keem smith travel

READY TO MASTER SOLO TRAVEL SAFELY, CONFIDENTLY, AND WITHOUT DRAINING YOUR BANK ACCOUNT?

The passport abuser shares her 3 step process on how to travel the world for $100 or less. , as seen in:.

Shakeemah Smith, affectionately called "The Passport Abuser" has traveled to over 50 countries solo and enjoys empowering women and equipping them with the tools that she's learned over the last eight years (and 57 countries) so other women can start their travel journey around the world. Shakeemah has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, USA Today, The Washington Post, Pop Sugar, and Travel Noire. Shakeemah created her course, "Travel Like A Bawse" in 2015, and had taught 2000 women in 11 countries how to master solo travel.

Travel Expert + Mentor

Shakeemah smith, your mentor.

Shakeemah Smith, affectionately called "The Passport Abuser" has traveled to over 50 countries solo... She enjoys empowering women and equipping them with the tools that she's learned over the last eight years (and 57 countries) so other women can start their travel journey around the world.

Shakeemah has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, USA Today, The Washington Post, Pop Sugar, and Travel Noire. Shakeemah created her course, "Travel Like A Bawse" in 2015, and had taught 2000 women in 11 countries how to master solo travel.

FORBES Article

The washington post article, usa today article, business insider article, media + publicity, the travel bawse.

Travel NoirE ARTICLE

Pop sugar article.

Essence ARTICLE

Vanity Stardom ARTICLE

XO Necole ARTICLE

BUSINESS INSIDER ARTICLE

You can work with me two ways....

Learn From keem

Throughout all my courses, you will learn how to master solo travel safely, confidently and without draining your bank account. I have a course for every level of traveler. You can also work with me on a private basis by applying to any of my coaching services below. If you need help deciding which is the best option, please reach out with questions by shooting me a note here .

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Ready to master solo travel safely, confidently, and without draining your bank account, "within her one hour masterclass, i learned so much. after the masterclass i knew deep down inside that i was committed to taking this course. my advice for all the women out there who want to travel the world is to take advantage of learning from someone who has done it before. sign up for her masterclass. it will change your mindset and change your life ." @lifewithrsar (instagram).

"Travel like a bawse is one of the best investments I've ever made. I took this course because I wanted to travel smarter and cheaper. Not to mention, I wanted to become a travel blogger. A month after enrolling in the course, I was featured in Essence Magazine after using these methods. I'm now a travel influencer with a blog that I've monetized. Life after this course has been amazing. Thank you Keem!" @FrontPage_EB (Instagram)

"Even as a woman who has done solo travel for eight years now, Travel Like A Bawse has taught me so much that I didn't know before. This course checks all the boxes when it comes to travel. I loved this course and recommend it to any woman who wants to take the world by storm." @Keiradise (Instagram)

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How One Woman Went From Being Stranded On Vacay To Earning $1.3 Million Through Her Travels

Shakeemah “Keem” Smith a.k.a. The Passport Abuser is a travel influencer from East Orange, NJ. She has visited 62 countries solo and is the creator of the Travel Like A Bawse course, which has generated over $1.3 million in revenue to date.

Prior to venturing off on her first solo trip, Keem traveled three times a year with friends.

“I always loved to travel because it provided such an adventurous escape from the everyday 9-5 rat race,” she says.

Little did she know, an incident that would take place on one of those girls’ trips would soon lead her to a life of solo travel as well as a new lucrative entrepreneurial endeavor.

How it all started:

In 2016, while on vacation with two friends in Amsterdam for her birthday, Keem was left stranded without warning.

“I told a friend that I thought her boyfriend was using her. I noticed that for the rest of the night she didn’t speak to me. When we arrived back at the hotel, she said she was gonna chill downstairs in the lobby while I went to the room. She then asked my other friend to stay downstairs with her for a drink.”

Keem woke up the next morning on her birthday and noticed that they weren’t in the room. When she called them to see where they were, they informed her that they had gotten a new hotel room somewhere else.

Learning from my mistakes

“I immediately hung up and blocked both of them on Instagram. I never spoke to either girl ever again. Waking up in the hotel room stranded on my birthday felt like it was the worst day of my life. I had no idea it would be the experience to push me over the solo travel fence. I didn’t choose solo travel. Solo travel chose me. I started my solo travel journey the following year and never looked back.”

Keem’s first solo trip in 2017 was to Paris, France. Since then, she has traveled to 62 countries alone, including some of her favorite destinations like Antigua and Barbuda , the Maldives , Bali , and Thailand .

Sharing photos and videos from her trips on social media, Keem began to receive many inquiries from other women asking about the ins and outs of solo travel.

Helping other women:

“So many women were reaching out on a daily basis about how they could achieve the same results. In 2018, while visiting my 34th country, South Africa, I decided to create my online solo travel course.”

When she first started traveling, Keem never imagined being able to monetize her travels. Now she has become a successful entrepreneur by doing what she loves and sharing insight on it. Travel Like A Bawse has helped 10,000 women from 14 different countries achieve their travel goals.

“Travel Like A Bawse is my nine-week online course that teaches women how to ace their first solo trip, and also how to master solo travel safely, confidently, and without draining their bank account.”

“Everything that it took me 62 countries and years’ worth of experiences to learn, students can learn in just nine weeks, making their solo travel transformation a lot easier than mine. I teach women how to build the confidence to travel solo, how to do so affordably, safety tools, and even provide daily FaceTime calls on every woman’s first solo trip.”

Debunking misconceptions

One of the things Keem helps her students do is push aside the misconceptions and fears that have been instilled in them by the media and naysayers who have tried to dissuade them from traveling alone.

A common misconception Keem commonly encounters is that travel has to be expensive and drain all your funds. In her course, she teaches various ways to save for travel and see the world affordably.

“One of the things I did when I had a 9-5 was put flights on layaway to stay within my monthly budget. I also made my own breakfast and lunch to save more money.”

