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The 8 best neck pillows for travel in 2023.

Avoid a literal pain in the neck with these expert-approved travel pillows.

The Best Neck Pillows for Travel

The Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow is one of the best neck pillows for travel. (Courtesy of Cabeau)

Just like the pillow you use at home , the best neck pillow for travel is the one that makes you feel most comfortable, allowing you to relax, rest and ultimately fall asleep on the go. The difference, however, is that a travel pillow is typically used when sitting up, which means it needs to provide enough support to keep your head from bobbing.

Based on recommendations from travel experts and advice from physicians, these are the best neck pillows for travel.

Best Overall: Cabeau Evolution S3

Best affordable: mvloc travel pillow, best for long flights: trtl travel pillow, best multipurpose: huzi infinity pillow, best inflatable: sunany inflatable travel pillow, best silk: slip jet setter travel pillow, best for backpacking: marchway ultralight inflatable camping pillow, best for kids: bcozzy double support neck pillow.

(Courtesy of Cabeau)

Frequent travelers praise the design of the Cabeau Evolution S3, which is made of a special dual-density memory foam. "My pillow at home is made with memory foam so it's like bringing a piece of home on my travels," says travel blogger Jasmine Cheng of The Wandering Girl . "The sides are also raised, which prevents my head from moving when I'm sleeping." Travelers also appreciate the patented seat strap system that attaches the pillow to a seat or chair headrest as well as the slim flattened back, both of which prevent the head from bobbing.

A handy storage pouch on the side of the pillow allows you to keep your earbuds or other small items close by, and the pillow comes with a clasp that attaches to carry-on luggage . The removable pillow cover, which comes in a variety of colors, is machine-washable. What's more, this travel pillow can be stored in an included carry bag that condenses it to half its size.

Price: $39.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Cabeau

Travelers appreciate the support (and the price tag) of this memory foam travel pillow. An adjustable rope lock allows you to secure the pillow to your neck for maximum support and comfort. The breathable and machine-washable cloth exterior prevents overheating. This travel pillow also comes with earplugs and an eye mask for ultimate relaxation.

Price: $29.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

(Courtesy of Trtl)

The patented design of the Trtl Travel Pillow – with a hidden internal neck support surrounded by soft, hypoallergenic fleece – makes it a favorite among travelers, particularly for long flights. "Something about it just hits right in a travel accessory category where nothing previously worked for me," explains Meaghan Clawsie, luxury travel advisor at Elated Escapes . "I no longer have any back or neck pain when resting on long-haul flights." Simply wrap the pillow around your neck like a scarf, secure it in place with its built-in fastener and rest your head on the support.

If you tend to overheat easily, there's also the Trtl Pillow Cool , made with Tencel fibers to keep you at a comfortable temperature; a mesh panel makes the pillow particularly breathable as well. Both pillows are machine-washable.

Price: $59.99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Trtl

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

(Courtesy of Huzi Design)

If you're not sold on the classic U-shaped neck pillows for travel, consider this snake-like option instead. Able to be twisted into a variety of positions, the versatile Huzi Infinity Pillow provides whatever support feels best – even if that means resting your head on the tray table for a bit. You can also wear it around your neck like a scarf for neck and back comfort (even when you're not snoozing), use it as an eye mask, or drape it over your head if you get cold or want to block out noise.

Travelers love the pillow's bamboo fabric, describing it as soft, smooth and cool. Since it's filled with polyester, the whole pillow can be tossed in the washing machine , unlike its memory foam counterparts. The Infinity Pillow is available in nearly a dozen different colors, including gray, navy and pink.

Price: $45 or less Shop now: Amazon | Infinity Pillow

Read:  What to Pack in Your Carry-on Bag

(Courtesy of Sunany)

Travelers love the H-shaped design of this inflatable pillow because it allows for use in multiple directions and supports both sides of the head and neck with a flat back. A removable hood on the pillow is a bonus: It encourages a cozy feel and prevents cold drafts from too much air conditioning. For optimal comfort, it is recommended to inflate the pillow about 80% to 90%.

A pocket for your earbud case on this travel pillow provides convenient access for listening to music, and the removable velour cover is machine-washable. The lightweight inflatable pillow can be stored in the included waterproof drawstring bag, which can also be attached to luggage. This travel neck pillow is available in black, gray and blue.

(Courtesy of Slip)

Travel pillows don't get softer than this luxurious new option by Slip. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is made with the highest-grade long fiber mulberry silk, which helps to prevent skin creases and bedhead. It also comes with a carrying case with handles. The Jet Setter Travel Pillow is available in three prints and a pretty solid blush color.

Price: $99 or less Shop now: Amazon | Slip

While you can often bring your pillow from home for tent camping, backpacking requires something more lightweight, such as this inflatable option by Marchway. "An inflatable pillow is a game-changer when it comes to backpacking, and an ultralight pillow can't be beat," says Leilani Osmundson , digital producer for travel at U.S. News. "The Marchway pillow fits the bill: It's comfortable, packable and extremely lightweight." This pillow is designed for both back and side sleepers, and doubles as a lumbar support for everyday travels and needs. Once it's deflated, you can machine-wash the cover before folding the pillow into an included drawstring bag.

Price: $13.99 or less Shop now: Amazon

(Courtesy of BCOZZY)

The BCOZZY neck pillow is ideal for all travelers – including kids, with small sizes for youngsters between 3 and 7 years old, and medium options for ages 8 and 12. Travelers like the ergonomic design of the patented pillow, which supports the head and neck by propping the chin up. Overlapping pillow arms, which wrap around the neck and under the chin, can be tightened based on the level of support you need.

If you or your child is a side sleeper, fold the pillow in half, double up the sides and place it on your shoulder, leaning your head to the side. An elevated side option allows you to overlap the pillow arms on top of each other and rotate it 90 degrees to the side for double support for the neck and chin.

This travel pillow is available in a variety of colors and patterns, including light blue and pink hearts. A snap strap attaches the included travel bag to your child's luggage , and you can throw the pillow in the washing machine after your trip.

Price: $44.97 or less Shop now: Amazon

Frequently Asked Questions

Experts agree a supportive pillow is essential for travel. "The biggest issue many travelers experience when sleeping on a plane is that the seats don't recline enough," explains Dr. Alex Dimitriu, a sleep/wake and performance specialist who is dual board certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine. "This often results in the head being just on the brink of tipping forward – which is not a comfortable sleeping position. Because of this insufficient recline, it is important to keep padding behind the head and neck minimal to reduce the tendency for the head to tip forward."

Most travel pillows are designed to be worn around the neck, providing enough support to prevent the head from tipping forward.

When shopping for a neck pillow for travel, experts recommend considering the following factors:

Proper head support:  What's most important is ensuring your head is supported in the right places by your travel pillow – and, in particular, not being pushed forward by excessive padding. "A good pillow would provide support for side sleeping, rather than a lot of padding behind the head, which just pushes the head forward too much," says Dimitriu.

Material: Consider both the external and internal material of the pillow:

External: Chiropractic physician Eric Smith advises to make sure the material of your travel pillow is breathable and won't subject you to an overheated sleep, since one of the main reasons for moving around a lot as you sleep is getting too hot. "When your face gets too hot on one side, even if you're sleeping, you're going to move from it because it's too warm," Smith explains.

There's no real consensus on which material is best for a cool, comfy sleep – and different people will have different preferences – so Smith's advice is to try before you fly (and don't hesitate to request a refund if your chosen pillow isn't working out).

• Internal: Memory foam pillows tend to offer more firm support – something Smith recommends for anyone, but especially older travelers. "The majority of patients I have that get older, we actually need a more firm pillow, we need a more firm bed, we need more support," Smith says. Pillows filled with microbeads mold more to the neck and head, while inflatable pillows can be adjusted to your preferences based on how much air you use to blow them up.

A travel pillow for your neck isn't considered a carry-on or personal item (and the same generally goes for small, loose items like jackets and umbrellas). That said, it's always best to review your airline's carry-on luggage size restrictions before traveling.

A good neck pillow for travel isn't the only key to achieving a decent sleep while in transit. "From the standpoint of evolution, we're kind of hardwired to be a little bit more on high alert in those situations," explains Rebecca Robbins, an instructor in medicine at Harvard Medical School and scientist at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital. "We're a little bit more in fight or flight mode; our brain is subconsciously scanning the environment for threats and there are new sounds and new smells."

She recommends finding elements that are relaxing to you, which might include some of the following:

• Travel blanket: Look for something lightweight, such as the EverSnug Travel Blanket on Amazon. This blanket comes with a carrying case, which can double as a pillow when the blanket is stored inside.
• Essential or aromatherapy oils: Scents like lavender and peppermint can be especially calming.
• Earplugs: Choose headphones that block some or all external noise. The Bose QuietComfort 45 Wireless Headphones are especially well rated.
• White noise app: There are a variety of free apps, or you can try a paid option like Calm (which offers a free trial).
• Eye mask: An eye mask like this cotton option on Amazon helps to block out the bright light on planes.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top Compression Socks for Travel
• The Top Walking Shoes for Travel
• The Top Carry-on Backpacks
• Can I Use My Own Airplane Seat Belt Extender?
• The Best Travel Medical Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Travel Gear

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The Best Travel Pillows for Long-Haul Flights

By Lauren Burvill

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flier and a rookie—the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flier, hanging from a backpack or being worn (wrongly) around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realize that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research though—as we’ve done for you here— and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game recently. Specialized brands like  Trtl  and  BCozzy  have entered the market, while pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles.

How we choose the best travel pillows

Every pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by our editors. When testing, we consider quality, price, unique design features, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

Our top picks:

• Best overall travel pillow: Cabeau Evolution S3 travel pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow
• Best budget buy: Dot & Dot Twist memory foam travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for an upgrade to a basic does-the-job travel pillow or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's Evolution S3 travel pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket—ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest are the velcro straps on the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we love it:  “The foam in this pillow is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." — Sarah Allard , digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from Trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage—it weighs only 4.5 ounces. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved U-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we love it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortably on, so I was keen to try this style. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” — Sarah James , deputy digital editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever crossbody-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable, too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage.

Why we love it:  “I really love the shape of this pillow, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” — Lauren Burvill , senior commerce editor, Condè Nast Traveller UK

Best travel pillow for: red-eye flights

More than just a neck pillow, the Pluto Pod boasts a lightly structured and padded hood, as well as a pull-down eye mask. Do you resemble a bobble-headed, 1950s-style alien when you wear it? Yes, you do. Is it, by far, one of the best travel pillows we've tested? Absolutely.

Why we love it : “The pillow has helped me cut down on my sleeping tools. With the Pod, I can eschew ear plugs and an eye mask because the padded hood dampens noise and the flip-down eye mask blocks almost all light. Sleeping with one is like being inside a mini sensory deprivation tank, except you don’t have to worry about getting wet.” — Juliet Izon , contributor

Read a full review here .

Best travel pillow for: flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders, or even lower back.

Why we love it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” —L.B.

Best travel pillow for: side sleepers

Similar to the Trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck, and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture, but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we love it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without it feeling too suffocating.” —L.B.

Best for: warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Why we love it:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cozy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck—ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” —L.B.

Best travel pillow for : Versatility

Slip this microbead-filled cap over your head and you’ll completely redefine the experience of sleeping on the go. From the outside, the wacky-shaped headpiece may feel a tad like a Teletubbies costume, but once you pull your head through the 27.5-inch opening, any place you find yourself in—no matter how bright or how loud—can turn into a sleep zone.

Why we love it: “And there’s no right or wrong way to use it: On a plane, use it to lean against the wall of the window seat, lie head down on the tray table of the middle seat, or tilt backward on the headrest of the seat.” — Rachel Chang , contributor

This article was originally published on Condé Nast Traveller UK .

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The 11 Best Travel Pillows of 2023, Tested and Reviewed

Sleep and relax comfortably on the go with these top travel pillows

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure where she tests, researches, and writes about travel products. Since living overseas in 2018, Anna has been a travel writer and began reviewing products in 2021.

In This Article

Jump to a Section

• Our top picks
• Others We Liked

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T+L

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

Travel + Leisure

Sitting upright for hours on end can be incredibly uncomfortable, but a travel pillow can make your trip a lot more tolerable. Whether embarking on a red-eye flight or taking the train, the best travel pillows will be comfy, supportive, and portable. 

We tested 24 travel pillows based on traits like comfort, durability, portability, and quality. We narrowed down the best options while using the accessory for road trips, long-haul flights, and train rides. Our top pick for the best travel pillow overall is Cabeau The Neck's Evolution S3. We love that this pillow folded down into its own, compact carrying case and comes with a washable cover to keep it fresh between trips. We also found the best pillow choices for travelers who like a softer or firmer pillow along with styles that are perfect for middle seats and budget-conscious travelers, too. 

Best Overall

Cabeau the neck's evolution s3 (tne) neck pillow.

• Comfort 4.5 /5
• Quality 4.8 /5
• Portability 5 /5
• Durability 5 /5

The seat strap system keeps the pillow in place and prevents painful neck cramps.

It can feel stiff at first and takes some getting used to.

This soft and supportive travel pillow is the perfect accessory for long trips, whether you're in the car or in the air. The pillow itself can attach to any headrest with adjustable straps to prevent your head from sagging or falling into uncomfortable positions while sleeping. There's also an adjustable chin strap for added comfort and security. The pillow's exterior fabric is soft and cozy, yet breathable so you don't feel too hot or constricted although it can take some time to find your perfect position.

We also love that the pillow case is machine washable. We tested this pillow on a long international trip where it really got tossed around on planes, trains, and buses, so it felt great to wash the cover at the end of the trip, making it good as new. Despite its fairly large size, the pillow is also quite portable as it rolls up into a compact carrying case that can attach to a bag's exterior or slip into larger backpacks and totes.

Price at time of publish:  $50

The Details:  Polyester, microsuede, foam   | Portable case | Machine-washable

Best Overall, Runner-up

Cushion lab ergonomic travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 4 /5
• Quality 5 /5

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that allows travelers to adjust the amount of support needed.

It can have a snug fit.

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow can make your trip much more comfortable, whether in the middle seat of a plane or a car. With an ergonomic design, one side of the pillow is larger than the other to support the chin if your head tilts while sleeping, and the back has a cushion that is contoured to keep the head in an upright position. During testing, the neck pillow provided a comfortable rest for the chin, and we didn’t feel too hot while wearing it. Although the cushion fits snugly around the neck, it didn’t take long to get used to it, and we could nap comfortably during a train and car ride. The buckled strap was easy to adjust, and we liked having the ability to spin the pillow around to use the asymmetrical sides and back to find the most comfortable position for sleeping in the window and middle seats. With a soft, recycled polyester exterior and Cushion Lab’s extra-dense memory foam, the quality of the travel pillow is luxurious and sturdy, and it folds into a small ball to fit inside a carrying bag that can clip onto a backpack or a suitcase. 

Price at time of publish:  $55

The Details:  Polyester, Hyperfoam   | Portable case | Machine-washable

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Best Budget

Cloudz microbead travel neck pillow.

• Comfort 5 /5
• Quality 4 /5

It molds to the shape of your neck to prevent bobbing.

The cover can't be removed and washed.

The Cloudz Microbead Travel Neck Pillow is a no-frills option that offers generous neck support for a budget-friendly price. It is filled with tiny microbeads that quickly mold to the shape of your neck and prevent your head from bobbing around while sleeping. We appreciated its lightweight but sturdy feel, and that there were no signs of damage after using the neck pillow or when clipping it onto a suitcase to transport. Although the cover can’t be removed, we noted that the fabric is easy to touch up with instructions to spot clean the surface as necessary. Cozy and breathable, the travel pillow did a solid job of regulating temperature and keeping the neck warm during cold flights and cool during hot flights. 

Price at time of publish: $20

The Details: Polyester, microbeads | No portable case | Machine-washable

Best Splurge

Ostrich pillow go neck pillow.

The pillow has an asymmetrical design that can accommodate neck, chin, and head support preferences.

It might warm your neck if you run hot while sleeping.

The Ostrich Pillow Go Neck Pillow feels like sleeping on a cloud. This travel pillow provided the perfect amount of neck support and comfort, allowing us to get more rest on a flight than usual. The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it rolls up to fit in a compact drawstring sack. The pillow holds its shape despite being in the bag for long periods, which leads us to believe that it will hold up well with prolonged use. The pillow cover is removable and can be machine-washed, but we air-dried it to ensure it didn’t shrink (and had no issues putting it back on the pillow). A must-have for those with higher budgets, this pillow allowed for better sleep and more comfort on flights.

Price at time of publish: $60

The Details: Viscosa, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable

Travel + Leisure / Susan Brickell

Best Cooling

Cabeau evolution cool pillow.

• Quality 4.5 /5

The mesh air vents make the pillow breathable. 

It’s made of firm memory foam.

The Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow is a great pick for travelers that get warm quickly. The pillow is designed to prevent heat from building up as you wear it as mesh vents in between two layers of cushiony memory foam filter in the air. We liked the breathability feature and moisture-wicking fabric, and said we didn’t feel overheated while using it on an airplane or road trip. While it took a moment to get situated, once the pillow was in the most comfortable position, it was extremely supportive and firm without feeling too hard. We especially liked the portability of the already lightweight pillow (thanks to its durable-feeling carrying case), and the mesh pocket for storing small accessories. This pillow quickly unfolds to its original shape despite being rolled up and going in and out of the compact case as well. 

The Details: Memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable

Best Sustainable

Therm-a-rest compressible pillow.

• Portability 4 /5

It’s made of recycled and upcycled materials that are comfortable and breathable.

It doesn’t offer neck support like a regular travel pillow.

If you’re not a fan of the typical U-shaped travel pillow, the Therm-a-Rest Compressible Pillow is a great alternative. It resembles the rectangular style of a traditional pillow, and it compresses down to be easily transported whether you’re flying or camping. The recycled polyester fabric is light and breathable, and the foam filling — made from extra polyurethane foam left over after producing REI’s sleeping pads — provides a soft cushion for your head. We also loved how durable it is, especially for various uses like camping, flying, or taking a nap at home. While the pillow doesn’t come with a carrying bag, it has a toggle strap to compress it into a smaller size and a built-in cover that you fold the pillow into for protection while traveling. 

Price at time of publish: $37 for medium

The Details: Recycled polyester, polyurethane foam fill | No portable case | Machine-washable

Best for Window Seats

J-pillow chin-supporting neck pillow.

It’s easy and intuitive to use for resting your chin and head.

It could be more supportive when you’re leaning against a window.

