turtle neck pillow for travel

DOUBLE COMFORT BUNDLE

Includes Free Gift

TRAVEL PILLOW

The most comfortable sleep you'll ever have traveling

PILLOW COOL

Stay cool and comfy on your journey

PILLOW PLUS

Height adjustable for your comfort

PILLOW JUNIOR

Help you kids sleep easier (ages 8+)

PASSPORT COVER

Keep all your essential travel documents safely in one place.

Keep all of your essential travel documents safely in one place.

COMPRESSION SOCKS

Made and knitted with best technologies for a comfortable fit and experience.

STILLNESS AT 35,000 FEET

The most comfortable way to travel, anywhere.

TRTL PILLOW COOL

Wake up cool, calm, and collected.‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

The pillow for travelers who want a real sleeping experience.

Bundle up & save €€€ + free gifts‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎ ‎

Travel comfort and accessories for every adventure

"The Trtl Pillow will be your sleep savior"

"Makes the middle seat feel like first class"

"I’ve truly never slept better on a plane"

"Its design is unique to anything else"

"Don’t know how I ever flew without it"

"I never travel without my Trtl Pillow"

TRTL TRAVEL PILLOW

THE SLEEP SUPPORT AND COMFORT YOU NEED WHILE TRAVELING

Hypoallergenic fabric, internal support structure, everything you need to enjoy your adventure.

Travel essentials for every traveler. Thoughtfully designed to get you where you’re going in style and comfort.

THE PACKING CUBE, REINVENTED.

MORE THAN A PACKING CUBE

"Kids love to wear them. And the adults love sleeping in them" - Katriona L.

"I love my trtl blanket! I purchased it to get some shut eye on a red eye overnight flight and I was shocked at how comfortable, and versatile the blanket is." - Camille

"You can tell just by touching the Packing Pods that they are higher quality than most packing cubes. Super great system. Will definitely spread the word!" - Jaxon B.

TRTL PILLOW ORIGINAL

"Makes the middle seat feel like first class"

–  Lonely Planet Magazine

Colour: Grey

Wake up refreshed at your destination. The pillow for travelers who want a real sleeping experience.

WHY IT’S SPECIAL

• Complete support for your head. No bobbing.
• No neck pain, strains or aches.
• Relieves stress on your spine and muscles.
• Cozy shoulder support. Deeper sleep.
• Super lightweight and easy to carry, pack or wrap around.
• Stylish and non-bulky. Looks like a scarf.
• Machine washable super-soft, hypoallergenic fabric.

My neck is pain free & my hair still look great!

All your problems solved with this amazing pillow. If you commute, buy it. If you travel, buy it. - Tanya

SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN NECK SUPPORT

ALWAYS 100 DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

FREE STANDARD SHIPPING WITHIN THE EU

The #1 travel pillow, 98.6% of travelers prefer a trtl pillow or a trtl pillow plus over a u-shaped pillow, experience discomfort, 83% of travelers experience head ache, neck pain, or shoulder pain after sleeping on their journey, scientifically proven, the trtl pillow & trtl pillow plus provides over 1.5x better neck support than a u-shaped pillow.

ULTIMATE ESSENTIALS

TRTL PILLOW PLUS

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY OF WORLDWIDE TRAVELERS

NEED HELP? CONTACT US FOR WORLD CLASS CUSTOMER SERVICE

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.

Spend $5.02 more to qualify for free priority shipping

GET YOUR ORDER WITHIN THE NEXT 5 DAYS

priority shipping

Priority shipping unlocked.

Over 10,000+ 5-star reviews

I actually slept!

Comfortable and very useful. Hated those around the neck pillows and the head bobbing and this erased that. Got some actual sleep on a flight for the first time.

Love this product!

This product made sitting upright in a coach airline seat comfortable! Would definitely recommend to anyone who has a plane right and must sit in coach.

JS Newman (Amazon customer)

Game changer/Best travel pillow

It is so comfortable and I actually fell asleep in the middle seat of the plane! I also used it on a long car ride and it was awesome to help me feel comfortable with my neck supported. Game changer !!

Slept on international flights

I usually can’t sleep for long on international flights, but with this product, ear plugs and an eye mask, I slept for the majority of my flights to and from India (I live in the Midwest).

Madeline (Amazon customer)

Trtl Travel Pillow

Trtl Flight Socks

Trtl Packing Pods

• More than 1 Million Sold
• Covid-19 Delivery Update
• 98% of Customers would recommend

Settings Determined

• Use Shopify Files: true
• Show Reviews: true
• Use Okendo: true
• Show Key Features: true
• Use Video: true
• Show HIW: true
• Show Grid Stacks: true
• Show Comparison: true
• Show Social Carousel: true
• Show Press Reviews: true
• Show Recommendations: true

Trtl Pillow Plus

Fast delivery!

• The world's first fully adjustable travel pillow that fits all heights from petite to tall
• The internal support provides premium comfort, keeping your head and neck in an ergonomic position.
• Breathable mesh fabric helps to regulate temperature and added luxury memory foam padding
• Compact and weighs 250 g, less than 9 oz
• Free water resistant carry bag with every Trtl Pillow Plus

Added to Cart!

How it works.

• Discover More

Key Features

Flexible Inner Support Structure

Height Adjustable Toggles for Personalized Fit

Breathable Mesh Panels to Keep You Cool

How The Trtl Pillow + Works...

The Trtl Pillow Plus can be worn at either side or the front of the neck, so you can choose your most comfortable position or mix it up! The Trtl Pillow Plus builds on the design of the original Trtl Pillow. Combining our wrap + nap technology with:

• Plush foam padding and super soft microfleece provide premium comfort and guarantee a snuggly sleep.
• Breathable mesh fabric which ensures you can sleep at a pleasant temperature during your journey.
• An adjustable internal support, customise the Trtl Pillow Plus to your own head and neck.

Customize your fit - Great for Tall People

We have created the Trtl Travel Pillow Plus to incorporate all of the wonderful features of our classic travelling pillow but in an adjustable size for an even more comfortable feel. With over 80 configurations, the Trtl Pillow Plus is a flight pillow unlike any other and is customizable for any height and journey.

