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The Best Packable Travel Towels

By Ebony Roberts

We love a plush, thirsty bath towel , but a campsite or suitcase just isn’t the place for one—there, we want a quick-drying, packable travel towel.

After putting 20 such towels through 60 hours of testing—including an intense day of sand and surf at the beach—we’ve concluded the PackTowl Personal offers the best balance of drying time, packability, and odor resistance without compromising comfort and design.

A good option for nearly every towel-related scenario, it’s lightweight, extra-large, and supersoft, making it usable for both car camping and travel into the backcountry.

Everything we recommend

PackTowl Personal

The best packable camp towel.

Whether used for camping, hiking, traveling, or general outdoor adventuring, this towel is durable enough to handle extended abuse while remaining soft and comfortable.

Buying Options

With store pickup or REI membership (limited patterns)

(limited patterns)

Budget pick

Rainleaf Microfiber Towel

An inexpensive towel that gets the job done.

Good-enough absorbency and drying time for those on a budget.

PackTowl Luxe

A plush, comfortable towel.

Good for car camping, day trips, and hanging at the beach, this towel is made of an incredibly soft fabric that also repels dirt.

Scoring well in nearly every performance category, the PackTowl Personal towel consistently surprised us with its ability to handle the elements. It has an antibacterial treatment to help prevent odor, the “body” size (25 by 54 inches) is large enough to wrap around most folks, and it feels soft against the skin. It’s made of a tear-resistant fabric and was the best towel we tested at absorbing water and repelling dirt. Better still, sand from the beach remained on the towel’s surface so it was easy to shake off, leaving the towel clean after multiple uses. Its drying time was faster than most of the towels we tested and it packs down to a small size in a zippered breathable pouch, making it convenient for travel or camping.

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel was nearly identical in design to many of the pricier models and scored just as well in our field tests. The only downsides are that its size large is smaller than most other large towels we tested, and it has lighter-feeling fabric. It didn’t handle our day at the beach quite as well and took a little longer to dry, but otherwise it’s comparable in comfort and packability. And, because it’s treated with an antibacterial coating—something not standard on budget (or even some pricey) towels—it passed our smell test with a perfect score. At just a fraction of the price of our top choice, it’s a good pick if you’re the kind of person who goes camping a few times a year and needs something affordable that works well.

If packing your towel down into a tiny space isn’t a concern for you, the PackTowl Luxe is about as comfortable as a towel can get. Although it does take up a bit more room and takes significantly longer to dry, its “body” size has the same dimensions as our top pick but has a plusher feel against the skin. Unlike similar big and luxurious camp towels, it didn’t smell after being put away wet. It absorbed water off the skin without trapping in the dirt and sand, which left it surprisingly clean for a towel with such a high pile. As it was easy to shake off, we enjoyed having it as a wrap and beach blanket, too.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked, how we tested, our pick: packtowl personal, how the packtowl has held up, flaws but not dealbreakers, an inexpensive towel that works fine: rainleaf microfiber towel, a plush, comfortable towel: packtowl luxe, microfibers and the environment, the competition, care and maintenance.

We spoke with three experts to get their takes on what we should look for in a good towel. Mark Knight, a product designer currently with Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC) , has designed a number of outdoor products, including packable towels, and gave us a breakdown on what he considers to be important when creating products like these.

We spoke via email with Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventures , who has worked as a backpacking, camping, and canoeing guide for the past 15 years.

And we spoke with Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at MEC. He was able to tell us what’s important from a consumer perspective. In addition to these interviews, we read a number of online reviews, pored over camping and backpacking forums, researched microfiber fabrics, and then selected and tested the towels we think cover most activities to determine which one was best overall.

Why doesn’t a regular, everyday cotton towel cut it for most outdoor activities? Knight offered us five reasons your cotton towel isn’t ideal: it’s too big, too heavy, might get damaged or stained, doesn’t get washed at the same frequency it would at home, therefore causing it to smell, and lastly, it’s not always used in the same manner as it would be at home. He added, “As a travel towel, there is also the added functional requirement of being quick-dry. When traveling, you can move around a lot, and a packed wet towel generally means a stinky towel.”

Packable towels are usually made from microfiber , although a few of the ones we tested are made from other materials (which didn’t end up performing as well). These materials are typically a blend of polyester and polyamide, aka nylon, and depending on the blend will produce a towel that feels more suede-like and slick to one that feels more plush like your average cotton towel. There are also packable towels made of nanofabric, which is composed of tiny nanoscopic fibers woven together—think the width of a human hair (or even smaller)—to create a fabric that is incredibly lightweight and small. Though they do the trick, nanofiber towels tend to have a slicker surface, which means they don’t feel much like the towel you’re used to.

According to Oliver, the most popular camp towel size is roughly equivalent to a standard household bath towel—about 26 by 52 inches after washing. Some towels were slightly smaller or larger, but we tried to stay within what would seem like regulation size for most people.

All the experts we talked to shared the opinion that the type of towel you’ll want to purchase depends on the activity you’re using it for. For backpacking or kayaking trips, Newsome told us that “lightweight, small packability and quick drying are the most important factors.” For car camping or other adventures, where weight isn’t an issue, she opts for a larger microfiber towel, and one with an antimicrobial coating, “which means for those longer road trips and tours this towel stays fresh smelling.” Knight’s opinion aligned with Newsome’s: “Some of the lightest towels don’t feel that great against your skin, but the weight means you will actually bring it in your backpack when on a long hike. If you are traveling around the world, weight might not be your primary concern, but comfort will factor highly, as you will be using the towel each day—unless you are a soap dodger ! So, a softer, slightly heavier towel may be the way to go.”

Just as important as how much water a towel can absorb—in other words, how well it dries you—is how well the towel dries after you’re dry. “Nobody wants to put a wet towel into their backpack,” Oliver said.

After surveying online reviews, forums, and user ratings, and asking people what type of towel they preferred for their own outdoor activities, we narrowed our field to 19 packable towels, then threw in a standard cotton towel as a plush baseline. We then tested the towels using seven criteria: price, comfort, design, wicking, drying time, odor resistance, and packability.

We washed and dried all of the towels, giving them all an equal starting point, then we scored them in each category. We didn’t score weight or size, but we did make note of whether these features made a difference when comparing similar options.

Comfort: This was a tough one because of the people we asked, some preferred a more textured fabric and others liked the smooth feel of the microsuede towels. We asked individuals to feel each towel against their skin, asked for their comments, and then asked what their overall top picks were.

Design: Here, we looked at how well the towel is made, and whether there were any particular features—good or bad—that made drying off more or less of a pleasure. Key among them was fabric quality, stitching, and what kind of hanging loop—essential!—the towel came with. We also looked at texture, an important attribute for both water absorption and grabbing dirt and grime, rather than just pushing it around. A too-slick towel won’t do much of anything except leave your skin feeling yucky and wet.

Wicking: One of the most important tests we conducted was how well the towel could wick away water and leave the skin feeling dry. When we took our test towels to the beach, we wanted to see how they performed against sandy salt water and whether they were able to clean the skin in addition to drying it.

Drying time: To determine which towel dried the fastest, we applied the same amount of water to each towel and then timed how long it took for them to dry. But how much water to use, and how dry is dry, exactly? We used 4 ounces of water, a quantity we settled on after having multiple testers shower and weigh their towels before and after use. Once the person was dry enough to feel comfortable putting their clothes on, we called that “dry.” We did this a couple of times with each person and used a couple types of cotton towels to get a base number. The average amount of water people removed from their bodies after showering was a ½ cup, or about 225 milliliters. We hung our entire assortment of high-tech, portable towels on the same line and recorded the time it took to leave each one dry to the touch.

Odor resistance: Another important criterion is how the towel smells after multiple uses. “An antimicrobial finish helps with odor management and decreases the frequency you need to wash the towel,” Knight told us. A towel may be used a dozen times before it gets properly washed, and if a towel smells musty or dirty after a couple of uses, it probably is. Many of the towels advertise a protective antibacterial coating and we wanted to see if these coatings actually made a difference.

Our test involved taking the towels to the beach, soaking them in 16 ounces of ocean water, wringing out the excess water as best as we could, and then placing each towel in a sealed plastic bag for 48 hours. After that, we opened the bags and took a whiff. Though most remained odor-free (especially those coated with an antimicrobial treatment), we were taken aback by how seriously a few of them reeked.

Packability: As important as drying you—and drying out—are, the other key thing a camp towel has to do is pack small for travel. Some towels came with cases, some didn’t. Our focus was simply how tiny a towel could get.

Price: More expensive doesn’t really seem like a good thing when it comes to something like a packable travel towel, given that there’s such a variance in price and that most towels pretty much claim to do the same thing.

The PackTowl Personal is our top choice because it handled every test we put it through. It’s the perfect option for nearly any outdoor activity that requires a towel. It’s large and durable while still being comfortable and comes with an antimicrobial treatment, which means it won’t smell after multiple uses. Its snap loop for hanging was one of the easiest to use, and the towel packs down to a small size, making it easy to travel with. Its drying time was comparable with that of the fastest-drying towels we tested, and it didn’t absorb dirt or sand into its fabric, an essential feature if you’re taking a towel into the backcountry.

Made of a soft microsuede, this towel was consistently chosen as a top pick by those we asked to rate its comfort. It is soft and light, but still has a bit of texture, so it doesn’t feel slick against your skin the way a nanofiber towel like the Matador NanoDry Shower Towel does. The PackTowl seems built to last, with a nicely seamed edge that should hold up over time. On top of feeling soft, it dried our skin much more readily than the non-microfiber towels we tested, like the Coleman or Outlier. It even dried a bit more quickly than other microfiber products in our test group. We were impressed by how well it repelled sand and dirt from being absorbed into its fabric. The sand that did stick to the towel was easy to shake off—which wasn’t the case of some of the other models we tested that looked like dirty rags after just a short time at the beach.