Making solo travel comfortable:

Two other big misconceptions she often hears are that it’s unsafe to travel the world as a female solo traveler and that it’s lonely or boring to do so. Keem says that is far from the case as she has had some of the most epic experiences of her life during her solo travels. When it comes to safety, she offers several tips to help women stay safe while traveling alone:

“Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This is a FREE service for U.S. Citizens to enroll with the local U.S. Embassy in every single country you visit. Send them a copy of your itinerary prior to arrival and store the U.S. Embassy’s number in your cell before the trip in case of emergency.”⠀

“Use ride-sharing apps whenever possible. No yellow taxis. Why? Because the activity of both you and the driver are being tracked. Otherwise, you will not have any reference info such as name, reviews, or license plate number at your fingertips.”

“Keep ur stuff in the backseat with you when being driven around. Just in case the driver tries to overcharge or you start feeling uncomfortable, it’s easier to exit the car with your belongings.”⠀

“Ask your hotel staff or Airbnb host what the local scams are. In Brazil, we were told that kids will ask for $1, and when you pull out your wallet, they will snatch it and pass it off to an adult waiting nearby.”

“Have a solid method of transportation when visiting another country. Taking the train in Paris is cute, but if you don’t read French, or miss your stop, now you’re lost, you probably look lost, and now you’re just an easy target.” ⠀

“Have multiple forms of communication with the hotel staff or Airbnb host. Let’s say you lose your key while partying in Madrid, Or let’s say your driver can’t find the address, having an email address won’t help you at that moment. Have another form of communication with hotel staff, such as a local number or Whatsapp.”

Learn more:

These are just a few of the tips students learn in Keem’s class. To learn more about safe and affordable world travel, click here to attend her free masterclass or click the link in her Instagram bio at @thepassportabuser .

Related: Pelumi Is The Solo Traveling Nigerian Woman Doing World Travel Her Way

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Solo Travel for Women with Keem Smith
Travel Influencers

By Madison Sotos

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Shakeemah Smith’s interest in travel started with a globe. As a child, she spent Saturdays in the public library, reading about places she hoped to visit one day. Yet, the woman behind the Instagram account @thepassportabuser could never have imagined then what she would go on to achieve. Today, Keem has traveled to 63 countries solo and created a hugely successful business helping others do the same. Having been featured in Forbes and Business Insider, created a course in solo travel for women, and amassed nearly 100,000 Instagram followers, Keem is most certainly living up to her childhood dreams.

Globe Trotter

While she has since become a certified globe trotter, Keem and her family did not have the opportunity to travel much when she was a child. With six children, her mother had her hands full and time was sparse. However, despite the lack of means for the family to actually go abroad, Keem’s mother did not lack imagination.

She bought her children a globe and encouraged them to examine it. She wanted them to learn about the world around them and ‘see where [they] could go’ one day. Thus, each month, Keem would choose a country and complete a sort of ‘book report’ on the chosen destination. On weekends, she roamed the children’s section of the library and parsed the pages of books about the country of the month.

Unexpected Adventure

Keem’s interest in travel was thus ‘peaked as a child,’ she says. She only lacked the actual experience of traveling. The first time she left the U.S, she was 25 years old and went on a group trip to Jamaica. Yet her entire relationship with travel changed during an ill-fated girls’ trip to Amsterdam. Abandoned by her travel companions after a falling out, she awoke alone in a hotel room on the morning of her birthday.

Despite returning home early, this experience proved to be a huge turning point in her life’s trajectory. Having been abandoned and consequently ‘run home’ once, she resolved never to do so again. ‘I needed to regain my strength and wanted to prove to myself that I could,’ she says. ‘The girl that evolved from that [experience] thought “you can’t just chicken out if somebody bails on you. If somebody leaves you, you can handle it”.’ Hitting this low point was thus the catalyst for Keem’s solo travel journey .

"The girl that evolved from that [experience] thought “you can’t just chicken out if somebody bails on you. If somebody leaves you, you can handle it”.’"

The first place she visited as a solo traveler was Paris. ‘I picked a place that I’d be so excited about that the excitement would tune out the fear,’ Keem says when asked about her decision to travel to Paris. She stayed there for two weeks, alone, also incorporating a daytrip to London. When she returned home, the pride she felt was overwhelming. ‘I did it!’ were the first words she spoke to her mother once reunited. ‘No one can take this accomplishment away from me.’

Travel Like a Bawse

The sense of empowerment Keem received from this solo trip, along with every subsequent one, inspired her to create a program that would help other female solo travelers. When she first made the decision to take the solo trip to Paris, she was prepared for anything. ‘I had a yellow-tab notebook and for everything I thought could go wrong, it had its own tab,’ she shares. The list took her 8 months to compile and included nearly everything she could possibly need, from what to do if her phone died to the route to the nearest hospital. She continued this system every time she took a solo trip, taking notes in every new country.

‘By the time I got to country 34, I had so many notes,’ Keem says. ‘Girls were reaching out to me on Instagram, asking how I was traveling to these places by myself.’ She was therefore struck with an idea of how to empower other women the way she’d empowered herself. Taking all she’d learned from her own travels, she compiled her notes into a power-point. She consequently began teaching solo travel for women over Zoom and in coffee shops.

Unbeknownst to Keem, one of her students was an employee for Forbes Magazine. She reached out to Keem to inform her that she wanted to write an article on her: after taking the solo travel course, the writer had traveled solo to three different countries for the first time. From there, the official ‘Travel Like a Bawse’ course was born. In the 9-week long course, Keem aims to help other women make the transition to solo travel, a task that can certainly seem daunting. ‘I provide them with a road-map,’ she says, ‘I figure everything out so that they don’t have to.’

Solo Travel for Women

When it comes to solo travel for women, Keem is a bona fide expert. She was generous enough to share with Beau Monde Traveler her top three countries for solo travelers and the undisputed number one spot goes to Antigua and Barbuda. Only 11 miles wide and 14 miles long, the entire country can be explored end-to-end in around 45 minutes.

‘It may sometimes be hard to tackle a solo trip because it feels like it’s just too much to conquer,’ Keem says. Yet when a whole country is smaller than the size of Brooklyn – as is the case with Antigua – it becomes less daunting. In fact, Keem loved the island so much that, after spending only three days there on her initial visit, she decided to make it her home. Within 60 days of her visit, she was a resident.

"‘If God wanted me to be in one place, I’d be a tree,’ Keem repeats – a good motto for someone who has visited over sixty countries and shows no signs of stopping. "

Another tropical destination that Keem recommends is Belize. Specifically, she advises solo travelers to visit Caye Caulker. The island is all sand, meaning that most people get around via golf cart. In Keem’s opinion, it’s the perfect place for any woman seeking to take their first solo trip for its calm energy and, of course, beautiful beaches.

