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bruce Harris

Senior leisure travel consultant.

I have worked in the travel industry my entire working life of over 40 years in a variety of different roles from domestic consultant, inbound tour operations, tour escorting to international consultant

Worked in partnership with Sandra Toland in our own retail store for many years before we both joined Travel 2 U in August 2018.Travelling is very much in the blood and a passion as well as an occupation. I have been fortunate over the years to travel to many countries and experience different cultures.

Personal highlights include visits to Kenya, Turkey, India, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Europe on a number of different occasions. The great thing about travel is meeting new people and finding out what makes them tick. Although we are all different in many ways, there are lot of things that we have in common.

I am an avid cricket watcher so watching a boxing Day test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground is on my bucket list; hopefully next year when New Zealand play. I also enjoy mountain biking in my spare time and would love to cycle in parts of Europe.

World Wars 1 and 2 history is also an interest and I spend July this year visiting the western Battlefields in France and Belgium before heading to Germany where I participated in a bespoke special interest tour around Germany visiting WW2 historical sites. This was an amazing experience to see in person what I had read about and viewed on TV over the years.

I would love to take likeminded people away on the same sort of trip!!

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Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Home / The Great Northern

The Great Northern Road Trip: US Highway 2

Though many come close, no other cross-country route takes in the variety and extremity of landscape that US Highway 2 does. Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US-2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Starting in the west near the beautiful Pacific port city of Seattle, US-2 runs steeply up and over the volcanic Cascade Range, climbing from sea level to alpine splendor in around an hour. From the crest, the road drops down onto the otherworldly Columbia Plateau, a naturally arid region reclaimed from sagebrush into fertile farmland by New Deal public works projects like the great Grand Coulee Dam, one of the largest pieces of civil engineering on the planet. From Washington, US-2 bends north, clipping across the top of the Idaho Panhandle before climbing into western Montana, a land of forests, rivers, and wildlife that culminates in the bold granite spectacle of Glacier National Park.

On the eastern flank of the Rockies, the route drops suddenly to the windswept prairies of the northern Great Plains. Though empty to look at—especially when you’re midway along the 1,000-mile beeline across Montana and North Dakota, wondering how long it will be until you see the next tree or peak—this is a land rich in history, where the buffalo once roamed freely, where Plains peoples like the Shoshone, Blackfeet, Sioux, and Cheyenne reigned supreme, and where the Lewis and Clark expedition followed the Missouri River upstream in search of a way west to the Pacific.

Midway across the continent, the Great Plains give way to the Great Northwoods country of Minnesota —birthplace of both Paul Bunyan and Judy Garland—and then to the rugged lumber and mining country of Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Continuing due east, the route crosses the border into Ontario, Canada, running through the francophone environs of Montreal before returning to the United States near lovely Lake Champlain in upstate New York.

From there, US-2 passes through the hardwood forests of Vermont’s Green Mountains and the rugged granite peaks of New Hampshire’s White Mountains, two very different ranges, though only 50 mi (81 km) apart. The route winds down to the coast of Maine, reaching the Atlantic Ocean at Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park.

Landscapes, rather than cities and towns, play the starring roles on this route. After a few days spent following US-2 through small towns and wide-open spaces, you’ll probably consider Duluth bustling and fast-paced; driving even a short stretch of the Great Northern highway is guaranteed to bring new meaning to the expression “getting away from it all.”

Sights along a US Highway 2 Road Trip

For more insight into each stop along the Great Northern road trip, our content is arranged by state. Here are some major sights along US Highway 2 where travelers aiming to follow only a section of the full cross-country route may wish to use to plan their drive:

