travel around your home

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

101 Ways to Travel Without Leaving Your House

By CNT Editors

Like many people, we've had to hit pause on our travel plans for the time being, but that doesn’t mean we’re not still thinking about all the places we’ve been—and all the places we hope to get to sometime soon. After all, so much of travel trickles into our lives both before and after a big trip, whether it’s the hours we spend scouring the internet for inspiration on where to go next, or the ways a place influences us long after we’ve left, from the food we cook and the souvenirs we fill our homes with to the music we listen to. “It’s important to remember that travel is also a state of mind,” U.S. editor Jesse Ashlock wrote last week . “And that you don’t necessarily have to go far away to feel far away.” With that in mind, we’ve put together a list of 101 ways to travel without leaving your house, which we hope will help you feel a little more entertained, a little more inspired, and, most importantly, a little more connected with the rest of the world.

Indulge your wanderlust

1. Gawk at some of the world’s most beautiful libraries

2. Daydream about sailing along Turkey's Turquoise coast

3. Take inspiration from our favorite hotels, destinations, and more, as voted by you in the 2020 Readers' Choice Awards

4. Make a list of all those places you'd like to go next

5. Visit your favorite U.S. National Parks on Google Earth (and a few you've yet to see, too)

6. Pick a trip that has to be booked one year in advance

An aerial view of Botswana's Okavango Delta

7. ...And then create a Pinterest board to gather inspiration for it

8. Consider an epic train trip for the future and start plotting your route

9. Take a look at some of the most colorful places in the world

10. ...Or plan an itinerary around Pantone's color of 2020

11. Bookmark beautiful Airbnbs for the future (and maybe get some home decor inspo while you're at it)

12. Watch walking tours of places you haven't been, or want to revisit

13. Explore the most beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Sites

14. Start a Google Maps list filled with bookmarked restaurants, coffee shops, art galleries, museums, bookstores, and more that you dream of visiting one day

15. Steal a little travel inspiration from your favorite celebrities

16. Spin around Google Earth with the I'm Feeling Lucky button

17. Fantasize about which hidden beaches you'll hit next time you're in Italy...

Italy's hidden beaches are at the top of the list of places we want to go when this is all over.

18. ...Or if you're so inclined, Hawaii

19. Imagine sleeping underwater, right on the Great Barrier Reef

20. Subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler! (We know. We're shameless.)

We could stare at Gray Malin's images for hours.

Hone your photography skills

21. Discover how Gray Malin made these trippy photos of Bolivia's salt flats

By María Casbas

By Paris Wilson

By Madison Flager

22. Up your astrophotography game

23. Follow some of our favorite travel photographers on Instagram

24. Improve your own iPhone photography

25. ...Or go a little retro and make photo books out of your old vacation photos

26. Research a new camera like the pros do

27. ...And then get their tips on how to nail that shot

Some of our favorite reads

Lose yourself in our favorite reads

28. Read memoirs by some of the world's most adventurous women

29. Browse our extensive list of the travel books

30. Escape with the best travel books recommended by ambassadors

31. Pick up a book that will transport you

32. Find out what the Women Who Travel team have been reading

33. ...And then load up your Kindle with everything you've just bought

34. Read some of our favorite authors on what home means to them

35. Add some travel inspo to your coffee table with some of these tomes

36. And if you're feeling motivated, start journaling about your own travels

Soothe with some retail therapy

37. Buy a luxurious pair of pajamas that you'll never be ashamed to travel with

38. Splurge on something from that shop you dream of returning to one day

39. Buy destination-inspired scented candles and have them burn all day long inside your house

40. Stock up on all your K-Beauty favorites without a trip to Seoul

41. ...Or shop for French beauty products

42. Bring the tropics to your house with some exotic plants

43. Treat yourself to one of our editors' favorite travel gifts

44. Pick up a coffee subscription and get to know beans from around the world —it will making your WFH caffeine routine way more fun

45. Shop at one of our favorite hotel gift shops , like The Hoxton or even The Ritz

46. Revamp your apartment (or beauty cabinet or closet) in the style of Paris

47. ...Or if you're more of an Italy person, shop for locally made products , like a custom bag from Florence or a coffee maker to perfect your espresso

48. Represent your favorite national park with gear from the Parks Project , and feel good knowing that your dollars go back into backlogged projects in the parks

49. Feeling anxious about being cooped up at home? Order some CBD oil —and then add it to your dopp kit the next time you travel.

50. Make your online shopping work for you by getting maximum travel points with your credit card

51. ...And start earning points toward your next hotel stay while you're at it

Brush up on your Spanish by rewatching Roma

Dabble in some self-improvement

52. Learn a new language with a digital classroom

53. ...And then jump into a foreign language film

54. Figure out if you have what it takes to become a pilot

55. Practice visualization meditation to get a head start on figuring out your next trip

56. Donate to carbon offset charities to shrink your footprint before flying again

57. Learn the art of Japanese calligraphy with this book

58. Finally take the time to practice becoming an organized traveler

59. Keep your fitness up with these hotel room workouts

60. Do a little redecorating inspired by your favorite hotels around the world

The best thing about abandoned places? There's no one else there.

Find something new to talk about during your Zoom happy hour

61. Tour the world's most beautiful abandoned places

62. Use this Google tool to see how World Heritage Sites have changed

63. Take a peek at how Olympic stadiums have evolved over time

64. Get into a bit of slow TV (trust us, it's pretty soothing)

65. Find out what a night at a space hotel might look like

66. Jump between the Arctic's Lonely Island and Pukapuka in the Pacific, in Judith Schlansky's Pocket Atlas of Remote Islands

67. Learn about Sardinia's annual pagan exorcism (seriously)

68. Get to know the fascinating history of Jewish temples in the Caribbean

69. Enjoy some of the world's greatest museums, symphonies, and operas from your couch

70. Read up on the ancient history of destinations you hope to visit in the future, like these ruins right in the middle of Lima

71. Marvel at Bolivian architect Freddy Mamani's otherworldly architecture in La Paz

Mamani's eye-catching architecture is everywhere in La Paz

72. Absorb a digital art exhibit like this mesmerizing one on Ireland’s Connemara mountains

73. Go back in time to the golden age of travel

74. Or if it all feels a little too high-brow, watch a livestream of these pandas

Expand your music repertoire

75. Check out Bad Bunny's favorite spots in Puerto Rico

76. ...And then turn up the volume on some noise cancelling headphones

77. Escape to Lisbon with Portugese fado music

78. Get to know Women Who Travel podcast guests Ibeyi , whose music fuses Cuban, French, and Yoruba influences

79. Start streaming a random radio station from somewhere far away with the Radio Garden project

80. Search a country's top 50 hits on Spotify to listen to music from around the world (right now we're listening to France and Japan )

81. Have a dance party and blast some calypso soca music from Trinidad

82. Research all the jazz clubs you'll want to hit up when you finally get to New Orleans

It's time to drink that South African red that's been in your home for ages.

Bring the world to your kitchen

83. Transport yourself with these international cookbooks

84. Crack open that bottle of wine you brought home from your travels

85. Make yourself an indulgent New York–style brunch, using these places as inspiration

86. Get take-out from your favorite restaurants and chefs

87. Learn how to recreate dishes from the legendary Osteria Francescana in Modena with Massimo Bottura's virtual cooking lessons

88. Allow yourself to pine for dishes you miss —then try your best to recreate them

89. Get yourself a bunch of Biscoff cookies —an airplane staple—and eat them next to your window

90. Try to imagine Alison Roman cooking up a feast for 45 people in Portugal—or just read about the one place she always hits when she travels

91. Order in from that restaurant you've never managed to get a table at

92. Make your own Italian apertivo hour—and use these places as inspiration

93. Order wine from around the world to sip on

A scene from The Talented Mr. Ripley

Binge on pop culture

94. Compare the real destinations that inspired your favorite Disney movies to the animated interpretations (thanks Disney+!)

95. Rewatch old seasons of Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown , and learn about places you've never been to

96. Watch our favorite travel movies on Netflix right now

97. Look for shows filmed right in your home city or state , and remember how lucky you are to be, well, where you are

98. Subscribe to the Women Who Travel podcast and listen to travel stories from Elizabeth Gilbert, Lynsey Addario, Jessica Nabongo, and more

99. Travel to a galaxy far far away

100. Dive into this list of road trip movies

101. And then work your way through the greatest travel movies of the past 50 years—after all, you finally have the time to.

All products featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

20 Travel-Inspired Activities To Travel The World Without Leaving Home

Posted on Last updated: June 25, 2020

We’ve all had the travel blues before. When you’ve come home from a trip and have no idea when the next one will be, wanting to escape is just normal.

Especially these days that we’re all spending a lot more time at home, with no end date or the next trip in sight, it can be tough. However there are lots of fun activities that you can do to recreate the travel experience at home.

In this guide I’ve put together my favourite 20 tricks to keep your wanderlust satisfied, without actually leaving the house. If you’re in need of a travel escape but are currently unable to travel, this is the guide for you!

• 1.1 Do a virtual museum tour
• 1.2 Watch live webcams around the world
• 1.3 Watch inspiring travel movies
• 1.4 Read a travel inspired book
• 1.5 Watch travel TV shows
• 1.6 Cook a recipe you tasted on your travels
• 1.7 Or order takeout from your favourite ethnic cuisine
• 1.8 Learn a new language
• 1.9 Follow more travel accounts on Instagram
• 1.10 Subscribe to more travel YouTube channels
• 1.11 Write out your travel bucket list!
• 1.12 And save those ideas on Pinterest
• 1.13 Start planning your next trip
• 1.14 Sort through photos and videos of your past trips
• 1.15 Get some of those photos printed!
• 1.16 Decorate your house with travel inspired photos and decorations
• 1.17 Listen to international music
• 1.18 Improve your photography skills in preparation for your next trip
• 1.19 Be a tourist in your own city
• 1.20 Start a travel blog!

The view from the First Peak of Stawamus Chief, along the Sea to Sky Highway

20 ways to travel from your home

Do a virtual museum tour.

Did you know that many museums around the world are currently offering free virtual tours?

Some of the most famous museums currently offering this include the Louvre , the Van Gogh Musuem , the British Museum and the Vatican Museum .

For many of these museums you would normally have to pay an entrance fee, but now you can explore them virtually from your home, and for free!

It’s a great way to learn a bit of culture and history from places around the world that you can’t visit right now.

The inside of the Natural History Museum in London

Watch live webcams around the world

This one might seem a bit weird and I promise I’m not a stalker. There are live webcams streaming from some of the most famous spots around the world, which will make you feel like you’re there.

Just go on Skyline Webcams or EarthCam and search for your favourite place you would like to see. You can see what’s happening there right now!

It’s a fun way to travel without really travelling, and if it’s raining it will cheer you up that you’re comfortably at home and not there under the rain!

A live webcam of Piazza del Duomo in Milan, my hometown

Watch inspiring travel movies

This might seem like a very basic one, but you’ll be surprised at how inspired it will make you feel after!

The best travel movies are the ones that show us stunning landscapes, have engaging plots and leave us feeling inspired to pack our bags and go, but also satisfy our wanderlust.

Watching the Leonardo di Caprio discover the hidden paradise beach on The Beach isn’t quite the same as visiting Maya Bay in Thailand in person, but if you’re currently at home and can’t travel, it’s a close second!

Enjoying the view over Koh Phi Phi Don from the famous Phi Phi Viewpoint in Thailand

Read a travel inspired book

Similarly, reading a great travel book can inspire your next trips, and fuel your wanderlust while you’re stuck at home.

I recently read The Motorcycle Diaries again and it makes me want to buy a motorbike (despite not being able to drive one) and travel across South America.

Books have always been a way to escape this world and enter a fictional one, where everything is possible.

Just pick a travel themed book instead of science fiction, romance, or whatever your favourite genre is, and the travel vibes are guaranteed.

Exploring the Old Town of Split, Croatia

Watch travel TV shows

Anyone else in the UK currently watching Race Across The World ? Nope? Just me? Whatever TV show you choose, there are lots of travel themed TV shows out there that can fuel your wanderlust.

If you want something that lasts longer than an individual movie, but you’re not a fan of reading, travel TV shows can provide a great and regular escape.

From the comfort of your couch you can follow the adventures of your favourite characters on the other side of the world, and make a note of them for your own future trip!

Sunset over the sea in Hvar, Croatia

Cook a recipe you tasted on your travels

For me tasting the local food is a huge part of travel. I love wandering around street food markets , going on local food tours , attending cooking classes and just in general tasting everything the local cuisine has to offer.

When I’m at home I love attempting to recreate the recipes that I tasted on my travels.

I’m not a particularly good cook, but I’ve learnt how to make an awesome Pad Thai (with the help of some ready-made sauces) that takes me back to Thailand every time.

Pad Thai; one of the most traditional, and popular amongst tourists, dishes in Thailand (I made this one!)

Or order takeout from your favourite ethnic cuisine

If you don’t enjoy cooking (and I get it, I’m not a huge fan either) a great alternative is ordering takeout.

You can just go online on Deliveroo  and search for the cuisine you fancy, select your dinner choices and within half an hour they’ll be on your doorstep!

I love doing this especially for more complicated dishes that are beyond my cooking skills. Eating delicious sushi always reminds me of my time in Japan , and spicy curries remind me of India .

Sushi from Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo

Learn a new language

Always wanted to travel to a specific country but the language barrier put you off? Now is the time to learn that language!

You can start with apps like Duolingo to ease you into the vocabulary, and then try watching some children TV shows and movies in that language.

Learning a new language is never easy, but it can help you ease the travel blues and prep you for the next trip.

After my recent trip to Costa Rica I decided it was time to brush up on my Spanish so I started watching El Internado again (a very dramatic Spanish telenovela) and I can definitely feel my Spanish improving.

Surfing in Santa Teresa Beach at sunset, Costa Rica

Follow more travel accounts on Instagram

* Shameless promo alert *

A great way to travel without leaving the house, is to follow more travel content creators on Instagram !

Following people that share inspiring photo and video content every day will not only inspire you, but also give you some cool ideas for your next trip!

You can check out my Instagram account here .

Hiking to the base of the Catarata del Toro waterfall in Costa Rica

Subscribe to more travel YouTube channels

* Second shameless promo alert * (I promise it’s the last one)

Similarly, subscribing to more travel YouTubers is a great way to fuel your wanderlust.

Videos are more engaging than photos, and besides showing you some truly spectacular places, they also sometimes show the truth behind the travel glam and the funny travel stories.

You can check out my YouTube channel here .

Swimming in Sardinia, Italy, shot on DJI Spark

Write out your travel bucket list !

Take the time at home to figure out where you actually want to travel! When people ask me where I want to go, my answer is usually “everywhere”.

I now have the time to actually sit down, write out my travel bucket list and decide where I will go once I’ll be able to travel again.

I’ve been following my advice from this guide and using Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest to get trip ideas and inspiration.

I’ve started writing a huge South East Asia bucket list and itinerary, that will take me back to some of my favourite countries like Sri Lanka and the Philippines , but also lots of new ones I yet have to visit like Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and Myanmair.

Exploring Kawasan Falls in Cebu, Philippines, with @solarpoweredblonde and @offgoesannie

And save those ideas on Pinterest

If you’re a visual learner like me, you’ll want to search for trip ideas on Pinterest . Pinterest is very visual but also informative, so when I find a pretty picture I like I can click on it and learn more, unlike Instagram that is purely visual.

I divide my travel inspiration by country, so that I can easily find them again later. It’s a fun way to travel virtually, but also do so in a useful way for future trip planning.

You can check out my Pinterest account here .

Cala Corsara on the island of Spargi in Sardinia in August (a bit too many boats!)

Start planning your next trip

It might be very early stages to plan a trip , especially if you don’t know when exactly you will be travelling, but there’s nothing wrong with a bit of early planning!

Move on from the inspirational pictures and videos to actually researching the destination.

You don’t have to book anything but just looking at specific hotels or tours can be a great way to travel virtually.

I’ve been looking at hostels in the Philippines and seeing pictures of people having fun helps me picture myself in their shoes, more so that staged Instagram shots.

Soon enough I’ll be the one sipping a mojito at sunset from that rooftop pool! Then when the time comes to travel again you’ll be glad that you’ve already done the planning!

Making friends on one of the Outpost Beach Hostel island hopping tours of El Nido

Sort through photos and videos of your past trips

I have almost 20,000 photos and videos on my phone, dating all the way back to 2013. A lot of them are photos from “normal” life at home, but the vast majority of them are from travel moments on the road.

Going through your photos from past trips will give you a bit of travel blues, but it will also help you relive the wonder and fun of those moments.

Especially if you take more “picture perfect” photos with a DSLR, and only use your phone for funny selfies or beach parties, you will be surprised at how many fun memories will be stored just a few taps away!

The group I took to Thailand

Get some of those photos printed!

If you’re anything like me you probably almost never look at those 20,000 photos that you have stored on your phone. You carry them with you everywhere, but do you ever look at them?

Printing your favourite travel photos is a great way to remember and relive your favourite travel moments.

My travel memories printed by Mixbook

Decorate your house with travel inspired photos and decorations

As much as you might hate traditional souvenirs, we all tend to pick up odd bits and pieces during our travels. Once you return home they usually end up in a drawer somewhere, never to be seen again until the next house move.

But it doesn’t have to be that way! Decorate your house with photos of your travels and the souvenirs you picked up along the road, it will instantly make you feel more travel inspired!

For example, that sarong you bought in Bali ? Bet it would look awesome hanging off the wall! That huge straw hat you bought in Marrakech and never use?

I bet it would look great on the wall over your bed! Get creative, it will be a fun experience!

Exploring Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech with my friends and fellow bloggers @wherelifeisgreat @solarpoweredblonde and @offgoesannie

Listen to international music

Every time I hear salsa music I feel like I’m in Cuba . Listening to music from a specific country, or even songs that remind you of a specific trip, is the easiest way to travel with your imagination.

Just sit back, let the music flow through you, and you will feel transported elsewhere around the world.

Exploring the colourful colonial streets of Havana, Cuba

Improve your photography skills in preparation for your next trip

There have been many occasions where I’ve been standing in front of an incredible sunrise or a stunning starry sky, and simply been unable to capture on camera the beauty that my eyes were seeing.

Watching the photos again after is frustrating since you can’t convey to others just how epic that moment was.

If you’re finding yourself at home with lots of time to spare, why not practise your photography ? You can test your camera on things like food or sunsets from your window, scenarios that might come up on a trip.

I always find that photography helps me look at mundane things with novel eyes. This is a suggestion that will not only teach you a new skill, but also help you appreciate the small details, both at home and when you’re travelling.

A travel vlogger in action, filming everything to share on my blog!

Be a tourist in your own city

Maybe you can’t travel internationally (or even nationally) but you can still travel within your own city. We often forget that what is boring everyday life to us, could be exotic travels to others.

Despite living in London for 8 years I have never been inside the Tower of London or I’ve never seen the change of the guard at Buckingham Palace. When you live somewhere you often forget of how beautiful it can be.

So next time you go for a run or to run some errands, why not take your camera with you? Why not take the longer road there?

Exploring your hometown, discovering new spots and even seeing old ones with new eyes will give you all the thrills that travel does.

Enjoying the view over the London Eye from Westminster Bridge

Start a travel blog!

And finally, why not start a travel blog ? Most of the tips in this list involve reliving your travel experiences. What better way to do so that writing about them?

Formulating full sentences describing your travels will really make you remember every detail, and feel like you were there.

Who knows, one day your travel blog might even become your job! If you need help starting a blog, you can join my free course here . I also have a second site entirely dedicated to building a blog if you want to take it seriously.

Me and Marta with our group of blog retreat students in Sardinia

Final thoughts on how to travel from home

These are 20 easy ways that you can travel with your imagination without really leaving the house. Now more than ever, they can be a great way to keep your wanderlust alive.

I hope you find my tips useful in escaping a bit and travelling from your couch! Do you have suggestions for other ways to travel virtually? Let me know in the comments below!

Enjoyed reading my top tips to fuel your wanderlust without leaving the house? Pin it!

The website that lets you experience the world from home!

Walk Around 100+ Cities Around The Globe! Admire the beautiful scenery and street sounds.

Guess your location from your surroundings and walk around & admire the beautiful scenery!

Drive around and view the scenery from 100+ cities around the globe. Admire the beautiful sights!

Explore the world by walking, driving, flying, and viewing live footage of different locations around the world.

View LIVE Footage from different cities around the world. Enjoy!

Enjoy the view from above for over 80+ cities from around the globe/world.

Explore different famous & not famous monuments from around the world.

Click on cities on a map to view videos from that city!

Experience window views from hundreds of different cities.

Experience road trips by virtually driving between cities.

Guessing Game

Can you recognize where a city is just my walking around it? If so, give this game a go!

Want to help Virtual Vacation out? Give us a share and give others the gift of travel!

virutalvacation.us © 2020

14 ways to travel the world without leaving your sofa

Have you been stuck inside for weeks? Us too.

Though some destinations are cautiously lifting travel restrictions and people are learning to navigate a new version of normal, it's safe to say this Memorial Day weekend — typically one of the biggest weekends for travel of the year — will look a little different.

If you're staying home this holiday weekend , it's a great time to start planning your next real-life adventure . And, in the meantime, we rounded up some of our favorite ways to travel the world without leaving the comfort of your home. So, break out your comfiest sweats and buckle up for your next virtual trip.

For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter .

Celebrate summer at Stonehenge

Stonehenge boasts some of the most popular summer solstice celebrations on Earth, a magical event you'll just have to see to believe. And while you probably won't be able to visit in person this year, the show must still go on.

