postcard moments travel

Postcard Moments

The reason Behind the stamp

Postcards are my absolute favorite thing to collect and give people from the places that I've traveled to. They are small, cheap, and an amazing way to bring back a snapshot of the place I visited. I also love photography and capturing the postcard moments from my own life, so this blog is a collection of the people and places that have made my life so memorable. 

Knysna Oyster Tour

• About 2 hours
• Free Cancellation Until 24 hours prior booking

Price: R700 per person

Duration: About 2 hours

Highlights:

• Oyster tasting
• Knysna Lagoon

Categories:

Description.

Our coastal town of Knysna and Oysters go together like champagne and caviar, sea and sky, summer breezes and cold beers. If you're more than a little intrigued by oysters, then join us for the ultimate oyster experience on the spectacular Knysna Lagoon.

Learn all there is to know about one of the world's most loved delicacy, taste the difference between wild and cultivated oysters, all whilst cruising the lagoon to the Knysna Heads and surrounds.

Ask questions, take photo's, excite your taste buds - all on board our "Oyster Boat" with a small group of guests. The cruise includes complimentary local white wine and oysters for tasting. Extra oysters are available on pre-order to enjoy on the boat.

Cruises depart daily from the jetty in front of Sirocco Restaurant, Thesen Island. Please remember your camera, sunblock, sunhat and wind breaker (just in case!).

And remember - our boat is perfect for families and children of all ages are welcome.

Good to know

• Tour runs daily year round
• Weather dependant
• Guests are required to be at the boat 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time
• The vessels are very comfortable and come equipped with jackets and blankets in case the wind picks up on the tour around the Knysna Lagoon
• Guests are welcome to purchase drinks and bring them along
• Boat cruise
• Qualified skipper
• Glass of white wine
• 6 fresh oysters for tasting per person
• Extra drinks and snacks
• Gratuities (optional)
• Warm jacket in case the weather changes

Looking for more of the best tours, activities and experiences?

Starting point.

Long Street, Thesen Island, Knysna, South Africa

Meet at TH24B Thesen Island Cafe and Shop, Thesen Island, Long Street, Knysna

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I booked a honeymoon sunset cruise for my wife and myself, and wow, was I amazed. I have to be honest, at first I was taken a bit back by the boat, but once we got going everything changed. Our guide (I forgot his name but he's been living in Knysna for 15 years) was absolutely amazing and made this trip so special. We were given such cool info, taken to beautiful spots all around the lagoon and then treated to fresh oysters and white wine.

You are then dropped off at the doorstep of Scirocco's which is an amazing seafood restaurant and our table was perfectly placed with a stunning view.

I could genuinely recommend this experience to anyone interested.

The staff was super friendly and a joy to be around. Keith who took us on the tour was informative as well. Great trip.

Make your way to Knysna Charters located at the Knysna Quays, for water activity bookings. The offer consists of SUP'ing (stand up paddle boarding), canoeing as well as various boat rides. Prices are based on equipment hire and time. Life jackets are available

Very relaxing cruise around the lagoon and good variatty of food to choose from.

Spectacular cruise. Spectacular views. Great 'captain'. Thank you Alex for the entertaining 75 minutes. 😊

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Please note

Light cancellation policy.

The guest can cancel free of charge until 24 hours before arrival. The guest will be charged the total price if they cancel in the 24 hours before arrival.

Terms & Conditions

The beauty of Table Mountain, Lions Head and the Atlantic Sea Board coastline from the comfort of our kayaks is unrivalled. Dolphins, seals, penguins, Sunfish and occasionally whales frequent our Cape Town.

View Conditions

Similar Experiences

Nearby Knysna, South Africa

Bella Vita 1h 1h30min Sunset Cruise

• Free Cancellation

Knysna Whale Watching Close Encounter (June Nov)

Sailing yacht knysna 1.5 hour short sail, sailing yacht knysna 2.5hr lunch cruise, lara bella 2h 2h30min sunset, knysna scootours.

Creative Ways to Capture Travel Memories

Looking for creative ways to capture your travel memories? If you are like most people, you have taken some amazing photos while on vacation. The last thing you want to do is keep them stored on your cell phone or computer only, where they will never be enjoyed. Here are a few ideas to inspire you to do something with those amazing memories that you’ve already captured. Create a personalized postcard through the MyPostcard App for a loved one or create a photo book or photo wall displays for you to display in your home. Keep reading for inspiration and ideas that are simple, easy, and beautiful!

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We only recommend products and services that we love!

Create & Send Personalized Postcards Through A Postcard App

The MyPostcard App is a perfectly sentimental (and easy ) way to capture travel memories in the moment. Everyone loves receiving traditional snail mail, but if we are being honest, most people rarely send postcards when they travel these days. Why? Traditional tourist shops around the world still sell postcards, but the photos on them are often impersonal. It can also be difficult to hunt down postage stamps when you’re traveling abroad, and then you have to find a place to mail them. And… if you make it this far in the process, it can take weeks for the postcard to make it to a foreign destination. (True story: A family member sent us a postcard from Germany, and we received it in the USA 2 months after they returned home.)

Is there a creative, fun, personalized solution? Yes! Enter MyPostcard, the best Postcard App! I came across this app quite awhile ago, when we were on vacation in Kauai . I wanted to send a postcard to a few loved ones (I’ve always loved snail mail), but I couldn’t find any postcards that I liked. The stock photos looked cheesy or had greetings that didn’t fit my personality. After looking for the perfect postcards in several tourist shops, I gave up and turned to the App store. I was pleasantly surprised when I found MyPostcard right away. I downloaded it, quickly designed my own postcards using my own photos that I had taken, added greetings, and hit “checkout”. The postcards were printed and mailed to our loved ones within days, and we were hooked. Since then, we have used MyPostcard to create personalized postcards on our vacations around the world. We have also used them at home to create beautiful birthday notes, holiday cards, get well soon messages, and other “just because” postcards.

Here are a few examples of personalized postcards that I created recently using our travel photos from Oahu and Scotland . I used the Trio template with an added heart graphic that I upgraded to XXL, the Golden Birthday template (for my mother-in-law’s upcoming birthday!), and the Scotland Highland Template.

My husband and I added personalized notes on a couple for our daughter to keep in her memory box. I love that you get to choose from a variety of font colors, styles, and sizes.

The app is incredibly easy to use! Here are the steps from start to finish. It took me just 4 minutes. The price includes printing, postage, and mailing. Once you hit “checkout”, your work is done.

The MyPostcard App is available in both the Apple iOS and Google Play App stores. They are currently offering 30% off when you use my referral link and enter promo code AIC2019 at checkout. Click here to see MyPostcard’s most recent deals.

Create a Vacation Photo Book

My husband and I love to create a photo book for each major vacation that we take. I design the photo book, and my husband does the journaling (he takes awesome travel notes while we are away). We love using Shutterfly photo books , because they have stood the test of time, and we love for our vacation photo books to look uniform on our shelf.

If you prefer to print your photos to fill a traditional photo album, Etsy has several beautiful, personalized photo album options, like this map photo album or this simple 4×6 photo album .

You might also be interested in: Souvenir Ideas for Minimalists

Create a Travel Photo Display

Creating a travel photo display in your home is a great way to capture your memories and enjoy them daily. My husband and I consider ourselves to be minimalists , but that doesn’t mean our walls are blank! We love filling our home with photo memories of our travels.

We discovered PhotoBarn several years ago and fell in love with their wood photo boards . Here are a few examples of the photo boards (3/4 inch birch) that we had created of our favorite photos from Ireland . We have also purchased personalized Christmas ornaments and photo cubes from them.

We also love decorating our home with photo canvases. Shutterfly , Canvas on Demand , and Easy Canvas Prints all make great quality photo canvases in a variety of sizes.

Gallery walls are also a great option, as you can switch out the travel photos in the frames over time. You can buy beautiful, matching frame sets (like this black frame set or this white frame set ) to keep the look sleek and uniform.

Keep a Travel Journal/Diary

Keeping a travel journal or diary while you’re away is the perfect way to capture memories. You can write down your memories every day in real time, so you won’t forget the details. I will admit that I’m terrible at this…but my husband is great and is our official “travel journal-er”. He keeps track of our itinerary (what we did and what we ate), funny stories (there’s never a dull moment when traveling with a toddler !), things that surprised us about our destination, etc. We love looking back on his travel notes and reminiscing. There are things we think we’ll never forget, but we do!

There are so many travel journals and diaries out there. You can use a simple pocket-sized notebook or invest in something personal for your family, like this personalized name leather notebook . This is a great way to get your kids involved in capturing your memories too! Consider purchasing them their own journal to keep them busy on long travel days.

Pro Tip: Hire a Professional Vacation Photographer

If you love the idea of capturing your travel memories with a personalized postcard, photo book, or wall cavas, you will want to make sure that you have quality photos from your travels to work with! When it comes to capturing travel memories, we love to hire professional vacation photographers. Some say that a photo is worth a thousand words, and we couldn’t agree more. As much as we appreciate iPhones, tripods , and selfie sticks that allow us to capture our own photos, each trip deserves a few non-selfies. Don’t you agree?

We love using Flytographer to book professional photographers around the world. They work with local photographers in over 200 cities worldwide, making them the perfect choice for finding the perfect photographer for you. The company makes it so easy to select a photographer with a style you love and to find a location that will capture the beauty of your destination. They work with travelers of all kinds- including solo travelers, couples, families, and large groups. They use flat rates (starting at just $285 for a 30 minute photo shoot), have a fast turn around (we always receive our photos while we are still on our trip), and are so easy to work with!

We have used Flytographer three times so far, and we have loved every experience. You can read about our experiences in Paris , Edinburgh , and Oahu if you would like to learn more!

Sign-up for your account here to receive $25 off your first photo shoot. If you love the idea but aren’t ready to book a photo shoot, simply create your account , and the $25 will wait in your account. If you already have an account, you can enter ANADVENTURE at checkout to receive $25 off!

You might also be interested in: 15 Reasons to Book a Photo Shoot with Flytographer on Your Next Vacation

MyPostcard App provided me with product credit and compensation in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own! I genuinely love their app and have used it for years.

I would love to hear from you! How do you capture travel memories? Do you have a favorite way to display your memories?

Pin for later:

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56 comments.

These are very good and inspiring ideas! I am having a dream about a world map on my new flat wall with photos from all my destinations. I believe, it will look amazing!

That sounds like a wonderful idea!

Laura Axtman

I love your ideas to capture and keep a record of your travels. The postcard is just the perfect way to keep a memory and the addition of writing a message to your daughter for her memory box is priceless! I am going to make a postcard during my next trip- I love the nostalgia of the hand-written note and the stamp to send it away. I have gotten into the habit of purchasing an ornament during our adventures- it always represents the most-stand-out portion of the journey, then during the holidays while we decorate our tree we can reminisce about our special times together. Your ideas are a great addition to our tradition~ Thank you for sharing!

Great ideas! We love starting the new tradition of sending our daughter a post card. The MyPostcard App makes it all so easy to do straight from our phones.