For those ready for a bit of a bigger adventure, Keem’s top solo travel destinations are Bali, Indonesia and Thailand. ‘The people in these places are extremely hospitable,’ she says. Not to mention, the lifestyle afforded in both Bali and Thailand is cost effective. As Keem says, ‘you’re not likely to run into a lot of safety concerns on a beach in Phuket or a juice bar in Canggu, Bali’.

Despite her success and status as an expert in solo travel for women, Keem acknowledges the challenges she’s faced on the way. ‘The biggest challenge for me was not listening to other people who hadn’t done it,’ she says. While there were people who good-naturedly expressed concern at Keem’s resolve to travel the globe by herself, she ultimately knew she had to follow her own path .

Some people in her life worried about her decision, uncertain what would happen to her on her travels. They wondered how she would be received and treated by people from cultures very different from her own. Yet, Keem says, you have to remember that to people in every part of the world other than your own, you would also be considered ‘those people out there’ with the unknown culture and customs. Safety is therefore always relative. ‘If God wanted me to be in one place, I’d be a tree,’ Keem repeats – a good motto for someone who has visited over sixty countries and shows no signs of stopping.

Keem’s story proves that sometimes, the best things come out of the worst circumstances. ‘None of this was planned,’ she reiterates. ‘I didn’t choose solo travel. Solo travel chose me.’ Thus, out of a less than ideal situation, something completely unexpected and yet wonderful emerged. ‘I did something that I had never done before one time,’ Keem shares, ‘and that led to a completely different lifestyle’.

Her top tip for anyone who is teetering on the ledge of doing something is just to do it. ‘You never know who you’ll be on the other side of your fear,’ she says. Her best advice is simply to imagine that person and then take every step possible in order to bring that person into existence.

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Madison Sotos

Madison is a travel writer from Washington DC currently based in Edinburgh, Scotland. She has enjoyed extensive travels, primarily throughout Europe and is a lover of the arts and the outdoors. She is also partial to fine vegetarian cuisine and enjoys sampling local wines and spirits.

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Ep. 293: How This Travel Boss Encourages Others To Ace Their First Solo Trip with Shakeemah Smith

Sharing is caring!

In this episode, I speak with Shakeemah who is a female solo traveler who has visited over 59 countries.

She is also the founder of million dollar “Travel Like A Bawse”, a nine week online course that has helped nearly 10k men and women ace their first solo trip, and ultimately master solo travel.

Shakeemah is also the create of online course, “Monetize Like A Bawse” which teaches people how to create, promote and scale their online businesses.

Listen on to find out how this travel boss encourages others to ace their first solo strip.

Listen Below:

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Transcription:

Hey everyone, thank you so much for being here!

I am so excited to speak with my guest today, I’m here with Keem.

Hey, Keem, how are you?

Hi! I am great, thank you! How are you?

I am wonderful! Can you tell us more about you, Keem, and why you live an offbeat life?

So, hi, everyone, my name is Shakeemah Smith, but my friends and family call me “Keem” and the internet streets refer to me as “The Passport Abuser”.

I am a female solo traveler of 61 countries and I am the founder of the 9-week online course, ‘Travel Like A Bawse: The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide’.

Amazing! And that’s a lot of countries that you’ve already visited. So, I’m sure you have a lot of different stories and adventures for that.

Before we get to that, how did you decide that this is what you wanted to do? Because that is not your average, that is not the norm.

How did you get into this journey?

So, it was actually a crazy ride. I started my solo travel journey, after being stranded by two friends on vacation on my birthday, in Amsterdam.

Oh my gosh! That’s not cool!

Right, I was stranded on vacation, on my birthday. And from there, I decided like, you know what, “I’m never going to wait on anybody else to tell me that they’re coming and they don’t come and I’m the only one that has their flight” or, you know, anything like that. I’m just going to do my own thing from now on and I took my first solo trip more as an experiment.

I took my first solo trip to Paris and I said, you know what, “I’m going to try this just one time, if it doesn’t work, I’ll never do it again! But at least I can say that I tried to travel without waiting on other people.”.

And country number 1 now turned into country 61 and here we are.

Wow, well yeah, I mean, that’s definitely something that we all experience especially when you are wanting to explore the world and you’re always waiting for somebody to say yes to you and every time, right? You always have to make sure that they have the right schedule. You’re both in that, you both want to go to the same places and that takes a lot of time and effort and also when you are traveling with them, that’s a whole other mess right there.

So, I think for us too, it seems really overwhelming or even scary to do it on your own and I know that happened to you because you were just really frustrated. But what was that fight-like experience like when you finally did it? I know now you do it a lot, but what was your feeling like when you first began?

So when I first started my solo travel journey, it wasn’t a journey that started with the first solo trip. It was really a journey of preparation, even before I took the first solo trip. So, I spoke to my friends and family and they were like, “No, don’t do it. Don’t go out there. It’s unsafe.”, and I said, you know, “I don’t have any friends that, all my friends have kids and the ones that don’t have kids can’t afford it or they can’t get the time off.”, so, I was listening to all the other opinions about how scary outside would be and I was worried. So, I got out a notebook and I wrote down all the things that people said would go wrong and next to it I wrote a list of, “How Would I Be Able To Prevent It From Happening?”.

So, somebody said, “Oh, you might go somewhere and you might get robbed.”, and so I said, “Okay, there is a US Embassy in this location.”. So, usually around the embassy, the US Embassy. That’s a lot of security. There’s a heightened level of security. So I’ll pick a hotel. That’s closest to the US Embassy in that country. And I just said, “You know what? For everything that someone says will go wrong, here is one thing that I can do to make me feel better about it or be more prepared.”, and it started to raise my level of confidence. You know, having an itinerary, giving my itinerary to the US Embassy, I started doing things that gave me a bigger sense of comfort. And so, once I felt that I had prepared as much as I could, that was when I took the first solo trip.

So, it didn’t actually start with, like, just me jumping out there and deciding to be a rebel. It was something that I had mentally prepared for and like logistically prepared for.

