17: 00, except Monday: 13: 00-17: 00
• Free entry (some closing restrictions, for example a short)

Good to know! In orthodox religious places, one must avoid excessively uncovered clothing. Women should cover their heads. After visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you can explore Bolotny Island and Gorky Park. This is one of the routes our guide to Moscow.

The old Krasny Oktyabr factory: one of the coolest things to do in Moscow

If you cross the Moskva River by a pedestrian bridge which is located just in front of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, you will enjoy a beautiful view of the city and at the same time you can discover Balchug Island. Furthermore, if you want to visit Moscow in 2 days, you can include this island in your itinerary between the cathedral and Gorky park. Here is the old confectionery factory Krasny Oktyabr, which has gradually turned into a fashionable micro-district. There are then some elements of street art, cafes and restaurants and some Moscow bohemian side. At the end of the island you can see a gigantic 98-meter-high monument dedicated to the Russian reforming tsar Pierre The Great.

Good to know! You can find on this island are the trendiest nightclubs in Moscow. On weekends, there are taxi caps after midnight so there are so many people. On the other hand, if you go there in winter and during the day, the island is quite empty and less interesting to see.

Gorky Park is one of the TOP places to visit in Moscow, because it allows you to better understand the life of the locals and their rhythm. In fact, it’s a huge entertainment park. For example, in winter there is a giant ice rink and in summer – free dance or yoga lessons, sandy beaches for playing volleyball, an outdoor cinema. So, like the locals, have a Stakantchik (ice cream or cooked corn), and enjoy the atmosphere of the place: that’s one of the interesting things to do in Moscow to discover the city.

• Where? Krymsky Val 9. 20 minutes’ walk from Krasny Oktyabr, along the quays.

Sparrow Hill and Moscow State University

The Sparrow Hill, Vorobiovy Gori in Russian, is the highest point in Moscow. It is rather known to Russians, but less to travelers. A nice view on Moscow opens from the hill, and in particular on the Luzhniki Stadium. In addition, on the hill itself is the Moscow State University: an impressive skyscraper from the Soviet era.

• How to get there? By bus T7 (35 min) from Oktyaborskaya station, near Gorki Park. By metro (Vorobiovy Gorki station) + climb the hill on foot. On foot along the Moskva along the Gorky Park (1h30) + climb in funiculars.

Good to know! It is possible to cross the Moskva river by funicular. We actually tested it and it was pretty cool! That is one of our favorite things to do in Moscow!

What to do in Moscow in 3 days?

If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days, it would be interesting to dive into the Soviet era which strongly marked the country and the city. After the Bolshevik Revolution, the capital was transferred from Saint Petersburg to Moscow, in order to mark the change of power. Moscow then became the world showcase for communist ideology. Here are the best things to do in Moscow for 3-day-trip!

VDNKh, visit Moscow of the Soviet era

VDNKh is a large exhibition center in the north of Moscow, where there are still several striking witnesses of the USSR. The most interesting are the Museum of Cosmonauts and the Statue of the Worker and the Kolkhozian , which will certainly impress you with its size!

GULAG History Museum

The explanations of the museum are very well done. We really have the feeling of going back in time. If you are going to visit Moscow in 3 days and you are interested in history and this subject in particular, I recommend this museum. Visit the GULAG History Museum is one of the most interesting things to do in Moscow.

Discover the Patriarche Pounds district

It’s a nice neighborhood in Moscow where you can come across rather affluent locals, but not necessarily very bling-bling. Take a walk in this area is really a cool thing to do in Moscow! In addition, the Ponds of Patriarch is one of the places of Bulgakov’s novel “Master and Margarita”. As this is an interesting area to see, we have included it in a walking tour of Moscow. The route ends at the Moscow Kremlin, which is very convenient, because you will be able to visit Moscow in 3 days by optimizing your trips.

What to visit in Moscow in 4 days: TOP things to do in Moscow in 4 days

If you want to visit Moscow in 3 days, you will already see a lot of things. On the other hand, if you stay one more day, you have plenty to do! The Novodevichy Convent, the Tchistie Proudy district and the Izmaylovo Kremlin are very good candidates for you, if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days.

Visiting Novodevichy Convent in Moscow

The Novodevichy Convent is one of the most brilliant examples of Russian architecture, according to UNESCO. This beautiful complex was built in 1524 and today consists of the convent, but also of a cemetery whose status could be compared to that of Père-Lachaise in Paris. Visiting Novodevichy Convent is one of the great things to do in Moscow, if you want to go a little bit outside of the center!

Discovering Tchistye Proudy district

It’s one of the most popular areas of Moscow, with many cafes, restaurants and bars nearby. It is therefore a place to discover if you want to visit Moscow in 4 days. It is just as pleasant for a stroll as for the discovery of local life. For example, in winter the pond turns into an ice rink.

Visiting the Izmaylovo Kremlin, one of the coolest things to do in Moscow!

The Izmaylovo Kremlin is more of a tourist than a historic place. On the other hand, it is a pretty impressive place to discover, especially on weekends. Inside the Kremlin, there is a flea market where you can find a little bit of everything, but mostly good souvenirs to bring from Moscow. For example, chapka, traditional Russian scarves or matryoshka (Russian dolls). Add the Kremlin and the Izmaïlovo market to your itinerary if you are going to visit Moscow in 4 days, because it is a nice and very colorful place! Visiting the Izmailovo Kremlin is one of the things to do in Moscow, if you want to put colors in your Instagram account! 😉

In 4 days, we will have the opportunity to see several Moscow: Classic Moscow, Moscow of old Russia, Soviet Moscow and a little bit of the new Moscow. So what to visit in Moscow on the 5th day of travel?

What to visit in Moscow in 5 days?

Art lovers will be delighted to discover the Tretyakov Gallery and the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, while others will prefer to stroll along Arbat Street, see the buildings of Moskva-City or visit Bunker 42.

Admiring Russian art at Tretyakov Gallery

Founded in 1856 by an industrialist and great lover of art, the gallery has grown over the decades, and then bequeathed to the state. Today the collection includes more than 140,000 pieces, 15,000 of which are paintings. Visiting the Tretyakov Gallery is one of the things to do in Moscow if you want to discover Russian art!

• Where? Pereoulok Lavrouchinski 10. A 5-minute walk from Tretiakovskaya station
• Opening hours. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Closed on Mondays.
• Entry tickets. 500 RUB.

Visiting the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts presents the treasures of ancient Egypt, the paintings of Rembrandt and Cézanne, a fine collection of Impressionism.

