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Events & initiatives.

Industry events designed to help you make informed marketing decisions, meet face-to-face with thousands of international travel buyers and media, and champion travel's impact on the steps of City Hall and in the Halls of Congress.

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U.S. Travel Spring Engagement Week

Washington, District of Columbia March 18-20, 2024

Destination Capitol Hill

Washington, District of Columbia March 19-20, 2024

Global Meetings Industry Day

Nationwide, Global April 11, 2024

Los Angeles, California May 3-7, 2024

National Travel and Tourism Week

Nationwide, United States May 19-25, 2024

Columbus, Ohio August 11-13, 2024

Events Calendar

2024 u.s. travel association spring board briefing (closed meeting/invitation only).

U.S. Travel Association Washington, District of Columbia

DeLisa Selwitz

[email protected] https://www.ustravel.org

2024 Destination Capitol Hill

DCH Registrar

[email protected] https://www.ustravel.org/events/DCH

STS SMPR Forum 2024

Southeast Tourism Society Little Rock, Arkansas

Suzanne Moon

[email protected] https://www.southeasttourism.org/domestic-showcase-smpr-forum

2024 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel and Tourism

Illinois Office of Tourism Peoria, Illinois

[email protected] https://www.ilgovconference.com/

2024 Iowa Tourism Conference

Iowa Tourism Office Des Moines, Iowa

Amy Zeigler

[email protected] https://web.cvent.com/event/8bcdddb4-f47f-424b-9c34-2f7615005b49/summary

2024 STS Domestic Showcase

[email protected] https://www.southeasttourism.org/domestic-showcase-home

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America’s Favorite Travel Shows Are Back and Bigger Than Ever

Travel shows.

The Travel & Adventure Shows

Welcome to america’s favorite travel shows.

If you’re looking to discover new travel options, learn the latest travel tips and advice, personalize your itinerary with destination experts and save big on your next trip, you’ve come to the right place.

Going into our 20th year, the Travel & Adventure Shows are the industry’s premier travel booking and planning events in the United States. You’ll meet the top destinations, tour operators and travel suppliers from around the world who bring their top planning and booking experts to each event to help you book your dream vacation in a trusted, safe and face-to-face environment.

Plus, you’ll receive the top travel tips and advice from the pros, including Rick Steves, Phil Rosenthal and Pauline Frommer, with dozens of travel seminars taking place on 4 on-floor theaters throughout each weekend.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for your next bucket list adventure or just beginning to expand your travel horizon, the Travel & Adventure Shows are right for you.

America’s Favorite Travel Shows Are Back!

Get Ready to Pack Your Bags!

Discover thousands of the hottest vacation options for 2024 and beyond, and meet the destination experts who are on-hand to help you find, plan and book your next trip at prices that you can’t find anywhere else.

You’ll also meet the top travel personalities from around the globe who are bringing the latest travel tips and trending advice directly to you, with dozens of travel seminars taking place right on the show floor. Plus, you’ll get to meet and hear from Rick Steves, Phil Rosenthal, Peter Greenberg, Andrew McCarthy, Pauline Frommer and more!

And don’t forget to check with each exhibitor at the Show, as most offer exclusive, show-only discounts that you won’t be able to access anywhere else.

For more information on speakers, exhibitors, tickets and show information, click on a show city near you from the drop down menu above!

Travel Shows – Travel Adventures

Your next vacation starts here.

The Travel & Adventure Show

Explore over 2,000 of the top travel brands from around the globe, destinations.

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Heading To A Travel Expo For The First Time? Here Are Some Things To Know

Large-scale, in-person events have returned, including major international travel shows . These events attract the “who’s who” of the travel world and representatives from hotels , cruises, and tourist boards. After COVID gutted travel, people spent 2022 making up for the disaster of the preceding two years. For those who work in the travel industry, travel conventions offer a chance to rekindle old alliances and forge new ones. If you’re planning on attending a travel expo, there are some things you should know to ensure you fully benefit from the event . Here are five tips.

