worth avenue tours

• Plan Your Visit
• Get Directions
• Museum Store

Worth Avenue Walking Tours

The Worth Avenue Association has chosen the   Historical Society of Palm Beach County   as “Charity of Choice” for the season. 

Worth Avenue Association Historic Walking Tours

Every Wednesday the Worth Avenue Association conducts a 75 minute historical walking tour led by Mr. Rick Rose, our historical docent.  Through colorful anecdotes and commentary, the exciting and informative tours explores the origins and character of Worth Avenue, its unique architecture, the historical significance of may of its legendary landmarks and some of its famous residents.

The tour begins at 10:30 am in Via Amore at 256 Worth Avenue across from Tiffany & Co. and Chanel.  There is free two hour parking on the street or at the Apollo parking lot for a fee.  The cost of the tour is $25 per person and a portion of which benefits the Historical Society of Palm Beach County as our “charity of choice”.  Registration is required by purchasing a ticket HERE .

Please be prompt for the tour so that we may check you in and issue your participating wrist band for identification.

You can also pick up a copy of Rick Rose’s book, Palm Beach: The Essential Guide to America’s Legendary Resort Town and take a self-guided tour of iconic Worth Avenue and the surrounding Palm Beach area.  This comprehensive illustrated guide to the “American’s First Resort Destination” is a rich and beautifully curated collection of the town, filled with the top must-sees, restaurants, one-of-a-kind shopping and attractions.  Copies of the Second Edition (2022) are available at the Museum Store.

• + Add to Google Calendar
• + iCal / Outlook export

The event is finished.

Products search

2 Responses

I would like to know what months the Worth Avenue walking tour takes place? My next visit to Palm Beach will specifically be to join the walk. Thank you.

Hello, this is no longer an event we host. Worth avenue tours are done at the Worth Avenue Association, which you can find on their website 🙂

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Phone: 561.832.4164

Mail: P.O. Box 4364 West Palm Beach, FL 33402

Visit: 300 N. Dixie Highway West Palm Beach, FL 33401

MUSEUM HOURS

Monday  10 am – 4 pm Tuesday 10 am – 4 pm Wednesday 10 am – 4 pm Thursday 10 am – 4 pm Thursday 10 am – 4 pm Friday 10 am – 4 pm Saturday 10 am – 4 pm Sunday Closed

©2021 Historical Society of Palm Beach County, All Rights Reserved. | Site By Immersive Spaces, LLC​

On Worth Avenue, you’ll find gossip and gorgeous scenes in Palm Beach walking tour

By: Author Bonnie Gross

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Even people who can’t afford to shop there love to wander the flower and fountain-filled courtyards and lanes of Worth Avenue in Palm Beach, a historic, luxury shopping district designed by Addison Mizner.

Its architecture and history are so important in South Florida that there are weekly tours of Worth Avenue that sell out every winter, even at $25 per person.

It’s a fascinating tour and author Rick Rose is an entertaining and informative guide. It’s full of gossipy stories of wealthy and famous people over the years as well as the importance of Worth Avenue to fashion and architecture. I was surprised how much I learned. (See more on how to take the tour below.)

The story behind the Worth Avenue style

If you visit it now, you’ll see immediately that Worth Avenue has a handsome patina of age and the look of fine craftsmanship.

That makes sense, since it’s more than 100 years old.

But when it was built in 1918, it already looked a hundred years old — and that is all by design.

Architect Addison Mizner wanted it to look like a Mediterranean village, where different styles and era of buildings are added over centuries. He used motifs from several countries and time periods. People loved it so much that Mediterranean Revival became the signature look of South Florida in the 1920s. Of course, people still love it.

A good example of Mizner making things look old is how he popularized pecky cypress.

The wood of Florida’s magnificent bald cypress trees is prized as a strong and beautiful building material. Pecky cypress is rarer, coming from one out of 10 cypress trees that have a fungal infection that attacks the heartwood of the cypress tree, creating distinctive small tunnels and “pecks.” You see it all over Worth Avenue beams and trim. Mizner liked it because it looked distressed and old.