• Where? Ulitsa Volkhonka 12
• Opening hours. Daily: 10: 00-20: 00, except Thursday: 11: 00-21: 00. Closed on Mondays. The boxes close an hour before closing.
• Entry tickets. The prices vary according to the collections from 300 to 750 RUB.

Walking on Arbat Street

All Russians know Rue Arbat. So, walking on Arbat street is one of the things to do in Moscow. However, after the years, little by little it became very touristy. This is a pedestrian street only. There are souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes there, but it is no longer the most authentic neighborhood in the city.

Seeing the buildings of Moskva-City (Moscow City)

Moskva-City is Moscow’s business center, much like Paris’s Defense district. The skyscrapers of Moskva-City are among the tallest in Europe: 373 meters high! Very nice place to see at dusk.

Good to know! You can admire a nice view of Moscow City from the docks of Tarasa Shevchenko. It’s especially beautiful in the evening with all the lights on.

Bunker 42, one of the most unusual things to do in Moscow

Bunker 42 is a secret military complex which was to be used by the Soviets in the event of a nuclear attack: a space of 7000 m² 65 meters underground!

• Where? 5 Kotelnitcheski Lane, 11.
• Prices. 2200 RUB per person
• Opening hours. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Restaurant inside. Original, but rather a tourist trap.

What to visit in Moscow in 6 days or more?

There are still so many places to see, because Moscow is a big megalopolis and there is always something exciting to do there. For example: the ancient Kolomenskoye village or the WINZAVOD contemporary art center .

If you are interested in history and want to see Russian cities on a rather “human scale”, it would certainly be interesting for you to discover the cities of the Golden Ring . For example, it is very easy to get to Sergey Posad from Moscow (less than 2 hours in train). Visiting the Golden Ring is one of the best things to do in Moscow if you are staying more than a 5-6 days.

There are still plenty of places to see in Moscow, however I did my best to list here the best things to do in Moscow, what to see in Moscow in one day, but also in 2, 3, 4 or 5 days in Moscow!

Moscow travel tips:

• Airport transfer: how to go to Moscow?
• Where to stay in Moscow (hotels, districts)?
• Tourist voucher for Russian visa
• Christmas and New Year in Moscow
• What is the best time to visit Moscow?

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

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

Novodevichy Convent and cemetery in Moscow: tickets, cemetery map

Hermitage museum in saint petersburg: tickets, best time to visit, you may also like.

Moscow in winter | What to do in Moscow in winter? How to dress?

• October 1, 2023

Free Moscow map in English: Moscow metro map and city centre map

• December 12, 2023

• August 26, 2023

Moscow transport: metro, bus & taxi in Moscow | How does it work?

• August 15, 2023

Weekend in Moscow | What to do in Moscow for a long weekend?

• June 22, 2023

Christmas and New Year in Moscow: best markets and decorations to see

• September 18, 2023

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

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

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

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

Best Time To Visit Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

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

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

Moscow Travel Guide: Best Things to Do + More [2023]

· everything to know about visiting moscow, including the best things to do and how to get around. ·.

Moscow is Russia’s vibrant capital city, and it also happens to be the largest city in all of Europe. The city’s long and infamous history makes it one of the most unique places we have ever visited.

The architecture ranges from centuries-old palaces to uniform, gray concrete buildings. The people range from cold and private to warm and welcoming. Moscow is a city is strong juxtapositions, and we learned a lot during our time there.

This post will break down all you need to know about visiting Moscow, including the best things to do, how to get there, how to get around, and more.

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

The Red Square is the heart of Moscow. Most of the city’s top attractions can be found here, including just about everything on this list. The Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Lenin’s Mausoleum are all located here, and the State Historical Museum and GUM are not far from here, either.

The Red Square is a common home for parades, protests, and seasonal celebrations. There are massive Christmas celebrations here, with food vendors and carnival rides set up in numbers.

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

The Ziferblat is a café in Moscow that is unlike any café we have ever been to. While most cafes charge you for your drinks and food, the Ziferblat charges you for your time.

Upon arrival, you are given a clock. When you leave, the barista calculates how much time you spent in the café and charges you accordingly. This concept was created to help visitors to be more intentional with their time, and the cafe itself is incredibly charming.

For a detailed look at everything you need to know before you visit, make sure you read my post about visiting the Ziferblat Cafe in Moscow .

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most iconic churches in the world, and it was the single thing we were most excited to see while in Moscow. Built almost 500 years ago, St. Basil’s Cathedral is recognized by its colorful domes and whimsical style. The church is of the Russian Orthodox faith, and the inside is just as wondrous as the outside.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is located on the edge of the Red Square, making it incredibly convenient to visit. Entrance for non-worshippers costs 800 rubles, and tickets can be bought at the church

4. Explore the Kremlin

The Kremlin is the largest active fortress in Europe, and it is the site of most of Russia’s government affairs. In addition to government buildings, the Kremlin Complex is filled with courtyards, towers, and museums that are open to the public. If you have the time, you could spend a couple of days fully exploring all that there is to see in the Kremlin.

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

Vladimir Lenin is one of the most important figures in Russian history, and his body is located perfectly embalmed in a mausoleum in the Red Square. The Mausoleum is open to the public to visit, and as long as you are willing to go through a few security checks, it is easily one of the best things to do in Moscow. Its convenient location in the Red Square makes it a can’t miss attraction.

There is absolutely no photography allowed inside the Mausoleum. Do not test this rule.

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

The Arbat is a very popular street in Moscow that is lined with stores, cafes, and other touristy attractions. It is one of the oldest streets in the city, dating back to the 1400s. This street is both quaint and trendy, and there are many walking tours that introduce tourists to the neighborhood’s wonders and highlights.

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

As a lover of the arts, it is hard to think of Moscow and not think of ballet. Russia has always been a top dog in the world of fine arts, and Bolshoi Theater is one of the best places to catch a performance. We were lucky enough to attend an Opera here, and it is a venue that you don’t want to miss out on if you enjoy opera, ballet, or orchestral performances.

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum is one of the most respected museums in Moscow. Despite its name, it is not really focused on the history of Russia as a nation. Rather, it contains a collection of artifacts from all throughout Russia’s history.

The museum’s collection is very broad in nature. It houses some items from indigenous tribes that used to occupy the region, pieces collected by the Romanov family, and more.

9. Wander Around GUM

GUM is an absolutely massive mall within walking distance of the Red Square. It isn’t just the size that draws visitors here; it’s the sense of luxury. The mall is so beautiful inside, much like the metro stations.