Yeah and that’s super important to get to realize and understand because now you are going off and it is a scary thing and I love the little list that you did too, because that I’m sure that helped with your mental state and to calm you down, that’s a really good strategy to do.

So, now that you do this, how did you make it into part of your income streams and make this a part of your business, because it’s one thing to travel solo, go off on your own, maybe you still have a 9 to 5 and then, you know, you just take that off or maybe even as a, you know, a remote worker, you could still do this, but you actually made this a part of your business.

Yeah, I did. All of this was unexpected. I took my first solo trip and that was to Paris, France. I fell in love with solo travel. I felt like a whole new woman and I felt so accomplished like I did it. I did something. And everybody kept saying, “She’s not going to really go by herself.”, and it was like, I proved to them, “You don’t know me.”. And then a part of me said to myself, “I don’t know me either. Now, I’m ready to learn me.”, you know?

It was such an amazing ride with a lot of unexpected great turns. I ended up solo traveling and girls were reaching out to me. Like, “Hey, how are you doing this?”, and I’m like, “Okay, let me show you my little system that I mapped out for me that I rinse and repeat.”, and after solo traveling for about 2 years, I said, “You know what? I’m going to turn this into a course.”.

And from there to here, we are ten thousand clients, 14 different countries and ‘Travel Like A Bawse’ has been featured in Forbes, USA Today, Business Insider, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Essence Magazine.

And all of that started off of me, just making one decision, which was, “I’m just going to take one solo trip and see what happens.” and then, you know, million-dollar company from there.

Well, that is definitely like, I mean, okay, so let me ask you this, Keem, was this something that you sought out to do? Like, because I know there’s a lot of people when they start a business it’s just like, “Okay, I’ve always wanted to do this, I’ve always wanted to be an entrepreneur. I’ve always wanted to do X Y and Z.”, was this something that was born out of your, I guess like just from your passion or was it something that you always thought that you were going to do but it kind of wasn’t exactly? I don’t know if I’m explaining this right, but like, cause sometimes it’s like you know you want to do something big but you just don’t know what it is and it’s like the universe is like kind of sends it to you in like a weird way and sometimes it’s like, you didn’t even know that this was going to happen. So what was that like for you?

It was all by accident and I had no idea that this was going to happen. I have a master’s degree from Montclair State University, I have a master of arts degree in child advocacy and public policy and I was at my job for 15 years.

So, and my job paid for the masters. So, I never thought that I would do anything else besides work, you know, in corporate, I earned the masters, so, obviously I invested some of my own time and cash into it.

So, I thought that I would retire from that job as the regular nine-to-five girl, you know? I never thought that this would be a form of income. It just so happened that so many women were reaching out to me saying, like, “How are you doing this? I am sick of waiting on my friends. I am tired of being the only one that doesn’t have kids, and I actually have the flexibility to travel all the time.”.

So, I put my system together and I thought that I was the only one that was single with no kids and has money and can travel. Until I put the course out there and I realized, “Hey, there’s a lot of people out there who want to do this.”.

Yeah. And for you, when you finally created your course and I know it’s like you mentioned, you know, you thought you were the only one and then you realized how many other people really needed your guidance for all of this, how did you market yourself? Did you already have a decent amount of following? Or did you kind of like try to figure out how to market this yourself because that’s one of the things for people right, who want to create a course, they want to put it out there and then it’s like crickets. But you have made a really good income from this and you’ve been successful at it. What do you think has been that pivotal like decision or moment that allowed you to make this into a sustainable business?

It’s going to sound really corny but honestly the pivotal moment was just sharing my story, because no one can buy from you if they don’t know, really what you’re selling. And most of the time before we buy a product, system from someone, we already bought into them as a person or bought into their mission. I didn’t have this huge following, right now, I have 92000 followers, so, still not a megatron following. I see some people with 300,000 followers, no, I just started posting everyday about “Hey, I solo travel. Here’s three tips on how you can do it. Here is five safety tools that you can use, if you want to do, you know, your first solo trip.”.

So, the thing that I did to make this company a million-dollar company, I just started off small and I stayed consistent about my messaging, even if I didn’t post everyday, I stay consistent about my messaging until people had a very good understanding of who my audience was, you know, what my course can help them with and they were able to actually see the authenticity of my own transformation as I started solo traveling too.

Yeah, and I think that’s so important to really emphasize is your story, your personal story because no one else can have that, right? No one can duplicate it. Everyone’s story is different. Even if you’ve seen other solo travelers before, nobody is going to have your experiences. And also that’s how you engage people and that’s how you get them to really understand because sometimes, like your story will really relate to somebody and, you know, that’s how you hook them and I’m sure that that’s happened to you, otherwise you wouldn’t be this successful as well. So for you now that you have built this business and you mentioned you were in corporate, how was that transition from like going to school for this, you took so much time and energy and then going to finally have your job and then realizing, “Okay, this is not for me. I’m going to completely pivot to this new thing.”, how did you transition for that? Was it an easy decision? Or was there a struggle? Like?

It started out as my side hustle. And so I was like, this is just, you know, my side hustle with my passion project and I love doing it. But once I got to the point where my business was making me five times the amount of my salary each month, I was like, “Okay I don’t have to do this.”, so, I stayed at my job for a year and my company made, “Travel Like A Bawse”, my company made five times more than my monthly salary and when it did for the 12 months straight, I said, “Okay, it wasn’t just a good month or a good flow or I just had a lucky strike for a few months, this is consistently five times better than what I’m getting paid.”, and I’m spending 70 hours every two weeks doing this but I’m only spending 10 hours a week doing this and I love it and it’s my flexibility and more money. So, I paid off all my credit cards and just put a lot of money into my savings and I said, “Okay, I’m ready to, I’m ready to resign from corporate America for good.”.

I love that your decision making is so great, cause sometimes you’ll hear people be like, “Yeah, I just left, quit everything and then hope for the best.”, you know, crossing fingers, but you, you actually made sure that this is going to work for you. And I see this a lot when people dive into this they just don’t know what’s going to happen and what could work or maybe not, right?

But with the way you did it, you made sure that you were successful in this first, that it was realistic and that’s also what I love to see is like, “How can you do this realistically and not, just by crossing fingers, hoping for the best type thing?”, because it seems romantic, it’s a romantic idea to just leave whatever but at the end of the day, realistically, we still have to put food on the table, we don’t have a trust fund and if you have savings, it’s going to come down.