I love this post!! So many great ideas. Thank you for sharing

I am so glad! 🙂

Linda (LD Holland)

I must admit that most of the time we sort our photos and send them to our Apple TV to view with friends. But I do love the idea of creating customized postcards. It ads a little personal touch. And can be personalized for the receiver. Good to know there is an app to help. We have so many awesome photos. The task to choose just a few to frame would be huge. But so much better to decorate the walls than some of the bought art we now have. My hubby hates that I have other people’s travel pics. But none of ours! The idea of hiring a photographer sounds interesting. It would free us to enjoy sights more!

MyPostcard makes the process so easy and fun! I agree that it is fun to have your own photos displayed, rather than someone else’s photos. And yes, hiring a photographer does allow for you to enjoy the sights more. They do the work, and you get the photos. 🙂 We love it!

I love the postcard app it is a great way to send personalized messages with your pictures. And it is super fast and easy to use. I also create photo books for my travels and my kids love looking back at them. I have not tried PhotoBarn yet so will need to check them out. Thanks for all these ideas.

You are welcome! I’m glad you liked my ideas! 🙂

Excellent suggestions! I’ll be making travel photo books shortly.

Have fun! They are always special to have!

Your post made me smile because I have compiled so many travel photo albums over the years that I have nowhere to store them anymore. A few years ago I had to stop printing them, so now I only come up with one every few years. I like however the idea with personalized postcards.

I bet you have so many lovely photo albums! 🙂 Personalized postcards have become one of our favorite ways to capture memories in a small way.

E. J Requina

These are very creative and fun ideas. Would love to have a travel wall on my flat. I enjoy taking photos and i was really looking for ways on how to add some twist to the photos im taking.

Have fun! We love decorating our home with our own photos.

Blair villanueva

I love the idea of creating a travel book. Still the idea of flipping pages and remembering the moments are still gives good feeling. Also blogging about every adventure also helps.

Yes, I agree! 🙂

Love all these ideas! I’m always looking for new ways to keep our travel memories alive. These would make fantastic xmas gifts as well!

Yes- I agree! We love making personalized gifts for family!

Vanessa Ball

MyPostcard app looks very cool and versatile too with the different options. I’d have too many books on the shelf to do the Shutterfly books, however, I have considered picking out my best shots for the wall and loved the wood boards concept. Thank you for sharing your ideas, I need to start getting creative now!

Have fun! 🙂

Sarah Wilson

Love the postcard idea – I’ve done (& love all of the others). Postcards provide such travel notalgia.

I agree! I love that you can use your own photos through MyPostcard. So personal and so easy!

These are brilliant idea! We have actually started photo books and any major events and trips and we just love it. Though we have been using another company, I would love to try Shutterfly’s service.

Super love the uniform look of your photo books. This simply makes me want to redo all the previous photo books we have (haha!)

Thank you! I am so glad you liked my ideas!

Getting kids into the habit of keeping their own travel journal is a great idea. Even if it’s just to use as a travel scrapbook or to sketch images. If they’re going to use them to capture their words – a good approach is to get them to focus on their five senses … what do they see, hear, smell, touch, and taste … capturing these will really help to recreate the experience years from now.

Wonderful tips! I love the idea of using the five senses!

Yes I think the more guidelines you can give kids the better to overcome their fear of getting things wrong, and once they have the confidence, they’ll be more comfortable about letting their creativity take over.

Some great tips here, I really like these. We used to do a photo album after each holiday and a framed collage. Although with full time travels, I do struggle with what to do with my images. Thanks for the suggestions.

You are welcome! 🙂

Thanks for these great ideas. I always have the thought to showcase my photos but then in the hustle and bustle of everyday life after returning from trips , the thought gets lost. So its really great that you provided the app itself as it saves work to find something suitable.

Yes! So easy to use!

I love the idea of a photo journal and photo book for each of your travels. I wish I was that organized to do it 🙂

It is never too late to start! 🙂

Jennifer Mostert

I always do a photo book after a big trip. There is nothing better than a trip down memory lane with a glass of wine in hand a couple of years later as you reminisce about your trip.

Anna Intrepid Scout

When I saw your post, I thought that I need to check it out to get some ideas to see what I can do with some of my memorable photos from many trips. I like the idea of a photo album! Great tips on how to get it done!

Good luck! 🙂

What great ideas for saving and sharing your travel photos. I’m off to create some books for my grandson for his Christmas present now.

Great! I am sure that your grandson will love them!

These are great ideas! I’ve always thought about how to do better with my photos than to leave them on my phone, and your ideas have inspired me to try a few of your suggestions. I particularly like the idea of a photo book and a photo collage. Thanks 🙂

Have fun creating these! 🙂

Candace Wafford

Such wonderful ideas! I have several projects I’ve done with travel photos and I love them!

So happy to hear this! It is so special to have photo memories to look back on.

Just some other ideas to add to your great suggestions… I bring my best photos into iMovie, add voice over and music and burn it to a DVD. I also use travel diaries app to combine my journal and photos and have it printed as a book.

Great ideas! We love creating short videos of our trip clips too. I have heard of Travel Diaries and would love to look into them more! Thank you for sharing.

I love the idea of personalized postcards with travel photos! :]! I’m hoping to do some photo canvases to decorate my walls someday when I have a house!

I’m so glad that you like these ideas! 🙂

You always have such great tips, thank you! I have had an idea of developing one image from each place we have visited, and put them into different frames and then make a travelwall 🙂

I encourage you to do! You would probably love the result! 🙂

Interesting ideas! I collect postcards from my travels but there are places where postcards are (strangely) not available to buy, so creating one with the photo app would be a super idea! My other favourite from your list is to book a photo shooting while on holiday. I recently saw someone on social media and I found it a really nice memory plus finally a chance to get good pictures of ourselves 🙂

Great ideas. We do the travel photo books. Recently I started sending postcards from an app. I had to laugh when an elderly relative asked how I got my writing so neat on the card!

Oh, this is hilarious, because I had a relative compliment my handwriting too! Haha! 🙂

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Beyond the Postcard: Capturing Authentic Experiences Through Travel Photography

Posted by ITKT Featured Writer | Aug 2, 2023 | Australia , ITKT Blogs , Oceania , Spotlight | 0

©2023 Amy Hubbard

Travel photography has evolved far beyond the days of sending postcards home to friends and family. In this digital age, capturing authentic experiences through photography has become an art form that allows us to share the soul of our journeys with the world. Beyond the picture-perfect postcard images, travel photography has the power to convey genuine emotions, cultural nuances, and unique encounters, providing a deeper connection to the places we visit. In this article, we’ll explore how travel photographers can go beyond clichéd snapshots and delve into the heart of each destination, using their cameras to tell compelling stories that capture the true essence of their travel experiences.

Seek Out the Unexplored

One of the keys to capturing authentic travel experiences is to venture off the beaten path. While iconic landmarks are undoubtedly awe-inspiring, they often become crowded and lose some of their original charm. Instead, wander through lesser-known neighborhoods, explore remote villages, and interact with the locals. Embrace the spontaneous moments that unfold in these less-touristed areas, as they often reveal the true essence of a place. By seeking out the unexplored, travel photographers can find unique stories waiting to be told through their lenses.

Embrace Candid Moments

Some of the most authentic travel photos come from capturing candid moments. Instead of asking subjects to pose for the camera, try to blend into the surroundings and capture genuine expressions, laughter, and interactions. Candid shots portray raw emotions and provide a glimpse into the daily lives of the people you encounter, creating a more authentic and intimate narrative of your journey.

Learn the Local Language and Culture

Understanding the local language and cultural norms can significantly enhance your travel photography. Being able to communicate with locals, even if it’s just basic phrases, can help build rapport and make your subjects feel more at ease. Respect cultural sensitivities, seek permission before photographing people, and be mindful of sacred sites. This cultural awareness will enable you to take more meaningful and respectful photographs that capture the essence of the destination.

Chase the Golden Hours

Light is a crucial element in photography, and capturing images during the golden hours of sunrise and sunset can transform ordinary scenes into breathtaking vistas. The soft, warm glow of the sun during these times adds depth and emotion to your photos, elevating them from mere snapshots to stunning works of art. Additionally, shooting during these hours means you can avoid harsh midday light, which can often wash out colors and create unflattering shadows.

Make the Most of Your Gear

You don’t need expensive equipment to take captivating travel photos. While professional cameras can provide more versatility and control, even a smartphone can produce stunning images if used creatively. Experiment with different angles, perspectives, and editing techniques to bring out the best in your photographs. Invest in a lightweight and versatile tripod for stability and long-exposure shots, and don’t forget to carry spare batteries and memory cards to avoid missing out on any important moments.

Document Local Traditions and Festivals

Every culture has its unique traditions and celebrations, and these events provide a fantastic opportunity for vibrant and authentic photography. Whether it’s a colorful festival, a religious ceremony, or a traditional dance performance, capturing these moments can help preserve cultural heritage and showcase the soul of a destination. Research local events and immerse yourself in the festivities to capture images that tell compelling and culturally significant stories.

Focus on Details and Textures

In addition to capturing sweeping landscapes and bustling cityscapes, pay attention to the little details that often go unnoticed. Zoom in on intricate architecture, unique textures, and eye-catching patterns that define a place’s identity. These close-up shots can add depth to your travel photography portfolio and evoke a sense of wonder about the intricacies of the world around us.

Stay Curious and Open-Minded

Perhaps the most important aspect of capturing authentic travel experiences through photography is to stay curious and open-minded. Embrace spontaneity, be open to unexpected encounters, and allow your photography to evolve naturally. Every destination has its stories to tell, and by immersing yourself in the moment, you can seize the opportunities for extraordinary images that go beyond the postcard.

Unveiling Australia’s Essence

Australia , with its stunning landscapes and diverse cultural tapestry, presents a captivating playground for travel photographers seeking authentic experiences. For those with a keen eye behind the lens and a desire to make Australia their home, the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, subclass 186, offers an excellent pathway. The 186 visa enables skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer to live and work permanently in the country. By obtaining the 186 visa, photographers can fully immerse themselves in the beauty and culture of Australia, capturing its unique essence through their photography. From the iconic landmarks of Sydney’s harbor to the vast wilderness of the Outback, Australia’s diverse landscapes offer endless opportunities for captivating images. With the 186 visa, photographers can go beyond the postcard-worthy shots and delve into the heart of the country, creating a compelling visual narrative that showcases Australia’s true spirit and charm.

Travel photography is more than just capturing pretty pictures; it’s about telling authentic stories and preserving meaningful experiences. By seeking the unexplored, embracing candid moments, respecting local cultures, and being mindful of lighting, photographers can elevate their craft to capture the true essence of their travel journeys. From the joyous celebrations of local festivals to the quiet moments of daily life, travel photography opens a window to the soul of each destination. So, the next time you embark on a journey, don’t just settle for postcard shots, but use your camera to capture the authenticity and heart of your travel experiences. Happy photographing!