The J-Pillow Chin-supporting Neck Pillow has a J-shape that wraps around the neck to support the chin and the front, back, and one side of the head. Despite the different design than a typical U-shaped travel pillow, it is easy to use and fits securely while sleeping or resting during travels. The pillow comes with a compact case that can be attached to a piece of luggage to make traveling with it effortless. After being folded up in the carrying case for some time, the J-shape didn’t falter, and remained supportive and soft. We think the J-Pillow is ideal for any type of traveler since it's very portable and lightweight.

Price at time of publish: $50

The Details: Polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable

Travel + Leisure / Jennifer May

Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow

• Durability 4.5 /5

It’s supportive without feeling too stiff. 

This would be best for travelers who know they prefer a firm travel pillow.

We love the comfortable and supportive Aeris Memory Foam Travel Pillow for travelers that like a firmer neck pillow. The buckle strap adjusts accordingly to fit around your neck, and offers 360-degree support on the chin, jaw, and back. We loved how you can lean back in the car or plane, and the back of the neck doesn't fall backward. In addition to having exceptional support, the Aeris travel pillow folds into a small ball and easily fits into the circular carrying case that can clip onto a backpack or suitcase without being a noticeable nuisance. The holder also has a frontal slip pocket for storing the earplugs and eye mask that are included with the travel pillow. After a trip, the carrying case can be unzipped and machine-washed, although we recommend air-drying it to prevent any possibility of shrinkage. 

Price at time of publish: $26

The Details: Velour, polyester, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable

Travel + Leisure / Anna Popp

Best Memory Foam

Everlasting comfort memory foam travel pillow kit.

It’s supportive and has a super soft cover.

It may be too firm and stiff for some travelers.

This velvety memory foam pillow is the perfect companion for getting some in-flight shuteye. Not only is it supportive when worn around your neck, but it's a great pillow to lean on if you get a coveted window seat. We felt that the memory foam served its purpose by being supporting, but forgiving, as it molded to her head and neck shape for ultimate comfort. For both a cross-country flight and a transatlantic flight, this pillow held up really well — even when stuffed into bags, looped through luggage handles, carried, and, of course, slept on. It's easy to clean and it holds its shape well. To make this pillow even more portable and convenient, it even comes with a little stuff sack, an eye mask, and ear plugs.

Price at time of publish: $30

Best Side Support

Cabeau evolution s3 travel pillow.

• Durability 4 /5

This pillow is soft and durable.

The suede-like outer material has a tendency to pick up lint.

This travel pillow was designed to keep your head and neck supported for even the longest of flights. Not only is the semicircular pillow adjustable, so you can get the shape perfect for you, it also features and adjustable seat strap to prevent your head from dropping while you rest. Right out of the box, we loved the high-quality of the memory foam, which makes it supportive and soft, and the cover material feels great against the skin. It gives users a great balance of softness and support. To keep your pillow protected and prevent any risk that it will end up getting dragged across the airport floor, this also comes with a compact carrying case that compresses down to fit into carry-on luggage.

Price at time of publish: $40

The Details: Polyester, microsuede, memory foam | Portable case | Machine-washable

Travel + Leisure / Erin Johnson

Gingerlily Silk Travel Pillow

• Portability 3 /5
• Value 3.5 /5

To protect your hair and skin throughout your travels, a silk pillow is the way to go.

It's 12 x 16 inches, so make sure you have plenty of room to pack it.

For those who love sleeping on silk pillowcases at home, this mini version for travel is an absolute must. Yes, it can be pricey to buy a silk travel pillow, but it's also expensive to ruin a blowout and have to find a salon on vacation (and there's no price to be put on fresh, clean skin). This pillow is smaller than a standard pillow at 12 inches wide and 16 inches long, but can still be used in bed in a pinch and is perfect for trains, planes, and cars — just make sure you have the space in your carry-on bag. After using this pillow for multiple long trips, it shows no signs of loose stitches, fraying, or pilling. Rather, the pillow feels like it will last without ever going limp or flat.

Price at time of publish: $125

The Details: Mulberry silk, cotton sateen, polyester

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

TripSavvy / Morgan Ashley Parker

Other Travel Pillows We Liked

While we were able to narrow down the travel pillows for our best list, there were some that almost made the cut but didn’t due to a few weaknesses noted by our testers. 

Hest Pillow : This standard pillow is on the softer side yet still provides support and comfort while laying on it, but the fabric is slightly itchy, and it’s bulky to carry around, even when compressed.

Gingerlily Silk Travel Neck Pillow : We love that this pillow is high-quality and made with luxurious material, but it doesn't come with a carrying case, which we think you would need to keep this pillow protected.

Cabeau Evolution Classic Travel Neck Pillow : While the memory foam is the perfect balance of firm and soft, we found this pillow to be just a bit too bulky for frequent travel.

Travel + Leisure / Daniela Galvez

We sent out 24 travel pillows to our testing experts to use during their upcoming trips. To thoughtfully curate this list, we researched popular options to fit a variety of comfort preferences, including pillows made of memory foam and microbeads, and tested different shapes, too. 

On a scale of one to five, our testers rated the pillows based on comfort, quality, durability, and portability. The pillows with the best comfort scores met or exceeded our expectations for special features, including cooling, firmness, softness, or other claims by the manufacturer. Our testers used the pillows for several hours at a time, if not longer, to see how comfy they were while sleeping, reading, or watching a movie while traveling. We asked our testers to note if they were able to sleep with the pillow on, if it caused any neck pain or discomfort, and how warm or cool the pillow felt around the neck. To check for quality and durability, our testers examined the build of the pillow to feel how well-made it appeared. After using the pillows during trips, they judged durability based on their functionality after several uses. The pillows with the highest score for portability were able to compress down into carrying bags that allow travelers to transport the pillow with exceptional ease. The best pillows also kept their shape after being tucked away into a case and always sprang back into their original form with no signs of damage. 

Tips for Buying a Travel Pillow

Prioritize neck support.

When it comes to sleeping in planes, trains, or cars, you should focus on your neck and head support. When your head drops during sleep, it restricts your breathing and can leave you with a sore neck or even a headache. Your travel pillow should be supportive enough that your neck stays securely upright without feeling as though you're being squeezed.

Portability is key 

Whether you pack light or over-pack, a travel pillow that compacts into a small carrying case is ideal for bringing along on trips. Of course, some travel pillows don’t compress, but they should still be easy to clip onto a suitcase and not bump into too many things if you’re traversing an airport or train station.  

Consider the filling material 

Travelers who like a more firm pillow should opt for a memory foam filling that can offer more support than an inflatable alternative. Microbead pillows can be just as supportive as memory foam ones, but they tend to be on the softer side and more suited to travelers that like a little less structure while sleeping. 

Generally, washing instructions will be included with the purchase of a travel pillow or on its tag. Removable covers can usually go through a machine wash, but many of our testers opted to air-dry the cover to prevent any shrinkage that could happen in a dryer. If a pillow doesn’t have a removable cover, you can spot clean the pillow by using a wet cloth or rag dipped into soapy water.

Most standard travel pillows have a semicircular shape that wraps around the neck to support the neck, head, and chin. These U-shaped pillows often have memory foam or microbead filling, but there are also inflatable neck pillows. In addition, standard pillows make great travel pillows, and plenty of rectangular-styled pillows compress down for better portability. Finally, while traditional pillows might be better suited for a traveler in the window seat, there are unique J-shaped travel pillows that are perfect for supporting the neck and head of someone sitting in the middle or aisle seat.

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna participated in this real-world product test and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel pillows based on a series of tests completed during trips taken by plane, car, and train this summer.

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The Best Travel Pillow

Short of scoring a row of empty seats—dream on!—your best bet for getting at least a little sleep while flying is a travel pillow.

After asking 10 panelists to try on eight travel pillows and after taking four cross-country red-eyes in window, aisle, and middle seats, we think the comfortable and easy-to-pack  Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow is the best travel pillow for most people.

Everything we recommend

Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow

The best travel pillow.

Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size.

Buying Options

Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow

A travel pillow available at airports.

This memory-foam neck-support pillow is highly adjustable, but without a contoured back, it can’t quite sit flush with the headrest. It’s available at many airport stores, though.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

It’s a fleece scarf with a built-in plastic brace—like a one-sided neck brace, but softer and cozier. However, it’s not so great if you tend to shift position while you sleep, and it costs more than the other pillows we recommend.

Bcozzy Pillow

Great with large headphones.

Featuring an adjustable design that accommodates over-the-ear headphones, the Bcozzy is an excellent chin-support pillow for people who nod forward as they sleep.

The uniquely angled back on the Travelrest Ultimate sets it apart from other travel pillows because it can lay flat against the seat back. Most other pillows have a rounded back, which pushes your head away from the headrest. The Travelrest also has rubber grip dots to prevent slipping while sleeping. This pillow’s spongy memory foam cushions the entire circumference of your neck, preventing your head from leaning far in any direction, and its adjustable Velcro strap ensures it can fit most necks. The pillow’s cozy velour exterior is removable and machine-washable. Although it doesn’t pack flat, the Travelrest weighs less than a pound and compresses to a quarter of its size when rolled into its Velcro-strapped carrying case.

Our only complaint is that the Travelrest’s high walls, while supportive, can push over-ear headphones off of the ears of people with shorter necks. While the memory foam feels plush, it’s also quite firm; this offers excellent support, but not much give. It also doesn’t let you adjust the fit, like our two wrappable picks: the Turtl and the BCozzy . If the Travelrest fits your neck, it’s an excellent pillow. If your neck is much longer or shorter than this pillow’s 5-inch wall, though, you might prefer the fit of one of our other pillow picks.

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If our top pick sells out, or if you find yourself pillowless past security, the Cabeau Evolution Classic Pillow is almost as good a pillow. It lacks the Travelrest’s angled, lay-flat back, but its U-shape, contoured memory-foam core and machine-washable velour cover still provide comparable levels of comfort. Its adjustable string closure also means that you can fit the pillow much tighter around your neck than you can with the Travelrest, making it a good choice for people with smaller necks or people who prefer a more constricted fit. Additionally, it’s the only one of our picks that we’ve regularly seen in stores located behind the security checkpoint at many airports.

If you typically lean to the same side while sleeping, the Trtl Pillow’s fleece-covered plastic frame provides unshakeable support to one side of your neck while remaining comfortable to wear. It’s basically a one-sided neck brace. The pillow’s cozy wraparound fleece will also keep your neck warm, making it a good choice for anyone who gets cold while flying (and a poor choice for those who sleep hot). But the Trtl’s winning quality is its tiny, packable size. Unlike any of our other picks, the Trtl does not need to be compressed or stuffed into a carrying case. It will always take up about as much space as a PB&J sandwich. (It costs a lot more than one, though.)

The Bcozzy , a variation on the hemi-doughnut theme, is our pick for anyone who wears large over-the-ear headphones on a flight or tends to nod forward while they sleep. The pillow’s overlapping ends form a snug cushion that holds your chin in place far better than do the Trtl’s plastic frame or the Travelrest and Cabeau’s chin-facing gap. While the pillow does not provide great support to either side of your neck, if paired with a large pair of headphones, the Bcozzy holds a head in place perfectly. While not as compressible as our other picks, the pillow has a small loop that can be clipped to the outside of most bags so it doesn’t have to take up space inside your bag.

The research

Why you should trust us, who this is for, how we picked our best travel pillow finalists, how we tested travel pillows, our pick for the best travel pillow: travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow, runner-up for the best travel pillow: cabeau evolution classic pillow, also great for portability: trtl pillow, also-great chin-support pillow for forward-nodders: bcozzy pillow, other good travel pillows, the competition.

I am a frequent flyer who often takes red-eyes from coast to coast—I now live in Brooklyn but fly home to San Francisco to visit my parents. I’m also an insomniac, so falling asleep on planes has never been easy for me. While writing this article, I tested eight travel pillows on two five-hour flights and slept with our four picks on two more cross-country flights. I also spoke with Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change at the time of the interview, to see what she looks for in a travel pillow.

In addition, my Wirecutter colleagues as a whole are an exceptionally mobile group. We’ve worked remotely from every continent except Antarctica, so I asked some folks on staff which pillows they like and use regularly. (They’ve also since contributed some additional testing.)

Boarding a red-eye without a travel pillow in your bag is like choosing to sleep on the floor when there’s a perfectly good futon nearby. Sure, it’s no bed, but it’s a hell of a lot better than hardwood. In an interview she did in 2017 with The Atlantic reporter Kelly Conaboy, Dr. Mary O’Connor, then the director of Yale’s Center for Musculoskeletal Care, said that despite a lack of clinical studies that support the efficacy of travel pillows, “Many of us who travel have experienced falling asleep with our neck in a weird position and it bothering us thereafter. So, I think they can be helpful, but that depends on how they’re used and whether they support the neck.” In other words, using a supportive pillow may decrease the chances you wake up with an unwanted crick. It certainly has in our experience.

However, not all travel pillows are the same, and if you also happen to have a zealous hatred of your travel pillow, you probably have a bad one. So even if you have a generic pillow you picked up at some airport a few years ago, consider upgrading to one of our picks. And of course, these pillows work well on buses and trains, too.

So how can you tell if a pillow is likely to actually support your head? Rebecca Robbins, a postdoctoral fellow studying sleep at the time of our interview, says the best travel pillows will keep your head elevated and in alignment with your spine: “Look for something that would really be supportive. My one gripe with most travel pillows is that they’re too soft and not too full—you want something that will be supportive as you try to get comfortable in your limited space.” Robbins also recommends finding a pillow that can keep you cozy but not too hot, as she says it’s easier to sleep with a lower body temperature.

Robbins does her best to avoid one common travel situation. “My number one sleep tip is to not take a red-eye if you can avoid it,” she said. “If the flight is five hours, you’re going to only have three hours of true rest, because all the announcements—‘lower your window,’ ‘raise your window.’ Those can be significant distractions.”

We also looked at existing editorial reviews for guidance. Ethan Green , founder of the sleep resource blog No Sleepless Nights, compiled an extensive comparative review of popular travel pillows that we found helpful when deciding what models to test.

For people who want a travel pillow that will ease some of the discomfort of sleeping upright on a bumpy plane ride, we’ve identified the following key features:

• Comfort and support: The pillow should offer ample support for the weight of your neck and head but not restrict your movements or feel too tight.
• Portable (but not inflatable): You don’t want your travel pillow to take up so much space in your carry-on that you can’t bring other things you need, so it should compress to a smaller size. Barring that, there should at least be a way to clip it to the outside of your bag or luggage. Inflatable pillows are easy to pack but should be avoided. They inevitably spring a leak, often sooner rather than later.
• Soft: The material should feel plush against your skin but not trap so much heat that it’s uncomfortable to wear.
• Universal fit (or as close as possible): The pillow should allow space for people to sleep with a ponytail or accommodate bigger hair, as well as a whole variety of head shapes and sizes and neck lengths.
• Sleeping styles: It should also accommodate people who move their head in any direction while they sleep. It should also work in a window, a middle, or an aisle seat.
• Speed of compression/decompression: In case you need to quickly stow your pillow before exiting the plane, or if you want to catch some shut-eye in a moment’s notice, it shouldn’t take too long to stuff the pillow into its carrying case or unfold it to full size.
• Weight: Ideally, the pillow shouldn’t add undue burden to your carry-on. While inflatable pillows will always be the lightest option, memory-foam pillows don’t weigh much more and can offer significantly more comfort.
• Grip/traction: Your head will likely move around a bit while sleeping on a plane, especially if there’s turbulence. So any kind of grip or traction around the bottom of the pillow will help it stay in place and keep you snoozing.
• Machine washable: As you might expect from a vessel that ferries hundreds of people back and forth across the sky on a daily basis, planes can be filthy. So you’ll want to be able to wash the whole pillow—or at least its cover—before you take it on your next trip.

We researched more than 40 travel pillows—which ranged from variations on a hemi-doughnut to inscrutable crowdfunded designs—and after comparing hundreds of glowing and enraged Amazon reviews, we decided to test eight. We asked a panel of 10 people to try each of the pillows in a chair pushed against the wall of a conference room (the closest we could come to airline conditions in our office) and surveyed them on the fit, comfort, and support of each pillow. The panelists all had a variety of neck lengths and jaw sizes, and one even had a substantial beard. We also ran all of the pillows or their detachable pillowcases through a washing machine as instructed to see how well each stood up to a spin cycle and tumble dry.

And because simulations are rarely enough, I brought eight travel pillows on two cross-country flights to see how the pillows felt in the specific back design of an airplane seat. As I was lucky enough to have unnecessarily kind and understanding neighbors (thank you, Mike and Deborah!), I wore each of these pillows in a window, a middle, and an aisle seat to see if they felt comfortable in each configuration. I also tried on Deborah’s Muji travel pillow (as she offered), but determined it had much less support than our picks. I also carried all of our picks on two more cross-country flights on a different airline to ensure the pillows did just as well in different seat designs.

The Travelrest Ultimate remains our top pick after several years because its plush but firm memory-foam core offers more support to your neck than that of any other pillow. It’s also one of the few pillows we tested that felt specifically designed for an airline seat, with an angled, grippy back that aligns perfectly to both upright and reclined positions and ensures the pillow won’t slide down as you nod off. The velvety-soft pillow supports heads and necks of all sizes and can be fitted with an adjustable cord and clasp. In the tried-but-true shape of a hemi-doughnut—imagine a doughnut with a bite taken out—the Travelrest Ultimate may look like other pillows, but a number of thoughtful details make it a softer, more supportive pillow than all the rest.

The Travelrest offers better all-around support than any other pillow we tested. Its broad, marshmallowy walls hug the whole circumference of your neck. It feels supportive but not stifling. The easy-to-fasten Velcro strap means it can be adjusted to a snug fit for necks of many sizes. There’s even a small crevice for curlier hair or a ponytail.

In addition to fitting your neck, the Travelrest’s back tapers up to a point to fit flat against an airline seat back. Most neck pillows lack this tapering on the back and the excess padding can push your neck away from the headrest, causing your neck to droop forward. Additionally, the Travelrest has grippy dots on the back that prevent it from slipping.

In addition to its excellent support, the Travelrest is very comfortable and cozy to wear. Its memory-foam core is wrapped in velour, which kept my neck warm without overheating it. The Travelrest’s velour also felt softer and smoother against my skin than similar coverings on other pillows, such as the Cabeau Evolution. It’s also easy to clean: The Travelrest’s cover is easily unzipped and machine-washable. The velour retained its softness after going through a wash and dry cycle.