But you actually created the decision for yourself that, “Hey, this was not a fluke. I could do this and this is sustainable for myself.”

Right and I also started mentally slowly backing away from my nine-to-five. So with my nine-to-five, I would often do, maybe 40 hours a month in extra overtime, so that way, I could afford to travel and afford to do the things I wanted to do.

So, a year before I left, I said I’m going to do less and less overtime each month to get myself comfortable with the even smaller salary than what I have now, you know? So I started mentally doing things to like make sure that I was cutting things out of my life, so that way, you know, if I had to go without or, you know, I’m, I had less things, I was like, “Okay, you know what? I’m used to that now.”. So, a lot of mental preparation as well as like logistical preparation.

Yeah and that’s super important too, cause, you know, I think it’s some, the first obvious thing that you think about when you do this is the financials but then yeah, like you, you talked about Keem, it’s also your mental preparation for it because there’s going to be a lot of different things that come your way you don’t know, sometimes your business is really great for the month and then it slows down sometimes, you know, it’s like an up-and-down thing and it’s kind of like bipolar.

It’s like you don’t know what you’re going to get, but you know the consistency of it for a certain amount of time and period will really help and for your business now, you create courses, do you have multiple streams of income? Is that mostly where you create your income or do you have other avenues to make this more sustainable for you as well?

Yeah, so I definitely have multiple streams of income. So, I have 11 different courses, digital courses. So that way, I’m not relying on one particular course or one product and I have 11 different ebooks and training courses. And I, in addition to that, I also have a publishing company. So, all of the different streams of income, both of the different streams of income that I have are both digital, because I’ve made so much money for my laptop and I’m like, “Yeah, like a brick-and-mortar is great. But then I have to pay rent, then I have to worry about the utilities, then I have to worry about when things go wrong.” or something like that and it’s like, “Well as long as I’m working from my laptop all my businesses are on my laptop, it’s a lot less financial overhead for me.”.

Yeah, absolutely and also with your ideal audience as well, you know, they’re all travelers, they’re not going to most likely come to a brick-and-mortar unless they’re traveling there. So, it just makes so much more sense when you do it that way and you can absolutely live this lifestyle in the US, Asia, Europe, Latin America, you know, Africa, wherever you want to go, you can absolutely run this yourself.

So, when you first began this and where you are now, has there been any surprises for you that you didn’t expect? Maybe it was a pleasant, maybe it was an unpleasant surprise, that kind of either took you back or you were just like amazed by what has happened since you started?

I think it’s all been pretty pleasant. Everything is a learning experience, you know, being an entrepreneur, you know, you trade your 9 to 5 from being an entrepreneur, your hours are like from when I wake up to when I go to sleep. I have to say that, I used to think that I worked really hard at my 9 to 5. I was doing all the overtime. I was happily taking it on. I loved my job, and I worked to the bone, you know, my fingers to the bone, or so I thought, but there’s something about being an entrepreneur, where, you know that there is no paycheck coming, there is no other option, this has to work and that gives you an entirely different level of ambition and will that maybe you’ve never really seen before when you had a 9 to 5.

So, as hard as I thought that I worked at a 9 to 5, the realization that there is no check coming. No one’s coming to save you. I have nothing to fall back on and no other plan. It makes me work even harder, so all pleasant surprises.

Yeah, but I do have to say, I think it takes a special kind of person to make this work and get it to the level that you got it, because this is what I see a lot, and I’m talking personally and what I see with other people who want to start a business, like a lot of people want to start a business, a lot of people want to be entrepreneurs, but most people don’t realize, because we all just see the good part, like what you’re doing now, Keem, like you’re traveling, you have all of these things, it looks really great, but they don’t actually realize how much effort and hard work it takes and it will take a lot more hard work than their 9 to 5 and most, right? And most people don’t realize that until they get into, knee-deep into it and then they realize, “Okay, well this is a lot harder, I thought like when you start your business it’s going to be a lot less work and you know you’re just going to be strolling down you know all this money and it’s just going to come and it’s not.”, and you pretty much just just showed us that because you are, you have to work super hard for this and I do feel like, if you want to be or if you want to have a freedom lifestyle unless you have the work ethic to do it, especially in the beginning and later on, it could be a lot less work because you’ve already done the groundwork. If you are not willing to do that, then it may not be for you, because,

Right, because there’s always that misconception, it’s like yeah, you just start making it like, you know, “You work less and you get paid more.”, I’m like, “Yeah, but after so much work that you have to get done like after years of struggle and all of this, then you finally can reap the benefits.”.

Right, right, it takes time.

Yeah, and I think that’s one of the things that I didn’t understand until you get to that point and the hard work is, is there.

Right, it definitely takes time.

Yeah, absolutely. But once you do it, I mean it’s absolutely worth it and you can get to that. But it’s like what is it called? Like when you go to college, they have the hazing period.

I wouldn’t say it’s like the hazing period, I’m more compared, I’d say growing pains, you know?

It’s going to be some work, you know, but as long as you remember why you’re in this and why you got started, then it kind of grounds you.

Yeah, absolutely. So, for now, for your business and what you’re doing right now, I know you have a publishing company, you do a lot of courses, and all of this content that you’re creating, how are you seeing this in the future? Are you going to build it up more? Like, I’m sure you have a plan for this cause you’re very strategic.

Yeah, I think one of the things is that, you know, you have, there’s ebbs and flows of lots of things like, peaks and valleys, so, I said, “You know what?”, in addition to opening up, you know, my publishing company, there’s several other companies that I now want to open and me living an offbeat life and solo travel in the world doing something that a lot of people hadn’t ever seen done before, you know, especially for me, being a woman, it led me to create so much capital by sharing my story, that now I’m allowed to actually have other interest and develop other plans for myself. So, there’s so many other different businesses that I definitely want to open up in the future. And so I’m grateful that I did one thing different. I just made one different decision, “Let me solo travel.”, because that created over a million dollars for me. And now, I can have several other businesses.

For you, Keem, is this, like are you one of the first in your family to do this? to do something that is not, you know, the quote unquote norm?

Yeah, I’m the first.