You'll be able to livestream the summer solstice at Stonehenge this summer. Just tune in to the English Heritage Facebook account , where they'll be broadcasting the sunset on June 20 at 9:26 p.m. BST and sunrise on June 21 at 4:52 a.m. BST. They'll be live for at least 30 minutes before sunrise and sunset — and no matter where you are in the world, you can join in on the fun.

Discover a museum

Iconic museums from the Guggenheim in New York City to the Louvre in Paris are available through Google Arts & Culture, a platform that allows you to take digital tours of some of the world's most famous museums. You can browse through all the available museums , and even see some of the most famous pieces of art up close . Historic sites, such as the Palace of Versailles, are also available to tour through Google. The best part? Access is 100% free.

If you want something that sparks your inner child (or keeps your actual children occupied), you're in luck. The Children's Museum of Houston is sharing do-it-yourself experiments, as well as activities and behind-the-scenes exhibit content on YouTube , Instagram and Twitter . You can make a cardboard kazoo, listen to story time and even learn about how the water cycle works. This is a surefire way to pass the time if you've found yourself suddenly homeschooling your kids .

Read more: No travel required: 10 iconic museums you can tour online

Take a cooking class

Is there anything better than having a home-cooked meal from an Italian grandma? We don't think so. While Italy will start to reopen to tourists in early June , you can still get your fix of some incredible Italian cooking before your next trip there, whenever it may be.

Nonna Nerina, an 84-year-old Italian grandmother in Palombara Sabina, Italy, has set up a virtual cooking class on Airbnb Experiences. Here , she'll virtually teach you how to make Italian classics such as ravioli, gnocchi and fettuccine. Just note that she only teaches classes on weekends; the weekday classes are taught by her granddaughter. Plus, if you enter your email, you can get 25% off the class for a limited time. Better yet, the classes are on sale, too. For example, her class usually costs $100 but is just $60 right now.

Related: How to plan a bucket list trip to Italy with points and miles

Go on a ride at Disney

The magic isn't over just because most Disney parks remain closed . You can stream virtual Disney rides from parks around the world, from Florida to France , in the comfort of your own home. How's that for a bargain on a Disney vacation ?

Related: How to take your kids on virtual Disney rides around the world

Explore parks and attractions

Take a trip to the great outdoors from, well, indoors. You can virtually explore national parks and famous attractions around the country, all courtesy of Google Arts & Culture . Think: the Statue of Liberty, Mount Rushmore, the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone National Park and Alcatraz Island. Better yet, they're all accessible for free and you won't have to wait in a single line.

Google Earth can even help you enjoy the cherry blossom blooms around the world, though the season has passed. From the Meguro River Cherry Blossoms Promenade in Tokyo to the Tidal Basin in Washington, D.C. , there's something for everyone here. You could easily spend hours taking virtual tours.

Visit a botanic garden

A handful of botanic gardens around the country are also offering virtual tours for travelers to enjoy. The indoor conservatory at the United States Botanic Garden in Washington, D.C., for example, is temporarily closed to the public. In the meantime, though, you can take a virtual tour of the gardens and soak in all of the beautiful scenery.

Join an art class

A handful of universities are hosting free, virtual art classes , according to Artsy, and many have a global perspective. You can study the history of Japan through images or discover ancient Egyptian art and antiquities. You know what they say: If you can't travel, you might as well spend a few hours every week looking at pictures of places you wish you were. Right?

Listen to live music

Did coronavirus derail your plans to travel to a major musical event like South by Southwest (SXSW), the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival or Coachella?

Fortunately, a number of bands and musicians are performing "couch tours," as many of their concerts were canceled. Acording to NPR , travelers can also catch live, virtual jazz performances, electronic festivals, classical concerts and more.

Instead of watching the annual National Memory Day Concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol, for example, you can catch the event (and a performance from the National Symphony Orchestra) online at 8 p.m. Billboard also highlighted concerts by the Dropkick Murphys (performing to an empty Fenway Park on May 29 at 6 p.m.), and a livestream performance by David Guetta from New York on May 30 at 7 p.m.

Watch a movie

Give yourself a much-needed break from all the craziness out there and curl up on the sofa with one of these feel-good and wanderlust-worthy films this weekend. Some of our top picks include "Eat, Pray, Love" and "Mamma Mia" — but there are plenty of classic flicks and television series to choose from.

Anthony Bourdain's famous documentary, "Parts Unknown," is coming back to Netflix on June 1. The only catch? It will only be available in the U.K. and Ireland. Here's hoping it's a good sign, though, and will be available to stream in the U.S. and rest of the world soon.

Related: Stuck at home? Stream these 12 movies to cope with travel wanderlust

Live like a royal for the day

Put on your crown and get ready to take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace . You can take a peek at the Throne Room, Grand Staircase, White Drawing Room and more. The entire palace isn't up for viewing, but it's certainly enough to keep you occupied for hours.

Related: Using points and miles to get to London

Take a trip to the beach

In need of some sunlight and vitamin D? Enjoy the sun and sand in St. Lucia. All you have to do is go to @TravelSaintLucia 's Instagram Live to take part. Every Tuesday and Thursday, they go live and show off things like the island's beautiful sunsets, rainforests and more. You might be so inspired, you book a trip there when the island nation reopens to Americans on June 4.

Another option? The beautiful island of Bermuda is also hosting a daily livestream . Put on some Jimmy Buffet, make yourself a piña colada and enjoy your makeshift beach day.

Learn a magic trick

Airbnb recently began offering virtual "travel" experiences, so you can book online activities from around the world right at home.

For just $20, you can take a magic class with Martin, a Guinness World Record-holding magician based in Berkhamsted, U.K. His class will show you magic tricks you can perform with everyday objects, such as playing cards, phones, rings, money, sweets and even fire. Prepare for some mind-reading, too, as well as the psychology that turns a trick into magic. The class is an hour and a half long, and availability is open through the end of June.

Make Portuguese tapas

Another Airbnb Experience that's sure to please? This Portuguese tapas class . You'll learn how to make popular dishes such as tuna paté and açorda alentejana — and of course, plenty of sangria. The host, Joana, spent 10 years teaching hotel management before opening her own restaurant in Lisbon. The class costs $17 per person and is available through September.

Related: Vacation rental guests and hosts are all feeling the cancellation crunch .

Hang out with wild animals

OK, so you might not be hanging out with real penguins in real life. But for only $12, you can spend an hour learning about the history of African penguins , as well as some little-known facts and insights. You can even build your own penguins from items lying around the house. Your host, Jon, is based in Cape Town, South Africa and his class is sure to be a hit with the whole family. You can check out even more of these virtual experiences here .

The best virtual tours to explore the world from home

Oct 8, 2020 • 5 min read

The Sistine Chapel is just one wonder offering a virtual museum tour ©Rajesh Gathwala/500px

We live in an age of unprecedented access to digital technology – and with it, brand new ways of exploring the world around us.

While it's not quite the same as seeing, say, the Mona Lisa or Christ the Redeemer in person, some of the world’s most popular and remote destinations have created libraries of online images and video, as well as 360 degree virtual tours that let you virtually explore museums, galleries, world wonders and even national parks.

Here a just a few of the best digital tours that let you wander the world from wherever you may be social distancing.

See the seven wonders of the world

If there’s anything capable of whetting your appetite for world travel, it is the new seven wonders of the world:  the Great Wall of China , the ancient city of Petra , the Taj Mahal , the Colosseum , Machu Picchu , Christ the Redeemer , and Chichen Itza . Thankfully there are impressive virtual tours of each from The New York Times , AirPano , Google , and Panoramas .

With modern technology, you can even see the last standing wonder of the ancient world— The Pyramids of Giza . There are a few other wonders that might not make it into to the top seven but are still worth a digital peek, like the Alhambra , Seville's La Giralda , and even Easter Island.

Best virtual museum tours

In recent years, Google has partnered with over 2,5000 art museums to upload high-resolution versions of millions of pieces of art. Highlights include New York’s MoMA , DC’s National Gallery of Art , Chicago’s Art Institute , the Casa Battl ó, and Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum to name a few.

In addition, The Louvre offers a virtual tour , as do The Vatican Museums , many of the Smithsonian Museums , the Russian Museum , the top-rated British Museum , the Minneapolis  Museum of Russian Art , and the Palace Museum in Beijing.

You may not be able to kiss the Blarney Stone right now, but you can tour the Blarney Castle from afar. You can also visit the Museum of Flight,  the Museum of Science, the Museum of Natural History,  the National Women's History Museum  and Boston's History of Science Museum .

While museums are often an inherently visual experience, there's a lot to be learned from archives of past lectures and tours like the ones preserved online by Nashville's Frist Museum , the Hunter Museum of American Art in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the Smithsonian American Art Museum,  the Frick , and others.

You might also like:  Broadway might be closed, but here’s how to stream the best performances from your home

Explore national parks

While travel to National Parks is best avoided for the time being, you don't need to miss out on the scenery. Virtual Yosemite is absolutely stunning and one of the best, replete with audio. Both Yellowstone National Park and Mount Rushmore offer virtual tours as well. 

Google has similar 360 degree audio-visual tours of five select national parks, including Kenai Fjords, Hawai'i Volcanos , Carlsbad Caverns, Bryce Canyon , and Dry Tortugas, as well as 31 more on Google Earth . You can also get an up-close look at almost 4,000 pieces of artwork, artifacts, and other treasures related to the history and culture of the national parks, and view online exhibits .

Digital safaris

Wildlife is a big draw for travelers, whether it's sighting some of the Big Five in Africa, glimpsing whales in North America, or introducing your children to new animals in person on a family safari . But if you're forays into the bush are grounded for now, many zoos and aquariums have created digital access to their habitats.

You can easily watch several live webcams of some of the nation’s greatest zoos and aquariums, including the  San Diego Zoo , Houston Zoo , Zoo Atlanta , the Tennessee Aquarium , and the Georgia Aquarium . Additionally you can see Canadian farm animals doing their thing , or you could watch Stella the Dog jump endlessly into huge piles of Maine leaves.

You may also like:  These nine wildlife web cams offer access to your favorite animals

Virtual hiking

Thanks to panoramic video, you can get a really good idea of what a hike looks like well before you arrive at the trailhead. For example, you can experience all of the following top-rated hikes right now from your computer or tablet:  Bryce Canyon , Grand Canyon , GR20 , Inca Trail , and the death-defying Angel's Landing . For even more great hikes, simply YouTube one of Lonely Planet’s top 10 treks or any other hike that suits your fancy. Bonus points if you follow along during a workout to enhance the realism.

Famous landmarks

You can visit many wonders of nature, including the Amazon Rainforest , Iguazu Falls , the Komodo Islands , or Table Mountain , using virtual tours. Or you can explore the Statue of Liberty , the Sahara Desert , Niagara Falls , or even a guided tour of the Eiffel Tower . For even more virtual tours, search your bucket list of adventures with  AirPano , Google Earth , or YouTube .

Travel to outer space

The moon hasn't made it to Lonely Planet's Best In Travel list (yet!), and even without self-isolation and shelter-in-place measures for COVID-19, many of us may never travel to space. But thanks to technology, now is as good of a time as any to do so virtually. Before blasting off, considering touring some of NASA’s offices first. Then relive the last lunar missions and moon walks in stunning HD. Or take a virtual tour of Mars with the help of Google. 

You might also like:

Listen to the sounds of forests around the world Cook your way around the world with these travel-inspired kitchen essentials Rome watchlist: films to see before your trip

The novel coronavirus (Covid-19) is now a global pandemic. Find out what this  means for travelers . 

This article was originally published March 2020 and was last updated October 2020.

This article was first published Mar 18, 2020 and updated Oct 8, 2020.

Explore related stories

National Parks

Jun 14, 2022 • 8 min read

Here are 8 national parks where you can learn more about the history of the Native American peoples first-hand.

Jun 11, 2024 • 5 min read

Apr 23, 2024 • 9 min read

Apr 22, 2024 • 13 min read

Apr 14, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Mar 1, 2024 • 6 min read

Feb 27, 2024 • 6 min read

Jan 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

14 Ways To ‘Travel’ Without Leaving Home

From cooking a dish from your favourite country, to watching a foreign film or binge-watching some travel documentaries, here are some ideas of travel experiences you can have from the comfort of your home.

We’re living in a pretty extraordinary time right now. Coronavirus (COVID-19) is the world’s biggest global health crisis of our lifetime. The virus is affecting our health, our economies and of course, our travel plans.

While I’d love to be able to wave a magic wand and make it all go away, it’s impossible. It’s time to sit tight, be respectful and careful, and plan for the future.

Working in the travel industry I’m witnessing the effects of the crisis first-hand. My website traffic has halved as people aren’t travelling or planning trips. Hotel and tour bookings are down, and many that were taking place over the next few weeks have been cancelled. Some of my upcoming travel campaigns have been postponed until later in the year. My income is taking a hit, but it’ll be nothing compared to hotels and tour operators in places like China and northern Italy. It’s devastating to think about the businesses that won’t make it through this… and it’s not over yet.

I know a lot of you are also in limbo too. Plans are on hold for the foreseeable future… but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a travel experience of some sort, in your home! I’m not talking about cranking your heating up, putting on a bikini and pretending you’re in the Caribbean (although you could try that!)

From cooking a delicious meal from a far-flung destination, to learning a language and enjoying some amazing travel documentaries, whether you’re self-isolating, or just waiting until travel restrictions are lifted, there are plenty of ways to give yourself a ‘travel experience’ from the comfort and safety of your own home.

Cook a meal from a foreign country

One of my favourite things about travelling is the food. Nourishing bowls of Japanese ramen, silky Italian pasta, spicy Thai curries, Mexican tacos… the list goes on. What better way to enjoy a flavour of a destination in your own home, than by getting busy in the kitchen.

I’m constantly coming across great recipes online. BBC Food is a great starting point – type in pretty much anything and you’ll find a recipe. Oh, and if you’re in quarantine right now at home, remember you can get your shopping delivered to your door!

For something a bit different, I’d recommend checking out The Spicery – a subscription box website, which delivers recipe kits through your letterbox. I ordered a curry subscription for Macca for Christmas, and each month a box arrives with a recipe and all of the spices to cook up an incredible feast. You just need to buy the main ingredients (meat, veg etc).

The thing I love is that they’re not standard dishes you’ll have tried before. Last month we made a curry from a specific region of Northern India, and our next is this potsticker recipe set from China’s Sichuan Province.

Another option is a company like Feast Box , which I’m hoping to try soon (I’ll let you know what I think!). This company specialises in world food recipe boxes, delivered to your door, and includes all of the ingredients (meat, veg, spices etc). Dishes on the menu this week include Indonesian fish in a banana leaf, chicken empanadas and harissa and vegetable flatbreads, so it’s a lovely way to eat your way around the world.

Oh, and if you want to go the extra mile, invite a few friends over, pop up some decorations, or ask everyone to wear an outfit that fits with the cuisine. I’ve got a sombrero you can borrow!

Binge watch some travel documentaries  

Whether you have a Netflix or Amazon Prime subscription, or access to BBC iPlayer, you’ll find plenty of TV shows to satisfy your wanderlust. I absolutely adore the travel series Simon Reeve makes for the BBC. He gets under the skin of the destinations he visits, meeting locals and finding out the real issues people are dealing with. It won’t necessarily make you want to book a trip to where he is, but it’s a great way of understanding the world.  

Other travel TV shows I’d recommend include Planet Earth and Seven Worlds, One Planet (can’t beat Attenborough), Anthony Bourdain’s shows (lots on Amazon Prime) and Race Across The World (BBC – loved series one and series two has just started).

A feel-good documentary film that I really enjoyed was Craigslist Joe, which follows a guy’s journey as he travels across America living off people’s generosity. It’s all about human connections, but it’s essentially about travel too.

Or if like me, you travel with your stomach, I’d recommend Street Food, Ugly Delicious and Chef’s Table (all on Netflix). Now that list should keep you going!

Print out your favourite travel photos or make a scrapbook

What better way to reconnect with your travels than to go look back through your adventures one photo at a time. I have a few travel journals from my first backpacking trips, which have tickets, photos and mementoes stuck in. As I get older, they’re lovely to flick through and remember all the little details and the people I met along the way.

With everything online, we rarely print photos these days, so choose your fave snaps and pop them in frames or a scrapbook to look back at later in life. You can upload to a website like photobox and they’ll print them and post them to you.

Watch a foreign film

South Korean movie Parasite is one of the most talked about films of 2020, and it’s brilliant! Very funny – I found myself giggling a lot of the way through it. The fact it’s in Korean only adds to the experience. It’s transports you into a different country’s culture, and the language only adds to that.

Order a take away

Ok, this is the lazy option for those who want a travel experience at home, but don’t want to put much effort in! I’d recommend looking at your local takeaways and trying something brand new. If you usually order from the same Indian restaurant, how about trying Nepalese or Vietnamese food instead?

I’ve just had a quick check to see what’s available in my area of London and was amazed to see over 45 different cuisines listed! Isn’t that incredible? Everything from Filipino and Turkish, to Iranian, Vietnamese and Syrian. It might not be good for my bank balance, but I guess I’m saving money by not travelling at the moment!

Read a travelogue or a book that is set abroad

After finally switching from paperback books to a Kindle last year, I’m happy to say it goes absolutely everywhere with me. It’s liberating to have access to so many different books at the click of a button – perfect if you’re in quarantine right now and need some entertainment.

How about reading a travel-themed book? Somewhere that shares an epic journey or is set somewhere exotic? Whether you prefer fiction or non-fiction, here are a few to start you off…

On The Road – Jack Kerouac The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho Anything by Bill Bryson Step By Step – Simon Reeve Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts The Beach – Alex Garland Love With A Chance Of Drowning – Torre DeRoche Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town – Paul Theroux Eat Pray Love – Elizabeth Gilbert Anything by Levison Wood Tracks – Robyn Davidson Wild – Cheryl Strayed

Learn a foreign language using an app  

Ever since my first trip to Mexico, I dreamed of learning Spanish. How special to be able to converse with the locals and no doubt it’d help with tricky travel planning too. When I went backpacking I enrolled in Spanish school for a month and learned a lot of the basics.

My first steps in learning Spanish? Via the app Duolingo . I think it’s a brilliant way to start building up some vocabulary and basic phrases. The app is free, and has courses in Spanish, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Japanese, Arabic, Czech, Danish, Hindi, Korean, Greek and more!

Watch YouTube videos from your favourite travel vloggers

YouTube is a great place for travel inspiration. Before I travel somewhere new, I often watch a few videos to get an idea of what it’s like. Even if you’re not travelling right now, watching videos is a great way to transport yourself to your dream destination.

One of my favourite channels for inspiration is Benn TK. His videos are so cinematic and beautifully filmed. Watching videos like this one makes me want to hop on a plane!

For the perfect mix of travel and food, check out my pal Shu’s channel or for backpacking around the world, Christianne a.k.a Backpacking Bananas will give you some serious wanderlust. I’ve got tonnes of others I could recommend too – so many of my friends are so talented when it comes to capturing a destination on camera, but start with those and email me if you want some more suggestions.

Oh, and don’t forget my own videos, right here on my YouTube channel .  

Immerse yourself in the music of another destination  

This is actually one of my favourite ways to get ready for a trip, but there’s no reason you can’t do it when you’re staying at home too. Did you know that Spotify has top charts for countries around the world?

Just go to Browse, then select Charts and you’ll see the top 50 songs in each country. Enjoy the top reggaetón hits in Mexico, find out what’s hot in Thailand, and which artists the people of Poland love right now. Maybe you’ll discover a foreign artist you absolutely love?

Oh, and if the top 50 isn’t doing it for you, I’d recommend Buena Vista Social Club for some Cuban holiday vibes from the comfort of your home.

Research your dream trip on your fave travel blogs

So some of your travel plans may be on hold, postponed, cancelled or err, completely uncertain… but we can still dream and plan. With free time on your hands you can spend time researching everything you could possibly need for your next holiday, and be ready to act as soon as things go back to normal. You might even scoop a great deal.

You can check out my Destinations page to find travel guides for all the amazing places I’ve travelled to. I’d also recommend looking at my Travel Inspiration page if you you’re still deciding where to go.

We’ll be heading away on a honeymoon at the end of 2020, so I’m starting to research ideas for that while I have some extra time on my hands.  

Visit a top museum or gallery… virtually

Did you know that some of the world’s most famous galleries and museums have virtual tours? Wander the curvy interior of New York’s Guggenheim Museum using Google Street View or take a trip past the mummies and the rosetta stone in London’s British Museum . The Louvre in Paris also has a special virtual tour option on its website here .

The best part? No queues or tourists getting in your way! And you can visit in your pyjamas…

Tour the planet using Google Earth  

When was the last time you looked at Google Earth ? For me it was several years ago… I think when it launched! However, it’s a seriously cool tool, and gives you the opportunity to travel around the world from home.

Click on the ‘Voyager’ tab to see interesting categories in more detail – everything from learning about a specific destination, to taking a tour of literary locations around the world.

Alternatively, hit the ‘I’m Feeling Lucky’ button and be virtually transported to random destinations across the planet.

Have a go at making something from a different country

One of the things I’ve loved most on my travels has been creating something to bring home. Whether that was trying batik painting in Indonesia, or learning how to make goat’s cheese in Norwich a few weeks ago. It’s a lovely way to connect to a culture.

