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Tour Van Fitting

The ultimate fitting experience

TOUR VAN FITTING

When PGA Tour and LPGA Tour professionals need their equipment tweaked at an event, they head straight to the manufacturer tour vans that follow them to each tournament location. In these tour vans, the professionals can receive precise adjustments to their clubs, try new combinations of clubheads and shafts, and work with product experts to gain any advantage they can from their equipment.

At 2nd Swing, we offer that same experience to all of our customers. Our Tour Van fitting experience takes place in our high-tech, tour-inspired facility that is separated from the store for the most in-depth fitting in the industry. The Tour Van locations include private hitting bays loaded with the best technology available, including Trackman launch monitors and Foresight GCQuad launch monitors, and thousands of clubhead and shaft combinations to deliver the most precise fitting possible.

Why 2nd Swing’s Tour Van is the ultimate fitting experience:

• Private setting includes no distractions
• Additional time with fitters to ask questions and experiment
• Instant access to thousands of clubhead and shaft combinations
• More in-depth data measurements from Trackman launch monitors including swing path, angle of attack, impact location, and more
• Personalization of clubs, such as stamping and color filling
• Full spec sheet with all of the customization added to your equipment
• Free follow-up fitting after purchase to validate results

Tour Van Fitting Pricing:

• Tour Van Long Game — 2 Hours — Complimentary with qualifying purchase or $400 — Includes fitting for driver, fairway woods, and hybrids
• Tour Van Approach Game — 2 Hours — Complimentary with qualifying purchase or $400 — Includes fitting for iron sets, wedges, and hybrids
• Tour Van Driver + Iron — 2 Hours — Complimentary with qualifying purchase or $400 — Includes fitting for driver and irons
• Additional Tour Van Fitting Options: Complimentary with qualifying purchase or $200 per hour
• Full Bag: $1000.00
• Driver: $300.00
• Fairway Wood: $200.00
• Hybrid: $200.00
• Iron Set: $600.00
• Wedges: $300.00
• Putter: $200.00

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2nd Swing Fitting, Tour Van Fitting OR Club Champion?

By buckrogers71 May 7, 2021 in Recommend/Help Me Find ?

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Buckrogers71.

I am turning 50 this summer and thought I'd treat myself to a fitting if for nothing more than to get the basics (correct lie angle, shaft weight, flex, club head/ball speed, launch angle and spin rate). I have looked at a full bag fitting at 2nd swing for $150 for the basic full bag package (waived if I buy something) 1.5 hours OR the tour van fitting 2 hours for $600 but need to spend $2000 for that to be "waived". Club Champion is $350 for 3.5 hours for the full bag. Probably wouldnt buy anything from them due to the horror stories I have read about here.

It's not like I am really in the market for clubs, but in true ho form, why not? and I am sure I can surely find SOMETHING to buy.

Has anyone gone through this process? Is one better than the other? is the basic package good enough? 

Any input would be greatly appreciated

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May 7, 2021

I also tinker with my own.  Have learned a ton of stuff from others on this site.  Will give you my own experience on this.  I live in a rural area so basically had to learn on my own.  Austad's happe

November 5, 2021

Not if i've had a couple beers at the turn....

May 8, 2021

Yes, the shaft is very important.  But the mizzy optimizer can't take the place of a good fitter.   At best it can only provide a starting place for the fitter and maybe shorten the fitting time for s

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I don't know about 2nd swing, but Club Champion is USUALLY pretty solid when it comes to fitters.  Disclaimer:  really depends on the fitter working at the time.  Tour Van fittings are awesome and very comprehensive although steep in price.  They usually use trackman or flightscope which are 2 of the best launch monitors IMO.  It's really up to you.  My cousin has done Club Champion and I was there to watch.  I've done a Tour Van fitting once and luckily one of my good buddies works for one and I got a really good deal on the fitting and bought about 1k worth of equipment from him. 