That’s awesome and how does your family feel about this? Cause, was it like, “What were you doing? Why did you quit your job?”, or were people embracing it and just kind of like, you know, being super supportive?

Everybody was actually really supportive of me, but I let my family also know what the plan was like a year before. So, I’m like, “Hey you know what? ‘Travel Like A Bawse’ is doing so great that I’m going to give myself a year and then from there, if everything looks good, I’m going to walk away from corporate.”. They were all supporting me because I let them in on the plan and what my, you know, goals were, financial goals before I left, how I, you know, I was paying off one credit card a month before I left, so everybody was, it was easier for them to support me because I was so transparent about what I was doing.

Yeah, yeah and I think that’s very important too because you’re not only propping yourself, but you’re prepping the people around you and that kind of takes out the shock of it when you’re just doing it like, “Hey, I’m doing this right now.”, and they’re like, “What? We didn’t even know that you were going to do this, where did that come from?”.

So, maybe let’s look forward to 40, maybe 50 years from now and you’re looking back at your life, what legacy would you like to leave and what do you want to be remembered for?

You know, I would love to leave a legacy for my kids that they can do anything and not to listen to other people and you know some men and women around the world as well, like you can do anything. All it takes is you stepping on the other side of your fear and, you know, I just want to be remembered for helping men and women find themselves and have that financial freedom and have that mental freedom by being able to have the guts to travel the world, you know, to just see it, not wait on anybody.

And if you can do it, this is the best time to do anything too, with the pandemic happening within a few years of us being locked out and everyone’s like, “We don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow. We got to start taking chances!”, and I love that. At least we get like, there’s something positive that came from that.

Right, right!

Well, thank you so much, Keem, for being here with us.

If our listeners want to learn more about you, where can they find you?

So you guys can follow me on Instagram at The Passport Abuser and each Wednesday I teach a free master class that helps men and women around the world ace their first solo trip.

Perfect, love that! Thanks, Keem, for being here, we really appreciate you!

Thank you so much!

Listen to Shakeemah’s interview where she talks about how to stay safe as a solo traveler.

What you’ll find:.

In this extended interview, Shakeemah gives us tips on how to stay safe while on a solo trip. Listen and learn and travel more safely!

Follow Keem:

Show Credits:

Audio engineer: ben smith.

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Monday, April 29, 2024

With Solo Travel Interest Surging, Here’s How Black Women Can Do It Safely

With A Surge In Interest In Solo Travel, Here Are Tips For How Black Women Can Do It Safely

For some people, the idea of traveling alone can sound less than ideal. But for those who have found themselves waiting on friends, family and loved ones to save enough money, have enough PTO or to just simply get serious about that group trip you’ve been talking about for years, a solo trip can sound like the only option to ensure you’re not held back from seeing the world.

Still, traveling alone can sound scary if you’ve never done it before, and it could certainly be rough if you’re not properly prepared. That’s where Keem Smith comes in.

Weary of waiting on others to experience dreamy destinations, Smith, known as The Passport Abuser , started traveling by herself in 2017. She has since created a workshop that helps other women learn the ins and outs of solo vacations, how to do it often without losing all your PTO, ways to book a photographer to capture your favorite moments, and most importantly, tools to do it safely. She’s managed to make millions through her masterclasses.

These days, she works with Teachable , the leading online course platform for creators. She is the most popular solo travel creator, and solo travel courses have become significantly popular on the site due to the pandemic. In the spring alone, they were close to 15 percent of all travel course enrollments for the site.

Smith shared with ESSENCE the reason she got into solo travel, why so many others are flocking to it since Covid began, as well as tips to keep in mind if you too are ready to hit the friendly skies on your own. Learn more and enjoy images of her on her own adventures.

What was your first experience with solo travel?

I took my first solo trip to Paris in the summer of 2017, after being stranded on vacation by two friends. I decided to travel alone because my friends either couldn’t afford to travel with me, had little to no flexibility at work, or had family obligations. Traveling on my own felt like the only way forward—I was either going to live life with regrets, or get out there and pat myself on the back for at least trying if it all failed.

How did that turn into your course(s) and business?  

I honestly never thought I could turn my life experiences into a stream of income or an online course. I didn’t think creating a course on the topic of solo travel would be profitable. At the time, it seemed like I was the only person in the world interested in female solo travel. But once I began posting photos and reels of my solo trips, thousands of women inquired about how I was able to prepare, start, and ace my first solo trip. I began teaching women around the world my nine-week system on taking your first solo trip. Within just one year, my course helped nearly nine thousand women from 14 different countries and grossed $1.1 million dollars.

Why do you think we’re seeing such a big spike in solo travel courses recently?

Two words: revenge travel. After surviving a global pandemic that changed the world, cabin fever is at an all-time high and people are in need of a vacation from the past two years. Most new solo travelers are so ready for a vacation that going alone seems like a much better option than waiting a third summer to experience Capri. If you’re someone who has decided they’re traveling solo, the best thing to do is prepare.

In the last year or so, are there any big trends or patterns you hear from your students about what inspired them to take your course, or why they became interested in solo travel? 

I get hundreds of calls a day from women who report their biggest reason for choosing to travel solo is that they are fed up with waiting on their friends, or the right romantic relationship to come along, before they experience the world.

Do you see any patterns with who is signing up for your solo travel course? Is it younger people, older people, everyone?

I see people of all ages starting their solo travel journey. From women in their 30s who are tired of waiting on friends to women in their 60s who have retired and are empty nesters. What connects all of the women in my community is that they’re in a space of transition. They know they are not meant to live an ordinary life. They want to see the world. They want to conquer their fears. They want to make themselves proud. But most importantly, they’re looking for one-on-one coaching as they start their process.

What are your top tips for people thinking about embarking on their solo travel chapter?

The most important thing to consider with female solo travel is safety. When traveling abroad, enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. The STEP program allows you to enroll your entire itinerary with the local U.S. Embassy in each country you visit. Another thing I’d recommend is to share your location with a friend or family member, and provide them with a copy of your itinerary. That way, they can follow your itinerary and movements throughout the day. Another fun tip is to search on Airbnb, within the Experiences section, for a photographer in each country. This way, you’ll get awesome photos without asking a stranger.