Research In Advance

Look up the vendors and make a list of the ones you want to visit the most. It is not uncommon for these expos to have hundreds of exhibitors. Be sure to check out the cultural events planned and jot down the times of forums and panels you want to attend so you don’t miss them.

Spread Out Your Time

Travel expos are often held in massive convention centers capable of holding thousands of people. Instead of rushing to see everything at once in just a few hours, consider spreading out your time to fully enjoy the experience. Take breaks as needed. It’s easy to get overwhelmed.

Bring Your Own Food

There is usually food at these expos, but the selection is typically limited and expensive. Considering packing some of your own. This will ensure you have something tasty and filling and will also save you some money.

Bring A Portable Charger

There’s nothing more annoying than your phone dying mid-convention. Actually, there is. What if there are no available sockets? It’s always good to have a portable charger on hand in case of an emergency, so remember to bring yours.

Network, Network, Network!

Even if you aren’t necessarily working in the travel industry, you can still network. Are you a voice-over actor? Maybe one of the tourist boards could use you for a commercial or tourism material. Are you a travel agent looking to acquire some new inventory? Talk to property owners and managers about promoting their homes to potential clients.

Related:  Here’s Why You Should Attend the Black Travel Expo in 2023

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• up to 3 000 – 5 000 participants
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• up to 500 visit stands
• up to 500 – 2 000 registrations
• up to 200 – 600 presentation views
• up to 10 – 60 catalog downloads
• Virtual stand up to 1 000 characters
• 1 hour of online presentations
• Opportunity to participate in the "Networking"
• Publication of a presentation video
• Publication of up to 20 photos
• PDF-catalogs for downloading
• Virtual stand up to 5 000 characters
• 2 hours of online presentations
• Publication of up to 30 photos
• Priority opportunities in the “Networking” section
• S tatus of "Partner of the exhibition
• Company's day at the exhibition
• Virtual stand up to 10 000 characters
• 4 hours of online presentations
• opportunity to invite partners: up to 6 co-exhibitors;
• Publication of up to 50 photos

'It's time to go now': Pent-up vacationers seek dreams at Lehigh Valley Travel Expo

BETHLEHEM, Pa. -- After long stretches of not traveling at all or scaling back plans, many people are returning to the travel market, according to vendors at the Lehigh Valley Vacation Expo.

Ashley Woodring, a representative from The Travel Corporation, said things have changed drastically over the past four years.

• The COVID-19 pandemic crippled the travel industry
• Travel demand is high as most travel restrictions have been lifted
• Hundreds sought out promotions and deals at the Lehigh Valley Travel Expo

“People can't wait to get out. In regards to if you're looking at comparison to 2019, I mean, we're busier now than we were then," she said.

"People that maybe were waiting to travel or saving up their special moments, they're doing it now, which is super exciting… People are ready to go and they're not going to wait anymore.”

Wendy Prater, a representative for Princess Cruises and Cunard, concurred.

“A lot of people are using the word ‘revenge travel,’ because people are looking to go longer," she said. "They're looking to go for more exotic destinations around the globe, maybe hitting some of those bucket list destinations like Alaska that they haven't gotten to just yet."

Held all day Sunday at the Wind Creek Event Center, the Lehigh Valley Travel Expo is sponsored and organized by AAA, said organizer Sally McCorrison.

Getting back to normal

AAA provided multiple services at booths around the expo, including passport rush applications, insurance quotes, identity protection and travel advisers.

McCorrison said the desire to get back to a sense of normalcy in the industry worked both ways.

“There was COVID, our travel advisers spent all that time taking destination courses, and learning more about travel," she said. "So they are very experienced here today, and they're booking people on their dream vacation.”

The travel advisers were popular among the crowd, with a wait to book with them by 11:30 a.m. That may have been in part due to the free luggage promotion for those who booked their trips at the expo.