Callaway AI Smoke Paradym 💎 💎 💎 9* - Tour AD VF-7TX

TM SIM ti 15* - Diamana GT 80TX

TM Tour Issue Rescue 11 TP Deep Face Proto 16* - Ventus Black HB 9TX

New Level NLU-01 21* - KBS Hybrid Proto 105X

New Level 623-M 5-PW - MMT 125TX

Miura Tour 54* HB - KBS 610 125 S+, New Level SPN forged M-grind 58* - KBS Tour 130X

Scotty Cameron Studio Select Newport 2

1 hour ago, buckrogers71 said: I am turning 50 this summer and thought I'd treat myself to a fitting if for nothing more than to get the basics (correct lie angle, shaft weight, flex, club head/ball speed, launch angle and spin rate). I have looked at a full bag fitting at 2nd swing for $150 for the basic full bag package (waived if I buy something) 1.5 hours OR the tour van fitting 2 hours for $600 but need to spend $2000 for that to be "waived". Club Champion is $350 for 3.5 hours for the full bag. Probably wouldnt buy anything from them due to the horror stories I have read about here.   It's not like I am really in the market for clubs, but in true ho form, why not? and I am sure I can surely find SOMETHING to buy.   Has anyone gone through this process? Is one better than the other? is the basic package good enough?    Any input would be greatly appreciated

Maybe you can help me understand something...why would anyone get fit for a set of golf clubs that they have no intention purchasing? Isn't that just a waste of $$$? As I understand, fitting isn't a roller coaster ride that you "experience," it's a means to an end. 

What am I missing?

Titleist TSi3 w/Oban Kiyoshi White 6X  Titleist TSi2 15 degree w/Accra TZ6 75 M5

Titleist TSi2 21 degree w/Accra TZ6 75 M5 

Srixon ZX5 4-6 w/KBS TGI 110 (SS 1x) @1/2" over standard

Srixon ZX7 7-PW w/KBS TGI 110 (SS 1x) @1/2 " over standard Titleist Vokey SM8 Raw 50/54/58 KBS TGI 110 (SS 1x) @1/2" over standard Toulon Las Vegas custom w/BGT Tour 

I guess I'd just really like to know what my specs are so I can either adjust what I have OR buy something.

17 minutes ago, liveagua said: Maybe you can help me understand something...why would anyone get fit for a set of golf clubs that they have no intention purchasing? Isn't that just a waste of $$$? As I understand, fitting isn't a roller coaster ride that you "experience," it's a means to an end.  What am I missing?

Sounds like he doesn't intend to purchase the clubs from Club Champion.  Once he has the specs from the fitting, there are a lot of other options for getting the clubs at a much better price.

One question I would have is if you "tinker" with your own clubs?

22 minutes ago, GLF4EVR said: One question I would have is if you "tinker" with your own clubs?  

I do tinker. I just threw new shafts into my irons and feel confident doing my own work.

Stuart is right, I could shop around here or flea bay n get something that catches my eye cheaper than what 2nd swing would charge n definitely cheaper than club champion 

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I also tinker with my own.  Have learned a ton of stuff from others on this site.  Will give you my own experience on this.  I live in a rural area so basically had to learn on my own.  Austad's happen to open up a store over an hours drive from where I live a few years ago.  I had always wanted to try a fitting just to see if I was even close on what I had done.  I had scheduled a full bag fitting that was something like $150 & that would be waived if you purchased equipment.  It was to be 1.5 hours.

I drove up for the appointment & the store owner was the only one on duty at the time.  Other employee had a medical emergency.  I had plenty of time so we proceeded with the fitting with several stops for him to help other customers.  Flightscope was used along with other programs like shaft fitters and the like.  The guy really took his time & had me hit a variety for shots with each club.  I was kind of frustrated with myself because that day most of my shots keep fading when I was not wanting it to, hips were turning early.  Fitter finally convinced me not to worry about it.  He was seeing the same thing with the hips.  Went thru every club I had including balls & putter.  I was there well over 3 hours total.  He did not tell me anything about the fitting until we were totally done.

The final analysis was to play with the bounce a little on my wedges (52 & 58).  He wanted me to wait until I made a decision on the bounce before getting new wedges.  Once I had that, he recommended new Titleist wedges (did that last year...big change).  My driver was an SLDR, 3 wood is a R580, old Ping Eye 2-2 iron, 3-PW Titleist 735cm irons, 2 old Vokey oil can wedges, & a 2-balls center shaft putter.  He tole me I have all my distances & gaps covered.  If I got new equipment I would have to go thru a learning curve on distances & may need to adjust clubs to fit all the gaps.  In short...keep exactly what you have & keep doing what I have been doing.

Only charged me $60 and got a bunch of promo stuff that he had around.  Just the piece of mind that I had actually been correct in my building made it the best $60 I have ever spent. 

I would think the van might be the best option as far as a good fitting. I have not been impressed with what I hear about CC. I have only bought online from 2nd swing.