• Seattle, Washington – An engaging and energetic combination of scenic beauty, blue-collar grit, and high-tech panache
• Glacier National Park, Montana – Offering incredible scenic beauty and innumerable options for outdoor recreation
• Devils Lake, North Dakota – Home to historic Fort Totten, one of the country’s best-preserved 19th-century military forts
• Duluth, Minnesota – One of the most beautiful and underappreciated travel destinations in the Midwest
• Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Wisconsin – Take a detour on our favorite summer drive and follow Highway 13 along the picturesque shore of Lake Superior
• Mackinac Island, Michigan – No cars allowed! Park your ride and ferry over to one of the top draws in the Midwest
• Ottawa, Ontario – Canada’s national capital is one of the most peaceable and pleasant of the world’s capitals
• Montreal, Quebec – Charming and cosmopolitan, Montreal is easily the most European city in North America
• Burlington, Vermont – Best known these days as the home of Senator Bernie Sanders and countercultural icons Ben & Jerry’s
• Jefferson, New Hampshire – Featuring one of the state’s biggest tourist draws: Santa’s Village
• Acadia National Park – Explore the natural glory of Mount Desert Island and be sure to get out of the car and head inland on foot on the park’s many hiking trails

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There's still nothing like Australia.

How can you possibly choose which of Australia’s tourist destinations to visit? It’s a big country, so it’s definitely not easy. But no matter which Australia vacation destinations you opt to experience, you’ll be impressed – by the clean and friendly cities, gorgeous natural settings, accessible wildlife, secluded islands and award-winning luxury resorts. Popular tourist destinations in Australia include Sydney, the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Lord Howe Island in New South Wales, Kangaroo Island in South Australia, and Rottnest Island in Western Australia. Best of all, Aussie summer is U.S. winter, so you can hit the beach while the folks back home are hitting the slopes. And even during winter Down Under (June-August), Great Barrier Reef resorts get plenty of sunshine with temperatures in the low-to-mid 70s.

In terms of romantic travel destinations, Australia also excels. Its luxury resorts, such as those scattered amid the 74 Whitsunday Islands on the Great Barrier Reef, make ideal honeymoon hideaways. Amid this mosaic of white sand and swirling turquoise and sapphire reefs couples can relax as their every whim is catered to with genuine Aussie hospitality. And one can’t mention the world’s largest and most famous reef without talking about scuba diving. So let’s just say that if you’re a diver, the waters off coastal Queensland are like your birthday, Christmas and the Fourth of July all rolled into one. The best travel destinations are the ones that match your appetite for indulgence or adventure.

To request a quote or customize a booking, please click here or call 888-282-4346 .

How to Get There

Australia’s major international airports are located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. The flight from Los Angeles to Sydney is between 14-15 hours.

Getting Around

Australia has an impressive domestic air network. Qantas, Jetstar, Tiger Airways and Virgin Australia operate on the major inter-city routes.

Self-drives are a great way to see the country at your own pace, with both cars and campervans available for rent.

Trains are also a popular way to experience Australia. The Indian Pacific and the Ghan are considered two of the world’s great rail journeys.

Adelaide is a new city in an old land, founded as a British colony in 1836 and now being the capital of South Australia. Today, its rich mix of diverse cultures exists together in a relaxed and cosmopolitan lifestyle, having both many green parks as well as 30km of beaches stretching along its suburbs. The city is famous for its al fresco eating culture and it is the center of the Australian wine industry, with some of the best food and drinks in the world.

Alice Springs

Alice Springs, or ‘The Alice’, lies romantically in the heart of Australia, and it is unofficially considered as the Outback’s capital. While it was regarded as a ‘dead heart’ during colonial times, thanks to the surrounding barren landscapes, today both residents and visitors recognize the physical and spiritual importance of Australia’s Centre, and it indeed is beating alive with Aboriginal traditions and sacred sites, a vibrant local art culture with a fascinating pioneering history, and for sure incredible landscapes still. Alice Springs is one of the most interesting places on the continent, and most people agree on that you have not seen the Outback at all until you will have seen Alice for once.

Ballina Byron

The Ballina/Byron region is delightfully diverse. It ranges from the quiet family world of Ballina to Byron Bay, the former hippy capital of Australia. Byron Bay was once a simple whaling station later discovered by surfers. After the sixties, the place is nowadays swarmed with tourists and celebrities wishing to experience this alternative town, which is still one of the most hippy destinations on the East Coast.

Blue Mountains

The Blue Mountains get their name from the natural blue haze created by vast eucalyptus forests in this World Heritage area. Tiny droplets of oil released from the trees mix with water vapor and sunlight to produce the distinctive color. Enjoy crisp mountain air, beautiful panoramas, charming villages, one of the world’s oldest cave systems, and exhilarating adventures in the Blue Mountains, near Sydney. You can even see dinosaur trees in the Blue Mountains Botanic Garden, Mount Tomah. This is a great Australian escape and a natural wonder of the world.