If you’re looking for things to try at home (especially if you’ve got kids to entertain), how about one of these…

Buy a sushi kit and learn how to make sushi Buy some masks and decorate them in the style of Mexico’s Day of the Dead Make a Japanese hand fan Try your hand at calligraphy Create your own dreamcatcher

Mix up some exotic cocktails

At tough times I often turn to my shelf of Caribbean rums. They definitely help ease the pain! If you want to feel like you’re travelling, without leaving home, how about mixing up some tasty cocktails from around the world?

Lots of destinations have a famous signature drink, so you could try a different one each week! Here are a few suggestions to get you started…

Mojito, Daiquiri and Cuba Libre – Cuba Pisco Sour – Peru Bellini – Italy Sangria – Spain Caipirinha – Brazil Manhattan and Tom Collins – New York, USA Dark N Stormy – Bermuda Singapore Sling – Singapore Sidecar – Paris, France Margarita – Mexico

I hope this fun guide has given you some inspiration if you’re stuck at home or your travel plans have been postponed. Let me know if you have any more ideas I should add to the list!

Enjoyed this post? Pin it for later…

Chloe Gunning

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

2 thoughts on “14 Ways To ‘Travel’ Without Leaving Home”

Hi, Chloe. I love the exotic cocktail idea. I’ve been pretty much traveling the world via wine these days but will have to try a cocktail – especially with this fab English weather right now! xx

Thank you! So many fun ideas and this weather almost has me fooled I’m abroad!

Leave a comment Cancel reply

Watch our videos

254,000 subscribers

Join the conversation

134,000 followers

Pin our posts

25,200 followers

Get our newsletter

88,500 subscribers

• Hearing-Aids
• Healthy Aging
• Losing Weight
• Medical Issues
• Reducing Stress
• Brain Health
• Solo Travel
• Travel Tips
• Small Business
• Part-time Jobs
• Encore Careers
• Managing Money
• End of Life Planning
• Retirement Tips
• Senior Living
• Journal Writing
• Entertainment
• Inspiration
• Empowerment
• Getting Older
• Reinvention
• Giving Back
• Dating Advice
• Online Dating
• Adult Children
• Grandchildren
• Estrangement
• Arts and Crafts
• Piano Lessons
• Photography

Virtual Travel: How to Explore the World Without Leaving Home

Women over 60 love to travel. Unfortunately, there are so many places to see and not always enough time or money to see them. What if your travel budget doesn’t allow you to see all of the places in person that you might like to visit? What if you could indulge your curiosity and experience more of the world without actually leaving your home?

Fortunately, the Internet makes it more possible than ever before for people to read about, see and hear about more international destinations and foreign cultures than ever before. There are ways to travel virtually using your laptop or tablet PC that put you in an immersive online environment where you can vicariously experience the sights, sounds, history and culture of other places all over the world.

Would you like to make better use of your digital devices to be able to “virtually travel?” Here are some tips, pointers and recommended websites to help you get the most out of the virtual travel technology available today:

Google Street View Collections and Google Earth

Explore  Google’s Street View Collections . Make sure you are using Google Chrome browser and get on a journey! Explore famous landmarks and natural wonders with beautiful 360-degree panoramas. See this world from every angle – you will be blown away! This is probably one of the most amazing projects I have ever encountered.

In  Google Earth  you can also click around, zoom and explore various maps of the world, including historic topographic maps and even images from space. If you enjoy cartography, geography, or just like to get a better sense for how vast the world truly is, check out Google Earth.

Panoramic photos of cities

360gigapixels.com is a website that shows massive panoramic photos of cities around the world. For example, here is a photo of Tokyo (the largest city on Earth) taken from Tokyo Tower – it’s amazing how you can zoom all over the city and see into windows and see down individual streets. There is so much life happening everywhere in this photo. Check out some other amazing panoramic scenes at 360cities.net .

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

UNESCO is a United Nations agency dedicated to preserving and promoting the world’s most unique cultural heritage. The UNESCO website has a list of 981 sites that are considered to have “outstanding universal value.” Many of these cultural sites, such as the Taj Mahal in India , have online virtual tours that enable you to see panoramic photos up close, while reading all about these fascinating places to appreciate more about why they are so important.

In addition to these sites, many tourist destinations run their own “virtual tours” on their websites nowadays, so it’s easier than ever before to get a sense of what a place is like before you travel there – or even without traveling there at all.

Of course, there’s no way to fully replace the experience of being on the ground in another country or in an exciting travel destination – the sights, sounds, tastes and scents all add up to a full sensory experience. But online virtual tours are becoming more sophisticated. There are more tools and resources online that help us experience the world from the comfort of our own homes – and perhaps this spirit of curiosity will encourage more people to travel, and go see the “real thing” in person.

Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia that is constantly updated by thousands of volunteers from all over the world. This “crowdsourced encyclopedia” has become more than a fascinating social experiment – it’s a real-time look into the combined knowledge and experiences of billions of people.

Wikipedia is great for virtual tourism because you can look up almost any destination on Earth, no matter how remote, forbidding or obscure, and find detailed descriptions and often photos. Would you like to see the summit of Mt. Everest or the beautiful temples at Angkor Wat in Cambodia? Have you ever wanted to see Easter Island or Ayers Rock (Uluru) in Australia? You can quickly get a sense for what each of these places is like, just by “touring” on Wikipedia.

Have you experienced “virtual tours?” What are some impressive websites you’ve found to truly get a new impression of a part of the world that you hadn’t visited before? Please join the conversation.

Watch my interview with the fabulous Evelyn Hannon for more tips on traveling and exploring new cultures.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Tags Travel Tips and Plans

Margaret Manning

Margaret Manning is the founder of Sixty and Me. She is an entrepreneur, author and speaker. Margaret is passionate about building dynamic and engaged communities that improve lives and change perceptions. Margaret can be contacted at [email protected]

You Might Also Like

Travelling the World in Retirement with Only a Carry-on, Plus Our Packing List

12 Best European Destinations for Women Over 50

print this page Print this page

48 Hours Around the World: The Ultimate Stay-at-Home Itinerary

Jennifer Prince is a Virginia-based freelance travel writer. She has her own wedding blog, Hill City Bride, and her work has appeared in publications such as CondeNast Traveler, and more.

Whether it’s due to finances, schedule, or perfecting your social distancing game, you may find yourself stuck at home with an insatiable desire to travel. Instead of bingeing on true crime documentaries or scrolling through Instagram yet again, consider taking a trip around the world. From Asia to Antarctica, follow our cerebral travel guide and whisk your thoughts away to someplace new.

Day 1: Morning

9 a.m.: There’s no better way to start a morning in Europe than with an easy-to-make British breakfast of crumpets. You may already have most of the ingredients on hand! Brew up a pot of tea and take it traditionally—with just a bit of milk—or feel free to add honey and lemon.

10 a.m.: Lift your pinky finger as you sip and settle in to take a virtual tour of Buckingham Palace. From the carpet in the White Drawing Room to the domed ceiling of the Grand Staircase, experience an up-close look at three rooms in the palace. To get a view of London’s outdoor attractions, peruse a gallery filled with 360-degree tours from vantage points like Picadilly Circus and the London Eye . Just be careful not to get dizzy as you scroll!

11 a.m.: Afterward, pour another cup of tea and travel north to Scotland where you can skim highlights such as castles, waterways, and landscapes via video . Don’t forget to swing across the sea to Ireland to explore a few sights and take a scenic coastal drive. Of course, while you are in Ireland, it’s customary to grab a pint, so do the next best thing. Drink a beer while imagining you are outside of a traditional Dublin pub .

Day 1: Afternoon

12 p.m.: The afternoon is an ideal time to head a bit further north to Scandinavia, and incorporate a bit of Norwegian cuisine into your lunch menu. Cook lamb or fish to transport yourself straight to Norway , and then relax on the couch to explore art in the churches of Sweden . Denmark holds treasures such as the Faroe Islands and Copenhagen, and you can get a current perspective of what’s happening in the country through various webcams .

2 p.m.: Grab a quick drink—we suggest a glass of Italian wine —as you settle in to explore more of what Western Europe has to offer. From here, the options are seemingly endless. The site of the European Travel Commission has interest-based tours, so it’s possible to cross off several countries at once. Explore castles , visit snow-capped mountains , and discover little-known wine regions through their online galleries and articles. You could spend hours traversing in Europe! Bonus: the site’s extensive recipe collection may inspire your next meal.

4 p.m.: Next on the list is Eastern Europe, which exudes culture. First, get the lay of the land by consulting a guide to the region , where you can hit the highlights of each country. If you want to delve a bit more into the area, pay a visit to Rick Steves’ website to watch TV episodes on Bulgaria , Romania , and Prague . You’ll experience a fascinating, in-depth look at the countries through his personal stories.

Day 1: Evening

6 p.m.: Now, it’s time to move around a bit—literally. Not only should you get up and burn some calories, but it’s easy to do so while you make dinner. Search for some African-inspired recipes using ingredients you may already have on hand. To make the experience a bit more authentic, jive to African tunes by searching artists such as Bongo Maffin, a South African kwaito music group, or Fatoumata Diawara, a Malian singer-songwriter.

8 p.m.: Africa is known for its rich fauna, so grab a blanket and get cozy to watch a few documentaries. Learn about the Serengeti and view a few up-close animal encounters caught while on safari. Afterward, see if you spy any wildlife in the African bush or view preserved webcam footage of adorable lion cubs . Later, take a quick climb up Mount Kilimanjaro . What an accomplishment to cross off of your bucket list!

10 p.m.: It may be getting late, but that’s no excuse to skip out on a quick trip to Antarctica . Head to the freezer and grab your favorite flavor of ice cream to get into the frigid spirit as you listen to an episode of AntArctic Stories , a podcast about daring polar expeditions. Before you go to sleep, watch a video about a couple that camped outside in the arctic snow. It will make you thankful to snuggle into your warm bed!

Day 2: Morning

9 a.m.: Start the day by making a hearty Australian breakfast—the fry-up. With just five ingredients (eggs, bacon, wheat bread, baked beans, and butter), it’s the perfect way to clear out the fridge. While you are in Australia , check out the live webcam of Sydney’s Opera House and Harbour Bridge. A trip to the continent wouldn’t be complete without cute footage of koalas. Get a live look at what these mammals are doing at the Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary , although, don’t be disappointed if they are asleep.

10:30 a.m.: Next, it’s off to Asia. Tour Japanese gardens or sneak into North Korea through snippets of the BBC’s video footage. To avoid the real-life crowds at the Taj Mahal, hop over to YouTube to take a tour . If you have 28 minutes to spare, you can visit 21 places in Southeast Asia—including Palawan and the Philippines—and then take a peek at Hong Kong’s live webcam before you leave.

Day 2: Afternoon

12:30 p.m.: Mexican cuisine is often a favorite, so head off to visit Central and South America for lunch. You will need the sustenance for an afternoon of virtual touring, so cook tacos or enchiladas as you listen to traditional tunes . The mariachi music may put you in the mood to take a salsa break for some much-needed movement.

2 p.m.: After lunch, sit back, relax, and get ready to explore South America. Delve into the Amazon region through a documentary, and then follow up the serenity of the rainforest by popping into busy places like Santiago or Copacabana by webcam. End your time on the continent by exploring the sites or by taking a stunning aerial tour of Machu Picchu.

4 p.m.: Next, it’s time to go north to Central America. If you’re craving an afternoon snack, take time to test out the street food in Guatemala City or dig into the top seven places in Nicaragua . Then pop in your earbuds, close your eyes and listen to The Amateur Traveler chat about adventures in Costa Rica, such as ziplining and whitewater rafting.

Day 2: Evening

6 p.m.: After a full day and a half of circling the globe, it’s finally time to settle into North America . For dinner, order a pizza—that’s about as “United States” as it gets. Dine and learn about the U.S.'s neighbors to the north by watching " Being Canadian ." It is a lengthy but thoroughly entertaining documentary that peppers a bit of history with interviews of well-known Canadians.

8 p.m.: Give your eyes a rest and let your ears soak in a few episodes of the Extra Pack of Peanuts podcast. Topics such as the “throwdown showdown” Austin vs. Nashville or what to do in Philadelphia may inspire you to visit a new state. Then cross to the wild west to learn a bit about cattle farming and life on a Texas ranch . While you’re swinging through the south, familiarize yourself with a few of the region’s accents before you leave. The subtle differences will amaze you—and make you laugh.

10 p.m.: To relax for the night, grab a glass of California wine as you see check out the "nightlife" from the comfort of your couch. Watch a live webcam of Times Square , Philadelphia , or the streets of Los Angeles to feel like you are in the middle of it all. If you are in the mood for entertainment, take a quick trip to see snippets of 10 Las Vegas shows. Finally, finish off your trip by capping off the evening with sounds of the Native American flute and then drift sweetly off to sleep after two full days of exploring the world. 

48 Hours in Marseille: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Belize: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Boston: The Perfect Itinerary

48 Hours in Munich: The Ultimate Itinerary

72 Hours in Los Cabos: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Macao: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in the U.S. Virgin Islands: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Brooklyn: The Perfect Itinerary

48 Hours in Lexington, Kentucky: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Bend, Oregon: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Havana: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Tokyo: The Perfect Itinerary

48 Hours in Casablanca: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Florence: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Philadelphia: The Ultimate Itinerary

48 Hours in Los Angeles: The Ultimate Itinerary

10 Ways to Travel Without Leaving Home

Here at As We Saw It, our mission has always been to make exploring the world easy and accessible — but sometimes travel is out of the question.

Even though COVID-19 may have made most of us stay home, some folks have never been able to travel due to finances, family obligations, or work commitments. If that’s you, read on.

Whether you need an antidote to cabin fever or are pining for the flavors of a favorite destination, here are 10 ways to travel without leaving home.

1. Play a video game that involves traveling the world

Plenty of video games will help you travel and explore the world from your living room. They include:

• Tomb Raider
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim

To get started, all you need is a PC with the right system requirements. Once you install and configure your favorite game on your PC, you’ll be all set to travel the world from your living room!

Besides your computer, you can play many of these games on a range of other devices. These include a smartphone and PlayStation alongside X-Box and Nintendo gaming consoles.

2. Learn a foreign language

One of my passions is learning new languages. It’s a very travel-related thing to do from home, and even better if you’re preparing for a future trip.

No matter which language you want to pick up, odds are that you can learn it through Youtube videos and podcasts. I’ve been following Benny the Irish Polyglot for years. His site, Fluent in 3 Months, is full of useful tips and language hacks. He also has a podcast and a YouTube channel, which makes learning a language that much easier!

I’ve found that the best ways to learn a new language is through total immersion. Foreign films, cartoons, TV series, Spotify, YouTube videos … It’s hard in the beginning, but everything will suddenly click when you least expect it.

If you’re more into actual lessons, my fellow travel bloggers rave about Duolingo. It’s one of the most popular in the world, and it’s free. You’ll get the basics of a language in a fun, game-based way, and a study has shown that 34 hours of Duolingo are equal to 1 university semester of language courses. So if you’ve ever wanted to learn Spanish, Navajo, or High Valyrian, this is your chance.

3. Prepare or order foreign foods

Whenever I travel, I look forward to trying the local foods. I take it one step further by visiting a local grocery store or market while I’m there. It’s always been one of my favorite things to do at a destination. You can learn a lot about a culture when you see what the people like to eat.

Learning about and trying new foreign dishes is an adventure of its own. Thanks to the internet and YouTube, you can discover the flavors of a place: new dishes, ingredients, as well as how to prepare them. Then you can cook and try them at home.

You’ll find some of our favorite recipes sprinkled throughout this blog, because we’ve always enjoyed collecting recipes on our travels. It’s fun to recreate them for friends and family later on. I think learning to make a foreign dish is the perfect souvenir, because you’ll recall your trip every time you make it.

For example, every time I taste Panamanian Sancocho, I remember the campesinos who prepared it while I was on the Camino Real in Panama. It’s easy to prepare if you have the ingredients, and super inexpensive to make so it’s no wonder it’s such a popular dish in Central America.

For convenience, you can use meal kits and delivery services to get everything you’ll need. Sunbasket and Hello Fresh are two of the most popular brands out there. Also, there’s Home Chef, a brand that delivers thoughtfully crafted recipe cards along with pre-portioned ingredients.

4. Get a bird’s-eye view from Google Earth

Google Earth has changed a lot since it was first introduced. It’s become a useful and fun tool that gives you the opportunity to go almost anywhere with the click of your mouse.

Based on satellite imagery, Google Earth lets you search, pan, zoom, rotate and tilt the view of the earth. Consequently, it makes it possible for you to explore any place on the earth remotely in both 2D and 3D views.

You can drill down to street level if you’ve been wanting to explore a town, or use the ‘Voyager’ tab to tour the world with a collection of map-based stories. Explore topics like travel, culture, nature, and history straight from your browser, or download the app to your computer or phone.

Paris, New Zealand’s South Island, Bora Bora, London, Tokyo, and Maui are ranked as some of the best places on earth to visit . You can conveniently visit each of them from the comfort of where you are, using the methods Google Earth.

5. Research your next trip on your favorite travel blogs

Travel blogs like ours are filled with inspiring stories from people who have been to different parts of the world. Reading these blogs can make you feel as if you are actually traveling. The stories can make you imagine traveling even though you are at home.

Travel blogs are packed with inspiring travel photography, videos, and so much more. You can research everything you could possibly need for your next holiday, and be ready to go as soon as things go back to normal.

6. Watch travel-related movies

Travel movies can greatly quench your wanderlust. They give you the inspiration and the motivation to consider going to a new destination.

Movies such as Out Of Africa, Into The Wild, The Way, and Under The Tuscan Sun can be a great way to explore different locations on earth without leaving home.

If you have Netflix or Amazon Prime, you’ll find dozens of inspiring travel movies . Once you click Play, you’ll quickly feel like you are actually traveling.

7. Take virtual tours

Did you know you can tour famous museums, national parks, and landmarks around the world without leaving home? Many world-class places have created 360 degree virtual tours that make it possible to virtually explore museums, galleries, world wonders and even national parks from the comfort of your sofa.

A number of posts offer links to some amazing indoor virtual tours , as well as virtual experiences of real-life safaris and hikes. You will also get a chance to explore (digitally) the seven wonders of the world, including the Great Wall of China, Taj Mahal, and the Pyramids of Giza.

8. Broaden your musical horizons

Music can transport you to another time and place. Hawaiian ukulele and hula music brings the South Pacific to your living room, and salsa, reggae or calypso can make you feel like you’re lounging on a Caribbean beach.

A quick web search of a destination will help you set the ambience. Or, if you use Spotify, you might be able to find ready-made playlists full of tunes that can take you places.

9. Chat online with people from other countries

Would you like to make new friends, practice languages with native speakers and meet travelers? When you have pen pals in many different countries, it’s easy for you to travel the world without actually leaving home.

There are a number of websites where you can chat with people living in other countries and get the opportunity to learn some new things about another culture.

InterPals is one such site, established to help people meet friends from all over the world for free. It has become by far the largest and most popular free pen pal site on the web.

You don’t have to speak (or want to learn) another language on sites like these. People all over the world look for native English speakers to practice their English. This way you will have an opportunity to hear interesting stories and help someone to master English skills.

10. Read a travel themed book

I have always been a reader, and my favorite books were those that I could lose myself in. The best travel books make you lose your sense of place and make you forget you’re even reading a book.

There are many travel books about distant places. Some give you wanderlust, while others make you feel as though you’ve actually been there.

Here are some to enjoy:

• Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Cape Town – Paul Theroux
• Shantaram – Gregory David Roberts
• Sovietistan – Erika Fatland
• Step By Step – Simon Reeve
• The Alchemist – Paulo Coelho
• The Two Week Traveller – Matthew Lightfoot
• Tracks – Robyn Davidson
• Vagabonding – Rolf Potts (one of my personal favorites)

A number of authors, like Bill Bryson and Levison Wood, give you a real sense of place in their books. Some travel books, like On Thelike On The Road by Jack Kerouac, have become best-sellers.

Final thoughts

Even when travel may be out of the question, most of us are still dreaming of our next adventure and all the places we hope to see.

Until then, virtual vacations (#VirtualVacay) are open to everyone with an internet connection and a little imagination.

Where are you heading first?

Inspired? Pin this post and share it with your friends!

Share this story with others

Written by Linda

Linda is multilingual and has been to over 50 countries. Her insatiable love of travel, cuisine, and foreign languages inspired her to create As We Saw It, where she documents her trips, shares practical itineraries, and offers insider tips. She’s passionate about helping fellow travelers save time, money, and hassle, and loves to discover new places to explore.

You may also like...

10 Weed-Friendly Countries to Visit in 2024

10 Best UNESCO World Heritage Sites in America

6 Fun City Breaks and Vacation Destinations

1 thought on “10 ways to travel without leaving home”.

You’re welcome. Which tip do you like best?

Comments are closed.