In our drying-time test, the PackTowl dried much faster than most, with the exception of the linen towel and the Biospired Footprint, which beat the PackTowl’s dry time by 30 minutes. (The towels we tested dried in a range from 1 hour, 45 minutes to nearly 4 hours.) We noticed that the towels with an additional antimicrobial coating took a little longer to dry. We think the extra odor protection is worth the few extra minutes of drying time. As the PackTowl dried, some water initially beaded on the surface, but was then absorbed, compared with towels that still had visible water beads after almost an hour of drying. (Beads of water were a good indication of extended drying times.) Water also dispersed evenly through the towel rather than leaving wet spots, which likely contributed to its fast drying time. We dried the towels in overcast conditions, and noticed that at just over 1 hour, 30 minutes the PackTowl was only minimally damp, and could be packed back into its carrying case if you were in a rush to pack up and go.

We tested the PackTowl’s “body” size, which weighed 6.7 ounces, fairly average compared with the other suede-type towels, and measured 25 by 54 inches, just shy of being the same size as our standard bath towel, and larger than many of the towels in our testing pool.

Wirecutter staffers have owned this towel for multiple seasons and it continues to hold up, with no loose threads or unraveled seams after use.

We didn’t love the PackTowl’s pouch: it doesn’t attach easily to a backpack, and the zipper seemed flimsy. But the pouch is made of breathable fabric, so it won’t trap moisture the way a plastic bag or pouch might. Although the PackTowl is antimicrobial, it did have the slightest ocean water odor to it after our 48-hour smell test, which is not something we noticed in previous tests.

Costing about half the price of our top pick, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a great choice for those that don’t want to shell out almost $30 for a towel. A major bonus is that unlike most of the inexpensive towels we considered, this one actually comes with an antimicrobial treatment and passed the smell test after being sealed up wet for two days. It’s also comfortable, easy to dry off with, and just as packable as the PackTowl.

It didn’t dry quite as fast as our top pick and that may be due to the fact that some of the water beaded off and remained on the surface before being absorbed directly into the towel. The size we tested (L) is also slightly smaller than some of the pricier options but still big enough to wrap around the average person’s body.

Because it is so inexpensive, there’s the option of upgrading to the XL or XXL sizes for just a few bucks more and still have it come in well below price of most other towels. On top of that, it has a functional carrying pouch that is both breathable and easy to fasten onto a backpack so you can pack the towel damp and hang it to dry when it’s time to hit the road.

That said, though it did well drying our testers at the beach, it didn’t handle sand as well as our top pick, leaving a good amount behind on both their skin and the towel itself. If you’re a serious outdoor adventurer who’s going to be putting it to work against the elements, we recommend a towel that can handle gritty, sticky stuff a bit better.

If size and volume aren’t issues and you’re looking for something more soft and comfortable, the PackTowl Luxe performed the best of the plush cotton-like microfiber towels. Not only did it dry the quickest of these towels, it was good at removing sand from the skin and didn’t absorb dirt and mud into the fabric. It also didn’t have any odor after the smell test. A few of the other thicker towels we tested simply reeked—testers used the term “rotten fish”—after a couple days crunched into a ball, but not the Luxe.

If comfort is a primary concern, this towel feels much closer to cotton, avoiding the slick skin-feel common to many microsuedes and nanofibers. As we did with our pick, the PackTowl Personal, we tested the extra-large “Body” size. Also like our pick, at this size the Luxe is a few inches larger than the others we tested of the same type, measuring 25 by 54 inches, offering that extra little bit of coverage.

It does come with a carrying pouch, and though not as stylish or durable as the Sea to Summit Pocket Towel ’s silicone carrying case, it’s adequate for what it needs to do. We consider this towel a solid option for car camping and day trips, when taking up a little extra space won’t matter.

Although durable and light, there’s an environmental downside to microsynthetic fibers: Every time you wash that gear, small quantities of its fibers are shed, ending up in our waterways and oceans. (Here’s a study from the Bren School of Environmental Science & Management on the issue.) For more about the problem and some advice on combating it, see our article Your Laundry Sheds Harmful Microfibers. Here’s What You Can Do About It.

We tested a standard white bath towel—the Fieldcrest Luxury Solid Towel, which has since been discontinued—that was the same size as the majority of the towels we tested. It performed as expected: It was great at drying skin and was comfortable, but it didn’t pack down and had a bit of a funky smell after our odor test. Surprisingly, it didn’t take that much longer to dry than some of the plusher microfiber models we tested and actually outperformed a few of the towels that are marketed specifically for camping.

Biospired Footprint Towel: This had been our runner-up pick, but the size we tested has cycled in and out of stock. If you do happen to run across one, it’s still a good towel, though. We had also tested, and dismissed, the Biospired Endurance Camping & Fitness Towel and the Biospired Trek Pack Towel; for what it’s worth, those towels also tend to have stock problems.

Matador NanoDry Shower Towel : For backcountry campers and hikers that are concerned about weight, this is by far the lightest towel we tested (2.4 ounces). It performed well, but it is very thin and not as comfortable as the others. We decided it was too specialized to be best for most people.

Outlier Grid Linen Towel : Made of a natural linen fabric, this towel was the fastest-drying towel, and it performed well at the beach. But it doesn’t pack down very small, doesn’t come with a carrying case but rather a thick elastic band, and had a faint smell after our odor test. Those drawbacks made it hard to justify its high price.

Sunland Microfiber Towel  (currently unavailable): One of the least expensive microfiber towels, but no antimicrobial treatment and very average performance.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel : One of the slowest to dry. Another note of caution, many online reviews have reported a problem with the cobalt blue dye running. We didn’t run into this problem, but we tested an orange towel, so it’s likely the issue is with only the darker-colored towels. Another drawback is that the carrying case comes with a Velcro closure, making it possible to snag the fabric when maneuvering the towel into and out of the case.

Shandali Yoga Travel Towel  (currently unavailable): Average performance, no carrying case, and though it does have a little loop for hanging to dry, most of the towels we tested had a loop with a snap, making them more versatile.

YogaRat SportLite Sport + Bath Towel  (currently unavailable): Though this towel did dry quite quickly and was resistant to odor during our 48-hour test, the lack of an antibacterial treatment gave us odor concerns for people taking it on longer trips. And with no carrying case and a snapless loop, this towel was a few steps below our top choices in convenience.

Sea to Summit Tek Towel : Sand stuck to the towel, leaving it quite dirty. Drying time was slow.

REI Co-op Multi Towel  (currently unavailable, but we're looking into a possible new version): Everything stuck to this towel: dryer lint, grass, sand, and dirt, and even though we tested a darker color, it looked dirty after our day at the beach. It also didn’t smell great after our odor test, and it took over four hours to dry.

Lightload Towel : Not really built to be used multiple times, this towel is made of an almost paperlike viscose material, and although very small, once unpackaged it can’t be squished down to its original size (although it does fit in a smaller Ziploc bag). It is incredibly large though, dried quickly, and would probably perform as an ad-hoc firestarter or outdoor survival tool (non-cleanliness-oriented usage scenarios suggested by the manufacturer). Whether being able to set the world on fire is a worthwhile trade-off with this towel’s lack of odor resistance—it was the worst performer in our stink trial—is something we hope we’ll never have to decide.

Coghlan’s Deluxe Camp Towel (currently unavailable): This is the classic outdoor towel that’s been around campsites for years. Some backcountry campers still prefer these towels because they’re small, lightweight, and cheap, but they didn’t perform as well as the microfiber towels that we tested. They dry very slowly, stink up easily, and don’t feel good against the skin.

Coleman Camp Towel  (currently unavailable): Similar in nearly every aspect to the Coghlan’s towel, just with slightly different dimensions—neither is big enough to really function as a full-body wrap—this model also had the drawbacks of rough fabric, odor retention, and delayed drying. (It appears to have been discontinued.)

Most packable towels are designed to repel dirt and bacteria, so they don’t need to be cleaned after every use. Excessive washing can also break down the fabric and any additional antimicrobial technology the towel might be treated with. So, wash only when dirty and don’t dry your towel on high heat unless absolutely necessary; way better to hang it when you can and let the air take care of it.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Nicholas J. Bruce, Niko L. Hartline, Stephanie N. Karba, Elizabeth O. Ruff, Shreya U. Sonar, and Patricia A. Holden, Microfiber Pollution and the Apparel Industry , Bren School of Environmental Science and Management , September 30, 2016

Mark Knight, product designer for Mountain Equipment Co-opand member of the Outdoor Industry Association , email interview , April 21, 2017

Georgia Newsome, owner and operator of Coastal Bliss Adventure and Kilimanjaro Bliss , email interview , March 31, 2017

Craig Oliver, product manager for health and safety at Mountain Equipment Co-op , phone interview , March 29, 2017

What Are The Coolest New Small Gear Companies? , Outside , January 15, 2016

Anne Trafton, Tiny particles may pose big risk , MIT News , April 8, 2014

Meet your guide

Ebony Roberts

Further reading

The Best Gear for Travel

by Wirecutter Staff

We put in another year and tens of thousands more miles of travel to test the best travel gear—and we stand by last year’s choices alongside a few new picks.

Essential Gear for Traveling Solo

by Ria Misra

Traveling solo is freeing but poses some unique challenges. Wirecutter’s picks help you travel comfortably and securely—and bring home great pictures too.

The Best Beach and Surf Gear: Towels, Totes, Coolers, and More

by Kit Dillon

After six years of relaxing in the sand and playing in the surf, we’ve chosen the best picks to help you enjoy a perfect beach day.

The Best Duffle Bags

After lugging 34 duffles through airports, to beaches, and on weekend trips, we chose seven bags that’ll carry what you need carried in a range of scenarios.

Pack Hacker is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

13 Best Travel Towels For Any Trip

We’ve compiled a list of our favorite travel towels for your next trip, whether you're looking for a packable quick dry towel, the best camping towel, or everything in between.

Here at Pack Hacker, we review gear of all kinds. From backpacks to tech, we’ve done it all. However, something that we’ve learned while traveling is that a travel towel is a surprisingly helpful tool while on the road.

