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The Best Art Supply Travel Bags for Transporting Your Tools

By The ARTnews Recommends Editors

The ARTnews Recommends Editors

Traveling with your art supplies can be cumbersome and even harrowing—unless you have the right bag to pack them in. If you’re a painter, you probably want separate pouches for your brushes that can keep them secure; you might even want to carry an easel. If you’re a sculptor, you likely have many oddly shaped tools. It’s important to think about organization when browsing for a travel bag, but don’t forget to consider comfort: Is a backpack, messenger bag, or briefcase-style carrier best for your journey? To help you decide, we’ve found five artist-friendly canvas or nylon bags that make commuting a cinch—whether to and from your studio, the classroom, or the great outdoors.

1. Doughnut Backpack

This backpack can hold a lot more than you might think. Its roomy interior can fit a lot of supplies, including large sketchbooks and a 15-inch laptop; the bag’s boxy shape makes it especially easy to slide in such items. Smaller materials can fit snugly into its several pouches, including three on the outside. Made of durable nylon, it is water-repellent, lightweight, and comfortable to carry thanks to padded shoulder straps and a padded backing, which also serves to protect its contents.

2. Tanchen 4K Canvas Artist Portfolio

This rectangular carrier is the largest option among our picks, measuring an impressive 20 by 26 inches. It can carry large sketchbooks or drawing boards, a small portable easel, all the paint tubes you want, and even finished art. In addition to one main compartment that extends the length and depth of the bag, you get four exterior pockets of different sizes that either buckle or zip closed. Choose from army green or gray.

3. Martin Universal Design Just Stow-It Messenger Bag

This bag is like a briefcase on wheels for artists. Featuring casters and a retractable handle, it’s highly convenient to pull around town while keeping all your materials in place and protected. The front unzips to reveal a brush holder, elastic pockets, and zip pockets, while the top has a flap top that conceals a roomy interior—perfect for sketchbooks, a laptop, and larger items. Additional side pockets offer quick access to your favorite tools. The boxy structure is rugged and firm.

4. Etchr Slate Satchel 2 in 1 Bag

This smartly designed satchel can hold a lot more than you’d think. Perfect for field drawing or painting, it opens up to reveal dozens of individual holders for brushes, markers, and other tools, and four elastic bands designed to hold the corners of an A4 sketchpad. You can even use it to hold a tablet! An outside pocket provides more space for extra tools, like a paint palette or paint tubes.

5. Royal & Langnickel Art Cargo Carry Bag

Designed by artists for artists, this bag boasts a sturdy, utilitarian construction. It measures 15 by 20 inches and expands to fit loads of supplies in its main compartment, accessible once you open the flap. Even more can be slipped into zippered pockets of different sizes; the main one is large enough to hold sketchbooks, canvases, and paint palettes. It comes with a good-quality brush wrap and two other holders for drawing or painting tools; all three are detachable. Although this bag might appear cumbersome, it packs up very neatly, with double buckles for security, and the spread of pockets results in good weight distribution. Plus, the canvas exterior is lightweight and hard-wearing, making this a bag you can carry daily, either by a shoulder strap or a handle at the top.

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🎨 21 Picks: Best Artist Backpack and Art Supply Bag in 2024 🎒

By Iva Mikles  •  Artist and Illustrator

Updated: 1 Jan 2024  •  Art Tools

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With 15 years in the creative field, I know how important the right backpack or bag can be to our creative workflows. So to save you hours of research, I’ve curated this list of 21 best artist backpacks and art supply bags, based on my own experiences and needs as a freelance artist and instructor.

My list includes specialized art satchels, plein air backpacks, versatile portfolio bags, and even everyday backpacks that pull double duty for artists. Have fun exploring!

Overview: Best Backpacks for Artists and Bags for Art Supplies

Best art bag and artist backpack for artists and designers

Designed by artists for artists :: Multi-functional weatherproof travel art bag and artist backpack for art supplies and drawing tablets :: Adjustable modular organizer with intuitive compartments to organize your tools :: Tripod mountable with built-in surface for drawing and painting

Multifunctional Art Supply Bag and Weatherproof Travel Organizer with Tool Management System and Adjustable Shoulder Strap - Vegan-Friendly - Left and Right Handed Supply Case

Tall, wide, and overall big, with plenty of pockets and internal room for a tripod or folding easel, pochade box, and art portfolio case or sketchpad up to 4K size

Heavy-duty Art Portfolio / Plein Air Bag 26″ x 19.5″ - made of durable canvas with multi-function storage pockets for stretched canvas, canvas panels, paint brushes, drawing pad, pens, pencils, sketching papers, and other art supplies

Wheeled backpack/bag hybrid with 15″ laptop sleeve

Different sizes and models available

Designed to carry a pochade box, an easel and large canvases or drawing boards, as well as all your other art supplies

26″ x 19″ Student Artist Portfolio for Drawing Board, Folding Easel, Palette, Sketch Paper, Brushes, Pencils

18 x 24″ - Art Portfolio With Backpack & Tote Bag For Artwork

24x36″ Carrying Art Portfolio Case For Posters, Sketchbooks, and Drawing Pads

Unisex design | Prominent flap and carabiner closure | Fully waterproof with 8000mm rating | Made of 100% polyester with PU coating | Internal flat laptop pocket fits 13-inch with sleeve, 15-inch without | Spacious main compartment | Hidden external phone and wallet pocket on back panel | Versatile for work, travel, or city commuting.

The main compartment is roomy, easily accommodating sketchbooks, a variety of pencils, and even some painting supplies. The Vinylon F fabric is pretty resilient and handles the usual wear and tear really well.

Available in many color variations

Kanken Mini offers a lot in a small package. Its compact size is perfect for carrying basic sketching materials, a small watercolor set, or even a mini digital tablet. The durable material means you don't have to worry much about the elements, especially if you're sketching outdoors.

This hip pack can be your quick solution, especially for outdoor and urban sketching. The Vinylon F fabric is smooth yet sturdy, capable of standing up to the rigors of daily artistic life. 

A tote bag backpack like the High Coast is a great pick for artists who need to carry a variety of supplies. The padded laptop pocket is a awesome for those who work digitally. Plus, the multiple pockets come in handy for organizing smaller items. I especially appreciate the packable feature—makes it super easy to store when it's not in use.

The Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack is not just your typical school or everyday bag; it's a versatile option that has the artist community buzzing. Designed with a range of compartments, it's made from 100% recycled water bottles, showing it's as eco-conscious as it is functional.