Haywood 1 with Hzrdus Black RDX 70

Haywood 3W  PXG 0211 5W

Haywood 18* driving iron

Haywood MB irons 3-PW

Mitsubishi Kuro Kage 80g iron shafts

Haywood 52/10 and 56/12 wedges

Haywood mid mallet putter

Golf Pride Concept Helix grips 

"You're not good enough to get mad at your bad shots!" - Bill Murray

If an OEM Tour Van you will come away with their clubs fit to you. The issue is it will be one of their clubs which might not be best for you when compared to other OEM clubs. They can be prone to hurry up, I have others waiting.

For the price, CC is a better deal.

I did a putter fitting with them that was great. I ask my fitter about a package for Driver/Hybrids and he pretty much comped me.

Their prices for clubs are a bit high, but I priced the same driver I was fit for and it was only about 50$ less from the OEMs ( Ping, Titleist who don't budge on MAP. ), and $20 of that was upcharge over retail for the shaft, $8 for the grip I wanted.

Rogue ST Max LS or Paradym 10.5 (9.5) Ventus TR 5 R

Paradym 3HL  NVS 65 R AI Smoke 21* and 24* PXG GEN6 XP 2X Black 6-GW MMT 6 or AI Smoke 6-GW Tensei white 75 R

PM Grind 2.0 54 and 58

Bettinardi Innovai Rev 6.0  33” 

 E.R.C. Soft TT/ Chrome Soft TT / TM Tour Response '20

The van is through 2nd swing. Just has a couple more bells and whistles than the regular fitting.

Thanks for all the replies! Keep em coming! 

NJBigFish22

I would find a place that uses the Mizuno 3D shaft optimizer.  After doing my research, I feel this will be the best.  The shaft is probably the most important part in my opinion.  I’m looking at Sub70 and to be able to take those specs to them and then have my clubs built.  The place near me is $150, waived with purchase, and they will order any clubhead.  

Driver - Testing in Progress

7W - Taylormade Ti Bubble II

4-5 Hybrids - Cleveland Halo XL (21*, 24*)

7i - GW - Titleist T200 7-GW

GW - Taylormade MG3 52*

SW - Sub70 JB Forged 56*

LW - Sub70 JB Forged 62*

Putter - Sled 01 (for thr moment)

Ball - Srixon Q Star

10 hours ago, NJBigFish22 said: I would find a place that uses the Mizuno 3D shaft optimizer.  After doing my research, I feel this will be the best.  The shaft is probably the most important part in my opinion.  I’m looking at Sub70 and to be able to take those specs to them and then have my clubs built.  The place near me is $150, waived with purchase, and they will order any clubhead.  

Yes, the shaft is very important.  But the mizzy optimizer can't take the place of a good fitter.   At best it can only provide a starting place for the fitter and maybe shorten the fitting time for some individuals.   It can also help out a mediocre or less skilled fitter - but it can't keep them from making mistakes in the fitting.

3 hours ago, Stuart_G said:   Yes, the shaft is very important.  But the mizzy optimizer can't take the place of a good fitter.   At best it can only provide a starting place for the fitter and maybe shorten the fitting time for some individuals.   It can also help out a mediocre or less skilled fitter - but it can't keep them from making mistakes in the fitting.

I agree that if the person doesn’t know how to incorporate or use the data as part of a real fitting, then the results may not be optimal.  

Having done both, go with the tour van. Both fittings are basically the same thing but the tour van will come without Club Champion's ridiculous pricing and tactics. Plus with a tour van, if they have something used that fits you can do that and save some money. I actually got fit at 2nd swing by a guy who used to work for CC so yeah...same exact thing but I didn't get some guy trying to convince me to buy a $2500 set of irons.

I didn't get a fitting but I spent quite a lot of time on Trackman last year during lessons. It is fantastic !

I'd advise that you make the decision based on what technology is available and what you're looking to try (e.g. variety of shaft options). 