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How a woman went from being stuck on vacation to earning $1.3 million from her travels

Shakeemah “Keem” Smith aka The Passport Abuser is a travel influencer from East Orange, NJ. She has visited 62 countries solo and is the creator of the Travel Like A Bawse course, which has generated over $1.3 million in revenue to date.

Before venturing on his first solo trip, Keem traveled three times a year with friends.

“I’ve always loved traveling because it offered such an adventurous escape from the daily 9-to-5 rush,” she says.

Little did she know that an incident occurring on one of these girls’ trips would soon lead her to a life of solo travel as well as a lucrative new business.

Photo courtesy of The Passport Abuser

How it all began:

In 2016, while on vacation with two friends in amsterdam for her birthday, Keem got stuck without warning.

“I told a friend that I thought her boyfriend was using it. I noticed that for the rest of the night she didn’t speak to me. When we got back to the hotel, she Said she was going to chill downstairs in the hall while I went to the bedroom.She then asked my other friend to stay downstairs with her for a drink.

Keem woke up the next morning on her birthday and noticed they weren’t in the room. When she called them to see where they were, they informed her that they had secured a new hotel room elsewhere.

learn from my mistakes

“I immediately hung up and blocked both of them on Instagram. I never spoke to either girl again. Waking up in the hotel room blocked on my birthday was like if this was the worst day of my life. I had no idea it would be the experience of pushing myself over the fence of solo travel. I did not choose to travel alone. Solo travel chose me. I started my solo journey the following year and never looked back.

Keem’s first solo trip of 2017 was to Paris, France. Since then, she has traveled to 62 countries alone, including some of her favorite destinations like Antigua and Barbuda , The Maldives , bali and Thailand .

Sharing photos and videos of her travels on social media, Keem began to receive many inquiries from other women about the ins and outs of solo travel.

The story continues

Help other women:

“So many women searched daily to find out how they could achieve the same results. In 2018, while visiting my 34th country, South Africa, I decided to create my online solo travel course.

When she first started travelling, Keem never imagined she could make money from her travels. Now she’s become a successful entrepreneur doing what she loves and sharing her ideas. Travel Like A Bawse has helped 10,000 women from 14 different countries achieve their travel goals.

“Travel Like A Bawse is my nine-week online course that teaches women how to be successful on their first solo trip, and also how to master solo travel safely, confidently, and without emptying their bank account.”

“What it took me 62 countries and years of experience to learn, students can learn in just nine weeks, making their solo travel transformation much easier than mine. I teaches women how to build the confidence to travel solo, how to do it cheaply, safety tools, and even provide daily FaceTime calls on every woman’s first solo trip.

Demystify misconceptions

One of the things Keem helps his students do is put aside the misconceptions and fears that have been instilled in them by the media and naysayers who have tried to dissuade them from traveling alone.

A common misconception that Keem commonly encounters is that travel must be expensive and drain all of your funds. In her course, she teaches different ways to save to travel and see the world more cheaply.

“One of the things I did when I was on 9-5 was set aside flights to stay within my monthly budget. I also packed my breakfast and lunch to save more money. ‘silver.

Make solo travel comfortable:

Two other big misconceptions she often hears are that it’s not safe to travel the world as a solo traveler and that it’s lonely or boring to do so. Keem says that is far from the case as she has had some of the most epic experiences of her life on her solo travels. When it comes to safety, she offers several tips to help women stay safe when traveling alone:

“Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. This is a FREE service for US citizens to register with the local US Embassy in each country you visit. Send them a copy of your itinerary prior to arrival and keep the U.S. Embassy number in your cell prior to travel in case of emergency.”⠀

“Use ridesharing apps whenever possible. No yellow taxis. Why? Because the activity of you and the driver is tracked. Otherwise, you won’t have any reference information such as name, reviews, or license plate number handy.

“Keep your stuff in the back seat with you when driving. Just in case the driver tries to overload or you start to feel uncomfortable, it’s easier to get out of the car with your things. »⠀

“Ask your hotel staff or Airbnb host about local scams. In Brazil, we’ve been told that kids will ask for $1 and when you pull out your wallet, they’ll grab it and give it to a waiting adult. near.

“Have solid transportation when visiting another country. Taking the train in Paris is cute, but if you don’t read French, or if you miss your stop, now you’re lost, you probably look lost, and now you’re just a easy target. ⠀

“Have multiple forms of communication with the hotel staff or Airbnb host. Say you lose your key while partying in Madrid, or say your driver can’t find the address, having an email address won’t help you then. Have another form of communication with hotel staff, such as a local number or Whatsapp.

Learn more:

These are just some of the tips students learn in Keem’s course. To learn more about safe and affordable travel around the world, Click here to attend her free masterclass or click the link in her Instagram bio at @thepassportabuser .

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Have A Couple Days To Spare? 5 Ways To Do A Quick Weekend Getaway Right

If you’ve been dreaming about taking a vacation but your PTO is tricky and you only have the weekends available, you should know that you can still plan an exciting trip. Whether you want to explore a new city or just lie on the beach for a few days, a weekend excursion might be just what you need to come back to work refreshed. You can recharge your batteries, spend quality time with family and friends, or enjoy some much-needed solo time . If you’re ready to unwind and make the most of two to three days, we’ve got some advice from a few travel experts on how to plan an amazing weekend getaway.

Consider Taking a Road Trip

If you’ve only got two days for a weekend getaway, consider taking a road trip with friends or family or hitting the road solo. If you don’t work weekends, you could ideally leave on a Friday afternoon, explore (or relax) all day Saturday and Sunday, and then head home Sunday night.

“We love taking road trips and we have a few destinations that are under a six-hour drive from us,” says Ann-Marie Donaldson, who shares her travels with her husband on the YouTube channel Marv & AnnMarie. “One of the places we love is Memphis. You can catch a Grizzlies game, enjoy blues music on Beale Street, or enjoy a live music performance at Crosstown Concourse. Atlanta is another great weekend destination because of the trendy restaurants, great shopping, and amazing nightlife. And outdoor enthusiasts should head to Gatlinburg to hike or admire the Smoky Mountains.”

The key to a great weekend road trip is to choose a destination that’s just a few hours away to maximize your vacation time. Some of the other benefits of choosing a road trip include flexibility, being able to pack what you want, and choosing locations that can be more budget friendly.