Crossbody Bag for Artists with RFID Wristlet – Water-resistant Travel Bag

PU Leather Satchel Work Bags Fits 14″ - 16″ Drawing tablet or Laptop

Elegant, lightweight, water repellent and durable backpack for artists

Available in multiple color combinations

High-quality materials with many compartments to store art supplies

Your backpack = your canvas

Extra large with many compartments for artists

High Capacity Art Colored Pencil Pouch Portable Stationery Organizer With 2 Detachable Layers 54 Slots Multiple Zipper Pockets for Art School and College

Multi Pouch Case Bag in Bag for Art Supplies

A rubberized woven elastic retention system for art supplies in different sizes - Large, medium and small

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Best Artist Bag and Art Supply Case

Best artist bag: etchr art satchel.

Overall, I find the Etchr Art Satchel is a robust, versatile solution for artists who need a mobile studio that can adapt to their ever-changing needs.

It’s built with thoughtful design, aiming to make art creation possible whenever inspiration strikes, wherever you may be. Still, keep in mind its limitations in terms of weight, size, and cost.

Developed in collaboration with Australian artist and designer Darren Yeow , this satchel aims to meet the specific needs of artists, both digital and traditional.

💡 Read about my experience with this bag in my Etchr Art Satchel review .

What Makes It Perfect for Artists?

• Modularity : Customizable internal structure, thanks to included tool strips, corner tabs, and elastic tabs.
• Versatility : Can be used as a backpack or a sling bag. Works for left-handed and right-handed artists.
• Mobile Studio : Design allows for a stable working platform when standing, walking, or sitting .
• Weather-Resistance : Not fully waterproof but highly water-resistant, with some waterproof components.

Things to Consider

• Weight : At 6.4 lbs, consider if it’s too heavy for you.
• Size : Built to accommodate A4 size mediums, make sure it fits your preferred canvas size.
• Price : High-quality and feature-rich but also on the expensive side.
• External Dimensions : 13 x 16 x 3.9 inches
• Internal Dimensions : 11.8 x 14.9 x ~2 inches
• Weight : 6.4 lbs
• Water-Resistance : Yes
• Vegan-Friendly : Yes

Included Components

• 2 x Tool Strip
• 8 x Corner Tab
• 2 x Elastic Tab
• 2 x Buckle Strap
• 2 x Tripod Strap
• 1 x Shoulder Strap
• 1 x Tripod Mount Board

What Do Artists Think?

Designer and creator of Etchr bags – Darren Yeow explains the features and functionality of Etchr Art Satchel in the video below. Please not, since the initial release the satchel improved in design factor and functionality.

Best Art Supply Case: Etchr Field Case

I find the Etchr Field Case a unique solution for artists. It’s compact, functional, and designed with artists’ needs in mind.

If you’re looking to streamline your art process when you’re out and about, this might be the carry case for you.

💡 Read about my experience with this awesome case in my Etchr Field Case review .

• Compact Yet Spacious : Don’t let the size fool you. It’s designed to hold more than you’d think.
• Versatility : Can easily accommodate various art supplies, from sketchbooks to pencils and brushes.
• Stable Working Platform : Easily accessible setup for instant, on-location art creation.
• Weather-Resistance : Not fully waterproof, but water-resistant enough to protect your art supplies in most conditions.
• Size Limitation : Designed to fit A6-sized mediums—consider if this suits your typical canvas size.
• Color Availability : Currently only available in black.
• External Dimensions : 9.5 x 5.5 x 1.7 inches
• Internal Dimensions : ~8.3 x ~4.3 x ~1.2 inches
• Weight : 0.9 lbs

Artist and illustrator, Josie , was able to fit all her outdoor sketching art supplies into Etchr Field Case. Amazing!

Best Backpack for Plein Air Painting

Plein air backpack #1: canvas portfolio plein air backpack, plein air backpack #2: transon plein air artists backpack, plein air backpack #3: jansport rolling backpack.

With its rolling feature and padded laptop compartment, Jansport Rolling Backpack simplifies the often-complicated life of an artist.

What Makes It Great for Artists?

• Versatility : Roll it when you can, and tuck away the straps to carry it when you need to.
• Organization : Multiple compartments to neatly store your sketchbooks, pens, and other art supplies.
• Laptop Sleeve : Securely carry your digital art station—a must-have for digital artists.
• Bulkiness : The wheels and handle mechanism might add to the bulk.
• Laptop Sleeve : Padded, up to 15-inch
• Wheels : 2 smooth wheels
• Handle : Telescopic
• Material : High-quality materials

In my experience, a rolling backpack like this one offers a lot of advantages. When you’ve got a heavy load of art supplies, sketchbooks, and a laptop, being able to roll your bag rather than carry it is a game-changer. The padded laptop sleeve is another huge plus, especially for digital artists who need to bring their workstations everywhere.

Plein Air Backpack #4: Sienna Plein Air Backpack

I find Sienna Plein Air Backpack amazing when it comes to organization and specific compartments for the plein air artists.

It offers special pockets for a pochade box and a wet panel carrier, plus exterior pockets that are great for quick-access items like snacks or business cards. The built-in compartment for a thinner canister is a practical touch, and it’s also designed to contain spills.

• Plein Air Painters: Designed with outdoor artists in mind.
• Urban Sketchers: Easy to carry around town.
• Art Students: Ample space for basic art supplies.
• Traveling Artists: Compact enough for air travel.
• Weight: It can get heavy when fully packed.
• Price: Quality comes at a cost; it’s an investment.
• Material: Made of durable fabric, but not fully waterproof.
• Space: May not fit larger easels or canvases.
• Material: Durable Canvas
• Dimensions: 14 x 10 x 20 inches
• Compartments: Multiple, with zipper seals
• Weight: Approx. 8 lbs (empty)
• Color Options: Limited to neutral tones

What do artists think?

Best Art Portfolio Backpacks and Bags

Art portfolio backpack #1: us art supply art portfolio bag and backpack, art portfolio backpack #2: treochtfun art portfolio case and backpack, art portfolio bag: jjring dacron light weight art portfolio totebag, best artist backpack.

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💡 Everday backpacks can be just as efficient for artists when paired with the right accessories such ase pencil cases, art supply pouches and organizers.

Scroll down to find best art supply pencil cases, pouches and organizers ⬇️

My Pick: RAINS Waterproof Backpack

This backpack is a scaled-down version of RAINS’ classic design, perfect for both genders.

I particularly like the central strap with a carabiner closure. And that itt’s fully waterproof. The material is 100% polyester coated with RAINS’ signature PU fabric for durability and a smooth feel.

The main compartment is spacious, and there’s a flat laptop pocket that fits my iPad Pro 12.9″ in protective case and a felt pouch easily.