A travel towel is ideal for adventures where a towel isn’t laid out each morning for you and for trips where you’ll be utilizing Airbnb rentals, hostels, or staying with family and friends. Not having a way to dry off can be uncomfortable, but how do you choose which one to go with?

There are a ton of different materials, models, and sizes out there. Do you go with soft like microfiber or microsuede, or should you opt for a more durable option like linen? What about if you're looking for the best camping towel or a quick dry beach towel? The answer depends on what kind of trip you’re taking and what you’ll do when you get there. In this post, we’ll cover that—and more.

Whether you’re looking for a quick dry towel, something for the beach, or something that can do it all, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in!

• Matador Ultralight Travel Towel
• Sea to Summit Pocket Towel
• Nomadix Ultralight Towel
• Matador NanoDry Towel
• PackTowl Personal Towel
• Rainleaf Microfiber Towel
• PackTowl Luxe Towel
• Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel
• Outlier Grid Linen Towel
• Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towels
• Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Lite
• REI Co-op Multi Towel Mini

Best for: Full-time Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Saving Space

When you’re heading off the grid, a travel towel is essential to ensure you have a way to dry off after a long day of hiking, a refreshing dip in the lake, or your first shower during camping. The Matador Ultralight Travel Towel is extraordinarily compact, so it can fit into your travel backpack , sling , or hiking daypack when you’re ready to hit the trail.

There are two sizes—a smaller one that’s roughly the size of a handkerchief and a larger one that’s approximately the size of a standard bath towel but skinnier. When compressed in the mesh carrier, the large towel fits into the palm of your hand and can still breathe to air dry while you’re on the go. It takes longer to dry than we’d like, though the size is the most significant factor here. Hypalon tabs on the exterior make it easy to fix it to the outside of your bag when it needs to dry, too.

Why We Like It: Best for Working Out

Whether you’re vacationing for work, play, or something in between, staying in shape while away from home is a great way to stay on your regular routine. Hotel towels can be scratchy and uncomfortable, and not every travel towel is cut from the same cloth (literally or figuratively) to be used in the gym or out on a run. The Sea to Summit Pocket Towel is extremely lightweight once removed from its case, so you don’t need to worry about lugging around a scratchy white rag, and it’s absorbent enough to wipe off sweat after a long workout.

There are four different sizes to choose from, and it’s exceptionally soft, so there’s a model that will be comfortable for everyone. The case is a rectangle, so it’ll pack into your bag easily. It also has quite a bit of branding, which we aren’t the biggest fan of—to each their own. The case isn’t nearly as lightweight as the towel. However, unless you’re a dedicated ultralight one-bagger, this travel towel is a must-add to your Vacation Packing List .

Best for: Relaxed Travelers

Why We Like It: Best for Showing Your Personality

If you’ve been disappointed by the color or design choices so far, look no further than the Nomadix Ultralight Towel. It’s not a very packable travel towel compared to the others on this list, but what it lacks in compressibility, it makes up for in neat designs. With a dozen unique and colorful options to choose from, there’s something for everyone. It’s roughly the same size as your bath towel at home, so you won’t be sacrificing too much surface area for packability. With an 88% recycled polyester and 12% nylon construction, we find the Nomadix is an excellent all-around towel when space isn’t your biggest concern.

Lounge on the beach, have a quick picnic while hiking, or dry off after diving into the lagoon near your Airbnb. Once you’re ready to head out, use the fabric loop to clip it to your pack, so it dries while you walk. One thing is for sure–you’ll have a unique travel towel at the beach!

Why We Like It: Best For Everyday Use

Sometimes you need a travel towel that you can always keep with you. The Matador NanoDry Towel offers just that, with its unique silicone case and carabiner (or a stainless steel key chain on the smaller model) on top, so you can easily take it anywhere. The larger size is similar in size to your bath towel at home but on the thinner side, whereas the smaller model is closer to the size of a bandana.

These travel towels are crafted from nanofiber, Matador’s fancy name for an 85% polyester and 15% polyamide mixture. We’ve found that it isn’t great for drying off entirely after a shower or dip in the hotel pool. Still, it’s a good towel to keep on hand for hikes, long walks across a new city, or for those who don’t mind being a little damp after a swim for the sake of having a minimalistic towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Long Trips

It can be difficult to find a travel towel that can go through multiple uses without being washed, which is essential if you’re one-bag traveling. However, we’ve got a solution for you. The PackTowl Personal Towel has a hook for hanging and utilizes its antimicrobial finish to ensure that microorganisms that cause stinkiness don’t take root within the fibers of your trusty travel towel. It’s crafted from microfiber, so it dries quickly, and you won’t have to wait long before stowing it in your pack.

Coming in at a similar size to what you’re used to at home, it doesn’t feel too small to use as a bathroom towel. Our main issue with the size is that it doesn’t pack down terribly small, but we think that the other features presented by the PackTowl Personal Towel make it a worthy addition to this list.

Why We Like It: Best For Size Variety

At the end of the day, if you bring a travel towel on your next trip, you want to ensure it can handle various tasks. If you fall into this category, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is for you. It comes in a variety of models, ranging from dish cloth size up to something worthy of sprawling out on at the beach. Plus, there are a ton of fun colorways to choose from.

They’re crafted from microfiber and are pretty absorbent, though we’ve noticed that they can get a little stinky after a few uses, so it’s best to wash them fairly frequently. Whether you’re going to the gym, taking a camping trip, staying at a hostel without towels, or just needing something to pick up messes in between, the Rainleaf Microfiber Towel has you covered!

Why We Like It: Best For Quick Dry

A quick dry towel is a must-have for outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and backpacking. Ensuring your travel towel is dry before departing on your next adventure ensures that it isn’t stinky when you use it in the evening or the following day. The Packtowl Luxe Towel dries exceptionally quickly, so it’s a great call for more adventurous travelers.

It’s crafted from a polyester and nylon mixture, making it incredibly soft and enabling it to dry you off adequately after a long hike, jump in the lake, or trek across a rainy city. Multiple sizes and colors are available, so there’s an option for everyone. It isn’t the most packable option on this list, though its features make it a competent travel towel.

Why We Like It: Best For Lightweight Travel

Not every travel towel needs to feel hefty or dry you off completely. Sometimes you just want something lightweight to have on hand should you get caught in the rain, get too sweaty, or spill something on your shorts after a trip to the local cafe. The Biospired Lightweight Footprint Pack Towel is just that, and it comes in multiple sizes to meet your needs. The towels are crafted from micro suede, which is extremely lightweight in your hand.

In addition to cutting mass out of your pack, they’re exceptionally quick-drying, too, so you don’t have to worry about it getting stinky after you wipe up a coffee spill after thinking you saw Mbappé walking across the Louvre. There aren’t many color options, which is a bummer if you like to add a little flair to your gear, but we think the pros outweigh the cons here.

Why We Like It: Best For Durability

Some trips call for durability at every corner, including when you choose a travel towel. If you want something that can handle the bumps and knocks of a rugged trip, go with the Outlier Grid Linen Towel. As the name suggests, it's made of linen, which is crafted from fibers from the flax plant, making it inherently tough so it doesn’t hold on to sand, dirt, and other tiny particles. Instead, unwanted malicious molecules fly off the fabric when you pick it up off the ground.

The strength of this travel towel has its drawbacks, namely in the softness department. It’s still comfortable, though not as much as the others on this list. There are two sizes to choose from, and no matter which you go with, it’ll handle you’re most durable adventures.

Why We Like It: Best For The Beach

For a lot of folks, travel means vacation. To elaborate further, vacation can sometimes be synonymous with sprawling out on the beach with a book in one hand and a drink in the other. To enure the safety of your book and drink, you’ll need a towel to sit on, and we’re here to help. The Dock & Bay Quick Dry Towel is crafted from 83% Polyester, a common synthetic material, and 17% Polyamide, which is extremely durable. It has a classic styling that looks at home at any beach in any decade.

There are several fun colors to choose from, so you can find something that fits your personality. This travel towel excels for lounging on the beach and will work to dry you off, but it's better at the former more so than the latter. The extra large size is probably larger than the towel you used after your shower this morning, and the large model is bang on with the size you’d normally get at a hotel, so no matter which you choose, you’ll have space to sprawl out. Just remember to put on sunscreen!

Best for: Frugal Travelers

Why We Like It: Best For Simplicity

Some people might say that generic is a bad thing; however, when it comes to a travel towel, sometimes generic is all you need. The Youphoria Microfiber Travel Towel is a standard microfiber towel that comes in many colorways and sizes to ensure you can find a match for your style and size needs. There aren’t any extra features to get in your way, but in terms of use as a travel towel, Youphoria has all the basics covered.

It even comes with a carrying case constructed from mesh, so you can let it dry while you’re en route to your next adventure. Whether you’re going across the globe or on a weekend trip, this towel will have your back and won’t break the bank.

Best for: Sustainable Travelers

So there you have it, 13 travel towels for nearly any trip. Whether you’re crossing the globe, hitting the hotel gym, or just going to the coffee shop, these travel towels will ensure you stay comfortable until you return. Who knows, maybe you’ll start using them at home, too!

August 3, 2022

Author: Eric Hergenreder

Eric has been across the globe, but his favorite place to explore is his home state of Michigan. His love for photography has taken him all around the Great Lake State, often writing about his travels so that others can enjoy them, too. Eric loves messing around with analog photography, watching soccer, and searching for the world’s best burger in his spare time.

Best travel towels 2023: light to carry & quick to dry

If you're traveling, pack the best travel towel that's specifically designed for hoarding in backpacks

T3's top three

• 1. Best overall travel towel
• 2. Best lightweight travel towel
• 3. Best absorbent travel towel
• 4. Best all rounder travel towel
• 5. Best large travel towel
• 6. Best fast drying travel towel
• 7. Best attractive travel towel
• 8. Best compact travel towel

Best carry-on luggage 2024: Jump Menu

00. T3's top 3 ↴ 01. Best overall : Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel 02. Best lightweight : Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel 03. Best absorbent : Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel 04. Best all rounder : Sea to Summit Tek Towel 05. Best large : Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel 06. Best fast drying : Bodhi Microfibre Towel 07. Best attractive : Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel 08. Best compact : Nike Cooling Towel

Looking for the best travel towel? Well, you've come to the right place! It’s adventure time, and whether you’re going to be battling your way through the Australian Outback, rambling through rural China or ascending the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, there’s one item that you can’t forget to add to your kit, and that’s the best travel towel.