While visiting a mall might not sound like it belongs on a bucket list, this mall does. You will not want to miss out on visiting GUM while in Moscow.

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

While St. Basil’s Cathedral is the most iconic church in Moscow, it isn’t the only one. The Cathedral of Christ the Saviour is absolutely stunning, with massive golden domes. It is the tallest Orthodox church in the world, and it is the seat of the Orthodox Patriarch of Moscow.

It is located just about a mile from the Red Square, just south of the Kremlin Complex. You can walk to it from the Red Square in about 20 minutes.

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

Moscow has three major international airports: Sheremetyevo (SVO) , Domodedovo (DMO) , and Vnukovo (VKO) . All three of them are directly connected to downtown Moscow by the Aeroexpress trains, which leave every 30 minutes throughout the day. By Aeroexpress train, you can expect to get to the city center in 25-45 minutes depending on the airport that you fly into.

Sheremetyevo is the biggest and busiest of the three airports, and it is the one you are most likely to fly into – especially if you are coming from outside of Europe or the Caucus region. We flew into Sheremetyevo on a direct flight from New York City.

I usually provide backup airport options, because flying right into the city isn’t always the cheapest way to get where you’re going. Unfortunately, when it comes to Moscow, don’t really have a choice other than to fly right into Moscow. It is a very remote city, and it is usually the cheapest place to fly into in Russia as a whole.

Since Sheremetyevo is so busy, you will probably find a great flight option anyway. I wrote in  my post about finding cheap flights  that using hub airports will lead to more affordable airfare, and the same logic applies here. Even though Russia’s national airline, Aeroflot, is no longer a member of the SkyTeam Alliance, Moscow is still a major hub connecting passengers from all over the world.

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

Trains and buses are one of the most popular ways to get around Europe. However, they’re of very little use when you’re trying to get to Moscow.

Moscow is hundreds of miles from the nearest major cities. The only major European city that can even be reached within 8 hours on the ground is St. Petersburg, and even the Baltic capitals of Riga, Vilnius, and Tallinn are over 12 hours away.

If you want to get to Moscow, the best option is almost always to fly. While the train routes to Moscow are scenic, they simply take forever.

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

Moscow has one of the most memorable metro systems in the world. Its metro lines are very deep underground, and the stations are absolutely stunning. Each station has its own unique style, but all of them contain escalators that seem to go on forever.

The system was built in an effort to showcase the power of the Soviet Union and its bright future. The plans were a form of propaganda, but they resulted in what is still one of the most visually appealing subway systems on earth.

Moscow’s metro system isn’t just pretty. It is also very useful and accessible. The system has 17 lines that connect the city and its surrounding area.

But wait; there’s more!

The Moscow metro system is also incredibly affordable, with each ride costing less than a dollar. The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow, as it is almost impossible to beat the connection times and the low cost to ride.

Tickets can be bought at electronic, English-speaking kiosks in stations, or directly from ticket counters at certain larger stations. There are also day passes available, which are a very solid option if you plan on riding the metro several times per day.

The metro is by far the best way to get around Moscow.

In addition to the metro system, Moscow also has a network of buses, trams, and trolleys. This system is nowhere near as convenient or well-connected as the metro, though, and is likely of little use to you during your trip. There is no Uber in Moscow, but a similar app named Yandex is available if you need a ride in a pinch.

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

Moscow is the biggest city in all of Europe, and it is absolutely loaded with things to do. You could spend weeks in Moscow and still find new things to do. Of course, most travelers don’t have that kind of time to spend in one place!

I recommend spending no less than three full days in Moscow, and ideally closer to five or seven.

Moscow is very spread out, and it can take some time to get from one major point to another. There are also so many places that are nice to just sit back and relax, which is hard to do when you’re in a hurry trying to cram activities into just a few days.

If you only have a week to visit Russia, I’d advise spending all of the time in one city. If you decide to split your time between Moscow and St. Petersburg, I recommend not trying to squeeze in any day trips beyond those two cities.

When Is the Best Time of the Year to Visit Moscow?

There are two different ways to approach this question. Personally, I think the best time to visit Moscow is around Christmas and New Year’s Day. While the weather will be absolutely freezing, Moscow is a surreal winter wonderland in December and January.

We were in Moscow right before Christmas. While it was very cold, you can always bundle up. Exploring the Christmas markets and pop-up ice skating rinks throughout Moscow is one of my favorite memories from anywhere I’ve traveled, and I dream of going back to do it again.

If you aren’t fond of the cold, Moscow is beautiful in the summer. It tends to get pretty cold in the shoulder seasons, so if you want warm weather, you should plan to visit in the summer. Moscow actually gets pretty warm in July and August, and there are a bunch of fantastic places to soak up the sun within the city.

The best time to visit Moscow is either around Christmas or from late May to August.

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

While Moscow is a truly wonderful city, there’s no denying that visiting Russia comes with risks. As the country is run by an infamous communist dictator, concerns about visiting are valid. While we didn’t experience any sort of threat or negative treatment during our time in Moscow, we visited in a peaceful time.

In our experience, Russia doesn’t seem to detain normal Americans or Westerners to use as pawns. As a regular person, as long as you don’t commit any crimes, there is a slim chance you will run into any issues. However, Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

Russia will not hesitate to enforce its laws against foreigners, and illegal behaviors will likely land you in a very compromising position.

To make matters worse, Russia has a bad reputation for gang violence. While the Russian mafia has very little interest in normal Western tourists, they won’t hesitate to pick a fight with anyone who ventures into their sphere of influence. If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

If you seek out illegal substances or activities, you could be a target of the mafia.

Finally, since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, things are all very different. Russia is currently at war, and there are battles raging within 8 hours of Moscow. While it is still relatively safe to visit, that could change at any time as the war with Ukraine continues.

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, Moscow is worth visiting. It is one of the most unique major cities we have ever visited, and we hope to make it back one day. The Russian Orthodox churches are stunning, the city’s history is unlike any other, and the food is to die for.

While many visitors prefer St. Petersburg to Moscow, I think Moscow deserves a lot of hype of its own. Moscow is the beating heart of Russian culture and history, and it’s a place I highly recommend checking out if you have the chance.

That’s all we have for you about Moscow! I hope this post was helpful as you plan your trip to Russia’s capital.

Have you been to Moscow? Or is this your first time visiting? Comment below if you have anything to add to our travel guide!

Hi, I'm Greg. I'm an avid traveler who has traveled to over 50 countries all around the world with my wife and kids. I've lived in Italy, Mexico, China, and the United States, and I dream of moving abroad again in the future. With this blog, I provide my audience with detailed destination guides to my favorite places and pro-tips to make travel as stress-free as possible.