I really love that there’s also a hidden external phone pocket on the back panel where I usually put my phone and wallet when I am in crowded street. Makes it very easy to protect my valuables against the pick pockets.

What Makes it Great for Artists?

• Weather Resistance : A waterproof rating of W3 keeps your iPad, sketchbooks, and art supplies safe from light rain.
• Compact Size : H15 x W11 x D4.7 inches. Easy to carry while still offering enough room for essentials.
• Quick Access : Padded back panel with a zip pocket for your most-used items like pens or a small sketch pad.
• Customization : Adjustable backstraps make it versatile enough for any artist.

I think the mix of utility and design makes this a solid choice for various needs. The carabiner closure is both stylish and functional, while the waterproofing is super reliable. All in all, it’s a well-thought-out backpack that doesn’t skimp on features or aesthetics.

In my review of iPad 12.9″ for drawing and Procreate , I show I am easilly able to fit my iPad Pro 12.9″ into my RAINS backpack.

Artists’ Favorite: Fjallraven Backpacks

Fjallraven offers a variety of bags that can suit different needs for artists:

Why are Fjallraven Backpacks so Popular among Artists?

• Versatility : Fjallraven bags offer a range of options for different art activities, whether you’re sketching at a café or hauling supplies to an outdoor location.
• Material : All the bags are made from durable, water-resistant fabrics like Vinylon F or Bergshell® polyamide.
• Multiple Pockets : Each bag offers a variety of pockets for organizing art supplies and personal items.
• Adjustable Straps : Whether it’s shoulder straps or a hip belt, all models offer some level of adjustability.
• Lightweight & Durable : Designed for everyday use, all these bags balance weight and durability.
• Roomy Main Compartment : Enough space in the main compartment to fit basic art supplies, sketchbooks, or a tablet/laptop.
• Storage : The bags vary in size and compartmentalization. Choose based on how much gear you typically carry and how organized you like to be.

With Fjallraven, you’re investing in quality and durability.

From what I’ve seen, Fjallraven backpacks are a reliable pick for artists. They’re versatile, durable, and offer enough space and organization to suit a variety of artistic needs. The key is to consider what specific requirements you have—like laptop storage, portability, or specialized compartments—and then choose the model that fits those needs best.

Eco Pick: Herschel Pop Quiz Backpack

Designed with a range of compartments, this Herschel backpack made from 100% recycled water bottles, showing it’s as eco-conscious as it is functional.

Why It’s Great for Artists?

• Art School & Workshops : Ample storage for textbooks and art supplies.
• Sketching : Organizational pocket for pens, erasers, and small sketchbooks.
• Public Transport : Quick-access pockets for essentials when you’re on the move.
• Art Supplies Shopping : Large volume for hoarding those art sale goodies.
• Size : What’s your daily art gear like? Will it fit?
• Material : EcoSystem fabric made from recycled water bottles.
• Straps : Extra comfortable for heavy loads. Supportive enough?
• Pockets : External pocket, water bottle pocket, and organizational pocket for art tools.
• Material : EcoSystem: 100% recycled water bottles
• Laptop Sleeve : 16-inch, raised for extra protection
• Additional Pockets : Key clip, sunglasses pocket, organizational pocket
• Straps : Extra comfortable, adjustable

The Herschel Pop Quiz offers an ideal blend of size and organizational features for artists. It has a generous main compartment that can hold larger sketchbooks or even a small easel. The organizational pocket is a lifesaver for cords and smaller art supplies like pencils or paint tubes.

The 16-inch laptop sleeve is not just for tech; it’s raised for extra protection, making it a decent spot for tablets used for digital art or for storing flat, delicate pieces.

Crossbody: Baggalini Everywhere Bag

Let’s dive into the Baggallini Everywhere Bagg—a versatile option that brings both utility and a dash of style to the table. Given its features, this bag could be a solid match for artists who are often on the go.

• Portable Sketching : With its 11″ width and 5″ depth, it can fit smaller sketchbooks and notepads.
• Art Supplies : Zippered pockets mean your pencils, erasers, and other small essentials stay put.
• Digital Gear : It’s not big enough for a full-sized laptop, but a drawing tablet or a large phone? No problem.
• Security : RFID-blocking wristlet, because who wants their credit card info swiped during an art fair?
• Size : 9″ tall, 11″ wide, and 5″ deep. Is that enough for your needs?
• Material : 100% Nylon. How do you feel about that?
• Washability : Machine washable, but is that a feature you need?
• Travel : Fits on a luggage handle. Would you need that?
• Material : 100% Nylon
• Dimensions : 9” tall, 11” wide, 5” deep
• Weight : 1 pound
• Extra : RFID-protected wristlet, machine washable

Based on my experience, a bag like the Baggallini Everywhere could be a versatile asset for artists, especially those who often find themselves sketching or brainstorming ideas on the move.

The size is well-suited for smaller sketchbooks and utensils, while the multiple pockets could help you organize these supplies efficiently. The RFID wristlet is a nice addition if you’re concerned about security.

Vegan Leather: ECOSUSI Hybrid Backpack and Messenger Bag

Looking for a stylish yet functional bag and backpack in one to carry your art supplies?

The ECOSUSI Briefcase Messenger Bag and backpack offers a blend of elegance and practicality, tailored for the modern artist. With compartments aplenty, it ensures you can organize your materials neatly, without compromising on style.

• Digital Art : A dedicated padded compartment for up to a 14-16-inch laptop or tablet.
• Sketching & Notebooks : Ample space in the core compartment for your sketchbooks, notebooks, or papers.
• Utensils : Multiple smaller pockets for pens, brushes, and other small tools.
• Meetings & Workshops : A professional look with practical features, perfect for client meetings or art workshops.
• Dimensions : 14.6″L x 4.5″W x 11″H. Is it large enough for your specific needs?
• Material : High-quality PU (faux) leather. Ethical but how does it feel?
• Carry Options : Top handle and an adjustable/removable shoulder strap. Is this flexible enough for you?
• Material : High-quality PU leather (faux leather)
• Dimensions : 14.6″L x 4.5″W x 11″H
• Laptop Compartment : Padded, up to 14 inches
• Additional Pockets : 2 small slip, 1 small zipper, 1 open front

Stylish: Doughnut Macaroon Backpack

When you’re an artist, your backpack isn’t just a bag; it’s your mobile studio and statement piece.

The Doughnut Macaroon Travel Backpack offers a blend of style and function that could catch the eye of artists who need to keep their supplies organized on the go.