Flamboyant rich people gathered here

Call it the Jazz Age, the Roaring ‘20s, the Gilded Age or Florida’s boom years, the period during which Worth Avenue was established saw rich people flocking to Palm Beach in the winter.

Tour guide Rick Rose explained how the Riviera, the previous gathering place for Europe’s elite, was impacted by World War I, and Palm Beach stepped up to be the new place for all the world’s wealthy people to party in winter.

Addison Mizner and a good buddy, Paris Singer, came to Palm Beach and together they developed Worth Avenue, which became THE place to be in winter.

Both Mizner and Singer were bona fide characters.

Mizner grew up in Guatemala, where his father was U.S. Minister to Central America. He was 6 foot 2, had a cocktail party every night he was home on Worth Avenue, and kept a menagerie of animals. These included parrots he carried on his shoulder and a spider monkey Johnnie Brown, a constant companion, who was buried in a historic Worth Avenue courtyard.

Paris Singer was the son of sewing machine magnate Isaac Singer, who had multiple wives, mistresses and children. Paris was his 22 nd of 26 children! Somehow there was still enough money to make Paris Singer very rich.

Cocktails parties = fashion and shopping

The social life that revolved around Worth Avenue required rich people to buy clothes, and retailers were happy to help. Saks Fifth Avenue came to Worth Avenue in 1926 with its first store outside New York City. The Everglades Club, Mizner’s social club, still located on Worth Avenue, held weekly fashion shows that launched the careers of many designers.

Some designers began showing clothes and bringing staff for the winter season. One of the “vias,” the fascinating courtyard pedestrian passageways along Worth Avenue, was nicknamed Via Gucci because Gucci brought his designers to Palm Beach in the winter to work and show their wares and they occupied the buildings all around this courtyard. (Of course, Gucci still has a store on Worth Avenue.)

Gorgeous flowers, trees and decorative arts

Via Gucci was actually named Via Amore, and it is a place of exceptional beauty. It is one of eight vias: Via Parigi, Via Mizner, Via Roma, Via Demario, Via Bice, Via Encantada and Via Mario. (Look for their names over their entrances off Worth Avenue.)

Each is worth exploring. They are full of orchids, decorative ceramic tile, fountains, sculptures, gardens and beautiful specimens of tropical trees.

Many of the vias are home to restaurants and cafes. The shops in the vias tend to be unique and quirkier than the major luxury brands you see on Worth Avenue itself.

If you just walk down Worth Avenue without strolling through the vias, you’ve missed much of its charm.

So many Worth Avenue stories

Guide Rick Rose tells stories about several famous visitors to Worth Avenue, from Judy Garland to the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

I like two animal stories the best. Both involve Via Mizner, where Mizner’s home, complete with a five-story tower, was located and which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Inside Via Mizner, surrounded by tables at the restaurant Pizza Al Fresco (my favorite lunch spot), you’ll find the grave of Mizner’s beloved monkey, Johnnie Brown. What I didn’t know is the story behind the other grave adjacent to the monkey’s.

This grave is for “Our Laddie,” who died in 1959. Laddie’s owners were longtime residents of the Mizner apartment. (Mizner died in 1933, penniless after the great crash of 1929.)

When Laddie died, his family wanted to bury him in “their” courtyard, next to Johnnie Brown. The town council said no, so sympathetic residents campaigned for it to be allowed. During that winter season, it was the talk of the island, and the town council reversed itself, saying this would be the last grave ever dug on the island.

The second story is about an animal that now lives in Mizner’s former apartment: Mona Lisa, the miniature pot-bellied pig. You can sometimes see Mona Lisa, “a service pig,” on her daily walks on Worth Avenue.

Mona Lisa has been the subject of many articles and social media photos. In one article, the pig’s owner said Mona Lisa is beloved on Palm Beach island. After all, she won the Worth Avenue Pet Parade twice. (OK, the owner pointed out, she was the only entry in the “pig” category.) Mona Lisa is house trained. (We know you were wondering.)

Taking the Worth Avenue Historic Walking Tour in Palm Beach

You can buy your tickets for the 2024 tours here. Tickets were still available when I checked for tours during February through April.