Leave a comment

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

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

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

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

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

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

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

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

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

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

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

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

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

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

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

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

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

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

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

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

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

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

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

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

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

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

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

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

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

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

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

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

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

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

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

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

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

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

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

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

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

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

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

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

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

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

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

Conclusion and Recommendations

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

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

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

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

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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

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

Tara Pittman

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

Adriana Lopez

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

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

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

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

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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

DANA GUTKOWSKI

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

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

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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

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

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

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

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

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

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

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

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

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

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

2024 Calendar of Fee Free National Park Days

U .S. National Parks are incredible. A visit to a national park is an opportunity to enjoy nature, protect the planet, and celebrate time with friends, family, and fellow park-goers.

And national parks are even better when they're free! 

Every year the National Park Service (NPS) announces several "fee-free days" to ensure that the parks remain accessible to everyone.

"Whether on an entrance fee-free day or throughout the year, we encourage everyone to discover their national parks and the benefits that come from spending time outdoors," said NPS Director Chuck Sams in a statement . 

"National parks are for everyone and we are committed to increasing access and providing opportunities for all to experience the sense of wonder, awe, and refreshment that comes with a visit to these treasured landscapes and sites."

There are more than 420 national parks in the United States and 110 have admission fees. This means that during 365 days, more than 310 parks are completely free to visit.

In this article we're highlighting this year's fee-free days, alternative ways to get free or discounted park passes, and ways you can make a positive difference for national parks all year round -

2024 Free National Park Days

The NPS has made six days completely free to visit in 2024:

You can also keep an eye out for other fee-free days offered by other federal and state land management agencies including the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the U.S. Forest Service, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and the Bureau of Reclamation. (We recommend searching "Fee Free" on their respective websites when planning your next trip - or following their Facebook pages to stay on top of fee-free days.)

2025 Free National Park Days

While the NPS hasn't officially announced 2025's fee-free days - we can make our best guess based on past years. If you're a big fan of planning ahead (which is totally necessary for some national parks !) - here are 2025's fee-free days:

How else can I get free or discounted access to national parks?

Free access, fourth graders and their families.

Thanks to the Every Kid in a Park program and the Every Kid Outdoors Act , fourth graders in the United States get free entry into National Parks. We wish we would have had this when we were kids!

The pass is valid from September 1 through August 31 of a student's fourth-grade year. 

According to the Every Kid in a Park program, when a fourth grader travels with their family and friends in one vehicle, they get everyone in for free (at participating sites that charge per vehicle). And if visiting a site that charges per person, the fourth grader and up to three accompanying adults will be admitted for free. 

So, it's about time you befriended a cool kid - they come with perks!

You can learn more about the fourth grade pass at everykidoutdoors.gov .

People with Disabilities

The National Park Service offers a free lifetime Access Pass to any U.S. citizen or permanent resident who "has been medically determined to have a permanent disability… that severely limits one or more major life activities." 

You can learn more about how to qualify and access the National Park Access Pass on the National Park Service's Accessibility page .

U.S. Military Members and Their Dependents

Current U.S. military members and their dependents, Reserve, and National Guard members can get an annual America the Beautiful - National Parks & Federal Recreational Lands Military Pass for free ! 

U.S. Military Veterans

Veterans get free access to national parks for life! All you need is to present one of the following forms of identification:

• Department of Defense Identification Card (non-expired CAC Card)
• Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
• Veteran ID Card
• Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver's license or identification card

There are also new lifetime passes available to veterans - which is especially helpful for national parks where there isn't a person to present your identification to. 

Learn more about these benefits and read FAQs from the National Park Service .

Gold Star Families

Gold Star families receive similar National Parks benefits to veterans. According to the National Park Service, Gold Star family members must "download and print a voucher to present to park staff, exchange for an Interagency Military Pass, or place on the vehicle dashboard at unstaffed sites." 

Explore the list of federal locations that issue passes or access your voucher online on the National Park Service military FAQ page .

Eligible National Park Service Volunteers

The Volunteers-in-Parks (VIP) program provides opportunities for parks-lovers of all ages to volunteer in national parks. You can volunteer as much or as little as you want, but if you complete at least 250 volunteer hours -with a federal agency participating in the Interagency Pass Program (IPP) - within one year, you will receive a one-year Volunteer Pass. 

This will give you access to more than 2,000 federal recreation areas participating in the IPP - including every national park!

150 Life Quotes: Hope, Inspiration, & Positivity

Discounted access, u.s. citizens over 62 years old.

On your 62nd birthday (or anytime after), you can (and should!) buy an $80 lifetime pass. This pass will get you into any U.S. national park for free for the rest of your life. You can also purchase a significantly discounted $20 annual pass.

Anyone & Everyone

If you're going to visit multiple parks in a year, the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is only $80. It'll pay for itself in just a few visits! 

This is especially helpful for trips to locations - like Arizona or Utah - where you might be visiting multiple national parks in a day or week.

This pass is available to anyone - and according to the National Parks Service, those traveling with passholders can usually enter parks for free.

We recommend buying the pass from (our wonderful affiliate partner!) REI , because they'll also donate  10% of the pass's proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, the National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.

The pass is good for one year from the month you purchase - so there's no need to wait until the beginning of the year to buy.

How much do national park admission fees cost?

Admission fees for national parks range from $5 to $35. For example, Zion National Park currently charges $20 per person - and Pictured Rocks National Park charges $5 per person.

Many parks allow you to pay per vehicle - which brings the price down significantly if you're visiting with your whole family or a group of friends.

According to the National Park Service, all of the money from admission fees remain with the service - and 80%-100% of the money stays in the park where it was collected.

And again, the annual America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass is only $79.99 .

How else can I support U.S. National Parks?

Practice responsible recreation .

When you visit national parks (or anywhere, really), you have the opportunity to leave the place better than you found it.

Pick up your trash, pick up someone else's trash, stay on marked trails, follow park rules, be thoughtful about fire, and thank a park ranger. It's what Leslie Knope would want you to do.

Buy Products That Support National Parks

If you're going to shop anyway, you might as well choose to buy products that make a positive difference. There are a number of incredible brands that donate a portion of their profits to support national parks.

Explore our curated recommendations of gifts for national park lovers

Call Your Representatives

Our national parks are protected because of intentional legislative choices throughout American history. By calling your elected officials , you can help ensure that national parks have the funding they need, are cared for after disasters, and are never auctioned off to the highest bidder.