• Medium Capacity : At 16L, this backpack has room for a 14″ notebook, tablet, phone, and other essentials like sketchbooks or paints.
• Multiple Compartments : Comes with front and side pockets, inner zippered pockets, and specialized compartments for water bottles.
• Quality Material : Made from 420D crinkle Nylon twill and genuine leather trimming, making it water-repellent and durable.
• Size : Measures 14.9″(H) x 11″(W) x 4.7”(D). Does this fit all your supplies?
• Purpose : This is a multi-use bag. Will the general compartments meet your specialized art needs?
• Material : It uses genuine leather trimming. How do you feel about animal products?
• Material : 420D Crinkle Nylon Twill, Genuine Leather
• Dimensions : 14.9″(H) x 11″(W) x 4.7”(D)
• Capacity : 16L

Allrounder: Vaschy Water-resistant Backpack

The Vaschy backpack isn’t designed exclusively for artists, but its features and functionalities make it a worthy pick. It offers an all-around carrying solution for art supplies and art tools without compromising on durability or comfort.

• High-Quality Material : Made of water-resistant lightweight Polyester, perfect for safeguarding your art supplies.
• Comfortable Carry : Soft back pads and adjustable reinforced shoulder straps make it comfortable for long durations.
• Spacious Compartments : With a padded laptop pocket and additional internal pockets, you can carry both art supplies and tech essentials.
• Easy Organization : Different pocket sizes and a drawstring design make organizing your supplies a breeze.
• Size : The main compartment is best for heavy textbooks. Consider if it fits larger art supplies or canvases.
• External Dimensions : 18 x 12.8 x 7 inches
• Capacity : 26.5 Liters
• Laptop Sleeve Size : 12 x 12 inches
• Weight : 1.94 lbs
• Secret Pocket Size : 7.5 x 5.5 inches

Best Backpack for Art Students

Customizable: jansport color me backpacks.

If you’re looking for a functional backpack that you can also put your artistic touch on, JanSport’s Color Me Collection is worth checking out. It’s not just a artist backpack; it’s a canvas you carry.

Why It’s Great for Artists

• Personalization : Artists can color the doodles on the backpack, making it a walking piece of art.
• Laptop Sleeve : Padded 15-inch sleeve to keep your digital art gadgets safe.
• Material : 600 denier recycled polyester ensures it’s durable.
• Size : With a capacity of 26 L, it might be a bit small if you’re carrying lots of large sketchbooks or supplies.
• Weight : At 14 oz, it’s pretty light, but adding art supplies can make it heavy quickly.
• Fabric : 100% Recycled 600 Denier Polyester
• Capacity : 26 L
• Laptop Dimensions : 16″ x 12.5″
• Overall Dimensions : 16.5″ x 12.5″ x 5.5″
• Weight : 14 oz / 0.4 kg

I think, a backpack that allows for personalization is a huge plus for artists. It becomes not just a utility item but also an extension of your creativity. The padded laptop sleeve is essential for digital artists or anyone who likes to mix digital and traditional media.

XXL: Jansport Main Campus FX Backpack

If you find that you’re often running out of space in your backpack or if you need something that can hold more than just your basic art supplies, the JanSport Main Campus FX might be your solution. This backpack is all about extra space and durability.

• Extra Large Capacity : Space is not an issue here. You can carry sketchbooks, canvas pads, a variety of paints, brushes, and more.
• Dedicated Laptop Compartment : Safely carry your 15-inch laptop and drawing tablet. Digital artists, this is for you.
• Material : Ultra-durable Cordura® fabric adds brawn to your pack. Good for those on-the-move sketches and outdoor art sessions.
• Weight : At 1 lb 9 oz, this backpack leans towards the heavier side even when empty.
• No Organizational Pockets : While it has a large capacity, it lacks specialized pockets for art supplies.
• Fabric : 915D Cordura® with Premium Suede
• Capacity : 32L
• Overall Dimensions : 17″ x 12.5″ x 7″
• Weight : 1 lb 9 oz / 0.7 kg

Based on my experience, having a bag with a large capacity like the JanSport Main Campus FX can be a real asset when you’re juggling multiple art projects. You have room for everything. The dedicated laptop compartment is also a nice touch, especially for those who mix traditional and digital media.

Best Art Supply Pencil Cases, Pouches and Organizers

Common Features :

• Material : All are made from durable materials—tear-resistant fabric, cotton canvas, and rubberized woven elastic.
• Versatility : Designed for various use-cases like urban sketching , studio work, or on-the-go projects.
• Customization : All three offer some level of customization to fit your specific tools.

Voxury Large Capacity Pencil Case

Great for those who want a “one-stop-shop” for their diverse set of art tools .

• Pros : 54 loops, multiple mesh pockets, and detachable sleeves for customization.
• Cons : It might be a tad bulky and the velcro sleeves might wear out over time.

Delfonics Inner Pouch Bag

Excellent for artists who want a neatly compartmentalized space. Perfect as a bag-in-bag option or stand-alone, but remember the strap is extra.

• Pros : 14 pockets, versatile, and durable cotton canvas fabric.
• Cons : Optional strap sold separately, might be too compact for some.

Cocoon Grid-It Organizer

Why I like it : Great for smaller items and those who want a simple, but effective, organizational grid. Ideal for the minimalist artist focused on small to medium-sized supplies.

• Pros : Customizable grid layout, firm hold, and an extra zipper pocket.
• Cons : Not suitable for larger tools and supplies, material interaction needs consideration.

Each of these organizers has something unique to offer. Your choice will depend on what kind of artist you are and what specific needs you have. Happy organizing!

Main Criteria for Choosing an Artist Backpack and Bag for Art Supplies

Choosing the right bag for your art supplies is crucial, especially when you’re planning to create art outdoors or need to transport your gear often.

I’ve been in the field for 15 years, and I can tell you, having the wrong bag can make your creative journey a hassle.

So here are the main criteria to consider when selecting a bag for your art needs:

Type of Bag

• Plein Air Bags/Backpacks : Ideal for outdoor painting, these should be easy to carry and access.
• Art Satchels : Great for quick trips and less gear, these are shoulder bags with various pockets.
• Bags for Art Supplies : These are designed to accommodate a range of supplies from sketchbooks to paints.
• Cases for Art Supplies : Hard cases to protect sensitive items like pastels or charcoal.
• Art Portfolio Cases : For transporting finished work, look for something rigid to protect your art.
• Laptop Backpacks : If you’re a digital artist, you might need a separate compartment for your laptop.
• Aesthetic Backpacks : If you want to express your style, go for a bag that aligns with your aesthetic.
• Volume: Make sure the bag is spacious enough for all your gear but not so big that it becomes cumbersome.
• Compartments: More compartments are generally better for organization.