• Africa Africa
• Cambodia Cambodia
• Malaysia Malaysia
• Nepal Lifetime Experiences!
• Philippines
• Singapore Singapore
• Taiwan See our Taiwan destination page for more.
• Curacao Travel photos and articles
• Dominica Exhilarating adventures, breathtaking landscapes and fairy-tale coral reefs
• Jamaica Heartbeat of the World
• Sint Maarten/ St Martin The Friendly Island
• Belize Belize
• Panama Panama
• Andorra Andorra
• Austria Austria
• Belgium Where Benelux begins
• Croatia Croatia
• Czechia Czech Republic
• France France
• Germany Germany
• Greece Greece
• Hungary Hungary
• Ireland Ireland
• Italy Italy
• Montenegro Montenegro
• Netherlands Netherlands
• Slovakia Slovakia
• Spain Spain
• Switzerland Switzerland
• U.K. United Kingdom
• Vatican City Vatican City
• Israel + Palestine Land of Creation
• Saudi Arabia Hello World
• Türkiye You Will Want to Stay Forever
• United Arab Emirates Discover all that’s possible
• Mexico Mexico
• United States United States of America
• Australia There’s NOTHING like Australia.
• New Zealand New Zealand travel inspiration, articles, and tips for curious travelers
• Argentina Argentina travel inspiration – destinations, things to do, and tips for the curious traveler.
• Brazil Brasil – sensational!
• Colombia Colombia is magical realism
• Ecuador All you need is Ecuador
• Peru Land of the Incas
• 1-day itineraries
• Weekend Getaways
• 1- to 2-week itineraries
• food and drink
• Things to Do
• travel planning
• know before you go
• cruise ports
• cruise tips
• Viking Grand European Tour Daily journal entries from our Grand European Tour, a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam, with activities, experiences and tips.
• photo gallery Travel photos by As We Saw It
• photo essays Photo Essays
• photography tips Photo Tips

Savvy Travel Advice

Travel Home Decor: Travel Themed Home Decorations

Last updated: December 4, 2023 - Written by Jessica Norah 96 Comments

A great way to fuel your wanderlust in between trips is to have travel inspiration and reminders in your home or office, and we’ve put together a long list of wonderful handmade travel home decor items.

We have a number of travel themed home decor items in our home including rugs, coffee mugs, blankets, wall art, photo frames, shower curtains, towels, and decorative globes.

We’ve put together a list of over 75 travel themed home decor in this article for those looking for a way to express their own love for travel, searching for a gift for a traveler, or just looking for inspiration about what types of travel themed home furnishings are out there.

Our list contains dozens of home decor items that are well-suited for a variety of spaces, budgets, and decorating tastes. Many can be personalized or customized so you can get a one of a kind piece. We give suggestions for items suited for all the rooms of your house including the kitchen, bedroom, living room, bathroom, nursery, and office.

We have physically reviewed many of these items and hope you enjoy this list of wonderful travel themed home decor items. Perhaps you’ll discover your new favorite home furnishing pieces along the way!

Table of Contents:

Handmade Travel Home Decor: Home Decoration for Travelers

I love travel themed items and have previously written posts on some of my favorite handmade travel themed wedding products and travel themed jewelry . I love globes, vintage maps, vacation photos, old postcards, etc. and love when I find items that incorporate travel themed elements into useful home decorations and furnishings. So we decided to put together another list on some great handmade travel themed home decor items.

These include pieces for all parts of the home from the office to the bedrooms and include everything from fridge magnets and lampshades to wall art and shower curtains. The items were also chosen to fit a wide range of decorating tastes and budgets with most items ranging in the USD $20 to $150 range.

Just so you know, many of the home decor items on this list we physically reviewed. Some were items we purchased or received as gifts, and others were given to us by artists for review. The other pieces are just ones I loved when searching for travel themed home furnishings online.

The majority of the items on our list are handmade or hand customized items, made by a single artist, family, or a small business. We love supporting these great individual artists and small businesses.

One of the things I love most about shopping for items on Etsy is that most artists can do personalized or custom items. Many of these items on this list are truly unique and many of them can be personalized for you.

We strove to include travel home decor pieces from around the world and items came from a number of places in North America, Europe, Australia, Africa, and Asia. However, the majority are from artists in the United States and United Kingdom.

If you are looking for a gift for your favorite traveler, but don’t find it here, consider checking out our guide to gifts for travelers . It contains 75 gift suggestions that should suit any budget or type of traveler!

We are happy to answer any questions you may have about any of these items included. We hope that this list helps inspire you to show your wanderlust in decorating your own home!

Travel Themed Home Decor for the Living Room & Lounge

Many people spend a lot of time in the living room or lounge in their home, and it is often the place where you gather with family and friends. It is a great room to display your love of travel, whether it is through displaying your favorite travel photos, throw pillows, blankets, candles, or coasters.

Here are a number of travel-themed home decor items that would be great for the living room to give you some decorating ideas.

Wooden World Map Cutout

This amazing 3D wooden wall world map creates a 3D effect due to its unique raised areas, anywhere from 6 mm to 18 mm. With over six contrasting shades of wood, it is one of the most stylish wall maps we’ve seen online. You can use pushpins in it if you wish to mark specific travel locations. The maps are available in a variety of sizes and color shades.

This would make a great piece to accentuate a focal wall in any room, and would also make a wonderful gift. Check out Igor and Maryna’s Etsy store here.

Fun Printed Animal & Tropical Lamp Shades

This bold and eye catching zebra lampshade was created by UK artist Kelly Stevens-McLaughlan. Kelly is known for her unusual and whimsical animal art and designs. She works with galleries and some of the leading interior designers worldwide.

Whether you want to reminisce on adventures from your past or you dream of a safari trip in the future, this statement lamp shade will create an instant focal point in any room, and is sure to be a conversation piece. Take a look at more of her designs in Kelly’s store .

Wood Mountain Shelf

These sweet mountain shelves have three peaks and are custom made from knotty pine. They add a great piece of interest to any home and immediately make us think of our time in the mountains. They are easy to hang on the wall with two simple nails and come in a variety of stain colors.

Please note that they are made to order, so be sure to allow plenty of time for shipping if buying as a gift. Sasha has loads of other wonderful handmade minimalist pieces of home decor in her store .

Custom Travel Photo Blanket

These custom photo throw blankets are perfect for displaying your favorite travel memories. The blankets come in a variety of polyester fabrics, including fleece and woven styles. You can use one photo or use several photos to create a collage. Photos are sublimated into the fabric (rather than screen printed) to help prevent fading, cracking, and peeling. 

You can see more blanket styles and other personalized gifts at Julie’s store .

Wooden Vacation Photo Frame 

Use a personalized vacation photo frame to proudly show off your best vacation photos in your home or office. You can choose a ready-designed one to personalize or have it entirely customized with your own design. All frames include a stand for tabletop display and hook for wall hanging display.

We love taking the time to print some of our best travel photos and displaying them in our home so we can look at them every day. You can find more at Richard & Tatiana’s Store .

Travel Photo Throw Pillows

This beautiful hand sewn pillowcase is made from weather- and fade-resistant 100% spun polyester poplin fabric. The pictured pillowcase features a photo taken by the artist on Route 66 in the USA, but you can choose from hundreds of different photo designs and custom orders are also possible.

Katya also makes a number of other handcrafted items with travel and nature photos including phone cases, shower curtains, wall tapestries, duvet covers, and travel journals. See more at Katya’s store Lost in Nature .

Custom Country Heart Pillow

Why not use these pillows to give a rustic look to your home and show off the places that you love.  This b urlap fabric pillowcase comes with cotton lining and an envelop closure. The pillowcase is hand embroidered with a country outline of your choice and heart in the location of the city of your choice.

The pictured pillowcase is 16 inches  X 16 inches  (40 cm X 40 cm) and shows the UK with the heart over London.

Various pillowcase sizes and designs are available, but please note that the pillow insert is not included. Pop over to Puja’s Store to see more designs.

MOVA Solar-Powered Globes

I am in love with the solar-powered globes from MOVA . We first spotted them spinning in a window display in a shop in Venice, Italy. We assumed they were spinning because of their base so were surprised when the shopkeeper put them in our hands and they kept spinning!

The globes spin on their own using solar power and magnets so they don’t need to be plugged in and there are no batteries to be changed. They just need light, either indirect light from the sun or indoor lights. They can also be put onto about any base.

In addition to world maps, they also sell ones depicting planets, the moon, artwork, and sports teams. They come in a variety of color schemes with several base options.

The companies sells their globes both on the MOVA website and on Amazon . Just be sure to buy them from an authorized site and register them once you receive them to benefit from the warranty.

If interested in purchasing one, we have been given a 5% off discount code that can be used for any 6 inch or 8.5 inch MOVA globe purchased from their website. Just put in coupon code TRAVELCATS at checkout.

Travel Themed Coasters

Travel themed map stone coasters are a great way to add a bit of travel decor to any room. We especially love that these can all be personalized or customized as much as you want. The map design is decoupaged to the stone tile and treated with commercial grade paver sealant on both front and back, and felt backing is applied to the bottom of the coasters.

We have a  set of these personalized coasters that include the places where we met, our first road trip, where we got engaged, where we got married, and our first home together! 

Coasters can be made of ceramic or natural stone and a number of customized elements and designs are available. They can also be hung on your wall as a decoration if you’d prefer (just request that wire loops be added). See more at Brenda’s store: Hand to Home Concepts

Personalized Travel Tree

The Travel Tree Starter Set is unique product consisting of a white metal stand and base with attachable metal signs showing various travel destinations. The stand and travel signs are made of steel and aluminum and the travel signs are printed on high-quality vinyl stickers.

Each starter kit comes with the base, stand, title sign, and three customized travel signs. Additional personalized travel signs can be added.

This is a  great way to track and show your travels in a unique way, and you can keep adding to it as your list of visited cities or countries gets longer. In addition to travel destinations, trees can also be customized for golf courses, baseball parks, marathons, or other accomplishments. You can see more products from Maria in her store . 

Map Throw Pillow Set

This set of 4 throw pillowcases includes four different designed focused on maps, travel, and geography. Pillowcases are 18 inches by 18 inches, made of cotton, and have a zipper closure. They do not include the pillow inserts.

See more travel-themed pillows on Amazon here.

Antique Map Pillar Candles

Fans of antique maps will love these wonderful decorative candles which are ivory, vanilla-scented candles with map transfers of antique city maps from around the world. Available in two sizes.

Note that if Terri doesn’t have any candles listed in her shop, you can contact her for a custom order with the city map of your choice. You can find out more handmade home decor items over on Terri’s store .

Custom Travel Slide Lamp Shade

Can you imagine turning your family slides into a gorgeous decoration for your home? That’s exactly what the team at BlinkLab are doing, with their magnificent lamp shades . A great conversation piece and a perfect way to repurpose all those family slides.

Each shade requires 64 standard cardboard mounted photography slides which are affixed together to form the round lampshade. Then a diffusion material is attached to the interior of the shade which gives the slides a beautiful glow and a crystal clear view of the images.

You can find more of Blink Lab’s handmade repurposed industrial home decor in their store.

If you don’t have your own travel slides to use, this shop makes travel slide lampshades using vintage photographic slides.

Vintage Suitcases

Add a pop of color to your home with these vintage retro suitcases . Not only do they look great, but they also make great storage solutions as coffee tables, side tables, or bedside tables. They come in stacks of 3, 4, 5 or 6 and can be used for in a number of different ways for the home and for events.

Anthia will usually send you a mixture of colors such as cream, brown, navy, black, teal, grey, green, and blue. But if you have very specific color or size requirements, send her a message and she might be able to help you. She has a beautiful collection of handmade and vintage products in her store .

Travel Themed Home Decor for the Kitchen

It’s true what they say, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It is a place to make delicious food and share memories with the people you love. From tea towels to mason jars to wine stoppers, here are some of our favorite travel-themed kitchen decor items to showcase your memories from around the world.

State Shaped Cutting Boards

You can celebrate your home state or favorite USA vacation destination with these state shaped cutting boards . Each board is made of high-quality bamboo wood and they are handcrafted in a workshop in Florida. They can be personalized with an engraving of your choice. Can be used as both a cutting board and serving board.

The boards are available in the shape of all 50 states. See a range of other handcrafted goodies at Left Coast Original .

Map Magnets

Our refrigerator is covered in souvenir magnets brought back from travel destinations around the world. These classic glass magnets with real paper atlas map paper can be customized to allow you to choose your favorite locations in the world, either places you have been or places you want to go! The magnets come in various sizes and shapes.

We love that you can pick your favorite locations in the world and be reminded each time you open your refrigerator door! See more at Lil & Jill’s store Lil and Jill

Custom City Tea Towel

It seems that you can never have enough tea towels in the kitchen! These custom printed ones come with a map of your own home town or any location you choose! They are made from 100% cotton and  m easure at 28″ x 14″, while the map can cover a range of 11.5 miles x 6 miles.

These towels would make for a perfect house warming gift! Butler and Hill have a number of map and travel-themed products available, including personalized map jigsaw puzzles, keepsake boxes, clocks, and more.

Custom Map Wine Stoppers

These heavyweight, food-grade wine bottle stoppers are a perfect gift for wine lovers. They fits all standard wine bottles and the silicone seal makes for a perfect fit. The wine stopper features a map location of your choice under a crystal clear glass dome, so you can remember your favorite destinations around the globe while protecting your wine.

You can also get custom flag and U.S. state designs. You can find plenty of other gift ideas and personalized products over at Tammy’s store Bjeweled Vintage .

Painted Mason Jars with Travel Decals

These subtle but sweet mason jars add a pop of color to your kitchen with customizable state or country outlines. The jars themselves are quart sized, handpainted, distressed, and sealed for a beautiful matte and rustic look. Color options include turquoise, mint green, yellow, duck egg blue, and more.

The jars displayed have Michigan state decals, but Jennifer can do a custom order for just about any state, region, or country outline. She can also paint them just about any color. For more hand crafted products, take a look at Jennifer’s store here .

Custom Handpainted Dishes & Serving Platters

If you want something to commemorate a special day or trip, consider a custom handpainted dish or serving platter. These custom cityscape dishes can be personalized to denote the city landscapes or city landmarks of any town or city. Or this large custom serving platter can be personalized to depict or say whatever you wish.

Whether you are looking for a decorative serving platter or an entire set of dishes, there are artists who can create handpainted ceramic dishes that are truly unique. See examples from shops Cotton Table Ceramics and Your Dish is My Command .

Map Design Reusable Sandwich Bags

One of our favorite travel-themed sustainable products has got to be these reusable sandwich bags ! These natural, safe, and plastic-free items can be used to store sandwiches and snacks. Each reusable bag is handmade with 100% cotton, organic beeswax, organic jojoba oil, and pine resin.

We only have this one planet, this one life, and Aubry hopes to leave it better than when we came through her online store The Little Blue Stitch .

County Destination Embroidered Dish Towels

No matter what country you wish to celebrate, the team at Embroider Everywhere can embroider it on just about anything! This embroidered dish towel is made from 100% cotton and measures at 30″x30″ inches. You can choose the color of the towel and the design – there are several ones already made or you can ask for a custom design.

In addition to kitchen towels, the team can embroider bath towels, aprons, pillowcases, shirts, laptop covers, and more. Take a look at Embroidery Everywhere’s full store to see their full list of products.

Custom Map Cabinet Drawer Knobs

These personalized map cabinet knobs are perfect for the kitchen drawers. These solid drawer pulls are finished in either nickel or bronze and feature a 1.25″ (30mm) map image under a clear glass dome. You can choose the map location you want for each cabinet drawer knob.

You can see a number of other personalized map items over at Tammy’s store Bjeweled Vintage .

City Skyline Jars

These wood and glass storage jars are 16 oz. glass food safe jars with a maple wood lid that creates an airtight seal. They can be used for a number of purposes from storing foodstuff in the kitchen to storing craft or sewing supplies. The laser-cut lids can be personalized with the skylines of one of over 40 cities in the United States.

These jars would also make a perfect way to give a gift of candies or other small treats. Lucca Workshop is full of beautiful pieces of wood & paper items.

Canvas Spice Map

This spice map canvas is a great option to consider if you want to decorate one of the walls of your kitchen. The print itself is made from museum quality, heavy-duty canvas with a satin finish. It is handstretched over a frame and arrives ready to hang. You can add personalized text to the piece if you’d like.

It is available in several sizes and 3 panels or a single panel, depending on what suits you and the size of your space.

Tom is an experienced graphic designer and photographer and offers a lot of great wall canvas items, including dozens of travel themed canvas pieces. You can check those out in his store .

Eat Well Travel Often Towel

These dainty Eat Well Travel Often towels can be custom made in colors to match your home décor. Made from 100% white cotton, the towels are super absorbent and lint free. These flour sack towels are designed to get softer with more washes. The towels measure approx. 29″ x 29″.

If you don’t see what you are looking for feel free to message April with any requests you have as she can do custom items. Her store Mudpies and Daisies is full of beautiful unique handcrafted sewn items.

Travel Themed Home Decor for the Office

Whether you work from an office or at home, it is important to fill your space with little reminders of why you work so hard! Whether it’s your favorite family vacation photo, vacation countdown blocks, or a mini desk globe to remind you of your travels, there are plenty of ways to incorporate your love for travel into your home office.

Here are a number of travel-themed home decor items that would be great for your office space.

Personalized Vacation Photo Coffee Mug

This personalized vacation photo mug is a great way to commemorate a special trip! The mug is a ceramic 10 oz. coffee mug with ink printed brown and green travel design. Text includes “Let’s Go” and “Le Mug de Voyageur.” The mug design can be personalized with a photo.

We really enjoy drinking our coffee and seeing a photo from one of the first trips Laurence and I took together in Spain. A great and practical way to remember your own travels, and would also make a great gift for a special traveler in your family.

Take a look at Noémie’s store LesptitescreasdeNono for more!

Secret Travel Book Safe

Keep your keepsakes, travel documents, or valuables in this hollow secret safe book that will hide in plain sight on your bookshelf. It is a h ardcover copy of a real book (we have To the Ends of the Earth: The Selected Travels of Paul Theroux ) with its original dustcover that has been hollowed out so there is an inside opening that is 4 7/8 inches wide x 8 long x 15/16 deep. Inserted magnets keep it closed even when it is standing upright.

You can actually get a hollow safe in a number of book titles (including custom requests) and size and shape of hollow can be changed. We have To the Ends of the Earth: The Selected Travels of Paul Theroux, and the one pictured is a collection of stories by Robert Louis Stevenson.

We love being able to hide items in plain sight, especially in a book written by a modern travel writer which fits in well on our bookshelf. It is a great place for us to store our passports, desk keys, and extra cash that we would normally just shove in a drawer. See more at Kara & John’s store, Secret Safe Books .

Travel Themed Stationary

If you want to bring a smile to someone’s face, send them a letter in one of these atlas envelopes . These u pcycled atlas map pages have been handcrafted into letter-sized envelopes. They measure at 9 1/2″ X 4″ although a variety of sizes and recycles papers are available and you can also request custom orders.

We love that these are so well-made and are also making good use of discarded atlases and maps. I still write letters to my grandmother and these travel themed envelopes make it more fun to send a letter. Jennifer has some great products in her store, Paperette Shoppe .

Antique Style Map Pencil & Pen Holder

Add a traditional vintage feel to your desk with these beautiful pencil and pen holders . Handmade in Australia, these decoupage holders are sold as a set of two which includes one pen/pencil holder and one paper clip holder. The artist paints the set in brown acrylic, applies map images, and then varnishes them.  You will find her details and signature on the bottom of each item – a really nice touch!

You can find all of Laura’s work on her store, Silver Glow Designs . She has a whole range of handmade desk accessories.

Vacation Countdown Blocks

As you look forward to your next trip, you’ll know exactly how many days are left to go with these vacation countdown blocks . You can actively countdown the months, weeks, and days! The blocks are handpainted and all of the writing is created using vinyl. You can customize the colors, words, and images.

Gina also makes countdown blocks for holidays, birthdays, weddings, retirement, etc. You can find her full store here .

Mini Desk Globe

This mini globe sits on a brass stand and has a personalized handlettered phrase. At 7 inches high and 4 inches wide, it will fit perfectly on your desk or office shelf. You can personalize the lettering to say whatever you want. The globe is available in different colors.

Nicole has a store full of handlettered decor and gifts, which you can see in her store here .

Wooden Mountain Bookends

These intricate bookends are the perfect way to bring the feeling of nature and the mountains into your office space. Measuring at 13″ x 7″ x 5″, the mountain range book ends come with non-slip cork bottoms to ensure that your books stay in place. Due to the nature of wood, each piece will be slightly unique in color and grain.

In addition to mountains, the Moku Crew also make spectacular and fun wooden bookends of ships, trees, lighthouses, and even the Death Star and Hogwarts. If you are looking for a unique decoration to add to your office, or a great gift for someone you love, look no further .

Personalized Vacation Photo Frame

Cherish your best memories in this laser engraved, wood photo frames . The 5″ X 7″ frames are made of alder wood and you can choose a horizontal or vertical orientation. The frames feature an easel back design for easy table top display or can be hung on the wall.

Such a wonderful way to remember a special moment in time, especially if you are looking for a unique gift for an upcoming birthday or Christmas. Leticia has a whole collection of customizable products in her store Timeless Engravings .

12 Inch Globe

This 12-inch desk globe is perfect to adorn the office, whether on a bookshelf, filing cabinet, or desk. The antique map style raised-relief globe is 12 inches in diameter and features an antique brass colored base.

Replogle sells a number of different globes of different sizes and styles, and you can see their full range on Amazon .

Lamp with Old World Map Lamp Shade

This timeless travel themed Old Word map lamp is a perfect twist of Old World and modern. It stands 28″ in height and features a HBC shade, bronze finish, on/off pull chain, and crystal design elements.

Royal Lampshaes offer a lot of lighting options and accessories, including customizable lamp shades and colored light bulbs. Take a look at their full store if you are looking for something in particular.

Travel Themed Home Decor for the Bathroom

Everyone spends time each day in the bathroom getting ready, bathing, and answering the calls of nature, so why not fill it with memories and decorations from around the world to inspire you. These travel themed bathroom decorations are sure to spur on your wanderlust throughout the day.