While the Travelrest isn’t inflatable, it packs down to the size of a roll of toilet paper in its carrying case. Once you fold it cinnamon-roll style and it’s small enough to fit inside the bag, a Velcro strap on the pouch helps you compress it even further. If there’s still not enough space for it in your bag, you can always clip its drawstring to any exterior loop.

All of these thoughtful details were not lost on our testing panel. They gave the Travelrest the highest marks of any pillow in comfort and neck support, and two-thirds of our testers picked it as their favorite pillow.

How the Travelrest has held up

After over a year of use, this pillow had lost none of its supportiveness. The memory foam was just as firm and springy as it was when we bought it. Its velcro strap was still easy to secure. If it fits you, this is a pillow that stays secure and comfortable on your neck for the duration of a long flight. However, we’ve also heard from multiple travelers that this pillow doesn’t fit them. The memory foam is quite firm, which offers excellent support, but not much give. If a pillow of up to 5 inches doesn’t fit comfortably on your neck, we think you’ll be happier trying one of our other picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

The Travelrest Ultimate will never compress to the thin, flat size of a tiny pillow like the Trtl. But its unparalleled, cushiony support can still pack down to a reasonable size, and its 13 ounces won’t make your carry-on noticeably heavier. And if saving space is your highest concern, we think the Trtl provides space-conscious support without the spit-filled fuss of an inflatable pillow.

While the Travelrest’s voluminous plush can support all heads that lean left, back, or right, the pillow may not hold up the chins of people with smaller faces. When my head bobbed forward, my small face sank into the gap between the pillow closure and my neck. You can adjust the Velcro strap for a tighter fit, but the short strap cannot be pulled as tight as the Cabeau’s adjustable strings.

The Travelrest Ultimate’s unbeatable support is in part due to the height of its sides, designed to come up to the jaw of the wearer. This means the pillow may be incompatible with larger over-the-ear headphones for people with shorter necks. For instance, when I tried to wear the Travelrest Ultimate with my noise-cancelling Bose headphones , the pillow pushed the headset uncomfortably far up on my head, taking my earlobes with it. However, my editor, who has a longer neck, didn’t have this problem.

If you want a tighter, more adjustable fit, the Cabeau Evolution Classic  (which used to be called just the Evolution) is the way to go. Its contoured memory-foam design offers almost as much neck support as our main pick does, albeit without some of the Travelrest’s luxurious height. But the Cabeau’s adjustable clasp allows a far greater range of cinching than the Travelrest. In other words, the pillow can fit as tightly as you like.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau’s hemi-doughnut shape offers 360 degrees of support for anyone wearing it. It also boasts a cushioned memory-foam core and a contoured top that will keep your neck upright and head in place. But unlike the Travelrest’s gently arched bottom, the Cabeau’s flat bottom won’t sit as securely on your shoulders and may move around during your sleep. The Cabeau also lacks the Travelrest’s smartly tapered, grippy back that helps keep the pillow in place during flight. The Cabeau’s velour cover is also machine-washable, but it feels less soft than the Travelrest’s.

Although the Cabeau’s fit and shape aren’t quite as good as the Travelrest’s, this pillow is more adjustable. It can be tightened or loosened with two adjustable strings that clip together, which results in a far more adjustable range than the Travelrest’s short strip of Velcro. If you have a smaller neck and know you find a tighter grip on your neck comforting, the Cabeau may be the way to go.

Like the Travelrest, the Cabeau also packs down to a quarter of its size, thanks to an adjustable strap bisecting its carrying case. But at 15.2 ounces, it’s a bit heavier than the Travelrest.

Unlike any of our other picks, the Cabeau Evolution is sold in many of those ubiquitous news stores inside airports. So if you find yourself lacing up your shoes after security and wishing you had bought one of our picks before your flight, look for the Cabeau’s contoured shape among the novelty hemi-doughnuts dangling off the travel pillow racks. It’s the best pillow you can buy at an airport. But if you have the chance to order online, the Travelrest offers more support.

There is a new model of the Evolution Classic, the S3 , which has straps to hook onto a seat’s headrest. We think it’s a good choice if the Classic version is out of stock or otherwise unavailable. It’s still supportive and comfortable, but not as thick or soft as the Classic.

The Trtl Pillow , though odd-looking and unconventional, won a contingent of ardent fans with its firm support and slim, packable size. But it’s not our top pick because it works on only one side, and its warmth-trapping fleece can cause your neck to overheat. It’s also the most expensive of our picks. The Trtl consists of an arched plastic skeleton inside of a soft, fleece scarf that wraps once around your neck and then closes with Velcro to hold the pillow in place. You just lean your head against the convex end of the bendy frame, wrap the pillow around your neck, and your head has a soft but firm pedestal on which to rest while you sleep. It sounds weird, but it’s not that different from a neck brace—only it’s one-sided and softer.

Because the Trtl Pillow is little more than a scarf with a plastic plate in it, it packs down to the size of a sandwich and can lay flat against the back of your bag. This is the smallest travel pillow we tested and also requires none of the squashing or awkward cinching it takes to stuff the Travelrest or Cabeau into their holding bags, which are also easy to lose. Unlike any of the other pillows we’ve seen, the Trtl is small enough to fit inside a briefcase or handbag, making it the best option for people who don’t normally travel with backpacks. And at a featherweight 5 ounces, the Trtl is the lightest pillow we tested.

Though the Trtl can support your head from only one side, the tall, bendy plastic frame inside offered more support on that one side than either the Travelrest or Cabeau. Yet even with its soft, wraparound design, it lacks the all-around support provided by our top and runner-up picks. If you are an asymmetrical sleeper (if you prefer sleeping with your head leaning to one side), the Trtl may be a good choice. However, it’s not a good choice for people who nod forward—the plastic insert is too stiff. If that’s you, we prefer the Bcozzy, which we talk more about below .

Some testers found the Trtl’s quasi-corseted-turtleneck design off-putting. But then again, no one looks cool wearing any travel pillow. And on that note, the Trtl’s cozy fleece will keep your neck toasty. So if you know you run hot, the Trtl may not be the pillow for you.

Wirecutter’s Ganda Suthivarakom swears by the Trtl: “It packs almost flat, weighs next to nothing, and can be helpful for sleeping even when you are stuck in a middle seat. As someone who is always cold on the plane, I don't mind the whole fleece scarf design, either.”

Trtl has a more padded version of the pillow that claims to be more adjustable; one of our longer-necked staffers tried it and reported that it is indeed more comfortable for him than the original Trtl was. However, the same limitations of the original apply to the new version.

The Bcozzy is a snakelike spin on the traditional hemi-doughnut that’s perfect for anyone traveling with large headphones or people who tend to nod forward while sleeping and wake themselves up. It lacks the tall, supportive sides of our other picks, but the overlapping front is the perfect height to keep your chin from nodding forward as you doze off. It’s not as supportive on the sides, but this leaves ample room for big headphones.

The Bcozzy’s best advantage is its overlapping circular design, which allows you to adjust the pillow to degrees of personal preference. You can place the overlapping ends of the pillow around any point of your neck (though it only really makes sense in the front or on the sides), and wear the pillow as loose or as tight as you’d like. We think it’s most comfortable when the ends meet right under your neck—and in that position, it cushions your chin better than any other pillow we tested.

The longer, leaner Bcozzy lacks the plush, ensconcing neck support of the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau Evolution. It lays so low on your shoulders that it might not even touch your jaw. But this makes the pillow perfect for anyone who likes to wear over-the-ear headphones along with a travel pillow while they sleep on the flight. I personally like to fall asleep to music and drown out the dull roar of an airplane, so the Bcozzy works perfectly for me.

We still think the Travelrest Ultimate is a superior overall hemi-doughnut pillow, but the Bcozzy is an excellent choice if you plan to wear big headphones or know the feeling of that sharp, waking drop when your head falls forward on a plane.

The Bcozzy is also one of the least packable pillows, as it doesn’t come with a carrying case and does not compress particularly well. But its 7.4 ounces is around half the weight of the Travelrest or Cabeau, and it does comes with a little loop that clips onto the outside of a backpack or duffel. And even when squished down at the bottom of a bag, it doesn’t take up that much more space than the Travelrest Ultimate or Cabeau.

If you’re a back sleeper who can fall sleep sitting upright in your seat, facing forward, and not need to curl up or lean your head on the airplane window: You may want to try the Posture+ Travel Pillow, which is a U-shaped neck cushion, padded with memory foam, that looks like the back half of a cervical collar. When testing it, we slept surprisingly well, but it won’t suit all (or even most) sleep styles. It’s also not machine-washable, and it is pricy.

If you have a shorter neck and tend to run hot on planes and would prefer a pillow designed to keep you cool: Consider the ventilated Cabeau Evolution Cool —the combination of a silky polyester cover (similar to spandex) and vented design did feel mildly cooler against our necks. And we liked the pillow’s silky feel, packable size, zippered carrying case. But it was significantly smaller than the standard Cabeau Evolution and the Travelrest Ultimate, and it left the chins of long-necked testers totally unsupported. It’s also more expensive—now about $20 more than the Travelrest.

If you always lean to the same side when sleeping: Consider Travelrest’s All-in-One , which has a novel across-the-shoulder design that could be comfortable in such a situation. It has a similar fabric to the company’s winning Ultimate Memory Foam Neck Pillow, but in our tests its bulky inflated tube offered no structured head support, which could pose a problem in bumpy conditions.

If you tend to be a forward-falling head bobber: Consider the Caldera Releaf , which is less travel pillow and more neck brace. It does offer superior neck support, but it constricted the throat too much for our comfort.

The Trtl Pillow Plus , a new addition to the Trtl lineup, is more height-adjustable and has more padding than its older sibling . Our self-described “giraffe-necked” tester said that it did indeed fit him better than the original Trtl had. However, it still supports your head from only one side, making it not a great choice for sleepers who nod forward. It’s also bulkier than the original and costs nearly twice as much.

The Cabeau Evolution S3 is a new version of our runner-up pick , the Evolution Classic. We liked it, and we think it’s a solid choice if the original Evolution isn’t available. It has added straps that you can hook onto a headrest to keep your head from falling forward while you sleep, but our runner-up pick is softer and slightly thicker, which offers a bit more support. We did find the S3 to be easier to roll up into its carrying case, however.

Intrigued by one of the stranger innovations that we’ve seen in travel pillow design, we tested the Huzi Design Infinity , but we can’t recommend it. Instead of cinching or clasping at the front, it is designed to be looped several times around the wearer’s neck like an infinity scarf. But the pillow failed to support our testers’ necks. Regardless of who tried it, testers found that looping it twice was too loose and thrice was too tight. It was also the largest and least compressible pillow we tested.

The J-Pillow offered a singular, three-pronged design that proved impossible for anyone to figure out without instructions. After some explanation, our testers could wear the pillow correctly, but they still felt that its squishy stuffing offered insufficient support, and only to one side of the head. It’s also impossible to pack away efficiently due to its pyramidal shape. If you want a one-sided pillow, skip this and go for the Trtl instead.

We tested the inexpensive Travelrest Curl because we loved its plush and contoured big cousin, the Travelrest Ultimate. But while the Curl contains the same luxurious memory-foam filling as the Ultimate, the pillow is so small that many testers found that it didn’t even come up to their jaws when worn. It does have an attractive price, but its skimpy size and unsupportive design could support only the shortest of necks.

We found the air-filled Sea to Summit Aeros Traveller Pillow to be similarly lacking. We liked how easy it was to fill—its dual-valve inflation mechanism means it won’t let air out between breaths—and we appreciated that it weighed only about a fifth as much as the Travelrest, but the Travelrest’s 360-degree support made it too hard to go back to an open-ring design that offers no support in the front.

This article was edited by Ria Misra and Christine Ryan.

Rebecca Robbins, postdoctoral fellow at the NYU Center for Healthful Behavior Change , phone interview , October 20, 2017

Meet your guide

Sabrina Imbler

Sabrina Imbler is a former staff writer for Wirecutter, where they covered kitchen tools and HVAC.

Further reading

Air Travel Is Chaos. This Gear Will Help Get You Through the Exasperating Delays.

by Elissa Sanci

These things don’t make your flight take off any faster, but they can make the wait a little more tolerable.

Traveling With Only a Carry-On

by Kit Dillon

If there’s one thing our staff has learned working remotely all over the world, it’s “Don’t check a bag unless you have to.” Here’s how to avoid it.

How to Sleep Well (or at Least Better) While Traveling

by Christine Ryan

Our sleep and travel editors recommend gear for coping with travel-induced insomnia, vetted through hours of testing and years of personal experience.

The 25 Best Gifts for Frequent Travelers

by Dorie Chevlen and Samantha Schoech

Here we present practical and whimsical finds to delight any intrepid traveler.

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

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The 10 Very Best Travel Pillows

“it lets you sleep decently even if you’re in the middle seat.”.

In this article

• Best overall
• Best memory-foam
• Best bead-filled
• Best inflatable
• Best convertible
• Best for specific seats
• Best for sleeping on the tray table
• Best for traveling with kids

You’ve tried an uncomfortable slouch against the window. You’ve hunched over the tray table. You’ve even slyly eyed up your neighbor’s shoulder as a potential headrest. Let’s face it: Unless you’re in first class, getting rest on a long-haul flight is never easy. We’re not only physically cramped and uncomfortable, but “when we’re traveling, we’re just a bit less able to really, truly relax,” says Dr. Rebecca Robbins, a sleep specialist and Harvard Medical School instructor.

Besides foot slings and natural sleep aids , a pillow is necessary for even attempting sleep on a flight. There are the ones the airlines give you, neck pillows, lumbar pillows, and even pillows for your entire head. To find out which of these are the best, we talked to picky people who log a lot of miles, two chiropractors, and a spine surgeon to find comfortable, safe, and supportive options — including the pillow that helped me beat jet lag when I traveled from London to Seoul, and one that makes sleeping in the dreaded middle seat actually possible.

What we’re looking for

First, consider the type of travel pillow you’re interested in. U-shaped versions that go around the neck or traditional flat pillows that have been shrunken down for portability are most common. U-shaped pillows are designed to prevent lateral bending in the neck — “it’s that move to sort of pinch the cell phone between your shoulder and ear,” says Dr. Carla Fischer, the director of quality and patient safety at NYU Langone Spine Center. That bending to the side, she says, is the most important thing to prevent, but not everyone sleeps in the same position or has the same concerns, which is where other styles come in handy. A mini flat pillow could be used to lean up against a window, on a tray table, on a neighbor’s shoulder, or, most effectively, as lumbar support. “In a proper chair, the lumbar part should actually push out to support that curve in your low back, but they don’t do that on planes because if they did, it would affect their seating, so a lot of them curve in,” says Dr. Jared Hoffman of Williamsburg Chiropractic. Not supporting the low back increases stress on the joints of the low back and the discs, which can result in muscle spasms, especially if you have a history of low-back pain. The consensus, however, is that supporting the neck is the most important for most people in regard to comfort and safety, but other styles are still beneficial depending on the circumstances, which is why they’ve earned a spot on this list too.

Below you’ll find pillows made with memory foam , filled with beads, or just air if they’re inflatable. Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick , founder of Bed Stuy Chiropractic, believes that memory foam is the most “accommodating” when it comes to travel. When I asked her what she meant, she explained that “if you get a medium to medium-firm memory-foam sort of pillow, it accommodates you, but it doesn’t let you dig into it too much.” Some are too soft and will allow your head to flop over too far, but something firm, that will conform to your neck shape, will keep it in the right position. Other fills like beads, buckwheat, and cotton can also be accommodating, so long as they hit that firm sweet spot.

Which brings me to thickness, an especially important thing to consider when it comes to neck pillows. “The sides should come up to the height of your earlobes ,” says Wainani Arnold, founder of the Wainani Wellness Center and in-flight wellness expert for Hawaiian Airlines. “The back of the neck pillow should be flat or only as thick as the distance between the back of your neck to the back of your head (one to two inches). If it is too thick in the back, the pillow will push your neck forward from the chair too much and will potentially dump your head back, which is not ideal for your neck.” A pillow thick enough to come up to your earlobes would certainly be tall enough to minimize the lateral bending, which is what Dr. Fischer recommends too. Ultimately “thicker, taller, more firm is going to do better,” she says.

Easy to pack

A travel pillow is another item on a long list of things to carry and remember when traveling. Between a carry-on and a personal item, both stuffed to the brim, finding room for something as large as a pillow can be cumbersome. The most packable among travel pillows are the inflatable ones. Deflated, they’re pretty compact and can be stored anywhere, inflated while you’re on the plane, and deflated once again before you get off and stored away. Others filled with memory foam or cotton are a little trickier to deal with but still manageable. Neck pillows often have a snap closure at the front which can easily be used to secure it to the handle of your suitcase.

Best overall travel pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: No fill | Thickness: Thin | Easy to pack

This travel neck pillow is not the traditional U-shape, it has no fill, and is very thin, but it still takes the top spot on our list. It has the most recommendations from our experts and achieves the main goal of a neck pillow — to prevent lateral bending in the neck — in the most compact way. Its design is unique to anything else on this list. It’s more like a padded scarf, but has a plastic brace inside that supports the head, explains Pack Hacker editor Lauren Maternowski. The brace is only in one part of the pillow, but you can adjust it “so you’ll have to choose which side you prefer nodding off toward,” says Lauren Shwartzberg, who told us about Trtl way back in 2017. Because it’s so thin and there’s no padding around the back of the neck, “you can fully lean against your seat’s headrest,” adds Maternowski. Strategist associate director of e-commerce-audience development Rosie Percy says that, with the adjustable Trtl, she was “able to sleep through a flight for the first time in my adult life, touching down feeling refreshed and without a crick in my neck.” Points Guy travel editor Madison Blancaflor agrees with: “It’s the only way I can survive long-haul flights in economy.”

I tested out the Trtl on a recent 12-hour flight to Seoul. I’ve never had much luck with classic travel pillows; I can’t get over the gap that they wedge between you and the seat or the vague feeling of being choked if you slump down at the wrong angle. With the Trtl, though, I was out like a light. The brace’s angle hits just right: Not sloping so much that your neck bends unnaturally, but supportive enough for you to relax into a decent sleep.

Scott Keyes of Scott’s Cheap Flights echoes my praise. “What I like about it is its versatility,” he says. “It lets you sleep decently even if you’re in the middle seat and prevents you from waking up with a stiff airplane neck. And unlike bulky pillows, this one is small enough to easily tuck into your backpack.” And so the Trtl is our best pick overall because it’s highly rated by people who don’t usually even use travel pillows, as well as those who’ve tested a lot to find their favorite.