Written by: Amy Hubbard Amy is a seasoned traveler and mesmerizing storyteller, wandering the world to collect and share captivating tales from diverse cultures and landscapes. Her words paint vivid pictures of her adventures, inspiring others to embrace their wanderlust and discover the magic of storytelling.   For more ITKT travel stories about Australia For more ITKT travel stories about Oceania

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Fun and Easy Postcard Travel Journal (+ 20 Writing Prompts)

You know how you return home from traveling and you’re bursting with excitement about everything you’ve experienced? And after a couple days your nearest and dearest are already tired of hearing you say “ well, when I was in… ”

Here’s a solution for your next trip:

Create a Postcard Travel Journal

I used to lug around whatever journal I was currently using but when I started traveling with a laptop, I wanted to avoid carrying additional heavy things. Which meant that my beloved, big, clunky journals had to stay home. I also wanted to share my travels but not my personal journal. And I definitely didn’t want to carry two journals.

These days I use my #MyGlobalLife  pocket travel journals  for itinerary notes, personal journaling, and the #GlobalYou365 journaling challenge . They’re small, lightweight, and super easy to slip into my day bag or even my jeans pocket.

A photo posted by Cate, Re-entry Relauncher (@smallplanetstudio) on Dec 3, 2015 at 2:13pm PST

For my travel journaling I now use lightweight, colorful, inexpensive postcards. Super easy and convenient and a lot of fun to flip through once you’re back home.

You Can Make One Too

Here’s what I do (it’s so easy). Each day I buy a postcard that represents where I am or what I’m doing that day.

When I sit down for a tea break, have a few free minutes on the metro or am unwinding at night, I pull out my postcard and jot down a few notes from my day.

I label each postcard with the date, location, and trip “Day #.” I keep the written postcards in a ziplock bag in my travel backpack or suitcase until I get home. If you’re on a long trip and don’t want to carry them around the world with you, just mail them home.

When I get home, I punch a hole in each postcard and use a metal binder clip to bind them together. (Tip: decide ahead of time where you’re going to punch the hole so you can keep that space clear of writing. I punch the hole where the stamp would go since I’m not mailing them.)

I use an extra postcard to create a cover. (That purple one below? It’s part of a set I bought when I lived in Germany as a high school student !) I then use washi tape and a Sharpie to write my travel information on the cover. You could also simply use your “Day 1” postcard as your cover or get fancy with stickers and other embellishments.

I then bind all of the postcards together using a metal ring. Don’t have a metal ring? You can buy them at any office supply store for a couple bucks. You could use a ribbon or baker’s twine.

Leave your postcard journals on your coffee table or hang them on a bulletin board. They’re a great way to invite questions and conversations about your travels without feeling like you’re forcing the topic on anyone.

Why I Like Postcard Journals

I’m a fan of traveling light, postcards, and keeping things simple. I’m addicted to postcards but rarely send any when I’m abroad (thanks, social media), which means I end up with boxes of them sitting in my attic. Postcard journals allow me to feed my postcard addiction in a positive way. It’s easy to pick up a few at a time and keep them in my day bag. And, because postcards are so small, I only need a few minutes a day to keep up with my travel journal. No more going home with a mostly empty travel journal!

20 Travel Journaling Prompts

Do you run out of things to journal about when traveling? Find yourself writing the same things over and over? Here are 20 travel journaling prompts:

• Top 5 moments from my day.
• What I ate today.
• Most surprising sight, smell, sound or taste from my trip so far.
• What do I hear, see and smell around me right now?
• What songs/kind of music have I frequently heard?
• Travel advice I’d give a younger me.
• 5 things I’d do while traveling if I knew I wouldn’t fail.
• 5 new experiences I’ve had.
• My packing list for the trip.
• What I wish I’d packed.
• What I wish I’d left home.
• 5 best meals I’ve eaten.
• Prices of items I’ve bought (e.g., snacks, toothpaste, a pen).
• Words I’ve learned in the local language.
• Conversations I’ve engaged in.
• What I’ve found at the grocery store that surprised me.
• Top 5 desserts I’ve eaten.
• Places where I’ve met new people.
• 5 things I’m learning about myself.
• Where I want to travel next.

Happy Journaling! 

Hello, I'm Dr. Cate Brubaker! Are you a returnee who has been surprised to find your return "home" harder than going abroad? I created the Re-entry Roadmap workbook just for you. If you work with returnees, I'm here to help you with innovative resources and training that will make it easier to provide meaningful support for your returnees.

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Travel Agencies nearby

Companies and places nearby, what hotels, hostels and apartments are located near postcard moments travel.

There is a list of nearest hotels: Spring Acres Guesthouse located at 4 Mossie Crescent, West Acres Extension 6, in 748 meters east . Akwamaryn B&B located at 5 Akwamaryn street, Nelspruit, in 943 meters east . Alibama House located at 65 Alibama Street, in 1.18 km northeast . Bavaria Guest Lodge is a three stars hotel located at 45 Zebrina Crescent, West Acres Extension Four, in 1.32 km northeast . 35 Kelkiewyn B&B is a three stars hotel located at 35 Kelkiewyn Street, in 1.35 km northeast . Nou's Toeka located at 1 Toevlug Road, in 1.39 km northwest . Sheba Rock Guest House located at 12 Mandulia Street, in 1.44 km northeast .

Your can find and book more hotels, hostels and apartments on our interactive hotels map .

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Don’t Forget the Postcards! Why They’re Still Worth Mailing Yourself When Traveling

As someone who loves to travel and has been to over 15 countries so far, I’ve picked up a fun habit along the way – mailing myself a postcard from wherever I visit.

Now I know what you’re thinking. In today’s era of Instagram and Snapchat, postcards seem a bit outdated and unnecessary.

But I’m here to convince you that taking a few minutes to pick out, write and mail a postcard home is still worth doing whenever you travel.

Here are the reasons why it has become a treasured travel tradition of mine, and why you should adopt it too:

It’s Old School Nostalgic Fun

Maybe I’m just sentimental, but there’s something delightfully nostalgic about buying a postcard, sitting down to ponder what to write, dropping it in a mailbox and waiting for it to somehow (thanks to the magic of postal delivery systems!) arrive back at your home mailbox weeks later.

In a world of instant digital communication, it’s almost rebellious to use snail mail.

The child-like excitement I get when a postcard I mailed from Peru or Malaysia finally shows up can’t be replicated by an email or text. It takes me back to the simpler times of pen pals and handwritten letters. Give it a try, and you’ll see what I mean.

You’re Forced to Summarize Your Experience

Trying to sum up a multi-day trip on a tiny postcard teaches you what the highlights really were.

You have to distill the experience down into something concise enough to fit between “Wish you were here!” and your signature. It makes you reflect on what stood out – the food, the landscape, that crazy night out.

Those glimpses into a travel moment can often be more impactful than a long email about everything that happened. After all, as the saying goes, less is more.

For example, my postcard from Greece simply said: “Greek salad and gyros are now my favorite foods. Had to buy an extra suitcase for all the ceramic plates I found. Don’t forget to water my plants!”

It Captures a Point in Time

Postcards give you a snapshot in time to look back on.

When I stumbled upon the postcard I mailed from the Grand Canyon three years ago, I was immediately transported back to that awe-inspiring view. The act of writing and mailing a postcard forces you to be present and thoughtful in that particular moment of your trip.

Years later when I rediscover a stack of old postcards, it’s incredibly nostalgic and almost timewarpy to read my impressions when they were fresh. It’shands down better than scrolling back through old social media posts.

You Can Get Creative

While social media demands polished images and lengthy captions, postcards are your chance to get creative and silly.

I try to come up with the most random yet descriptive messages like:

“Greetings from sunny Aruba! Swam with sea turtles yesterday and learned the mini bar rum goes great with everything!”

Or from Japan: “Having an amazing time exploring Tokyo. Their toilets are wildly high-tech. Also ate sushi from a conveyor belt yesterday.”

It’s almost like sharing little inside jokes with my future self.

I love looking back on the quirky and candid highlights I chose to include. Way more fun than just writing “Wish you were here!”

You Can Surprise People Back Home

Beyond sending yourself a mini memorabilia keepsake, postcards are also a thoughtful (and affordable) way to surprise others back home with a hello.

I’ll often mail postcards to close friends or family I want to share my adventure with.

Getting a handwritten postcard from me when I’m halfway around the world excites them almost as much as it does me. It’s an easy way to brighten someone’s day that they’ll appreciate far more than a mass Facebook post.

Plus, who doesn’t love getting real mail that isn’t bills or junk?

The priceless reaction when my grandma received my postcard from Machu Picchu was worth every penny.

It’s Cheap and Easy Souvenir Shipping

Rather than trying to pack delicate souvenirs in my luggage to take home, postcards double as the perfect lightweight, durable keepsake.

I buy and mail myself postcards from gift shops, museums, landmarks and more as an alternative to breakable figurines or giant paintings.

It saves me money on checked bag fees or paring down my souvenir purchases to just what fits in my carry-on. For just the cost of a stamp , mailing postcards let me “shop” for many more fun, location-specific souvenirs without hassle.

Plus, it’s much more reliable than checking a bag with that “World’s Best Grandma” snowglobe you just had to have. We all know how that ends!

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It captures travel memories.

Most importantly, sending yourself postcards along the way captures visceral memories that photos and social media can’t. The sights, smells, textures and feelings of a place get distilled into the postcard image and message I scribbled down.

Years later, finding that faded postcard transports me back to that destination almost like I’m there again. It vividly conjures up what it felt like to be in that place at that specific time. It’s priceless mental time travel.

So next time you’re visiting somewhere new, make time to keep the old postcard tradition alive.

Pick your favorite scenic view or landmark, jot down a few words to remember the highlights, add a stamp and drop it in the mail.

When your future self discovers that forgotten postcard years down the road, the nostalgia rush will be well worth the 42 cent investment. It will whisk you away to that place and moment so much more vividly than any Instagram pic can.

Final Thoughts

In our high-tech world, sometimes the simplest things still offer the most joy if you make space for them.

Sending yourself postcards along the journey is an easy way to deepen and enrich your travel experiences.

So be a tourist, get a little old-school retro, and start dropping postcards in the mail to your future self. You can thank me later when you stumble upon that bundle of memories down the road!

Frequently Asked Questions About Mailing Postcards

What should i write on my postcards.

Focus on highlighting specific memories, funny anecdotes, or emotions you felt during notable moments you want to capture from your trip. Keep it concise.

What kind of postcards works best?

Vibrant images that encapsulate the destination work well. Opt for poster-style panoramic views or unique landmarks. Avoid generic or cheesy stock photos.

When should I mail the postcards during my trip?

Mail them during downtime like from your hotel room at the end of each day. This helps you summarize moments while they’re fresh. Spread them out to capture different parts of your journey.

Should I mail postcards to anyone else?

It can be thoughtful to also mail postcards to close friends or family you want to share your adventure with in a more personal way.

How do I make sure it actually reaches my home mailbox?

Double check you have the correct mailing address, include a return address, and add enough postage for its destination. Opt for airmail if traveling internationally.

Where can I buy interesting postcards when traveling?

Gift shops, museums, landmarks, hotels, airports, convenience stores, and gas stations often sell postcards. Scope them out!

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Postcard Moments

As I look back on our travels, there are moments that stand out to me in my mind like postcards. Beautiful places, important moments, and stand out experiences that are head and shoulders above the rest. They’ve created a kind of gallery of snapshots in mind, which I mentally thumb through at times, to relive them.