Map Shower Curtain

This world map shower curtain in a blue and cream color with a crisp world map design will help pull your bathroom look together. The shower curtain is made with 100% softened polyester, which is a machine washable fabric and measures at 70 x 70″, but custom sizes are available if you reach out to the designer.

Matching bath mats, bedding, and other items are also available. Find more great travel themed products in Catherine’s full store, Mapology .

Ceramic Travel Trailer Soap Dispenser

How sweet is this ceramic travel trailer soap dispenser ! It is sure to complete any RV camping decor. The rounded silver gray and red trailer soap dispenser is made of ceramic and measures at 5 1/2 inches tall with the white plastic pump (4 inches tall without). Each dispenser is made to order of high-quality materials and finished with non-toxic glazes.

This soap dispenser can be a great reminder of fun road trips and vacation camping adventures. Jacque is an extremely talented artist who has a full store of beautiful products for you to enjoy.

Makeup Brush Roll

This travel themed makeup brush holder makes it easy to store and protect your favorite brushes at home or on the go. It is handmade in an antique world map print and features a durable canvas fabric and cord tie closure. It can hold approximately 8 small/medium brushes, 3 large sized brushes, and has an additional 3″ wide pocket for additional brushes or a beauty blender sponge. Machine washable for easy cleaning.

Kelly also makes matching toiletry bags and toiletry bag sets in the same fabric. Check out Kelly’s full store here .

Nautical Map Bath Mat

This nautical map bath mat is a great addition to the ultimate travel themed bathroom! Made from soft microfiber foam with non-skidding backing to keep it from sliding, your feet will love to step out of the shower onto this after a long day.

Items are printed in the USA by designers Ryan and Rachael.They have an amazing selection of mugs, ornaments, art prints, canvases, and home goods in their online store, Loftipop .

Navy Map Bath Towel

These super soft and extremely absorbent bath towels can be used at home, at the spa, or at the beach. This beautiful navy towel is made with a one-sided print, polyester facing with a cotton loop backing for extra lush absorbency. It comes in a range of sizes.

It is another one of the fantastic products available on Catherine’s Mapology store . She has a whole range of world map shower curtains, pillows, duvets, and more!

Nautical Themed Shower Curtain

Even showering can be an adventure with these nautical themed shower curtains ! M ade of 100% polyester, the shower curtain measures  71 inches (W) x 74 inches (H) with 12 button holes for shower hook placements. 

We have this shower curtain, we love this fun and colorful nautical design. It would look great in a variety of bathrooms!

If boats aren’t you thing, you may want to take a look at Rachel and Ryan’s many other shower curtains (and other home decor item) designs!

Travel Themed Home Decor for the Bedroom

Fall asleep dreaming of travel with these amazing travel themed home decor ideas for your bedroom. You’ll be dreaming of enjoying spring in Paris, vacationing with the family at Disney World, or cruising along the blue seas of the Bahamas in no time!

Blue & Cream World Map Bedding Set

This world map bedding set is currently in my shopping cart! The vintage world map prints amazingly well on this duvet cover or comforter. The look is clean and pretty with tons of detail, and it comes in a variety of sizes to suit everyone. You can also pick out matching pillowcases to keep the theme going strong!

Catherine can even customize your order if you reach out to her. You can find lots of map and travel themed decorations in her store, Mapology .

Wanderlust Ring Bowl

This little bicycle dish is really cute. This handmade bowl is made of white earthenware clay. The letters and design were stamped with dark brown ink – this one has a bicycle design on outside and word “Wanderlust” along the inner rim. The bowls are fired and covered with a lead free, clear glossy glaze and they can be customized with various colors and larger sizes are available. 

It is a great place to store my travel-themed jewelry pieces, particularly our world map wedding rings whenever we need to remove them.

Elycia offers a wide range of handmade bowls in her shop that I recommend checking out, and most of her pieces can be customized! See more at Elycia & T.J.’s store Elycia Camille .

Framed Maps with Love Quote

We really like how this framed quote combines both love and travel, two of our favorite things! Made with a pretty white frame with pearl and twine embellishments, and a map that includes a handwritten quote inside. The standard quote is “Love makes the world go round” but this can be customized to any short quote you desire.

Such a great decoration or gift for any travel loving person or couple. You can s ee more at Kelly’s store UniqueWeddingBoutique .

Tommy Bahama Map Quilt Set

Can you picture yourself relaxing under this amazing Bahamas themed quilt ? Made from 100% cotton, this beautiful vintage style quilt is filled with 60% cotton, 30% polyester and 10% new reclaimed fibers. The set includes a quilt and two standard shams, and is available in twin, queen, and king sizes. 

See more tropical inspired bedding patterns at Tommy Bahama . 

French Inspired Trinket Dishes

Beautiful trinket dishes for those who love France like we do! These handmade small ceramic dishes are made from clay. The designs are stamped on and then the dish is fired, glazed, and then fired again. The pictured dishes have the Eiffel Tower and Je t’aime (“I love you” in French) designs, but there are a number of different dishes available in a variety of colors, designs, and shapes. 

We always use ceramic dishes for soap, rings, coins, candies, tea bags, etc. These would also make great party or wedding favors. Cynthia has a number of French inspired items in her store and is happy to make custom items as well.

Vintage Suitcase Shelves

We love vintage suitcases but have never thought of turning them into a wall shelf before! Such a great idea if you are looking for a truly unique home décor option! This vintage suitcase are turned into shelves that can be hung on your wall. They are available in various sizes and colors.

If you are looking for a particular color or size, Mandy will work with you to find the pieces that will best fit your decor and vision! You can see her full store right here .

Travel Themed Decor for the Nursery or Children’s Room

Fill your nursery or child’s room with beautiful travel themed decor items that will spark their imagination and creativity. You can transform their space to bring them on a journey around the world, right from the comfort of their own home!

Here are some of our favorite pieces that we think you might love as well!

World Travel Activity Rug

This colorful world map activity rug comes with three wooden vehicles (car, airplane, and boat), plus a passport with stickers to keep track of globe-trotting adventures! T his durable rug is machine washable for simple, convenient clean up and it has reinforced edges that won’t fray in the wash.

It is a great gift for children aged between 3 and 6 and is sure to brighten up any room. We all know that the best toys are those that encourage interaction. This activity rug is designed to inspire engagement and connection with your child. You can find lots of wonderful toys in the popular Melissa & Doug store, but the travel themed toys are our favorites!

World Map Fitted Crib Sheets

This is the sweetest handmade fitted crib sheet for all the mini travelers out there! The sheet has encased elastic all the way around and French seams for a nice finish. It features a 100% cotton map print fabric and measures at 28″ x 52″. It is machine washable.

If you require a different size or if you don’t see what you want, you can message Katie and she can set up a custom order. A matching changing pad cover is also available. You can find her full store, which has lots of beautiful handmade home decor, right here .

Printable Adventure Themed Prints

These wanderlust-inducing adventure themed prints are the perfect addition to any nursery or child’s room. You don’t even need to wait for the prints to arrive, they are downloadable, so you can print them out from the comfort of your own home and display them as you wish. This set of 6 prints includes a hot air balloon, a compass, a train, a globe, a plane, and a boat.

Amy has an entire shop full of fantastic travel inspired designs in a variety of different colours and styles. You can find all of her work right here .

Airplane Baby Mobile

This handmade airplane mobile will add the perfect finishing touch to any nursery! This sweet airplane baby mobile is made of top quality would felt and plush fiber filling, and is hand sewn. It can feature airplanes, hot air balloon, rockets, the moon, clouds,  and stars, all handing from a metallic hoop with cotton. The hoop measures at 7.5 inches and the mobile is 17 inches in length.

You can find all of Kate’s handmade baby mobiles, rattles, and teethers over on her store The Mobilion .

Transportation Themed Wall Art

These adorable transportation wall art decor are perfect for a gallery wall in any little person’s bedroom, featuring airplanes, helicopters, trucks and more. All prints are made from original watercolor paintings created by Teresa in her studio. The images are printed on quality heavyweight archival matte paper. They are available as different sets and of different sizes.

Woodland Adventure Bedding

This is the woodland adventure bedding I definitely would have wanted as a kid! They are sure to bring out your child’s imagination as they fall asleep under these adventure inspired sheets. Choose from the toddler duvet, twin, queen, or king duvets. Matching sheets, pillowcases, and blankets available.

All bedding and accessories are made in Lublini’s atelier. They are 100% proudly, designed, cut & sewn in Austin, Texas! For more nature inspired deisgns, take a look at Lublini’s full store here .

Hot Air Balloon Hanging Decorations

You will want to fill an entire ceiling with these colorful hot air balloon decorations ! They are a perfect addition to your nursery or as wedding or baby shower décor. They are hand-sewn in a colorful rainbow print fabric and stuffed, and then an accompanying handmade burlap basket is attached. They come in two sizes.

Elisa has an entire range of hot air balloon is many different fabric prints and colors, so you are sure to find the perfect one for you no matter what style you are looking for. See her full store for more.

Map Play Mat

On the look out for a soft and comfortable baby velvet surface for your baby to practice belly time on? This map play mat comes with anti-slip points at the bottom to prevent it from sliding. Measuring at 4.8 X 6.4 feet, the large-scale play mat allows you and your child to play together on the game carpet. The play mat folds flat for easy storage and travel.

For more play mat options, you can see these options on Amazon . 

Oh the Places You’ll Go Nursery Wall Decal

This is one of our all time favorite quotes from Dr. Seuss! We couldn’t resist including this ‘Oh, The Places You’ll Go’ hot air balloon nursery wall decal . The matte finish to this high quality vinyl decal will make it look like the name was painted right on your wall. Perfect for any nursery, bedroom, or playroom wall. Available in your choice of colors.

If you are looking for something in particular, make sure to check out The Decal Spot Co , they have tons of eye-catching and creative decals for any room in your house.

Personalized Travel Themed Baby Blanket

This personalized baby blanket is a great gift idea for a baby shower or any new parent. The outer part of the blanket is made of a cotton/cavas world map printed fabric and the inner side is made of a soft cream color minky fabric. The text says “Welcome to the World” and is personalized with the baby’s name. It comes in 3 sizes.

Hagar has lots of beautiful, customizable products on her store, including travel themed pillowcases, baby bedding, teethers, pencil cases, and more. You can find her store here .

Geography Floor Puzzle

Keep the kids occupied with this easy to assemble 51 piece USA floor puzzle . It has individualized pieces with brightly colored features distinct to each state featuring details such as the state name, capital, and a state landmark. E ach piece is coated with an easy to clean surface to keep the puzzle looking new and allowing for easy clean up. 

This puzzle is recommended for children age 6 and older. This is just one of the many great toy options by Melissa & Doug ! 

Travel Themed Wall Decor & Wall Art

One of the easiest and most impactful ways of incorporating your love for travel into your home decor is with travel themed wall decor. These can be hung in just about any room of your house and might be map pin boards, artwork, wall decals, or your own travel photos. 

There are lots of options to choose from online, but here are a few that really caught out eye!

Travel Map Pin Board

A world map pin board is a great way to both show your love of travel and display the places you have traveled and want to travel. The maps are made from printed canvas that is stretched over a cork backing and attached to a wooden frame. The pin boards come in a variety of styles, colors, and sizes. You can personalize the title and legends of each map if you wish.

We have had one of these (in the vintage rustic style) on our own walls for years and we love it. The pin board comes professionally packaged and easy to hang on your wall as all the fixtures are included. Each map also comes with a set of two colors of pins.

The pin boards are available in world map designs as well as USA maps, Europe maps, and individual USA state maps. They also make decals, ornaments, and other travel inspired items. All products are made in Ohio, USA. See more at Ross’s store Conquest Maps .

Custom Map Wall Art Prints

We love the wide variety of travel-related prints that Robert has available in his store. Each wall art print is printed on high-quality matte paper. There are a number of designs available including world map prints, crossword travel map prints, travel list prints, longitude and latitude coordinates, and travel quote maps.

If you don’t see what you want, contact Robert to see if a custom order is possible. See more at Robert’s store Eleven Corners .

Travel Themed Wall Decals 

Each vintage travel stamp  decal is made of high quality self-adhesive matte-finish vinyl. They are also available in a number of colors and sizes, and decals can be customized. They can be applied to many types of clean, flat (or lightly textured), and dry surfaces such as walls, doors, windows, mirrors, wood, and plexiglass. 

We applied these to our bedroom wall in our last bedroom, and enjoyed seeing them every morning when we woke up. We applied these carefully and slowly following the included directions and had no problem. We were also able to remove them a few years later when we moved with no issue.

Adam and Kim have a number of other great travel-related wall decals as well! See more decals and other items at their shop Blue Design Co .

Personalized Framed Vacation Maps

Want to remember an epic vacation, road trip, service tour, marathon, or other event? At Passport Maps , you can have a personalized map of just about any vacation, location, or route. The design is personalized for each customer and can include text, map locations, routes, and personal travel photos. Designs are either printed on 51lb acid free paper or are digital ones you can print yourself.

A few years ago Scott designed a map of a train trip we took from Istanbul, Turkey to Pisa, Italy and we loved how much Scott was able to incorporate our specific route locations, text, and several of our travel photos into the design. A great way to remember our trip every time we glance at our wall!

The frame is not included but you can add framing to your order or frame it on your own. See lots of personalized map examples at Scott’s store PassportMaps and in his Etsy shop .

Scratch Off Travel Map

This is a great scratch off map and a fun way to show where you have traveled in the world. It can also help you decide on your next vacation destination. The map is printed on high quality paper then covered with a gold foil layer. It shows over 10,000 cities and places and the package also includes a dust cloth, push pins, and metal scraper. The map measures 34.6 inches X 23.6 inches (88 X 60 cm).

We have this map and it is very detailed for its size and it was easy to scratch off the gold foil level. Individual U.S. states, Canadian provinces, and regions of large countries can also be distinguished so you can scratch off certain areas rather than the entire country.

Robert has several scratch map options over in this store The Map Lab . 

Push Pin Map with Frame

This framed push pin map comes with a 2 inche wooden frame. The map was designed by National Geographic. You can choose from several colors for the frame to best match your room interior and you can also choose to personalize the text of the map legend. The map comes with 100 push pins.

This push pin map is made in the USA and comes ready to hang on the wall. Also maps available for specific countries or continents, and of different sizes. For more push pin maps, you can see options here on Amazon .

Wooden World Map CutOut

This beautiful Wooden Map of the World Map is such a statement piece! It has a 3D effect, due to its unique raised areas, anywhere from 6 mm to 18 mm. Featuring over six contrasting shades of wood, it is a very cool gift for family, friends, coworkers or yourself to mark your travels. Plus, it is a great way to accentuate a focal wall in any room.

Made with birch plywood, the map is eco-friendly and will last a lifetime. It comes with special double-sided sticky tape, that you can put on the map and it will not ruin your walls. It also includes airplane or flag push pins to mark places you have traveled to or dreaming about!

You will find many intricate map designs available in Igor and Maryna’s store .

Steampunk Art

We fell in love with these original art prints that are printed on high quality vintage dictionary paper and measures 8″ x 10.5″. It is a very unique and fun way to add steampunk charm and a pop of color to your home. There are hundreds of designs available and you can also request a custom order.

It is a one-of-a-kind vintage dictionary artwork, so no two pieces will ever be exactly the same. Liam has a huge selection of original vintage dictionary page art prints over in his store , so you will probably have no trouble finding one you love.

Custom Hand Drawn or Painted Caricatures of Travel Photo

Do you love getting a caricature done while on vacation? You don’t have to find an artist on vacation, instead you can have Anatoli create a custom caricature based on your personal photographs and ideas. Any personal details or situations can be added to create a unique gift. You can get one done of yourself, your family, children or a friend. Caricatures are hand drawn with pastel pencils on cotton paper. Custom oil paintings are also possible.

You will find his entire store of oil paintings, dry pastel paintings, and caricatures here .

Travel Inspired Candles & Home Fragrance Products

Travel-inspired scents can help you remember past travels. Smell is one of the human’s most powerful senses and scents can instantly trigger vivid memories . They can transport people back to favorite locations or help inspire future destinations. Here are some of the travel themed candles and fragrance companies we think you will love.

One of our go-to destinations for home fragrances is Wanderlust Scents . Drew has a huge selection of candles, wax melts, room sprays, perfumes, and room diffusers, all inspired by different locations around the world. The scents are complex and are designed to be unisex so that they can appeal to both men and women.

We are in love with the wax melts and melt them almost every night in our living room.

One of the company’s most popular sellers is its Cuba-inspired Old Havana scented candles, but it offers scents that are inspired by London, California, the Rocky Mountains, Brazil, Hawaii, Brooklyn, Tuscany, Milwaukee, and dozens of other locations. See all the options here .

Mer & Sea Home Fragrance Products

If you are looking for mindful products with minimal packaging, the Mer & Sea collection will be right up your alley. Their candles, room sprays, room diffusers, and soaps have been inspired by travel and locations around the world, especially the seaside. They are artisan soy wax blend candles, hand-poured in the USA using fresh fragrances and packaged in beautiful locally-sewn canvas bags.

Mer & Sea also make a number of other travel-related products, including travel wraps , ponchos, and beachwear. You can find all of their products here .

Travel Destination Inspired Soaps

We love these colorful travel destination inspired soaps that are inspired by places around the world. They are vegan-friendly and free of sulfates and harsh detergents. This set includes your choice of four .75 oz soaps from 10 different scents. Scents include Rome which smells of orange blossom, amber and basil, Hong Kong which smells of Asian pear and lily, and Reykjavik which smells of sparking icicle, cedarwood, and musk.

The mini soaps are also perfect for traveling, camping or backpacking, party favors, stocking stuffers, and your gym bag. We personally use them in our guest bathroom for when we have visitors over.

In addition to soaps, Julie also makes a lot of other travel-inspired scented products including perfumes, lip balms, wax melts, shampoo bars, beard oils, and more. I also really like Julie’s lip balms. Take a look at all of Julie’s travel related products here .

Archipelago Luxury Candles

Archipelago is a California-based luxury fragrance company that makes  natural soy wax candles .  They have a destination collection with scents inspired by places around the world including Kashmir, Charleston, Stonehenge, Havana, Dubai, Positano, Black Forest, and Lanai. They come in a variety of sizes and come in glass jars, as pillar candles, and in metal travel tins.

They also sell reed diffusers of the same scent. You can see more fragrance products by Archipelago Botanicals here .

Homesick Candles

We absolutely love the concept behind Homesick candles . They have lots of different scented soy wax candles representing different countries, USA states, cities, and national parks They are designed to bring back all the nostalgic memories of great experiences and wonderful places. They offer each of their candles in different sizes and the large 13.75oz candle has a long burn time of 60-80 hours.

The Homesick store also has a range of oils and reed diffusers to choose from. You can find their full store here .

Travel Themed University Dorm Room Decor Items

Moving into your college dorm room is an exciting moment in life. With this new era comes a blank canvas to decorate your new space how you want it. These travel inspired university dorm room home decor items and furnishings should get your creative juices flowing.

Travel & Ticket Shadow Box

This shadow box ticket holder is a creative way to store and display your tickets, travel stubs, photos, postcards, or anything else you want to keep. The black 8 x 8 inch glass-fronted shadow box has a large slot at the top that makes it easy to drop in your mementos and they can be removed by taking off the back. It can sit on a flat surface or can be hung on the wall. The background text can be personalized to say whatever you wish.

This would make a great gift. You can find more shadowboxes and other home decor in Denise’s full store here .

Throw pillow

This soothing cotton candy colored sky world map throw pillow adds a touch of pink and fun to your dorm room. The throw pillow cover is doubled printed and is made from 100% spun polyester poplin fabric and has a concealed zipper for ease of care. You can choose different sizes and add a pillow insert if you wish.

Marianna has lots of beautiful and colorful decor options on her store , including shower curtains, duvet covers, pillows, tapestries and more.

Map Cork Board

This wonderful cork map of the United States with engraved geographical details is an ideal centerpiece for a travel lover’s dorm wall where you can pin photos, reminders, or chart your road trips! The cork map measures 21″ tall by 34″ wide and is made with heavy duty 1/2″ thick corkboard, so it is really built to last.

Check out Nick’s full store for more minimalist geography related items at Geo 101 Design .

Beer Cap World Map 

For those of legal drinking age, this beer cap world map is a fun way to play Around the World in 80 Beers and helps encourage you to try new beers. The printed map is covered with high quality laminate and a foil layer and has a total of 80 blank circles (40 on top and 40 on bottom) that are used to stick on beer caps. It includes a magnifier to help find the smaller countries and islands, a scratcher to help remove the foil level, and 80 sticky squares to attach the beer caps to the map.

We started off our map with a beer from the oldest operating brewery in the United States (Yuengling in Pennsylvania in case you were wondering!). I also gave this as a gift to my younger brother.

A great gift for any beer drinker or a fun item to have at a craft beer party! See more at Rita’s store, MapFever .

World Map LED Candle Holder

This world map candle holder is the perfect decor for a university dorm room as most universities do not allow real candles since they are a fire hazard. This one can be purchased with a LED pillar candle that flickers like a real one. The candle holders are made from steel tubing or pipe with a world map cut out and come in several colors and finishes.

The decorative candle holders has no bottom so it can easily slide over LED votive candles or wine bottles. Bela has over 300 creative designs and you can see them all over in her store Tube Torcher .