Brisbane is a lively, cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, beautiful riverside parks, a busy cultural calendar and a great nightlife. Its fantastic weather year-round has allowed outdoor activities to thrive and develop a vibrant cafe culture. The city is surrounded by some of the state’s major tourist attractions, and there is an abundant choice of day trips whether it be to the coast for the golden beaches, or inland for some of Queensland’s serene bush land, there is something for everybody.

Broome is situated in North-Western Australia, a two and a half hour flight from Perth. The surrounding region is full of color, culture and captivating scenery. Fiery red cliffs contrast with the unspoiled turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, dinosaur footprints tell secrets of ancient days and a multi-cultural population provides arts, performances and irresistible cuisine. The pearling industry has been an important part of the region’s economy. Many places and shops offer visitors closer insight into the pearl trade and the jewelry craft.

From World Heritage rain forest to sparkling beaches, the Byron Bay region on the NSW North Coast is full of natural wonders. The Aboriginal Arakwal people call it Cavvanbah – the meeting place. The area is also famous for its surf culture, alternative philosophies, organic food and outdoor adventures. Byron Bay’s natural attractions are impeccable – humpback whales cruise past the headland, dolphins frolic in the bay and storms create rainbows on the mountains. People from all walks of life meet here, drawn by Byron Bay’s vibrant energy.

People have been flocking to Cairns in search of treasure since the first gold rush. However, today prospectors come to mine the abundance of natural and environmental treasures that surround the city. With the tropical rain forest and the Great Barrier Reef in close proximity, Cairns attracts a young and intrepid crowd that adds to the vibrancy of this lively and welcoming city.

Edged by mountain ranges, Canberra is a planned city built on vast limestone. Canberra is Australia’s national capital – seat of the Federal parliament and home to many institutions and national monuments. Four distinct seasons add to its charm and visitors quickly discover that it really is Australia’s hidden gem. The surrounding countryside contains historic and picturesque rural villages and a burgeoning cool-climate wine industry.

Christmas Island

Rising majestically from the tropical depths of the vast Indian Ocean, and surrounded by the azure waters of Asia’s southern fringe lies a stunning natural wonder – Christmas Island … Its name alone is intriguing and stirs interest. yet this tiny island in the Indian Ocean is a truly fascinating paradise, inviting you to uncover its remarkable surprises of nature in a one-of-a-kind environment. Venture to this awe-inspiring island for an unforgettable getaway.

Coffs Harbour

Coffs Harbour is a paradise of attractions, from thrilling skydives and underwater adventures to dolphin shows and waterfront dining. Nearby you can walk above a rain forest canopy in a World Heritage wilderness. Famous for its bananas, fish and surf, this coastal city on the NSW North Coast is at the southern edge of the Solitary Islands Marine Park, a haven for turtles and great for diving. And relax on beautiful beaches in Coffs, as the locals call this much-loved destination halfway between Sydney and Brisbane and easy to get to by air, road or rail.

Darwin is a thriving, prosperous and multicultural city with lively bars and wide-ranging international cuisine. It is lush, tropical, and the gateway to top-end outback adventures through the world heritage Kakadu and Litchfield National Parks. Darwin boasts an eclectic cultural mix: Asian music, food, and languages live side-by-side with aboriginal artistry, Australian beach culture, love of the outdoors, and a profound appreciation of cosmopolitanism.

Fraser Coast

Though famous for its paradise-like Fraser Island and the visiting whales, the Fraser Coast offers plenty of other amazing places and adventures. Check out the former gold mining town of Gympie and the beautiful nature surrounding Fraser Coast, both on land and in the water. The warm and mild climate means that the Fraser Coast is perfect to explore all year around.

Australia’s Gold Coast is a diverse city, offering action packed days and fun filled nights to over 10 million visitors each year. Families, couples, business delegates and solo travelers will all find an experience to suit their needs and budget, as the Gold Coast serves up more attractions and venues than any other destination in the southern hemisphere. Get into the Gold Coast’s easy living lifestyle with 70 kilometers of sun, sand and surf at your doorstep plus 100,000 hectares of world heritage listed rain forest just a short drive away.