It’s quite an unassuming item, but a necessary piece of equipment that you’ll be thankful for on the rare occasion where you can grab a shower or rinse yourself off in a waterfall (perfectly possible). Whether you’re looking for large, small, soft or one that you can take to the beach, you’ll find your next backpack necessity right here in our list for the best travel towel.

If you're looking into getting the best kit for your next trip, make sure to check out the best suitcases or if you're looking to travel lighter, we suggest the best backpacks and best travel bags . If you're travelling with a baby or toddler then we recommend travelling with the best travel stroller .

Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest Home news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

The best overall travel towel

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

Read more below

The best lightweight travel towel

This travel towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly - no one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all.  

The best absorbent travel towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight.  

Best travel towels 2023 ranking

Why you can trust T3 Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test .

1. Lifeventure Hydro Fibre UltraLite Travel Towel

Specifications, reasons to buy, reasons to avoid.

Hydrofibre is the latest advance in travel towel technology. As we mentioned in the intro, it’s similar in texture to a softfibre towel, but it’s much lighter, so you won’t be lugging around more weight than you need to. 

It’s worth mentioning that this travel towel is treated with Polygiene, which prevents a build-up of odour producing bacteria – after all, a smelly towel won’t hang about when it comes to infusing it’s scent into the rest of your backpack contents. It comes with its own carry case, but reviewers say it’s small enough to squeeze into that last remaining space in your backpack if needs be. For its pure functionality, it’s claimed our first spot as best travel towel. 

• Back to the top ⤴

2. Matador NanoDry Packable Shower Towel

High-performance outdoor equipment manufacturer Matador's NanoDry Packable Towel is the perfect accessory for people who like to travel light. It weighs a mere 160g and can absorb over twice its weight in water. Better still, the nanofibre material dries super quickly, which is a boon when you need to make a move in a speedy fashion after you finish skinny-dipping in the lake. No one likes carrying wet towels in their bags, after all. 

3. Trespass Wickerman Bamboo Sports Towel

If you get weirded out by the idea of drying yourself off with something that doesn’t remotely resemble the texture you’re familiar with, try this one. It’s made from a mix of bamboo and polyester, so it’s highly absorbent, and despite being much heavier than hydrofibre, it is still technically lightweight. 

Microfibre towels can get smelly, but because this one’s made from bamboo, it’ll resist turning on you that much longer – it’ll still need washing occasionally to completely prevent it from becoming stinky.  If you’re looking for a towel that you can take to that desert island inspired beach, this one is large enough to lie on, too. 

The best all rounder travel towel

4. Sea to Summit Tek Towel

Thanks to its microfibre composition, this travel towel should feel faintly towel-like. Microfibre creates a large surface area, which means it’s capable of high absorbency and it’s also much quicker at drying than regular towels, too. 

The large towel is similar in sizing to our bamboo selection above, and it’s lighter in weight if you’re conscious that your backpack is starting to feel heavy. The only downside is it doesn’t have antibacterial properties. 

If you know you’ll be passing through some hostels with washing facilities, that’s fine. But you may want to think about the smell-factor if you’re planning on going completely off-grid for a substantial amount of time.

The best large travel towel

5. Mountain Warehouse Micro Towelling Travel Towel

If you’re conscious about covering yourself up in the all-sex showering unit (we don’t blame you), then this towel is pretty substantial in size. Despite being large, it can be compacted into a corner of your rucksack and the weight, too, is fairly light for a towel so hefty. 

Made from microfibre, it’s towel-like in feel, highly absorbent and fast drying, but it doesn’t possess antibacterial properties like our first and second pick, which means it could become smelly after a while. With a variety of colours available, you can make sure yours is easy to spot when it’s on the line. 

Check our Mountain Warehouse discount codes to save on your purchase.

The best fast drying travel towel

6. Bodhi Microfibre Towel

If you can get passed the fact that this towel has a suede-like feel to it, you’ll love that it’s very absorbent and can apparently dry even in the dingiest of hostels. The extra large size is the largest on our list, and with dimensions of 180cmx90cm, should allow you to completely cover up in the shared shower unit. 

It’s also good to know that it has antibacterial properties, so you can get away with not washing it for much longer than a regular softfibre or microfibre towel. It comes in a range of sizes, and can be squashed into your backpack last minute as you leave the hostel for your next destination.

The best attractive travel towel

7. Syourself Microfiber Sports & Travel Towel

Your list of items to purchase for your next trip is probably endless, so it’s good to know that there’s a cheap option when it comes to travel towels. With it’s fleece-like feel, it may be weird using it to begin with, but you’ll soon appreciate its fast drying and fast absorbing properties, thanks to its softfibre composition. 

There’s a range of sizes available, with the substantial extra large size able to compact itself into the smallest corner of your rucksack. If you’re looking to purchase a towel for washing and a towel for beach, this is the perfect towel for sunbathing on icing-sugar sand. 

The best compact travel towel

8. Nike Cooling Towel

If you’re planning on island hopping and hitting the beach, or trekking through the jungle, you’ll want a towel that’s super absorbent, with a cooling effect. Like its name suggests, Nike ’s Cooling Towel does just this. Engineered to lower your temperature and keep you fresh during a workout, it’s brilliant for hotter holidays as the fabric cools when wet to help regulate body temperature, while its woven texture helps sustain the cooling effect for a chemical-free activation. At 91.3 x 45cm it’s a little bit of a sunny shape, but it is machine washable and you’ll be glad you have it if you’re dripping with sweat on your travels.

What is a travel towel?

First-timers may be asking why you can’t just stuff a towel from the airing cupboard into your backpack , carry-on luggage or suitcase . One of today's best bath towels is not a good choice for travel. Regular towels aren’t designed to be used and then crammed immediately into a rucksack. They don’t dry quickly enough for starters, which means they’ll go smelly and mouldy after a while. They’re also big and chunky, so they’ll take up far too much room and weigh you down more than necessary.

Travel towels, on the other hand, are lightweight, fast-drying, and smaller in size. They’re also highly absorbent, with the capacity to soak up water far quicker than a regular towel. Many have antibacterial properties too, so your towel-drying experience will be damp-free, smell-free and as pleasant as showering in the middle of nowhere can be.

The texture of travel towels also takes a variety of forms. Hydrofibre is likely to be fleecy to the touch, but deceives you with its amazing ability to soak up water quickly then dry really fast afterwards. Softfibre is very similar to hydrofibre in the way it feels, but it’s slightly heavier and can absorb more water. Microfibre is popular because it provides the closest texture to a towel out of all three options. It’s the thickest and heaviest and doesn’t have quite the same drying capacity as softfibre, but is still certainly one to consider.

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Lizzie is T3's Home Staff Writer, also covering style, living and wellness. She works closely with Bethan Girdler-Maslen, T3's Home Editor, ensuring all the latest news, trends and recommendations are covered. Outside of T3, Lizzie can be found mooching around Bath, attempting (or at least trying to) a new DIY project or spending time with family and friends.

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The Best Quick Drying Travel Towels

Best Towels for Travel

Best travel towel set: wildhorn, most sustainable travel towel: slowtide, best travel towel for kids: pendleton, best small travel towel: dock & bay, best large towel for beach vacations: southern tide, best ultra compact microfiber travel towel: bearz, best sport travel towel: youphoria.

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Travel Towels

I know this is going to sound like sacrilege, but travel towels are products where aesthetics shouldn’t be even the second consideration, let alone the first.

When it comes to today’s travel towels, nothing is more important than the travel towel being

• quick drying
• lightweight

Similarly, nothing is more frustrating than not having a towel when you need one.

Admit it, everyone’s been at a pool or lake when you forgot your towel, there weren’t extras, you tried drying yourself off with paper towels, and you looked like a crazy person.

Here are the best quick dry towels for travel!

Jump to brand review:

• Southern Tide

Best Travel Towels (2023)

Slowtide makes fun printed towels.

This ultra lightweight towel is great for travel. It’s made from 100% recycled materials and not only highly absorbent but also fast drying and sand free!

The 30″ x 60″ is the perfect length to take anywhere and it’s machine washable.

Slowtide Travel Towel

Sold on Zappos

See all colors & read more reviews here

Looking for a family friendly travel towel?

This Pendleton kids towel will keep you covered!

It’s made from ultraplush cotton jacquard that’s been sheared to a velvety softness. Available in a range of fun Pendletown prints , it’s ultra absorbent and even has a hood! The reverse side is a quick drying cotton terry.

Pendleton Hooded Towel for Kids

The value of quick-drying and lightweight travel towels might not be higher anywhere than at the beach, which is what makes the Dock & Bay Beach Towel such a lifesaver.

No matter how soaked you get in the waves or how much sand gets everywhere, the Dock & Bay will have your body and the towel dry in no time.

This is truly one of the best travel beach towels around and comes with its own handy pouch, so you can easily pack it down for storage.

Plus, with classy pastel-and-white stripes , the Dock & Bay looks great while it dries, too!

Dock & Bay Microfiber Beach Towel

Sold on Amazon

For a classic beach towel, grab this Southern Tide striped beach towel .

Made from a velour front and terry loop back, it’s generously sized at 70″ x 40″ and easily washes clean.

Southern Tide Beach Towel

When it comes to towel fabrics that are absorbent and dry quickly, microfiber is king.

And that’s why the WildHorn Outfitters microfiber towels   – which can hold up to 4 times their weight in water and dry 10 times faster than other popular towel fabrics such as cotton or terry cloth – are some of the best around.

Plus, the WildHorn microfiber towels are specifically designed for travel, coming with snap loops for drying and mesh bags that improve breath-ability and packability!