Other Travel Themed Home Decoration Items

We could go on and on with amazing travel inspired home decorations out there, but we’ll control ourselves and end with a few more that don’t quite fit into any specific room. If you haven’t found what you are looking for quite yet, perhaps these final few travel themed home decorating ideas will ignite a spark.

Switchplate covers

The unique decorative switchplate covers are created and assembled by hand, using laminated images affixed to durable steel plates. This one is of a steam engine train on a blue retro background. This design, like all the shop’s designs, are available in 30 different types of plate configuration to cover any light switch, electrical outlet, or telephone or data jack on your wall.

Sheree offers more than 1,000 unique designs which cater to virtually any taste, ranging from bold to subtle, from classic to off-beat. See her store for more inspiration.

Luminary Bags

We love these luminary bags as they remind us of luminaria in New Mexico which are a traditional holiday decoration around Christmas. The use of paper maps, the customized cut-out shapes, and stenciled on designs really make these stand out from any other luminaries we’ve seen. These can be used inside or outside with LED candles. 

There are different sizes and customization options available for any of Suzie’s luminary bags. Check out more creative designs in her shop Olden Designs .

Vintage Luggage Label Stickers

This set of 30 reproduction retro luggage label stickers advertising hotels, ships, and travel agencies that have been professionally retouched and printed on high gloss, water-resistant self-adhesive paper. These stickers are an inexpensive way to add a retro feel to any travel-related DIY project.

I am a bit obsessed with vintage luggage and vintage luggage labels so I was drawn to these immediately. We use these to decorate our vintage looking luggage and to also stick on the back of our laptops as we decorate them with stickers we get from our travels, so these are a perfect addition! 

Ben also creates and sell a number of other vintage inspired printed items including tote bags, magnets, posters, and wall prints. See more at his store BvdB Design .

Travel Fund Jar

We love that the world map money jar serves both a functional purpose (place to throw loose change) and a decorative one. This 1-gallon jug is made of thick, durable glass with a black plastic screw cap. The world map design has been added to the jar and is made of high quality matte black vinyl.

The product is made of high quality materials and the hole on top is big enough for any type of coin we tried. Unlike many other money storage containers, the coins were fairly easy to remove from the jar.

 A great place to keep your spare change to save up for your next adventure. A smaller 1/2 gallon world map jar is also available for those wanting something smaller. See more at Renee’s store All Sales Are Vinyl .

World Map Wall Clock

This unique modern world map wall clock is a great fit for any room of the house! The 10″ clock includes a backside hook for easy hanging and requires a AA battery to operate. It is available in 3 colors and you can also change the color of the clock hands.

All items are made to order at Lanre Studio. The world map design is also available to be printed on a mug, pillow, art print, and duvet cover. You can see their full list of products here .

Ireland Inspired Flower Pot

This Ireland inspired shamrock flower pot i s made of ceramic and is then decorated using transfer printing and low VOC chalk paint. it contains an Irish verse. Pot is covered in UV protectant and 3 coats of matte water sealant. Pots can be used indoors or outdoors. They come in various sizes and the designs change regularly.

Katie made a number of beautiful handmade planting plots, many of which are inspired by the Emerald Isle. She can also do custom designs. You can see her current designs available in her shop Summer Bird Design .

RV USA State Decal

Have you ever considered tracking how many states have you been to with your campervan, RV, or travel trailer? This high quality outdoor vinyl USA State Decal allows you to keep track and proudly display your adventures for the whole campground to see!

These decals are an automatic conversation starter for when you’re unhooking and the neighbors walk by. There are a lot of other vehicle decals as well as lots of travel inspired home decor you can check out over at the Conquest Maps store.

Wooden Antique Map Wall Clock

This antique style sublime clock depicts a 17th century map that is printed on the wooden face of the clock. It also features silent quartz mechanisms. It is available in 8 sizes. Customization is possible.

If you are looking for something a little different, the team at The Big Clock Store have very unique clock styles (over 500!), so you can pick the size and style that best fits your room and décor.

World Map Sticker Decal

You can add this explore world map sticker to your laptop, notebook, skateboard, fridge, lunch box, bedroom door, or mirror to inspire you to go on more adventures every time you see it! The sticker is 3.8″ W x 3.1″ H and is coated in a scratch and weather resistant glossy vinyl.

Amanda has a selection of travel inspired products over in her store Forget Sunday Drives .

Airplane Doormat

This airplane doormat is the perfect welcome mat for any travel lover! Each doormat is made of coconut fibers and the design is hand painted by the shop owner with outdoor paint. It is spray sealed with a clear coat of UV resistant spray paint and backed with vinyl. The doormat measures at 18” x 30” and can be used inside or outside your door.

Sarah offers a wide range of funny and cute original doormat designs. She can also create a custom design if you have an idea for a unique doormat. You can see all of her available designs in her store .

So that is our guide to home decor for travelers, and hopefully we have helped inspire you in how to decorate your own home to inspire some wanderlust.

If you are looking for gift ideas for travelers, check out our travel gift guide  for over 75 gift ideas that are perfect for travelers. Ideas for every budget and type of traveler.

Planning to decorate your home in the future? Pin this article to Pinterest to save and read it later:

Did any of these travel themed home decor items catch your eye? Do you own any travel home decor pieces yourself that you love? If you have any questions about any of these travel home decor items, just ask us and we’re happy to share our honest thoughts!

Share this Post!

There are 96 comments on this post.

Please scroll to the end to leave a comment

Miley Post author

September 18, 2023 at 1:51 am

I have been into home decoration at my new house and your blog has given me so many ideas. I ordered the recommended wood map board and its so beautiful!! As well as a few of other smaller travel themed things plus adding a lot of our vacation photos. Thank you very much for sharing this amazing blog.

Jessica & Laurence Norah Post author

September 21, 2023 at 7:54 am

I am so glad to hear that you are loving your wooden map, those look really nice on the wall. And of course, your own personal photos are the best and can bring back so many great memories. Thanks for stopping by to comment.

Best, Jessica

Mian Umair Post author

September 11, 2023 at 1:56 am

Its really good information for me and those people who wanna look for travel decor. Thank you very much for sharing this amazing list and your blog.

September 11, 2023 at 3:55 pm

Thanks for taking the time to comment, and glad you enjoyed our travel themed home decor post!

Happy decorating! Jessica

Arkaa Post author

March 7, 2023 at 1:33 am

I have not had an opportunity to travel, but, I dream of beautiful places. I want to go to Italy and Greece.

March 9, 2023 at 4:34 am

I hope that you enjoyed our article and perhaps found some ways to decorate your own home with some Italian and Greek touches to keep those dreams alive until you have the opportunity to travel to those places yourself. I hope you get the chance to travel soon!

Best wishes, Jessica

LOUISE HEATON Post author

May 28, 2020 at 2:56 pm

Love all these items featured especially the lamps and cushions by Kelly Stevens-McLaughlan. If I were to pick one item out from all of these sellers, it would be the baby mobile

May 29, 2020 at 5:26 am

Yes, the handmade baby mobiles would be lovely in a nursery or young child’s room as decoration!

Ruth Mendez Post author

July 13, 2018 at 12:34 am

I love traveling as much as I love handmade products! So whenever I travel, I make sure that I get to purchase handcrafts especially those made by local community artisans. There is just one time, I went to Chiang Mai in Thailand, I never had the chance to actually buy my souvenir, but thankfully I found a store called localbazaar who sells handmade crafts from Chiang Mai!

July 13, 2018 at 9:44 am

Hi Ruth, Yes, handmade travel products make for great souvenirs. If you don’t pick up something while traveling, you can always seem to find something online out there 😉 Best, Jessica

Kate Evans Post author

September 13, 2017 at 4:33 am

Hello Jessica, I love this travel themed decoration and as well as items. Some of my favorite handmade travel themed are vacation photos, unique travel items and travel themed jewelry. These are really fantastic ideas to decorate. Thanks for sharing such a nice idea.

Laurie Emerson Post author

July 15, 2017 at 7:08 pm

I love themed travel decor as it brings the outside world into my home. I love the Explore Bath Mat and the World Map Money Jar.

Kelsi Post author

July 15, 2017 at 4:58 pm

I love the Travel Map Pin Board and the Framed Maps with Love Quote!

Sheri Anderson Post author

July 15, 2017 at 2:06 pm

I love to travel and explore places that I’ve never been to but it’s been hard to get away as I care for a special needs adult. I love all the items but really love the wooden wall decor world map, thanks!

Rust Post author

July 15, 2017 at 12:08 pm

I likethat the travel themed items I collect bring back memories of places and events. I like mappy type mementos.

Maranda Hymes Post author

July 15, 2017 at 11:25 am

I’ve always wanted to travel the world as a kid my dream job was to be a doctor overseas. I’m a bit sad that I’ve never ventured outside of the United States. My favorite is definitely the book safe! I’ve always wanted a hollow book. My mandatory entry I hit too soon it was 17, 15, and 7. Hope I can still be entered.

July 15, 2017 at 12:19 pm

Hi Maranda, It is never too late to travel (or do most things!) so don’t give up on your dream of doing some international travel! I will go in and manually change it for you so your entry is valid. Best, Jessica

Rob+Ann Post author

July 15, 2017 at 9:54 am

Love that glass world map print! Also the travel fund jug – we need a couple of those, only filled up! 😉 Great finds – thanks for sharing!

brandi swanson Post author

July 15, 2017 at 9:14 am

My husband is in the military and we travel a lot! I love the money jug the most!

Leah Shumack Post author

July 15, 2017 at 8:18 am

The Custom Travel Themed Map Luminary is so beautiful! I would also love to have the map where I can mark the locations that I’ve been to!

Sarah L Post author

July 14, 2017 at 9:40 pm

I like them because they remind me of where I’ve been and of where I want to go. I most like the travel blanket because I’d wrap myself up in Patagonia… (which I gather is NOT one of the items up for a prize…) Thanks for the contest.

Lauryn R Post author

July 14, 2017 at 9:37 pm

I love all of these travel related home décor items because I love to travel and have since I was a little kid! I love all of these things each for different reasons. I definitely want a World Map Money Jar and a photo blanket would be such a wonderful way to cherish memories! 🙂

July 14, 2017 at 8:31 pm

I would love to win many of these travel themed home decor items!

Chrissy Malave Post author

July 14, 2017 at 5:25 pm

I love travel themed home decor because it’s a reminder of how big the world is and it also inspires me to want to explore and travel the world. I am loving the World Map Money Jar, this is something I could really use to help us save money for traveling.

Shane A Post author

July 14, 2017 at 4:06 pm

Because travel themed decor is a great idea I haven’t seen before.

Lesley F Post author

July 14, 2017 at 8:11 am

I like the Travel Fund Jar!

Tina Post author

July 14, 2017 at 7:19 am

Hollow Secret Safe Book is my favourite. It is very useful

Megan Post author

July 13, 2017 at 10:40 pm

I like the world wooden map, the scratch off travel map, and the color changing mug! So cool!

Anita Jude Post author

July 13, 2017 at 8:28 pm

I love the little bowls that you can put your rings in and things the best

wen budro Post author

July 13, 2017 at 3:43 pm

I love how these items are travel related and so unique. They are all very cool items.

Fiona N Post author

July 12, 2017 at 10:01 pm

I love them all, especially the Nautical Shower Curtain Thank You for the chance!

LisaM Post author

July 12, 2017 at 3:11 am

My first favourite would be the Travel Map Pin Board!

Angela Saver Post author

July 11, 2017 at 9:17 pm

I love travel-themed home decor to remind me of all the cool places I’ve visited and for the memories! My favorites are Nautical Shower Curtain and the RVing Kitchen Towel!

Adele Post author

July 11, 2017 at 8:10 pm

I love travel themed decor because It gives a home a vibrant look. I like the world map wooden sign the most, it looks amazing.

Seana Turner Post author

July 11, 2017 at 5:00 pm

This post is so much fun!!! We actually own 2 of these… the map pin boards (which we got one year for our girls) and the scratch off map (which my daughter got for my husband). We always had fun moving the pin to our “next planned destination.” My husband loves maps, and these are terrific gifts. I recently received coasters from a friend that have outlines of areas in the city where we both used to live. I loved it… these are perfect gifts for the traveler in your life!

Valerie Caldicott Post author

July 11, 2017 at 2:08 pm

Rustic World Map Pin Board is a great idea & my #1 pick #2 the wooden photo frame & #3 book safe

Dana Matthews Post author

July 11, 2017 at 1:11 am

I love maps and have always been fascinated with them. It’s a reminder that, contrary to what the little song says, it is NOT a small world after all. The Wooden World Map is gorgeous!

Terra Heck Post author

July 11, 2017 at 12:56 am

I really, really like that World Map Wooden Sign. The other stuff is neat too. Travel themed items are a great way to show a love for the places you’ve visited. Thanks.

Edith & Juan Post author

July 10, 2017 at 2:12 pm

These are all such neat ideas! I especially loved the travel tree and I’m sure it’s something I’d decorate my house with.

Pam Halligan Post author

July 10, 2017 at 12:53 pm

I do love travel themed home decor. Favorites include the map of Ireland flower pot, the color changing mug, and the RVing kitchen towel.

Susan D Genna Post author

July 10, 2017 at 9:20 am

I have not had an opportunity to travel, but, I dream of beautiful places. I want to go to Italy and Greece. I also want to travel Europe to look at castles (ruined and restored).

Jill Jeffrey Post author

July 9, 2017 at 10:40 pm

My favorite is the Travel Tree!! Such nice stuff!

Carolyn G Post author

July 9, 2017 at 5:39 pm

Favorites are the scratch off travel map, the pin travel map, the secret book and the wooden world map

Brenda Witherspoon-Bedard Post author

July 9, 2017 at 5:15 pm

all your travel theme items are cute but I think I like the Map Fridge Magnets Set best – so cute on the fridge

Danielle Porter Post author

July 9, 2017 at 8:35 am

I just think it looks great and inspires. We are due in September and doing the nursery in travel themed decor! I like the maps for the walls and the glass money jar.

July 9, 2017 at 12:21 pm

Hi Danielle, Yes, some of these items would be fantastic for a nursery! There are also loads of other cool travel themed nursery specific stuff on Etsy, including from some of the sellers listed. Best of luck on your new arrival! Jessica

Deb Philippon Post author

July 8, 2017 at 8:17 pm

I like things that I can use, so I would choose either the Vintage Map Flower Pot or the themed candles.

Melissa C Post author

July 8, 2017 at 5:34 pm

Sooooo many fun items!!! Especially love the Nautical Shower Curtain, Map Pencil Holder, & World Map Wooden Sign, Travel Tree Tree Starter Kit, Atlas Letter Envelopes, & Color Changing World Map Mug Whew!

Lori Q Post author

July 8, 2017 at 2:08 pm

I love all of your products, the lighted maps, the wooden, the hanging. Its so wonderful to have maps to dream

hannah Post author

July 8, 2017 at 11:29 am

I love maps! I especially like vintage or old style looking map art, and we plan to theme one room in our house with maps/globes/etc. My favorite is the scratch off map, that’s fun and unique.

Lolo Post author

July 8, 2017 at 1:20 am

Hey, I tried to enter the contest, and only managed to type in #1 before I could put in the other options. Now it won’t let me put in the rest of my choices… Is there a way I can redo it? Or just put them here? … #1, #6, #11

July 8, 2017 at 6:41 pm

Hi Lolo, Um, Rafflecopter must have had a glitch or you may have clicked it too soon. I will add in your entires manually 🙂

Anda Post author

July 7, 2017 at 9:52 pm

These are some great ideas even for gifts. Thank you for sharing them with us. I’m going to bookmark your post because I already have my mind set on a couple of these things. #TheWeeklyPostcard

Anisa Post author

July 7, 2017 at 7:57 pm

Wow so many great products. I think my favorite is the travel tree. It is so unique and I love the idea. It’s funny when I see signs like that on my travels I usually take a picture, there is just something about it.

Jen D. Post author

July 7, 2017 at 3:59 pm

I love travel themed decor because I love the look of it, especially maps and globes.

Tara L Post author

July 7, 2017 at 10:27 am

I love to travel it’s the best ever and traveling with people you love. I’m loving the photo blanket that you can treasure forever and pass it down to your kids.

Nicole Zerbini Post author

July 7, 2017 at 7:06 am

Travel home decor remind me of all of the wonderful places that I have visited and where I still would love to go. I’m loving the Wooden Map sign! I have the perfect place in mind!

Kim Swan Post author

July 7, 2017 at 6:25 am

Hi there!! I love many of these treasures, mainly because I find them inspiring. Having travel related decor in your home,reminds you that there’s a whole world waiting for you to explore!!

Shirley S Post author

July 6, 2017 at 10:28 pm

I love travel themed home decor because it reminds me of all the wonderful places to travel. I love the Map Fridge Magnets, the Hawaii Vacation Photo Frame, and the Zion National Park Lampshade.

Sandra McFadden Post author

July 6, 2017 at 5:31 pm

Makes great conversations for when your guest visit. I love the coasters the best.

pycnos Post author

July 6, 2017 at 2:10 pm

i love maps! and new places, new people, new cultures…i loved the money jar, but nearly all products are pretty awesome!

Jessica Miller Post author

July 6, 2017 at 11:50 am

I love the #19: Color Changing World Map Mug #6:, World Map Money Jar, #15: World Map Wooden Sign

Amanda G Post author

July 6, 2017 at 10:38 am

I love all of these products! Such great gift ideas, but I also want them all for myself!

Janet OBrien Post author

July 6, 2017 at 10:24 am

I really like the Color Changing World Map Mug.

Megan H Post author

July 6, 2017 at 9:22 am

Oh my gosh, so many of these Items are amazing…I want them all!

Angelica Dimeo Post author

July 6, 2017 at 9:05 am

I love the Explore Bath Mat, the coasters and the Map Fridge Magnets Set. Those are the ones I like the best

Emily Z Post author

July 6, 2017 at 9:02 am

This is the coolest collection of travel items I ever seen, great job putting it together!!

July 9, 2017 at 12:22 pm

Thanks Emily 😉 Glad you love our travel themed home decor items – we also love they are handmade and unique! Best, Jessica

kelly tupick Post author

July 6, 2017 at 9:00 am

Love it all!! My top ones are #16: Ireland Vintage Map Garden Pot #7,: Amalfi Coast Limoncello candle, #12: Around the World in 80 Beers Scratch Map, #19: Color Changing World Map Mug,#6: World Map Money Jar and #15: World Map Wooden Sign

Angela P Post author

July 6, 2017 at 7:19 am

I love the World Map Wooden Sign, Color Changing World Map Mug and Nautical Shower Curtain

Michelle Donovan Post author

July 6, 2017 at 6:45 am

I love the decor because it’s so inspirational. Gives you the travel bug/itch immediately.

Joni Lively Taylor Post author

July 6, 2017 at 6:01 am

I love the travel themed decor because it makes me want to explore the world and appreciate the beauty.

Sarah Blake Post author

July 6, 2017 at 4:14 am

I love it because I’m so into the whole wanderlust theme! I want to explore! I LOVE the wooden sign <3

DeAnna Keller Post author

July 5, 2017 at 9:42 pm

I love all of these travel gift ideas! My favorite’s are these~ 1. Custom Travel Photo Blanket 2. World Map Wooden Sign 3. Color Changing Map Coffee Mug

renee Post author

July 5, 2017 at 9:40 pm

The beautiful blanket is my favorite item. I would love to see pictures of my family’s most recent Disney trip on one of those!

July 9, 2017 at 12:24 pm

Hi Renee, The artists, Kristy and Nicole, are a mother-daughter team and fantastic to work with and you can currently get a 10% discount (until the end of July) on any blanket if you use the code in the post. Definitely recommend if you are looking for a custom blanket. Jessica

Wanda B Post author

July 5, 2017 at 3:29 pm

I love travel themed home decor because it makes me want to put on my travellin’ shoes and go, go, go!

Nadine Post author

July 5, 2017 at 2:57 pm

What a wonderful giveaway! Thanks!

desiree Post author

July 5, 2017 at 2:46 pm

My family is from ireland so I love the planter pot. The luminaries I use to remember lost family members.

Stephanie LaPlante Post author

July 5, 2017 at 1:08 pm

I love how the decor makes you really feel a part of something bigger, the whole wide world. It’s hard to choose a favorite.

Calvin F. Post author

July 5, 2017 at 10:09 am

I love the world map wooden sign the most. I like the travel decor as I save up a piece of memory by getting a souvenir where ever I go.

Alison Braidwood Post author

July 5, 2017 at 9:10 am

I love the shower curtain, and the book safe. Super cute, and useful. I have a few travel decorations; one being an enormous framed poster of a Routemaster bus). I used to live in London, so I’m legit allowed to keep that one up :0

Amanda Post author

July 5, 2017 at 8:49 am

Love all these items! Travel bug is real 🙂

Marlene V Post author

July 5, 2017 at 8:14 am

I love travelling and have lots of items from my travels to remind myself of all the places we have been to. I really love the wooden sign – it would look perfect in my home.

Helga Post author

July 5, 2017 at 7:05 am

I like travel themed home decor because it reminds me that there is more to see out there than my four walls. I like the shower curtain and bath mat.

Crystal Rose Post author

July 5, 2017 at 6:30 am

I like personalized items and useful items the most. I like the candle a lot because we go through candles so quickly here and that one sounds like it has a lovely scent.

Nancy Post author

July 5, 2017 at 6:25 am

I like travel themed home decor because it reminds me of previous trips and inspires me to go on new travels. I especially like the Personalized Photo Blanket and the shower curtain.

deanna Post author

July 5, 2017 at 2:40 am

I love the wooden map sign because it looks like it will last for a long time and I love to decorate. Traveling is my favorite thing to do (besides walk my dog).