Tours started the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and are offered every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. until April 24, 2024.

Tours are about an hour and 15 minutes and involve about a half mile of walking.

If you’re visiting Palm Beach, be sure to see our story 10 ways to enjoy Palm Beach island history, beauty & recreation for more things to do on Palm Beach island, including the scenic Palm Beach Lake Trail and the nearby Pan’s Garden, a serene, hidden, one of a kind garden.

While you’re in the area, here are great things to do in West Palm Beach .

The Worth Avenue tours are offered through the Worth Avenue Association and profits this year go to the Palm Beach Preservation Foundation, which works to protect and celebrates the architectural, botanical, and cultural heritage of Palm Beach.

All articles on FloridaRambler.com are original, produced exclusively for our readers and protected by U.S. Copyright law. Any use or re-publication without written permission is against the law. Read more: floridarambler.com/licensing

This page contains affiliate links from which Florida Rambler may earn a small commission if a purchase is made. This revenue supports our mission to produce quality stories about the authentic Florida destinations at no cost to our readers.

The author, Bonnie Gross, travels with her husband David Blasco, discovering off-the-beaten path places to hike, kayak, bike, swim and explore. Florida Rambler was founded in 2010 by Bonnie and fellow journalist Bob Rountree, two long-time Florida residents who have spent decades exploring the Florida outdoors. Their articles have been published in the Sun Sentinel, the Miami Herald, the Orlando Sentinel, The Guardian and Visit Florida.

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

Sunday 21st of January 2024

Hello Bonnie. From1988-94 my wife Carol and I were with The Salvation Army when you coordinated the Sun Sentiel Santa. We now live in Apollo Beach just south of Tampa. We enjoy your articles on kayaking and travel in Florida. If you are ever in this area we would love to see you.

Bonnie Gross

Ron, I think of you every time I stop for a milkshake at Robert Is Here, which is pretty much as often as I can get that way! When I visited Homestead after Hurricane Andrew to see relief efforts, you took me there and it was my first visit. Since then, I have not only visited many times, but I have taken many people there and written about the place. https://www.floridarambler.com/historic-florida-getaways/robert-is-here/ It is amazing to go to Homestead now and see the recovery after decades. Glad to hear you are doing well and thanks for the note!

• Convention & Business Services
• Tours & Sightseeing

Historic Walking Tours of Worth Avenue

(561) 659-6909

Overview: Convention & Business Services

Plan your stay.

Browse lodging options in the one, the only, the Palm Beaches and discover America's First Resort Destination in sunny South Florida.

Get Our Newsletter

Get a visitors guide.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Find Your Favorite Beach

Atlantic Coast

Beach Camping

Family-Friendly

Places to stay.

Campgrounds

Travel Ideas

Accessible Travel

Eco-Friendly Travel

African American Heritage Travel

More Travel Ideas

Popular links.

Florida Webcams

Toll Roads Info

Travel Guides

Worth Avenue Historic Walking Tour

• 256 Worth Avenue Palm Beach, FL 33480
• (561) 659-6909

Historic walking tours of Palm Beach's Worth Avenue resume for the season

Debuting two weeks early because of high demand, the Worth Avenue Association's popular Worth Avenue Historic Walking Tour resumed the day before Thanksgiving.

Conducted by Rick Rose, a historian for the Worth Avenue Association and author of a local travel blog  and Palm Beach tourism guide, the sold-out, 75-minute excursion included multiple stops along a three-block stretch of the famed fashion retail district.

At each stop, Rose shared the history of Worth Avenue's architecture, fashion and landmarks, and also talked about the famous residents who have worked, lived and shopped there. 

The tours will continue each Wednesday through the end of April.

"The purpose of these tours is to share the rich historical, architectural and cultural heritage of Worth Avenue with locals and visitors alike," said Rose, a native Palm Beacher who has been conducting the tours for more than a decade.

Related:   Cartoonistry: Time and turbulence forged the Worth Avenue of today

Established in 2001 by Jim Ponce, a Florida historian who died in 2015, the Worth Avenue Historic Walking Tours draw large groups of history enthusiasts to Worth Avenue each week during the winter season.