Free Returns

You can return your masks free of charge within 100 days of placing your order. Please contact us at: [email protected] with a note of your order number and we’ll issue you a prepaid returns label.

How do our travel pillows measure up

On Social Media

@becca.irene Me missing every drink service on the flight because of my @trtl Pillow+ 😴 #socomfy

@tellyproducer Everyone knows I love a nap... but thank you @trtl for making that dream become - well - yet further dreams, by getting me to #EdFringe in such blissful comfort!

@swimmermichael Long travel day ahead of us... Plan: Fall asleep and wake up at home 🙌🏽 At least I’ll be comfortable 🙏🏽 @trtl #TravelDay #HomeBound #TRTLpillow

@rawtravelworld This interesting looking neck pillow by @trtl has been a life saver, and is 10X better then your conventional neck pillow. They have pretty stylish compression socks too 🙌

@jenatkinhair Bringing comfort to the plane since 2017🐢💤 @trtlpillow (thx @heatherkmcmahan for the rec)

@leeabamonte Flying from London to New York was a relaxing breeze with my new @trtlpillow Plus! It’s height adjustable with the push and twist toggles, has a breathable fabric that doesn’t get too warm

@colypios  The only way I roll. 🐢🛌🛫  @trtlpillow  best neck travel pillow out there. Trust, I tried them ALL. Nap well babes!   

• 5 Stars 347 Reviews
• 4 Stars 88 Reviews
• 3 Stars 6 Reviews
• 2 Stars 1 Review
• 1 Star 0 Reviews

TRTL Pillow Plus

I have tried it on to see how it felt. Worn it for a little while to get use to it. I will be taking it on my honeymoon to Italy and Greece. All in all I love it!

Great Pillow

Provides great comfort.

I used this on a flight to Tokyo. I slept for about 4 hours straight with it while sitting up. Thumbs up from me! I really like the height adjustment on the pillow plus, because I can change it up if I want to slightly modify my position and I can make it smaller to fit in my bag.

A sturdy travel pillow that doesn't suck

Building on the original pillow's success, Trtl is back with a brand-new iteration

Is this really the best travel pillow you will own? We say yes.

You may also like.

Designed & built by Mucky Puddle

Why the Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Best Travel Neck Pillow

My fiancé’s fear of flying meant he couldn’t sleep on airplanes—until i let him borrow my trtl travel pillow..

• Copy Link copied

To wear a Trtl Travel Pillow, position it on the side of your neck then wrap the fleece around and secure the Velcro.

Courtesy of Trtl

Welcome to AFAR Approved: a deep dive into the travel items that we’re totally obsessed with, never leave behind, and can’t stop telling our friends about.

→ Buy Now: Trtl Travel Pillow, $50, amazon.com ; trtltravel.com

I’m not going to lie—I’m an excellent traveler. I travel frequently and I can sleep on pretty much any form of transportation. Give me a window seat or something to lean against and I’m out from the second the plane ascends or the train leaves the station (or the boat disembarks, or . . .) until I arrive at my destination.

My fiancé, Vinny, on the other hand, is the opposite. He has a serious fear of flying (or as he puts it, “just doesn’t like it that much”), which I learned on our first flight together: a three-hour trip from New York to Miami. He was irritable and antsy leading up to the flight, and in the air he aggressively went through an entire pack of gum, blasted a pump-you-up playlist, squeezed my hand until it went numb, and ultimately wanted my window shade down .

It works out in some respects: Have you ever met anyone who always wants the middle seat? But when we were booking flights to Sicily a couple of years ago (New York to Rome, Rome to Palermo for a grand total of nearly 10 hours on a plane), I was the one who felt fear. I knew I would sleep the whole way. I had secured a window seat and had even bought myself my very first travel pillow on Amazon Prime Day . But how was I supposed to sleep knowing Vinny would be awake the whole time freaking out? And, even if I could sleep, I knew he would be cranky and tired when we got there. I started to think of all the future trips I wanted to take together. Traveling is one of my favorite things, but how would we be able to go all over the world if he’s so uncomfortable flying?

After boarding the plane, I told him to have some wine. Then I offered him my brand new Trtl Travel Pillow , which is more of a soft fleece scarf with a slim neck support frame inside, than a pillow per se. He told me he wouldn’t sleep anyway and that he felt it would look weird. But I appealed to his health-conscious side: It’s supposed to be better for your neck. He reluctantly agreed and secured it around his neck with the Velcro fastening. Soon after drink service, he fell asleep with nothing to lean against except for my Trtl. I was overjoyed—suddenly our future trips came back into the picture as I leaned against the window and drifted off to sleep somewhat uncomfortable, but happy.

The Trtl’s slim design means it takes up less space than other travel pillows when you’re on the road.

He likes to give some credit to the wine, but I can tell you that on the way home from Sicily, I did not have a window seat. I had an aisle, which meant I had nothing to lean on, and when I reminded him that that was in fact my pillow and took it back, I slept. He didn’t. We both had wine again.

Typically, I’m not one for packing lots of special travel gear. I have the earpods that came with my iPhone, a two-wheel roller bag I’ve been using since 2008, and my “airport uniform” of a hoodie, leggings, and big sunglasses. Until recently, the most effort I was making was a reusable water bottle , but now I can’t stop telling everyone I know about the Trtl Travel Pillow. And if I have it with me, I make everyone try it on.

What makes the Trtl pillow different from other travel pillows and worth its price tag?

The Trtl Travel Pillow is mechanically engineered for maximum neck support and comfort. It feels a little strange putting it on the first time (though it gives you instructions of where to put your neck, chin, and jaw) and sort of looks like a neck brace. But who cares how it looks when you’re getting peaceful sleep on an airplane and waking up with zero neck stiffness?

And as an added bonus, the pillow is much more compact than a traditional U-shaped travel pillow. It fits inside carry-on luggage, backpacks, or large purses without taking up much space and weighs just half a pound. Plus, it’s machine washable, and we all know that now is the time to be deep-cleaning all your travel gear .

I have the original Trtl in gray and bought it when there were just a few colors available. Now, there’s a variety of colors, a kids’ version (ages 8+), and the Trtl Pillow Plus , which can be adjusted to different heights and is made with a more breathable fabric. All of them are compact, easy to use, and comfortable.