Best memory-foam travel neck pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Memory foam | Thickness: 5 inches | Easy to pack

A more traditional travel pillow is this version from Cabeau. It’s a U-shaped neck pillow with a thick padding of memory foam for firm support. The back of the neck squares off a bit, which is ideal for keeping your neck in line with the back of the seat. “Ultimately it needs to be flush with the chair,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick. “Your spine needs to be flush with the chair, and that’ll be more comfortable and safer for you.” She says this is especially true for people with a straighter spine. This pillow additionally has a strap that attaches to the back of the headrest to help you stay up straight even more. If you do flop to the front, Arnold says this pillow keeps your jaw supported. “You won’t be caught open-mouth breathing, which is, one, not very attractive and, two, dehydrating,” she says. Carmen Sognovi , who blogs about her family’s travels, always gets jolted awake when her head drops forward as she sleeps on a plane. She wears this pillow “the ‘wrong’ way around with the ends of the U shape at the back of my neck. That way my chin is always supported and I don’t get awoken by these head drops,” she says. The Cabeau takes up more space than the Trtl, but is still easy to carry. It comes with a bag that compresses it to half its size, and you can use the bag’s strap to fasten the pillow to your carry-on.

Best bead-filled travel neck pillow

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Polystyrene beads | Thickness: 6.3 inches | Easy to pack

This Muji pillow is over an inch taller than the Cabeau, but because it’s filled with polystyrene beads — the same stuff they put in bean bag chairs — it’s not as firm, which is appealing if you want to sink in a little deeper. Stella Shon, a writer at The Points Guy, confirms that this pillow is less rigid than the memory-foam options, which she prefers. “Muji has crafted the perfect neck pillow,” she says. “It’s low profile, completely plush, and best of all, it’s Martha Stewart approved!” Stewart said in an interview with the Points Guy Brian Kelly that Muji’s neck pillows are the best. In addition to the minimalist look, “They really do offer the support you need,” she says. “They’re covered with a nice jerseylike material instead of fattener.” Shon also appreciates the clip that makes it somewhat adjustable. The same clips can be used easily to secure the pillow to a bag.

Best inflatable travel lumbar pillow

Shape: Lumbar pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 2 inches | Easy to pack

Inflatable travel pillows are arguably the easiest to travel with. Yes, you have to blow them up, but they are the most compact when deflated, which makes them the easiest to pack. The Travel Pal, a favorite of Dr. Hoffman’s, is a lumbar pillow that grows to two inches thick once it’s inflated. He thinks that low-back support, which you don’t get in an airplane seat, is crucial. He says that a lot of plane seats curve in where they actually should curve out in the lumbar area. Supporting that low-back curve is so important because it reduces stress on the joints and discs of your low back, and this pillow helps with that. Dr. Hoffman not only recommends it to patients, but says “this I have used personally and I think it’s one of the best products I’ve come across.”

Best inflatable travel neck pillow

Neck pillows come in inflatable options too. From the same brand as our favorite memory-foam pillow, this Cabeau inflates to five inches thick, but is just the size of a soda can when deflated. Just like the memory-foam pillow, this one has a flat back to help keep your neck in line with the seat, but it has the addition of a tiered structure and a neck strap to keep your head super-stable. “They are a bit higher than most neck pillows and have a special toggle you can connect and tighten so the pillow doesn’t fall off,” says Jennifer Lachs of Digital Nomad Girls. Lachs admits that the memory-foam pillow above is “even more comfortable,” but the inflatable is better if you want to travel light. Initially I thought that inflatable was synonymous with adjustable — the more air you put in the taller it will be and less air will make it less firm — but Dr. Fischer said it’s a bad idea to not fill up these pillows all the way, as that’s not how they were designed to be used.

Best convertible travel pillow

Shape: Neck and lumbar pillow | Fill: Not listed | Thickness: 2 inches | Average packability

If you aren’t exactly sure if you’ll need neck support or lumbar support, a convertible pillow like this might be your best bet. This neck pillow folds up into a square-shaped pillow that can then be used on your lower back or up against a window. “It’s super-comfy, and it folds into a pocket,” says Taryn White of The Trip Wish List . “We all know that airplanes and airports are not very clean, so being able to keep the pillow from coming into contact with tons of germs was a huge selling point.” It has a less convenient hook (compared to a strap) to secure it to your luggage, but the snaps that close the front of the pillow provide another option for strapping it on. The detail White is more concerned with is the storage. She says, “It has pockets in which I can store earbuds, gum, and mints.” The fill used in this travel pillow is not listed, but according to one Bed, Bath & Beyond reviewer it’s “firm but not [too] hard for me & my aching neck.”

Best travel pillow for the middle seat

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Inflatable | Thickness: 3.5 inches | Easy to Pack

On a recent flight to Italy, I chose the dreaded middle seat on purpose to see how well the Travelrest really works. The inflatable pillow is worn like a sash, and it gives you something to loll your head against (apart from the person sitting next to you.)  “I’m obsessed with this hideous inflatable golf club,” says travel writer Teddy Minford, who first told us about the unique travel pillow. “It creates something to lean against, even if you’re in the middle seat.” After testing it, I agree with Minford that the pillow gives you something to rest your head against — and I successfully managed to get a few hours of sleep on my early flight. However, I’m not a middle-seat convert just yet. I still felt myself sloping a little towards the side I was resting on. I was overall impressed with how much the pillow improved the usually uncomfortable experience of middle seating, though, and it was super easy to transport: When deflated, it rolls up to the size of an iPhone.

Best travel pillow for the window seat

Shape: Head and neck pillow | Fill: Polyester filling | Thickness: 3 inches | Average packability

Mercedes Arielle is a window-seat person and says this J-Pillow is best at cradling her head, shoulder, and chin on flights. The pillow’s almost claw shaped with a main body that supports the crook of your neck and a cushion extending below the chin to stop your head from sliding forward. To Arielle, that three-pronged support is essential “because I rest my head against the window so I can maximize every inch of my window seat.” Since buying her J-Pillow, she says she “gets sound uninterrupted sleep on flights rather than being restless and uncomfortable waking up every few minutes” and suffers less jet lag. You can compress the pillow to half its size in a carry bag, then use its loops to attach it to your luggage.

Best travel pillow for tray-table sleeping

Shape: Head pillow  | Fill: Polystyrene microbeads | Thickness: Not listed | Not easy to pack

As important as supporting the neck is, if you don’t sleep on your side, a neck pillow is useless. Dr. Fitzpatrick recommends considering how you sleep when you travel and getting a pillow that accommodates that. For those who lean forward and rest their head on their neighbor’s seat in front of them, or on the tray table, she recommends this pillow that’s more like a helmet. It covers all sides, including the forehead, so it can be used in a number of situations. There is a hole for your mouth so you can breathe, but otherwise it’s a pillow, an eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones all in one. Once out of the box, there is no indication that this pillow will compress again, making it very difficult to travel with.

Best pillow for traveling with kids

Shape: Neck pillow | Fill: Polyester filling | Thickness: Not listed | Easy to pack

Writer and mum of one Chantel Tattoli says this Huzi pillow has an almost mystical effect on her daughter on long flights. “Generally, she seems to accord a magical ‘fairy-ring’ quality to this fluffy circle, as if once she’s thrown it over her, she’s staked some space in which things are pretty good,” she says. The pillow, like an extremely plush scarf, can wrap around your neck or lower back — or even both at the same time — to create a highly customized, optimum sleeping position. For this reason, it’s a great pick for those with scoliosis , too. “Even mild scoliosis can affect your comfortable position in a tight seat,” says Dr. Fitzpatrick. “The adjustable lemniscate-type pillows can be good for this.” Wearing it through the airport like a scarf also makes it easy to carry, but if you’d rather throw it in your bag, it rolls up neatly into a little ball.

Some more travel pillows we’ve written about

Our experts

• Mercedes Arielle, fashion and travel blogger at Calculated Opulence • Wainani Arnold, founder of the Wainani Wellness Center and in-flight wellness expert for Hawaiian Airlines • Dr. Carla Fischer, director of quality and patient safety at NYU Langone Spine Center • Dr. Claire Fitzpatrick, founder of Bed Stuy Chiropractic • Dr. Jared Hoffman, Williamsburg Chiropractic • Scott Keyes, Scott’s Cheap Flights • Jennifer Lachs, founder of  Digital Nomad Girls • Kat Lopez, freelance writer • Lauren Maternowski, editor at Pack Hacker • Teddy Minford, Travel Writer • Rosie Percy, Strategist associate director of e-commerce-audience-development strategy • Dr. Rebecca Robbins , a sleep specialist and Harvard Medical School instructor • Stella Shon, writer at The Points Guy • Carmen Sognovi , travel blogger • Chantel Tattoli , freelance writer • Taryn White, founder of The Trip Wish List

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The best travel pillows for taking on a long flight

By Lauren Burvill

If you travel regularly you’ve probably learnt to spot the difference between a frequent flyer and a rookie – the most obvious tell-tale sign being a bulky travel pillow, typically carried by an inexperienced flyer, hanging from a backpack or being worn (wrongly) around the back of their neck before they even get on the plane. Many of us are guilty of buying one of these beanbag worms from the airport duty-free shop, only to realise that they’re more trouble than they’re actually worth.

Do a little research though – as we’ve done for you here – and you might be pleasantly surprised to find that the humble travel pillow has upped its game recently. Specialised brands like  trtl  and BCozzy have entered the market, while pillows that range in shape and materials have popped up on Amazon.

So which ones are actually worth taking on a flight ? We asked our frequent flying editors to test out the most reviewed styles.

The best travel pillow to buy in 2023 at a glance

• Best overall: Memory foam neck pillow from Keirain and Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow
• Best for neck support: Trtl travel pillow
• Best for side sleepers: BCozzy neck pillow and Travelrest pillow
• Best for price: Ecosafeter portable travel pillow
• Best lie flat pillow: Mini Snoooze travel pillow

How we choose the best travel pillows

Every pillow on this list has been independently tested and reviewed by our editors. When testing, we look for quality, design features and value for money, as well as overall function and visual appeal.

Cabeau Evolution's S3 travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall comfort

If you're looking for a basic does-the-job travel pillow, the above one from Kierain is the ideal buy. But if you're looking for a step above in terms of design and comfort, or suffer from neck or back pain, Cabeau's pillow is the best we've tested so far. The memory foam style has considered everything, from an adjustable toggle clasp to secure the pillow comfortably around your neck, to a handy side pocket – ideal for storing headphones or earplugs. What really sets this pillow apart from the rest though are the velcro straps at the back, designed to loop around a plane seat's headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck.

Why we like it:  “The foam in this pillow is extremely comfortable, but what I love most is that the back of the pillow is flat, so you can sit right up against your seat, unlike the typical travel pillow styles which tend to be round and tilt your neck down slightly. The straps are a great idea, but if you're short it might not be possible to secure to the headrest, so keep that in mind. It also comes in a sleek cylindrical bag that, when clipped onto your carry-on luggage , you’d never even know there was a travel pillow inside." Sarah Allard, digital editor

Kierain’s travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: overall value

Kierain has one of the top-rated and best selling  travel pillows on Amazon , and it’s easy to see why. A step above the standard microbead styles, this travel pillow is 100 per cent memory foam with a soft velour cover, plus has an easy-to-use snap closure, making it simple to secure and stay in place.

Why we like it:  “The bag it comes in is surprisingly small (about the size of a small wash bag), so it hardly takes up any room in your  carry on luggage , which is a real plus. The best part though is the plush and squidgy memory foam. I often find the traditional neck pillows too stiff and constricting, but this one was soft while still giving good support.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

trtl's original pillow

Best travel pillow for: neck support

Less a pillow and more a supportive wrap for your neck, this unique design from trtl is ideal if you're short on space and weight in your carry-on luggage – it weighs only 148 grams. The pillow is designed to look like a scarf and features a clever curved u-shaped neck support stand that sits under your jaw and is then secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro.

Why we like it:  “I often feel like most typical travel pillows are too bulky and hard to get comfortable on, so I was keen to try this style. It's perfect for keeping your neck upright and avoiding any of the nodding that can happen while asleep. I'll admit, it feels a little strange at first to put it on, but the hypoallergenic fleece is soft and warm. It's a great option not just for plane travel, but also long road trips or train journeys.” Sarah James, deputy digital editor

Travelrest pillow

Best travel pillow for: upper body support

This clever across-body-sling pillow offers neck and head support while allowing you to truly relax and lean to one side to fall asleep. The pillow comes with a cord at the top that can be secured in place by looping over your seat’s headrest. You can wear the pillow on either side across your body, or down one side, creating more of a barrier between you and the person next to you. The pillow is inflatable too, so it takes up hardly any room in your luggage

Our verdict:  “I really love the shape of this pillow, as it cradles not just your neck, but your whole upper body. Although I usually don’t like inflatable pillows, the rigidity of this style works to make you feel secure while sitting upright.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Dot&Dot’s twist travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: flexibility

Made of memory foam, this twist style pillow can be bent and contoured to almost any shape. Its flexibility means it can be worn in several ways, from around the neck to under your head, shoulders or even lower back.

Jennifer Fernández Solano

Olivia Morelli

Connor Sturges

Amy Abrahams

Why we like it:  “I often toss and turn a lot when trying to get to sleep, so I find I’m particularly wriggly when trying to get comfortable on a flight. This kind of flexible twist style of the pillow was perfect for me, as I was able to shape it to exactly where I needed it to be. I ended up settling with it half behind my neck and half under my chin, so I could lie on my side and get a couple of hours of precious sleep.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Ecosafeter’s portable travel pillow

Best travel pillow for: price

The Ecosafeter travel pillow is a memory foam style with a slight “hump” shape that’s designed to help relax the Cervical spine. The design is particularly great for sleeping upright, especially if you suffer from back or neck pain, with added neck support as well as a soft and flexible feel.

Why we like it:  “I find it super difficult to sleep upright, which is why I loved the high back and firm cushioned support on this pillow. I took it with me on an overbooked flight with a 2am takeoff and did manage to get some sleep, admittedly in and out, but that’s better than my usual long haul wide-eyed experience.” Sophie Knight, visuals editor

BCozzy's neck pillow

Best travel pillow for: side sleepers

Similar to the trtl pillow but padded with soft microfleece and covered with microsuede, BCozzy's wrap-around design offers plenty of flexibility in terms of how you wear it. The pillow comes in two sizes and when wrapped around the neck offers double the support for your head, neck and chin. The real standout of this design is the flat back, which is not only great for maintaining a healthy posture but also means you can fold the pillow in half and wear it on one side.

Why we like it:  “Even on a plane, I'm a side sleeper. My go-to way to snooze is angling the side headrest as far as it can go so I can rest my head in the corner. Headrests can be very hit-and-miss on planes though, so being able to fold the BCozzy pillow in half is ideal as it can prop my neck and chin up on one side without feeling too suffocating." Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Huzi infinity pillow

Best for: warmth

This squishy infinity-style pillow is all about the soft and breathable bamboo fabric it’s made from. Coming in one large loop, the pillow is worn by wrapping around the neck twice and adjusting and scrunching accordingly depending on the level of comfort you’re looking for.

Our verdict:  “I’d say this pillow is less about neck support and more about soft and cosy scarf–meets–pillow hybrid. It feels like a sleeping bag for your neck, ideal if you get cold easily and are looking for something that’s more snuggly rather than stiff.” Lauren Burvill, commerce editor

Snoooze travel pillow

Best travel pillow for:  lying flat

One for not just the plane but also the hotel, this flat pillow from Snoooze is particularly suited to business or first class passengers flying in a flatbed. Danish designer Ann Sjogreen Sanger worked with scientists, sleep experts and leading UK manufacturers to create the two travel pillows – a full size and mini option. Both are machine washable, come with a soft 100 per cent cotton pillow case and roll up into compact travel bags – the mini fits into a cylindrical bag that’s 30cm by 11cm.

Why we like it:  “This pillow feels surprisingly full and thick compared to how compact it can be stored. I always struggle with hotel pillows (they’re often too big and fluffy), but the Snoooze feels firm yet squidgy and helped me get proper deep sleep during a hotel stay in Greece recently. I tested the full size, but think the mini can do the same job if you’re short on carry-on space or would prefer to use a flat pillow to get some sleep in economy.”

• Main content
• Best overall
• Best inflatable
• Best for extra neck support

How we tested travel pillows

The best travel pillows of 2023 for quality sleep in the air or on the road.

When you buy through our links, Insider may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

Falling asleep on an airplane can mean the difference between a great flight and a terrible flight, especially on long-haul flights when getting good rest is also imperative to overcoming jet lag and starting a trip off right.     And as an aviation journalist and avid traveler, I would know. I find myself on multi-day trips at least once a month and often book early morning and overnight flights when required. As a super light traveler, I know that the best travel pillows need to be comfy and easily packable. If it doesn't fit in my pocket, carry-on bag , or attaché' case, I don't bring it with me.

With that in mind, I tested seven travel pillows first-hand to find the best options for all types of sleep situations.

You can learn more about Insider Reviews' hands-on approach to testing on our why trust us page. 

Top picks for travel pillows in 2023

Best overall: Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow -  See at Cushion Lab The Cushion Lab Ergonomic travel pillow offers memory foam comfort, is adjustable, and packs up to an easy-to-carry size.

Best inflatable: AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow -  See at Amazon The AirComfy travel pillow combines comfort with versatility and ease of use by inflating in seconds, providing maximum comfort in any position, and folding into a compact carrying case. 

Best for extra neck support: Trtl Pillow Plus - See at Amazon The Trtl Plus travel pillow offers a unique design that's customizable and offers an incredible amount of support — all while still compact enough to slide into a backpack or laptop case.

Best overall: Cushion Lab Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow

The Cushion Lab Ergonomic travel pillow is a bit large once unfurled, but rolls up so compactly into its handy carrying case that I barely even noticed when it was attached to one of my bags. Unfurling it from its case was no fuss and took less than 30 seconds. 

Though at first glance this pillow appears to be a fairly standard travel neck pillow with the classic U-shape design,  several key differences help set it apart. 

First, the extra dense memory foam is incredibly comfortable. The material of the pillow is super soft and the memory foam made it feel as if I was truly sinking into the pillow instead of just resting my head on top of it.  

There's also asymmetrical support with more cushioning on one side more than the other. This is different from the standard, symmetrical neck pillows and meant I had added support for leaning my head.