Ponce, who focused on architecture along the Avenue, conducted the tours for 10 years before retiring at age 94.

Rose took over in 2011 after three years as Ponce's understudy, and said he expanded the tours to include a broader scope of information about fashion, retail history, anecdotes, and the town. 

"Worth Avenue really is one of the most historic locations in the Palm Beach area," Rose said. 

During the tours, which typically get underway in early December but started early because of increased interest, Rose focuses on three areas.

The first is Worth Avenue's history and architectural significance, particularly relating to the popular Mediterranean Revival styles created by noted Palm Beach architect Addison Mizner.

The second area is the history of Worth Avenue and how it became such an important fashion retail district.

Rose also likes to share fun and interesting anecdotes about the people who have shopped, lived and worked on Worth Avenue.

"Rick makes it phenomenal because he's such a great storyteller," said Faith Spencer, an administrator with the Worth Avenue Association. "He has a true passion for it."

Rose began the pre-Thanksgiving walking tour in Via Amore and proceeded to stops at the Everglades Club, Via Parigi, Via Mizner and other famous landmarks before wrapping things up at the Esplanade.

During a stop at the Everglades Club, which was designed by Mizner and opened in 1919 as a social club, he told guests that the building originally was intended to serve as a convalescent home for officers returning home from World War I.

However, Rose said, those officers didn't want to go to a resort in South Florida for rest and recovery.

"They wanted to go home," Rose said. "There wasn't a lot of interest."

Instead of a convalescent home, Mizner converted the Mediterranean Revival-style building into a club, and it opened with great fanfare in January 1919.

During another stop at Via Mizner, a historic site which Addison Mizner also designed and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Rose discussed Mizner's rising celebrity in the 1920s and his support of the progressive movement. 

Rose also told anecdotes about Mizner's pet monkey, Johnnie Brown.

A spider monkey who was Mizner's constant companion, Johnnie Brown became a favorite of society photographers in the 1920s, Rose said, and he often appeared on newspaper and magazine covers.

"The monkey created interest and sold newspapers," Rose said. "This monkey took on epic proportions of celebrity and status. Mizner and Johnnie Brown were in Broadway plays, short stories and novels, and in particular, a lot of political satire."

Johnnie Brown is buried in Via Mizner, Rose said.

Additional stops on the season's first walking tour included Villa Mizner, a five-story apartment designed by Mizner in 1924; Kassatly's, the oldest shop on Worth Avenue (it opened in 1923); and various other retail stores and landmarks along the Avenue. 

"Worth Avenue is such a unique destination," Spencer said. "It's like nowhere else in the world."

Rose conducts the same tour each week, though private tours that are arranged separately through the Worth Avenue Association are more customized, Spencer said.

Tours are held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. through April 26. Cost is $25 per person. Register online at  www.eventbrite.com/e/worth-avenue-historic-walking-tour-tickets-431867125197 . Registration is capped at 40 guests per tour.

Tours begin at 256 Worth Ave., across from Tiffany & Co. and Chanel. Parking is available on the street or at the Apollo parking lot.

A portion of the proceeds from each tour this season will go to the Palm Beach Police & Fire Foundation. The Worth Avenue Association picked the nonprofit public safety organization as its 2022-2023 "Charity of Choice" recipient.

For information on the Worth Avenue Association, visit the organization's website at  https://worth-avenue.com/  or call 561-659-6909.

Jodie Wagner is a journalist at the  Palm Beach Daily News , part of the USA TODAY Florida Network. You can reach her at [email protected] .  Help support our journalism. Subscribe today.

Worth Avenue

• See all photos

Similar Experiences

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Worth Avenue - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Celebrate Mother’s Day at an event in Dallas-Fort Worth

M usic, comedy and home tours are on the menu for Mother’s Day. Here are some tips to treat Mom to something special. Check event websites for possible schedule changes and other updates, and visit dallasnews.com/ guide for more Mother’s Day event listings.