Attendee Jenny Barrett said she came to get ideas about where to go and what to spend. She was asked if anything caught her eye.

“Cold weather Alaska, it's warm in here," she said. "I like cold weather. We don't really go to beaches. And there's a lot of beaches here, but there are some cruises to Alaska.

".... We only drove on our trips over COVID. So it's been interesting. We haven't had much, but we're ready. We're definitely ready. We made the decision at the end of last year. We're ready.”

Growing demand

Signs of increasing travel demand have been found monthly at Lehigh Valley International Airport.

“Industry experts predicted that you would reach your pre-pandemic travel levels in 2023, 2024," spokesman Colin Riccobon said in a phone interview Sunday night. "At ABE, we surpassed our pre-pandemic travel levels in 2022. So the level and the demand for air travel remains very, very high.”

He said improvements at the airport only will add to that.

“Coming up in 2023, we're going to unveil a new TSA checkpoint as well as terminal connector, which will bring some expanded screening, TSA screening, which makes the process of flying through ABE even more convenient and comfortable," he said.

While the past few years have been tough, not everyone saw a downturn in travel during COVID, said Robin Koval, a representative for Grand Canyon Railway.

"It's been five years [since we traveled]... We waited long enough."

“It's funny, it [travel] hasn't changed much with us," she said. "It has for the consumer, so to speak, but we are a company that mostly takes place outdoors. So COVID actually threw us into the front of the line just because people want to spend more time outside they want to make memories. And of course, seeing the canyon is a memorable experience.”

Gail Nowak, a representative for Luzerne County at the expo, agreed.

“A lot of people like our area, because especially with the pandemic, they wanted to take day trips and not flying and cruising and all that,” she said.

Like many at the expo, Patricia Gunsser said she was overdue for a trip. And like a lot of others Sunday, she suggested she deserved it.

“We're thinking of taking a cruise. And we wanted to get a good deal," she said. "I got the newspaper that said, 'Come with an open mind, and you'll leave with a good deal.'

"It's been five years [since we traveled]. We went to Jamaica. We waited long enough. It's time to go now.”

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Explore our comprehensive collection of press releases, captivating photos, and articles from major outlets celebrating the success of Houston Travel Fest. Dive into the buzz and excitement of our event and see why it´s a highlight in the travel industry calendar and see how this content continues being of great value through our Online Experience.

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Testimonials

Follow the insights offered by these travel professionals who offer valuable perspectives on the success and impact of the Houston Travel Fest. They serve as a testament to the event´s reach and influence, providing inspiration, proven strategies, and market understanding that remain relevant for ongoing planning, networking, and growth in the travel industry. This content continues to be a valuable resource for all in our Online Experience.

From the Grand Opening Ceremony to interactive exhibitor showcases, each picture captures the essence of our global travel celebration. Relive engaging seminars, cultural performances, and network-rich moments that define our event.

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The global monthly e-magazine for m.i.c.e., tourism, business travel, exhibitions, luxury travel & aviation

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Keep up to date with this comprehensive list of tourism, M.I.C.E., cruise, medical tourism and aviation exhibitions, events, summits, forums and conventions taking place around the world.

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D23 Expo tickets to go on sale next week. How much are they and what else you need to know

Disney fans can rejoice − and start saving − as tickets for the upcoming D23 Expo in Anaheim, California will go on sale next week.

People can attend the " Ultimate Disney Fan Event " on Aug. 9-11 once they buy a ticket at noon PT on March 26-28, according to the Burbank, California-based company.

The D23 gold member pre-sale will begin March 26, the company's 2024 D23 Expo site says. Visa cardholders' ticket-buying window will open March 27, and all D23 general members can snag their tickets by March 28, according to Disney.

"This year, D23 has been revamped to be more expansive and more immersive than ever before, offering fans access to more of what they love from across the worlds of Disney at an amazing value," according to a news release .

The company says there will be "returning fan favorites and new surprises."