Plan Around Federal Holidays

Though it’s possible to enjoy a weekend trip in just two days, check the calendar for any upcoming federal holidays to take advantage of a potential three-day weekend. You can also maximize a holiday weekend by adding a day or two on each end.

“It’s important to take quick breaks even if it’s just for a few days to give yourself a chance to be more present in your everyday life,” says Keem Smith, solo travel expert and travel coach known as The Passport Abuser . “The best way to maximize a weekend trip is to plan it around a paid holiday. For example, when I had a 9-to-5 job, we were given Monday off in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. day. I would then request the Friday before off. This way, I was only using one day of vacation each month. I would fly out Thursday after work, and have all of Friday through Monday to relax before returning to work Tuesday morning refreshed.”

Take Advantage of Flight Deals to Nearby Cities

If you can get a flight deal, flying to a nearby state can also make sense for a weekend trip. You can do a quick search on Google Flights or Skyscanner for low-priced flights or sign up for alerts to let you know when an inexpensive one is available.

“If you’re taking a flight for a weekend trip, make sure that the travel time is no more than three or four hours max,” says Terika Haynes, DBA, MHA, FACHE, owner of Dynamite Travel , a full-service luxury travel agency. “One of my favorite destinations for a quick weekend trip is Scottsdale, which is great for spa, wellness, and self-care activities. Foodies and music aficionados should head to Nashville, and Sonoma is great for wine aficionados.”

Additionally, make sure that you book a direct flight because any flight delays or missed connections will eat into your weekend time. Although a flight with a connection may be a good deal on paper, a connection can easily turn into a day spent in an airport.

Explore the Caribbean

If you have a three or four-day weekend available, consider heading to the Caribbean. A lot of islands offer all-inclusive resorts, which means all you have to do is show up and relax.

“If you’re thinking about the Caribbean, I definitely recommend Antigua, the Bahamas or St. Lucia,” says Smith. “These locations are beautiful and are full of activities – from exploring the Exuma Islands in the Bahamas or taking in the views of the Pitons in St. Lucia. One of my favorite islands is Antigua. It has 365 beaches, but it’s only about 11 miles long, which makes it the perfect getaway if you want paradise but with a more intimate feel.”

Another great tip is to consider passport-free locations in the Caribbean. U.S. citizens can visit the U.S. Virgin Islands (St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. John) and Puerto Rico without a passport, and these locations cut down on the time spent in immigration and customs lines on both sides.

Pack Lightly

Whether your weekend trip is to the Poconos or Puerto Rico, consider packing a carry-on suitcase or overnight bag because getting to your destination without your luggage will put a damper on your weekend.

“Pack clothing that can easily fit in a weekender size bag,” Haynes says. “If you’re traveling to a colder destination it is best to wear your heavier attire so that it does not take up too much space in your luggage. Packing cubes work great for making the packing process organized.”

Though it’s tempting to pack your entire closet for a weekend trip, it’s likely you won’t end up wearing all of it. Instead, grab a few of your favorite outfits and focus on unplugging from work and enjoying your weekend.

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With Solo Travel Interest Surging, Here’s How Black Women Can Do It Safely

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Still, traveling alone can sound scary if you’ve never done it before, and it could certainly be rough if you’re not properly prepared. That’s where Keem Smith comes in.

What was your first experience with solo travel?

How did that turn into your course(s) and business?  

Why do you think we’re seeing such a big spike in solo travel courses recently?

In the last year or so, are there any big trends or patterns you hear from your students about what inspired them to take your course, or why they became interested in solo travel? 

Do you see any patterns with who is signing up for your solo travel course? Is it younger people, older people, everyone?

What are your top tips for people thinking about embarking on their solo travel chapter?

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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!

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure

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 .

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage and 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!

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

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

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

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

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion and Recommendations

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

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

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

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

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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

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

Tara Pittman

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

Adriana Lopez

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

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

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

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

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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

DANA GUTKOWSKI

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

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

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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

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

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

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

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

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With Solo Travel Interest Surging, Here’s How Black Women Can Do It Safely

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Still, traveling alone can sound scary if you’ve never done it before, and it could certainly be rough if you’re not properly prepared. That’s where Keem Smith comes in.

What was your first experience with solo travel?

How did that turn into your course(s) and business?  

Why do you think we’re seeing such a big spike in solo travel courses recently?

In the last year or so, are there any big trends or patterns you hear from your students about what inspired them to take your course, or why they became interested in solo travel? 

Do you see any patterns with who is signing up for your solo travel course? Is it younger people, older people, everyone?

What are your top tips for people thinking about embarking on their solo travel chapter?

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

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

the red st basils church in moscow on a white winters day

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

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

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

man and woman standing in front of main church in moscow

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

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

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

red orthodox church in moscow russia red square on a winter day

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

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

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

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

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

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

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

woman in winter jacket standing in front of St Basils Russian Orthodox in moscow on a winter day

4. Explore the Kremlin

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

selfie of man and woman pointing to the Kremlin in Moscow

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

red exterior of lenins mausoleum in moscow russia

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

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

man in sinter jacket standing in arbat street moscow at night with glistening white lights strung from the buildings

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

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

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

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

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

9. Wander Around GUM

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

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

people walking inside GUM mall in russia with christmas lights

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

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

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

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

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

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

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

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

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Train or Bus to Moscow

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

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

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

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

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

turned-on chandelier on ceiling of moscow metro

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

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

But wait; there’s more!

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

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

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

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

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

group of people walking in moscow red square at night with christmas lights everywhere

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

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

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

woman in head scarf hugging bronze statue of angry bear

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

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

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

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Travel Like A Bawse
In 2015, I created my six week online course, "Travel Like A Bawse", which teaches women how to master solo travel safely, confidently, and without draining their bank account. I created this course with the 2012 version of me in mind, and I wanted to ensure that women around the world could begin their solo travel journey with confidence, MINUS all the mistakes I made when I first got started.
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Shakeemah Smith, affectionately called "The Passport Abuser" has traveled to over 50 countries solo and enjoys empowering women and equipping them with the tools that she's learned over the last eight years (and 57 countries) so other women can start their travel journey around the world. Shakeemah has been featured in Forbes, Business Insider, USA Today, The Washington Post, Pop Sugar, and ...
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