Microfiber Quick Dry Travel

Another benefit of the best microfiber towels for travel is that microfiber is typically made from antimicrobial fabrics which, in layman’s terms, means it takes way longer for them to stink.

Even the best quick dry towels for travel may be subject to quick packing and unpacking, which is why this Microfiber Travel Towel is treated with additional antibacterial agents to keep it smelling fresh longer!

Microfiber Travel Towel

The Youphoria Sport Towe l condenses to such an impressively small size that, the first time I saw it, I could hardly tell what I was supposed to be looking at!

Somewhat smaller than traditional microfiber travel towels, the Youphoria is probably best used for backpacking, hiking, or cycling trips as opposed to trips where you’re diving feet first into some water!

Microfiber Multi-Purpose Travel Towel

Shop travel towels.

Do you have a favorite quick dry travel towel? Let us know your recommendations in the comments!

  Read More     in my travel packing checklist series:

Best Travel Luggage

The Best Carry on Luggage for 2021

The Best Packing Cubes for a Perfectly Organized Bag

The Best Lightweight Luggage for Overpackers

The Best Hard Luggage Sets  for Stylish Travelers

The Best Underseat Luggage  for Minimalists

The Best Carry On Bags for Men - Rugged + Durable!

Business Travel

The Essential Business Packing List

The Best Business Travel Luggage

The Best Laptop Cases for Working Women

The Best Laptop Bags for Men

Packing Hacks

The Best Travel Wallets for All Your Vacation Essentials

The Best Jewelry Cases Never Untangle a Necklace Again!

The Best Toiletry Bags to Clean Up Quick

Travel Packing Lists

The Best Travel Jackets for All Types of Weather

The Best Duffel Bags for Your Next Weekend Trip

The Best Travel Backpacks to Hold Everything You Need

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Best Beach Towels for Travel: They’ll Hardly Take Up Any Suitcase Space

Beach , Packing , Packing Tips

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Headed to the beach? Leave that heavy oversized towel at home! They’re huge, thick, and take up way too much valuable space in your bag. Don’t overpack for a beach vacation. We’ve got the best beach towels for travel and they’ll hardly take up any space. Take a look!

Best Beach Towels for Travel

Table of contents.

Sea to Summit DryLite Towel

Travel Towels

Everyone should own a travel towel. They’re super small and ultra-functional. If you have to pack a towel, this is by far the lightest option.

There are various styles but the ones that make the best beach towels are thin microfiber fabrics like  Sea to Summit DryLite Towel that are similar to cleaning shammies.

Travel Towels are one of my must haves, read this post to find out why they should be on your packing list too!

Cacala Cotton Pestemal Turkish Bath Towel

Turkish Towels

A popular and fashionable alternative to travel styles are Turkish towels . They’re not as small as the travel-size towels but they are compact and ultra-chic. I love the colors offered and you can use them for the spas, poolside, or for beach vacations.

Because of their popularity, prices can vary for Turkish towels but I bought mine at a reasonable rate on Amazon . These are definitely some of the best beach towels to use in place of oversized standard types.

Turkish Towels are one so versatile for travel, these are TFG’s readers most recommended picks !

Handy Mat with Strap

Many times popular beach vacation destinations sell straw or plastic mats in local shops. Around $5, they’re light and easy to carry around plus the sand comes right off so you don’t have to worry about getting it all over your hotel room. You can leave them behind or donate them to another traveler when you leave back home or onto your next destination.

Packing cubes  provide the perfect solution to protect your clothing from dirty towels.

Scarf Soft Sheer Style

A superb beach towel alternative for travelers on long trips or those with mixed itineraries is to use a scarf. I’m not talking about an expensive silk or wool scarf but a synthetic or cotton one will do just fine if all you plan to do is sunbathe.

We know scarves have endless uses and they’ll forever be one of the most important travel essentials for female travelers making them one of the best beach towels for their versatility. Choose the right fabric and you can use it to lay on the sand without it getting destroyed!

Hibiscus Flower Swimsuit Sarong

Female travelers love their sarongs and you can read about their endless uses in this post . One of the more popular options is to use them on the beach. They’re light, colorful, and versatile. What more could you want?

Pick one up as a souvenir or get one in advance with a versatile design so it can blend in with the rest of your travel wardrobe.

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

Mandala Round Beach Throw

I’m currently loving a Mandala round beach throw as a bohemian chic alternative to a sarong. This would work better for a vacation than long trip but it can also double up as a blanket on the beach or plane. This is one of the cutest and best beach towels of the season!

California Souvenir Dish Towel

Souvenir Towels

If all else fails and you absolutely must have your beach towel, why not buy one at your destination? It will make a fun souvenir  and you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Who doesn’t love an excuse to shop!

Luxury Hotel & Spa Bath Towel Turkish Cotton

Hotel Towels

First thing’s first: find out if your hotel offers beach towels. If they do, leave yours at home and take advantage of this amenity. While you’re at it, also find out if they offer blow dryers, irons, and toiletries so you can leave those things at home too!

Remember, the key to being a smart traveler is to being well-informed.

Best Beach Towel Product Comparison Chart

Compass Rose Travel Packing Cubes

How to Pack Beach Towels

The best beach towels are ones that fold flat to pack in your carry-on. You can learn to pack carry-on only using packing cubes .

Learn our hacks with packing cubes in the   video  above!

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

What do you think are the best beach towels for travel? Tell us in the comments!

For more beach travel essentials, please read:

• Best Womens Sandals for Travel
• 8 Ways to Use a Beach Sarong Wrap: Multipurpose Travel Accessory
• My Long Term Travel Packing List: Beaches and Diving
• Packing for Europe in Summer: Beach Vacation Essentials

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10 comments.

Kreamark branded Turkish towel is great, recommending.

Hi Ali, thank you for sharing your recommendation for a beach towel!! 🙂

Turkish towels are as absorbant as regular towels and dry quickly. They hold up to a lot of use and can be used as a wrap, blanket or table cover. I always travel with a couple. They are easy to wash. My other favorite is sarongs. Some have held up for decades. Costco’s in Hawaii have ones so nice they work as scarves all year for less than $10.

Hi Clariza, thank you so much for sharing your great review of the Turkish towels with us!! 🙂

Absolutely loved turkish towels! Bought 3 sets of five from the beach style and used for my sister’s bach party giveaways in Mexico Was able to travel with them easy in my carry on. Great quality and cute colors! Quick response from seller to make sure I could receive them before we left.

Thanks for the tip!

I love my turkish towel! I find it is half the size of a normal beach towel so its quite manageable for me to take it with me- especially on smaller trips where I’m only packing for one climate.

Otherwise I have a microfiber travel towel that folds up to virtually nothing. I stick it in my underwear packing cube its that small!

Turkish towels are super cute!

I love this list. I judt bookmarked the mandala round throw on amazon last week!

I tend to go for those really large types of beach blankets that can double as a blanket for sleeping in the car or something. Road trip necessities. lol.

I listed a really awesome beach blanket / towel on my post. It makes my inner-yogi smile. lol

The Mandala round throw is soooooo pretty 🙂 I want one!

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The 10 Best Quick-dry Towels of 2024

You’ll banish your old towels to the closet after trying these quick-dry wonders.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure / Brian Kopinski

Any good towel has your back — and your front. But for a towel to be considered truly great, it needs to be constructed with quick-dry material, such as cotton loops, finely-weaved microfiber, or waffle weaves. These towels are ultra-absorbent, durable, and as lush on the skin as the towels found at affluent spas or hotel resorts. 

So, we’ve researched the market for the best quick-dry towels. All the towels on our list score high marks on absorbency, durability, portability, and overall value. Some are rated by Grams per Square Meter (GSM) — towels with a low GSM (300-400) are thinner and light, while towels with a GSM of at least 450 are heftier and softer. They also come in a range of sizes and are capable of being used as everyday towels, workout towels, beach towels, and hair-drying towels. Never reach for a damp, smelly towel again with our list of the best quick-dry towels out there.

Best Overall

Everplush diamond jacquard bath towel set 2 pack.

These dual-powered towels have the soft feel of cotton and the super-absorbency of microfiber. 

This particular set is only available in one size. 

The Everplush Diamond Jacquard Towel Set is top-shelf worthy. Made from a combination of microfiber and cotton, this set of two is the ultimate fusion of quick-drying material and ample comfort. Microfiber weaves absorb eight times more water while cotton fibers give it that irresistibly soft feel.

This is the kind of towel you have for life; even after repeated washes, there are no visible signs of wear and tear. With cloud-like softness, you’re always engulfed in fluff. Although, this means the towels can sometimes shed and end up on wet skin, but this should even out after a few washes. There is only one size offered but the company sells other items with the same fabric, like a six-piece set with hand and face towels, so you can fill out your roster. 

The Details: Cotton and microfiber | 30 x 56 inches 

Best for the Beach

Lands' end school uniform beach towel.

The all-cotton velour dries quickly in the sun.

The fabric may pill after a few washes.

The Lands’ End School Uniform Solid Beach Towel is any beachgoer’s dream. Luxe cotton velour fabric dries quickly, so you can focus on more important things, like catching a wave or simply relaxing in the sun. The towel reaches six feet, which is long enough for most to wrap around their body or spread out on comfortably without feet spilling over the edge onto the hot sand (but those who like the space of a beach blanket may wish this towel was available in a larger size). Washing is a breeze thanks to the reinforced flat-weave edges that prevent snags, pills, or frays — perfect for longevity’s sake. And the lightweight material makes it easy to roll or fold up into your tote bag at the end of the day. Soak up the sun — and water — with any of the six colors. 

The Details: 100 percent cotton velour | 30 x 72 inches 

Best for Workouts

Lululemon the towel.

It dries quickly to prevent items in your gym bag from getting soaked. 

After a few washes, some yogis may find the material too slippery for hot yoga classes. 

A quick-dry towel is as essential to a workout as a water bottle or fitness tracker . It sops up moisture on the double to prevent dampness that can harbor unpleasant odors and bacteria. 