"This extraordinary event will feature three days of marquee showcases and presentations, an expanded show floor with the latest from Disney brands and partners, increased shopping opportunities, and a week-long celebration of Disney fandom leading up to the event," the company said.

But how much does it cost?

D23 Expo ticket prices for the Anaheim Convention Center, Honda Center

Prices to attend the D23 expo start at $79 and go up to nearly $1,000.

The D23 Expo will be inside the Anaheim Convention Center, but some ticket buyers will have access to the Honda Center, Disney's site says.

Prices for both venues are:

• $99 for the Ultimate Fan Pass for either Friday's, Saturday's or Sunday's events.
• $297 for a three-day Ultimate Fan Pass for the entire weekend.
• $999 for a three-day Ultimate Preferred Fan Pass (a D23 gold member exclusive).

Prices for events only at the Anaheim Convention Center are:

• $79 (D23 gold members) and $89 (D23 general members) for D23 Fan passes for either Friday's, Saturday's or Sunday's events.
• $209 (D23 gold members) and $259 (D23 general members) for three-day D23 Fan passes for the entire weekend.

Disney fans can celebrate D23 beyond convention centers

Disney fans will be able to celebrate D23 beyond the convention centers, including at the Disneyland resort and the Anaheim Angels' stadium.

Fans can attend the first-ever D23 Day at Disneyland on Aug. 8.

“Disneyland Resort will welcome D23 fans from rope drop to late night featuring unique offerings for fans, including a custom cavalcade and an energetic dance party at Disneyland Park, special photo opportunities, specialty foods, themed merchandise, and more at both parks," the company said. "Disney Junior will also join the festivities and host a music-filled celebration at Disney California Adventure."

Los Angeles Angels and Disney fans can go to Angel Stadium on Aug. 4 when the MLB team takes on the New York Mets.

In celebration of D23, the first 23,000 fans who enter the ballpark will receive complimentary one-of-a-kind D23 Mickey Mouse bobbleheads, the company says.

The Masquerade custom contest and the Ultimate Disney Fan Sweepstakes will also be a part of the D23 experience.

What Is A Travel Expo?

A travel expo is a convention that brings together potential travelers with industry experts like travel agents and resort representatives. The general purpose of a travel expo is to educate the consumer on trends, deals and other pertinent travel information, but these events are also great places to meet people who are interested in travel.

Some expos will feature presentations or activities, others will have booths set up and some combine formats. Travel companies attend these events for exposure to new clients and to keep up on the latest industry news, and they often feature "show-only deals." These deals are special rates available to those at the expo. While attending an expo, people have the option to book trips on the spot or they can take information and book trips at a later date. There are people who book trips exclusively through expos for the personal experience and on-the-spot deals.

In addition to meeting with people in the industry, those who attend travel expos usually have the opportunity to win prizes or free trips. The events going on during the expo can be interesting, as well. At the Washington DC Travel & Adventure Show in 2014 attendees had the opportunity to take scuba diving lessons in a pool, scale a rock climbing wall or test out a segway. During that same expo, guests were also able to see exotic cooking demos and cultural performances. 

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StarTribune

At the country's biggest food industry trade show, everything is just for you.

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Good-for-you sodas. Regenerative everything. Snacks, snacks, snacks. The country's largest food industry trade show, held last week, offered a glimpse into the grocery store's rising stars, wannabes and still-hot trends.

Natural Products Expo West — with thousands of booths boasting boutique brands and with more than 70,000 attendees — is all about finding, or becoming, the next big thing in food.

Jockeying for attention from the nation's largest retailers and distributors, brands were big on world flavors, clean labels and functional benefits.

But the sum of the offerings was more like a streaming service than a movie theater. There was something for everyone, yet most products are unlikely to reach a mass audience. The emphasis among many startups and smaller brands is on personalization and filling niches, like hormone health and allergy friendly.