– Crossing the border from England to Scotland and driving up through the sheep-dotted hills of the Borderlands. I waited my entire life to go to Scotland, land of my ancestors, and when it actually happened, I cried with an overwhelming sense of homecoming.

– Gondola ride in Venice. This was one of those surreal moments when you’re doing something that is a bucket list item and is something so idealized that it doesn’t even seem real when you do it. I felt as if I was holding my breath the whole time, willing myself to remember every single second.

– Waikoloa Beach, Big Island of Hawaii. This was the beach of my dreams. Smooth, placid

Waikoloa Beach, Hawaii

blue-green water, flat sandy beach and shade from palm trees. I remember thinking, am I really here in this paradise?

– The bridge from the mainland to Hilton Head Island. The bridge gently spans over a Low Country tidal creek, which meanders among the weeds with pluff mud visible. I’ve had a thing for tidal creeks ever since.

– The waves crashing on the rocks outside a cottage in York Harbor, Maine. It sounded,

York, Maine

smelled, and looked divine, but it also brought back my childhood, when I spent two weeks each summer on the Penobscot Bay. It was like being reunited with an old friend. The ocean was still there, waiting for me.

– Ellis Island. Most people have their big travel moment at the Statue of Liberty, but for me it happened at Ellis Island. I could almost see, hear, and feel the immigrants walking from the docks and through the doors. They were still there in that big echoey building and I felt my connection to my ancestors deeply at that place. My skin prickled with their nearness.

– The library at Monticello, Virginia. Thomas Jefferson’s library room absolutely

overwhelmed me with emotions and strange connections. All of his belongings and furniture are there and the bed he died in is in the room, next to his desk. Another place that moved me to tears.

– The Blue Grotto, Capri, Italy. This moment felt surreal, as if I were watching it on TV. I will never forget the soul-wrenching blue of the water, as we rowed twice around the grotto, chills running down my back.

– The sky of New Mexico. People talk about Montana being the land of the Big Sky (I haven’t been there yet and I’ll let you know if I agree once I get there!), but New Mexico to me was about the wide open sky, which reached down to hold up the land.

– The view from Pike’s Peak. It was if we were on top of a tiny, pointy skyscraper, and all

Pike’s Peak, Colorado

the world was laid out beneath us to see.

– Touring the White House. Sometimes I think, was I really there? It seems amazing that we walked in the steps of the presidents and world leaders when we went through this iconic building.

– Glastonbury Abbey, England. The mythical burial place of King Arthur and Guenevere. The town is one nutty hippie hang out, but the quiet beauty of the ruins here spoke to me deeply, whether or not the leader of Camelot really did rest here. It was a place that felt sacred and spiritual to me, when very few places ever do. It was a moment of connection, seeing this place from the legend, when our children’s middle names and our dogs’ first names all come from Arthurian literature.

– Hell’s Gate, Kawartha Lakes, Ontario Canada. We rented a houseboat and explored this lovely area of lakes connected with many locks. The most memorable part of the trip was navigating Hell’s Gate, a very dangerous, narrow passage filled with rocky outcroppings. I don’t even think we have a photo of it since we were so busy trying not to wreck our boat! It was spectacular in the combination of water and sharp, pointy rocks.

– Wild horses crossing the road. We’ve encountered these twice – once on the highway in

New Mexico wild horses

New Mexico and once at the Assateague National Seashore in Maryland. Both times they were beautiful, free, and full of spirit.

– Lobster in the rough, Boothbay Harbor, Maine. Before we took the kids to meet my Maine, my husband and I went there on our honeymoon. We still believe that the only way to eat lobster is at a picnic table, with an ear of corn cooked in the lobster water, and a bag of potato chips, with the ocean over your shoulder.

– Swimming with the dolphins, Key Largo, Florida. I just remember laughing and laughing with pure joy as we swam with the dolphins and they pushed us through the water.

Glacier Bay, Alaska

– Glacier Bay, Alaska. The utter stillness that surrounded our ship in the bay is something I won’t ever forget, then the quiet being broken when the glacier calved, making a big splash. It was dramatic and it was also terrifying. The glacier was light blue and the water was deep dark blue. The air was clear and biting, and it seemed we were alone in the wilderness.

– The Milky Way, Finger Lakes, New York. Although my family now owns a cottage in the Finger Lakes, for several years, we rented one on Cayuga Lake for a week each summer. One night, after we had put our preschool daughter to bed, we were sitting by the fire, stargazing. It was a remarkably clear night and the absence of ambient lighting made it possible to see what felt like the entire galaxy. We could clearly see the cloudy clusters of stars making up the Milky Way. My husband went inside and woke our daughter, bringing her outside, to  stand at the end of the dock, so she could look up and see this beautiful universe she was our center of. She doesn’t remember it, but we do.

What are your postcard travel moments?

mental postcards , travel , travel bucket list , travel moments , unforgettable travels

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13 Responses

I’ve never thought of them as postcard moments. You’ve sure had a lot of them! Some of mine go back all the way to my childhood. Walking along the strip at Bagnell Dam at Lake of the Ozarks with my parents when I was a teen, playing skeeball with them. Lying on innertubes in the lake on another trip, looking up at the stars and talking about our future with my best friend who came with us. Seeing the amazement in my husband’s eyes the first time he flew at night and saw the lights of Las Vegas far below in the dark desert. Thanks for helping spark some of these memories!

Those are great!

So many postcard moments! You’ve been to so many interesting places!! We just returned from a short trip to southern California. Looking out onto the ocean at Seal Beach was definitely a postcard moment for me. Here’s the post I wrote about it (the photo is actually from Hawaii…): http://jennifermargulis.net/blog/2012/10/project-discover-ashland-place-2-seal-beach-california/

What a lot of great memories. And it is SO important to relive those moments in your mind–over and over. It implants them so your memories will last longer. I do that, but my husband doesn’t, and he can’t remember nearly as many travel experiences as I can.

Good point. I don’t want to ever forget them!

I made a slideshow of many of my postcard moments here in NZ for the 7th anniversary of my immigration. http://frugalkiwi.co.nz/2010/11/7-years-no-itch/

Great idea!

Standing atop the pyramids just outside Mexico City. It’s so amazing to travel with your kids–you see the world in a whole different way.

Not travel per se, but I have daily postcard moments just driving around Traverse City/Old Mission. My amateur photography skills have improved with the advent of the iPhone camera. I’m sure people are probably blocking me on Facebook by now.

I loved this post. My favorite was the rediscovery of your childhood holidays on the Maine seacoast: “It was like being reunited with an old friend.”

That is how I feel about Maine! It is a magical place for me.

I had so many postcard moments in Montana that I moved there. And, yes, the sky is even bigger than New Mexico (I have been to both).

Montana is high on my list of places to go next!

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9 Unique Ways to Capture Travel Memories

• 6 minute read

3 Reasons Why Every Golf Lover Should Visit Scotland

• Photo Album ,
• Postcards ,

Travelling is a lifetime experience that helps create fond memories. Exploring unknown destinations, meeting new people, witnessing cultural diversities, gorging on new cuisines, etc., becomes a part of your travel itinerary.

Whether it is a weekend trip or a week-long trip, you’ve got to enjoy every bit of it, and that’s not just the end. Once you get back to your daily routine, the memories of your last trip keep hovering on your mind for days that you would want to preserve for a lifetime. But how?

Here we will discuss the different ways to preserve your  travel experiences  for a lifetime. You can relive those moments whenever you want. So let’s check out 10 unique ways to capture travel memories:

1. Make a Photo Album

Photographs are one of the best ways to capture your trip memories. With smartphones and digital cameras, photography no more remains a professional’s cup of tea.

You can click as many photos as you want with your technology-enhanced devices. But, simply keeping them stored in the devices would be of no use. Use them to make attractive photo albums that will talk a lot about your  exciting planned trip .

Make a conventional photo album by printing a few photographs from your smartphone or digital camera and pasting them into a book. Decorate the photobook as per your preference, and don’t forget to add captions.

You can even make an online photo album and start storing your travel photographs within it. Choose your favourite layout from the app and use various filters provided to beautify the album.

Also, you can resize the photos by cropping them to add more photos. Create captions and taglines for each and revisit those travel memories whenever you want.

2. Send Yourself Postcards

Postcards were, at one point in time, quite common among people. Like collecting photos, even postcard collection was like a hobby for many.

Going through old postcards allows you to bring back several memories from the past. Thus, while on a trip, don’t forget to collect a postcard. It won’t even cost you a bomb!

Whichever place you visit during your trip, try to collect a postcard and pen down a few details of that place and your activities from that day. These bits of information that you jot down on the postcard can become your lifetime memories.

To make it more fun-filled, write down your address, get it stamped and send it to yourself. By the time you get back home, you will receive the postcard. Read it, and feel the same pleasure you experienced while writing the postcard!

3. Create a Travel Pin Map

Though a travel pin map does not sound that creative, it is a great way to record visual memories from your trip.

Get a world map and put it on one of the walls in your home. Every time you return from a new travel destination, mark the location on the map with a pushpin.

Make it more impressive by adding small labelled details like date of visit, places visited, trip duration, solo traveller or with a partner, etc. Every time you look at this map, your memories associated with the trip will keep coming back to your mind.

A travel pin map is readily available in online stores. You can get one for yourself and start pinning your travel destinations. Another way is to make one for yourself.

Show your creativity by making a DIY push pin map. Place a window cling world map on a cork bulletin board. While doing it, make sure no air bubble is left. Once done, it is ready to be hung on the wall. Get a box of colourful push pins and start pinning your travel destinations now!

4. Create a Travel Scrapbook

Recreate your travel memories in the form of stories by making a travel scrapbook. Note down your trip details and paste travel tickets, receipts, bills, menus, brochures, etc., from your holiday destination.

You can even include a few travel photos and postcards to make the scrapbook more interesting. Creating a scrapbook is an exciting way to capture your travel memories.

Later while turning through the pages of your scrapbook, you would feel the same excitement that you had experienced during your trip. So, get hold of a scrapbook from your local craft store or order one online and pour in all your creative ideas to make it unique.

5. Make Travel Videos

Smartphones come as a blessing for travellers. They help shoot multiple kinds of content during your trip. Photography is good, but videography is even better. Unlike photographs, videos will capture the sound of your laughter, your comments, different movements, and many other things.

Make your travel more memorable with exciting video clips. Use various filters to shoot the perfect video clip. To make it more exciting, edit the video clips.

You will find several online video editing apps. One such video editing software is InVideo. Create fascinating videos and slideshows with customizable editing templates, images, videos and music clips, etc.

For those who don’t know  how to make a slideshow with music  but want to include one in their travel video, this editing software will help you create one. Anytime you want to revisit the travel days, just play the video or swipe through the slides and relive the memories of visiting your favourite destination.

6. Collect Fridge Magnets and Keychains

A trip would be incomplete without collecting souvenirs, and what can be more ideal than a fridge magnet or key chain? You can get these little goodies for gifting purposes and also keep a few for yourself as memories from your trip.

The fridge magnets have images associated with the place. Thus, every time you stand in front of your refrigerator, a glance at the fridge magnet will remind you of the trip.