An adjustable strap also tightens and loosens the pillow's grip to the wearer's desire, another differentiating factor from other travel pillows that increases its appeal and versatility.  

When I was done with it, wrapping up the pillow was as simple as wrapping an umbrella.

However, keep in mind this pillow is great primarily for upright sleeping. Though I found it gave me nice neck support, the pillow really can't be propped up against the cabin wall and it won't lend support when laying down across seats either.

Best inflatable: AirComfy Ease Inflatable Travel Pillow

The AirComfy travel pillow comes in a carrying case that includes a carabiner, which makes it easily attachable to a backpack or a carry-on.

Though it didn't look like much at first, a few breaths and about 30 seconds was all it took to inflate the pillow to its proper state. The pillow did a great job of bridging the gap between the headrest of my seat and my head and the soft velvet material was incredibly comfortable.

A strap on the pillow allowed me to affix it to my seat so I could move around without it slipping or falling at all. Adjusting the firmness of the pillow was also just a matter of letting some air out or adding a few extra blows. 

An overnight flight was when the pillow really stood out, since I was constantly moving around and adjusting my sleeping position over the six-hour-long flying time. The pillow provided the same amount of comfort regardless of the position I was in.

And, when I had a whole row to myself, the pillow proved even more useful since I could prop it on the armrest when laying down flat. That's something I wouldn't have been able to do with the U-shaped neck pillows. The pillow was equally comfortable propped up against the cabin wall when sitting in the window seat, and I was extremely impressed with its constant versatility.  

Once the flight was over, it took seconds to deflate the bag and store it with no fuss.

Best for extra neck support: Trtl Pillow Plus

Like several of the other pillows I tested, this travel pillow also came in a carrying case along with a carabiner that could be used to attach it to a bag. But the case really didn't seem necessary as the pillow was compact and thin enough to slide in a backpack, purse, or even a laptop case. 

Its compact size also made it especially easy to unfurl when it was time to use. There was no major assembly required and I had it out of my bag and around my neck in less than 30 seconds. All I had to do was pick a spot on my neck for the pillow to rest and then wrap a cloth around the rest of my neck to keep it in place. 

The pillow had an incredibly sturdy feel with plenty of neck support, making it a good choice for head bobbers, and I didn't feel that I had to keep pressure on it to keep it in place.

The cloth that wraps around the pillow is incredibly soft and was comfortable to wear around my head for prolonged periods of time. Adjusting the height of the pillow was as easy as turning a knob. The cloth could also be loosened and tightened as desired for a custom fit. 

The only problem I had with the pillow is that it only offered support on one side. I couldn't really move my head much because then I'd have no support. This pillow can also only be used for upright sleeping. I couldn't lay down with this pillow or prop it up against the cabin wall.

That said, it does offer excellent neck support, which can be a serious plus for those who tend to choose aisle seats or have a habit of their head falling forward when sleeping on planes.

For this guide, I tested seven pillows on flights across the Western Hemisphere for three months.  

I tested the pillows on flights in my travels for work and pleasure.  The types of flights I took ranged from long-haul international Delta Air Lines flights to short-haul Frontier Airlines flights.

I tested each pillow in a variety of sleeping positions, including upright and in window seats to determine how the pillows performed in tight spaces and if they could be used against the airplane cabin wall. On overnight flights when I had the entire row open, I also tested the pillow's comfort levels when laying fully flat. 

While the best travel pillow for you will depend on your specific preferences, desired sleep position, and usual airplane seat, there are a few constants I looked for across all the travel pillows I tested. These are similar qualities anyone should consider when looking for a solid travel pillow and include:

Packability: As a no-fuss economy flyer, I sought out packability the most as I was often using a backpack or overnight bag for most of my trips. Baggage allowance is minimal for economy flyers so I wanted a pillow that could either fit snugly in a bag or easily be attached to one of my bags. 

Comfort: How comfortable the pillows were was the other main factor. Quality of sleep is just as important as the duration of sleep, and if a pillow isn't comfortable, it simply isn't serving its purpose. 

Simplicity: Flying in economy is already tight quarters and that's compacted when in a crowded row. I was looking for pillows that I could easy assemble and disassemble while at my seat, without disturbing my neighbors. 

Staying power: A travel pillow is only good if it stays connected to one's head. I sought out pillows that wouldn't fall if I moved my head during my sleep and ones that wouldn't fall off of my neck. 

You can purchase logo and accolade licensing to this story here . Disclosure: Written and researched by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our partners. We may receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

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11 top-rated travel pillows for long trips in 2023

Between crowded seats, crying babies and limited leg room, traveling on long flights can be exhausting and uncomfortable. A perfect pillow makes the trek slightly easier to bear and can help you get some sleep during those travel periods. To help you narrow down which travel pillow is right for you, we consulted sleep and travel experts about what to know before shopping, plus we compiled highly rated options to consider.

SKIP AHEAD Best travel pillows to consider | What are the benefits of travel pillows? | What to consider when buying a travel pillow

Shopping Expert shopping: Carry-on luggage

Our top picks.

• Top budget : World's Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow
• Top splurge : Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow
• Top for neck support : Trtl Travel Pillow

How we picked the best travel pillows

The best travel pillows are ones that are comfortable, supportive and easy to carry around, according to our experts. When shopping for a quality travel pillow, they recommended considering the following factors:

• Inflatable vs. non-inflatable: You can adjust inflatable pillows to your desired firmness, and easily store them away when deflated. With non-inflatable pillows, on the other hand, you can fill them with more cushioned materials to promote comfort including memory foam and poly-fiber fill.
• Portability: Look for features like straps (that you can attach to your luggage ) or an accompanying pouch (that you can pack it down into) for ease while on the go.

Travel pillows to consider

Below, we rounded up these travel pillows based on high ratings and expert advice.

Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow

Ostrichpillow offers a variety of unique pillow alternatives, from a napping option to a mini hand pillow . This memory foam one, which has an average 4-star rating from over 1,200 reviews on Amazon, has raised edges for neck support and comes with a velcro strap that allows you to customize its fit. The travel pillow can also compress down to snugly fit inside the included travel bag.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag

Cabeau Evolution S3 Sleep Pillow

Select editor Christina Colizza says she loves this travel pillow from Cabeau because it prevents slouching by attaching to the plane’s headrest. “As someone who is [very tall], I’ll take all the help I can in getting some sleep while flying, and this pillow makes a huge difference,” she says. “Plus, it compresses down into a small pouch, which makes it convenient enough to schlep around airports.” This travel pillow has a 4.3-star average rating from over 5,300 reviews on Amazon and comes in five colors and patterns including indigo and galaxy.

Calpak Neck Pillow and Eye Mask

This matching travel pillow and sleep mask set from Calpak — which makes some of our favorite weekenders and beach bags — is great for long flights or car rides, especially during the day. It has a removable, machine-washable silk exterior that’s beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin since it doesn’t result in too much friction or irritation, experts previously told us in our guide to silk face masks . The set, which has a 4.7-star average rating from 46 reviews on Calpak’s site, also comes with a clear carry bag for traveling.

Fill material : Cotton/polyester blend | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Travel bag

Bcozzy Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

Few things can jolt you awake faster than your head falling forward while you’re seated. This ergonomic neck pillow, which has a 4.2-star average rating from over 25,700 reviews, offers an adjustable front loop for chin support and a flat back to avoid pushing your head forward. It includes a snap strap that you can hook to your luggage or hang up in your car. The pillow comes in multiple colors and you can choose between various sizes ranging from kids small to extra-large .

Fill material : Polyester | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Snap closure

SmartTravel Inflatable Lumbar Travel Pillow

Select managing editor Leah Ginsberg says she likes a lumbar pillow for added back support during long flights. This inflatable pillow, which has a 4.3-star average rating from over 800 reviews on Amazon, serves as both a neck and back pillow, and is designed to fit your body’s natural curves and reduce pressure on the spine and neck, according to the brand.

Fill material : Inflatable | Machine-washable cover : No | Portable features : Travel bag

Sunany Inflatable Neck Pillow

Designed to follow the natural curve of your neck and body, this travel pillow’s ergonomic shape can soothe discomfort and reduce pressure points around your head and neck, according to the brand. You can also place your arms and head inside one of the four holes to support a sleeping position that’s most comfortable for you. It comes with a pouch for storage, a matching eye mask and earplugs, and has a 4.4-star average rating from over 5,500 reviews on Amazon.

Trtl Travel Pillow

For those who don’t find enough support from traditional U-shaped travel pillows, this uniquely-shaped option comes with a hidden inner support that can hold your head and neck at any position that’s comfortable for you. You can adjust the support to contour your neck, shoulder or jaw, while the fleece exterior is soft and machine-washable. It’s also highly rated with a 4-star average rating from over 30,800 reviews on Amazon.

Fill material: Mesh fabric | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Flat design for easy packing

Mlvoc Travel Pillow

With its ergonomic, curved design for neck and head support, this travel pillow comes wrapped in a cover that is both machine-washable and sweat-resistant. The travel pillow has a 4.3-star average rating from over 23,000 reviews on Amazon and can fold down to half its size to fit neatly into the included travel bag. Plus, the built-in snap strap can also latch onto your suitcase for easy portability.

World's Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow

This neck pillow’s fleece cover provides soft, thermal comfort, which is perfect when the plane gets cold. It’s entirely machine-washable (not just the cover) and comes with a snap closure to keep it from sliding off of your neck or to connect it to your luggage. The pillow (which has a 4.5-star average rating from over 12,300 reviews on Amazon) is available in over a dozen colors including burgundy, charcoal and purple.

Fill material : Polyester blend | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Snap closure

World's Best Feather Soft Microfiber Neck Pillow

Crafty world travel neck pillow.

This option comes with a removable and machine-washable cover, so you can easily wash it. It’s made with a memory foam interior and a velour fabric exterior for a soft and comfortable feel, according to the brand. The pillow also has an elastic strap to help you connect it to your suitcase for extra portability. It comes in four colors — black, blue, gray and purple — and has a 4.3-star average rating from over 5,400 reviews on Amazon.

Fill material : Memory foam | Machine-washable cover : Yes | Portable features : Elastic strap

Shopping Expert-recommended white noise machines

What are the benefits of travel pillows.

Whether your airplane seat is too small or your bus ride endures several bumps, it may be difficult to relax on a long trip. Add noisy conversations and frequent overhead announcements and you have multiple barriers in your way to getting a good nap.

One of the main reasons people struggle to sleep while traveling — especially on international flights with time changes — is because they’re trying to sleep at a time with “low circadian and homeostatic drive” (a time when they would not normally sleep, so they’re not as tired), says Dr. Andrew Varga, a board-certified physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center . The other factor, according to Varga, is the sleeping space, which is usually cramped and doesn’t let you lie recumbent or change positions, except in typically pricey business- and first-class cabins.

“Not everyone is an equally deep sleeper, and people with any sleep issues at baseline will often have a harder time sleeping in a louder and less comfortable environment — such as an airplane,” says board-certified psychiatrist and sleep medicine specialist Dr. Alex Dimitriu . He noted that posture plays a big role in the discomfort we feel — and as anyone who has slept on a plane knows, “the head tends to fall off to the side or forward, which is both uncomfortable and can cause neck pain, and [can] even make breathing less efficient.”

“Sleeping upright is not at all a natural position,” says Dr. Mayank Shukla , a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City. “Our head weighs almost 10 pounds and flops around the neck when sleeping upright, leading to aches and pain with all that muscle strain.”

Experts noted that travel pillows can provide support for the neck and head, alleviating some pain and discomfort when combating an upright sleeping position while traveling. They’re typically portable, lightweight, ergonomically designed and come in different sizes to fit every type of person, plus some have additional high-tech features like temperature regulation. This is an ideal tool for frequent flyers who hope to maintain a semi-regular sleeping schedule.

What to consider when buying a travel pillow

The best travel pillow is one that you find the most comfortable to use for extended periods of time. Ideally, Dimitriu recommended testing out the pillow beforehand to see whether it’s comfortable and how it changes shape.

“The emphasis for most users should be to see how comfortably the pillow lets you rest with your back to the seat and without your head falling forward,” he says. And while larger pillows tend to provide more cushioning, he noted “airplane seats are tight, and there is such a thing as too much pillow.”

Below, we highlighted two of the most important considerations when shopping for travel pillows: inflatability and portability.

Inflatable vs. non-inflatable

When going on a long-haul trip, most travelers don’t want another thing to lug around. “Inflatable pillows may allow for more cushion and can fold to a smaller size,” Dimitriu says, adding that they won’t take up too much space in your luggage. They’re also typically more adjustable — you can change the amount of air to get more or less firmness, depending on your comfort level.

Non-inflatable travel pillows include various types of filling material including memory foam, polyester fiberfill and microbeads. While the different materials can make it easier to find a more comfortable fit, non-inflatable pillows tend to be bulkier than inflatable ones. When it comes to cleaning, both inflatable and non-inflatable pillows typically have removable covers that you can machine wash or spot clean.

Portability

If you’re on a multipart journey or backpacking through Europe, for example, the size and portability of your travel pillow may be just as important off a plane as it is on it. Some travel pillows have straps that you can attach to your luggage, while with others you can fold to fit inside a small bag.

Meet our experts

At Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

• Dr. Andrew Varga is a board-certified physician at The Mount Sinai Integrative Sleep Center .
• Dr. Alex Dimitriu is a board-certified psychiatrist, sleep medicine specialist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry & Sleep Medicine in Menlo Park, California.
• Dr. Mayank Shukla is a board-certified pulmonologist and sleep medicine specialist in New York City.

Why trust Select?

Mili Godio is an updates editor at Select and covers a range of sleep topics including weighted blankets , sunrise alarm clocks and blackout curtains . For this story, Godio spoke to three sleep medicine experts to get their recommendations on how to shop for travel pillows and their benefits. She also researched dozens of travel pillows on the market that are in line with experts’ guidance.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of personal finance , tech and tools , wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook , Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date .

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

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9 Best Travel Pillows in 2023

Last Updated on November 2, 2023

Written by Julia Forbes

Written by Julia Forbes, Lead Product Tester

.st0{fill:#010101;} our testing process.

Here at Sleep Advisor, our Sleep Certified experts use a refined mattress and product testing process to give you unbiased product suggestions… Read our full product review process .

.st0{clip-path:url(#SVGID_00000046340743257271907690000000964648354283835324_);} In This Article

To ensure an exceptional travel experience, it’s essential to have the finest travel pillow. Discover the top 9 products to enhance your journey.

While traveling is something that opens up new horizons and shows you the beauties of the world, the process itself can be quite stressful and uncomfortable. This is especially true if you are stuck on a plane for six to eight hours.

Sleeping seems to be one of those things that make time fly by as we are on a long journey. As such, you need to make sure that you bring along a pillow to help you ease the stiffness and to possibly prevent strain when resting in a position that’s unnatural to your sleeping patterns.

Unfortunately, when it comes to it, the market is overly saturated with an abundant amount of neck pillows, from memory foam travel crescents to inflatable headbands, making it quite difficult to pick the best travel pillows for your needs. That’s where we step into the picture. Hopefully, after going through the following, you’d be able to make a swift decision, identifying the best travel pillows that cater to your needs in less than 5 minutes.

My Video Review of The Best Travel Pillows

Top 9 Travel Pillow Reviews

Cabeau evolution memory foam.

HIGHLIGHTS:

• Memory foam
• 360° head & neck support
• Washable cover

CLICK TO SEE PRIC E

This is one of the most appropriate traveling pillows. It took advantage of proprietary and patented technology which involves the usage of high-quality memory foam.

This neck pillow is intended to deliver a great sleeping sensation.

The solution is fully adjustable, and you can make sure that you receive full 360 degrees support.

This means that it doesn’t matter whether your head would lean to the right, left or forward, it will capture the motion and carefully handle it.

This is a great solution, regardless of whether you’d be flying or traveling by bus or train. It’s an excellent and fairly affordable neck pillow.

BCOZZY Chin Supporting Travel Pillow

• Neck, head and chin rest
• Double adjustable loop in the front

CLICK TO SEE PRICE

This is a unique travel pillow which comes with a thoroughly interesting design.

It’s intended to capture all sorts of movements of your head while sleeping in a sitting position by wrapping itself around your neck.

This is something that brings ideal comfort for airplane flights.

You can easily conform and also twist the pillow in a few different positions, and you are also able to control the overall tightness of the same.

It’s also perfect for home usage – you can take advantage of it to enhance your neck support while watching TV or while you are spending the rainy Sunday afternoon reading your favorite book.

It’s convenient to care, and it is machine washable for easy maintenance.

Trtl Pillow

• Fleece combined with a hidden internal support and cushioning
• Scarf-like design
• Velcro fastening

The Trtl Pillow claims to deliver scientifically proven long-haul support for your neck while sleeping on a red eye flight, bus or train ride.

The main intention of this compact neck pillow is to deliver ergonomic positioning of your neck throughout the resting period.

It is also claiming to be better than the traditional u-shaped neck pillow that’s made of memory foam and specifically designated for traveling.

It is much more compact – it’s approximately half the size of a regular travel pillow, and it weighs merely 148 grams. It is easy to carry and won’t take much space in your hand luggage.

Travelrest – Ultimate Travel Pillow

• Full lateral support for the upper body
• Inflatable model

This one claims to be the only travel pillow on the market that’s designed in a specific manner, bound to deliver full latter support for your entire upper body.

This should make it a lot easier for you to fall asleep, stay asleep and get a nice and relaxed sensation out of it.

It is specifically designed to enhance your head and neck alignment.

With this said, it’s intended to capture the involuntary movement of your head forward and sideward.

It is adjustable and could be used for different purposes. It is easily inflated and instantly deflated, allowing tremendous convenience.

Travelmate Memory Foam

• Adjustable thickness for better support

This is a traditional u-shape memory foam travel pillow, and it’s one of the most commonly used solutions out on the market.

It’s a newly released unit from the company, and it is patent-pending. The main difference is that it has a removable insert.

In other words, you’d be able to adjust the thickness of the pillow based on your requirements and personal preferences as well as the different sitting positions.

The idea is to prevent your head from being pushed in any unnatural direction.

It’s made of high-end molding memory foam that wraps around your neck extremely well.

Purefly Soft Velvet Inflatable

• Inflates with a button
• Raised neck support at the back
• Soft washable velvet cover

Purefly brings a new design that delivers enhanced support to your neck throughout the entire time you are resting on it.

It is a unique inflatable solution that takes advantage of modern inflating technology.

There is a button on the lower part of the pillow that you have to press continuously until you reach your very own desired inflation.