Durability can make or break your experience with an art bag.

Based on my observations, weather-resistant materials like canvas or nylon are the way to go. And don’t overlook zippers and straps; weak ones can lead to disasters.

When it comes to comfort, there are key elements to focus on:

Comfort is vital, especially if you’re carrying around supplies all day. Padded and adjustable straps are your friends here.

Functionality vs. Style

When choosing between a functional bag and a stylish one, functionality should win.

Although having a stylish bag is great, at the end of the day, it needs to serve its purpose.

Special Features

Some bags come with extra features like built-in easels or special compartments for brushes. These are nice-to-haves but sometimesnot essential.

In my experience, investing in a bag that balances durability, comfort, and functionality is the way to go.

For plein air, I’ve found that bags with multiple, adjustable compartments and a built-in easel really make life easier. On the other hand, as a digital artist, a dedicated, padded laptop compartment is a must.

Turning Everyday Backpacks into Artist Essentials

You don’t necessarily need a specialized art bag. Accessories like pencil cases, pen holders, and supply pouches can turn any everyday backpack into a practical storage solution for artists.

These can easily fit into the main compartment of any classic backpack.

For even better organization, you can add an art organizer designed to hold a range of art supplies. You can put this into your backpack or attach it externally for easy access.

Your aim is to achieve modularity; with the right accessories, you can make any backpack fit your unique needs.

FAQs: Artist Backpack, Art Satchel, Art Supply Bag

Artists use Etchr Art Satchel and Etchr Field Case.

Artists carry their art supplies in artist bags, artist backpacks, art supply cases, portfolio bags, portfolio backpacks and everyday backpacks using pencil cases, art supply pouches and organizers.

I hope this guide simplifies your search for the perfect art bag. May it be the trusty companion you need on your upcoming creative journeys.

Happy creating!

Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”) . I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »

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Blick Mesh Zipper Bags

Item #: 16974

$2.86 - $15.79

SAVE up to 28% off List!

Made from heavy polypropylene imbedded with cotton mesh, they'll stand up to repeated use. Choose from a variety of sizes to hold pens, pencils, marke...

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Canvas Tote Bags

Item #: 15732

$6.99 - $8.99

SAVE up to 14% off List!

These sturdy tote bags are made of 100% natural cotton canvas, ideal for toting art supplies, drawing and sketch pads, books, and more. An eco-friendl...

Xiem Studio Art Bag

Item #: 03364

The Xiem Studio Art Bag is designed for potters, artists, and students looking for an easy-to-access, efficient way to store and transport their tools...

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Art Alternatives Mesh Bag

Item #: 16995

$11.77 - $17.88

SAVE 31-38% off List!

Constructed of durable transparent reinforced plastic mesh, this handy storage bag keeps your art supplies and tools safe and secure, while offering v...

Alvin Deluxe Mesh Bags

Item #: 15726

$14.67 - $30.39

SAVE 31% off List!

Ideal for drafting kits, drawings, artwork, documents, and much more, Alvin Prestige Deluxe Mesh Bags offer both visibility and protection from the el...

ArtBin Tote Folios

Item #: 15068

$51.58 - $79.99

ArtBin Tote Folios are perfect for storage in the studio, plus transporting pads, portfolios, finished work, and supplies. Constructed of durable nylo...

Cavallini Wildflowers Tote Bag

Item #: 15774

Take the Cavallini Widflowers Tote Bag with you on your next adventure or your next trip to the grocery store. Made from 100% natural cotton canvas, t...

Etchr Field Case

Item #: 08966

Designed to comfortably fit 3-1/2" x 5-1/2" memo books, The Etchr Field Case also fits reporter notebooks, pens and pencils, and other small writing ...

Royal & Langnickel Essentials Art Cargo Carry Bag

Item #: 15760

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The Royal & Langnickel Essentials Art Cargo Carry Bag is made from durable, lightweight nylon and features a roomy interior, plus a removable brush wr...

Etchr Slate Satchels

Item #: 08965

$145.00 - $156.00

The Etchr Slate Satchel is a stylish, minimalist accessory for artists on the go. Available in two convenient sizes, it’s constructed of dark grey pol...

Martin Universal Design Just Stow-It Messenger Bag

Item #: 15704

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Designed by artists...for artists! This durable nylon carry-it-all bag has many great features to keep your art supplies organized when you're on the ...

Prat Start S2000 Softside Backpack Portfolios

Item #: 15405

$65.41 - $80.35

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The Prat Start S2000 Softside Backpack Portfolio is a shoulder strap portfolio that easily converts into a backpack. Made of heavyweight, weather-resi...

Drawstring Backpack

Item #: 63970

Tote your stuff in style. The Drawstring Backpack is ready and waiting for personalization. Great for kid projects, summer camps, school spirit, and m...

New Wave u.go Wet Panel Carrier

Item #: 15412

$110.95 - $135.95

No need to wait for your panels to dry when plein air painting—safely pack them up and transport them with the New Wave u.go Wet Panel Carrier. These ...

Itoya ProFolio Entourage Tote Bag

Item #: 15409

$29.99 - $39.99

The Itoya ProFolio Entourage Tote Bag is the perfect carrying case for your markers, brushes, paint tubes, spray cans, photo accessories, and more. Ma...

Jullian Canvas Carrying Case

Item #: 52844

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The Jullian Canvas Carrying Case is a versatile basswood case that transports up to six canvases in safety and style. The case features adjustable div...

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Masterpiece Panel Porter

Item #: 03493

$8.70 - $13.01

Paint and carry or ship any size canvas you like. Simply choose the Porter Bar size you need and pair them with any other size for a custom carrying s...

Leather Handle Canvas Tote

Item #: 66926

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Carry your art supplies in the Leather Handle Canvas Tote. This stylish bag is crafted from natural cotton canvas, so it’s sturdy and casual.

Utrecht Large Storage Tube

Item #: 15604

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Transport easels, documents, drawings, tripods, and more safely and easily with the Utrecht Large Storage Tube. Made from faux leather, this sturdy st...

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Harvest Import Washed Canvas Tote Bags

Item #: 66936

$7.99 - $8.99

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Easily transport your paints, sketchbooks, pens, pencils, and other creative tools with the Harvest Import Washed Canvas Tote Bags. These soft canvas ...

Flourish Display Wall Carrying Bag

Item #: 51143

Store and transport your Flourish Display Walls or Panels in this rugged Flourish Display Wall Carrying Bag. Constructed of the same tough mesh as Flo...