Simply let your representatives know that you value national parks and want them to work to protect them. This becomes especially relevant when national parks are in the news. 

Become a Volunteer

Giving a little bit of your time and energy to a national park near you can make a big difference - and there's a diverse range of opportunities available.

"Some positions are specialized and require particular talents, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as a background check," reads the NPS website. "Other positions only require a desire and willingness to volunteer."

Unique volunteer opportunities include:

Some volunteer opportunities come with small stipends, free housing, or other perks.

Regardless of the volunteer position you take on, it's a wonderful opportunity to spend quality time in the parks, make a meaningful difference, and, as mentioned earlier, a great way to get a free national parks pass.

You can explore volunteer opportunities at volunteer.gov .

Become a Park Ranger

People who work in recreation-centric careers, including park rangers, consistently rank their jobs among the most meaningful jobs in the United States . And every day you get to play a role in protecting and celebrating nature.

While jobs in the National Park Service are highly competitive, there are plenty of ways to get your foot in the door - including specific career opportunities for students and for adults over 55 years old. 

If the life of a park ranger aligns with your lifestyle, budget, and values, it's an absolutely dreamy career choice.

Explore employment opportunities on the NPS website .

You might also like:

This article was originally published by Good Good Good . Good Good Good celebrates good news and highlights ways to make a difference.

Subscribe to the Goodnewsletter to get the world's best good news stories delivered to your inbox.

92 Best Audre Lorde Quotes To Inspire

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

This Is My Cardboard Bed

If you walk into my bedroom, you might be under the impression that my husband, Chihuahua, and I sleep on a king-size Casper mattress balanced on a stack of shoeboxes. But lift up a corner of the mattress and you’ll see that they’re not shoeboxes but an interconnected cardboard honeycomb that folds out like an accordion. This is the Yona Cardboard Bed.

I didn’t set out to sleep on a cardboard bed. I had picked out my dream wood-and-rattan platform bed from CB2, which I was over the moon to find and placed an order for once it went on sale. As I waited for my dream bed to be delivered, our Casper mattress was on the floor — and sleeping on a mattress on a hardwood floor got old fast. I spilled coffee on our duvet and topper whenever I tried to step into bed. At night, I felt like our backs weren’t getting the proper support. Something had to be done.

After about a week, I furiously began Googling “temporary bed frames” and “fold-up bed frames.” And there it was: the Yona, a cardboard bed made of 99 percent recycled fibers and, according to the brand’s website, is 100 percent recyclable. “Cool, so once our CB2 bed comes, we can either fold it up or recycle it because surely it can’t last very long; it’s cardboard,” said my husband.

When it arrived, the Yona looked comically simple. Setting it up took three steps: You just open the box and pull out the Yona like an accordion, place your mattress on the accordion, and make your bed. The only thing that made it a little more difficult was that I had ordered a king — which is essentially two twin-size Yonas next to each other that I had to pull out and interlock with their notched cardboard edges. Still, it was pretty smooth sailing as soon as I pulled it out of its long rectangular box.

It lifts the mattress 10.4 inches off the floor, and I haven’t spilled any coffee in bed since I got it. The honeycomb design allows for good airflow, so we haven’t seen any mold or mildew even while running a humidifier next to the bed every night for months. It hasn’t attracted any bugs, either. Every three days, the Yona will drift a little on our hardwood floors, but I just kick it back into place against the wall. We haven’t folded it back up yet, though Yona’s website says people do so frequently — it’s like a more complex Murphy bed, I suppose.

The Yona isn’t a permanent solution, but it’s so comfortable and functional that I’ve stopped hunting down alternative dream beds. It’s perfectly, surprisingly fine. And it’s a great idea for small apartments . After all, what if we move apartments when our lease is up? The Yona would be my absolute dream bed to move.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments , rolling luggage , pillows for side sleepers , natural anxiety remedies , and bath towels . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• this thing's incredible

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

Micro sales, greatest hits, most viewed stories.

• 10 Things That Delighted Us Last Week: From Oil Sprayers to a Retro Hair Dryer
• The 11 Very Best Shampoos
• What Author Young Kim Can’t Live Without
• Leakproof Travel Bottles, Plug-in Wall Sconces and Other Recent Strategist Finds
• 12 Things on Sale You’ll Actually Want to Buy: From Cozy Earth to Levi’s
• The 16 Very Best Eye Creams

Today’s Top Clicked

• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Right to leave

2nd October 2014

Under the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (‘MLC’):

• A seafarer has the right to paid annual leave.
• Subject to operational requirements, seafarers must also be given shore leave.
• Annual leave with pay is calculated on the basis of 2.5 days for every calendar month of employment.  This is a minimum entitlement and if the employment agreement or the collective bargaining agreement provides for a higher rate of paid annual leave, then this higher rate is applicable.
• If a seafarer’s employment is shorter than, or terminates part way through the year, his leave entitlement must be calculated on a pro-rata basis.
• Unauthorised agreements to the effect of denying or buying off the minimum annual leave with pay are not allowed.
• public and customary holidays recognised in the flag state;
• time off for illness, injury or maternity;
• temporary shore leave;
• compensatory leave; or
• other justified absences.
• A seafarer must be able to take his annual leave in his home country or another place with which he has a substantial connection. If he has to take his leave from a different place, then the shipowner must provide free transportation to the place of recruitment and subsistence for the journey.  Travel time must not be deducted from the seafarer’s annual leave entitlement.
• When annual leave should be taken will normally be agreed between the seafarer and the shipowner.

See Regulation 2.4 of the MLC.

For more information

See the ILO Frequently Asked Questions (section C5.2) at http://www.ilo.org/global/standards/maritime-labour-convention/what-it-does/faq/WCMS_177371/lang–en/index.htm

• Our Purpose
• Advisory Board
• Lawyers Hub
• Seafarers Hub
• SRI Bespoke

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Being back in the beach house that witnessed much of my 20s feels strange and wondrous – like a sort of time travel

I run from room to room, touching things as if they’ll somehow transport me to the past. Not much has changed in the old weatherboard

• Get our morning and afternoon news emails , free app or daily news podcast

M any years ago, a friend from university invited some of us to his mum’s beach house at Walkerville South. His mum had bought the house super cheap before the world had discovered that there was another impressive coastline in Victoria, far away from the more established houses of the Mornington Peninsula or the Great Ocean Road.

The house was a weatherboard shack hidden in thick native bush. There were two bedrooms, and a large corner couch in the lounge that doubled as two extra beds when needed. Fronted by large windows, you could spy the ocean through the tall trees while standing in the kitchen and waiting for the kettle to boil. It was a house that didn’t need too much attention. From the straw matting on the floor to the green bathroom straight out of the 1970s, it was immediately welcoming, and once you arrived, you didn’t want to leave.