"Food is like religion: You don't tell people how to eat, you don't tell people what to believe in," said Rich Gammill, managing partner of Proterra Investment Partners in Minneapolis and one of dozens of Minnesotans at the trade show. "It's about giving consumers choices — you do you, and you follow your own journey with food."

Here are a few of the trends that stood out at Expo West in 2024.

Snacks and snack accessories

The U.S. remains a nation of grazers, sipping and dipping our way to caloric contentment. Marrying the consumer quests for convenience and better-for-you foods, many brands are putting a healthy shine on old favorites like chips and crackers while others peddle more bars and smoothies that have long attracted health-conscious buyers.

Minnesota-based Maazah, best known for its chutneys and aioli that won the pitch slam at last year's Expo West, unveiled a new line of lentil dips that will hit stores later this year. Also in the dipping category, Minnesota-based Flackers recently revealed its refreshed packaging and new flavors.

Mushroom mania

Fungi is still gaining momentum with more brands trying to capitalize on the properties of mushrooms that are said to improve focus and reduce stress. Coffee blended with lion's mane and other mushrooms was a recurring theme throughout the show floor. Vendors were flush with mushroom protein powders, gummies and supplements.

There were plenty of truffles, the richly flavorful mushrooms, too, and a 139-year-old Japanese company brought a shiitake powder it hopes to start exporting to the U.S. soon.

Regenerative breaking through

Growth has slowed in the $60 billion organic food industry in the U.S., but regenerative agriculture is ready to carry the baton for foods that are better for the environment.

Regenerative is a catch-all term for a range of farm practices that benefit the soil and watershed and purportedly can increase nutrition density in crops. It's now a sought-after label for companies looking to stand out in an increasingly crowded natural food space.

Patagonia Provisions featured ingredients from Minnesota's A-Frame Farm which uses regenerative practices in products like crackers. And Golden Valley-based General Mills dedicated much of its towering exhibit to its regenerative commitments.

Low-carb, high-fiber, still tasty?

While less emphasis was placed on satisfying the needs of a keto diet, brands are still pushing out low-carb offerings that often come with a high fiber content. Which is promising, considering nearly every American fails to get enough dietary fiber on a daily basis.

A new pasta from General Mills' innovation team, Carbe Diem, uses modified wheat starch to keep the carbohydrates and calories lower while getting a big boost of fiber.

Improving the total package

Packaging innovations were a big draw at this year's show. It was not uncommon to see adults slurping down squeeze-pouches of smoothies — a format typically reserved for kids' applesauce.

Less plastic, more compostable and all-around renewable packaging was a theme at the show, which also happened to create daily piles of trash and recycling throughout the packed exhibition halls.

'Healthy' pops

The fast success of Olipop, a low-sugar soda loaded with prebiotic fiber, has spawned numerous competitors all hoping to grab a piece of the fizzy functional beverage space that kombucha brands pioneered years ago.

Some had electrolytes or adaptogens, a term for herb and plant extracts that could help reduce stress and improve well-being. Some brands used novel sweeteners or unexpected flavors, while others were just flavored bubbly water.

Plant-based evolves

While meatless chicken nuggets still had a home this year at Expo West, the trend is now focused on just getting more plants on the plate and finding new ways to broaden the industry's appeal, experts said.

"We have to be comfortable being a part of the plate (plant-based burgers with dairy cheese, for example) and we've got to find ways to access new audiences and reel people in slowly," said Jay Margolis, CEO of market research firm Spins. "Because change is hard."

Edina-based vegan and allergy friendly pizza brand Clo-Clo came to the show with new flatbreads on a sweet potato crust.

Natural keeps growing

Minneapolis-based cereal company Seven Sundays has expanded into Costco, which offers greater scale for its production and helps bring prices down at a time consumers are still struggling with food inflation.

Natural and organic food and beverages remain a faster growing segment than food as a whole, due in part to price increases, a wealthier consumer base and selective splurging from shoppers outside the core audience.

Brooks Johnson is a business reporter covering Minnesota’s food industry, 3M and manufacturing trends.