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Harvest Import Recycled Canvas Totes

Item #: 66916

$5.45 - $6.76

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"Tote” around art supplies, groceries, school books, and more in a tote bag personalized by you! Harvest Import Recycled Canvas Totes are made from a ...

Cavallini Color Wheel Tote Bag

Carry all your essentials with you wherever you go in this stylish Cavallini Color Wheel Tote Bag. It's the perfect accessory for shopping, running er...

Grocery Tote

Item #: 01269

Decorate your own reusable grocery tote. Made of 100% cotton, this tote is an eco-friendly alternative to paper and plastic bags. It folds up for ...

Blick Canvas Tote Bag

Item #: 08975

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Keep all your art supplies and other essentials at hand with a Blick Canvas Tote Bag. Made from durable 100% natural cotton canvas, large tote bag fea...

Sienna Plein Air Wet Panel Box

Item #: 52841

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The Sienna Plein Air Wet Panel Box holds four 1/8" panels back-to-back, or two 1/4" panels measuring 6" × 9", 9" × 9", and 9" × 12". Spring-loaded cla...

Jullian Canvas/Panel Holder

Item #: 52845

Carry up to four canvases or eight panels with this handy holder from Jullian. Made of premium beechwood, the Jullian Canvas/Panel Holder features a g...

ArtBin Needleworks Project Bag

Item #: 08969

Keep all of your needlework supplies organized and accessible with the ArtBin Needleworks Projects Bag. A split main compartment provides ample room t...

Take your art and supplies on the go with canvas carries, totes, and backpacks. Perfect for going to art class, creating outside, and travelling, art bags are often made from canvas or durable polyester. Some are lined and padded for extra protection.

Find canvas art tote bags, canvas pins and holders, satchels, and much more for all your mobile storage needs. Some art supply bags have open space inside, as well as inner and/or outer pockets for smaller items. Artist backpacks are great for carrying a lot of supplies in one bag.

The 8 Best Artists Bags and Backpacks in 2023 (October)

Tanchen 4k canvas artist portfolio.

JanSport Big Student Backpack

PRO ART PRO-7301 Messenger Art Supply Bag

The artist on the go needs a good way to carry their supplies, but not all artist bags and backpacks are alike. In this guide, we go over how to choose the best artist backpack or bag for you and review the eight best artist bags and backpacks we’ve found.

How to Choose an Artist Backpack or Bag

The best backpack or bag for an artist is the one that does what they need it to do. Every artist is different and has a unique set of needs that their bag must fulfill. While there are a lot of factors to consider, we primarily evaluated these bags on size, compartments, comfort, durability, and price.

Size isn’t everything, of course, but it’s one of the first things we look at when deciding whether a bag or backpack fits a particular purpose. Take note here that we’re not saying to look for the most enormous bag you can find. Among the best backpacks for artists are bags in all shapes and sizes. The best size for any artist’s bag is the size that gets the job done.

For example, an art student may need a large bag to carry all of their supplies around campus all day because they can’t get back home in the middle of the day to swap things out. If they need to carry their portfolio to class, they’ll want something with a durable frame to keep the corners and edges from getting dinged on their commute.

On the other hand, a hobbyist may not want a giant bag to carry their supplies. If their priority is to have their supplies all in one place to grab them and go, they may want a small bag that doesn’t take up a bunch of space in their car or closet. A massive bag with tons of pockets for a wide variety of supplies just wouldn’t be necessary to them.

In this guide, we discuss the size of each bag on this list in terms of its purpose. Some bags are big enough for portfolios, and others are just big enough for tablets, but they’re all the right size for the job they have to do.

Compartments and Pockets

Every bag needs pockets and compartments, but artist backpacks often demand more specialized storage options. For example, painters need slots to store paint tubes and pockets for pallets, plus storage loops for dry brushes and waterproof pouches for wet ones. Drawing artists may want a removable pad holder and zippered pouches for their pencils and pens.

Portfolios, sketch pads, and drawing boards require large, specialized pockets to keep them safe. Compartments that only open at the top can damage the corners, edges, and bindings of notebooks, so look for bags that open completely and fold flat to insert and remove items like these.

An artist must also consider whether they will use their bag only for art supplies or whether their bag will serve a more multifunctional purpose. Bags with more compartments allow users to store everyday items along with their art supplies, so they can go from the office to the studio without having to swap bags or even hop on a plane for a vacation or business trip.

Again, the most important thing to consider here is what you will use the bag for. It does no good to buy a bag with a special pocket for a portfolio unless you actually need to carry a portfolio around. It’s almost always better to prioritize versatility over specialization unless you have a particular need.

Art supplies are heavy, and portfolios and drawing pads are enormous and unwieldy. Even in the best of circumstances, they can be awkward to carry, so an artist’s bag needs to make that job more manageable. For a portfolio bag, look for even weight distribution and straps set high on the bag to avoid getting caught by the wind.

Regular backpacks should have padded shoulder straps, and some even have an ergonomic shape to distribute weight evenly and comfortably across the shoulders and back. A padded back is helpful, too, especially if there are ventilation channels in the padding to keep it cool.

Of course, sometimes things are just too heavy to carry. For artists who have a lot of bulky supplies to transport, we recommend skipping the backpack altogether and investing in a bag with wheels to make the job easier.

Some artists put a lot of wear and tear on their bags, which can cause them to become damaged or broken over time. This is an unfortunate but necessary fact of the art world – art supplies are heavy, and they can make a huge mess. Choosing a bag made of durable materials can ensure that it lasts a long time.

Canvas is one of the most popular and durable materials for art bags. It’s naturally water-resistant, so it repels rain and moisture, and it lasts a lifetime. Vinyl is another commonly used material, and while it’s fully waterproof, it tends to break down over time.

There are plenty of other natural and synthetic materials that can be used to make artist bags, and some are more durable than others. If you’re buying online, check the reviews to see what users are saying. If you’re buying in person, give all the seams and zippers a good tug to see how strong they feel.

It should come as no surprise to anyone that a high-quality bag often comes with a high price tag, but that’s not always the case. There are several durable artist bags and backpacks on this list with a price point below $50, which is a steal.

On the other hand, sometimes it’s worth paying more. Sometimes, a higher price tag means better craftsmanship and higher durability for a longer-lasting backpack. Remember that replacing a $20 bag twice costs more than a $50 bag.

Of course, sometimes money is tight, and we just need a bag to get us by until we can afford the bag of our dreams. That’s okay, too. There’s even a bag on this list for under $15, and while it won’t last forever, it’ll do a great job while it lasts.