SWISS AVENUE HISTORIC DISTRICT MOTHER’S DAY HOME TOUR

Tour beautiful, architecturally significant houses along Swiss Avenue, one of Dallas’ oldest residential neighborhoods and the city’s first historic district. Guests can stroll between tour stops or catch a complimentary ride on a horse-drawn carriage or an air-conditioned minibus. The Old East Dallas celebration will include a festival in Savage Park with live music, local artisans, a children’s play area, and food and drinks for purchase from Hamburger Man, Emporium Pies, JD Chippery and food trucks including Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe. Soft drinks, hard cider, beer and wine will also be available.

May 11-12 at Savage Park, Dallas. $30 in advance, $35 at Savage Park and the tour stops; free for children 12 and younger. sahd.org .

EMERALD CITY BAND 40TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Celebrating 40 years of making music, the party band will present a Mother’s Day evening concert on May 12 at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden. Pack a picnic or purchase food from on-site food trucks and find a place on the lawn for an evening of high-energy fun. Gates open at 6 p.m. Also at the Dallas Arboretum during the weekend is a Mother’s Day market on May 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

May 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., May 12 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Dallas Arboretum. $30. dallasarboretum.org .

MOTHER’S DAY RAILROAD EXCURSION

Board the Grapevine Vintage Railroad for a nostalgic journey along the Cotton Belt Route between Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards. Riders will have time to explore the Stockyards before reboarding for the return trip to Grapevine. All moms will receive a complimentary rose.

May 12 from 12:30 to 7:15 p.m. at Grapevine Vintage Railroad. Tickets start at $18; children 1 year and younger ride for free. gvrr.com/event/mothers-day-special/38719 .

MASTERPIECES WITH MOM

FREE Kids can have fun making art with Mom, Grandma or another special person during a Mother’s Day-themed Second Sunday Funday. There’ll be a docent-led guided tour of the galleries at 2 p.m. and open studio time for teens from 1 to 4 p.m.

May 12 from 1-4 p.m. at the Irving Arts Center. Free. irvingartscenter.com .

GRACIAS MAMÁ MOTHER’S DAY CONCERT

The Latin music lineup includes the Internacional Mariachi Nuevo Tecalitlán, Javier Aguilar and performers from the SIMA Ballet Folklorico studio in Irving.

May 12 at 6 p.m. at Arlington Music Hall. $35. arlingtonmusichall.net .

MOMS JUST WANT TO HAVE FUN — A MOTHER’S DAY CELEBRATION

Actor-comedian Linda Stogner headlines a lineup of favorite Backdoor comics who want to keep moms laughing. Perks for each mother include a box of chocolates, a glass of Champagne and a ticket to a future show.

May 12 at 6:30 p.m. at Backdoor Comedy, Richardson. $25. backdoorcomedy.com .

SCARBOROUGH RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

The fantasy festival salutes moms with free entry for up to three children with each paid adult admission.

May 12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Scarborough Renaissance fairgrounds, Waxahachie. $32-$38 for 18 and older. srfestival.com .

AMERICAN GIRL MEMORIES WITH MOM LUNCH

Mother and daughter can enjoy a meal at Dallas’ new American Girl location in the Shops at Park Lane. Guests will receive an American Girl goody bag with a table game activity, a doll tote and a craft. Girls will receive fresh flowers.

May 11-12 at the American Girl cafe. $38 per person. americangirl.com/pages/retail .

©2024 The Dallas Morning News. Visit dallasnews.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

• The Association

“Worth the Drive” Summer 2024 coming soon!.

Welcome to Worth Avenue!

Steps from the ocean, a landmark destination featuring an array of luxury boutiques, exploring and al fresco dining.

Shop | Dine | Discover

Shop our impressive collection of luxury brands and one-of-a-kind boutiques featuring the ultimate in art, apparel, home furnishings, accessories and more.  Experience our tradition of exceptional personal service and our uncompromising commitment to quality.

Worth Avenue offers one of a kind, international dining options to suit any taste, including several restaurants, eateries and cafes. Your delight is the hallmark of who we are.

Our distinctive hotels are legendary for luxury and service – and a real amenity for the Worth Avenue visitor.  Come and make memories!

• There are no upcoming events.