Hamilton Island

Situated amidst the 74 Whitsunday Islands of the Great Barrier Reef, Hamilton Island offers an experience like no other: glorious weather, azure waters, brilliant beaches, wondrous coral reefs, unique flora and fauna, divine food and wines, and a buzzing calendar of special events. With its laid-back luxury and activities almost too numerous to mention, Hamilton is the next island in the Great Barrier Reef you should visit.

Hunter Valley

Australia’s oldest wine region is a beautiful destination. From fine wine and gourmet food to elegant accommodation and fabulous events, a Hunter Valley getaway offers a taste of the good life. Australia’s most visited wine region is home to 150 top-class wineries, vineyards and cellar doors. Whether you’re wine tasting, being pampered in one of the valley’s day spas, or teeing off from a championship golf course, you’ll enjoy a warm country welcome in the Hunter Valley.

Explore beautiful Jervis Bay within the unspoiled region of the NSW South Coast. Discover fine white sands and crystal clear waters in a marine park home to dolphins and seals. You’ll also marvel at majestic whales as they migrate along the coast. Enchanting national parks are great for trail walking and are filled with native wildlife and fascinating Aboriginal heritage. Enjoy water activities including kayaking, boating, fishing, diving and surfing. This magnificent region offers relaxation in spectacular settings where you can do as much or as little as you choose.

Lord Howe Island

Lord Howe Island is a World Heritage-listed paradise where at any time you’ll be one of only 400 visitors. A holiday on this exquisite subtropical island is relaxing and unhurried; getting around by bike or on foot is the way to go and there are plenty of activities to discover. Explore its beautiful beaches, lagoons, coral reefs and rain forest areas to discover a world of immense natural beauty.

Situated halfway between Brisbane and Cairns, Mackay is surrounded by lush rain forests, pristine white sandy beaches and the fertile Pioneer Valley. It is home to one of Australia’s richest sugar cane growing regions. Out to sea, The Great Barrier Reef’s colorful coral, fish and secluded islands provide a tropical playground for everyone. Excellent restaurants, beautiful parks and a vibrant art scene ensure there is something in Mackay for every taste and budget.

Melbourne is an artistic powerhouse with a vibrant and multicultural soul. Nicknamed “Paris of the southern hemisphere,” Melbourne is not only known to be Australia’s cultural hot-spot, but is also famous for its major sporting events and its culinary delights from all across the world. With its high-rise city center and far-reaching suburbs, it is hard not to be dragged in by the life of the capital of Victoria, but day trips to the wild nature of the state are also extremely attractive.

Newcastle is the hub of the Hunter Valley wine region, located right at the mouth of the Hunter River. It is home to stunning beaches for all kinds of activities, a rich heritage of Victorian architecture and plenty of live music events for all tastes. There are also lots of places for recreation, hiking and outdoor adventure nearby. Whether you are looking for vibrant city life or a spectacular natural retreat, in Newcastle you will get it all.

A combination of big city comforts, good weather and a laid-back approach to life make Perth one of the most livable cities in the world. It is a youthful and cosmopolitan city. In terms of entertainment, nightlife and cultural activities it can stand up to even the fiercest competition. When it comes to food, Perth raises the bar, boasting fabulous beachfront restaurants, succulent seafood and some of the country’s best vineyards. An excellent public transportation system allows visitors to explore the city easily, despite its remote location.

Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie is a vibrant coastal city at the heart of a beautiful region teeming with outdoor adventures, gorgeous beaches and delicious fresh produce and seafood. A fascinating history dating back to the convict era adds to the allure. Australia’s biggest population of coastal koalas is here, on the mid North Coast of New South Wales. And the region is famous for its Hastings River oysters and its vineyards produce award-winning wines. From local culinary delights to splendid natural beauty, Port Macquarie is a picture-perfect gem to visit.