The Best Artist Backpacks and Bags on the Market

• Best Artist Backpack Overall – Tanchen 4K Canvas Artist Portfolio Backpack
• Best Everyday Backpack – JanSport Big Student Backpack
• Best Backpack for Students – RUIXIB A3 Waterproof Canvas Portfolio Bag
• Best Budget Artist Bag – PRO ART PRO-7301 Messenger Art Supply Bag
• Best Rolling Bag for Artists – Martin Universal Design Just Stow-It Traveling Artist Rollerboard Bag
• Best Artist Bag for Portfolios – OROODPOD Heavy-Duty Art Portfolio Bag
• Best Bag for Digital Artists – HUION Water-resistant Artist Portfolio Tote and Backpack Bag
• Best Plein Air Bag –  Sienna Plein Air Ultimate Backpack

With all of those criteria to consider, choosing the perfect backpack often comes down to deciding what bag fits an artist’s lifestyle. Some artists are on the run all day, every day, and want a bag that can do everything. Others just want a bag that keeps all their supplies in one place so they can grab them and go at a moment’s notice.

We’ve reviewed dozens of bags to bring you the eight best artist backpacks and bags for all purposes. Whether you’re an art student, professional artist, or hobbyist, there’s a bag on this list for you.

1. Tanchen 4K Canvas Artist Portfolio Backpack – Best Artist Backpack Overall

• Compartments and Pockets: 9/10
• Comfort: 9/10
• Durability: 10/10
• Price: 10/10

About the Tanchen 4k

Choosing the best overall backpack was hard because there are so many options to choose from that fit so many different use cases. For the best overall artist backpack, we looked for something made specifically for artists in various disciplines. It had to be durable yet comfortable, water-resistant, and large enough to hold a full-sized portfolio.

The best overall artist backpack is this multifunctional 4k canvas artist bag from Tanchen. It’s made from high-quality, durable canvas that lasts a lifetime. It’s not fully waterproof, so we wouldn’t throw it in a pool or anything, but it’s water-resistant enough to keep the rain away from an artist’s hard work.

There are tons of pockets – more than almost any other portfolio bag we’ve seen – and they’re absolutely massive, so an artist can take all their favorite supplies wherever they go. It can hold up to a 25 by 18-inch drawing board, and there’s even enough room for an easel in this bag, so it’s suitable for working outdoors!

This bag is beautiful, durable, and even ventilated to keep it from getting smelly. We would expect this bag to cost a fortune with all those features, but it’s just over $25 with hundreds of positive reviews.

• Ventilated pockets keep it smelling fresh
• Durable canvas material
• Inexpensive
• The back isn’t reinforced, so it bends when worn
• Not fully waterproof

2. Best Everyday Backpack – JanSport Big Student Backpack

• Compartments and Pockets: 8
• Comfort: 10
• Durability: 10

Most artists do more than just art, and sometimes they need a backpack that can do more than just carry their supplies. JanSport has been making backpacks for school and everyday life for more than 50 years, and the classic Big Student Backpack is the most versatile backpack we’ve found.

This bag features two large interior pockets that can hold drawing boards, sketchbooks, regular notebooks, and other supplies, plus a dedicated laptop compartment for up to a 15-inch laptop. There are additional zippered and pleated pockets for carrying your wallet, keys, phone, and other everyday items, and a side pocket for a water bottle.

At 17.75 by 13 by 10 inches, this bag doesn’t look huge, but it has a volume of 34 liters, which is pretty massive for an everyday backpack. The padded ergonomic shoulder straps and fully padded back panel make it comfortable to carry no matter how much is in it. It comes in a variety of colors and printed designs, which we love, and at under $50, it’s budget-friendly, too.

• Versatile backpack for everyday wear
• Lots of fashionable designs
• Super comfortable to carry
• Generic compartments aren’t artist-specific
• Not waterproof

3. Best Backpack for Students – RUIXIB A3 Waterproof Canvas Portfolio Bag

• Compartments and Pockets: 7/10
• Comfort: 8/10
• Price: 9/10

Students require a lot out of their backpacks, and art students have special considerations to protect their supplies and work. This durable waterproof backpack is made of heavy-duty canvas so that it can take a beating on long commutes to campus and transfers from one class to the next.

This bag fits up to an 8k painting board or A3 portfolio, and the waterproof material protects the student’s hard work from moisture, even during heavy rains. A medium-sized pocket is large enough for a folding easel, sketch pad, or paint palette, and the small pocket is the perfect size for brushes, pencils, and pens.

We love how this bag zips all the way open and folds out flat, so portfolios and drawing pads don’t get damaged during insertion and removal. There’s also a comfortable side handle to carry it as a handbag as needed.  A high-quality bag like this one usually costs a bundle, but this bag comes in at a shocking $30, which helps artists and students save money, too.

• Zips open and lays flat
• Waterproof material
• Perfectly sized pockets
• Straps are only lightly padded
• Material looks somewhat cheap

4. Best Budget Artist Bag – PRO ART PRO-7301 Messenger Art Supply Bag

• Compartments and Pockets: 8/10
• Comfort: 7/10
• Durability: 6/10

An art supply backpack doesn’t have to be a significant investment, as this inexpensive messenger bag from Pro Art demonstrates. At under $15, this bag is affordable for even the most budget-conscious artists and art students. Plus, it’s still roomy enough to carry all of an artist’s everyday supplies.

The bag itself is 19 by 15 by 2-3/4 inches, so it safely holds drawing pads up to 14 by 17 inches. It expands up to 4 inches to fit bulkier supplies, too. The removable, adjustable shoulder strap is comfortable enough for everyday use, but it’s not padded, so it’s not going to feel great when it’s loaded down.

There are many zippered compartments inside and out, including an organizer to help keep supplies nice and tidy. The vinyl material is waterproof throughout, so artists don’t have to worry about their supplies getting damaged by the elements or each other.

Unfortunately, some artists have noted that this bag isn’t built to last forever. The material degrades over time, so artists and students who need a heavy-duty bag to carry their supplies should look elsewhere, but this bag is perfect for light, everyday use.

• Expandable main compartment
• Adjustable shoulder strap
• Super inexpensive
• Material breaks down quickly
• Shoulder strap isn’t padded

5. Best Rolling Bag for Artists – Martin Universal Design Just Stow-It Traveling Artist Rollerboard Bag

• Size: 10/10
• Compartments and Pockets: 10/10
• Durability: 9/10
• Price: 7/10

Sometimes even the most padded shoulder straps aren’t enough to make a heavy load of art supplies bearable. This rolling bag from Martin Universal Design is a lifesaver for artists whose gear weighs a ton. The wheeled design of this artist bag allows artists to pull it along behind them instead of carrying it all on their backs.