TSR3  (Dr) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-6) TSR2  (3w / 7w) (Graphite Design Tour AD IZ-7)

zU85  (4-6) (UST Recoil) Z-Forged (7-P) (Nippon Modus3)

SM6  50.F / 56.F / 60.S Maltby PTM-5CS

I have been to CC and wasn't pleased with the end result. For one I learned that an indoor fitting is not what I personally liked. I need to see the ball fly through the air. Thats a personal preference. Secondly I found out that the metal attachment CC uses to swap all the shafts in/out of the heads is heavier than the regular adapter that comes with whichever head you choose. That throws off the stiffness of the shaft. There is a good thread on here about it. I ended up getting refit bc I had a big two way miss going. driver was too heavy and not stiff enough so they tipped it and made it even worse bc the launch was too low and too light. Me personally would never recommend CC

analyticandrew

Not sure where the OP is located, but I’ve done three fittings in my life (in order of how I liked them):

3. Club Champion - I’d rate this a 6.5/10. If I considered all the troubles I had with some of the clubs I ordered I’d give it a 4/10. The have a TON of shaft and head options, but I found that they were hesitant to get me into exactly what fit just right because it was less expensive - my old irons had DG S200 shafts, they didn’t want to fit me into anything that “cheap” until I forced them to find one so we could compare.  2. “Country Club” lie board fitting. This was 20+ years ago. Ping and Titleist and Henry Griffits. This was the only fitting I’ve done that was 100% outdoors and while it has its downsides for SURE (lie boards only get you so far) it was monumental to see the flight of the ball and how it changed with each modification that our pro made. Rank this one an 8/10 at the time. Nowadays I’m sure they add a GC Quad or similar.  1. Izett Golf in Philly area. Hands down the best fitting I’ve ever had. I wasn’t rushed, Mike explained every single thing that was going on. This was a combo indoor and then outdoor fitting. Indoor they went through True Temper’s old system that looks at how you load the club as opposed to looking at club head speed, etc. This is the fitting that got me into the DG. I have since tinkered with a lot of other shafts, including at the CC fitting and none of them even compared. Outdoor was used to confirm after they built me a “new 7 iron” that it was performing as intended. Outdoor was also used for driver testing.  

Mike and his crew I think are the best in the business. I can’t imagine too many others out there that are better. If you are near Philly at all, I definitely recommend their fitting. I’m buying my dad one this summer when he comes to visit. 

RogerinNewZealand

Buy a loft,lie  and a swingweight scale!Then you can Really Tinker!

2020 18 July mid winterNZ Ping Rapture 2006 10.5 Nike VrS 3wood Callaway Razr Edge5 wood

MP100=33 9876 5/mp63 54     RTX2 60     RTX2 ProPlatinum NewportTwo 2002 325gram +8.NewGrip Dont hesitate to buy one!  

On 5/7/2021 at 12:28 PM, buckrogers71 said: I guess I'd just really like to know what my specs are so I can either adjust what I have OR buy something.

A couple of thoughts for you from someone who believes deeply in the fitting process.

1. In any fitting at any facility, the quality of the fitting is all about the quality of the fitter.  There is both art and science to club fitting, and I'd urge you to get to somebody that you have heard good things about.  Walking in and taking pot luck, even at a dedicated facility like Club Champion, is risky business.

2. Understand that your "specs" are going to be at least somewhat club dependent; they don't exactly translate from one brand to another perfectly.  There are NO industry standards for what constitutes a neutral lie angle, so 3* upright in a Ping iron might or might not be the same as in a Titleist iron.  Similarly, adjustable clubs and different models change things from brand to brand and over time.  I was fitted in a G30 driver to the "big plus" setting, but in the G400, I was fit to neutral.  I tried the G400 in the big plus setting, and hooked it off the world, and that was the same company and only two generations of difference.

3.  Before you go to ANY club fitter, be clear in your own mind what you are trying to do.  Do you want to be longer, or straighter, or more consistent, or what?  Club fitting isn't a miracle cure; it's a way of eliminating (or at least reducing) variables in ball flight.  So, for instance, if you currently drive the ball 220 on average, there is NO club that going to get you to 260 unless your current driver is the worst fit in the world.  BUT you might very well find a driver that gives you 10-15 yards AND better dispersion; tIhat is entirely within the realm of possibility.  Irons, even more than drivers, are about better misses, so you need to have clear ideas of what you are trying to "fix".

4. When you go, take your old clubs (and if it's an indoor fitting, the golf ball you use) and hit them enough on the monitor to get a baseline for what's going on now.  Then, as you try different combinations during the fitting, have a notepad to write stuff down if the fitter can't give you a printout of what's going on; it can all run together pretty quickly.

5. Last, ask questions as the fitter makes changes and tweaks.  If he's really good, he'll be telling you anyway, but if he changes a shaft or a head, ask him what he's trying to do with the new club, or what he didn't like about the old one if you can't tell yourself. 