We recommend Lululemon’s The Towel (available in three sizes: small, original, and big) since all are made with microfiber fabric that absorbs moisture better than the cotton towels. Plus, having your own workout towel means that you avoid extraneous towel fees. 

While The Towel is most associated with hot yoga (instructions say to lightly spritz water on the top for more grip), functionality isn’t limited to the mat. This versatile pick can be used for any workout that turns you into a human sprinkler. This runs the gamut of wiping away sweaty palms for better grip between weight sets, wiping down machines between exercises, or for golf and yoga. It’s also large enough to be used as a towel for your post-workout shower. It may be generously-sized, but The Towel (available in two colors: black and hail), packs down small so it’s portable and convenient for travel . 

The Details: Polyester | 26 x 71 inches

Best for Showers and Baths

Brooklinen classic bath towels.

The extravagantly plush fabric has been tested for harmful substances, so it’s safe for pets and babies.

It comes in a set of two so it costs more money than most individual towels, and we wish there were more color options.

For a comforting hug every time you step out of the bath or shower, reach for the Brooklinen Classic Bath Towels. Premium Turkish cotton yarn means that the towel dries in a few hours — ideal for those who bathe multiple times per day. The fluffy feel of soft cotton is a nice touch, so don’t be surprised if you find yourself wanting to bury your face in it. The towels come in a set of two, which may be a pain for those on the hunt for a single towel — but they're so durable and elegant that it's hard to be mad about having two. Make the bathroom your sanctuary by choosing from seven eye-catching colors, including eucalyptus, ocean, and classic white. At 30 by 58 inches, they fit around most body types and have 550 GSM, so the towels are neither too thick nor too thin. This is great for when you’re traveling or short on cabinet space. When it comes to laundering, you're not likely to have issues with common problems related to towels, such as color fading, snags, or pills. 

The Details: Turkish cotton | 30 x 58 inches

Best Budget

Rainleaf microfiber towel.

This well-priced pick is a great option for those who live in humid climates.

The hanging snap loop can be flimsy and come undone. 

The Rainleaf Microfiber Towel is a major steal for anyone who’s money-conscious but not about to skimp on quick-drying performance. The suede-like microfiber fabric delivers an impressive drying time: eight hours when hung in the bathroom and two hours in the sun. If you’re away from home and lacking a door hook, you can use the snap-on loop to accelerate drying when hung from something else, like a tree branch. Speaking of traveling with it, the lean, lightweight material makes it easy to bring along for all your adventures, whether that’s to the beach or on a multi-day backpacking excursion. Sand-repellant fabric ensures that the only thing you’re bringing home is good memories. 

There are seven sizes and 10 vibrant colors to choose from. The XXL is the perfect beach towel since it has a zipped corner pocket that lets you discreetly hide keys, cash, or headphones while you take a dip. It’s so useful and convenient, we wish that all the sizes had this. 

The Details: Microfiber | ‎48 x 24 x 0.04 inches | 8 hours to dry in the bathroom and 2 hours in the sun

Cotton Paradise 6 Piece Towel Set

This soft cotton towel set comes with everything you need to elevate your bathroom. 

Traces of lint may come off the towel over time. 

If you’re in the mood to elevate your linen closet, break up with your current towels and replace them with this six-piece set from Cotton Paradise. You’ll receive everything a well-stocked bathroom needs, including two hand towels, two bath towels, and two washcloths. With 18 colors to choose from, including snow white, charcoal gray, and sage green, you’re sure to find a set that upgrades your space. 

The spa-like feel of the 100 percent Turkish cotton fibers will have guests in your home asking where you got these towels. You’ll feel good about sharing since they have an Oeko-tex certification , which means the company tested the fabrics for potentially harmful substances. While the whole set is easy to wash, be on the lookout for fuzzies that could stick to wet skin. It’s also wise to wash the lighter colors separately. 

The Details: Turkish cotton | 27 x 54 inches (bath towels), 16 x 28 inches (hand towels), and 13 x 13 inches (washcloths)

Best Microfiber

Jml microfiber bath towels.

The quick-drying microfiber actually dries your body instead of leaving it slightly damp.

If you’re not used to microfiber, it can take some time to get used to.

Thick, plush towels may be soft against your skin, but the dense loops take a long time to dry. Enter the best solution: the JML Microfiber Bath Towel. It is innately quick-drying thanks to the finely-weaved microfiber that absorbs seven times its weight in water, which leaves your body truly dry. 

Crafted with a high GSM, this Amazon-favorite towel is dense, but not so dense that it can’t be tied around your body. The soft fabric never feels like sandpaper, which is a must for those with sensitive skin. The company does recommend washing with fabric softener to maintain its softness. There are three size options and 20 color options, so you can go as large as a beach towel or as small as a hair towel. You also have the option to purchase a pack of four or six. 

The Details: Microfiber | 30 in x 60 inches

Best Cotton

Parachute waffle towels.

The texture is oh-so-soft like a blanket. 

The stretchy, loose waffle weave design makes it difficult to fold the towel into a square — plus, the fabric may warp when hung. 

Cotton towels are the cream of the crop when it comes to premium towel material. The open honeycomb weaves of this Parachute Waffle Towel (also available as a hand towel ) offer a lightweight, airy feel that streamlines the drying process, so there’s no need to worry about musty towels stinking up your home. 

With a 240 GSM, this lightweight, quick-dry wonder is great to travel with — a welcome feature since you won’t want to leave it behind. The unique texture and design transform any bathroom into a luxury resort spa. Since it’s easy to fall in love with these towels, we wish that they offered more colors and made matching washcloths to complete the set and round out the elevated bathroom aesthetic. 

The Details: Long-staple Turkish cotton | 56 x 30 inches

Best for Hair

Kitsch microfiber hair towel.

Super-absorbent microfiber fabric cuts hair drying time in half.  

Since it’s made with 100 percent rayon, the strict washing and drying instructions can be cumbersome to follow. 

If you’ve been drying your hair with heavy bath towels, it’s time to put a wrap on that. Instead, give your hair the special treatment it needs with this Kitsch Microfiber Hair Wrap. Its gentle weight prevents breakage while the microfiber fabric absorbs excess water to cut drying time in half. This is perfect for days when you’re in a rush and have to air-dry rather than use a blow dryer. Bonus: it’s less damaging to the hair this way. 

Available in several cute designs, the wrap is both comfortable and stylish to wear. You'll use a twisting method to secure each wet strand into the towel while an elastic button loop at the nape of the neck prevents the towel from unraveling and falling off. It also provides the perfect amount of tension, so it’s something you could comfortably sleep with. The hair towel only comes in one size, but it’s large enough to accommodate varying hair lengths and hair textures, including coarse and curly. 

The Details: Microfiber | 5 x 7 inches

Best for Travel

Packtowl luxe towel.

It folds or rolls down to a small, portable size. 

It’s more expensive than other towels on this list. 

A superb travel towel needs to do two things: dry in time for your next flight and boast a lightweight carry. The Packtowel Luxe fits the bill in a way a cotton towel cannot — it dries 30 percent faster and isn’t as heavy to carry around (plus, it folds down to a portable size). The zippered stuff sack offers more convenient packing, while a hang loop is attached for faster drying. Since traveling often means being far away from a washing machine, we appreciate that the fabric has undergone an anti-bacterial treatment to prevent odor. The sand-repellent fabric also prevents you from accidentally taking sand home as a souvenir. We do wish that the fabric better repelled other items you may encounter on your travels, such as grass stems and twigs. The towel comes in five hues and four size options: face, hand, body, and beach.

The Details: Microfiber | 10 x 14 inches (face towel), 16.5 x 36 inches (hand towel), 25 x 54 inches (body towel), 36 x 59 inches (beach towel) 

Tips for Buying a Quick-dry Towel

Consider what you'll use it for.

Quick-dry towels are built to be versatile, but it still helps to narrow down your needs before purchasing. This will help you determine which size, fabric, and absorbency level is best. 

For example, if you’re traveling or working out, opt for a waffle weave or microfiber fabric. Both are absorbent, lightweight, and breathable, meaning they’ll dry quickly and prevent bacteria and odor. 

For everyday towels, you can get away with cotton since it’s still absorbent but provides that extra layer of plush softness on the skin. 

Choose the right size for your needs

For baths and showers, choose a standard bath towel size (either 20 x 40 inches or 28 x 54 inches). These ensure you can dry your whole body and wrap around as needed. Hand towels and washcloths unsurprisingly require less surface area. 

Beach towels are generally oversized (at least 70 inches long) in order to keep your body from touching hot sand or rocks. They also give you more space to relax. A beach towel should also be thinner than a standard bath towel so that it dries quickly and doesn’t hold onto sand. 

Quick-dry towels should be the preferred choice when you don’t have time to wait for a towel to dry — this could be while traveling or following a sweaty workout. 

These towels are also convenient to have on hand if you bathe or shower multiple times per day. Essentially, if you’re fed up with damp towels that harbor odor and bacteria, a quick-dry towel is worth trying.

Cotton quick-dry towels are made from thick, plush fibers that are tightly stitched to prevent unraveling, and they typically last for a long time. While they don’t dry as quickly as microfiber, they do feel exceptionally soft against the skin. 

Microfiber towels excel in absorbency and quick drying because they are made with small fibers. They’re also lightweight to travel with. 

To put it simply, microfiber has superior absorbency and quick-drying power. But cotton towels are softer and tend to be more durable. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

For this article, Sarah Kester researched dozens of quick-dry towels. To narrow down her selection, she relied on her many years of experience as a shopping and lifestyle writer. She never threw in the towel when it came to finding the very best quick-dry options. 

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what are beach towels? 🧣11 Best Beach Towels For Travel Lovers: Your Ultimate Guide

What are beach towels? Beach towels are larger, often colorful, and designed for use at the beach or pool to dry off and relax.

Are you tired of lugging around those big, bulky towels that take up half your beach bag? It’s time for a change.