Moreover, these tiny souvenirs hardly occupy any space in your bags. They are also a pretty and unique way to capture travel memories.

7. Get Free Maps

On a trip, it is always advisable to carry a map. It can be handy to find places and, at the same time, an inexpensive item.

Most of the time, the hotel or resort where you would be staying will provide you with a map. If they don’t, without hesitating, do ask for one. They will give it for free.

During your trip, you can mark the locations which you have visited. Feel free to add small notes if you wish to. Later, you can keep these maps in your travel diary as memories.

8. Blog Your Travel

Blogging is a brilliant technique to capture your travel memories. All you require would be an internet connection and a passion for creating magic with words.

Use the art of storytelling to narrate every moment of your trip . Add candid photos to make it lively and engaging. Later, when you go through your travel blog, all the memories will come out fresh in your mind.

Lastly, if you keep posting your different travel experiences regularly, there might even be a group of like-minded people following your blog!

9. Keep a Travel Journal

If you are not someone who likes sharing your travel diaries with the world but still wants to document your travel experience for yourself, you can go for a travel journal.

You can carry a personal travel diary during your trip and pen down your experiences, feelings, and thoughts throughout the vacation. Read these memoirs sometime later; it will be a pleasure to relive them.

BONUS: Make a Wall Collage

Another easy and unique way to capture travel memories is to dedicate a complete wall in your room for travel.

Make small collages on that specific wall by putting photographs, push pin maps, postcards, adding captions, etc., from different travel destinations. Every time you look at that wall, your travel memories will flash back in your mind.

There are innumerable ideas to capture your travel memories. Use your creativity to preserve the most cherished moments of your life and keep them fresh in your mind.

Every time you go through these memories, you will be taken back to those days of fun and excitement. So, relish every moment of your trip and relive them whenever you want.

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Postcard Travelers • Adventure Life Magazine

Adventure is a life style. Follow me on this journey as I share my travel explorations, good and bad decisions, tips and gear. I look for adventures that encompass unique perspectives, eccentric people, places and   thrilling experiences. I like to travel light and with gear that crosses over from one sport to the other; from unintentional hazardous to just a simple hike. I’m eager to learn survival skills that prepare me for all occasions and conditions, such as, learning to ride motocross so I am not hindered by the limitations of myself, the off-road, or zombie apocalypse. I kayak to go where motor boats can’t; down rivers, over shipwrecks, under broken docks, whatever means to get me to the picture perfect postcard. Everything I do, is for the adventure that keeps me young at heart and these photographic moments that are my treasures. Be warned, I’m an explorer and somewhat of a rebel pirate. Proceed at your own risk. Look for my pop-up art shows that says it all.

-Stacy Poulos / Rebel Pirate / Filmmaker / Photographer   / Author ‘Life In A Nutshell’  

About Postcard Travelers So what is “Postcard Travelers” I’ve always envisioned traveling the world and taking pictures at the tender age of 7. As I launched my journey into traveling the world to take fine art photography, I wrote about it and took video’s, today known as blogging and vlogging, I guess you can say I invented it. It wasn’t a ‘it’, it was a compelling desire to tell my story about my journey beyond photographing.

I have also been compelled to promote the people along my journey. What a gift to meet such special and unique people. If I can share that with a friend I will. Like, if you were going to the Santorini, Greece. I know a girl Flora that owns The Flower Hotel off the grid of all the popular Hotels, I would love to show you the way.  She would give you incite on what to do while your there and you would be supporting a local small business. I love that!  Those are the kind of things I look for. I love to give tips about gear, great restaurants, hot spots.

It’s a journey to find and explore the postcard picture perfect photograph.  Life speaks to me in so many way. I notice the fractals and movement. Sometimes I find dirty, rusted cracked paint a work of art. It’s all how you look at it.

My videos for Postcard Travelers are not polished, they are raw and of the moment is real. I laugh when I think of myself as a ‘Host’ but some places I go are too dangerous and uncharted. I can’t get people in my kayak twice. Because I scared them to death the first time being in the middle of nowhere. So I guess I have to tell the story because the one that was supposed to ran off when it got dangerous. I’m diverse in my fearless pursuit willing to ride  a scooter, motorcycle, dirtbike, hike, kayak what ever the medium of transportation to go to the place to get the shot. I’m your girl.  The selfie video production. Even-though I am a full on producer (Playback Video & Film Productions) for heir these videos are simply raw.  It’s been the wave of social media. Every famous bestselling travel author I have interviewed, wouldn’t risk their life like I do, or have the diversity to get on a motorcycle and in a kayak and explore uncharted waters. I don’t blame them. I’m sure they have been in danger many times, technically you can cover a story with out putting yourself in danger. Just going to the amazing places they have to do cover stories. Being in a different Country alone is dangerous. However, Postcard Travelers ‘Adventure’ Magazine is about the selfie experience in a adventure. Which means, from a personal perspective. I listen to nerds all day long about real experiences so I know what I’m up against when I get there.

More about my Photography

One time, while talking to a friend about photography, she said that her best friend went to “Harrr…vard” and majored in Photography. I replied, “well, I’m a junkyard photographer” and laughed. I wasn’t able to afford to develop film most the time, let alone go to school for it. But as long as I had a camera (even a used camera, which was always the case), film, a journal, a pen, and an excellent cup of coffee, I was rich. (I just couldn’t find my wallet.) Even in my poorest days of scraping up a buck, I always found a way to have these absolute essentials I couldn’t live without.

Sometimes it’s just how a subject is blessed or kissed by light that compels me to take a photo. It has always been the moment of my emotions and connection with my subjects that demanded my attention. It has always been my fascination with character and the little things in life that made me realize that capturing it on film was important, even at the age of 7. It was just a natural thing for me to do and share once I learned what cameras can do. I had a whole portfolio before the age of 12, not even realizing this might lead to a “ career ” (whatever that was). I was what I couldn’t spell or pronounce, as my step-dad always liked to remind me: a “Puttographer”. When I realized this, I always wondered when I would be “officially crowned” a “photographer”. The only official photography education I have had is a 2 week summer class my parents gave me as a gift when I turned 12, along with my own used 35mm CanonQL camera. I’ll never forget that day and the pink box it came in.

Oddly, 40+ years into being an award-winning “Puttographer” and filmmaker, I still pondered when the crowning was going to happen, I guess because photography is so personal to me. I wasn’t interested in the technology as much as capturing the moment to tell the story. It wasn’t until my trip to Europe in 2001, when I reached my goal of traveling the world and taking photos, did I finally realize that I had always been a photographer – from the day I felt it was necessary to capture the moment. I’m no Ansel Adams; then again, Ansel Adams is no Stacy Poulos either. That is what I had finally realized. The only thing truly valuable is “intimate value”; the rest is perceived value. It is my therapy and it uplifts my soul especially to share it with others. It is from my heart and the love of my work. It is my gift to the world and my appreciation that the world smiled back at me.

I have no particular photographic niche. I suppose my hallmark is my intimate observations. My photographs are not a perfect rendition of what the technology has to offer, nor is my writing a reflection of proper English. It’s finding the poetry, beauty, humor, character and sometimes the sadness in my journey. This is my core; this is how it all began. When you encounter my art, you are looking at a page in my personal journal. Enjoy. – Stacy Poulos

by stacy poulos

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World’s best places to send personalized postcards from.

According to the latest figures , the USA is the third biggest sender of postcards in the world, and it’s easy to see why. 

Postcards connect people – even from across oceans. At TouchNote, we help you make that connection even more special with personalized postcards . 

Why not send one for Mother’s Day or to say Happy Easter ?

The other reason to send a postcard? Being in an area of outstanding natural beauty obviously. With TouchNote as your loyal travel companion, you can share your adventures with friends and family at a moment’s notice. Read on to discover the world’s top locations – from where it is absolutely necessary to send a postcard…

Postcards from North America

North America is home to some of the most visually dynamic scenery on the planet. Among its 50 states, there are soaring mountains, cactus-strewn deserts, gaping canyons, and epic glaciers, many of which are protected by the wonderful folks at the National Park Service .

Los Angeles, California

If you’re visiting California, chances are you’ll also be passing through Los Angeles. The Dolby Theatre (site of the glittering Oscars) at the junction of Hollywood Boulevard and Highland Avenue is a brilliant place to snap a selfie in front of the Hollywood sign. It’s a classic postcard pose guaranteed to earn kudos! 

Yosemite National Park

Exploring Yosemite is a ‘bucket list’ experience. A sprawling natural wonderland filled with giant Sequoias, majestic cliffs, and gushing waterfalls. It’s almost impossible to take a bad picture. But if you want to share the true essence of Yosemite with friends and family, you’ll need to send a personalized holiday postcard of yourself in front of El Capitan . This dramatic granite mountain is twice the height of the Empire State Building and ever-so-pretty, surrounded by picturesque pine trees on all sides.

A postcard from Long Beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island will have its recipient groaning with envy. The beach is vast (the longest in the Pacific Rim National Park) and wildly romantic. At low tide, visitors can scamper around a collection of rocky islands, and at high tide there’s ripping surf to enjoy. 

Postcards from across Europe

With its ancient cobbled streets, roman ruins, and cosmopolitan café culture, there’s no limit to the amount of sightseeing you can do in photogenic Europe. Best of all, it’s easy to hop from one country to the next by train. Interail allows you to explore 33 countries with a single train ticket. That’s at least 33 cool postcards. And did you know you can send unlimited postcards with TouchNote for just $4.99 a month?

Cool, classy, and compulsory to visit when in Europe, Paris never disappoints. It’s customary to send a vacation postcard from the Eiffel Tower of course, but instead of visiting by day, when hordes of tourists line the boulevards in front of the famous landmark, drop by at night when the tower is lit up by a thousand flashbulbs. Trust us, it’s even more spectacular. 

When in Rome, many opt for a picture of themselves and their date (or a waiter if they can’t get one) eating from the same bowl of spaghetti à la Lady & The Tramp . Alternatively, head to the most elaborate and iconic fountain in Europe: the Trevi Fountain . Recently the venue for a Fendi fashion show , this 18th-century masterpiece is literally overflowing with history and glamour.

Why do postcards from London always include Buckingham Palace or Piccadilly Circus? Buck the trend and whizz up to the top of The Shard , a sexy skyscraper offering 360-degree views of the pulsing capital, and have someone take your photo. The Sky Lounge on the 34th storey does excellent champagne cocktails to end the night with.

Postcards from other places around the world

When it comes to sending postcards, no destination is too far-flung or tropical. And remember, a postcard isn’t just a vehicle for bragging rights, it’s also an amazing way to say ‘thank you’ or simply let someone know they’re on your mind.

Sydney Harbor is one of the most lusted-after destinations in the world. Not only does it boast that iconic bridge, there are the sleek curves of the Sydney Opera House behind it to consider. Jump aboard one of the regular ferries that zip across the water to get a panoramic view, or scale the heights of the bridge with BridgeClimb to snap a more adventurous angle.

For the ultimate postcard, few landmarks can compare with Rio de Janeiro’s 98-foot statue of Christ the Redeemer . If money is no object, a helicopter tour delivers the ultimate viewing experience. Otherwise, the statue is easily accessible via cog train (it’s just 20 minutes to the top of Corcovado Mountain). The best time to go is mid-week, or early morning. 