The Trtl Pillow Plus can be adjusted to different heights for a customized fit.

As soon as we got back from Sicily I bought Vinny his own Trtl Travel Pillow in black. Now that international flights are back, I know we’ll be breaking out our Trtl pillows more than ever. But even if it’s for naps during holiday road trips or whenever I start commuting on the Long Island Railroad again, I know one thing: I’ll never travel without my Trtl ever again.

This article originally appeared online in 2020; it was updated on November 15, 2022, to reflect current pricing information.

The Silly-Looking Trtl Travel Pillow Is the Only Way I Can Sleep on Flights

I will almost always choose function over fashion, even if that means looking like a total dork in public. I’ve sported a fanny pack since before it was cool, I frequently don my unflattering but extremely protective sun hat on hikes, and I have no qualms using my funny-looking wearable reading light on public transportation.

But the Trtl Pillow , a goofy travel pillow that looks and acts more like a neck brace, was where I drew the line. A long-standing pick in our guide to the best travel pillows , the Trtl Pillow is essentially a fleece scarf with a plastic insert on one side that keeps your neck stable as you doze on flights.

I had a hunch that this pick, loved by side-sleepers like myself, would lull me to sleep in a way that traditional neck pillows never could—but I didn’t think I would ever be tired enough to willingly strap on what looks like a padded neck brace in public.

Spoiler alert: I tried it after snagging a lightning deal on Prime Day. I slept so well that day on my cross-country flight that I woke up at my destination well rested—and kicking myself for being embarrassed by one of the single greatest pieces of travel gear I’ve ever owned.

Trtl Pillow

A pillow for one-sided neck support only.

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

Buying Options

The perfect pillow for people who can’t sleep on planes.

Though the Trtl is technically a pillow, I like to think of it more as a padded pedestal to rest your head against as you sleep, held in place by a fleece scarf that wraps around your neck and closes with Velcro.

The bendy, plastic brace offers the perfect amount of neck support for people (like me) who find it easiest to sleep upright by nodding their head to the side. I’d never had luck falling asleep with traditional neck pillows looped around my neck, which made me feel claustrophobic. But the Trtl Pillow’s soft fleece scarf has enough give that I find it comfortably supportive rather than constricting, and I appreciate that it keeps my head firmly in place so I don’t wake up with a crick in my neck. You can wear the Trtl Pillow on either side of your head—though you’ll need to take it off, flip it, and rewrap it if you want to switch midflight—and I’ve found it comfortable to use even when I get stuck in the dreaded middle seat.

This little pillow is ideal for an overpacker like me who rarely has space to spare in my carry-on. Because it folds down into a little bundle that lies almost completely flat, I can slip it between my laptop and the back of my backpack, where it takes up less space than a hardcover book. The Trtl Pillow is also small enough to fit into briefcases, purses, and some fanny packs, so it’s ideal for folks who don’t normally travel with backpacks. At only 5 ounces, the Trtl Pillow doesn’t add any noticeable weight to a bag.

And because airplanes are notoriously nasty, the Trtl Pillow is also machine-washable. Once you’re home, simply slip the plastic brace from the scarf before tossing it into the wash.

Flaws but not dealbreakers

My biggest gripe with the Trtl Pillow is that I can’t wear my over-ear noise-cancelling headphones while using it. Understandable, considering that my ear is pressed against the plastic ledge and couldn’t possibly accommodate a padded earcup, but annoying nonetheless. To block out plane noises while I nap, I use my Loop earplugs instead, which nestle in my ear and don’t interfere with the pillow when I nod off.

Since I’m almost always cold on planes, I love cozying up to the Trtl Pillow’s warm fleece scarf—but if you run hot, this pillow is probably not for you. It also doesn’t work well for people who nod forward or move their head from side to side while they sleep.

The Trtl Pillow is the priciest travel pillow we recommend. Our top pick, a more traditional travel pillow, costs $40. The price of the Trtl Pillow has risen significantly since I made my purchase last summer; it was originally $40 (before my Prime Day deal, which cut the price in half), whereas now the price sits around $60. I’ve had such success with the Trtl Pillow that I’d willingly pay full price for it even now, but it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential deals.

And, of course, the Trtl Pillow makes you look extremely silly—so silly that you, like me, may be hesitant to use it in public. But now that I’ve actually used it consistently for the past year and a half, I can say that it’s worth any side-eye you may catch from a seatmate. Before I tried the Trtl Pillow, I used to dread early-morning flights because I knew that I wouldn’t sleep a wink and that I’d inevitably arrive at my destination irritated and cranky. I’m a much happier traveler now that I know I’ll be able to drift off and rest my weary eyes after take-off, and that is worth looking a little ridiculous.

This article was edited by Rachelle Bergstein and Catherine Kast.

Meet your guide

Elissa Sanci

Senior Staff Writer

Elissa Sanci is a senior staff writer for Wirecutter’s discovery team based in Denver. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, Woman’s Day, Marie Claire, and Good Housekeeping. When she’s not testing TikTok-famous products or writing about car garbage cans, you can find her hiking somewhere in the Rockies or lying on the couch with a bowl of chips balanced on her chest. There is no in-between.

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Trtl has released a new adjustable travel pillow in its signature wrap scarf style – we put it through its paces on a 14-hour flight

By Charley Ward

A travel pillow hovers around the top of everyone’s packing list when gearing up for a long haul flight but while ubiquitous, the bean bag styles you’ll find dotted throughout the airport are rarely fit for purpose. Thankfully, plenty of brands nowadays offer superior alternatives – and Trtl especially has made good headway in changing the game for frequent flyers.

More a fleece scarf than a pillow per se, Trtl travel pillows have a curved u-shaped internal support stand that sits under your jaw, over which there’s a memory foam pad to rest your head, secured in place by wrapping the fabric around your neck and connecting the velcro. The original was lauded by most upon launch, but some reviewers were left disappointed when the unique shape didn’t work for them. The brand has listened, however, and released a new adjustable offering that ensures more customised support for people of all heights.