Whichever way you go, enjoy the process.  A good club fitting is a joy to go thru, and the results can be significant.

Club champion is gonna try and fit you into a premium exotic shaft that you likely won’t be able to get through an OEM (Accra , oban, va composites). If ur not willing to pay at least $350 for a shaft whether through them or another place it would probably be a waste of time

Wardonation

100% Go see Ben at Pumpkin. I have done both and Ben is the best and you are outdoors. The ONLY problem is you are hitting range balls but I trust Ben over anyone else.

PING G430 Max 8 degree (digitally lofted) TR Blue 6X tipped .5". 44.5" D4 

G430 17 HY DI HY 85 X

TSR2 21 HY DI HY 85 X

4 THRU PW King Tour KBS $ Taper 120

VOKEY 48 "F" KBS $ Taper 120

VOKEY 54 "F" S400

VOKEY 60 "V" S400

SCOTTY CAMERON T11 BGT POLAR SHAFT SAND BLASTED TO MATCH HEAD... FLATSO 1.0

HOOFER LITE BLACK CAMO 

Ben was the "tour rep" for Nike for years. He has some great stories for sure especially about "AK"...

I have the full bag and putter fittings at 2nd Swing.  I was happy with the experiences.  Full bag was mostly bring your current clubs and the fitter pulled a ton of used clubs to see if any of them could beat what you already were using.  I like that empirical methodology.  We looked at data to assure the spin rates and apexes were good enough.  That matches my philosophy on club fitting and data analysis.  Being a data scientist, I can look at data and know right away if the results are different or the same between different clubs.  That's one thing about 2nd Swing, they are not trying to fit you into X head with Y shaft.  They have what they have.  And out of the 30 or 50 drivers they have in inventory, you should be able to find a few that work for you.  After the fitting they sent me an email with a link to Trackman with video and data of every shot I hit.  Once we settled on the clubs, they adjusted the lies and checked the lofts.  To be fair, my fitter had a bias against Ping G series clubs for me, saying they were too shovely for me but I had them in a rental set and liked them more than what I bought at 2nd Swing.  A good thing is there was no talk about budget.  They didn't push to buy anything.  They had a selection of different balls and used my gamer as the test ball.  

• 1 month later...

On 5/9/2021 at 9:02 PM, analyticandrew said: Not sure where the OP is located, but I’ve done three fittings in my life (in order of how I liked them): 3. Club Champion - I’d rate this a 6.5/10. If I considered all the troubles I had with some of the clubs I ordered I’d give it a 4/10. The have a TON of shaft and head options, but I found that they were hesitant to get me into exactly what fit just right because it was less expensive - my old irons had DG S200 shafts, they didn’t want to fit me into anything that “cheap” until I forced them to find one so we could compare.  2. “Country Club” lie board fitting. This was 20+ years ago. Ping and Titleist and Henry Griffits. This was the only fitting I’ve done that was 100% outdoors and while it has its downsides for SURE (lie boards only get you so far) it was monumental to see the flight of the ball and how it changed with each modification that our pro made. Rank this one an 8/10 at the time. Nowadays I’m sure they add a GC Quad or similar.  1. Izett Golf in Philly area. Hands down the best fitting I’ve ever had. I wasn’t rushed, Mike explained every single thing that was going on. This was a combo indoor and then outdoor fitting. Indoor they went through True Temper’s old system that looks at how you load the club as opposed to looking at club head speed, etc. This is the fitting that got me into the DG. I have since tinkered with a lot of other shafts, including at the CC fitting and none of them even compared. Outdoor was used to confirm after they built me a “new 7 iron” that it was performing as intended. Outdoor was also used for driver testing.   Mike and his crew I think are the best in the business. I can’t imagine too many others out there that are better. If you are near Philly at all, I definitely recommend their fitting. I’m buying my dad one this summer when he comes to visit. 

I know this is a couple months old, but how much was the fitting at Izett golf? I just looked at their site and didn’t see pricing.

19 hours ago, NJBigFish22 said: I know this is a couple months old, but how much was the fitting at Izett golf? I just looked at their site and didn’t see pricing.

holdenapair

If you can see Ben, see Ben. 