The perfect postcard moment in Madagascar? Lemurs are cute and all but we kind of prefer to leave animals alone. Much better to zoom over to the Avenue of the Baobabs , a dirt road in the Menabe region of West Madagascar, where 25 ancient baobab trees line the road. What’s so special about them? The species (Adansonia grandidieri ) grows particularly tall (up to 30 meters) and doesn’t exist anywhere else on earth.

Send personalized postcards for travel with TouchNote

Of course, TouchNote postcards are great for sharing your globetrotting adventures. But, it’s sharing everyday moments that let your loved ones know how much you care.  

We send internationally and, best of all, each postcard is highly personalizable so you can design them using your own photos from your phone. 

Create a unique postcard today by clicking here.

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Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

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Best Time To Visit Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

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How to take the best photos of the cherry blossoms

Every spring, people travel from near and far to walk among the cherry blossoms in D.C. And while you’re not allowed to take any blooms, you can take as many photos as you’d like.

We met Washington Post photojournalists Marvin Joseph and Matt McClain down by the Tidal Basin one morning during peak bloom. They’re no strangers to the season. They’ve each spent countless hours getting the lighting just right from the water to the trees, navigating the crowds winding around the basin and using their surroundings to make a great photo. We filmed them as they worked and asked them to share a few tips with us.

This conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Best time of day to go

Marvin: My favorite time of the day to take cherry blossom photos is actually in the afternoon. I love how that warm glow seeps through the cherry blossom petals. So I’m a huge fan of afternoon light, and not just any afternoon light — almost evening afternoon light.

Matt: I think my favorite part about photographing the cherry blossoms is getting out here early in the morning. That way, I can take advantage of the nice light, morning light. And I can also kind of navigate the crowds, which in the morning is far less of what you’ll see like later on, later in the day.

I think there’s something about the pre-dawn light where you get a little bit of color in the sky, and then you see the sun come up. There’s a different quality of light. It feels a little bluer.

How to get the best lighting

Marvin: Look for where the sunlight is. Photograph a person next to the tree trunk of the blossoms. What you’ll get is illumination on a tree bark texture, and you’ll also get the illumination of the face and of the cherry blossom petals. It’s a beautiful picture. You get a nice warm glow from the sun.

Matt: I like doing a combination of using my own lights, using some flash and then also just taking advantage of available sunlight. And my favorite time to come out, so early in the morning when you get like the first rays — low directional rays of the light of sunlight hitting the blossoms — it just makes everything come to life. It’s almost otherworldly.

Finding a good composition

Marvin: I would say I’m trying to create a postcard. I think of some of the most beautiful postcards in my head, and I try to re-create that — some with people, some without people.

Matt: The blossoms have a natural framing, the way the trees are shaped. There’s very much a tunnel effect that you’ll see along the Tidal Basin here, and it just provides almost natural composition.

What colors to wear

Marvin: If I was doing a fashion shoot here on the Tidal Basin, man, I would do a variety of things. For example, the sidewalk along the Tidal Basin would become a de facto runway. I would have the model sashay down the Tidal Basin runway, and her gown [would be] preferably pink, you know, to pay homage to the blossom.

Strangely enough, you can’t go wrong with, like, pastel colors — so baby blues and other pinks. But then you have colors like a bright red or a bright canary yellow, and they look great as a contrast with the very light pink cherry blossom petals.

Using the surroundings

Marvin: I try to find a giant canopy of the blossoms. I love having a framing device, and I feel like the cherry blossoms canopy framing the people kind of gives it this cushion. … I like to get down low and shoot upward at the person. And of course, when you shoot up, you see that you’re surrounded by all the blossoms.

Navigating the crowds

Marvin: Just kind of have an idea where you’re trying to go and try to make yourself as thin as possible.

Matt: Don’t be afraid to take a different path. A lot of times you’ll see people kind of go the same direction on the walkways. Don’t be afraid to kind of go off and get away from people. Don’t be drawn to what other people are photographing. Follow your own sort of direction, follow your own instincts of what you want to do. If you go away from people, you’re going to find something more unique, probably, than what everybody else is congregating around.

The actual blossoms

Marvin: The general rule is we are not allowed to really pluck and touch and pull at and tug at the cherry blossoms. They are something that we cherish here in Washington, D.C.

Marvin: Human interaction does a lot for me in my pictures. It’s a big deal for me even right now. … Dozens of people can’t help themselves. They stand close to the trees, or they’ll bring the branch close to their face. You know, that’s human interaction. It’s this connection between man and plant.

Matt: I think it’s important to capture that feeling of what these mean to people. I want to impart that to people because why do people keep coming here? I think it’s important to capture their excitement when they see the cherry blossoms because they bring a lot of joy to people. And I think that’s a good thing.

What makes a good photo?

Matt: I think a good photo can be any that you have any kind of reaction to a positive reaction. If it makes you feel something and it elicits some kind of feeling, I think that’s what makes a good photo.

Are seeing the cherry blossoms overrated?

Marvin: I do not think the cherry blossoms are overrated. I think that a case in point is right now: It’s a chilly day, and people are out here. They are not overrated. They make people smile. They give people joy.

Matt: I feel an excitement every year to come out here and capture it. I think the reason why a lot of people really gravitate toward them is because they’re so fleeting. You know, they’re here for a moment in time each year, and there’s something really special about that.

Watch the video of tips

Edited by Tara McCarty and Jessica Koscielniak. Additional support by Amber Ferguson. Copy edited by Allison Cho.

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• Top reader photos of D.C.’s cherry blossoms and the beloved tree Stumpy March 20, 2024 Top reader photos of D.C.’s cherry blossoms and the beloved tree Stumpy March 20, 2024

Material Witnesses in Moscow

• Introduction
• Naïve Matryoshka
• Presidential Matryoshka
• Khokhloma Spoon
• Beresta Boxes

Moscow-Themed Postcards and Souvenirs

• Izmailovo District
• Vernisazh People
• - Introduction
• - About Us
• - Naïve Matryoshka
• - Presidential Matryoshka
• - Znachki
• - Khokhloma Spoon
• - Beresta Boxes
• - Moscow-Themed Postcards and Souvenirs
• - Izmailovo District
• - Vernisazh People

The Moscow Theme

The towers of the Izmailovo Kremlin evoke the Kremlin on Red Square and also hark back to the Moscow Baroque architectural style of the 17th century (“Naryshkin style”).

At the Vernisazh and Izmailovo Kremlin, as well as at other Moscow venues where souvenirs are sold, we found diverse objects depicting well-known Moscow views or landmarks — so many that we decided to devote an exhibit to this topic! Whether vintage and contemporary postcards, common souvenirs such as znachki or refrigerator magnets, or specialty objects that reflect new trends in graphic design, images conveying the “Moscow theme” were all over the city. Some objects were clearly intended for tourists, whereas others expressed Muscovites’ insider knowledge and love for their city. Taken as a group, these images reflected many different perspectives on Moscow’s essential qualities.

We were fascinated by the different cultural and artisanal pathways for the circulation of old and new images of Moscow. Some images of Moscow taken from historical sources such as old photographs or paintings were reproduced on surfaces of both hand-crafted and mass-produced objects like jewelry box covers and wall hangings. Older Moscow-themed printed materials were also on offer, as in the case of vintage postcards – these were originally mass-produced items, but are now sold as rare single exemplars.

This exhibit explores the ways in which the Kremlin and other iconic Moscow sites have been represented across the different periods of the city’s history – Muscovite, imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet – in postcards and souvenirs. In searching for and examining the “Moscow theme” as conveyed by images and objects for sale, we looked for continuities across the city’s diverse periods, as well as combinations and selective reconstructions of Moscow’s history.

Around Moscow

We noticed a lot of “Moscow love” around the city – expressions of affection and pride towards the city in prominent public spaces. “I Love Moscow” markers were common in Moscow city parks when we visited, offering ideal spots for a tourist selfie.

The Izmailovo Kremlin is also an object of love!

The epithet “friendly city” was associated with the public-facing culture of Moscow in the late 2010s, a place of festivals and attractive up-to-date urban recreation spaces like the lively post-Soviet incarnation of Gorky Park.

About Souvenirs

When we visit a city, we hope that a small piece of the experience remains with us after we leave, as a material witness to the fact that we were there. At the Vernisazh and elsewhere, we found diverse forms of Moscow-themed souvenirs – keepsakes such as matryoshka dolls and imitation Fabergé eggs, as well as printed items such as Moscow postcards and thematic maps. These small and inexpensive souvenir objects prompted us to consider Moscow’s various pasts and the ways in which cultural memory brings historical images of the city back to life, imbuing them with new meanings for new times. This imaginative work is accomplished by the artisans and designers who create the souvenirs, but once the sale is completed, the buyer takes possession of what is now a personal object with individual as well as collective significance. In this way, souvenirs are both ordinary and special. Souvenirs convey a double-nostalgia – for vanished eras, but also for the personal travels and experiences that prompted their purchase.

In his book Souvenir , Rolf Potts describes five different types of tourist mementos. The first two types are “real” objects — physical fragments such as pebbles or ticket stubs, as well as local products, including the revived artisanal crafts we saw at the Vernisazh. These objects asserted a handmade authenticity in contrast to the mass-production origins of most souvenirs for tourists. In fact, the other three types of souvenirs that Potts lists are connected to the history of affordable mass tourism, which dates back to the late 19 th century. These latter three types include pictorial representations such as postcards, markers such as mugs or T-shirts, and “symbolic shorthand” items such as miniature representations of famous monuments.

The Eiffel Tower, constructed as the entrance to the 1889 World’s Fair in Paris, offers the consummate example of this last category, as is fitting for the most-visited paid monument in the world.

The Eiffel Tower is also the premiere example of a classic “postcarded” site. You can buy a postcard right there and send two messages simultaneously – “I was here” and “Wish you were here”!

A well-known essay by scholar Naomi Schor, “ Cartes postales : Representing Paris 1900,” proposes turn-of-century Parisian postcards as a kind of “discourse of the metropolis.” Schor sees postcard iconography as a way of offering French citizens of the time a self-representation in “euphoric mode,” expressing both nationalistic and imperialistic ambitions. Paris postcards recorded both the vanishing “old” Paris with its celebrated past and the emerging “new” modern Paris. In this way, postcards made it possible to possess the totality of the city at a time when the rapid changes associated with modernity were making Paris seem more fragmented and less monolithic, both physically and socially. We can apply Schor’s ideas to Moscow as well, scrutinizing the images on vintage and contemporary Moscow postcards in search of clues to the attitudes they convey about this mythic, “most Russian of cities,” across times of change.

Russian Postcards

Postcards, like leaflets and brochures, are a form of ephemera , a term that refers to transitory written or printed material created for short-term purposes, not meant to last or even carry meaning beyond their initial use. In actual fact, the sale and purchase of vintage postcards points to the value of preserving these seemingly commonplace ephemeral-material artifacts, such that any piece of ephemera has the potential to become a valued personal souvenir, even something like a torn ticket stub. In Encyclopedia of Ephemera: A Guide to the Fragmentary Documents of Everyday Life for the Collector, Curator, and Historian , Maurice Rickards observes, “The essential appeal of most forms of ephemera lies in their fragility, their vulnerability, the very improbability of their survival.”