Faced with the prospect of a 14-hour flight on a recent trip to Japan , I was keen to give it a go. To ensure a fair test, I tried the original and adjustable iterations at home the night before my flight. Undeniably, the additional control the newer version gave made a noticeable difference in my comfort level while sat upright – and I'm not even tall, at 5'4". I asked my partner, 6’2”, to try as well, and he also agreed the Plus was more comfortable.

It is a different experience to using a U-shaped neck pillow, and it took a minute to shake off the feeling that I’d trussed myself up in a neck brace; a traditional travel pillow this is not. I’d recommend adjusting it before it’s time to board, as it took a bit of fiddling to get it just right. Flying for so long is tedious enough without any added irritations.

Nonetheless, once primed, the new Trtl travel pillow was a good addition to my carry-on . It kept me in a much more comfortable position than my regular approach of leaning against the window, ultimately leading to back and neck aches when it was time to disembark. That goes double for those in the aisle and middle seats – it’s undoubtedly a better support system than the seat’s headrest when attempting to nod off upright.

The main bonus is that it prevents your head from jerking forward and waking you up, so it’s a good choice for overnight flights. I took a redeye home and it meant I arrived back in London at 6am having had more sleep than usual on a plane, helping to stave off the jet lag just a little. I felt no neck pain when I landed, either.

Weighing just 225 grams, it won’t eat into your baggage allowance, and the carry bag has a clip to attach to your backpack . It’s easy to sling in the washing machine to clean it; just pop out the plastic insert and you’re good to go.

On the other hand, while the soft fleece fabric is very cosy, some might say that it’s too warm. The brand would do well to release an adjustable version in its cooler iteration as well. I tend to run cold on average, so it wasn’t a huge problem for me, but it means this particular neck pillow might not be ideal for hot sleepers.

Of course, increased functionality means it’s also more expensive than the standard pillow, coming in at £89.99 compared to the former’s £59.99. If price is a consideration, you may find the original version perfectly adequate, which many reviewers already do. But personally, I found the neck support offered with the Plus tangibly improved, and it’s this version I’ll be packing into my hand luggage for my next trip. As for my U-shaped pillow? That will remain at home.

Pros: Machine washable, two-way adjustability, lightweight, does make it easier to nod off in an upright position than u-shaped pillows

Cons: Could be too warm for hot sleepers

You can shop the Trtl Pillow Plus on Amazon here . While you’re looking for long-haul hacks, read our review of this headphone transmitter , one of our newest travel essentials, which allows you to use your own headphones with the inflight television. Alternatively, see our full guide to the best travel pillows to buy now.

More great stories from Condé Nast Traveller

For a hit of culture, head to these fabulous exhibitions across London

Our favourite bags for overnight stays and weekends away

New Balance dad shoes are the ultimate travel sneaker

From roomy canvas carryalls to sleek leather work bags, a good tote is a travel essential

The suitcases every British traveller needs to know about

To revisit this article, visit My Profile, then   View saved stories .

• Backchannel
• Newsletters
• WIRED Insider
• WIRED Consulting

Matt Jancer

The Best Travel Accessories to Make Your Trip Easier

If you buy something using links in our stories, we may earn a commission. This helps support our journalism. Learn more . Please also consider subscribing to WIRED

Charge Ahead Nimble Champ (Series 2) Read more

Charge Everything at Once Mophie 3-in-1 Travel Charger With MagSafe Read more

Learn to Adapt Ceptics World International Travel Plug Adapter Read more

Tag, You’re It Artovida Neoprene Luggage Tag Read more

Travel isn’t always as luxurious as the brochures make it seem. Sure, the destination may be intoxicatingly gorgeous, but the journey to get there is often one of cramped seats and uninterrupted noise. Traveling can be a gauntlet to be endured or, if you equip yourself properly beforehand, a mere speed bump to glide over. From travel pillows and noise-canceling headphones to luggage trackers, it turns out you actually can purchase peace of mind. These are the best travel accessories after years of traveling and testing.

Don't forget to check out our Best Travel Bags and Best Travel Adapters guides for more recommendations.

Special offer for Gear readers: Get WIRED for just $5 ($25 off) . This includes unlimited access to WIRED. com , full Gear coverage, and subscriber-only newsletters. Subscriptions help fund the work we do every day.

Charge Ahead

Don't count on always finding an outlet. You never know when the café or airport you’re in will be outlet-deficient, and it's almost a running joke at this point at how often the airliners' onboard outlets are broken. The Nimble Champ Series 2 is our top recommendation in our Best Portable Chargers guide because of the company's environmentally friendly efforts in its manufacturing and packaging . Its light at 6.2 ounces, and we recommend the medium-size 10,000-mAh option, which can recharge a smartphone several times. There's a smaller version and a larger one too.

Charge Everything at Once

For the Apple devotee who travels complete with an iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods, consider picking up this 3-in-1 charger that can top off the juice in all three of your devices at the same time. No more prioritizing which one of your devices gets the precious outlet. No wonder WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu raved about it in our Best Apple 3-in-1 Chargers guide . It comes with a felt pouch, plus a charging adapter and cable. There are three pads, one with a grooved spot for holding AirPods, one magnetic pad for MagSafe iPhones, and another for the Apple Watch.

Learn to Adapt

When I'm traveling, there are never enough power outlets. WIRED reviewer Simon Hill gave this model top marks in his Best Travel Adapters guide because of how securely plugs stick into this outlet. It has enough built-in outlet styles to charge devices in 200 countries. It also offers three USB-A ports, which deliver a maximum charging rate of 15.5 watts, and two USB-C ports, which deliver up to 18 watts through one PD and one QC 3.0 port. That's enough to juice up iPads and smartphones, but stick to the outlet for your laptop.

Tag, You’re It

Any little thing that makes a bag stand out from the acres of look-alikes on the baggage carousel, the better. These come in a snazzy rotating collection of designs by select artists, and they attach surprisingly securely by slipping the larger end through the hole after looping it around a baggage handle. Even after tens of thousands of airline miles, mine have held up without wear or tear. Call me paranoid, but you should have two luggage tags, in case one gets torn off. Good thing these come in a two-pack.