Port Stephens

Blessed with 26 white sandy beaches, a vast blue bay and many tranquil inlets, Port Stephens is an idyllic destination about 2.5 hours’ drive north of Sydney. With a marine park rich in diversity, the area is famous for its resident dolphins, crystal clear waters and towering sand dunes. Daily dolphin-watching cruises depart from Nelson Bay and the ocean is great for watching whales during their annual migration. Charming towns are framed by bush land, wetlands and volcanic peaks. Enjoy fresh seafood and local wines in delightful settings.

Rockhampton

There is no doubt to Rockhampton’s status of Australia’s Beef Capital. However, Rockhampton offers more than just beef. Located on the Tropic of Capricorn, the city is surrounded by coastal and rural landscapes, and offers opportunities for both relaxed and active stays. On over 300 days of sunshine, you can enjoy the beaches of the Capricorn Coast, or explore the region’s national parks and caves. With its historical buildings and tree-lined streets facing the Fitzroy River, Rockhampton is a great place to visit.

Snowy Mountains

Australia’s highest peaks are in the Snowy Mountains, where there’s thrilling downhill skiing and snowboarding during the snow season. Lively towns and resorts in this alpine region in southwest NSW are also popular destinations in warmer months for hiking, horse riding, kayaking, mountain biking and fishing. When spring melts the snow into cascading waters and wildflowers bloom, streams shelter trout and attract many fly fishermen. Vineyards in this beautiful region produce excellent cool-climate wines, and fresh produce is on sale at farm gates.

Sunshine Coast

The Sunshine Coast is undoubtedly one of Australia’s most beautiful regions with amazing beaches, stunning sunlight, picturesque hinterland and plenty of breathtaking views. The vast area, which straddles the golden Pacific coast for nearly 60 kilometers, offers a wonderful and immense mix of culture, cuisine, nature and outdoor activities that are all ready to be explored.

Sydney is Australia’s most famous city, with the majestic Sydney Opera House, the impressive steel arch of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, the sparkling waterways and the white sands of Bondi Beach. Beneath this glittering surface Sydney has many more enchanting layers to discover. This beautiful cosmopolitan city celebrates its cultural diversity and heritage, and passion for arts and sports. A temperate climate makes Sydney spectacular at any time of the year, and the city’s friendly, casual attitude keeps visitors coming back Down Under for more!

Tasmania is an island at the edge of the world. Small enough to get around easily, big enough to explore diverse landscapes and make countless discoveries. In one day, wake to the cleanest air in the world, hear stories of early convict life, cruise soaring sea cliffs, sip whisky at cellar doors, and devour paddock-to-plate food. In Tasmania, anything’s possible.

With over 300 days of sunshine a year, Townsville is a very popular destination for sun seekers and provides easy access to the Great Barrier Reef. Townsville is situated in the dry tropical region and is a gateway to the Outback, wet tropical rain forest, with wetlands teeming with bird life and a number of tropical islands. Boasting a 2.5-km beachfront area, known as the Strand, it is an exciting and vibrant city to visit.

Essential Items to Pack

• Reef walking shoes
• Insect repellent

Time Difference

Australia has three different time zones. Eastern Standard Time in the eastern states is +17 hours from Los Angeles (PST). Central Standard time in the Northern Territory and South Australia is +16.5 hours from PST and Western Standard Time in Western Australia is +15 hours from PST.

Entry and Visa Requirements

• Every Visitor who is not a citizen of Australia or New Zealand must have a visa to enter the country.
• Visas must be applied for before leaving your home country and this can be done online or at an Australian Consulate.
• A wide range of visas may be applied for including tourist and working holiday visas.

You may not bring drugs, steroids, weapons, firearms, or protected wildlife into Australia. Certain food, fruit, meat, plants, seeds, skins, and feathers are also prohibited from entry. Any currency amount over $10,000 must also be declared upon entry.

Travel insurance is highly recommended for any person planning on adventure sports during their vacation. A policy covering theft, loss, accident, and medical issues is strongly encouraged.

Health Requirements

No vaccinations or certifications are required unless you have visited a yellow fever infected country within six days of arrival.

Australia uses the Australian Dollar (AUD) and accepts major North American credit cars including American Express, MasterCard, Visa, Bankcard, and Diner’s Club. Currency exchange is available at international airports, banks, and hotels.