Theresa C. Post author

July 5, 2017 at 12:34 am

Loved lots of them! But especially two that weren’t for the giveaway – the Travel Map Pin Board, and the Luminary Bags – just lovely!

Leela Post author

July 4, 2017 at 9:05 pm

I love having little beautiful reminders of the places we’ve visited and enjoyed. My favorite is the Zion National Park Lampshade.

Sandra Preti Post author

July 4, 2017 at 7:47 pm

Traveling is very important to me and my family and I like my home to reflect our love of travel and places we’ve been lucky to get to or want to get to!

Jenna Hudson Post author

July 4, 2017 at 5:07 pm

I love travel decor because it inspires me to adventurous. I do love the World Map Money Jar. All that spare change adds up to more trips!

Julie Lundstrom Post author

July 4, 2017 at 4:07 pm

I love photo decorations and travel decorations. I love to see different places and to bring that to my home would be so comforting.

kelly mcgrew Post author

July 4, 2017 at 3:09 pm

i love travel decor because it keeps me inspired and gives me the drive to save towards going to exotic places!

Sandy Klocinski Post author

July 4, 2017 at 10:13 am

There are few things that make me cringe harder than a tacky travel souvenir. On the other hand, as a passionate traveler, I understand the burning desire to buy said tacky travel souvenir. My favorite of this not tacky travel decor is the Bicycle Wanderlust Bowl…perfect for my car keys

cheryl s Post author

July 4, 2017 at 7:01 am

We are big cruisers to we have cruise pictures around the house. Love the Hawaii frame, planning a trip back there in the next year or so

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Notify me of replies to my comment (just replies to your comment, no other e-mails, we promise!)

Subscribe to our monthly Newsletter where we share our latest travel news and tips

We only ask for your e-mail so we can verify you are human and if requested notify you of a reply. To do this, we store the data as outlined in our privacy policy . Your e-mail will not be published or used for any other reason other than those outlined above.

70+ World Travel Themed Home Decor Ideas

Pretty soon, I’ll have my first place of my own (I’ve moved out before, but I was always in some sort of dorm), and I’m super excited to buy all the furniture, decor, and everything else that goes with getting your own place. Given my very obvious travel addiction, I thought it would make sense for a lot of the home decor in my new apartment to be travel themed. I can’t make EVERYTHING travel themed (my boyfriend would kick me out before we even moved in), but let’s just say people won’t have to guess what I had in mind when decorating our new place. So, if you are moving into a new place, or just looking to do some redecorating, check out these world travel themed home decor ideas!

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Find more information about affiliate links on our policy page .

• Living Room
• Dining Room
• Other Decorations

Travel Inspired Living Room Decorations

Travel throw pillows.

Pillows are a great way to add just a touch of travel decor to a living room. They’re not overly obnoxious, but still obvious. Plus, since they come in so many different colors, it’s not too terribly difficult to find one that would match your couch!

Stacked Travel Chests

I found out real fast when looking at furniture that end tables are surprisingly expensive. So, when I saw these on Amazon, I thought it was a really cool idea. Instead of the traditional end table (that may or may not have a small drawer to put things in), why not get suitcase styled chests? They’re stack-able and can store way more than your traditional end table.

Suitcase Shelves

I found these in one of the home decor stores I had visited and thought it was a cute idea. Instead of the traditional wooden shelves, get creative and use shelves that were decorated to look like suitcases. They’ll match your suitcase end tables!

Travel Coasters

If you don’t already have some souvenir drink coasters from your various trips around the world, you can get some world map drink coasters to make sure your new, nice tables don’t get ruined by condensation from drinking glasses.

World Map Tissue Box Cover

I don’t think too many people use tissue box covers anymore, but I thought it was one of the more unique travel decor ideas. If nothing else, it’s a conversation piece!

Traditional Globes

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when thinking of travel decor? A globe of course! You can’t decorate your new place with a travel theme and not have at least one globe around.

Travel Themed Dining Room Decor

Travel placemats.

Like I mentioned above, once you get that nice, new table, you don’t want it to be ruined from moisture from cold drinks or hot plates. Placemats are an easy and common fix to that problem. If you’re going to be buying placemats anyway, might as well make them travel themed, right?

World Map Table Runner

If dinner placemats aren’t enough, why not complete the look with a matching table runner?

World Travel Bedroom Decor

Travel lamp.

Looking for something cool and unique to show off to all of your friends? Then you have to check out this floating globe lamp! It uses magnets to make the globe levitate and it even spins around like a traditional globe! It has LEDs built into the frame to make it light up and look even cooler! Of course, you can always go with the more traditional travel home decor too…

World Map Bed Comforter

Do you dream of traveling the world? I thought so! Why not go to sleep surrounded by a map of all the places you dream of visiting?

Travel Pillow Cases

Of course, you can’t have a world map bed comforter and not have matching pillow cases. You just can’t do it.

Travel Themed Bathroom Decor

Travel inspired shower curtains.

Since most showers require some sort of shower curtain (unless you don’t mind lots of water getting all over the floor), having a travel themed shower curtain is an easy way to add a touch of travel to your home life. It’s simple, and separate from the rest of the rooms in the house (in case you don’t want your guests overwhelmed by travel decor the moment they walk into your new place).

World Map Towels

If you are looking to make the entire bathroom travel themed (instead of just having a touch of it), you can also get bath towels that are travel themed. It’s especially nice if you have a rack where you can sort of hang them on display when not in use.

Travel Inspired Kitchen Items

Travel themed alcohol items.

Even if you’re not into the “travel decor” thing, you can still add a bit of travel to your home life. You can break out these glasses when you’ve brought home some souvenir drinks from your most recent destination.

World Map Plates

If you don’t have a big dinning room table, or aren’t really the type of person to use placemats and a table runner, you can still add a bit of travel decor to meal time with these cool looking plates!

Travel Inspired Napkins

My mom always gives me a hard time because I have a bad habit of wiping my hands on my jeans instead of using a napkin (especially when eating greasy or salty foods), but if I had these napkins, I might be a little more inclined to use them (hint-hint mom: these would make a good moving gift).

World Map Cutting Board

Cutting boards are another one of those more subtle items that don’t necessarily get put on display. Since most traditional cutting boards are typically pretty bland, you can spice yours up by getting a travel decorated one.

Travel Themed Office Decor

Push pin cork globe.

My boyfriend and I are to turning our second bedroom into an office since both of us have computer desks. It’s the perfect place to put a tiny globe like this one. Plus, it’s exciting being able to put a new pin in it every time we go someplace new.

Globe Book Ends

I LOVE books. Unfortunately I don’t have as much time to read as I used to (which I think is a shame given how much I really loved it), but I’m really proud of my bookshelves and all the books that sit on them. Plus, I’ve always loved the feel of sitting in a library (especially those rustic ones you see in movies). I figured why not combine some of my biggest passions and add a little travel decor to my bookshelves?

Book Box Covers

If you’ve never heard of book boxes, don’t feel guilty. I hadn’t heard of them either until I started shopping for home decor! Book boxes are great for those book lovers (like me) that want their books to remain in mint condition. You can put your favorite books in book boxes to protect them from dust and moisture. Plus you can give your bookshelves more of a universal look (like the rustic library I mentioned above).

Pencil Holder

Because no desk would be complete without a pencil or pen holder.

Travel Wall Decor

Decorative world maps.

This is what usually comes to mind when you think of travel decor (and usually some of the first results when looking online). You can always go with the traditional, school-like world map, but there are some really cool looking world maps out there if you’re looking for something a little more unique.

Scratch Off World Maps

In more recent years, scratch off world maps have become more popular. They’re a great way to showcase all of the different places you’ve been! My mom got me one for Christmas and I absolutely love it. However, all of the places I’ve been are pretty small, so it doesn’t look like I’ve scratched anything off, but I’m working on it!

Wall Clocks

This is another one of more simple travel decor ideas. It’s a common household decoration and easy to customize to your style. Plus, there are lots of different options out there, so it isn’t too difficult to find one you like.

Word Art and Hangings

You can find all sorts of quotes that have been turned into travel decor. I feel like almost every home decor store that I’ve walked into has had some sort of wall piece with an inspiration adventure quote on it. Even if you’re not looking to go all out with the travel theme, they’re something small and nice you can hang on the wall to express your passion for travel.

Other Travel Decorating Ideas

World map welcome mat.

What better way to welcome guests than to welcome them to your adventures? No better way to set the travel theme than to have it be the first thing you see!

Light Switch Covers

I don’t know if I would replace every light switch cover in my new place with a travel inspired one, but I thought it was a unique way to incorporate travel into home decor. At this point though, the rest of the place is already travel themed, might as well make the light switches travel themed too.

Outlet Covers

If you’ve got travel themes lights switch covers, it only makes sense that you have travel inspired outlet covers too. If you have one, you just have to have the other!

And that’s it for my long list of travel themed home decor! What did you think? Will you be including any of these items the next time you decide to do some redecorating? Let me know in the comments below!

Further Reading

• Useful Gifts for Travelers

Liked this article? Pin it to Pinterest!

Leave a comment cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Protect Your Trip »

Solo vacations: the 36 best places to travel alone in 2024.

These fun destinations make traveling on your own simple and spectacular.

(Getty Images) |

From beach retreats to artsy escapes, take your next solo trip to somewhere spectacular.

Perth, Australia

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Asheville, North Carolina

Tuscany, Italy

Santa Barbara, California

New York City

Seville, Spain

Naples, Florida

Ljubljana, Slovenia

Portland, Oregon

New Zealand

Galápagos Islands

Charleston, South Carolina

Athens, Greece

New Orleans

Austin, Texas

San Francisco

Munich, Germany

Florianópolis, Brazil

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

• The Top Solo Cruises (No Supplement Fare)
• The Best Weekender Bags for Women
• The Best Carry-on Luggage
• The Best Wellness Retreats in the U.S.
• The World's Best Tourist Attractions

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best scotland tours.

Marisa Méndez June 13, 2024

Flight Canceled or Delayed? What to Do

Amanda Norcross June 13, 2024

How to Renew a Passport Online

The Best Small Group Tours of Italy

John Rodwan June 12, 2024

Crystal Symphony Review

Jill Schildhouse June 12, 2024

Fall in New England

Amanda Norcross June 11, 2024

Fun Things to Do in New Mexico

Alissa Grisler and Ashley M. Biggers June 11, 2024

Travel During Hurricane Season

Top Orlando Theme Parks

Lyn Mettler and Timothy J. Forster June 11, 2024

The Best Places to Go for July Fourth

Sharael Kolberg June 10, 2024

Moscow Itinerary: How To Spend 3 Days In Moscow

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: March 2, 2023

Categories Trans Mongolian Express

Moscow is the capital of Russia and there are few cities in the world that have played such a significant part in history.

Home to the Kremlin, the Red Square, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, and many more famous landmarks, Moscow is a city like no other.

This Moscow itinerary will help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Moscow. From the best places to see in Moscow to how to get around, this post has got you covered.

Moscow itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Moscow 3 day itinerary: map with highlights

Click here for the interactive map .

What to do in Moscow in 3 days

• Day 1: The Red Square, GUM Department Store, St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the State Historical Museum.
• Day 2: The Kremlin, the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, Gorky Park, and the Bolshoi Theatre.
• Day 3: Izmailovsky Market, Bunker 42, and Zaryadye Park.

Important things to know when planning a trip to Moscow

The best time to plan a trip to Moscow is April-May and September-October . During these months temperatures are (generally) quite comfortable, though even in April there can be a bit of snow! The summer months are hot, both in regard to temperature as well as activities in the city. While it's a nice time to visit, it's also the busiest time of the year to visit Moscow. Hotel prices reflect this as well and summer definitely isn't a great time for budget travelers to visit Moscow. Winter in Moscow is cold, and I mean seriously cold (-15°C isn't rare). However, if you can withstand the subzero temperatures and freezing winds, it can be a magical time to visit. A snow-covered St. Basil’s Cathedral is a sight you will never forget. Keep in mind that days are short in winter and be sure to bring plenty of warm winter clothes!

The official currency in Russia is the Russian Ruble (₽ or RUB). Here you can find the current exchange rates, at the time of writing €1 is approximately 70RUB and $1 is around 62RUB.

Yes, you probably do. Getting a visa for Russia requires a bit of time and effort. You need to fill out several forms and provide a detailed travel itinerary and information about your accommodation. Also, you will need a Visa Support Letter which can be provided by your travel agency or your hotel. Depending on your nationality, there may be additional requirements, please refer to the information provided on the website of your country's Embassy in Russia.

While most of the things to see in Moscow listed in this post are within walking distance of each other, sometimes you will have to travel a bit further afield. The best way to get around in Moscow is by metro. It's cheap and efficient and a sightseeing activity in itself, because Moscow has the most beautiful metro stations in the world ! Among the most exquisitely decorated stations are Komsomolskaya, Novoslobodskaya, Mayakovskaya, Taganskaya, and Prospect Mira Station, but there are many more worthwhile stations to be found in the Moscow underground. You can purchase a single ticket from one of the ticket machines or get a rechargeable Troika Card when you plan on taking the metro several times. Read more details on how to use the Moscow metro here . If you prefer to get around by taxi, that's possible too. We used the Gett app to order a taxi (similar to Uber) to avoid confusion about our intended destination and having to negotiate in Russian. A convenient extra for families is the Gett Kids option, these cars are outfitted with a car seat.

The best things to do in Moscow

While you could easily spend a week in Moscow (or more), most of us, unfortunately, don't have that much time available.

This 3-day Moscow itinerary will guide you to the most popular and important places to visit in Moscow, as well as to some of the more unusual things to do in Moscow.

Below you can find the list of the Moscow sightseeing highlights included in this post.

The Red Square

Gum department store, st. basil's cathedral, lenin's mausoleum, the state historical museum, the kremlin, cathedral of christ the saviour.

• The Bolshoi Theatre

Izmailovsky Market

Zaryadye park.

Plan your trip like a pro with these tools: ✈️ Find the best flight deals on Kiwi.com . ? Get the best car rental deal for your road trip on Rentalcars.com . ?️ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ? Book the best tours via Get Your Guide , Viator or Klook . ? Plan your journey with the  Lonely Planet . ?️ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Moscow itinerary day 1

There is no better place to start your first day in Moscow, than at the world-famous Red Square.

This square is considered the central square of Moscow, not just because all the major streets start here, but also because no matter where you look when standing on this square, there are historic buildings all around.

Starting with the impressive GUM store and going clockwise, there is the colorful Saint Basil's Cathedral, the Kremlin, Lenin's Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the Kazan Cathedral.

However, before entering any of these Moscow must-see attractions, allow yourself a moment to take in the view and let it sink in that you're standing on historical grounds (and a UNESCO site).

The Red Square was the official address of the Soviet government and played an important part in history. Many military parades have been held (and are still being held) here. It's the place where protests have taken place, as well as high-profile concerts from famous international artists.

All in all, it's one of the places in Moscow you can't miss during your Moscow city trip!

Yulia from That's What She Had: it might seem like visiting a department store is not something you’d do on the first visit to Russia’s capital.

But GUM is not like any other department store and is well worth your time, if only for its unique architecture.

First of all, it’s located right on Red Square which makes it an easy stop on your Moscow trip itinerary. Second, GUM is not a simple mall, but an institution built in the late XIX century.

The abbreviation stands for  Glavniy Universalniy Magazin or Main Universal Store. Its impressive facade extends for over 240 meters along the eastern side of Red Square.

Inside you’ll find a beautiful glass ceiling supported by a metal framework, not unlike the ones found in the old train stations of Great Britain. 

While shopping in GUM will cost you an arm and a leg, there’s one reason why tourists and locals come here anyways:  traditional Russian food  at Stolovaya #57. Stolovaya is Russian for canteen and this is where you can get your  pelmeni , borsch , and  pirozhki  fix!

Afterward, don’t forget to get the famous  plombir  ice cream in one of the kiosks on the ground floor.

Saint Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes is easily recognizable and one of the most popular Moscow tourist attractions. The building, built on orders from Ivan the Terrible, was completed in 1561 to commemorate the victory over Kazan and Astrakhan.

Until the construction of Ivan the Great Bell Tower (which can be found within the walls of the Kremlin), it was the tallest building in Moscow.

The design of St. Basil's Cathedral is truly unique; it's shaped like the flame of a bonfire and not one building in a similar style can be found in the whole of Russia.

A legend tells the story of how Ivan the Terrible had the architects of the Cathedral blinded so they could never build anything comparable.

This is a myth, however, but the fact remains that Saint Basil's Cathedral is one of a kind and it's not surprising it has become the symbol of Russia.

Wendy from The Nomadic Vegan: Lenin Mausoleum is hard to miss. It's a stepped-pyramid construction that sits right at the base of the Kremlin walls on the western side of Red Square.

Entrance is free but note that opening hours are quite limited, with visiting hours lasting only from 10 am to 1 pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

If seeing Lenin's embalmed body is important to you, be sure to take this into account when planning your itinerary in Moscow.

One of my  top tips for travelers to Russia  is to arrive early, well before the mausoleum opens, as the queue is usually quite long. However, usually, the queue does move pretty quickly.

This is especially true now that they have lifted the ban on bags and cameras.

It used to be that all cameras, smartphones, and bags of any size had to be checked at a left-luggage office nearby. But now you can bring a small handbag or backpack as well as your camera and phone.

Photography inside the mausoleum is still strictly forbidden, but you are allowed to take photos of the graves of various other important Russian figures that line the path leading to the mausoleum.

Once you finally enter the mausoleum, the atmosphere is surprisingly peaceful and uncrowded. It doesn't feel nearly as rushed as when visiting Mao Ze Dong's tomb in Beijing or Ho Chi Minh's body in Hanoi , for example.

The illumination of the body is very well done and would make for superb photography if it wasn't forbidden. As an added bonus, just after you exit, you'll see the grave of Joseph Stalin outside.

Rai from A Rai Of Light: the imposing crimson building at the northern end of the Red Square is the State Historical Museum.

By decree of Alexander III, the museum was built with the support of Russian historians, philosophers, and artists. The red brick building, dating from 1875, was designed in the Russian revival style by Vladimir Shervud.

The National Museum of Russia houses a collection of over four million items, devoted to the history of the country's ancient and imperial period.

The exhibitions include many items previously owned by members of the Romanov dynasty, such as documents, artwork, personal items, furnishings, and decorations from the palace interiors.

Another exhibit features relics of the prehistoric tribes that once inhabited this region.

Notable items include ancient manuscripts, birch-bark scrolls, a longboat excavated from the banks of the Volga River, and the largest coin collection in Russia, sourced from the museums in St Petersburg .

The State Historical Museum is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm. The entrance fee is 700₽ per adult.

Moscow itinerary day 2

When listing the best Moscow things to do, one cannot miss the Kremlin! The Kremlin houses the current seat of power in Russia and has done so for several decades.

Within its walls, the offices of the Russian Government can be found. During Soviet rule, the Kremlin was where all the important decisions were made but its history goes back for many centuries.

The first mention of the Kremlin in history books was in 1147, however, the current citadel dates from the 16th century.

The Kremlin is one of the major fortifications found in Europe, with walls that are up to 6.5 meters thick and 19 meters high in particular sections.

Inside the complex, there are many government buildings, however, these aren't accessible to the public.

Around Cathedral Square you'll find (as the name suggests) many churches and cathedrals, such as the Cathedral of the Archangel, Annunciation Cathedral, the Church of Laying Our Lady's Holy Robe, and Ivan the Great Bell-Tower.

While Cathedral Square is definitely worth visiting, the highlight of the Kremlin is a visit to the Armoury.

Inside you can find an impressive collection of Faberge eggs, beautiful dresses worn by Catherine the Great, intricately decorated thrones used by the Tsars, and much more. Unfortunately, photography is forbidden inside the Armoury.

Practical information about visiting the Kremlin

In order to visit both Cathedral Square and the Armoury, you will have to buy two separate tickets. A ticket to Cathedral Square costs 700₽ and a ticket to the Armoury is 1000₽. Prices mentioned are for adults, children below 16 years old are free.

Tickets can be bought at the ticket office onsite on the same day, however, there's no guarantee tickets will be available, especially during peak season.

Conveniently, tickets can be bought online as well, which is highly advisable if you want to make sure you'll be able to visit the Kremlin during your city trip to Moscow.

How much time to spend at the Kremlin

Be sure to allow plenty of time to explore the Kremlin, at least half a day but it's easy to spend more time as there is so much to see.

Please note there isn't any food sold inside the Kremlin, so bring a snack and enough water (especially in summer when it can get pretty hot).

Luggage storage

Backpacks aren't allowed inside the Kremlin, they can be stored (for free) in the cloakroom, but you can bring your camera and a small purse.

We could also take our Babyzen Yoyo stroller inside, which was very convenient as our 10-month-old son could take a nap while we explored the sights.

After the original Cathedral of Christ the Saviour was demolished by Stalin in 1931, a new version was completed in 2000.

The imposing building is the tallest Orthodox Christian church in the world (103 meters high), and is beautiful on the outside as well as on the inside.

Visiting the Cathedral is free of charge and it's open any day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm (except on Mondays when the opening hours are 1 to 5 pm).

When visiting the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour it's important to dress appropriately. For men, this means no shorts or tank tops.

Women can't enter with mini skirts or shorts, strap tops, or anything too revealing. Also, women are advised to cover their heads with a scarf as a sign of respect.