Aarian Marshall

Eric Ravenscraft

Adrienne So

Brenda Stolyar

Keeping Track

We have mixed thoughts on AirTags, but if you have an iPhone, they are among the best ways to keep a digital eye on your bags. These trackers utilize the sheer number of iPhones and Apple devices out there to regularly report their location back to your device. Even if you don't plan on checking your bag, you might end up having to gate-check it on crowded flights. Drop an AirTag into an interior pocket to make sure you and your luggage are reunited at your destination.

AirTags don't work with Android devices, so if you use an Android phone , our recommendation is the Chipolo One ($25) . We have more details about it in our Best Trackers guide , but the setup is simple, and you can even get alerts if you leave the house without it.

Catch Some Z’s

I've never been one to fall asleep on a plane. It's not that the audience bothers me—I'll never see these people again—but rather that it’s impossible to fall asleep in a near-vertical seat. The Travelrest ( 9/10, WIRED Recommends ) is the ultimate neck pillow because it remedied this problem. Thanks to its high, contoured sides and a flat back that keeps it square against the seat, I can reliably nod off on any flight. The Travelrest easily beats those rounded, doughnut-shaped neck pillows for comfort and support.

To Safeguard Your Electronics

Some countries have less reliable electrical infrastructure, and you never know how well-wired that discount hotel's outlets are. Protect your device from getting fried with this compact, one-outlet surge protector. It has a lifetime warranty and $5,000 of coverage if your device is damaged from a power surge while using it. I haven't had to test that aspect of it, but the two USB-A ports are convenient when I've had to charge earbuds, battery banks, and other accessories.

A Better Pillow

Hotel pillows tend to have all the firmness and support of a wet roll of toilet paper that's been stomped on for 30 minutes. That tends to mean that vacation memories are accompanied by a stiff neck. Side sleepers like me need a firm yet poofy pillow. I've caught more good nights of sleep on this Therm-a-Rest than I can count. It rolls up into an integrated pouch, and a cinch compresses it into the size of a large water bottle for storage.

Tip the Scales

A scale is handy to have when you're packing a heavy bag for an upcoming trip. Avoid those enormous surcharges and make sure your bag is under the airlines’ weight limits before you arrive at the check-in counter. International airlines are sticklers for carry-on weight, and even US airlines will be unforgiving about the weight of checked bags. I've used this scale for years, and I prefer the simplicity of not needing any batteries. It's accurate, easy to read the gauge, and the strap is strong enough in the long term to handle some seriously heavy luggage without fraying or breaking.

To Protect Your Laptop

Travel through enough airports without a case and it’s only a matter of time before a bare laptop or tablet picks up nasty scratches and dents. Protect your devices from banging around in the security bins against keys, phones, and belts with this slim laptop sleeve, available for laptops of several common sizes. The water-resistant zippers are smooth and slide easily, and the padded, non-scratch material protected our MacBooks from a few bouts of rough handling by over-eager TSA agents without any exterior damage. Even if you don't normally use one, consider picking one up just for travel. For tablets, check out the Zugu iPad Case for $50 . We have guides for choosing the best laptop backpacks and laptop totes , too.

Mosquito Guard

In much of the world, mosquitoes aren't just pests. They carry life-threatening diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Japanese encephalitis. Even in hotel rooms in certain places, you're not safe from them. When I traveled through Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos last year, I brought this mosquito bed net with me. It's large enough for most two-person mattresses, and an elastic rim tucks underneath the mattress so that there are no gaps for critters to sneak through. The World Health Organization says a minimum of 156 holes per square inch are needed to keep mosquitoes out. This model has 500 tiny holes per square inch, making it that much more secure.

A Good Book, or 20

There's nothing like tackling a long ride on a train or plane with a good old book. But if you're a voracious reader or traveling on a long trip, a few books can take up a lot of room in your luggage. The Kindle Paperwhite's glare-resistant E Ink display is less harsh on your eyes than a typical tablet screen, so you can read for a long while before fatigue sets in ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). With 8 GB of storage, there's room for thousands of books. You can find more recommendations in our Best Kindles and Best Ebook Readers guides.

Top Up Your Devices

Not all USB cables are made equal. This Cable Matters cord came out on top in our testing (read more in our Best USB Cables guide ), thanks to its ability to handle 100 watts—enough to charge a power-hungry laptop. It also can transfer data at an impressive 40 Gbps. The 6.6-foot cable is an active cable too, which means it has a chip inside to push data further without degradation. It supports DisplayPort Alt Mode (DP Alt Mode), meaning you can use it to connect your laptop to a portable monitor, along with USB Power Delivery (USB-PD) and Programmable Power Supply (PPS), so that certain devices will fast charge through the cable. Seriously, it's the one USB-C cable to rule them all.

Maintain Your Sanity

Anyone who's spent time on public transportation knows that the cacophony of shouting, crying, and other people's loud devices can be maddening when you're stuck in your seat for the next few hours. The Sennheiser Adapt 660 ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ) are our favorite value noise-canceling headphones . WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall says they are comfortable and one of the lightest headphones he's tested. You can count on excellent sound quality for up to 30 hours of usage.

For Compact Peace and Quiet

WIRED reviewer Simon Lucas praised these Bose earbuds as having hands-down the best noise-cancellation. It's the top pick in our Best Wireless Earbuds guide, though they are expensive. He says their “naturalistic, vivid sound” is untouched by any counter-signal or audio evidence that the noise cancellation is working to muffle unwanted background sounds. That means you can enjoy that movie or album without jet engines and passenger chatter disturbing your peace.

Whether you'd like to plug directly into the seatback entertainment system or just don't feel like juggling one more device that needs frequent charging, wired headphones are by no means obsolete. These nabbed the top spot in our Best Wired Headphones guide , thanks to the excellent sound quality of the two 7-mm, full-range dynamic drivers that deliver punchy, finely detailed audio at a reasonable price. WIRED associate reviews editor Parker Hall reports that they're comfortable and secure in his ears, and the detachable cable is braided for durability.

A Nice Travel Sling

You don't want to tote around a heavy bag when you're seeing the sights at your destination. Pack the small version of the Wandrd Roam ( 3 liters ) and you'll have plenty of space for a compact camera, a spare lens, cables, a phone, a wallet, and more. The YKK weather-resistant zippers ensure things will stay dry in the rain. Available in 3, 6, and 9 liters , you can size up if you feel like you want to carry a little bit more on your journey. Read more about it in our Best Camera Bags guide .

