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The 10 Best Serving Trays to Spice Up Your Home Decor

Add richness and intrigue to a room with these excellent home accessories., todd plummer, todd plummer's most recent stories.

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Everyone has different tastes and every room is unique, but there’s something universally special about having the right serving tray in a room. The function of these home accessories is so straightforward and utilitarian (they hold things), from books to candles to cocktails. But the best ones are able to stand alone, adding some texture and sense of intrigue to a space. Personally, I have a giant vintage Hermès serving tray on my ottoman. It has followed me from apartment to apartment. It has become an essential component to my home’s atmosphere. 

If you’re to follow my example, check out the best serving trays to give or receive this season. 

What To Consider When Buying the Best Serving Trays:

The first question you need to think about when looking for the best serving tray is whether its function will be utilitarian or purely decorative. Options designed to carry things will need to be larger and sturdier, whereas others that serve as mere accessories can be more delicate and ornamental. From there, these are some attributes to keep in mind.

Dimensions: Consider the proportions and scale of a particular serving tray before you commit to it. You’ll also need to consider where it’s going to live in your home—and whether it’s going to look too big or too small for a given ottoman or table.

Material: Trays can be made of woods, leathers, acrylics, metals, and even marble. If you plan on actually using one to actually serve food and beverages, consider something lighter weight. Wood and leather options would be most ideal for this scenario, as they are both durable and less cumbersome than, say, something made of stone or plastic. And if you’re looking for a statement piece, consider styles with more heft. 

Ralph Lauren Home Wyatt Small Tray

Ralph Lauren’s iconic home collection is all the rage these days—and for good reason. Primarily, it’s designed with a classic sensibility that feels modern and versatile enough to work in any home. This tray in particular is part of the brand’s Wyatt line, handmade with luxurious calfskin that brings Ralph Lauren–approved elegance to any room. It has the perfect size and heft to feel substantial but is also low-profile enough to be styled according to your personal taste.  Dimensions: 20 x 14 x 3 inches. Material: Leather. Style: Transitional.

Jonathan Adler Eden Lacquer Tray

A lacquered tray works wonders for any room. This colorful piece from Jonathan Adler—designed with one of the brand’s signatures, a serpent design—is both sophisticated and playful. It’ll make a great addition to maximalist rooms or make a statement in more neutral ones.  Dimensions: 17 x 14 x 2 inches. Material: Lacquer. Style: East Asian.

Hermès Etriviere Tray

Is there any brand that does leather better than Hermès? The two handles on this beauty are made from highest-quality saddle-stitched bridle leather, a hallmark of the storied French label. The attention to detail continues with the material; this tray is made of mahogany, cassia, and oak, with perfectly executed comb joints. The leather, the carpentry, the grain of the wood: Everything about it is truly excellent. In fact, it may be too beautiful to serve its intended purpose.  Dimensions: 20.1 x 14.6 inches.  Material: Leather and wood. Style: Transitional. 

The Conran Shop Walnut Tray

Every man needs a reliable mid-sized wood tray in his home—whether it’s for serving charcuterie at a cocktail party or serving style in a den or office. Indeed, there are many options available, but this one from the Conran Shop, a brand celebrated for creating the sleekest wood accessories, tops our list. It is made of walnut with a rich veneer and is sensibly sized to fit on most end tables, coffee tables, and credenzas. Dimensions: 14.7 x 12 x 1 inches.  Material: Walnut. Style: Midcentury modern. 

Nambé Tahoe Bar Tray

Form and function go hand in hand with the tray from Nambé. As its name clearly indicates, this item is meant for serving spirits, a great addition to an at-home bar. It is made of stainless steel, which means you can easily wipe off stains, and hand-stitched leather accents for added richness. It’s simply begging to have a cocktail shaker and a Martini glass put on top of it.  Dimensions: 13.25 x 1.5 inches. Material: Stainless steel and leather. Style: Midcentury modern.

Georg Jensen Indulgence Tray

When it comes to contemporary home accents, it rarely gets any better than Georg Jensen. The brand is a master of metalwork, creating interesting silhouettes that simultaneously feel classic and futuristic—and this kidney-shaped serving tray, made of mirror-polished stainless steel, is no exception. Admittedly, it works best for modern interiors, but it could also act as a fun counterpoint for more classic and transitional spaces.  Dimensions: 8.6 x 17.3 inches.  Material: Stainless steel. Style: Contemporary.