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TravelAwaits

Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

19 Unique And Fabulous Experiences In Moscow

• Destinations

Thinking of visiting Russia? When visiting such a famous city, one must, of course, visit the iconic landmarks first. Moscow has plenty of those, most of them in the center of the city, which is very well-planned for tourists. Once you’ve seen the sights that are on most travelers’ lists, it’s time to branch out and visit some of the lesser-known sites, and there are some fascinating places to see and things to do.

I know this list is long, but I just couldn’t help myself. You probably won’t have the time to see them all. But that’s okay. Just scroll through the list and choose what sounds the most interesting to you. Where possible, make sure to book in advance, as things can get crowded, especially during high season.

1. The Red Square, Kremlin, And Surroundings

Red Square (Krasnya Ploshad) is the heart and soul of Russia, and where much of the country’s history has unfolded. This is the most famous landmark in Moscow and indeed the whole country, it’s an absolute must-do! The square is always full of people and has a rather festive atmosphere!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral

This is the famous church with the rainbow-colored, onion-domed roof. The cathedral was commissioned in the 1500s by Ivan the Terrible and according to legend, the Tsar thought it was so beautiful, that he ordered that the architect’s eyes be cut out afterward, so he could never build anything more beautiful! He wasn’t called Ivan the Terrible for no reason!

Lenin’s Mausoleum

The “love-it-or-hate-it” of tourist attractions in Russia. A glass sarcophagus containing the embalmed body of Russian revolutionary, Vladimir Lenin. It may seem a bit bizarre to display the mummy of a person, but it has been there for almost half a century and the 2.5 million visitors who come each year, clearly feel the queuing and thorough body search are worth it, to be in Lenin’s presence.

Pro Tip: no photos and no loud talking are allowed inside the Mausoleum.

Eternal Flame

There is an Eternal Flame in honor of an unknown soldier on the left side of Red Square. The hourly changing of the guards is worth seeing.

The Kremlin is the official residence of the Russian president. You can see it from the outside, or you can take an excursion to one of the museums located inside. This is the biggest active fortress in Europe, and holds a week’s worth of attractions! Once behind the 7,332-feet of walls, there are five squares, four cathedrals, 20 towers, various museums, and the world’s largest bell and cannon to see. Worth a special mention is the Armory Chamber that houses a collection of the famous Faberge Eggs.

Pro Tip: You can only go inside the Kremlin if you are part of a tourist group.

2. Bolshoi Theatre

Bolshoi Theatre translates to “The Big Theatre” in Russian, and the building is home to both the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera — among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera companies in the world.

Pro Tip: It’s hard to get an inexpensive ticket, so if you’re reading well in advance of going to Moscow then try buying tickets on the official website . Last-minute tickets cost around $250 per person. If this is out of your budget, about an hour before a performance, you can try buying a ticket at the entrance from a reseller. Most can speak enough English to negotiate the price.

Tour the Bolshoi Theatre: You can take a group guided tour of the Bolshoi Theatre which focuses on the history and architecture of the theatre and behind the scenes. There’s an English language tour that lasts 2 hours and costs around $300 for a group of up to six.

3. Luxury Shopping At GUM And TSUM

Russia’s main department store, GUM, has a stunning interior that is home to over 100 high-end boutiques, selling a variety of brands: from luxurious Dior to the more affordable Zara. Even if shopping is not on your Moscow to-do list GUM is still worth a visit; the glass-roofed arcade faces Red Square and offers a variety of classy eateries. TSUM, one of the biggest luxury malls in town, is right behind the Bolshoi and GUM. It’s an imposing building with lots of history, and worth a visit just for its design and its glass roof.

4. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This is one of Russia’s most visited cathedrals and is a newer addition to the gorgeous array of Muscovite cathedrals, but don’t let its young age fool you. After perestroika, in the early 90s, the revived Russian Orthodox Church was given permission to build a cathedral on this site. It did the location honors and built the largest temple of the Christian Orthodox Church. The façade is as grand as you’d expect, but it’s the inside that will mesmerize you, with its domes, gold, gorgeous paintings, and decor!