An All-Day Stash

Think past the journey to the destination and consider how you'll keep your devices, maps, snacks, and charging accessories handy when you're at your destination. The Tour is our best all-day waist pack and another great mini bag to consider aside from the Wandrd Roam. Thanks to pockets galore, WIRED editor Michael Calore says he can fit a change of clothes and a couple of ready-to-eat meals in there, with room to spare. Two water bottle pockets and a zippered phone pouch maintain the essentials, and when the pack gets too heavy, an included shoulder strap turns it into a sling.

Entertainment is awfully limited if you rely on the seatback video system of an airplane, and its absent on trains, most buses, and some low-cost carriers. If you're feeling particularly active and want something other than a book or movie, delve into any fantasy world of your choosing with the Nintendo Switch OLED ( 8/10, WIRED Recommends ). WIRED reviews editor Julian Chokkattu found the 7-inch OLED screen fantastic and the kickstand much-improved over the old model. It’s stable, secure, easy to pull out, and adjustable to a wide range of angles, and you can get that long gaming session in by propping it on your meal tray, no matter how far back the guy in front of you reclines his seat.

Bring Your Best Friend

More of us are taking our four-legged pals with us on our journeys these days, but the trials of travel are no easier on them than they are on us. WIRED senior reviews editor Julian Chokkattu loves this pet carrier for how stable and soft its base is. He says the straps are thicker than most competing bags, and they stayed on his shoulder securely. You can clip a leash to the built-in carabiner, and there's a small stash pocket for poo bags. The best part is how well-ventilated it is, and there are multiple ways to open the bag and check on your pet. It's compliant with most major airlines’ policies.

Make Yourself Understood

It's tough to learn a new language, especially if it's just for a vacation booked a few months in advance. But you really should know the basics of conversation to be a good guest. WIRED contributor Christopher Null reviewed the Pocketalk Plus Voice Translator ( 7/10, WIRED Review ), which translates conversations between different languages in real time. He praised how reasonably quickly it provided translations, its intuitive interface, and the number of supported languages. This kind of device makes sense only if you're traveling to multiple destinations in a year. Otherwise, you can probably get by with Google Translate.

If you want to work toward learning a new language yourself, check out our Best Language Learning Apps guide .

Connect the Unconnected

Love your wireless earbuds but hate that you can't connect them to the screen embedded in the airplane seat in front of you? The AirFly is a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into a standard headphone jack and connects to your wireless buds. I used the AirFly SE model, and I found no noticeable change in audio quality, at least from a few feet away when I took it on a flight. You get volume control buttons so you don't have to tap on the screen, and a double-tap mutes the audio too. Twelve South claims 20 hours of battery life, and although battery life can differ based on usage, it felt like a pretty accurate estimate in my experience watching movies and listening to music on the plane.

For Chilly Flights and Nights

You can't count on your hotel being as warm as you might like, and don't get me started on how cold they keep airplane cabins. Forget the scratchy blankets they sell on board and bring this lightweight, packable travel blanket if you're prone to the chills. I like how my feet fit in the “leg pockets,” my hands in the hand warmers, and how securely it stays around my neck with the button snap. The zippered pocket was perfectly sized for my AirPod case and for at least a few of those free snacks I felt like saving for later. It's also a great blanket to bring for road trips, in case you plan on sleeping in the car.

Don't Forget the Toothpaste

Consider this alternative to conventional toothpaste, especially if you find yourself butting up against the TSA's 3-1-1 rule . WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano enjoyed these toothpaste tablets while she was running tests for her Best Electric Toothbrushes guide. You just bite down on them and start brushing. You also get bonus points for reducing the amount of plastic waste you'd otherwise generate via toothpaste tubes—the packaging here is all glass bottles and compostable pouches.

Stay Hydrated

Travel, especially air travel, puts you in a bit of a bind when it comes to cutting down on your usage of single-use plastics. While you can't show up at the airport with your own drinks, you can do your part after you've passed through security. In my search for the best travel mugs , this Hydro Flask Coffee Mug came out on top. It's insulated, so it'll keep your coffee warm for longer than any flight. It's narrow enough to fit any cupholder, and no matter how much I banged it around, the tough powder-coated metal showed neither a scratch nor a dent. Unlike many water bottle manufacturers who use lead in their bottle construction , Hydro Flask has been lead-free since 2013.

Get Steamed

Hotels often have an iron and ironing board available, but I find it quicker and easier to steam my clothes. WIRED reviewer Medea Giordano and I both have been using Urpowers for years. For a tiny thing, it's powerful and effective at steaming practically anything in a minute or two. You just need to refill it often; one reservior is enough for one or two garments, at most. If you're going to another state or country for an important event, like a wedding, this is a must-have.

Nena Farrell

Ryan Waniata

Louryn Strampe

WIRED COUPONS

Up to $58 Off TurboTax Online w/ TurboTax Service Code

$50 off in-person tax prep when you switch from TurboTax or another tax provider | H&R Block coupon

$25 off your first 3 orders with Exclusive Instacart Promo Code

1st Order: 25% Off DoorDash Promo Code ($15 minimum)

Take $10 Off Your Order - Finish Line Coupon Code

Groupon coupon: Extra 25% off sitewide

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

Spend some time in one of Moscow’s finest museums.

Subterranean commuting might not be anyone’s idea of a good time, but even in a city packing the war-games treasures and priceless bejeweled eggs of the Kremlin Armoury and the colossal Soviet pavilions of the VDNKh , the Metro holds up as one of Moscow’s finest museums. Just avoid rush hour.

The Metro is stunning and provides an unrivaled insight into the city’s psyche, past and present, but it also happens to be the best way to get around. Moscow has Uber, and the Russian version called Yandex Taxi , but also some nasty traffic. Metro trains come around every 90 seconds or so, at a more than 99 percent on-time rate. It’s also reasonably priced, with a single ride at 55 cents (and cheaper in bulk). From history to tickets to rules — official and not — here’s what you need to know to get started.