On that first visit, I slept on one of the couch-beds, preferring to keep the curtains open so I could see the darkness of the sky. And in the morning, I woke to a row of noisy rosellas hanging out on the edge of the deck, waiting for birdseed. We swam even in the height of winter, running into the cold, foamy water and lasting only minutes before tiptoeing with bare feet back up the hill to the waiting fire. We drank too much cheap red wine, ate simple meals of beans and rice, and laughed late into the night. It was one of those bonding weekends that was so joyful, it was repeated more than once.

After we left university and scattered in different directions, I still borrowed the house from time to time, introducing it to other friends, including the man who would one day become my partner. After he and I started going out, we visited just the two of us, and I remember mocking him for pulling on a wetsuit before wading into the sea. The house witnessed much of my 20s, those lost years when none of us knew what we were going to do with the rest of our lives, and coming together somehow made us feel safe.

Sign up for a weekly email featuring our best reads

And then my university friend married his partner and moved to another state, and we lost contact. I stopped visiting the house because he wasn’t around to lend me the keys. But years later, each time I read Alison Lester’s wonderful Magic Beach to my children, I would be transported back to the wilds of Walkerville South, a place that had become almost mythical in my memory.

Three years ago, as the pandemic restrictions lifted, friends invited the kids and I to visit them on their summer holiday. I’d been to the Gippsland coast often as an adult and knew the roads well, but I hadn’t stayed at Walkerville South since that time. I was surprised to see how little had changed. A gravel road still led the way in, and the hill behind the beach was still dotted with only a handful of houses.

We pulled up outside the place my friends had rented and started unloading the car. As we walked in, I felt a prickle of familiarity. There was a corner couch that doubled as a bed in the lounge, large sliding glass doors out to the deck, and a green kitchen straight out of the 1970s. But it was the coloured Marimekko curtains that hung to the floor, more faded than when I’d last seen them, that did it. I knew immediately that it was the same house.

Excited, I asked who owned the house and my friend told me. I grinned when I heard that my old university friend’s mum still owned it. They didn’t know her well, but she was a friend of a friend and she still rented out the place to people sometimes. Now in her 90s, she didn’t visit it herself very often any more.

after newsletter promotion

I ran from room to room checking the fittings to see if they were the same, touching things as if they’d somehow transport me back to the past. I gripped the same green ball handles on the bathroom door. Ran my fingers along the same boxed-up board games stacked in the shelves in the lounge. And bent down to rub the fur back of the large grey, stuffed wombat that sat waiting near the fireplace, a little more loved looking than it had been all those years before.

Not much had changed in the old weatherboard. It held such stories in its walls. And now I was back, and it felt strange and wondrous like a sort of time travel. I stood on the deck, knowing the rosellas would soon land, and remembered a time when I was younger, freer, less worried about what was coming. When sleeping on a couch in the corner of a room was fought over, and when swimming in the winter sea was a given.

Nova Weetman is an award-winning children’s author. Her adult memoir, Love, Death & Other Scenes , is out in April 2024 from UQP

• Beach holidays
• Australian lifestyle

Most viewed

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Sweepstakes
• Travel Products
• Trends + Deals We Love

This Earth Day, Stop Shopping Fast Fashion — and Switch to Our Favorite Sustainable Brands’ Long-lasting Pieces

Shop top picks from Everlane, Cariuma, Patagonia, and more.

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

Travel + Leisure / Madison Woiten

Earth Day has arrived, and with it comes an opportunity to reflect on your buying habits so that you can begin to consume more consciously. If you have any trips on the horizon, you may still have some shopping to do in preparation, so we decided to make it a little bit easier to build out your dream travel wardrobe while being kinder to the planet. 

In honor of the annual event, keep reading to find the 10 eco-friendly brands we love to shop at for comfy travel clothing and gear — as well as our top pick from each. From the perfect flowy pants to wear during a long-haul flight (which you can find at Everlane ), to the most supportive walking shoes made with recycled materials at Cariuma , these products prove that you can invest in your closet while minimizing your footprint on Mother Earth.

Our Pick: The Easy Pant

Everlane has long prioritized using recycled and organic materials to create their high-quality, made-to-last clothing, securing them as a go-to source for sustainably made apparel that’s also travel-friendly. These lightweight and breathable pants are made from a cotton and elastane blend and feature a stretchy elastic waistband that ensures they’ll remain comfortable during even the longest flights. And while you can never go wrong with a good pair of black pants, they’re also available in six other neutral shades that you won’t want to miss out on for spring.

Our Pick: Oca Low Black Canvas

One of the primary pillars of the Cariuma brand is sustainability , and in fact, with every purchase of a pair of sneakers, the brand has vowed to plant two trees in Brazil as part of their reforestation initiative — so far, they’ve already planted more than 2 billion trees. It’s this attention and care for the planet that should convince you to pick up a pair of the organic cotton Oca Low canvas sneakers that thousands of shoppers ( and celebs ) swear by. They’re effortlessly comfortable, easy to style, and even come in 24 bold colors and patterns.

Our Pick: Rib-Knit Hoodie

This Oprah-loved brand creates all of its products — from sheets to lounge sets — with responsibly sourced material that’s ethically made, all while designing pieces that are built to last. So, if you’re looking to add a cozy layer to your travel wardrobe that’s sustainably made and unbelievably soft, their Rib-Knit Hoodie is our top choice, and it’s even on sale for $117 right now thanks to the brand’s annual Mother’s Day Sale . The material on this cooling sweatshirt is viscose made from bamboo which provides an effortless drapey fit, and it’s available in four sleek shades, with sizes ranging from XS to 3XL.

Our Pick: Woven Twill Utility Joggers

Pact prioritizes using eco-friendly textiles in their comfy pieces that are practically designed for long travel days, and they’re even Fair Trade Certified, meaning that their factories are guaranteed to offer safe working conditions for those making your clothing. If you’ve been on the hunt for pants that you can wear from sightseeing excursions to running errands (and everything in between), these utility joggers are the perfect choice, and right now they’re on major sale, bringing the price down to just $54. Plus, if you want a closer look at the sustainability stats, the site even outlines that the organic cotton these pants are made of saves 62 gallons of water, and boasts nearly 20 pounds of carbon emission offset.