Inside the Cathedral photography isn't allowed, but believe me when I say there is plenty to see. There are beautiful frescoes, colorful icons, impressive statues, and other vivid decorations.

For a beautiful view over Moscow, walk up the stairs to the 40-meter high observation deck (entrance fee 400₽).  

Visit Gorky Park

Helen from Holidays from Hels : Gorky Park, named after the Soviet writer Maxim Gorky, has recently undergone extensive regeneration to become Moscow's central leisure hub for young Muscovites.

Every day of the week you can find many Moscow residents strolling along the banks of the river in the summer, hiring bikes, picnicking on the grass, or dining at one of the many restaurants.

Open-air cinemas, petanque, and ping pong are all on offer. Not to be missed is the iconic white stone entranceway and museum, complete with columns carved with Soviet hammers and sickles.

In winter, look out for the ducks waddling across the frozen Moskva River, and watch boats attempting to navigate through the cracked ice. However, the real winter highlight is to try ice skating on one of the biggest rinks in Europe!

Ice skating in Gorky Park

The park’s maze of pedestrian pathways is transformed into one huge skating rink, which can play host to up to four thousand skaters. 

Not surprisingly, Russians are talented ice skaters and there is a good chance you will find yourself next to a pirouetting ballerina.

Handily, you will find you will already be wearing most of what you need – gloves, hat, scarf, and thick socks and you can hire skates on-site. Lockers are included in the price if you don’t fancy skating with your day pack.

Disco tunes fill the air, and the whole arena is backlit in spectacular neon lights. Rest your weary legs and warm up at one of the cafes dotted along the frozen pathways, with the added bonus of not having to take off your skates.

Opening times

The rink is open from 10 am until 11 pm on weekdays and until midnight at weekends but closes between 3 and 5 pm. Like most attractions in Moscow, the rink is closed on Mondays. 

The prices range from 350-650₽ and go up in the evening, which is the best time for the light show. Arriving at 5 pm, just as the rink opens for the evening session will give you time to find your ice legs before it fills up with more confident skaters.

Whilst waiting for the rink to open, try out the nearby tubing track where you can shoot down a snowy hill on an inflatable ring repeatedly for a very enjoyable half an hour!

How to get to Gorky Park by metro

The nearest metro is Park Kultury Station, on the other side of the river. As always, check out in advance what this looks like in the Russian Alphabet so you know when to get off!

Bolshoi Theatre

James Ian at Travel Collecting : one of the best places to go in Moscow is the famous Bolshoi Theater, located only a short walk from Red square. Bolshoy means big in Russian, and the theatre is not only big but also beautiful.

There are two ways to see the theater: on a guided tour or by watching a performance .

Take a guided tour

• English tours are held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at 11:30 am. Tickets for these tours can be bought (on the same day) at the ticket office located in the Historic building of the theatre (door #12).
• A ticket costs 2000₽ per person, tours last one hour, and the number of people on a tour is limited to a maximum of 20. The tour takes you inside the theater and to the historic main stage.

Watch a performance

My favorite way to see the theater, though, is to enjoy a performance and experience the theater as a patron.

The entrance is a little underwhelming when you first arrive, the street lobby is small and quite plain and you will be immediately directed up to your floor.

There are helpful attendants on each floor to guide you to the correct door. Arrive a little early and head up to the Grand Salon on the top floor where you can enjoy a glass of champagne while people-watching (Russians dress up for the theater).

Then head to your seat and take in the stunning theater before enjoying the famous Bolshoi Ballet or another performance.

Be sure to book a show at the historic stage, there is a modern stage as well but that isn't nearly as much fun.

Moscow itinerary day 3

Karen from WanderlustingK : one of the most interesting Moscow places to visit is the Izmailovsky Market .

This flea market and tourist attraction a bit outside of the tourist center is a recreation of a Tzar’s Palace, known as a Kremlin, produced in a colorful 16th-century style.

The market is filled with tiny stalls that sell everything from snacks to kitsch to authentic items from Soviet times such as hats, pins, and other pieces of memorabilia.

You'll also find authentic antiques such as vases, paintings, and other religious items if you're looking to splurge within the interior parts of the market.

Negotiating in English is not always possible as many vendors only speak Russian, so be sure to practice your Russian numbers and see how well you can do with haggling.

It's important to carry cash when you visit given that many vendors do not accept cards. We ended up purchasing a series of hats at the market, along with a beautiful hot tea glass with a metal holder with a typical Russian scene.

Elsewhere in the market, you’ll also find a few tourist shops that sell typical Russian products. It takes a few hours to see the market in full, so arrive early as the best items go quickly! 

Lindsey from Have Clothes, Will Travel : Bunker-42 was once a top-secret, Soviet military complex. Stalin commissioned its construction after the United States succeeded in creating a nuclear bomb.

An impressive 65 meters (or about 213 feet) underground, was the desired depth to protect Russia’s top officials from a nuclear attack.

Bunker 42 became operational in 1954. Fortunately, it was never needed for its true purpose, and instead it was used as the command center of strategic bombers for nearly 30 years.

Nowadays it's a museum dedicated to the Cold War and visiting is a truly unique experience!

You will need to join a tour in order to see the museum. You can call ahead to book your tour (the number is: +7 499 703-44-55), there are several English tours throughout the day that are held at 13:30, 16:30, and 18:30 (the price is 2200₽).

On Mondays, there is an extra tour at 17:30, which lasts an additional 30 minutes and costs 2800₽ per person. There is also the option to book a private tour. However, I am unsure of the price for this.

You will have to wait until exactly 15 minutes before your tour begins before you'll be admitted inside. After paying for your tickets and a quick restroom stop you will descend 65 meters underground…

Another option for visiting Bunker-42, if you would rather not do the tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. Actually, I highly recommend visiting the restaurant before or after a tour as well!

While the food is not that great, it’s worth visiting for a drink. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet style.

From time to time there will be live performances and visiting Bunker 42 is definitely an experience worth having while in Moscow! After all, how many people can say they've had a drink in a top-secret Soviet military bunker?

If you’re visiting Moscow during peak season (June-July-August), it would be worth making a reservation, to avoid having to wait. Otherwise, I would not say you need to worry about a reservation at the restaurant.

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Red Square (10-15 minutes). But I recommend taking the metro to get there. The closest station is Taganskaya, which is a beautiful metro station very much worth visiting.

Park Zaryad'ye or Zaryadye Park is a lovely place for a stroll and a nice place to relax after a day of sightseeing in Moscow, especially when exploring Moscow with kids.

There are many things to see and do in this park, but I recommend starting your visit at The River Overlook , a 70-meter-long boardwalk with beautiful views over the river and the Kremlin.

Other interesting places to visit in Zaryadye Park are the Ice Cave, The Museum of Nature, and The Glass Crust. But most importantly, do as the Muscovites do and find yourself a nice place in the park to sit down and relax.

Enjoy the view, do some people-watching, and take a moment to think back about all the Moscow top sights you've seen in the past couple of days.

Where to stay in Moscow

There is a huge amount of hotels in Moscow, ranging from budget hostels to exquisite 5-star hotels. Below you can find three well-reviewed Moscow hotels (rating of 8.5+ on Agoda and  Booking ).

3-star hotel in Moscow: MIRROS Hotel Mokhovaya

This 3-star hotel is one of the best budget Moscow hotels and is all about location! From the hotel, it's just a 10-minute walk to the Kremlin and only 600 meters to the Christ the Savior Cathedral.

Set in a historic 19th-century mansion, the hotel features classic rooms with ensuite bathrooms.

The staff is friendly and there is a metro station nearby (Borovitskaya), making it easy to get to the Moscow attractions a bit further afield.

Click here to book

Modern hotel in Moscow: Barin Residence Myasnitskaya

The Barin Residence Myasnitskaya is a newly built hotel, located about 1.2km from the Red Square (about a 15-20 minute walk).

The rooms and bathrooms are very modern and clean, the beds are comfortable and room service is available. This hotel is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a nice hotel without a hefty price tag.

Luxury hotel in Moscow: Hotel National Moscow

Hotel National is potentially the best Moscow hotel. It's a gorgeous 5-star hotel located just a stone's throw away from the Bolshoi Theater, the Red Square, and the Kremlin.

The building was designed by architect Alexander Ivanov and completed in 1903 and has been welcoming international travelers ever since.

With its imperial architecture, luxury design, and charming classic rooms (some with a view of the Kremlin!), the Hotel National is a unique property.

Furthermore, you can enjoy an indoor pool, sauna, and fitness center as well as the well-reviewed Beluga restaurant that serves both Russian and European dishes.

While this hotel doesn't come cheap, your stay at the Hotel National will make your trip to Moscow an unforgettable experience.

Moscow itinerary and travel guide: in conclusion

I hope this guide to Moscow will help you plan a trip to this interesting Russian city. Feel free to ask any questions you may have by leaving a comment or  sending me an email !

Below you can find my other posts about the Trans Mongolian Express , and the stops we made along the way:

• St. Petersburg itinerary
• Irkutsk and Lake Baikal itinerary
• Ulaanbaatar itinerary
• Trans-Mongolian Express travel guide

This post was updated in December 2020.

• United Arab Emirates
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Puerto Rico
• United States
• New Zealand
• ➨ Choose from World Map
• Budget Travel
• Family Travel
• Getting Around
• Visas & Passports
• Work with Us

Browsing Category

• Czech Republic
• Saint Martin
• Uncategorized

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Things to Do in Moscow

1. explore the red square.

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

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

2. Check Out the Ziferblat

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

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

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

3. Marvel at St. Basil’s Cathedral

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

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

4. Explore the Kremlin

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

5. Walk Through Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

6. Wander Along Arbat Street

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

7. Catch a Show at the Bolshoi Theatre

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

8. Visit the State Historical Museum

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

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

9. Wander Around GUM

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

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

10. Admire the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour

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

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

How to Get to Moscow

Flying to moscow.

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

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

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

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

READ OUR CHEAT SHEET

Train or Bus to Moscow

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

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

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

How to Get Around Moscow

METRO | TROLLEYS | TRAMS | BUSES

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

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

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

But wait; there’s more!

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

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

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

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

How Many Days Do You Need in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Moscow Safe to Visit?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Moscow Worth Visiting?

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

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

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

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

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

Leave a comment

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Meet The Author - Greg

Recent Post

10 Best Coffee Drinks to Buy From Starbucks in India

April 26, 2024

How Much Does a Trip to Egypt Cost: Budget Breakdown

March 10, 2024

Best Time to Visit the India Gate in Delhi [2024]

March 1, 2024

Flying with a Sinus Infection: Tips to Avoid Pain

February 20, 2024

11 Best Things to Do in Breckenridge Besides Skiing

February 12, 2024

Travelling is ultimately a tool for growth. If you want to venture further, click this banner and take the leap 😉

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

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!

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

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.

Read Next: Things To Do on Socotra

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.

How to Get a Decent Haircut in a Foreign Country

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.

Travel Itinerary for One Week in Beijing

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.

How I Planned My Trip to Vietnam

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.

Places to Visit in Barcelona That Aren’t Beaches

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.

20 Travel Tips I’ve Learned From Travelling The World

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.

12 Stunning National Parks and Regional Parks In France

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.

How To Stop Procrastinating When Trip Planning

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.

Two Weeks In Thailand: The Perfect 14-Day Itinerary

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.

You Will Also Like: 3-Day London Itinerary

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.

How to Save Money While Traveling in Europe

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!

JOIN MY FREE WEEKLY NEWSLETTER!

Email Address *

YOU WILL ALSO LIKE

10 Dishes You Must Try When Going To Moscow

15 Fantastic and Easy Day Trips Close to Moscow

When Is the Best Time To Visit Russia

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…

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies

My website uses cookies so that I can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to my website and helping me to understand which sections of Mind The Travel you find most interesting and useful.

You can adjust all of your cookie settings by navigating the tabs on the left hand side.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that I can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, I will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit my website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Helpful tips

Here's a few useful links to help with planning your trip to Aotearoa New Zealand.

• Best things to do in the North Island
• Best things to do in the South Island
• Other Islands
• Best ways to travel around
• Calculate travel times and distances

Gray Line Coach, New Zealand

By Gray Line

Boat trip on Milford Sound, Fiordland

TranzAlpine Rail Journey, Christchurch - Canterbury

By KiwiRail

With so many things to do and spectacular places to see, choosing how you travel around New Zealand is as important as choosing where you want to go.

Choosing transport in New Zealand depends on how quickly you want to get from one place to the next and how much you want to see on your journey. You can self-drive, join a guided tour, book flights, or take a train or bus. Passenger and vehicle ferries offer services between the North, South and other islands too.

See the sights at your own pace and hire a rental car or motorhome to travel around New Zealand. We have a  range of itineraries  to make planning your road trip easy and help you see the best New Zealand has to offer in the time you have. Use our  travel calculator  to work out driving times and distances. You can also hire bikes or motorbikes.

Bus and coach

If you would prefer that someone else does the driving, there are guided coach tours ranging from day trips to multi-day itineraries. Or you can use the nationwide bus network to travel between regions. New Zealand’s bigger cities have hop-on hop-off bus experiences for an easy way to see the sights, as well as public bus networks.

Flights are available right around New Zealand, from the Far North down to Stewart Island in the south and some outlying islands. Booking domestic flights are easy and there are airports in the major cities and throughout the regions.

Ferries and water taxis

Interislander Ferry, Marlborough, Marlborough

By Positively Wellington

Being an island nation, ferries and water taxis are an important part of getting around New Zealand. Regular passenger and vehicle ferries connect the North and South Islands across Cook Strait, while a passenger ferry links the South Island with Stewart Island. Elsewhere around the country, you’ll find ferries travelling between outlying islands and smaller water taxis in some locations for quick and easy trips.

Travelling by rail gives you a front-row view of spectacular scenery often not visible from the road. There are three main scenic rail journeys in New Zealand, traversing the North and South Islands. There are also some rail services connecting the regions and suburban trains within Wellington and Auckland.

Calculate your travelling time

Sorry, we couldn't find directions from {start} to {finish}.

Find transport providers

• Share on Facebook
• Share by email

Ukraine-Russia war: Putin sets conditions for ceasefire - but Ukraine says it is 'complete sham'

Vladimir Putin has promised a ceasefire if Ukraine withdraws its troops from occupied regions, saying Russia would be ready for talks "tomorrow". But Ukraine has dismissed his remarks as a "complete sham", while the US has said Moscow is in "no position" to dictate.

Friday 14 June 2024 23:08, UK

• Putin promises ceasefire if Kyiv withdraws troops from occupied regions
• Zelenskyy warns Putin's peace offer cannot be trusted
• 'Close to the point of no return': Russian president issues ominous warning in wide-ranging attack on West countries
• Ivor Bennett: Putin has chosen the timing of his remarks carefully
• Soviet negotiating tactics explained
• Big picture: Everything you need to know about the war right now
• Your questions answered:  Are there any signs of an underground resistance in Russia?
• Live reporting by Katie Williams

That brings an end to our coverage of the Ukraine war for this evening.

Scroll through the blog below to catch up on the day's developments.

EU ambassadors have agreed to formally begin accession negotiations with Ukraine and Moldova later this month.

The Belgian EU presidency said talks would start on 25 June.

According to the presidency, the decision should be given the nod by finance and economy ministers at a meeting next Friday.

The European Council decided to open accession negotiations with Ukraine in December last year.

Last week, the EU said both countries had met the criteria needed to start formal discussions, with Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal revealing his hope that talks would start this month.

Hot off the heels of his appearance at the G7 leaders' meeting in Italy, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has arrived in Switzerland for the Ukraine peace summit aimed at exploring ways of ending the war in his country.

World leaders including Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron and US vice president Kamala Harris are set to join Mr Zelenskyy at the summit.

But it's expected to fall short of its aim to isolate Moscow, with China among a group of countries choosing not to attend.

G7 nations have reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes".

A final statement from the summit in Italy saw leaders affirm their plan to finance a $50bn loan for Kyiv using "extraordinary revenues" from frozen Russian assets.

They said the move sends an "unmistakable signal" to Vladimir Putin as the war rages on.

Volodydmyr Zelenskyy called the decision a" vital step forward in providing sustainable support for Ukraine in winning this war".

Mr Putin, meanwhile, has condemned the freezing of Russian assets as "theft" and has vowed it "will not go unpunished".

According to US and French officials, the money could be in Kyiv's hands before the end of the year.

Ukraine has attacked Russia's border region of Belogorod, killing five people, according to Russian officials.

Regional governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said two bodies were pulled from the rubble of an apartment block in Shebekino.

News agencies cited emergency services as saying a third body was later found, after the alleged shelling caused a stairwell to collapse.

Reports also said a driver was killed when a drone hit their car in a nearby village, while a woman was reportedly killed in her home as it was hit by rocket fire in the village of Oktyabrsky.

Sky News cannot independently verify the reports.

By Artem Lysak, Ukraine producer, and Deborah Haynes , security and defence editor

Ukrainian forces have struck a military airfield in Russia, targeting warplanes and glide-bomb facilities used to launch deadly attacks against Ukraine, a security source has revealed.

The source said the operation last night was part of a "sustained campaign to degrade the Russian Air Force" just as Ukraine has done with Russia's Black Sea Fleet.

Satellite imagery shared by the source purported to show two SU-34 fighter-bombers at the Morozovsk airbase in southern Russia as well as a white structure before the attack.

A second image is purported to show the aftermath, with both aircraft and the structure destroyed.

There has been no official confirmation about the strikes from Ukraine.

Read the full story here ...

By Dominic Waghorn , international affairs editor

They came battered and worn by battles back home for a few days by the sea seeking sanctuary and solace in a wellness resort turned summit venue.

The G7 leaders will leave fortified by some surprisingly robust diplomatic progress but potentially terminal doubts remain for the alliance.

They have sent Russia a clear message. They may individually be on borrowed time as leaders but the West  has Ukraine's back for as long as it takes.

And China's been on the sharp end of some particularly proactive diplomacy too.

Two signature deals send billions more aid to Ukraine. The allies overcame stark differences between themselves to forge a creative deal that uses interest from frozen Russia banking assets to send fifty billion more dollars to Kyiv by the year's end.

In Moscow the Russians did not conceal their fury at the prospect of their money being used against them.

And a ten year bilateral security pact between America and Ukraine is another blow to Vladimir Putin. He started this war to deter the expansion of the western military alliance. Yet again it is having the opposite effect. The pact is a bridge to Ukraine joining NATO, even if that is many many years still away.

The G7 warned China in a number of ways. The final communique criticised its belligerence in the South China Sea and admonished Beijing for quietly helping Putin's war effort by trading dual use products that could help bolster his war effort.

But the composition of this summit was also a message for Beijing. The G7 invited pretty much the entire G20 here except for China.  If you want to be in the club they were saying, not very subtly, then stop conniving with Putin and play by our rules. 

In Beijing that will be infuriating.

The leaders have seemed all the better for their spell in the sunshine, spirits lifted before going home to face the music. 

But what they cant do is dispel doubts about their future and that of the alliance.

Security pacts tend to survive changes of administration, Ukraine will have its $50bn by year's end.

But what will the G7 look like when they next meet a year from now?

Donald Trump looks increasingly likely to win the US election and Joe Biden's performance here will have nothing to reassure the allies. He has seemed vacant and distracted at times, older than ever.

Trump has no time for multilateral organisations. That was made abundantly clear in his first term in office. In his transactional zero sum game world view they make no sense.

A year from now he could be six months into destroying NATO, deserting Ukraine and dismantling the G7. 

First time round for all his puerile antics, he could do limited damage at these summits contained by the likes of Merkel and Macron both at the height of their powers.

Olaf Scholz is no Merkel and may be gone by then, joining Sunak, Kishida and Trudeau perhaps too heading for the history books.  Macron is on the way to being a lame duck president hamstrung by a far right national assembly if current polling is correct.

The alliance is in peril like never before, however successful they've been holding it together for now.

Earlier we reported comments by Volodymyr Zelenskyy that a ceasefire offer put forward by Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted.

In an interview with our Italian partner network Sky TG24 , Mr Zelenskyy warned the Russian president would not stop his offensive, even if Ukraine agreed to hand over the regions Russia claims to have annexed.

He also drew a comparison between Mr Putin and Adolf Hitler's Nazi policies of expansion before the Second World War, saying:  "It is the same thing that Hitler used to do... this is why we should not trust these messages."

Watch the clip here...

Three Russian servicemen have reportedly died following an ammunition explosion in a Russian town about four miles north of the Ukraine border.

Shells from a thermobaric warhead, also called an aerosol bomb, exploded in Shebekino, as reported by the Russian Telegram channel Astra.

"Astra's sources in the region's emergency services reported that in the evening, ammunition from the Russian Solntsepyok MRLS thermobaric weapon system exploded in the suburb of Shebekino," the report said.

The cause of the explosion is unknown, but preliminary reports indicate it was "spontaneous". 

Despite Astra's sources claiming three Russian servicemen died in the explosion, Shebekino's governor reported there were zero injuries . 

Ten private households and one car were damaged, they said. 

In a show of unity aimed at Vladimir Putin, G7 leaders meeting in Italy this week finally agreed to a deal to use profits from frozen Russian assets to provide around $50bn (£40bn) worth of support to Ukraine.

And in another significant announcement, Joe Biden signed a 10-year bilateral security deal between the US and Ukraine which Kyiv is calling "historic".

On this episode, Niall Paterson explores the impact these deals will have for Ukraine in its war against Russia with international editor Dominic Waghorn.

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free