We’ll introduce you to a world of beach towels that are not only lightweight but also incredibly soft. Some of them even come with hidden pockets, and they fit perfectly on your beach chair.

So, leave those oversized, space-hogging towels at home and make space for the essentials.

We’ve explored the market to bring you the ideal beach towels for travel that will add style and convenience to your beach or pool trips.

🧐 Things To Consider While Purchasing Beach Towels For Travel [Buying Guide]

1. turkish beach towel by wetcat, 2. microfiber camping towel by youphoria outdoors, 3. microfiber beach towel by bogi, 4. rainleaf microfiber towel perfect travel & sports & beach towel, 5. hooded towel for kids by little tinkers, 6. microfiber sport waffle weave towel by snappy towels, 7. lounge chair towel cover by kovot, 8. lux oversized absorbent cotton beach towel with hidden pocket by aysesa, 9. microfiber towels – quick dry 3 size pack by olimpiafit, 10. turkish towel – peshtemal cotton by sand cloud, 11. amazon basics cabana stripe beach towel, 1. microfiber beach towels, 2. turkish towels, 3. sand-free beach towels, 4. oversized beach towels, 🤔 how to care for your beach towel, 👌 the benefits of microfiber beach towels, q. what is the best quick-drying beach towel for travel, q. what material makes the best beach towel, q. do you bring beach towels on vacation, q. do microfiber beach towels really work, q. is cotton or microfiber better for beach towels, q. are travel beach towels different from regular beach towels, q. what is the ideal size for a travel beach towel, q. how do i keep my travel towel sand-free, q. do travel towels have to be plain, q. are corner pockets and zipper pouches necessary features for travel towels, q. can i use a regular towel for travel instead of a specific travel towel, q. can i machine-wash travel beach towels, q. is it weird to use a beach towel as a shower towel, 😇 conclusion, ✉ tell us in the comments your favorite best beach towels for travel..

How to choose the best Travel Towel? A good travel towel should be lightweight, rapid drying, and easy to pack. Microfiber is the most commonly used material.

Purchasing high-quality beach towels is more complicated than it appears. If you don’t get the correct towel, you’re going to have a bad time at the beach.

Certain characteristics, such as material, size, and thickness, can make a beach towel good or bad. If you want to purchase a good beach towel this summer, keep these points in mind.

• Check Its Water Absorbing Quality: Beach towels are used to dry off and relax in the sun. As a result, if your beach towel doesn’t dry soon, you’ll be sitting on a damp, sandy, and uncomfortable mess. Shaking all that sand out of the towel when it’s time to go home will be a challenging task. That’s why you’ll need a towel that can absorb water. Because these towels absorb moisture, they dry quite quickly. Instead of picking up the first inexpensive beach towel, you come across, search for terry cloth or cotton towels made of water-absorbent materials.
• It Should Be Comfortable: This towel will be wrapped around you or lying on you for hours, so it must be comfy. Although inexpensive beach towels may appear attractive, their rough fabric can be irritating and painful. Look for something of greater quality. Cotton beach towels are, once again, among the most comfortable.
• It Should Not Be Too Thick: A thick towel does not make it comfier. In fact, a thick towel may make your day at the beach more difficult. A thick towel, for example, is a large towel. It takes up a lot of space in your bag even when folded. This may require additional bags to carry anything else you require (food, sunscreen, books, bathing suit, change of clothes, etc.). When thick towels get wet, they become heavy, and shaking sand out of heavy towels is quite difficult.
• Size: Towels can be very large or excessively small. A towel that is at least as long as you are tall is ideal. This will be approximately 60 inches by 28 inches in towel terms. For most beachgoers, this is a good towel size. If it’s still too little, a beach blanket would be a better option.
• Price: A low-cost beach towel may appear to be excellent at first, but it’s always best to pay a little more and get a long-lasting towel. Thin beach towels, usually under $10, won’t survive more than a few beach outings before they start to fray. You’ll need three or four towels to get through the summer if you buy a cheap towel. As a result, purchasing a little more expensive towel upfront will save you money in the long term.
• Color: Selection: But, after all, there’s no rhyme or reason to towel color selection, right? In fact, the color of your towel is significant. Towels that are darker absorb more heat. If you don’t want to feel like you’re cooking, colors like grey and black should be avoided. Your towel will be exposed to the elements for a long period, and light colors, such as yellow, are quickly soiled. When you’re drifting down the beach in the waves, bright colors and bold patterns might also help you find your towel in a crowd.
• Material: Finding high-quality beach towels requires much more than simply walking into a store and purchasing the first towel you see. The Quality of the is very important so always purchase a towel that provides excellent quality.

• The set includes four large beach towels in cabana…
• Machine wash the towels in warm water using…
• Highly absorbent, yet light-weighted. Gives the…
• Woven with 100% ring spun cotton

• ×× NO LINT — Beach towel oversized made from…
• ×× NO FADING — Fluffy beach towel use nice dye…
• ×× NO FALL APART — Oversized beach towel use…
• √√ ENOUGH LARGE — Over Large beach towel with…

• 🏖️ Sand-Free Beach Towel: Enjoy a hassle-free…
• ✈️ Lightweight and Travel-Friendly: Pack light…
• ⏱️ Quick-Dry Technology: Say goodbye to damp…
• 🌟 Versatile and Multipurpose: Experience the…

Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

📃 List Of 11 Best Beach Towels For Travel That Are Lightweight and Compact

A good travel towel is essential no matter what type of traveler you are. We want to make sure you’re packed with one of the best travel towels, whether you’re backpacking through Jamaica, island-hopping across the world’s most beautiful islands, settling into your London hostel, or everything in between.

We have shortlisted some of the below beach towels for travel.

Turkish beach towels are popular right now because of their thin weave and elegant fringe on the edges.

These WETCAT Original Turkish Beach Towels are huge at 39 x 71 inches and Amazon’s Choice for Turkish beach towels are lightweight, rapid drying, and very absorbent.

Turkish towels roll up, pack flat, and double as beach cover-ups , making them ideal for travel. My friends enjoyed the Aqua color I got, and it made my beach bag substantially lighter than my regular beach towel.

Also Read : 10 Best Packable Sun Hats for Women That Ideal For Travel

The Youphoria Outdoors Microfiber Travel Towel is unique in that it combines usefulness, style, and cost.

The towel, which is made of absorbent microfibre, can hold up to five times its own weight in water and dries up to ten times faster than a traditional terry cloth towel.

The fabric is also anti-microbial, so it won’t mildew in the middle of your vacation.

20 x 40 inches, 28 x 56 inches, or 32 x 72 inches are the three sizes available. The travel towel rolls easily into the provided mesh bag, keeping it small during your vacation, whichever option you choose.

Use the quick-snap loop to hang it from a hotel shower rail or to build a temporary laundry line when camping. With 11 color combinations to pick from, like mint/grey, blue/green, and grey/pink, it adds extra style points. A lifetime warranty is included with your purchase.

These BOGI Microfiber Sports Travel Beach Towels are bright and lively, and the lightweight material means they save a lot of space. These towels may be used for everything from a yoga mat to a nice on-the-go tablecloth.

They fold up into a self-contained carrying bag with a carabiner clip at the end of the day, freeing up space in your tote for other beach items.

Also Read : 10 Comfortable Slippers That Look Like Shoes Ideal For Any Trip

Consider the RainLeaf Microfiber Towel if you want a towel that’s affordable and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It’s comprised of fast-drying, absorbent microfibre, just like most other travel towels.

There are seven different shades to choose from (think army green, blue, rose red, or orange), as well as six different sizes ranging from extra small (12 by 24 inches) to extra, extra-large (12 x 48 inches) (40 x 72 inches).

This soft towel is antimicrobial and folds (rather than rolls) into a ventilated, waterproof carry bag that protects your other clothes even if they’re still moist.

When you return home after your vacation, it can be used as a beach or gym towel. On the beach, use the snap loop to hang it up to dry, and this beach towel with pockets protects your phone or wallet from curious eyes.

These charming hooded beach towels are ideal for beach days and birthday gifts for children.

For a fun day of play activities at the beach, your kids can dress up as a lion, a dragon, an elephant, and more. These types of beautiful kid’s beach towels are favorite among the kids.

They’re fantastic for wrapping up after a swim, can function as a robe, and can even be dressed up.

These towels are 50 x 30 inches in size, making them ideal for children aged 1 to 6, but also appropriate for older children. Among the many beach towels for kids, it is perfect in its own type.

Also Read : Best Sun-Protective Clothing For Summer Travel

The Snappy Towels Waffle Weave Microfiber Towel has the same characteristics as other microfiber towels on the market: it dries quickly and is absorbent, compact, and lightweight.

None of the others are as versatile as this one, which features innovative snaps along the edges.

You can use them to make a sarong or change the cover out of your travel towel by wrapping it around your waist. You may also use it as a shade-giving shawl or poncho by wrapping it around your shoulders.

If you’re traveling with small babies, the towel can be used as a stroller cover and gives breastfeeding mothers some privacy.

You can even attach the snaps to turn the towel into a tote bag for taking your goods to and from the beach and hang it to dry over a deck railing at the end of the day.

If you purchase several towels, you can use them to make a large beach blanket for your friends and family.

The sand-free travel towel comes in green or orange and is 54 by 27 inches. Other sizes are available as well.

This beach towel is specifically made to cover your beach lounge chair and provides pockets for your phone or drink, making it ideal for the beach or pool.

The lightweight and absorbent terry cloth and polyester fabric fold up into a convenient beach tote, and the entire towel folds up into a convenient beach tote.

Also Read : What Not To Do At A Nude Beach?

My friends loved the Lux Oversized Turkish Towel with Hidden Pocket, which is a top option for luxury beach towels with pockets.

The hidden zipper compartment is ideal for keeping your phone, keys, cash, or credit cards safe.

The maker says that these thin, light towels dry ten times faster than ordinary towels and that sand does not adhere to them. It comes in a range of different styles.

With the OlimpiaFit package, you receive three different-sized towels for the price of most individually purchased towels.