Postcards first appeared in Russia in the late 19th century, just as they did in Western Europe and the United States. In 1894, the Russian Minister of Internal Affairs granted official permission for private persons to create postcard blanks, opening the way for a surge in production, with print runs ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of copies. The first postcards bearing photographic images of Moscow and St. Petersburg soon appeared in shops and by the late 1890s, color postcards of these and other Russian cities were produced by both foreign and Russian publishers. A black-and-white postcard cost 3-5 kopeks and a color postcard 10-15 kopeks.

The “view” postcard — in Russian, vidovaia otkrytka — is one of the main postcard types across cultures, particularly common in urban environments. While these postcard views were the natural successors to earlier visual forms such as prints, drawings, paintings, and maps, the postcard as a mass-produced object was accessible and affordable to all.

In Russia, the disruptions of the Bolshevik Revolution and Civil War interrupted the postcard industry, but after a time, mass-produced early Soviet postcards began to circulate. Some of these vintage Soviet-era postcards are now on display and for sale at the Vernisazh.

During the post-Soviet 1990s and continuing to the present, book-length studies of postcards have explored this aspect of Russian cultural history. In Russia’s case, postcards are a very important source of information about architectural structures destroyed during the 20 th century, not just in capital cities, but in locales where major Soviet engineering projects fundamentally altered the natural and cultural environment. Vintage postcards offered a way to resurrect and reconstruct lost elements of the built environment, and there was therapeutic value for Russian society in re-membering the fragmented past and re-collecting losses. But putting all the pieces back together again was also, by definition, an impossible project. These contradictions lend the old postcards recirculating at the Vernisazh a particular poignancy.

Every postcard tells a story and postcard series and collections tell many stories. A multi-purpose market like the Vernisazh can put these images back into circulation so that we can enjoy and learn from them.

The 1898 Memorial to Alexander II pictured here was demolished in 1918 in the wake of the Bolshevik Revolution, a cultural moment marked by the destruction of significant imperial-era buildings and monuments. A contemporary statue to Alexander II, different yet similar to the old one, was established in 2005 near the reconstructed Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This reversal is characteristic of Russian culture, always contending with the many complex legacies of the past, cast in doubt by historical disruptions and reclaimed in a new era for more present purposes.

Moscow Kremlin Views

Postcards offer opportunities for comparison and reflection. This exhibit began with a photo of the Izmailovo Kremlin towers. Here we offer a small selection of Moscow Kremlin postcards from imperial and Soviet times. In considering how these familiar structures were represented at different cultural moments across the 19th-21st centuries, we also offer views of Muscovites moving through the spaces of their city.

This next image shows a city of everyday scenes, with a foreground emphasis on the humbler foundations and functions of the great city, whose famous Kremlin and St. Basil’s spires rise in the distance — the Moscow river and a set of small barges. Many Moscow postcards from the imperial era include ordinary scenes and people like this. The tiny human figures emphasize the grand-scale of the buildings and thoroughfares, but Moscow nevertheless emerges as a lived-in place for real people.

It is curious that the up-to-date photographic and color technologies that produced this image render, in contrast, this peaceful, almost retrograde urban landscape, especially in the foreground. In fact, Moscow of this period in the late 19th century was growing rapidly due to industrialization and peasant migration, beset by crises in housing, sanitation, and transportation. This image thus reflects a selection principle, a choice to represent Moscow in a particular, more familiar and comforting way.

The next two postcards offer a contrast between imperial- and Soviet-era views of the same Kremlin site. These images both show the Troitskie Gates of the Troitskaya Tower (the tallest Kremlin tower) and the white Kustafya Tower, its barbican. The imperial-era image shows the bridge and entranceway, with individual Muscovites rendered in detailed miniature. The imperial-era postcard includes inscriptions in both Russian and French, a common convention of the time, convenient for foreign tourists unlikely to know Russian.

The 1957 Soviet-era postcard, in contrast, pulls back to diminish the Muscovites clustered by the entrance, their postures and arrangement suggesting a line of supplicants. The physical entrance provided by the Troitskie Gates is not shown and the Kustafya Tower appears larger and somewhat menacing. This Soviet postcard also emphasizes the modern trolleybus wires laced above the scene, signs of state technologies and forms of transport that benefit Soviet citizens, but also a net in which the whole seems ensnared. There seems no sense that this postcard is intended for foreigners. The differences between the two postcards reflect in part the Kremlin’s more elevated role as the seat of power for the Soviet state, as compared to its status as the “ancient former capital” eclipsed by imperial St. Petersburg. In the Soviet postcard, a red star sits atop the tower instead of the double-headed eagle.

The next two postcards offer contrasting representations of Russian state power. The imperial-era postcard of the Tsar-Cannon shows people of diverse classes sharing the intimate space of the monument itself. (For some, this image might recall the famous scene from Tolstoy’s War and Peace , in which this same cannon offers a place of refuge from the crushing crowd for young Petya Rostov at the time of Napoleon’s invasion of 1812, a moment of great national vulnerability.) In the Soviet-era postcard, in contrast, Red Square is vast, a burning sun in the sky turns everything pale, shining on both the spire of tsarist St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Kremlin star atop Spasskaya, the main tower on the eastern wall. Lenin’s Mausoleum is the most prominent structure in the foreground, a clear sign of the state’s great and seemingly all-seeing power.

More Postcard Views of Moscow

Consider these next two packets of postcards — komplekty in Russian. The first, a 1954 Views of Moscow set, displays static and uniformly grey images of monumental architecture. Eight of the images are devoted to buildings, whereas two images display monuments to iconic figures in Russian cultural history: national poet Alexander Pushkin and Russian war heroes Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitri Pozharsky, who fought to expel the invading Poles in the early 17th century, thereby securing the rule of the Romanov dynasty. These mythic human figures are central to imperial Russian national identity, and yet their monuments are claimed as central icons of Soviet Moscow, the result of a strategic shift in official cultural policy under Stalin. The other images on this same Moscow postcard set cover tell many such stories of built structures and their unlikely cultural afterlives.

The next three images come from a special 2012 postcard set devoted to the historical Zariad’e neighborhood, produced by the project “The Moscow That is No More” ( Moskva, kotoroi net ) on the eve of the massive construction project that would create a major urban landscape park in Zariad’e in the later 2010s. The Zariad’e packet provides a subtle geographical and historical tour of the area, now even more strikingly overtaken by time.

The 2012 post-Soviet postcard set maps the old Zariad’e neighborhood using intimate photographic images from the 1930s that show shabby urban scenes such as this view of Mokrinskii Lane. These images appear in black-and white, like the ones in the 1954 Views of Moscow set, but the two are very different. The 1954 set is monumental and the black-and-white photography is precise, almost hyperreal, and thoroughly official, whereas the 2012 set feels intimate and elegiac, a view into a lost world. And yet, 1930s Moscow does not usually carry such quiet associations: this was a time of terror, when Muscovites themselves, rather than old buildings, were disappearing in alarming ways.

Contemplating contemporary Moscow-themed postcards reveals the diverse iconographies of the city – the images and symbolic language through which the city speaks its identity.

Across the top of this recent Moscow postcard are two of the oldest and most iconic architectural structures of the city – St. Basil’s Cathedral and the Spasskaya Kremlin Tower, juxtaposed as a tourist might see them at night. This view offers a contrast to the emphasis on Soviet brute power in the earlier Kremlin postcard example. Images of these two buildings appear over and over again on all types of Moscow souvenirs.

Along the middle row of our postcard, however, things get more interesting. Here are three iconic structures, reflecting the imperial, Soviet, and post-Soviet-reconstruction eras – the outer images show a Seven Sisters skyscraper from the Stalin era and the imperial Cathedral of Christ the Savior, destroyed by Stalin in 1931 and triumphantly rebuilt in the 1990s. In the middle is the Bolshoi Theater, constructed in the early 19 th century after the great fire of 1812. The Bolshoi Theater had an uncertain future during the early Soviet period, but in the end, escaped demolition, becoming a monument to postwar Soviet achievements in the arts. The juxtaposition of these three structures raises many complicated questions about Russian cultural legacies, past and present.

The final row of this post-Soviet postcard shows the skyscrapers of Moscow-City, the Moscow International Business Center Complex on the Presnenskaya Embankment, a soaring tribute to the new post-Soviet Russia built on the site of an old industrial zone. It is interesting that Moscow-City is presented in the bottom row, rather than the top. Perhaps this is because this postcard is intended for tourists who associate Moscow with the more fanciful-looking architectural styles of the past, or perhaps because Moscow as a city can never escape the weight of its complicated pasts.

We can juxtapose the preceding contemporary photo-collage postcard of Moscow with a 1985 Soviet-era postcard set titled Artists on Moscow , which reproduces paintings from both the 19 th and 20 th centuries. This postcard set looks back to earlier periods in the city’s development and offers a late-Soviet narrative of progress and prosperity. By purchasing this 1985 vintage packet at the Vernisazh, we can contemplate a late-Soviet compilation-representation of Moscow that gathers and recirculates images from the past, a move that we ourselves repeat in the present, as we look through the postcards.

Moscow-Themed Souvenirs

As we wandered around the Vernisazh and across Moscow, we became curious about the diverse variety of specifically Moscow-themed objects for sale. Some Moscow-themed souvenirs reflected the upsurge of interest in renewing traditional handmade artisanal forms, whereas others offered mass-produced versions of formerly elite objects. We sought to understand what souvenir-artifacts tell us about the images of Moscow in circulation today and also which particular aspects of the city’s past these souvenirs evoke.

During the imperial period, the famed Fabergé eggs were associated with St. Petersburg, not Moscow. A series of some fifty richly ornamented works of master craftsmanship, the Russian Imperial Easter Eggs were commissioned between 1885 and 1917 from the workshop of Carl Fabergé as personal gifts to royal family members – keepsakes and family heirlooms, rather than souvenirs. During the early Soviet decades, a number of the original Fabergé eggs were sold abroad to finance the projects of the new Soviet state, but during the post-Soviet period, many of those expatriate eggs were purchased by oligarch Viktor Vekselberg and returned to Russia, to be featured in a new Petersburg museum housed in the Shuvalov Palace.

Today, a visitor to Russia encounters thousands of mass-produced Fabergé-inspired souvenirs of every size, color, and design, and at every price point – like the Moscow-themed version shown here, with its miniature approximation of St. Basil’s Cathedral housed in a sky-blue egg depicting the Kremlin. Beginning at the Moscow airport, the ubiquitous eggs are featured in tourist retail venues, museum stores, and souvenir market stalls in a hallucinatory proliferation. Our Moscow-themed egg is an example of the “symbolic shorthand” performed by souvenirs, offering its purchaser a vivid sense of the Fabergé experience, conveyed by an immediately-recognizable icon of imperial Russian culture for new times.