Our Pick: Horizontal Duck Bag

Sustainability is at the forefront of Baggu’s brand ethos , as they strive to reduce fabric waste while utilizing recycled materials to create the everyday bags that we know and love. The brand’s Horizontal Duck Bag is one of our top picks as it’s made from recycled cotton canvas that creates a durable feel, while the spacious yet foldable design is easy to pack into your carry-on for an extra bag to use during your travels. Adjustable straps mean it can be worn as a crossbody or a shoulder bag, while a zipper secures your belongings within to ward off potential theft.

Our Pick: Volley Canvas White Black

Clothing and other textile waste is a major issue in the age of overconsumption, and Veja proposes one solution to this concern by making their comfy and supportive sneakers out of recycled plastic bottles and other materials, resulting in a sustainable and reliable product. The brand’s Volley Canvas sneaker is a top choice to shop this spring as the upper is made from 100 percent organic cotton, while supportive (and sustainably made) insoles provide comfort for all-day wear. Plus, they’re a nice twist on the classic white sneaker that will still match nearly everything you have in your suitcase. 

Our Pick: Moda 20L Backpack

From partnering with reliable and ethical factories to working with sustainable, recycled fabrics, Cotopaxi is a leader in environmentally friendly outdoor gear , so you can snag a backpack, duffel, or even apparel that works for you and the earth. The 20L Moda Backpack is currently on sale for just $69 and is made from a mix of recycled nylon and polyester to secure its title as eco-conscious. Plus, a large primary compartment, breathable mesh back paneling, and a variety of other easy-access pockets all make packing for your travels a breeze.

Our Pick: Mongolian Cashmere Batwing Sweater

Quince aims to reduce the use of unnecessary plastic in their shipping methods while also creating long-lasting pieces made from environmentally friendly materials such as organic cotton in order to lessen their carbon footprint . Those factors in combination with competitive prices that are a fraction of traditional retailers mean you can’t go wrong with anything you choose from the site. The brand’s Mongolian Cashmere Batwing Sweater is at the top of our shopping list for spring as the flowy design will make for the most gorgeous layering piece to tuck into your carry-on during a long-haul flight, and with seven jewel-toned and neutral shades to choose from, we can’t blame you if you pick up more than one. Best of all, it’s lightweight, breathable, and ethically produced.

Girlfriend Collective

Our Pick: Monaco Float Ultralight Leggings

Girlfriend Collective strives to do everything it can to build a sustainable and eco-friendly business , starting with 100 percent recycled and recyclable packaging and extending to the recycled materials from which they make their clothing. In fact, in an effort to reuse plastics, the brand even makes a large portion of its apparel from old water bottles to keep that material out of landfills. If you’re making your first purchase from Girlfriend Collective, you can’t go wrong with these lightweight leggings that boast sizes ranging from 2XS to 6XL in four gorgeous colors. They’re sweat-wicking and quick-drying, making them ideal for tough workout days and walking tours alike.

Our Pick: Women’s R1 CrossStrata Jacket

It’s no secret that Patagonia is one of the most beloved (and sustainable) outdoor gear brands, from its use of recycled materials to its animal welfare policies , and the creation of high-quality products that won’t soon need to be replaced or otherwise end up in a landfill. In fact, the brand is even focusing on utilizing regenerative practices starting with soil in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while formulating top-notch gear. Right now, the Women’s R1 CrossStrata Jacket has caught our eye while it’s on sale for an impressive 50 percent off, as it’s made with a breathable yet cozy fleece to provide insulation during your spring hiking and camping endeavors. Not to mention that it’s even made in a Fair Trade Certified factory, so you don’t have to worry about contributing to inhumane working conditions with your shopping habits.

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

See More T+L Shopping Deals

• Pacific NW Magazine

At Seattle’s Smith Tower, 110-year-old elevators travel through time and space

THE SMITH TOWER opened on July 4, 1914, during the wild summer that kicked off the first World War, between the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand in June and the declaration of hostilities in August. At 38 stories and 462 feet tall, it was, at the time, the tallest building west of the Mississippi.

The skyscraper was built adjacent to Pioneer Square, a major fixture in a growing city rebuilding its downtown from the ashes of the 1889 Great Seattle Fire.

Smith Tower sits on the corner of Second Avenue and Yesler Way, a corner variously known as Wirth Corner or Bailey Corner before the tower’s construction. Today, tourists and downtown workers mill about the area, which contains many of Seattle’s most notable buildings and, it must be noted, also is sometimes quite unsafe.

The building itself consists of two parts: a low-rise portion that goes up to floor 21, and the high-rise extension (the “tower” part of the construction) topped with a distinctive, arrow-shaped triangular roof. While the building’s plaque lists Smith Tower at 42 stories, that is a bit of an overstatement — the builders claimed it was  technically  42 of what, by measure, could be considered a story, but the building has always had a maximum of 38 actual  floors — even fewer at the time of its construction. 

Today,   the very top of the tower holds a private penthouse, and the 35th floor of the high rise — reached by one of seven still-working, 110-year-old elevators — houses a beautifully vintage 1920s chinoiserie-style bar and observation deck, a space that still commands striking views of downtown Seattle, shipping cranes and Elliott Bay.

Smith Tower by the numbers

7: Number of elevators

Smith Tower is a work of art, its ornate construction and interior fixtures a combination of neoclassical and Art Nouveau sensibilities, and its elevators are similarly gorgeous: century-old bronze-toned wrought-iron birdcages lining the hallway enrobed in pearly, fondantlike Mexican onyx, topped by a row of carved Native American chieftain heads watching over the proceedings like sentinels.

The enigmatic initials LCS grace every set of ornate elevator doors, a nod to the original builder, the eponymous Lyman Cornelius Smith (of Smith-Corona typewriter fame), whose fortune was built on firearms and typewriters, the modern version of the pen vs. the sword. But the ostentatious initials are far from a statement of vanity; they’re actually a statement of love: Smith died in 1910, and his son Burns Lyman Smith had more than 50,000 instances of his father’s initials placed throughout the building in tribute.

Up until 2016-17, all the elevators were manually operated. Each working car had an attendant inside who would raise and lower the apparatus using a hefty lever. Originally, seven of the elevators serviced the first 21 floors only (today, it is six, as one is out of commission), and for those on the bottom floor, it was a matter of choosing an elevator and telling the operator your desired floor. For those in the high-rise, a call to the concierge desk would result in the sole elevator that serviced those lofty heights being sent up to fetch you. But for those on an intermediate floor, the low-rise, calling a car would mean standing in the elevator hallway and shouting through the cage at the operators as they passed up and down through the shaft, until someone obligingly pulled the carriage to a halt and admitted the passengers inside, like hailing a taxi on a busy street.