• White Glove Service | Forbes Travel Guide
• Palm Beach, Florida Guide | Town & Country Magazine
• A Dash of Retail Fun with Sherry | Palm Beach Daily News

Join The Conversation   

Follow us on Instagram. Like our Facebook page and come and Tweet with us!

Engage in the community while having fun at the wide range of events going on throughout the year.

Parking on Worth Avenue is plentiful! Find out where to park before your visit.

An enchanting resort destination in Palm Beach, Florida with European sophistication and inimitable style and grace, Worth Avenue is one of the most beautiful shopping venues in the country. Learn more

Sign-up for our Newsletter

Louis Vuitton gets approval for Worth Ave. storefront design from Palm Beach board

After several meetings seeking approval for its plans, Louis Vuitton received the OK to move forward with its new Worth Avenue store design.

Palm Beach's Architectural Commission voted unanimously April 24 to approve the exterior design of the new two-story shop, which will be at 222 Worth Ave.

The commission included two conditions of approval: First, the final design for a pattern on the security gate that will protect the store's front doors must be approved by town staff; second, the decorative urns that sit across the top of the building's façade must remain.

The project first came before the Architectural Commission in January but was deferred. The project returned in February and received another deferral from the commission. The project's team then asked for its own deferral before the March meeting.

Commissioners overall were pleased with the Louis Vuitton team's changes in response to their input.

The building originally was one story, designed by the architect Raymond Plockelman and built in 1945. The second floor was added in 1952 as a residence. Over the years, the building and its façade were renovated several times. The most recent tenant was Escada.

During the January and February meetings, commissioners had made several suggestions, including that more of the historic design be incorporated into Louis Vuitton's updated look.

The design that began with three signs, including the signature "LV" logo over the front door, now has one sign of "Louis Vuitton" that will be centered over the double front doors.

The awnings that originally were proposed to be black and then were changed to white were cut from the final design.

The commission's request to preserve transoms along the top of the windows on the first floor led the designers to remove the awnings, said Ludovica Douglas from Atmosphere Design & Architecture, the architecture firm on the project.

The transoms had been removed in the original design. The final design includes two transoms with an X-design over each window on the first floor.

The originally proposed design also had a single-door entrance to the store, flanked by two large windows, with another door-sized window on the building's front where there now is a door.

That was changed to double-doors with one large window to the west and two large windows to the east.

The only remaining sticking point, which did not delay the commission's vote, was the use and design of metal mesh gates that would provide security over the front doors outside of business hours.

Chair Jeffrey Smith said he felt the gates were a reflection of the town's police department. While the mesh design that is proposed for the gates is attractive, he said he felt that having them could look bad for Palm Beach.

"Why do we need to lock up this place?" Smith said, imagining what shoppers on Worth Avenue might think walking past Louis Vuitton. "This is supposed to be a safe town. It's one of the safest places in the country."

"We fully respect the police department and think that they do a wonderful job," Douglas replied. Still, she added, the company's loss-prevention team has certain standards to meet to carry insurance coverage.

The luxury brand opened its first Palm Beach store more than 40 years ago at 251 Worth Ave. In 2000, Louis Vuitton moved to the Esplanade. An Esplanade representative told Palm Beach Daily News in April 2022 the store would close. Within a month, Louis Vuitton extended its lease. That store later closed and left the brand without a standalone location on the island.

Its new location is 7,625 square feet, 5,000 of which would be used for sales, plans show. The building is owned by Worth Pondfield, which paid $6.3 million for the property in 1998, county records show.

The Architecture Commission's review followed a unanimous vote the by the Town Council during its Development Review Committee meeting in January to allow the company to occupy more than 4,000 square feet of space.

Louis Vuitton will join other luxury retailers in that block of Worth Avenue including Tiffany & Co., Bottega Veneta, Valentino and Gucci.

A site plan for the new Louis Vuitton store shows that the first floor will feature displays, try-on rooms and seating areas. The second floor will include a V.I.C. — very important customer — room with two chairs, tables and a couch, plus another try-on room and a restroom.

Most of the second floor will be dedicated to space for employees and other back-of-house operations, the plans show.

• 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

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

10 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (We Lived Here)

February 3, 2024