A Brief Introduction Buying Tickets Know Before You Go (Down) Rules An Easy Tour

A Brief Introduction

Moscow’s Metro was a long time coming. Plans for rapid transit to relieve the city’s beleaguered tram system date back to the Imperial era, but a couple of wars and a revolution held up its development. Stalin revived it as part of his grand plan to modernize the Soviet Union in the 1920s and 30s. The first lines and tunnels were constructed with help from engineers from the London Underground, although Stalin’s secret police decided that they had learned too much about Moscow’s layout and had them arrested on espionage charges and deported.

The beauty of its stations (if not its trains) is well-documented, and certainly no accident. In its illustrious first phases and particularly after the Second World War, the greatest architects of Soviet era were recruited to create gleaming temples celebrating the Revolution, the USSR, and the war triumph. No two stations are exactly alike, and each of the classic showpieces has a theme. There are world-famous shrines to Futurist architecture, a celebration of electricity, tributes to individuals and regions of the former Soviet Union. Each marble slab, mosaic tile, or light fixture was placed with intent, all in service to a station’s aesthetic; each element, f rom the smallest brass ear of corn to a large blood-spattered sword on a World War II mural, is an essential part of the whole.

The Metro is a monument to the Soviet propaganda project it was intended to be when it opened in 1935 with the slogan “Building a Palace for the People”. It brought the grand interiors of Imperial Russia to ordinary Muscovites, celebrated the Soviet Union’s past achievements while promising its citizens a bright Soviet future, and of course, it was a show-piece for the world to witness the might and sophistication of life in the Soviet Union.

It may be a museum, but it’s no relic. U p to nine million people use it daily, more than the London Underground and New York Subway combined. (Along with, at one time, about 20 stray dogs that learned to commute on the Metro.)

In its 80+ year history, the Metro has expanded in phases and fits and starts, in step with the fortunes of Moscow and Russia. Now, partly in preparation for the World Cup 2018, it’s also modernizing. New trains allow passengers to walk the entire length of the train without having to change carriages. The system is becoming more visitor-friendly. (There are helpful stickers on the floor marking out the best selfie spots .) But there’s a price to modernity: it’s phasing out one of its beloved institutions, the escalator attendants. Often they are middle-aged or elderly women—“ escalator grandmas ” in news accounts—who have held the post for decades, sitting in their tiny kiosks, scolding commuters for bad escalator etiquette or even bad posture, or telling jokes . They are slated to be replaced, when at all, by members of the escalator maintenance staff.

For all its achievements, the Metro lags behind Moscow’s above-ground growth, as Russia’s capital sprawls ever outwards, generating some of the world’s worst traffic jams . But since 2011, the Metro has been in the middle of an ambitious and long-overdue enlargement; 60 new stations are opening by 2020. If all goes to plan, the 2011-2020 period will have brought 125 miles of new tracks and over 100 new stations — a 40 percent increase — the fastest and largest expansion phase in any period in the Metro’s history.

Facts: 14 lines Opening hours: 5 a.m-1 a.m. Rush hour(s): 8-10 a.m, 4-8 p.m. Single ride: 55₽ (about 85 cents) Wi-Fi network-wide

Buying Tickets

• Ticket machines have a button to switch to English.
• You can buy specific numbers of rides: 1, 2, 5, 11, 20, or 60. Hold up fingers to show how many rides you want to buy.
• There is also a 90-minute ticket , which gets you 1 trip on the metro plus an unlimited number of transfers on other transport (bus, tram, etc) within 90 minutes.
• Or, you can buy day tickets with unlimited rides: one day (218₽/ US$4), three days (415₽/US$7) or seven days (830₽/US$15). Check the rates here to stay up-to-date.
• If you’re going to be using the Metro regularly over a few days, it’s worth getting a Troika card , a contactless, refillable card you can use on all public transport. Using the Metro is cheaper with one of these: a single ride is 36₽, not 55₽. Buy them and refill them in the Metro stations, and they’re valid for 5 years, so you can keep it for next time. Or, if you have a lot of cash left on it when you leave, you can get it refunded at the Metro Service Centers at Ulitsa 1905 Goda, 25 or at Staraya Basmannaya 20, Building 1.
• You can also buy silicone bracelets and keychains with built-in transport chips that you can use as a Troika card. (A Moscow Metro Fitbit!) So far, you can only get these at the Pushkinskaya metro station Live Helpdesk and souvenir shops in the Mayakovskaya and Trubnaya metro stations. The fare is the same as for the Troika card.
• You can also use Apple Pay and Samsung Pay.

Rules, spoken and unspoken

No smoking, no drinking, no filming, no littering. Photography is allowed, although it used to be banned.

Stand to the right on the escalator. Break this rule and you risk the wrath of the legendary escalator attendants. (No shenanigans on the escalators in general.)

Get out of the way. Find an empty corner to hide in when you get off a train and need to stare at your phone. Watch out getting out of the train in general; when your train doors open, people tend to appear from nowhere or from behind ornate marble columns, walking full-speed.

Always offer your seat to elderly ladies (what are you, a monster?).

An Easy Tour

This is no Metro Marathon ( 199 stations in 20 hours ). It’s an easy tour, taking in most—though not all—of the notable stations, the bulk of it going clockwise along the Circle line, with a couple of short detours. These stations are within minutes of one another, and the whole tour should take about 1-2 hours.

Start at Mayakovskaya Metro station , at the corner of Tverskaya and Garden Ring,  Triumfalnaya Square, Moskva, Russia, 125047.

1. Mayakovskaya.  Named for Russian Futurist Movement poet Vladimir Mayakovsky and an attempt to bring to life the future he imagined in his poems. (The Futurist Movement, natch, was all about a rejecting the past and celebrating all things speed, industry, modern machines, youth, modernity.) The result: an Art Deco masterpiece that won the National Grand Prix for architecture at the New York World’s Fair in 1939. It’s all smooth, rounded shine and light, and gentle arches supported by columns of dark pink marble and stainless aircraft steel. Each of its 34 ceiling niches has a mosaic. During World War II, the station was used as an air-raid shelter and, at one point, a bunker for Stalin. He gave a subdued but rousing speech here in Nov. 6, 1941 as the Nazis bombed the city above.