Unlike with modern elevators, whose heavy doors are so often unceremoniously halted by an arm thrust between them, sticking one’s arm through the gap of the Smith Tower elevators was unwise: just as likely to damage the door mechanism as the arm in question. To request someone hold the elevator, guests would call out, “One more!” regardless of how many people actually needed to climb in.

One forgets, in a predigital world, how much of one’s life in a city involved yelling.

These days, the elevators look as they did back in 1914, with a few modifications, such as modern earthquake sensors and safety glass, copper-sheeted back walls and cleverly hidden escape hatches added in the 1940s to conform to fire code. One of the original motors is on display, a green sleeping giant that looks like an oversized sewing machine, and the levers and wheels used by the manual operators are extant as well, though they are now entirely for show.

Each elevator is like a wee Jules Verne time machine taking paying guests from the unrelenting modernity at ground level to the glamorous days of yore preserved in the upstairs bar, an experience complete with vintage cocktails. And while the cars are now operated by modern motors, safety key cards and buttons, at least one still features an attendant — now most often an extremely knowledgeable “guest experience guide” named Richard Phillips, who spends his days riding up and down from the heart of Seattle to its lofty heights, giving short elevator tours or roaming about the building on longer historical tours for guests who come to sip a vintage cocktail and enjoy some historical context about a building that was central to Seattle’s Prohibition era.

While the view from the observation deck morphs day by day as the city grows around it, the view from the inside of a century-old elevator never changes.

Most Read Stories

• U.S. housing market paralyzed by lock-in effect | Analysis
• Security breach at Sea-Tac airport causes long lines at checkpoints
• Owners selling vacation rentals from under guests is a growing problem
• 4 new cozy mysteries and eerie thrillers to get lost in
• In Seattle, even the rich can't escape the high cost of poverty

The opinions expressed in reader comments are those of the author only and do not reflect the opinions of The Seattle Times.

The kids are going to summer camp. Time to plan an adult vacation.

The nearby trip can be comforting while also maintaining independence.

Michelle Minor drove more than 600 miles last summer to drop off her 12-year-old son at NASA space camp, his first overnight summer camp. Once he was settled in, Minor didn’t drive back home. She and her partner drove about two hours away to Nashville, where they stayed for the week.

“I wanted to be close. That’s really it. I did not feel like I could have him far away,” Minor said, who lives in Evanston, Ill., multiple states away from her son’s camp in Alabama. “I think he kind of also felt comforted by the fact that I was close by, that I wasn’t states and states away.”

It was an added bonus that for the first time in a long time, Minor and her partner got to enjoy a couples vacation. They’re planning a similar trip this August, when Minor’s son goes back to overnight camp.

“We could get to know each other as just adults again, doing things that we like, that aren’t necessarily related to us being parents, like art museums or live music. ... We could actually go see live music that starts at 9 p.m., and we don’t have to get up and make scrambled eggs at 7:30,” she joked.

Every summer, more than 26 million kids and adults attend camps, with overnight camps increasing their enrollment, according to the American Camp Association. As some parents sort out their children’s summer plans and make camp packing lists, they’re also planning nearby trips of their own. Here’s how to start thinking about one.

What to consider

Jody LeVos, chief learning officer at the children’s education company Begin, said staying close by while kids go to camp can be comforting for parents, but still allows children to build friendships and independence.

“It’s not going to impact the child’s experience. They’re away from their parents, whether the parent is half an hour away or six hours away, so it’s more about the parent and what makes them comfortable,” LeVos said.

She says each child develops independence at their own pace, but when they’re emotionally and mentally prepared, overnight camp can be a great opportunity for kids to enhance their skills. The transition, however, can be nerve-racking for parents who are seeing their child’s growing independence.

“Parents may be asking the what-ifs, you know, what happens if my child needs me or gets hurt? And so there is some anxiety around, what will the child do when I’m not there to protect them or respond to their every need?” LeVos said.

She recommends practicing overnight camp routines with children who are going away for the first time, like having them sleep in their sleeping bag at home first and practicing other routines that may typically get done with help from parents.

Melanie Gast is planning her first summer vacation spent without her older kids. After years of attending camps near their home in West Palm Beach, Fla., her 13-year-old daughter and 10-year-old son will attend their first overnight camps during the same week; an outdoors summer camp for the eldest, and a nearby overnight science camp for her son.

“I look at this as an amazing vacation for my husband and I,” Gast said. She and her husband will bring their 2-year-old daughter along on the trip to Memphis, but they’re planning to take turns entertaining her at the hotel while the other parent visits Graceland, the National Civil Rights Museum and other sights.

“We’ll still have a baby, but that’s really different than having a teenager and a 10-year-old,” Gast said. “So for me this is the best it can get.”

Most parents find a camp first then find a nearby city to explore, but it’s possible to reverse engineer that part of the process. The most important thing to do is make sure the chosen camp will be one that keeps your child engaged from start to finish. Once your kid is enrolled, you can start planning your own nearby getaway, but know that unforeseen hiccups at camp could cut a parent’s vacation short, such as illness.

Gast chose Memphis as the city she wanted to visit for vacation, then found summer camps for her children that were within a driving range that made her comfortable. Both Gast and Minor said a city that’s about a three-hour drive or less from camp is best.

LeVos says parents who are nervous about how well their child is adapting to their new environment should make time for movement to relieve stress.

“Going for a walk at night, looking up at the stars, knowing that your child is looking at the same stars can be really helpful and remind families that they may be a little bit apart, but they’re still together,” she said.

LeVos also recommends journaling, for both children at camp and their parents, to explore what emotions come up when the family is apart. Once reunited, family members can use their notes as an entry point for understanding how the time went for everyone.

A win for both parents and kids

At the end of camp, LeVos says children will likely return home feeling proud of the way they cared for themselves and developed new skills for managing their emotions.

That’s what Minor experienced when her son returned from camp last year. He did better than she expected. “I was like, ‘Oh, okay, you did bring all the clothes home? You actually wore all of them versus wearing the same thing? Oh, you did good.’ Those are important life skills,” she said.

She’s more comfortable sending her son back for another overnight camp this year, but she’ll still be vacationing nearby, just in case.

“This is an opportunity to not only still be the best parent – because as a parent, you get a lot of credibility when you send your kid to space camp, but then you also get to enjoy some of the benefits in a rewarding way,” Minor said. “Everybody wins here.”

Sheeka Sanahori is a travel journalist and video producer based in Atlanta. You can find her on Instagram: @sheeka.sanahori .