Climate varies among region and over seasons. Seasons are opposite of North America so plan accordingly. The Great Barrier Reef and Southern Queensland Islands are tropical and warm while southern areas experience more seasonal variation in climate.

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

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The Most Beautiful Stations on the Moscow Metro

You might have heard that there are some beautiful metro stations in Moscow. Soviet decorations, chandeliers, mosaic painting and statues are common in many of the stations. The good news is that the Moscow Metro does not cost a lot of money and many of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro are on the same line, so you can almost get on and off at each station to visit these. Over the New Year holidays, I had a free afternoon and decided to visit some of these stations. Check out what I found below…..

The main stations that you will want to visit are on the Number 5 line, also known as the Circle Line. An advantage of this line is that you can get to it very easily and quickly no matter where you are in Moscow. The announcements on the metro are in Russian as well as English so you don’t need to worry if your Russian language skills are not good.

If, like me, you arrive in Moscow via train from Kyiv , then you will arrive at a metro station which many Muscovites believe to be the most beautiful of them all…..

Kievskaya metro station was opened in 1954 and features white marble walls which curve upwards and have with large mosaics surrounded by a gold trim in a very classical style. The mosaics depict life in Ukraine and was designed by a Ukrainian who wanted to display Ukraine’s influence and contribution to Soviet Russia.

Kievskaya, one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro

Soviet era artwork between the arches

Mosaic with golden trim

People carrying flags is a common theme

Going into battle

Belorusskaya

If you look at a map of the metro , you will want to go in a clockwise direction on the circle line. So you will want to get on the train going in the Barrikadnaya direction and not Park Kultury. Stay on this line until you reach the 2nd station, Belorusskaya. This station was built in 1952 and like Kievskaya also features white marble pylons and a plaster ceiling.

The ceiling features 12 mosaics in an octagonal shape depicting Belarusian life, while the tiling on the floor is said to resemble a Belarusian quilt. One of the passageway exits of the station has a statue called ‘Belarusian Partisans’ of three men wearing long coats, holding guns and carrying a flag.”

Belorusskaya metro platform

Soviet artwork on the roof

The hammer and sickle features prominently in the metro artwork

Three men carrying guns, holding the flag…

Mayakovskaya

To get to the next station, we need to change onto the green line (line 2) and go just one stop to the station of Mayakovskaya. This station has an art deco theme and, for some, resembles an elaborate ballroom. The columns are faced with stainless steel and pink rhodonite while the marble walls and ceiling have 34 mosaics with the theme “24-hour Soviet Sky. Apparently, Stalin resided here during the 2nd World War as the station was used as a command post for Moscow’s anti-aircraft regiment.

Mayakovskaya metro

24-Hour Soviet Sky mosaic

Bomber planes

It looks like planes flying over Red Square

Novoslobodskaya

It’s time to get back on the metro and return to Belorusskaya. At Belorusskaya, change to the circle line again and continue clockwise to the next station, Novoslobodskaya. With its 32 stained glass panels, this station reminds me of a church. The panels were designed by Latvian artists and are surrounded by a brass border.

Novoslobodskaya metro

The platform of Novoslobodskaya metro

Stained glass artwork

The golden trim around artwork is also very common

Prospekt Mira

Back on the metro and again just one stop until our next station, Prospekt Mira. This station was originally called Botanichesky Sad after the nearby Botanical Gardens of the Moscow State University. The pylons are covered in white marble and decorated with floral bas-relief friezes. The ceiling is decorated with casts and several cylindrical chandeliers.

Prospekt Mira metro station

Notice the floral decoration

Komsomolskaya

On the metro once more and once more we are going just one stop to the next station – Komsomolskaya. This station is famous for its its yellow ceiling. The chandeliers in this station are huge. The photos below do not do this station justice.  For me, this station resembles a presidential palace.  You hace to see it for yourself to truly appreciate it.

Because of it’s location, this is one of the busiest stations in the Moscow metro as it serves three of the main train stations in the city – Leningradsky, Yaroslavsky, and Kazansky so be prepared for a lot of people.