AndrewPlunkettPGA

On 5/7/2021 at 9:23 AM, buckrogers71 said: I am turning 50 this summer and thought I'd treat myself to a fitting if for nothing more than to get the basics (correct lie angle, shaft weight, flex, club head/ball speed, launch angle and spin rate). I have looked at a full bag fitting at 2nd swing for $150 for the basic full bag package (waived if I buy something) 1.5 hours OR the tour van fitting 2 hours for $600 but need to spend $2000 for that to be "waived". Club Champion is $350 for 3.5 hours for the full bag. Probably wouldnt buy anything from them due to the horror stories I have read about here.   It's not like I am really in the market for clubs, but in true ho form, why not? and I am sure I can surely find SOMETHING to buy.   Has anyone gone through this process? Is one better than the other? is the basic package good enough?    Any input would be greatly appreciated

At 2nd Swing, Tour Van fittings are free with a qualifying purchase. Use of Trackman launch monitor so you get all ball and club data you'll ever need. Also kitted with loft/lie measurements, swingweight scales and frequency analyzers. Fitters are not on commission, so will fit you to the best option regardless of cost, which is nice for peace of mind. 

Any particular questions, please let me know, I'd love to help!!

On 5/13/2021 at 10:03 AM, LeoLeo99 said: I have the full bag and putter fittings at 2nd Swing.  I was happy with the experiences.  Full bag was mostly bring your current clubs and the fitter pulled a ton of used clubs to see if any of them could beat what you already were using.  I like that empirical methodology.  We looked at data to assure the spin rates and apexes were good enough.  That matches my philosophy on club fitting and data analysis.  Being a data scientist, I can look at data and know right away if the results are different or the same between different clubs.  That's one thing about 2nd Swing, they are not trying to fit you into X head with Y shaft.  They have what they have.  And out of the 30 or 50 drivers they have in inventory, you should be able to find a few that work for you.  After the fitting they sent me an email with a link to Trackman with video and data of every shot I hit.  Once we settled on the clubs, they adjusted the lies and checked the lofts.  To be fair, my fitter had a bias against Ping G series clubs for me, saying they were too shovely for me but I had them in a rental set and liked them more than what I bought at 2nd Swing.  A good thing is there was no talk about budget.  They didn't push to buy anything.  They had a selection of different balls and used my gamer as the test ball.  

Nice one! This sounds like an nFlight fitting you signed up for (AKA Used Clubs)? The Tour Van Service looks at custom ordering a set, testing X head with Y shaft. 

Hope this helps!

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Review: 2nd Swing Tour Van Fitting Center

There are fitting centers all across the US.  Every respectable golf shop offers some form of fitting.  Every club manufacturing offers brand specific fitting.  There are even high end fitters scattered here and there around the country.  The Tour Van at 2nd Swing might just have a little secret that makes them THE best fitting center.

Many people in the Twin Cities are familiar with 2nd Swing Golf shop.  They offer one of the largest collections of new and used clubs for sale.  Their 2 stores have racks upon racks of previously swung clubs at a reduced price.  If you are looking for something, they probably have it or can get it.  While the stores are nice, they don’t really have a high end feel to them; they feel more like “warehouse” shopping.  The Tour Van Fitting Center which is next door to the Minneapolis store has the complete opposite feeling.  The outside is as plain and simple as can be, but the inside is “high-end” all the way.  The decor, details, products and technology are as professional as anything out there.

Once you soak in all the cool stuff surrounding you upon entrance; it is time to get to work.  First stop is the the Gears fitting area.  If you have seen the MATTe fitting system, this is just the most current technology of that.  Instead of a few frames per second, it now captures hundreds.  There are only a handful of these around the country.  It measures club and body details for the most accurate information about your swing.  The “Avatar” like rendering of your swing is really cool.  It is also stored for future reference if you need to be refit or want to revisit your past swing sequence.

After that data is collected the fitter has a good idea of what specs to start you with over on the Trackman Launch Monitor.  At this point it will be swinging into just the right fit.  While this might take a number of swipes, the fitter will find the ideal combination of specs and feel.  They are only missing one thing at this stage that would make them head and shoulders above the rest; outdoor hitting.  While I’ve been fit perfectly indoors, I am just much more confident and swing better outdoors.

They offer just about everything under the sun in terms of head and shaft combos; it may take a day or two for them to complete your build if they don’t have your exact specs in stock.  But as you can see from the pictures, they have a very extensive collection of heads and shafts on hand.  A plus about going to a general fitter like 2nd Swing instead of an OEM is that you aren’t locked into one brand. Their uLabs build shop section of the Tour Van is as good as any, with loft and lie machines, a frequency analyzer, and even an epoxy oven to offer a faster turn around between fitting and build.