The cathedral is located just a few hundred feet away from the Kremlin and was the site of the infamous Pussy Riot protest against Putin back in 2012.

Pro Tip: Bring a shawl to cover your hair as is the local custom.

5. Gorky Park

Moscow’s premier green space, Gorky Park (Park Gor’kogo) is the city’s biggest and most famous park. There is entertainment on offer here for every taste, from outdoor dancing sessions to yoga classes, volleyball, ping-pong, rollerblading, and bike and boat rental in summer. In winter, half the park turns into a huge ice skating rink. Gorky Park is also home to an open-air movie theater and the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art. There is also Muzeon Art Park, a dynamic contemporary space with a unique collection of 700 sculptures. It is located right in front of Gorky Park.

6. Sparrow Hills Park

If you take a walk from Gorky Park, along the Moscow River embankment, you’ll end up in the city’s other legendary park, Sparrow Hills. Although the park doesn’t offer as many activities as its hip neighbor, it has a great panoramic view of the city

Pro Tip: You can take a free walking tour to all of the above attractions with an English-speaking guide.

7. River Cruising

One of the best ways to experience Moscow, and see all the famous landmarks, but from a different angle, is from the Moscow River. Take a river cruise. Avoid the tourist crowds. There are little nameless old boats that do the cruise, but if you are looking for a more luxurious experience take the Radisson Blu cruise and enjoy the sights with some good food and a glass of wine.

8. Metro Hopping

Inaugurated in the 1930s, the Moscow Metro system is one of the oldest and most beautiful in the world. Started in Stalinist times, each station is a work of art in its own right. I’d recommend touring the stations between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. This way, you’ll be able to properly see it without the crowds. Ideally, I’d recommend taking a tour with a knowledgeable guide with GuruWalk, who will tell you stories of forgotten stations and how the history of the country is interconnected with the metro development. If going by yourself, then I definitely recommend checking out: Mayakovskaya, Ploschad Revolutsii, Kievskaya, Kropotkinskaya, Kurskaya, and Novoslobodskaya stations.

Visit the free Moscow Metro Museum: For real train enthusiasts, located in the southern vestibule of Sportivnaya station is a small free museum. Here you can take a peek into the driver’s cabin, see a collection of metro tokens from different cities, and see different models of a turnstile, traffic lights, escalator, and more.

9. Moscow State University View

In his effort to create a grander Moscow, Stalin had seven skyscrapers built in different parts of town; they’re called the Seven Sisters. The largest of these buildings and the one with the best view is the main building of the Moscow State University. Although this is a little outside the city center, the view is more than worth it.

10. Izmailovsky Market

Mostly known for the city’s largest flea market, the district of Izmaylovo is home to a maze of shops where you can get just about anything, from artisan crafts to traditional fur hats, handcrafted jewelry, fascinating Soviet memorabilia, and antiquities. It’s also one of Moscow’s largest green spaces. There are often no price tags, so be prepared to haggle a bit. Head to one of the market cafes for a warming mulled wine before continuing your shopping spree.

The History of Vodka Museum is found here, and the museum’s restaurant is the perfect place to sample various brands of the national drink.

Once you’ve covered the more touristy spots, Moscow still has plenty to offer, and the places below will also be full of locals! So for some local vibes, I would strongly recommend the spots below!

11. Moscow City

With a completely different vibe, Moscow City (also referred to as Moscow International Business Center) is like a mini Dubai, with lots of impressive tall glass buildings. Here is where you’ll find the best rooftops in towns, like Ruski Restaurant, the highest restaurant both in Moscow City and in Europe. Moscow City is great for crowd-free shopping and the best panoramic views of the city.