The design is innovative, and it’s intended to deliver raised neck support.

This means that it should feel comfortable, regardless of the sitting position you prefer and it should capture the overall tilting of your head, regardless of the direct.

Everlasting Comfort Airplane Travel Kit & Pillow

• Washable velour cover
• Raised Lobe Design

This is a pillow that comes with a raised lobe design and a comprehensive new shape which is specifically intended to capture the different tilting movements of your head throughout travel.

This is quite comfortable.

The material that’s used is memory foam, and the pillow delivers a rather plush feel to it that’s particularly comfortable.

Homesky Inflatable Traveling Pillow

• Designed for face forward napping
• Multi-use and adjustable
• Eco-friendly PVC Flocking material

This is a head travel pillow which allows you to face forward and get a great nap regardless of the means of transportation you’re using.

It is extremely portable as it is inflated, but its size is rather bulky.

However, it’s made out of soft materials which are eco-friendly, and they bring an incredible touching feeling.

It is very easy to inflate it and to deflate it, allowing for quick on-flight setup.

You can do so with the press of a single button.

Futone Inflatable

• PVC flocking material

This is another convenient forward facing travel pillow which is appropriate for all of you who prefer this sleeping position.

It has a convenient small packaged size, making it overly easy to carry around. It’s inflated, and it won’t take much space in your luggage.

It’s great for napping, but it’s questionable for longer sleeping sessions.

The design is ergonomic, and the materials that the pillow is made of are very soft and plushy.

Why You Need an Airplane Travel Pillow

An airplane pillow could make the difference between a relaxed sleep throughout your flight and an uncomfortable struggle which will leave you with nothing but a headache, strained neck and utter disappointment and a feeling of tiredness.

You need an airplane neck pillow to help your body adjust to the otherwise unnatural sleeping position of your body. Obviously, your body is used to sleeping in a regular, lying position. When you are on a plane or any other form of transportation where a bed isn’t available, you’d be sitting.

There’s nothing wrong with that, but as soon as you start to fall asleep, your body begins to fall into a relaxed feeling, and your neck would naturally bend towards the direction that your weight pulls it to. If you don’t have a neck pillow to restrain this movement, you are most likely going to end up waking up with an unpleasant strain, stiffness, and even a nasty headache. That’s why an appropriate travel pillow could truly make the difference.

We’ll guide you through the process of choosing the best travel pillow for your needs, evaluating the benefits of everything from the best memory foam travel pillows to supportive neck pillows.

Our Plane Pillow Buyer’s Guide

Inflatable or not.

Now, this is one of the first things that you’d likely have to consider when you’re making your choice. The difference between both types is substantial. Inflatable travel pillows tend to be far more convenient in terms of portability as they take little to no space in your luggage or backpack.

This is the main reason for which a lot of people prefer them. At the same time, though, they tend to allow air to get out and flatten out quickly upon applying continuous pressure.

Non-inflated solutions, on the other hand, tend to be bulkier and more challenging to carry as they take more space. However, the wide majority of them are made of conforming memory foam which is particularly comfortable and supportive.

In other words – it’s a trade-off based on your preferences. If you want to get something portable and you’re willing to sacrifice some of the stability, go for an inflated unit and vice versa.

This would depend on the neck pillow that you’d want to get. Inflatable travel pillows are usually made of some polyurethane-based materials which are easily folded and packaged. They are soft and very comfortable.

On the other hand, the wide majority of non-inflated airplane travel pillows are made out of conforming memory foam. They deliver better comfort and support to your neck, and most of them are going to capture the unintentional tilting of your head in every direction when you sleep in a sitting position.

Airplane Sleeping Position

Your sleeping position is going to be determined by the type of travel pillow you decide on. Some people prefer to rest their head on the back headrest, and they would benefit the most from a regular, u-shape neck pillow.

Others tend to tilt their head quite a lot and could be better off with a pillow that’s capable of capturing forward tilting motions as well – this is definitely something to consider.

Ultimately, if you’re aiming to catch a nice nap, you might be better off with a specific front-facing pillow that’s intended exactly and only for this occasion.

Neck Support

This is the single, most important thing that you would have to take into account when you are purchasing a airplane pillow. Unless you have the luxury which comes with expensive first-class exclusive tickets to have a bed on board, you would have to sleep in a sitting position.

This is going to make your head tilt with the natural movements of the plain or any other type of transportation method. As such, the most pressure throughout your sleep would be forced on your neck. That’s why you should be looking for a pillow that’s going to deliver enhanced neck support.

If you also need this at home, check out our top quality pillows for neck pain .

Long or Short Flight?

If you’re going on a longer flight, you might benefit more from an inflated neck travel pillow as it would take little to no space in your baggage. The assumption is that you’d have to take quite a lot of personal items and the last thing you’d want is to get half of your suitcase filled with a sleeping pillow.

On the other hand, if the flight’s shorter and you can afford to take less luggage, you might consider a non-inflated and bulkier neck pillow.

All in all, it’s a matter of personal preference and whether or not you can afford the luxury of carrying a bulkier travel pillow with you. If you can – even better as non-inflated travel pillows are generally preferred.

Frequently Asked Questions about Travel Pillows

Are travel pillows a good idea for kids.

Yes, they are even highly recommended. Kids should receive extremely enhanced neck support as strain and neck-injury could lead to some more serious conditions. You should put extra thought into picking the best travel pillows for your kid.

Of course, this would depend on the type of pillow but be aware that there are specifically designed ones which cater to the needs of younger kids.

What seating position is the best for airplane sleeping?

Generally, you’d be staying in an upright sitting position, and you wouldn’t have much of choice. If that’s the case, you should consider a position which limits the movement of your head as much as it’s possible. If you can rest it on the side – that’s great.

However, if you are a middle-seat, you should rely on a regular u-shape traveling pillow.

Can airplane travel pillows cause neck pain?

Yes, if you purchase an inappropriate or low-quality travel pillow for your flight, you can experience serious neck pain as a result. You should put some thought into purchasing a pillow – that’s for sure.

Failing to get the most appropriate pillow for you might result in some serious strain and stiffness. This is something that you ought to account for. With this in mind, if you pay attention to what we’ve mentioned above, you’d have absolutely no issues with your pillow.

There are a few key considerations to account for, and we’ve listed all of them for your convenience. This is something quite important.

Additionally, we’ve also presented you with some of the best travel pillows on the market. They include different types and materials so you can choose the one that’s most appropriate for you.

Julia Forbes

Lead Product Tester

About Author

Julia is the Lead Reviewer at Sleep Advisor, specializing in testing out mattresses and sleep accessories – she’s in the right line of work, because she loves to sleep.

Stomach Sleeper

Sources & References:

• How To Travel the World Without Jet lag – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

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The 10 best neck pillows for travel, according to experts.

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Flying can be a painful process, and we don’t mean that figuratively. Many of us have experienced the struggle of restlessly twisting and turning through a long flight, unable to get comfortable enough to fall sleep. One great solution? A comfortable neck pillow. The best neck pillows for travel can make a big difference when it comes to catching shut-eye on grueling flights—especially when you’re flying economy. “When sleeping supine is not an option, having the head and neck supported is crucial,” says Dr. Nilong Vyas, MD, Board-Certified Sleep Expert at sleep consulting service Sleepless in NOLA and Medical Review Expert at Sleep Foundation.

The best neck pillows for travel can be a lifesaver when it comes to catching sleep on grueling ... [+] flights, especially ones with layovers.

Achieving a restful night’s sleep while sitting up and surrounded by other people is no easy feat, and securing the right neck pillow will allow you to keep your head in alignment with your spine to help you wake up feeling refreshed rather than stiff and groggy. When selecting the best neck pillow for you, keep in mind that your neck pillow should be large enough to support your head and neck, but shouldn’t take up excess space in your carry-on luggage . Below, we asked top sleep experts for their advice on the best pillows to get you to sleep on any type of flight. Read on for the best neck pillows for travel that will help you fall asleep and stay asleep, no matter where your journey takes you.

• Best Neck Pillow For Travel Overall: Ostrich Go Luxury Travel Pillow
• Best Neck Pillow For Travel For Window Seats: Trtl Travel Pillow
• Best All-In-One Neck Pillow For Travel: Pluto POD
• Best Cooling Neck Pillow For Travel: Cabeau Evolution Cool Pillow
• Best Traditional Neck Pillow For Travel: Duxiana Travel Pillow
• Best Nontraditional Neck Pillow For Travel: Trtl Travel Pillow
• Best Inflatable Neck Pillow For Travel: Blabok Inflatable Neck Pillow
• Best Neck Pillow For Travel With Chin Support: J-Pillow Travel Pillow
• Best Firm Neck Pillow For Travel : TravelRest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow
• Best Soft Neck Pillow For Travel : BCozzy Neck Pillow

Best Overall Neck Pillow For Travel

Asymmetrical design with 360 degrees of comfort, ostrich go luxury travel pillow.

Weight : 0.5 pounds | Cover material : OEKO-TEX® Viscose and elastomer | Fill material : Memory foam | Care : Sleeve is machine washable

This versatile pillow is designed in a wrap style that allows users to easily control how tightly or loosely it fits around the neck. Filled with forgiving memory foam, it molds to the shape of your neck, shoulders and chin, providing 360 degrees of optimal comfort and support that’s secured by easy-to-use velcro. While the soft and plush pillow feels luxurious when in use, the memory foam core allows for generous compression, which makes it considerably more portable than some others. Simply roll the pillow up and slide it into the included travel bag—it will compress to 60% of its original size for easier travel on a place or train. If you’re someone who shifts around frequently in their sleep, you’ll love the complete coverage of this pillow. Whether you sleep with your head back, to the side or straight in the middle, the Ostrich Go supports it from all angles. “When shopping for a neck pillow, look for one that supports the neck and the head,” says Dr. Vyas. She adds that a pillow with padding in the back—in addition to the neck and sides—is a better way to support the head during sleep. Made of soft viscose, the outer shell can be removed and thrown straight in the washing machine for easy clean-up.

Although this is a high-quality and supportive pillow, keep in mind that it is on the pricier side. Additionally, the velcro portion is short, so there isn’t a ton of size variability if you want to secure it extra tight.

Best Neck Pillow For Travel For Window Seats

Soft support for one side of your neck, trtl travel pillow.

Weight : 0.28 pounds | Cover material : Fleece | Fill material : Foam, plastic | Care : Outer wrap is machine washable

When it comes to lightweight portability, the Trtl pillow can’t be beat. This option works more likea padded neck brace that’s wrapped in soft fleece, rather than a traditional pillow. When not in use it conveniently wraps into a surprisingly small package that weighs less than half a pound. It’s easy to shove in a purse, but it’s easy to wrap around the handlebar of your carry-on suitcase, too.

The firm and sturdy inner support system holds your neck, chin and jaw in place while the soft, scarf-like exterior wraps around your neck. Thanks to the velcro enclosure, the fit can be completely personalized, so you can wrap it as tightly or loosely as you like. Don’t let the fleece fool you, it’s surprisingly breathable and lightweight while perfectly warm and cozy at the same time. The brace system sits on one side, which means it can only support one side of your neck at a time. If you’re someone who twists and turns a lot in your sleep, you’ll likely need to remove and reposition it each time you adjust your head.

What our editors say: Emmy Favilla, managing editor at Forbes Vetted, swears by the Trtl and has been using it exclusively for years on both domestic and long-haul flights. “I’ve found it’s ideal no matter which seat I’m in,” she says. Since switching from more traditional neck pillows to the Trtl, “I don’t wind up feeling any residual neck or shoulder pain whatsoever after dozing off on a long flight. Plus, because you can adjust it to your liking, it's easy to get a personalized fit. It may sort of look like you're wearing a neck brace, but it works, and she's standing by it forever.”

Best All-In-One Neck Pillow For Travel

Boasts a hood, eye mask and neck support.

Pluto Pillow

Weight: Less than 1 pound | Cover material: Alcantara and WPS mesh blend; Spandura | Fill material: Foam, recycled fill | Care: Cover is machine washable

The Pluto team was thinking way outside of the box when they brainstormed this combination sleep hood, eye mask and neck pillow . The patent-pending design is engineered to address common travel woes, from too much light and noise to bobbing heads, and it’s completely up to the task. It resembles the hooded part of a hooded sweatshirt, with a wide, supportive band that uses Velcro to secure it around the neck. Those features muffle sound and offer comfortable neck support all the way around. There’s also a blackout eye mask that can be folded down to effectively block out light. All together, this delivers about as much sensory deprivation you can hope for when you’re on a crowded plane 10,000 feet in the air.

The POD snaps into itself for a tidy bundle, but fair warning that it is on the larger side. Fortunately, the Velcro band means you can also secure it to retractable luggage handles. Not sure whether the Pluto Pod is what you’re after? The company offers a 110-night trial so you can put it to the test.

What our editors say: Lindsey Vickers , a former mattress and sleep editor at Forbes Vetted, loves the Pluto POD for travel. She found it addressed each of her travel-nap woes, from an unsupported neck to a bobbing chin to excessive light.

Best Cooling Neck Pillow For Travel

Moisture-wicking material keeps you cool and dry, cabeau evolution cool pillow.

Weight : 12.7 ounces | Cover Material : Polyester | Fill Material : Memory foam, plastic | Care : Cover is machine washable

With mesh side vents that let hot, stale air escape, this cooling pillow will keep you free from sweat, even on the stuffiest flights. The adjustable front clasp makes it easy to pull the pillow tightly around your neck or loosen it as needed, and the dual memory foam construction provides firm support that’s comfortable and soft. The high sides keep your head pleasantly in line with your spine, so you won’t bobble around or wake up feeling sore and stiff. While the pillow provides ample cushioning, it’s purposely flat in the back, so you can sit comfortably against your head rest without being pushed forward. The moisture-wicking material helps keep you dry and cool throughout the flight.While this is extra-comfortable thanks to the thick memory foam, it doesn’t compress tightly and can be a bit cumbersome to carry around.

Best Inflatable Neck Pillow For Travel

A classic u-shape with raised sides, blabok inflatable neck pillow.

Weight : 11.3 ounces | Cover material : Faux velvet | Fill material : Plastic, air | Care : Cover is machine washable

Most inflatable neck pillows are known for having sharp edges or a rough, unforgiving surface. That’s not the case with this versatile pillow. The elongated “U”-shaped pillow is coated in faux velvet, which means it’s soft and cozy to the touch and won’t irritate your skin. To use, simply turn the valve to inflate, then wrap it around yourself. The pillow offers extra neck support on both the left and right side, so it’s a great choice if you’re sitting in the aisle, window or middle seat. An elastic strap is the key to tightening or loosening it, which means it’s completely customizable and there’s no need to worry about itchy velcro scratching your neck or chin. When ready to deflate, simply turn the valve, roll it up and pack it into the included travel bag.

Best Neck Pillow For Travel With Chin Support

Features a unique "j" shape, j-pillow travel pillow.

Weight : 0.5 pounds | Cover material : Fleece | Fill material : Polyester | Care : Cover is machine washable

This innovative pillow features a unique shape that’s unlike any other option on this list. It features a “J” shape rather than the traditional “U” shape, which means it fully supports your chin at the proper angle to keep it in alignment with your spine. No hunching, no drooping, no waking up with a sore neck and jaw. The top of the pillow fans out to support your head and neck as well, so you can rest in an optimal position to sleep soundly even while sitting up.

This pillow is made with a soft fleece cover that’s machine washable for easy clean-up. When not in use, the pillow can be compressed to about half its size, placed in an included storage bag, and clipped to your purse or suitcase. It’s a portable option that provides optimal comfort to anyone who sleeps with their head slumped down on an airplane. Keep in mind that this pillow can only support one side of your head and neck at a time, so if you squirm a lot in your sleep you’ll need to reposition it accordingly.

Best Firm Neck Pillow For Travel

Firm support to all sides of your head, travelrest nest ultimate memory foam travel pillow.

Weight : 0.8 pounds | Cover material : Polyester | Fill material : Memory foam | Care : Cover is machine washable

This memory foam pillow features extra-tall sides that help keep your head in a naturally upright position throughout your entire flight. Whether you sleep with your head to the right side, left side or front, you’ll be supported on all angles by firm yet soft padding encased in a soft fleece cover. Most importantly, the pillow is designed with a flat back so it sits flush against your seat. That means you won’t be jutting forward, so your head and neck can stay appropriately in line with your spine to allow for maximum comfort. The pillow is also lined with non-slip rubber grip dots to prevent it from slipping out of place while you sleep.

This pillow provides firm support to all sides of your head and neck, and it comes at an affordable price. It’s perfectly portable, too—the pillow compresses and slips easily into an included travel bag that can clip onto your luggage.

Best Soft Neck Pillow For Travel

Feels like sleeping on a down pillow, bcozzy neck pillow.

Weight : 7.4 ounces | Cover material : Microfleece and microsuede | Fill material : Polyester | Care : Cover is machine washable

This super-plush travel pillow comes in a completely customizable design, so the pillow itself can be wrapped in a number of ways depending on your preference. Depending on which way you wrap it, the pillow can support your head and neck whether you’re sitting in the aisle seat, the window seat or the middle seat. The soft cover is made from microfleece and microsuede soit’s soft against your skin and won’t cause irritation or itching. The arms of the pillow can be doubled up to provide extra support to your neck and chin, or you can leave it in a single layer for more gentle, soft support.

The filling feels like you’re sleeping on a down pillow rather than stiff, firm memory foam. If this pillow wasn’t already versatile enough to begin with, the soft filling makes it even more adaptable. “Soft support is my preference when shopping for a neck pillow,” says Dr. Vyas. “It allows one to lean on a window or side of the plane if needed.”

Most Versatile Neck Pillow For Travel

Lets you hold your head comfortably, ostrich mini travel pillow.

Weight : 0.4 pounds | Cover material : Viscose and Elastomer | Fill material : Polyester | Care : Machine washable

Whether you’re on an airplane, commuting on a train, driving across the country or simply lounging in a reading chair, this do-it-all pillow is the perfect alternative to the traditional “U” shaped option. The innovative product slips onto your hand—it’s suitable for lefties and righties—and lets you hold your head comfortably and securely with soft, gentle padding. Made from super-soft viscose, the pillow can be slipped onto your palm or all the way up your forearm if you’re someone who likes to cross your arms and lay the tray table in front of you. It’s a completely versatile option for anyone looking to get more out of their neck pillow. Thanks to the smaller size and unique shape, this is also one of the most portable and compact neck pillows on our list.

Early Black Friday Sale: Save 30% Sitewide At Alo Yoga

The best cooling weighted blankets to help you relax (without overheating), why trust forbes vetted.