It is not fanciful to evoke the Moscow Kremlin with a Fabergé egg. The real Fabergé Moscow Kremlin egg of 1906 was inspired by the Dormition Cathedral, where all of the Russian tsars were crowned. The Moscow Kremlin egg was the largest of the original Fabergé eggs and it was never sold abroad, although it might easily have been during the early Soviet years. The Moscow Kremlin egg has long been exhibited in the Kremlin Armory alongside other Russian state treasures. The coexistence of the inexpensive blue souvenir egg from the Vernisazh, which reclaims an imperial tradition by making it available to any tourist as an affordable souvenir, and the now-priceless imperial artifact in the Kremlin museum, maintained for decades by the Soviet state that initially despised such royal baubles, is one of the fascinating accidents of Russian history that the circulatory powers of the Vernisazh brings into focus.

Continuing to search out Moscow-themed souvenirs, we found this cheerful matryoshka with a fantastical rendering of Red Square architectural elements on her belly. As shown in the two dedicated matryoshka exhibits on our site, the surface of this common Russian souvenir provides a canvas for depicting a variety of Russian motifs for new times. The choice of Moscow here suggests a connection between the form of the matryoshka doll and the potent ideal of “Mother Russia” – or perhaps “Mother Moscow.”

This selection of Moscow-themed znachki felt classic as well as educational – encouraging the purchaser to learn the names of the individual Kremlin towers. It is curious that these post-Soviet representations use a de-emphasizing silver-white, instead of the immediately recognizable Soviet-red for the stars atop each tower.

• N. Larina, Istoriia Moskvy v pochtovoi otkrytke (2010).
• Julie Buckler, “Performing Commodities: The Fabergé Imperial Eggs” in Russian Performances , eds., Buckler, Cassiday, and Wolfson (2018).
• David Prochaska and Jordana Mendelson, eds., Postcards: Ephemeral Histories of Modernity (2010).
• Maurice Rickards, The Encyclopedia of Ephemera: A Guide to the Fragmentary Documents of Everyday Life for the Collector, Curator, and Historian (2000).
• Alison Rowley, Open Letters: Russian Popular Culture and the Picture Postcard, 1880-1922 (2013).
• Naomi Schor, “Cartes postales: Representing Paris 1900,” Critical Inquiry , Vol. 18, No. 2, Winter 1992.
• S. Zabochen’, M. A. Blinov and T. I. Geidor, eds., Russkii gorod na pochtovoi otkrytke kontsa XIX–nachala XX veka (1997).

This illuminating  photo essay  contains historical images of the  budyonovka  hat, which it turns out was originally designed by artist Viktor Vasnetsov for the tsar’s army and modeled on the helmet of the Russian epic heroes known as the  bogatyrs .

Openwork refers to ornamental patterns of openings created using various materials.

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

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

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

Travel Itinerary For One Week in Moscow

Day 1 – red square and the kremlin.

Metro Station: Okhotny Ryad on Red Line.

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: Kropotkinskaya on Red Line

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Metro Station: VDNKh on Orange Line

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

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

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

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

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

Day 5 – A Tour To Moscow Manor Houses

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 6 – Explore the Golden Ring

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conclusion and Recommendations

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

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

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24 comments.

Ann Snook-Moreau

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

MindTheTravel

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

Mariella Blago

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

Thanks, Mariella!

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

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

Tara Pittman

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

Adriana Lopez

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

What was their favourite thing about Russia?

Gladys Parker

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

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

Ruthy @ Percolate Kitchen

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

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

DANA GUTKOWSKI

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

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

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

Reesa Lewandowski

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

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

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

Chelsea Pearl

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

Thumbs up! 🙂

Blair Villanueva

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

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

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Read Like the Wind

2 novels bestowed by fate.

A Chinatown hotel; an adventuress on the make.

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By Sadie Stein

Dear readers,

This dates me, I guess, but I don’t like to leave the house without a physical book. It makes me very anxious to be stranded without reading material — what if I’m trapped in an elevator, or the bus hits traffic, or my friend is late? And while devices are a good backup, e-books just don’t bring the same sense of security. Even my smallest purses have to be capacious enough to hold a paperback.

Because I live in an apartment building with a lively lobby-book trade, when I’m between reads I often leave it to chance (or whichever neighbors are cleaning out their bookshelves) and pick something up on my way out the door. This might mean James Patterson on some days; on others, Kierkegaard. It’s added real depth to my reading life! Here are a couple of recent hits.

“I Hotel,” by Karen Tei Yamashita

Fiction, 2010

I’d been meaning to read “I Hotel” ever since Paul Yamazaki, the legendary buyer of San Francisco’s City Lights bookstore, recommended it in an interview. So you can imagine my excitement when it appeared on a lobby radiator last January: It was fate — or maybe that nice woman with the sweet terrier mix who lives on 4.

Mixing literary fiction, playwriting and graphic art, “I Hotel” is made up of a series of interconnected novellas set over 10 years in and around one real-life Chinatown hotel. Yamashita’s subject is the Asian American movement of the 1960s and ’70s, a moment of intense artistic and political blossoming. As San Francisco heaves with changes, the hotel resists gentrification even as it plays host to an-ever widening roster of characters and activists. There’s the philosophical postcard-collector who quotes Mao and Gertrude Stein, and the journalist for an alt weekly who’s covering the controversy over whether to declare Chinese New Year a holiday in local schools. We meet a Filipino American farm union worker and a Japanese American organizer working to transform a sweatshop. There are cameos from Oakland Black Panthers and Berkeley antiwar protestors. The Indians of All Tribes occupy Alcatraz; the war rages; there’s a pig-cooking contest; there are ghosts. It’s electrifying.

Lots of other blurb-ish words actually apply here — ambitious, sweeping, virtuosic, kaleidoscopic.This is certainly the Great San Francisco Novel. I’m angry for all the years I wasted not having read it and glad that maybe some of you will come to it as a result of my writing this now.

Read if you like: “The People’s Almanac,” the Cow Palace, San Francisco Sounds Available from: City Lights !

“The Custom of the Country,” by Edith Wharton

Fiction, 1913

I grabbed this out of desperation. I was running late; I knew I would finish my Ruth Rendell before the end of my train ride to Philadelphia; my only lobby options were a 2007 Fodor’s Guide to the Berkshires and this copy of “The Custom of the Country,” which someone seemed to have downloaded from the internet. Oh well, I thought. I haven’t read it since college, and even if it is printed in Noto Sans, Edith Wharton is better than nothing.

How had I forgotten how incredible this novel is? The story of an adventuress on the make, it’s one of Wharton’s most rollicking works: She’s as unflinching as ever, and as gimlet-eyed on the vagaries of high society, but it’s also clear how much fun she has portraying parvenu crassness. (Mental note: Pigeon-blood notepaper with white ink is totally declassé.) And in Undine Spragg, the small-town beauty determined to conquer New York, Wharton gives us one of her most remarkable creations. Undine is spoiled, willful, ruthless and vulgar, an amalgam of all Wharton’s Ugliest Americans. But even at her broadest, she remains a fully realized human. You love to hate her — at times it’s as though the author wonders exactly how monstrous she can render her, and keep you reading — and yet a part of you can’t help rooting for her, too.

Time and again, I found myself dog-earing or underlining lines whose wording could simply not have been better (an advantage of a copy this crummy is that you feel free to annotate without guilt). Take this passage, after Undine has thrown a tantrum: “That incident had left her half-ashamed, half-frightened of her behavior, and she had tried to atone for it by the indirect arts that were her nearest approach to acknowledging herself in the wrong.”

Read if you like: “The House of Mirth,” “The Gilded Age” Available from: The internet, evidently

Why don’t you …

Judge a book by its cover? Last weekend, I stopped by the current exhibition at the Grolier Club: Book bindings from 1470-2020. But you don’t need to be in New York to see it; their programs are beautifully digitized .

Make your escape? There’s escapism, and then there’s “The Rome Affair,” by the British writer Karen Swan. You want glamour and romance in the Eternal City? She’s got you. How about some lurid family secrets, hidden passages, yachts, surly heroes, vintage gowns, missing jewels and identical twins? I often think how much duller my life would be had some anonymous benefactor not left this gateway Swan in my building’s lobby, introducing me to the Moët & Chandon Imperial Vintage 1946 of beach reads.

Self-actualize? One of my recent giveaway-table acquisitions is a blank notebook. Always useful, right? Except this notebook, titled “In My Humble Opinion,” is full of … abuse. On every page is some sour, misanthropic maxim: “Don’t overestimate the decency of the human race” (H.L. Mencken); “I don’t have pet peeves, I have whole kennels of irritation” (Whoopi Goldberg). I presume it’s intended for venting; I use it mostly for shopping lists. Today: ingredients for lentil soup; “Humanity is a pigsty, where liars, hypocrites and the obscene in spirit congregate.” (George Moore)

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VIP view: Best moments from the Houston Rockets gala celebrating the 1994 championship team

M idway through the Houston Rockets gala Friday night, the NBA team's owner, Tilman Fertitta, told the crowd that he spent the 11th hour rearranging furniture inside the ballroom at the Post Oak Hotel to get everything just-so. To the casual observer, the setup was dazzling, contemporary and decidedly un-gala.

In lieu of the usual roundtable configuration, there were lounge-style vignettes with low, modular sofas separated by coffee tables. There were chili cheese hot dog stations and build-your-own nacho stations. Catering teams slid fries fresh out of the fryer into individual paper jackets. Sushi and sashami shared a corner with pre-boxed sliders — brisket or sirloin. Curious about Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson's champagne? Le Chemin Du Roi Brut and Roi Brut Rose Champagne were on proud display at each bar. 

The fundraiser benefiting Clutch City Foundation has been held at the Landry's Hangar in recent years. Feritta is the sole owner of Landry's Inc., which now includes the Post Oak Hotel at Uptown campus. For 2024's shindig in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Rockets' 1993-94 championship team, organizers upped the ante.

In step with NBA players' off-court aesthetic, gala attendees were directed to wear sequins and sneakers. Box of Donuts, a New Orleans-based KISS cover band, performed Top 40 hits throughout the punchy, upbeat program. One guest sprinted onstage and grabbed a pair of drumsticks during a rendition of DJ Snake and Lil Jon's "Turn Down for What."

This was some party.

And then there were the guests of honor. Matt Thomas, host of the Matt Thomas Show on Sports Talk 790 and radio play-by-play broadcaster for the Rockets, was the team's PA announcer in 1994.

"Thirty years ago I was the announcer inside The Summit," he said. "Who was there the night the Rockets clinched the 1994 championship?"

As party-goers rose to their feet, Thomas introduced players from the 2023-2024 Rockets lineup before inviting up the starters from the 1993-1994 championship team.

"You get a bond that is so damn strong. We'll be together for the rest of our lives," said Rockets former coach Rudy Tomjanovich. "We are brothers. We are Rockets forever."

Robert Horry, former Rockets small forward/power forward, also said a few words. "Houston, we became Clutch City because of you. We brought the first championship team to Houston because of Houston. No one else said it, but I will, y'all have the hearts of a champion."

Horry had some encouragement for Fertitta, too. "You got the right ingredients, man. Big things are happening in Houston."

Fertitta's attention to detail paid off. More than $750,000 was raised toward the foundation's mission to provide experiences for local, underserved communities through the power of basketball.