12. Tretyakov Gallery

Tretyakov Gallery started as the private collection of the Tretyakov brothers, who were 19th-century philanthropists. They gave their private collection to the government after their deaths. If there is just one museum you visit in Moscow, I recommend this one!

13. Tsaritsyno Museum-Reserve

Tsaritsyno was a residence of Catherine the Great more than two centuries ago. It became derelict during the Soviet era but has now been fully renovated. With its opulently decorated buildings, gardens, meadows, and forests, Tsaritsyno Park is the perfect place for a green respite in Moscow.

14. Kolomenskoye

A 10-minute metro ride from the city center is Kolomenskoe Museum-Reserve, where you can get an idea of what Russia looked like 200 years ago. You’ll find ancient churches (one dating back to the 16th century), the oldest garden in Moscow, and the wonderful fairytale wooden palace of Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich, father of Peter the Great.

15. Ostankino TV Tower

Built in 1967, Ostankino TV Tower was the tallest free-standing construction in the world at the time, it’s still the 8th tallest building in the world and the highest in Europe. It’s also the best observation deck, with a glass floor and 360-degree views. The speedy elevators take you 1,105 feet in next to no time.

Pro Tip: You need to book in advance; entrance is based on specific ticket times and the capacity is limited and only a certain number of tourists are allowed per day. Don’t forget your passport, you’ll need it to get through security.

16. Zaryadye Park

Zaryadye is a newly opened, landscaped urban park so new you won’t find it in a lot of tour guides. The park is near Red Square and is divided into four climatic zones: forest, steppe, tundra, and floodplains, depicting the variety of climatic zones in Russia.

These last three suggestions are a little quirky, but all are really worth checking out.

17. Museum Of Soviet Arcade Games

Release your inner child playing on 66 arcade machines from the Soviet era! What a great way to spend a couple of hours when tired of visiting museums and palaces. The staff speaks excellent English and are happy to explain how the games work.

18. Moscow Rooftop Tour

Take a 1-hour private Moscow rooftop tour with an experienced roofer. I can just about guarantee none of your friends will be able to say they’ve done it! For your comfort, I recommend wearing comfortable shoes. Take your camera, there are some amazing photo opportunities out there!

19. Sanduny Banya

This classical Russian bathhouse opened its doors in 1808 and is famous for combining traditional Russian banya services with luxurious interiors and service. If you enjoy spas and saunas, then you should experience a Russian bathhouse at least once in your life! Go with an open mind and hire a specialist to steam you as it’s meant to be done — by being beaten repeatedly with a besom (a leafy branch)! This is said to improve circulation, but is best done by a professional!

So there you have my list of things to do in Moscow. I could have gone on and on and on, but I didn’t want to try your patience! There are so many things to do in this vibrant city that you’ll definitely need to allocate several days for exploring.

Here are some other reasons to visit Moscow and Russia:

• 7 Reasons To Put Moscow On Your Travel Bucket List
• Russia 30 Years (And 30 Pounds) Ago
• Massive Mysterious Craters Appearing Again In Siberia

Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, before moving to Africa at the age of 21, Sarah Kingdom is a mountain climber and guide, traveler, yoga teacher, trail runner, and mother of two. When she is not climbing or traveling she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia. She guides and runs trips regularly in India, Nepal, Tibet, Russia, and Ethiopia, taking climbers up Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro numerous times a year.

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

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

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

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To continue this Moscow itinerary, next you may want to go inside the Kremlin walls. This is the center of Russian political power and the president’s official residence. If you’re planning to pay Kremlin a visit do your best to visit Ivan the Great Bell Tower as well. Go there as early as possible to avoid crowds and get an incredible bird’s-eye view. There are a couple of museums that are available during designated visiting hours. Make sure to book your ticket online and avoid lines.

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

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion and Recommendations

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

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

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

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

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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

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

Tara Pittman

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

Adriana Lopez

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

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

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

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

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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

DANA GUTKOWSKI

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

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

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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

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

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

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

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

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