For this story, we spoke with two doctors who specialize in sleep health—Dr. Nilong Vyas, Board-Certified Sleep Expert at Sleepless in NOLA and Medical Review Expert at Sleep Foundation , and Dr. Abhinav Singh MD, Medical Director of the Indiana Sleep Center , Author of Sleep to Heal: 7 Simple Steps To A Better Sleep , and Medical Review Expert at Sleep Foundation. The Forbes Vetted team also consists of many travel enthusiasts, which is why in addition to our sleep experts, we tapped multiple Vetted editors to share their recommendations for their favorite neck pillows for travel. Finally, this story is overseen by senior travel editor Astrid Taran , a globetrotter who has visited over 30 countries and attempted sleep on hundreds of planes. To keep you up-to-date on the best neck pillows for travel, we refresh this round-up regularly. It was last updated in September 2023.

What To Look For In A Neck Pillow For Travel

Support and comfort.

When shopping for the best neck pillow for travel, the most important thing is to find a pillow that supports your head, neck and spine. Sleeping comfortably while sitting up can be challenging, but having a firm pillow that keeps your neck in proper alignment with your spine is essential in making sure you don’t wake up feeling stiff and sore. “Sleeping in an upright position without theuse of a pillow may result in neck strain and disturbances in the sleep cycle,” said Dr. Vyas. “The forward bobbing of the head can lead to wakefulness, leading to a less restful sleep experience,” she added. When selecting the best pillow for you, consider how you normally sleep—do you like to sleep on your side? Do you sleep flat on your back? Do you turn around a lot? Answering these questions will help you find a pillow that supports your specific needs. For example, the Trtl Travel Pillow is a fantastic option for sleeping on a plane, but it only supports one side of your neck at a time. That means if you’re someone who switches sides frequently, you’ll need to take it off and reposition it completely each time you squirm around. The best neck pillows for travel should be supportive and comfortable, but they should allow for ample movement without being restrictive.

Portability

If you’re the type of traveler who finds themselves sitting on top of your carry-on to cram it shut, chances are you don’t have the extra space to tote around a cumbersome pillow. Portability is key when shopping for a travel pillow—you’ll need to carry it with you through security, to the gate and on to the plane, so you’ll want to select one that’s either easy to carry or easy to pack in a carry-on. That’s where an inflatable pillow, like the Blabok Inflatable Neck Pillow , comes in handy. It can be packed flat and blown up to its appropriate size once you board, which saves space in your bag while providing comfort and support on the plane. If you’re looking for a bit more plush comfort, consider bringing a larger pillow that has some sort of clip or hook that lets it hang from your bag, eliminating the need to carry or pack it.

The best neck pillows for travel are made from soft, breathable material that won’t irritate your skin. Airplanes can get stuffy—especially if you’re in the middle seat—so having a pillow made from a light, airy material will help keep you cool. Cotton or viscose are both great materials for the outer sleeve, while memory foam can be a super supportive material for the filling.

Are Neck Pillows Good For Use On Planes?

Neck pillows can make air travel much more comfortable. Targeted neck support can help relieve strain and make it possible to rest comfortably, even in an upright position. Just be mindful of the pillow’s size and portability. While most airlines don’t count neck pillows as a carry-on item, it’s always a good idea to find one that packs down well.

Should I Get A Memory Foam Neck Pillow?

If you’re looking for a supportive neck pillow that will mold to your shoulders and neck, memory foam can be a good option. “The amount of desirable cushion can vary person to person, but something that holds its shape well works best to keep you in a comfortable position,” says Matoska. Features like adjustable straps and breathable fabrics can help ensure a personalized fit and better airflow to keep you comfortable, since memory foam is prone to retaining heat.

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The best travel pillows to buy in 2023, according to reviews

• Published: Nov. 11, 2023, 10:00 a.m.

These are some of the top travel pillows you available in 2023, including this Travelrest memory foam design. Amazon

• Dawn Magyar | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

If you’ve ever traveled you know the hardship that can come with delayed flights, missed connections and lost luggage.

These hiccups can make anyone anxious and sometimes all you need is a little rest to recover. A travel pillow can allow you to get comfortable when you fly and provide some much needed sleep, especially on on those extended trips.

Travel pillows come in a variety of styles with features for the most fickle of travelers. This can include a compact size, plush material, neck support and a design worth snuggling up to.

But with so many travel pillows on the market today, it can be overwhelming to know which one to buy.

To help, this roundup has some of the most recommended travel pillows available, including designs from Cabeau and Trtl .

• Cabeau Evolution S3 Travel Pillow: “What really sets this pillow apart from the rest are the velcro straps on the back, designed to loop around a plane seat’s headrest, helping to keep your head upright and take any pressure off your neck,” Conde Nast Traveler says.
• Trtl Travel Pillow: “Available in four colors and weighing the same as an apple, according to the brand, this pillow is made from soft fleece and has an internal support system that helps keep your head and neck in an upright position,” Good Housekeeping says.
• Travelrest Nest Ultimate Memory Foam Travel Pillow : “Its tall memory-foam walls let it offer more support than any other pillow we tested. It’s also shaped to sit flush against a headrest, and it compresses to a manageable size,” Wirecutter says.
• Ostrichpillow Go Neck Pillow: “The plush memory foam filling and asymmetric design can be easily adjusted to support the neck, chin, or head with the taller or shorter sides. The materials appear high-quality and luxurious, and it rolls up to fit in a compact drawstring sack,” Travel + Leisure says.
• Pluto POD: “It resembles the hooded part of a hooded sweatshirt, with a wide, supportive band that uses Velcro to secure it around the neck. Those features muffle sound and offer comfortable neck support all the way around,” Forbes says.

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Night tour in Moscow - Moscow-City

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I visited Moscow in 2018,2019 multi times while i was studying in Penza City of Russia some 650km... read more

This district is a great modern new addition to Moscow with a lot of modern high-rise buildings... read more

Night tour in Moscow

We booked last minute, in the morning of the tour day, and we were lucky to get a prompt response from Friendly Local Guides. Alina assigned the guide for us, included in the itinerary all must-see places we wanted to see. Everything was extremely well-organized! Our guide Angelina showed us more than we expected, taking us to a bunch of local places that we would never discover ourselves. Great tour, great service!

Moscow - Russia - a country I was very skeptical about visiting after reading all the blogs on different websites. But to my surprise it is not as bad as they say it is. It is a beautiful country with a lot of history and culture. Right from the airport it was a pleasant experience. You get a SIM card at the airport itself - the boy's don't speak much English but do understand what you are looking for and were very helpful. Was petrified to take the airport express and metro as had read how it was only for the strong and to some extent I do agree with them. The airport express was excellent right on time easy to board lots of baggage space very spacious. You reach the city centre and that's where you gotta be a real soldier. First of all everything is written in Russian it difficult to understand with an English map. My suggestion just ask for help. The Russians are friendly and helpful people. From the police who don't speak much English but do understand if you show them where you gotta go. So my suggestion have both an English and Russian metro map. But the tough part is that the metro is a maze it's not just one or two levels underground at someplaces it's three levels down and confusing as the signage does not say go down and follow directions for level three. So basically the metro is very intricate, well connected but lots of walking and trust me when I say lots I mean it. Have your walking shoes ready. Its complicated. But once you've got the hang of it, it's fine. You get a metro card at the metro station a card for 5,10, 20 raids (rides). As all others said have your documents with you all the time, you could be asked anytime. Copies are fine. Moscow was very clean. No garbage strewn across the street. Roads were washed twice a day. Very clean. The metro stations are like museums each has a unique display or art and history. It's amazing. Very clean again. No stench, no dirt. The tourist attraction spots are clean too any it's incredible. Beautiful display of art. A lot of history. All in all Russia was a beautiful surprise.

Svetlana Berezhnaya ([email protected]) - Thank you for being such a wonderful guide who helped us to appreciate the beauty and history of Moscow, its art and architecture - you really brought alive the stories behind the paintings that we saw in the Tretyakov Art Gallery and the iconography that we enjoyed in the Cathedrals of the Kremlin. You feature prominently in all our Russia stories to our friends. Your knowledge and politeness, your enthusiasm to share details of sights we saw while on the bus journey was par excellence. Asad thinks you are the best guide he has ever met! I appreciate the patience with which you put up with the quirks of us Indians.

Moscow City is still a huge building site in many places, which is quite obvious when you drive by or you try to exit the Afimol not for metro, but for the taxi waiting for you. The skyline is nice and the views over it from any viewpoint, especially Sparrow Hills is nice, but it's not worth a visit as a special landmark.

Do not miss the opportunity to visit this wide variety of modern buildings. Most of this was built since 2008.

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You can learn about the history of Moscow with a trip to Red Square. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene.

Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin is just one of the places to see in Moscow, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Experience the area's entertainment choices and acclaimed theater scene.

Bolshoi Theatre

Enjoy a performance at Bolshoi Theatre, a storied theater in Moscow. Experience the fascinating museums and acclaimed theater scene in this culturally rich area.

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Where to stay in moscow: best areas for travelers.

• Central Administrative Okrug : Few things beat the feeling of waking up in a completely new destination, especially when you have fascinating attractions like Fersman Mineralogical Museum within easy reach. Book a room at the Hotel National, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow and you can visit it whenever you want to. The Kvartira N3 and the Mini-hotel Burdenko Fadeeva are other options in this neighborhood.
• Presnensky : Feel like brushing up on some history? Discover the past at Gorky House Museum. If you're hungry for more, Bulgakov Museum is another hit with many visitors. After a fun day of exploring, you'll be glad to retreat to the cozy surroundings of the Fortuna-City Mini-Hotel . The City Hotel 1905 and the Apelsin Expo on Krasnaya Presnya are also good choices here.
• Garden Ring : There are loads of reasons to spend some time here, but the most compelling has to be State Tretyakov Gallery. Check in at the Central Apartments , the Versal Arbat Hotel or the Agios-Hotel and you can head to this terrific attraction whenever you like.
• Southern Administrative Okrug : This place is famous for its vibrant nightlife. Book a room at the Smart Roomz , the Intourist Kolomenskoe or the Mini Hotel on Proletarskiy 1 and get ready to have a ball. You'll find popular after-dark hot spots like Festa Di Voce Music Theater in this area.
• Northern Administrative Okrug : Whatever your interests, you'll find lots to keep you entertained in in this neighborhood. Settle in to your room at the Bonjour na Taldomskoy then head to Scientific and Art Museum of Horse Breeding. It's one of the area's top attractions. Like more hotel options? Have a look at the Hotel Cron and the Holiday Inn Express Moscow - Khovrino .
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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2023)

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

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

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

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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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

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

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The 7 Best Day Trips From Moscow

Although Moscow has a lot to offer when it comes to history and culture, its hustle and bustle environment may be tiring. However, there are places just outside Russia’s capital that have just as much heritage, while being dreamy and quiet at the same time. From gems of the Golden Ring to the last resort of Vladimir Lenin , here’s a list of exciting destinations, all located just a few hours from Moscow.

View all trips, arkhangelskoye museum-estate.

You’ll only need an hour to get to one of the most spectacular estates near Moscow. The spectacular Arkhangelskoye used to belong to the Youssoupov family, and it hasn’t lost its splendour. One of the best-preserved estates in the Moscow region, it regularly hosts various music events, including the Usadba Jazz Festival .

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Arkhangelskoye Museum-Estate, Moscow Region, Russia , +7 495 363-13-75

Gorki Leninskie

Culture Trip has already told you about Moscow’s best places to revisit Russia’s Soviet past , so here’s another spot for your Soviet Russia must-see list. Just like the Mausoleum , Gorki Leninskie is another ‘sacred’ place, related to Russia’s famous revolutionary – Vladimir Lenin. Here you can stroll past several Lenin statues and Soviet-era monuments, visit the house where Lenin lived and explore the three museums: Lenin Museum, Lenin’s Kremlin Cabinet Museum and the Peasant Life Museum.

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Gorki Leninskie, Moscow Region, Russia

Arguably the most popular town of the Golden Ring, Yaroslavl has over 800 architectural monuments. It’s hard to see them all in one go, so if you’re on a one-day trip, you should take a walk alongside Europe’s longest river, the Volga, and visit the 11th-century Transfiguration Monastery, which is part of the city’s large Museum Reserve . You can also admire an impressive collection of icons at the Governor’s House Museum and see the country’s most extensive collection of antique record players, vinyl records and clocks at the Music and Time Museum .

Transfiguration Monastery, 25 Bogoyavleniya Street, Bld.2, Yaroslavl, Yaroslavl Region, Russia

Sergiyev Posad

The only city in the Moscow region that is included on the Golden Ring route of ancient towns, Sergiyev Posad is considered to be the heart of Russian Orthodoxy. Here you can visit one of the world’s largest Orthodox monasteries: the Trinity Lavra of St Sergius (or Troitse-Sergieva Lavra). The monastery, founded in the 14th century, comprises two cathedrals and eight churches. The tiny town also has several noteworthy museums: the museum complex ‘Konniy Dvor’, Museum of Toys, Peasant Life Museum and Museum of Soap.

Troitse-Sergieva Lavra, Sergiyev Posad, Moscow Region, Russia

Rostov Veliky

Before you buy your tickets, be sure to double-check that you’re going to Rostov Veliky and not Rostov-on-Don, which is in a different part of Russia. One of Russia’s oldest towns, Rostov Veliky is a perfect destination for nature, history and food. There’s the mirror-like Lake Nero, one of the best-preserved Kremlins, monasteries and ancient churches, along with unique food places such as Lukova Sloboda , which also happens to be a museum of the region’s onion farming.

Spaso-Yakovlevsky Monastery, Rostov Veliky, Yaroslavskaya Region, Russia

Vladimir is another beautiful ancient Russian city with magnificent Orthodox cathedrals and traditional white-stone architecture. There’s a variety of attractions to put on your must-see list: the Golden Gate, which indicates the entrance into the old town, the Old Believers Trinity Church right behind it, the Cathedral of Saint Demetrius, and Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral. If you plan on shopping for souvenirs, stop by the Museum of Crystal and Lacquer Miniatures and the Gingerbread Museum .

Dormition (Uspensky) Cathedral, 56 Bolshaya Moscovskaya, Vladimir, Vladimir Region, Russia

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Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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• ALL MOSCOW TOURS
• Getting Russian Visa
• Top 10 Reasons To Go
• Things To Do In Moscow
• Sheremetyevo Airport
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• Airports Transfer
• Layover in Moscow
• Best Moscow Hotels
• Best Moscow Hostels
• Art in Moscow
• Moscow Theatres
• Moscow Parks
• Free Attractions
• Walking Routes
• Sports in Moscow
• Shopping in Moscow
• The Moscow Metro
• Moscow Public Transport
• Taxi in Moscow
• Driving in Moscow
• Moscow Maps & Traffic
• Facts about Moscow – City Factsheet
• Expat Communities
• Groceries in Moscow
• Healthcare in Moscow
• Blogs about Moscow
• Flat Rentals

Top 10 Moscow Attractions – Things To Do In Moscow

1. all around the kremlin.

Start from the Alexandrovsky Sad (Alexander Garden), a highlight of Moscow center. The garden is famous for its architectural monuments, incredibly beautiful flowerbeds and history. The Eternal Flame in the memory of the fallen heroes in the World War II glows in front of the Kremlin Kutafya Tower. Alexandrovsky Sad is a place that is impossible to miss, if you are going to the Kremlin , a symbol of the Russian State, one of the greatest architectural ensembles in the world, a treasury of amazing relics and monuments of art. The famous  Armory Chamber and the Diamond Fund are real treasure houses. The Kremlin is the official President’s residence and remains a gorgeous political landmark. On the way from the Kremlin to the Red Square , you will find the State History Muzeum , with a wonderful collection of artworks, depicting Russian history. Red Square remains, as it has been for centuries, the heart and soul of Russia. Few places in the world bear the weight of history to the extent that Moscow’s central square does. From the 16th Century St. Basil’s Cathedral – one of the most famous pieces of architecture in the world – to the constructivist pyramid of  Lenin’s Mausoleum , Red Square is rich in symbols of Russia’s turbulent and intriguing past. Right at the Square there is one of the oldest and most remarkable shopping centers in Moscow – the GUM . Just several trading passages in Russia were created over a century ago and successfully operate until nowadays. GUM always was, and remains the greatest country’s store. To have some rest you can go to recently opened Zaryadye Park and enjoy breathtaking views of The Moscow Kremlin from the floating bridge, listen to some classic concerts or try local food from different regions of Russia.

2. NEAR THE BOLSHOI THEATRE

-> Read our main article about Moscow theatres

Not far from the Kremlin and the main street of Moscow – Tverskaya street you will find the Theater Square. The square is situated over the river Neglinka that was enclosed in an underground pipe in 1819. Now it is a green square with two beautiful fountains. The area owes its name because of t three theaters located there: a world-famous Bolshoi Theatre , Maly Theatre and Russian Academic Youth Theatre (RAMT). The Bolshoi Theatre is a symbol of Russia for all time. It was awarded this honor due to the major contribution to the history of the Russian performing arts. This history is on-going and today Bolshoi Theatre artists continue to contribute to it many bright pages. Visit the theatre to watch the magnificent Russian operas and ballets. Despite high ticket’s price, you will never be disappointed; it is a real pearl of the world’s theatrical life. The TsUM is a luxurious shopping mall with recognizable designer labels and expensive goods is also located at the Theatre Square. A good place to visit in this area is a place called «Denis Simachev Bar», a two-story house in Stoleshnikov Lane. The music and menu are diverse, as well as the audience. A special drink of the bar is cider «Sidor Simachev».

3. AROUND CATHEDRAL OF CHRIST THE SAVIOUR

Start from Ostozhenka St. , and lanes around it, to see the charming old Moscow. Despite that Ostozhenka became one of the most expensive streets in the world, with lots of new houses, it preserved unique examples of the 18 and 19 centuries architecture, which you may find in the numerous bystreets. Moreover, Multimedia Art Museum , one of the most interesting art spots in Moscow is located at Ostozhenka, 16. Follow the street to the city center and you will see the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour . It is one of the largest Orthodox church in the world. The building is magnificent, but not as old as it looks, it was rebuilt in 2000 (the original was demolished by the order of Stalin). One of the highlights of the Cathedral is the panoramic view from the 40-meter-high observation platform. Use the footbridge from Christ the Savior Cathedral to get to the former area of confectionary factory Krasniy Octyabr (the Red October) with lots of stores, bars and cultural spots. The Strelka Bar is a good place to have some rest. It is a comfortable urban space for informal and having a cocktail. In summertime, the bar opens a terrace overlooking the Moscow River.