Komsomolskaya metro

The yellow ceiling seems to go on forever

Yellow ceiling and artwork

One of the ceiling mosaics

Elektrozavodskaya

When you are ready to leave Komsomolskaya metro station behind, then get back on the circle line and go one stop to Kurskaya and change to the blue line (line 3) and go to two stops to the Elektrozavodskaya station. This station gets it’s name from a nearby electric light bulb factory and has a somewhat industrial but also futuristic style, with 6 rows of circular lamps (there are 318 lamps in total). I think this is one of the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro for how unique it is. The station was opened in 1944 after a delay because of the 2nd World War and features 12 marble bas-reliefs of the struggle on the home front during the war.

The Komsomolskaya metro station

The struggles of war at home

Fixing machinery

Hard at work

Making weapons

Building a tank

Even the station sign is elaborate

Ploschad Revolyutsii

Back on the metro line 3 (but in the other direction), getting off at the 3rd stop – Ploschad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). This is located underneath the square in Moscow of the same name and is a short walk from Red Square in the city centre. It is the perfect place to end a visit around Moscow’s metro. The station features red and yellow marble arches with a total of 76 sculptures in between each arch. The sculptures are supposed to represent the people of the Soviet Union and include soldiers, farmers, industrial workers, children etc… I noticed a lot of people touching the golden chicken in the photo below as well as the show of the woman. I am assuming that this is for good luck.

Industrial worker

Touch the chicken for good luck

Sculpture of the people of the Soviet Union

Woman reading a book – touch the shoe for good luck

In education

Parent and child

These are some of what I think are the most beautiful stations on the Moscow metro. Which ones are your favourite? Would you add any to this list?

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19 comments.

Kievskaya definitely caught me off guard. Didn’t know Moscow metro stations were THIS extravagant! Mayakovskaya is gorgeous too with the marble walls and mosaics. I might just need to book a flight over to admire all of these!

Do it! Kievskaya was my first introduction to the Moscow metro as I got an overnight train from Kyiv.

You know, in the States, all we ever hear is bad stuff about Russia. It’s nice to see other (and lovely!) dimensions of such a controversial place.

It’s the same in the UK which is why I prefer going to see somewhere and making up my own mind. It’s all ‘politics and bullshit’ as I say

I went to Moscow about 13years for Christmas and went to train stations, so I can see these amazing mosaics and chandeliers. I agree with you that are beautiful Stations for sure and I could of wandered around for days. I think Kievskaya is definitely my favourite out of them all and I even have some similar pictures as you.

I imagine Moscow would have been a little different 13 years ago but these stations have probably always looked beautiful

Food and Footprints

You chose some great stations for this write up! Beautiful details in these stations and would love to visit them sometime. Particularly like the Komsomolskaya station with that yellow ceiling!

Thank you very much. Komsomolskaya seems to be a lot of peoples favourite stations too

Sumit Surai

Wow! Without the text I would have thought them to be some museum or gallery.

I know exactly what you mean!

Rosie Fluskey

Wow, it is just stunning! How does anyone get to work with so much to look at. I’m surprised at the very bourgeois-looking Komsomolskaya station. I would have thought it was all too Tzarist looking, but then I haven’t been to Russia yet lol. This has just made me want to go more!

Wow, that’s a lot of artwork. I wonder how old some of these pieces are?

Generally most of the stations are from 1940-1960 approximately. The later stations are more functional than style.

My mother-in-law was in Moscow fifty years ago and still raves about the metro stations. So far, I could not imagine much. But now! The pictures are great and I think it’s almost a pity that this splendor is underground. But for every user of the Metro can enjoy a free trip to the world of art. Susanne

True. It is like having a free trip to an art museum/gallery. I hope that you can one day visit Moscow and see for yourself.

Oh wow, I would never have known that these were metro stations. The ceilings remind me of how you need to look up sometimes, even in the commuter rush!

It is true about life in general, we just go from A to B looking directly in front of us instead of around us

Wow, I would have never guessed that these were stations. The decor is so pretty and not one I’m used to seeing at metro stations. Love the ceiling at The Komsomolskaya metro station.

They certainly don’t look like metro stations. The ceiling there is one of my favourites too!

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