The large main compartment leaves plenty of room for drawing pads and other bulky art supplies and has a removable divider to keep a laptop safe. The top flaps open to reveal one zippered compartment and several loops that keep brushes in reach when the bag is open. The zippered side flaps are perfect for brush cleaner, while the front has slots for paint tubes.

It’s easy to open the bag and start working and just as easy to put it all away and get going. This bag would be perfect for an art student going from class to class or a traveling artist. The retractable handle switches to a handbag with the press of a button, for when rolling is inconvenient.

It’s nearly $100, which is rather pricey for an art bag, but it’s worth every penny. We wish it had padded straps to convert it into a stow-it backpack as needed, though.

• Rolling bag eliminates back strain
• Huge main compartment for tons of supplies
• Loops for brushes, pencils, and pens
• No shoulder straps

6. Best Artist Bag for Portfolios – OROODPOD Heavy-Duty Art Portfolio Bag

• Price: 8/10

Ordinary backpacks are poorly suited to carrying something as large as an art portfolio. One wrong move and all of an artist’s hard work could be spoiled with bends, folds, or marred edges. That’s where this sturdy portfolio backpack comes in.

This heavy-duty portfolio bag is made from high-quality oxford fabric. It relies on a wireframe to keep its shape, so it’s ultra-durable to protect a 4k drawing board, 8k sketchbook, or portfolio of up to 18 by 24 inches from damage, but it can damage the corners of portfolios and sketchbooks over 18 inches.

There are loads of exterior zippered pockets lined with water-resistant material to keep wet supplies from soaking through to the portfolio pocket. The entire bag is not waterproof, which is unfortunate because it has a lot of surface area to catch a lot of rain. But the adjustable shoulder straps are padded and comfortable, even with the bag fully loaded with supplies.

At under $50, the price point is pretty attractive, too.

• Heavy-duty Oxford fabric
• Tons of pockets for lots of supplies
• Wire frame helps the bag keep its shape.
• Can’t fit large portfolios

7. Best Bag for Digital Artists – HUION Water-resistant Artist Portfolio Tote and Backpack Bag

• Durability: 8/10

Digital artists have a particular set of needs when it comes to a backpack or bag. In addition to traditional art supplies such as drawing pads, pencils, pens, and the like, digital artists have delicate electronic equipment to protect from breaking and water damage.

This backpack from Huion is water-resistant to protect laptops, tablets, and other art supplies from getting damaged if it rains. It has a separate compartment for a laptop or drawing tablets up to 15.6 inches, and the outer shell is durable and scratch-resistant. This is a very durable bag that will keep any digital artist’s most precious supplies safe.

The padded shoulder straps make it comfortable to carry, and there’s a handle on the top to carry it as a handbag if needed or desired. At 18 x 14 x 3 inches, it’s an average-sized backpack that will hold enough traditional supplies for non-digital art projects as well.

It’s also a really reasonable price at under $75, which is less than most decent quality laptop bags cost.

• Water-resistant design
• Dedicated laptop and tablet pocket
• Built-in charging port
• Not designed specifically for artists
• A little pricey

8. Best Plein Air Bag – Sienna Plein Air Ultimate Backpack

• Compartments and Pockets: 9
• Durability: 8

This en plein air backpack from Sienna is all the bag artists need to get out of the studio and into the real world. There are zippered front and side compartments on the outside of the bag and a large internal compartment, which is plenty of room to carry all the art supplies any artist could need.

The interior compartment is large enough for the Sienna large pochade box, an additional supply box, brush cleaner, and more. The front straps hold a plein air tripod securely, and there’s even a mesh pouch for a water bottle.

The extra padding on the back and shoulder straps make this bag extra comfortable to carry, no matter how full of supplies it is, although it does get a little heavy with the large pochade box (sold separately) inside. It’s surprisingly compact for all it holds, coming in at just 9 x 3.5 x 15.7 inches.

The bag isn’t perfect, of course. Some artists say that the pockets are all just a little too small to carry all of their supplies, and others have complained of poor durability, which is disappointing at a price point of over $100.

• Huge main compartment
• Extra padding for added comfort
• Built-in easel straps
• Pockets are too small for long brushes
• Not super long-lasting

Every artist is different, and one artist’s “best backpack” is going to be different from another’s. Still, some backpacks clearly fit the bill better than others. We hope you’ve found this guide to the eight best artist bags and backpacks helpful.

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10 Ridiculously Spacious Weekender Bags You’ll Want on Hand for Travel This Year — Up to 50% Off at Amazon

Prices start as low as $21 on these functional and stylish duffels.

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Travel + Leisure / Daisy Rodriguez

On certain short vacations, it doesn’t necessarily make sense to pack up your bulky rolling suitcase. Namely, weekend trips. When you’re planning on only being away from home for just a few days, a spacious weekender bag is really all you need to get the job done, and Amazon has proven once again to be the go-to destination for all of your travel needs.

Whether you’re gearing up for a bachelorette trip , a beachside getaway, or even a staycation in your own city, we’ve uncovered the 10 weekender bags currently on sale at Amazon that are about to make your packing experience so much easier. Best of all, prices start as low as just $21.

Vera Bradley Women’s Cotton Weekender Travel Bag

Vera Bradley has been making spacious and reliable duffel bags for years, and this cotton tote is perfect for anything from a short weekend getaway to even longer adventures thanks to the luggage sleeve at the back of the bag that makes it stackable atop your rolling suitcase. Top-carry handles alongside an adjustable shoulder strap make traveling with this bag easy and comfortable, while a multitude of exterior and interior mesh pockets make way for impressive organization. Plus, the entire bag is machine washable so you can rinse away the dirt and grime of the airport once you’ve arrived home. 

Etronik Travel Weekender Bag

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Hyc00 Travel Weekender Overnight Bag

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Soaeon Canvas Travel Overnight Weekender Bag

This luxurious and astoundingly spacious weekender bag is a standout choice for travelers (and also currently available for just $38 at Amazon) because not only does it have the packing capacity for up to four days, but it also unzips like a traditional suitcase to allow for even more organized packing. The details of this bag set it apart from competitors as it features durable leather handles, a sturdy, waterproof exterior, and reinforced stitching that will keep it in prime shape for years to come. Just don’t forget to clip the additional 10 percent off coupon at checkout for even more impressive savings.

Foundry Fit & Fresh Art Deco Weekender Bag

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Bagsmart Travel Quilted Weekender Bag

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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.

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

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2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

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21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

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