4. THE GORKY PARK

-> Read our main article about Moscow Parks

After visiting the previous attraction, you can follow the footbridge and enter the long pedestrian zone at the borders of the Moskva River. At first, the Krimskaya embankment will lead you to the Museon Art Park , that has a unique collection of 700 sculptures. Nowadays Museon, together with the Gorky Park and Neskuchniy Sad are much reconstructed. The space of the Museon Park of Arts is perfectly landscaped for a comfortable and enjoyable stay. Follow the River Bank and you will come to the main leisure and cultural spot of nowadays Moscow – the  Gorky Park . It opened in 1928. In 2011, Gorky Park underwent a major restructuring and now has a fresh, vibrant appearance. The park’s recently upgraded design makes it one of the most interesting places to spend your leisure time. About 20,000 visitors visit the 109-hectare park each day. The park features bike rental stations, a comfortable business area with Wi-Fi, an outdoor movie theatre and a greenhouse where you can buy fresh greens such as basil and lettuce, numerous open-air cafes, yoga classes, film festivals in the summer cinema and classical music concerts. To contemplate the sky and the stars, you can go to the observatory and look through the telescope while listening to fascinating stories from astronomers. You can enjoy many sports in the park such as volleyball, handball, football or a peaceful jog around the beautiful surroundings If you go further by the riverbank you will reach Neskuchniy Sad , a wonderful place in the Moscow center, one of Moscow’s oldest parks, highly renovated for the past few years. Once an area filled with the summer palaces of Moscow’s wealthiest nobles, it is now a charming slice of wildlife with many activities and places of rest.

5. THE METRO

-> Read our main article about The Moscow Metro

-> We also have great  MOSCOW METRO TOUR , available for you

The Moscow Metro has its own unforgettable charm. It was opened in 1935 and became one of the USSR’s most extravagant architectural projects. That is why most of the central underground stations look like a museum. Every station has its own mood, different decorations and fascinating story. Take a journey in Moscow underground to get an unforgettable impression of the city.

6. THE NOVODEVICHY CONVENT

The Novodevichy Convent , built in the 16th and 17th centuries in the so-called Moscow Baroque style, was part of a chain of monastic ensembles that were integrated into the defence system of the city. The convent was directly associated with the political, cultural and religious history of Russia, and closely linked to the Moscow Kremlin. It was used by women of the Tsar’s family and the aristocracy. Members of the Tsar’s family and entourage were also buried in its cemetery. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artefacts. The convent was closed in 1917, and in 1926, it became a branch of the State Historical Museum. The museum`s collection now consist of about 12,000 items, including old Russian paintings, fabrics from the 16th—20th centuries, items from precious metals and stones, liturgical items, and vestments, made by the best artists, jewelers and embroiderers. The necropolis is one of the convent`s special attractions. The Novodevichy cemetery is divided into «new» and «old» sections. The old cemetery lies within the convent’s walls, and since the early 18th century it was the burial place for eminent and rich people, above all, the tsar’s family. In the 19th century, many prominent Russians were laid to rest here. The new cemetery was had been used from 1898 to 1904. During the Soviet era, the Novodevichy cemetery was second in prestige only to the Kremlin wall necropolis.

7. ZOO AND PLANETARIUM

The Moscow Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in Europe. Its first name has been Zoological Park and it was opened in 1864. Through 140 years of its history, during times of peace, war, revolution the Zoo was open. Nowadays it is located right in the middle of the big city. The main entrance to the zoo, built in 1997, stands opposite Krasnopresnenskaya metro station. It looks like a fairytale castle with towers and a waterfall. This enter leads to the old part of the zoo, where the highlights include the big cats, a neat underground viewing space below the penguin pool, a dolphinarium, as well as the sea lion enclosure that lets you watch them swim from below. A pedestrian bridge takes you across the street to the New Territory, the most interesting parts of which are probably the primate house and fun children’s zoo. Near the second enter to the Zoo at the Garden ring The Moscow Planetarium is located. It was first opened on November 5, 1929. After a global reconstruction, it was reopened in 2011. Now it is a multifunctional complex that combines scientific and educational resources: the interactive museum «Lunarium», the Museum of Urania, the Big Star Hall and the Sky Park, family recreation center that is focused on different age groups. The Moscow Planetarium is one of the biggest planetariums in the world.

9. THE VDNKH AND MUSEUM OF COSMONAUTICS

-> We also have great  SOVIET MOSCOW TOUR , available for you

The VDNKh – the Exhibition of National Economic Achievements – and it remains a fascinating monument to Russia’s transitional period, a mixture of faded Soviet pomp and unregulated capitalism. Its story began in 1939 as the All-Union Agricultural Exhibition, a monumental paean to the achievements of collectivization. Nowadays the VDNKh is a bizarre juxtaposition: part agricultural fair, part trade expo, part shopping center and part street market, with amusements as diverse as paint-balling and camel rides. The park itself is an intriguing example of 20th century landscaping. The VDNKh buildings, still preposterously magnificent are wonderful example of Soviet architecture. The VDNKh is truly unique, and worth visiting, especially as there is much more to be seen nearby, including the wonderful Cosmonautics Museum . It was opened in 1981, to the 20th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin space flight. The idea of creating this museum belongs to famous Russian scientist S.P. Korolev, one of the major figures in rocketry and space ship building of the XX century. Nowadays a large exposition demonstrates a full-size rocket and space technology. You can try interactive exhibits, such as the one, identical to the Cosmonaut Training Center simulator, virtual international space station and more.

10. KOLOMENSKOE MUSEUM-RESERVE

A unique historic place – Kolomenskoe – is situated in the picturesque surrounding over the Moscow River banks. These lands are full of legends. Archeological discoveries state that the first settlements appeared here in the 8th century. It is an ancient and uniquely formed place. Today this is an exceptional complex of cultural monuments of a great historical value. The chief attraction of the park is undoubtedly the stone Church of the Ascension of the Lord . It was constructed in 1529-1532 by order of Tsar Vasily III to commemorate the birth of his son and heir, Ivan the Terrible. However, there is a lot more to see in the park: the pretty Church of the Icon of Our Lady of Kazan – with its bright azure domes and plenty of gold. Further into the park there is a charming Church of the Beheading of St John the Baptist , built by Ivan the Terrible to mark his coronation. If you visit this place, you can fully enjoy nature, picturesque views over the Moskva River and learn about Russian medieval architecture. Moreover, many cultural events are held here.

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• Russia Circle Trip: 20 Places To Visit In Moscow And St. Petersburg In 2023

23 Mar 2023

Comprising of palaces, monasteries, cathedrals, museum’s, parks, hills, towers, and galleries, travelers must include these places to visit in Moscow and St. Petersburg in their itinerary for a complete travel experience. Taking you through its modern culture, ancient traditions, and rich historical past, these places to see in Moscow are not just interesting, but are beyond magical.

20 Places To Visit In Moscow And St. Petersburg

Here is a list of places to explore in the beautiful city of Moscow and St. Petersburg on your trip that you might not want to miss. Keep scrolling down and read along:

• Hermitage Museum
• Krestovsky Stadium
• Peterhof Palace
• Pushkin Museum
• Kolomenskoye
• Novospassky Monastery
• Kremlin Armoury
• Sparrow Hills
• Cathedral Of The Archangel
• Diamond Fund
• Losiny Ostrov National Park
• Ostankino Tower
• Grand Kremlin Palace
• Bolshoi Theatre
• Memorial Museum Of Cosmonautics
• Saint Basil’s Cathedral
• Moscow Kremlin

20. Hermitage Museum

Hermitage Museum at St Petersburg is the second-largest art museum in the world, after The Louvre in Paris, France. The establishment was founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine the Great. From Egyptian antiquities, Renaissance art, Dutch and Flemish Baroque art to Neoclassical, Impressionist, Post-Impressionist and modern European fine art – Hermitage Museum artworks are any art-enthusiast’s paradise.

Location: Palace Square, 2, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 190000 Timings: 10:30 am – 6:00 pm (Monday closed)

19. Krestovsky Stadium

Named after Sergey Kirov, the stadium was also home to the Zenit Football Club for certain periods in the 1900’s. The Fifa Confederations Cup took place in the Krestovsky Stadium, with several group matches and the final between Germany and Chile taking place at the stadium. The 2018 Fifa World Cup also took place there, when Russia hosted the competition.

Location: Futbol’naya Alleya, 1, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia, 197110 Timings: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

18. Peterhof Palace

One of the most important sites of cultural importance in Russia is the Peterhof Palace. It is a series of palaces and gardens which are located in Peterhof, St Petersburg. One of the best features of the area that catches the eyes of the many tourists who come to visit the area is a 16-metre high cliff. One of the best features of the Palace is the Chesma Hall. The Hall is decorated with painting from the Battle of Chesma, where Russia won a naval victory during the Russo-Turkish war.

Location: Razvodnaya Ulitsa, 2, Sankt-Peterburg, Russia Timings: 9:00 am – 7:00 pm

17. Pushkin Museum

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If you want to visit one of the best tourist places in Moscow to explore a wide selection of European masterpieces, then you must visit the Pushkin Museum. Here, you can explore The museum is divided into three sections which cover the themes: Byzantine art, the Renaissance, and the Dutch Golden Age. For a collection donated by individuals, you can also visit the Museum of Private Collections.

Location: Ulitsa Volkhonka, 12, Moskva, Russia, 119019 Timings: 11:00 am – 8:00 pm

Must Read: Villas In Moscow: 7 Places That Offer Unparalleled Luxury In The Heart Of Russia

16. Kolomenskoye

Nestled just a few kilometers outside of the city center, Kolomenskoye was once a royal estate which is now converted into a museum-reserve. Overlooking the Moskva River, you will get to gain a plethora of history from this museum. You can take a stroll in the garden at this museum which is one of the top places to visit in Moscow, Russia.

Location: Andropova Ave, 39, Moskva, Russia, 115487 Timings: 9:00 am – 8:00 pm

15. Novospassky Monastery

With attractions like Novospassky Monastery, there is no need to worry as to what to see in Moscow . Dating back to the times of the 14th century, Novospassky Monastery happens to be the first monastery established in the heart of Moscow. Located in the southeastern region, it is one of the must-visit places in Moscow.

Location: Krest’yanskaya Ploshchad’, 10, Moskva, Russia, 115172

Suggested Read: Russia Plans To Open A Luxury Hotel In Space By 2022 Since Earth Is Too Mainstream!

14. Kremlin Armoury

Kremlin Armoury is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Moscow which is located within the premises of Moscow Kremlin. A treasure house in the heart of Moscow, Kremlin Armoury is a unique museum that has put up about 4000 unique and precious belongings from 1851 on display.

Location: The Moscow Kremlin, Moskva, Russia, 125009 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 6 PM (Closed on all public holidays)

Suggested Read: 8 Cities With Best Russia Nightlife; Say It Aloud, “Lights, Vodka, & Russians!”

13. Sparrow Hills

Much famed as the Lenin Hills until 1999, it is a must for every traveler to include a visit to the Sparrow Hills on their Moscow city tour . Standing tall at an elevation of 220 meters, it is the highest viewpoints in the city that rises above the Moskva River. Get atop the hills to enjoy breathtaking views of the Moscow skyline.

Location: Moscow, Russia, 119270

Suggested Read: 15 Interesting Things To Do In Moscow: Trekking, Opera, And More

12. Cathedral Of The Archangel

Perched in between the attractions of Ivan the Great Bell Tower and the great Great Kremlin Palace, this orthodox cathedral in the heart of Moscow and the mighty Archangel Michael is the patron saint of the cathedral. Reflecting the charm of the Italian Renaissance architectural style, this cathedral is built on the site of the original structure which dates back to 1333.

Location: Cathedral Square, Moscow Kremlin, Moscow, Russia, 103073 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM (Closed on all public holidays)

Suggested Read: The Glass Beach In Russia Turns Empty Beer Bottles Into A Stunning Kaleidoscope Of Colourful Pebbles!

10. Diamond Fund

Image Credit: Shakko for wikipedia

A mine of precious stones, jewelry, Diamond Fund is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Moscow for those whose love for diamonds is limitless. Established by Emperor Peter I of Russia in the year of 1719, this gem of a place resides within the premises of the famous Moscow Kremlin.

Location: Proyezd Proyektiruyemyy 813, Moskva, Russia, 125009 Timings: Friday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 1 PM, and 2 PM to 5:20 PM (Closed on Thursdays)

9. Losiny Ostrov National Park

Of all the Moscow points of interest , Losiny Ostrov National Park offers a perfect amalgamation of nature and wildlife. Often compared to the Pedra Branca State Park in Rio de Janeiro, and the Table Mountain National Park of Cape Town, in terms of its size and grandeur, it is the first-ever national park of the Russian capital wherein one can witness many species of birds, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

Location: Poperechny Prosek, 1G, Moscow 107014, Russia

Suggested Read: Trans Siberian Railway: World’s Longest Rail Network That Crosses 8 Time Zones Across 9300 Kms!

8. Ostankino Tower

Standing tall at a height of 1,772 feet, Ostankino Tower is famous for being the only free-standing structure in the whole of Europe. Apart from being the eleventh high-rising structures of the world, the observation deck at Ostankino Tower is the place to be for those who wish to relish the best views of Moscow’s skyline.

Location: Akademika Koroleva St, 15, Moskva, Russia, 127427 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 9 PM

7. Grand Kremlin Palace

Established in the year of 1849, Great or Grand Kremlin Palace is one of those places to visit in Moscow that will leave you beyond astonished. Constructed beautifully and with a great eye for detail, the intricate decor inside the Grand Kremlin Palace reflects the pure charm of the Revival architecture in Russian that blends perfectly with the architectural style of Byzantine Revival.

Location: Moscow Kremlin, Moscow 103073, Russia

Suggested Read: 19 Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Russia That You’ve Never Heard Before!

Image Courtesy: publicdomainpictures.net

What Pragati Maidan is to Delhi, VDNKh is for Moscow. Being one of the popular Moscow sightseeing places , VDNKh or Vystavka Dostizheniy Narodnogo Khozyaystva is a grand trade and exhibition center in Moscow that assures the travelers an experience like none other. Home to numerous palaces, fountains, architectural marvels, arches, and pavilions, there will never be a dull moment on your visit to VDNKh during your trip to Moscow .

Location: Prospekt Mira, 119, Moskva, Russia, 129223 Timings: Monday to Sunday – 24 Hours

5. Bolshoi Theatre

Image Credit: DmitriyGuryanov for wikipedia

For the lovers of art, and culture, Bolshoi Theatre is the place to be for them to witness one of the finest live performances of opera and ballet performances. Famous for featuring a neoclassical facade, Bolshoi Theatre is one of the renowned landmarks of the city.

Location: Theatre Square, 1, Moskva, Russia, 125009

Suggested Read: Moscow In Winter: 10 Things To Do In The City That Holds To The Key To Russia’s Past

4. Memorial Museum Of Cosmonautics

Striking, unique, and aiming to touch the sky, the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics is one of the best Moscow tourist sites which the travelers cannot afford to miss. Educating the visitors about the significant part of Russia’s history in the domain of space, it is a strict no-no to miss out on visiting the Museum of Cosmonautics when in the city.

Location: Prospekt Mira, 111, Moskva, Russia, 129223 Timings: Thursdays & Saturdays – 10 AM to 9 PM; Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, & Sundays – 10 AM to 7 PM; Closed on Mondays

3. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Considered to be one of the top places to visit in Moscow , Saint Basil’s Cathedral is also famed as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed amongst the locals. Being one of the crucial landmarks of Moscow located in the heart of Red Square, the cathedral dates back to the times of 16th century. Serving as a visual treat to the travelers, it happens to be one of the most-captured attractions in Moscow.

Location: Krasnaya Square, 2, Moscow 109012, Russia

Suggested Read: The List Of Top 10 Places Travelers Are Eager To Visit Is Out!

2. Red Square

Separating the royal citadel of Kremlin from the ancient merchant quarter of Kitai-gorod, Red Square is one of the most interesting places in Moscow . Bearing the weight of Russia’s history to a great extent, Red Square serves not just as an attraction but as the heart, soul, and symbol of the whole country.

Location: Krasnaya Ploshchad, Moscow, Russia

1. Moscow Kremlin

If all the attractions serve as members of the city, then Moscow Kremlin serves as the home in which all these tourist sites reside. Encompassing of almost all the famous sightseeing attractions, the royal residence of the President of Russia, the Moscow Kremlin is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Moscow . Offering breathtaking views of River Moskva and located at the heart of the city, it is a must for everyone to explore this fortified complex once in their lifetime.

Location: Moscow, Russia, 103073 Timings: Friday to Wednesday – 10 AM to 5 PM; Closed on Thursday

How To Get There

Air Astana has resumed daily operations, and with the launch of 2 additional flights starting 2nd September 2019, they will now be operating 11 times a week offering even more onward connections. You can now make the most of this special offer by Air Astana and plan your trip to the biggest metropolitan city of Kazakhstan. Transit passengers can also visit Nur – Sultan and Almaty hassle – free in their journey with Kazakhstan’s 72-hour transit visa-free regime . You can now also apply for an e-visa before traveling to Kazakhstan. The process is very simple!

Explore Two Countries In One Trip

There is good news for all transiting passengers. With Air Astana’s 1$ Stopover Holiday Package, you can enjoy a one-night stay in Almaty or Astana starting at just 1$ for the first night. Simply pay online and you will receive instant confirmation for your Stopover Holiday Package with Air Astana . The package includes a one-night stay in 3-4 star hotel, buffet breakfast, and airport transfers. What more could you possibly need!

Further Read: 101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30

While these are some of the famous places to visit in Moscow and St.Petersburg, this is just the beginning of what this incredible city has to offer. Hence, make sure you include these Moscow attractions and St. Petersburg sights to your bucket list while you gear up to fulfill your dream on your sojourn to Russia !

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Places To Visit In Moscow

What is the best time to visit Moscow?

April to August happens to be the best time to visit Moscow when the summer season lets the tourists make the most of their journey.

What is that one experience that one must not miss out when planning a trip to Russia?

A ride on the Trans-Siberian Railway that crosses eight time zones across 9300 kms is one of the most unique experiences that one should not miss out on their trip to Moscow!

What are some of the must-visit attractions in Moscow?

Moscow Kremlin, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square, and Bolshoi Theatre are some of the famous must visit attractions in Moscow.

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