So what is the secret of 2nd Swing that makes them better than everyone else?  You don’t have to buy an $800 driver or $2000 set of custom fit irons at the end of your fitting.  You can sneak next door and find previously swung clubs fit to your exact specs.  Sure the 2014/2015 gear is cool, but why not save $$$ and play 2013 clubs or even 2014 gear that didn’t fit someone else, but fits you perfectly based on your Tour Van fitting?  Their secret weapon that trumps all other fitting studios is their access to used gear that will offer the same results at a lower price point. Obviously they do charge for the fitting depending on how many clubs you want to be fit for, but they will waive some or all of those fees if product is purchased.  Seriously, if you want the absolute best indoor fitting experience, period, get to 2nd Swing’s Tour Van.  You will get fit for the best clubs for your game, new or used!!

For more information:  www.2ndswing.com Quick Hits +Access to previously swung equipment +Gears Fitting System and Trackman Launch Monitor +Every new head and shaft combo +Spacious and comfortable set-up +Excellent Fitters +Top notch uLabs build shop –No outdoor space

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Welcome to Russia!

We are Sergey and Simon, a Russian and a Frenchman, both  passionate about Moscow, Saint-Petersburg and classic cars. Together, we have created Put-in tours. Our goal is to help you experience Russian culture off the beaten path. Join us onboard our classic Soviet van and let’s get rolling!

In Moscow we offer you a city tour to discover most of the city in an original way as well as a night tour to admire the lights. Our pubcrawl is ideal to explore Moscow’s night-life and have fun. If you are craving to discover Russian culture, come impress your senses during our monastery diner or join our 100% Russian Banya Excursion . The latest will also bring you to Sergiyev Posad and it’s famous monastery!

For the most extreme travellers, our shooting tour will deliver your daily dose of adrenaline whereas our tank excursion will let you ride a real tank and shoot a bazooka.

We also offer help to receive your visa , safe and multilingual airport transfers , as well as organisation services for team-building events or bachelor parties .

All our excursions (but the monastery diner) happen onboard our Soviet military vans and can be covered by our  professionnal photographer or videographer.

In Saint Petersburg

We welcome you in Saint Petersburg onboard our Soviet van to discover the imperial city with our city tour and night tour .

Continue your discovery in style! The adrenaline lovers will like our shooting tour  which brings 3 Russian weapons to the tip of your trigger finger.

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At Put-in tours, we put you in our classic Soviet vans to go explore Moscow, Saint Petersburg and Russian culture off the beaten path. Discover our Moscow city guided tour, visit Moscow by night, join our banya & Sergiyev Posad excursion, visit and dine in one of Moscow's oldest monastery or even Luzhniki stadium, before you party on our famous pubcrawl! Original and atypical tours : Shoot AK47 and a bazooka after riding on a tank with our tank & bazooka excursion ! Extreme tours: Fly a fighter jet in Moscow onboard a L-29 or L-39 aircraft!

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

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Best things to see and do in Moscow

Moscow is the capital of Russia and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Asia. It’s rich and complex history is a constant reminder of its strategic position between Europe and Asia and makes it one of the cities you should visit once in your life. In terms of the many iconic landmarks, the delicious cuisine, and the characteristic, colorful architecture it has, Moscow is full of surprises for first-timers and seasoned travelers. Apart from the main attractions, it has like the Kremlin or Red Square, Moscow has many hidden gems for you to discover on your free walking tour with your local guide. 

On any of the free guided tours we offer in Moscow , you will be able to find a selection of many tours which are available in different languages and at different times of day, like the morning, afternoon, and evening. Since Moscow is such a large metropolis, getting your bearings by doing a guruwalk with a local guide who will show you all Moscow’s hidden gems is a great idea. This way you get to learn as much as possible about the local culture and way of life. A trip to Moscow wouldn't be complete without visiting iconic places like St Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Mausoleum, the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, or the State Historical Museum, before getting some fresh air at Gorky Park, the medieval church of Kolomenskoye, or shopping at Izmailovsky Market. Don’t miss visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, the Bolshoi Theater, or checking out the Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve. 

Many travelers have left their r eviews and opinions about the local guides , gurus, and the routes they walked. If you have any questions about the routes or what is included in the tour, check out their opinions. 

Free walking tour near Moscow

Others cities to visit after moscow, where are you traveling to.