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

2. Belorusskaya. Opened in 1952, named after the connected Belarussky Rail Terminal, which runs trains between Moscow and Belarus. This is a light marble affair with a white, cake-like ceiling, lined with Belorussian patterns and 12 Florentine ceiling mosaics depicting life in Belarussia when it was built.

Transfer onto the 1/Brown line. Then, one stop (clockwise) t o:

3. Novoslobodskaya.  This station was designed around the stained-glass panels, which were made in Latvia, because Alexey Dushkin, the Soviet starchitect who dreamed it up (and also designed Mayakovskaya station) couldn’t find the glass and craft locally. The stained glass is the same used for Riga’s Cathedral, and the panels feature plants, flowers, members of the Soviet intelligentsia (musician, artist, architect) and geometric shapes.

Go two stops east on the 1/Circle line to:

4. Komsomolskaya. Named after the Komsomol, or the Young Communist League, this might just be peak Stalin Metro style. Underneath the hub for three regional railways, it was intended to be a grand gateway to Moscow and is today its busiest station. It has chandeliers; a yellow ceiling with Baroque embellishments; and in the main hall, a colossal red star overlaid on golden, shimmering tiles. Designer Alexey Shchusev designed it as an homage to the speech Stalin gave at Red Square on Nov. 7, 1941, in which he invoked Russia’s illustrious military leaders as a pep talk to Soviet soldiers through the first catastrophic year of the war.   The station’s eight large mosaics are of the leaders referenced in the speech, such as Alexander Nevsky, a 13th-century prince and military commander who bested German and Swedish invading armies.

One more stop clockwise to Kurskaya station,  and change onto the 3/Blue  line, and go one stop to:

5. Baumanskaya.   Opened in 1944. Named for the Bolshevik Revolutionary Nikolai Bauman , whose monument and namesake district are aboveground here. Though he seemed like a nasty piece of work (he apparently once publicly mocked a woman he had impregnated, who later hung herself), he became a Revolutionary martyr when he was killed in 1905 in a skirmish with a monarchist, who hit him on the head with part of a steel pipe. The station is in Art Deco style with atmospherically dim lighting, and a series of bronze sculptures of soldiers and homefront heroes during the War. At one end, there is a large mosaic portrait of Lenin.

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

6. Elektrozavodskaya. As you may have guessed from the name, this station is the Metro’s tribute to all thing electrical, built in 1944 and named after a nearby lightbulb factory. It has marble bas-relief sculptures of important figures in electrical engineering, and others illustrating the Soviet Union’s war-time struggles at home. The ceiling’s recurring rows of circular lamps give the station’s main tunnel a comforting glow, and a pleasing visual effect.

Double back two stops to Kurskaya station , and change back to the 1/Circle line. Sit tight for six stations to:

7. Kiyevskaya. This was the last station on the Circle line to be built, in 1954, completed under Nikita Khrushchev’ s guidance, as a tribute to his homeland, Ukraine. Its three large station halls feature images celebrating Ukraine’s contributions to the Soviet Union and Russo-Ukrainian unity, depicting musicians, textile-working, soldiers, farmers. (One hall has frescoes, one mosaics, and the third murals.) Shortly after it was completed, Khrushchev condemned the architectural excesses and unnecessary luxury of the Stalin era, which ushered in an epoch of more austere Metro stations. According to the legend at least, he timed the policy in part to ensure no Metro station built after could outshine Kiyevskaya.

Change to the 3/Blue line and go one stop west.

8. Park Pobedy. This is the deepest station on the Metro, with one of the world’s longest escalators, at 413 feet. If you stand still, the escalator ride to the surface takes about three minutes .) Opened in 2003 at Victory Park, the station celebrates two of Russia’s great military victories. Each end has a mural by Georgian artist Zurab Tsereteli, who also designed the “ Good Defeats Evil ” statue at the UN headquarters in New York. One mural depicts the Russian generals’ victory over the French in 1812 and the other, the German surrender of 1945. The latter is particularly striking; equal parts dramatic, triumphant, and gruesome. To the side, Red Army soldiers trample Nazi flags, and if you look closely there’s some blood spatter among the detail. Still, the biggest impressions here are the marble shine of the chessboard floor pattern and the pleasingly geometric effect if you view from one end to the other.

Keep going one more stop west to:

9. Slavyansky Bulvar.  One of the Metro’s youngest stations, it opened in 2008. With far higher ceilings than many other stations—which tend to have covered central tunnels on the platforms—it has an “open-air” feel (or as close to it as you can get, one hundred feet under). It’s an homage to French architect Hector Guimard, he of the Art Nouveau entrances for the Paris M é tro, and that’s precisely what this looks like: A Moscow homage to the Paris M é tro, with an additional forest theme. A Cyrillic twist on Guimard’s Metro-style lettering over the benches, furnished with t rees and branch motifs, including creeping vines as towering lamp-posts.

Stay on the 3/Blue line and double back four stations to:

10. Arbatskaya. Its first iteration, Arbatskaya-Smolenskaya station, was damaged by German bombs in 1941. It was rebuilt in 1953, and designed to double as a bomb shelter in the event of nuclear war, although unusually for stations built in the post-war phase, this one doesn’t have a war theme. It may also be one of the system’s most elegant: Baroque, but toned down a little, with red marble floors and white ceilings with gilded bronze c handeliers.

Jump back on the 3/Blue line  in the same direction and take it one more stop:

11. Ploshchad Revolyutsii (Revolution Square). Opened in 1938, and serving Red Square and the Kremlin . Its renowned central hall has marble columns flanked by 76 bronze statues of Soviet heroes: soldiers, students, farmers, athletes, writers, parents. Some of these statues’ appendages have a yellow sheen from decades of Moscow’s commuters rubbing them for good luck. Among the most popular for a superstitious walk-by rub: the snout of a frontier guard’s dog, a soldier’s gun (where the touch of millions of human hands have tapered the gun barrel into a fine, pointy blade), a baby’s foot, and a woman’s knee. (A brass rooster also sports the telltale gold sheen, though I am told that rubbing the rooster is thought to bring bad luck. )

Now take the escalator up, and get some fresh air.

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

21 Things to Know Before You Go to Moscow

Featured city guides.

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.