The 100% microfiber travel towels come in three sizes: 50 x 30 inches (large), 30 x 15 inches (medium), and 15 x 15 inches (small), making them ideal for multi-purpose use at the beach, camping, or the gym.

They’re also antimicrobial, very absorbent, hypoallergenic, and quick-drying, and the lightweight, compact towels are four times smaller than terrycloth towels.

The travel-friendly set includes a mesh carrying bag for each towel in addition to a hanging loop.

Also Read : 13 Best Travel Swimsuits For Perfect Vacation

Although these Sand Cloud Turkish towels are thinner than you may imagine, they are just as soft and absorbent as extra-thick cotton towels.

Not only do they fold up into a small package, making them easy to transport, but they’re also designed to get softer with each wash.

Even better, the company provides 10% of its net profits to marine conservation, so a portion of your purchase will benefit a good cause.

“This towel was a hit at the beach this summer. It truly repels sand and dries quickly “One shopper expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation.

Also Read : 11 Best Beach Cover-Up Dresses For Your Next Beach Vacation

These AmazonBasics beach towels indicate that you don’t have to pay a lot of money to get a good beach towel.

The fluffy towels come in a set of two and are composed of 100% ring-spun pure cotton that is both soft and sturdy.

The classic cabana striped towels are machine washable and come in four different colors.

📑 Types of Beach Towels

There are various types of beach towels to choose from, depending on your preferences and travel needs. Here are some popular options:

Microfiber towels are known for their ultra-absorbent properties and quick-drying capabilities. They are perfect for travelers who want a lightweight and compact option.

• COMFORTABLE & SOFT – Made of High Quality…
• ABSORBENT & FAST DRYING – JML Microfiber towels…
• MULTI USE TOWEL – Perfect as bath towel when you…
• EASY CARE – Hand or Machine Wash is ok, Tumble Dry…

Turkish towels are not only absorbent but also stylish. They are versatile and can be used as a beach towel, a wrap, or a picnic blanket.

• ✔ 6 Piece Turkish Towel Set includes 2 Bath…
• ✔ This 100% Cotton Luxury Bathroom Towel Set is…
• ✔ Our Turkish Towel Set Feel Luxuriously Soft…
• ✔ 100% Ringspun Cotton Fabric to Improve…

Sand-free beach towels have a unique design that prevents sand from sticking to the fabric. This makes for a sand-free and hassle-free beach day.

• Luxurious Oversized Beach Towel: Enjoy a…
• Quick-Drying and Sand-Resistant: Our Pamuklu…
• Versatile and Multipurpose: This oversized beach…
• Perfect Gift for Beach Lovers: Our Pamuklu Cotton…

If you want more space to relax on the beach, consider an oversized beach towel. They are roomy and comfortable for sunbathing.

• ✔ OVERSIZED AND COMPACT-10‘x9′(300cmX280cm)…
• ✔ SIMPLE DESIGN & DOUBLE ANCHORED-WEKAPO blanket…
• ✔ SAND PROOF AND WATER RESISTANT-This…
• ✔ SUPERIOR QUALITY- Triple stitched for maximum…

To ensure the longevity of your travel beach towel, it’s important to take proper care of it:

• Wash Regularly: Keep your towel clean by washing it after every use.
• Avoid Fabric Softeners: Fabric softeners can reduce the towel’s absorbency, so skip them.
• Dry in Open Air: After washing, allow your towel to dry in the open air rather than in a dryer.

Below are some basic benefits of beach towels.

• Quick Drying: One of the outstanding features of microfiber beach towels is their ability to dry quickly.
• Compact and Lightweight: Microfiber towels are incredibly compact and lightweight, making them ideal for travelers.
• Sand-Resistant: The tight weave of microfiber towels ensures that sand doesn’t stick to them, leaving the beach at the beach.
• Durability: Microfiber towels are known for their durability and can withstand multiple washes without losing their quality.

🙋🏻‍♀️ FAQ’s About Best Beach Towels For Travel

There are a lot of questions that come to mind while buying travel-friendly beach towels some of the commonly asked questions are answered below.

A. The best quick-drying beach towel for travel is often made of microfiber, known for its exceptional moisture-absorbing properties.

A. Microfiber material is widely regarded as the best for beach towels due to its quick drying and highly absorbent qualities.

A. Yes, it’s advisable to bring beach towels on vacation for comfort and convenience.

A. Absolutely, microfiber beach towels are known for their quick-drying and sand-repelling capabilities.

A. Yes, packing beach towels on vacation is a great idea for a comfortable beach experience.

A. Microfiber is preferable for travel beach towels as it’s lighter, dries faster, and is highly absorbent, making it a practical choice.

A. Yes, travel beach towels are designed to be lightweight, compact, and quick-drying, making them perfect for on-the-go adventures.

A. A size of around 30×60 inches strikes the right balance between portability and functionality.

A. Look for towels designed to repel sand, and simply shake off any sand that sticks.

A. No, you can find travel towels in a variety of colorful and vibrant designs.

A. They’re not essential, but they can be very convenient for keeping your towel secure and your valuables safe.

A. You can, but travel towels are designed with the specific needs of travelers in mind, making them a more practical choice.

A. Most travel beach towels are machine-washable. Refer to the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper washing.

A. While it’s not weird to use a beach towel as a shower towel, keep in mind that beach towels are typically larger and may be less absorbent than regular shower towels.

Your beach vacation deserves the best, and that includes the perfect travel beach towel. Make sure it’s lightweight, compact, quick-drying, and durable. Look for extra features that can enhance your beach experience, and express your style with a splash of color. Now you’re ready for a worry-free and enjoyable time by the sea with your trusty travel companion.

Also, don’t forget to book your personalized holiday package with  Fiery Trippers . Let us make your vacation a romantic as well as a dreamy getaway.

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Rahul Siddharth

He is a dedicated travel writer with a wealth of 10 Years + experience that enriches his narratives. He holds a degree in Hospitality and Hotel Administration from IHM Dehradun, which he couples with hands-on expertise in the field. Drawing from his diverse experiences, Rahul's writings offer readers a captivating glimpse into the world of travel. Embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration with Rahul as your guide. Read More

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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Moscow, Russia

You are here, about moscow.

Moscow is unlike any other city on Earth. It is the wealthy economic center for one-sixth of the world's land mass and has over 120 ethnic groups and nationalities. A diverse and vibrant city with a strange combination of traditional Russian architecture and newer Soviet tastelessness, Moscow is an adventure waiting to happen!

Reasons to travel to Moscow

But what makes it so popular among tourists is the concentration of Moscow attractions. When you travel to Moscow you definitely want to see the red-bricked walls of the Kremlin , to take a picture in front of St. Basil's Cathedral , and probably visit the world-famous Bolshoi Theater . All of these places are located within a very small area around Red Square , so seeing them on a walking sightseeing tour of Moscow is convenient and allows you to avoid traffic jams.

The concentration of Moscow's main sights is one of the facts that make this city a world-class tourist destination. The majority of its attractions is centered in one small area, and the Kremlin is the hub of this concentration.

These sights extend into the realm of fantasy and are a must to put on your Moscow itinerary: the colorful domes of the Cathedral of St. Vasily the Blessed, the neo-gothic consumer wonderland that is the GUM , or state department store, and the timepiece of Russia's New Year's celebrations, the Spassky clock tower, all tower over the beautiful Red Square.

The neighboring Kitay-Gorod, or "Basket-Town" (likely a reference to the construction method of the city walls surround it), remains a significant concentration of traditional Russian structures serving as a commercial center. The Bolshoi Theater, the Lubyanka, and the hotels that tower above the Manege Square all are situated within the Boulevard Ring, an urban open-space doubling as a heavily-trafficked roadway created after the Great Fire of 1812, the one that left Napoleon's Army starving deep within wintry Russia.

Moscow transport system

As Europe's largest metropolis, and the 5th largest city in the world, Moscow comes with its share of traffic blunders. It seems that all of the world's most expensive black cars are here, and that most of the city's car owners do not understand the difference between sidewalks and parking lots. Still, while the traffic situation leaves much to be desired, the Moscow subway is superb.

The advanced Metro system carries up to 3 million passengers a day and its trains run every few minutes. With stations that could rival art museums, the Metro is one of Moscow's great must-see sights. Travel in Moscow Metro at least once to see that there is nothing like it in the world.

Best time to visit Moscow

The peak of the Moscow travel season is May through September. However, you may prefer to savor Moscow tourism delicacies during the low travel season. The snowy winter months offer just as many entertainment options as one can find during summer.

You can celebrate New Year's Eve or see Russia's biggest ice rink on Red Square, taste blinis or visit one of the numerous winter markets. Any popular St. Petersburg - Moscow tour hides a handful of memorable experiences the whole year round!  

Although the best time to visit Moscow is from May to September, the city in winter still enchants with its towers and lights. Its great celebrations on the day of the October Revolution (held on November 7, a discrepancy resulting from the difference between the traditional Russian Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar in use around the world today), and New Years Day make it the place to be. Of course, the best way to plan your trip is through one of our package tours to Moscow. If you are planning a trip to Russia , don't hesitate to contact our experienced travel experts who'll be glad to help.

Best Things to Do in Moscow

• Explore the Kremlin and the gorgeous Red Square
• Get acquainted with Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery
• See the "underground palaces" down in Moscow metro

Top Attractions in Moscow

The famous GUM is a large department store in the Kitai-gorod part of Moscow facing Red Square.

The symbol of Moscow and entire Russia, the Kremlin is often described as the 8th Wonder of the World.

Moscow Metro is like a whole underground city that holds the world's largest collection of Stalinist Art.

Moscow's most well-known cloister with golden domes, untouched since the 17th century.

St. Basil’s Cathedral is Moscow’s most famous artistic work of architecture set in the romantic Red Square.

History and luxury is revealed inside the Kremlin as the Armoury Chamber displays treasures like Faberge Eggs.

Over 1000 years of Russia's finest art from Rublev to Shishkin, over 150 000 exhibits of religious and modern art.

All Attractions in Moscow

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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.

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