Bey-Berk Dezi Acrylic Serving Tray

This serving tray is beautifully proportioned. At nearly two feet long, it has plenty of space to hold all the drinks and snacks for your next party. It’s also made of an easy-to-care-for acrylic that’ll definitely pop in any space. But if bright orange or lime green is too bold for your liking, the style also comes in clear acrylic.  Dimensions: 21 x 16 x 2 inches. Material: Acrylic. Style: Modern. 

The Six Bells Wicker Basket Tray Set

Lean in to cottagecore with this wicker tray set, which includes not one but two nest-esque trays. The thick and sturdy wicker will look at home in more rustic, coastal, and traditional interiors. It’s just the thing you need for your ski chalet.  Dimensions: 4.5 x 16.5 x 10.5 inches. Material: Wicker. Style: Farmhouse.

Match Pewter Extra-Large Rectangular Handled Tray

Durable, safe, easy-to-clean: There are plenty of reasons to admire pewter. It’s easy to see why our Revolutionary War–era forebears loved it so much. This extra-large serving tray has the right scale to make for a dramatic addition to all your dinner and cocktail parties. The handles are sturdy, and it’s crafted in a beautiful matte finish for a vintage-inspired appearance. Dimensions: 14 x 17.75 inches.  Material: Pewter. Style: Classic.

Dolce & Gabbana Blue Mediterraneo Rectangular Tray

Your toast, French press coffee, and orange juice will taste so much better each morning when served on this striking Dolce & Gabbana tray. It’s crafted from a lacquered wood with a glossy finish in a signature Mediterranean-inspired motif that evokes all the sights, scents, and emotions of being a coastal retreat in Sicily. Dimensions: 18.15 x 11.75 x 2.25 inches.  Material: Wood. Style: Mediterranean. 

Todd Plummer is a Boston-based style and travel writer. His work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal, Harper's Bazaar, New York Times, Vogue, W and more.

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11 Best Serving Platters and Dishes to Dress Up Any Table

Expert-approved picks for every need, budget and style.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

Although many would agree the hardest part about cooking something is making sure the end result is both delicious and pleasing to the eye, a mouthwatering meal is only as good as the serving platter or dish it's served on (or in!).

Our top picks:

Best Overall Set

Williams sonoma open kitchen by handled platter medium.

Sur La Table Porcelain Platters

Best for Outdoor Use

Made by design plastic nesting serving bowls.

Best Serving Plate

Society social beaded pearl serving tray.

Best Mix and Match

Lauchuh decorative serving platters.

Most Unique

Our place gather platters.

Best Oven-To-Table

Crate and barrel oven-to-table ceramic sheet pan with wood stand.

Best Serving Bowls

Cravings by chrissy teigen wood serve bowls.

Most Stylish

Fable serving ceramics set.

Most Versatile

Staub rectangular baking dishes.

With a lot of research and the help of Nicole Papantoniou , director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, we compiled this list of the best serving platters, dishes and bowls to help you serve up any meal in style — especially when it comes to entertaining others.

Need some recipe inspiration? Look no further than roundups like easy Sunday dinner recipes , best one-pot meals and delicious potluck dishes .

Available to purchase as a set of three or individually in small, medium and large sizes, these sleek dishes, although expensive, are microwavable and dishwasher safe. According to the brand, they are made of glazed earthenware to prevent wear and tear long-term and the loop handles allow for easy carrying. The three platters also nest inside one another for easy storage. "These always stood out to me for being sleek, versatile, easy to use with handles [and] easy to wash ." Nicole says. That said, they aren't oven safe, so make sure you don't use them as the base dish to cook anything.

A favorite for reviewers who like to entertain or have parties, this affordable set of three includes small, medium and large porcelain serving platters for everything from apps and small desserts to side dishes, fruit and more. The nesting design not only makes it easy to stack and store all three at once, but the angled elevated rim prevents juices or other liquids from spilling over the side .

Although reviewers say the glazed interior could be smoother, they praise the quality, lightweight feel that still provides support and classic design that makes them go with any other serving dishes you may already own. "These are classic, and go with all my entertaining needs," one online reviewer wrote. "They nest neatly, so only take up a small footprint in my cabinets.

As much as you might love your glass dishware when you're serving something up inside, when it comes to the outdoors, it's better to opt for plastic — no risk of broken glass injuring someone should an unfortunate spill occur. Although it's not the most stylish, the microwave- and dishwasher-safe plastic material is convenient for serving everything from snacks to stews without you having to worry about them getting ruined by outside weather, or even rambunctious kids running out, breaking them. When not using, simply use the convenient nesting design to store the smaller bowls into the larger ones and store away until your next use. The best part? This set of three only costs $20!

Stylish, affordable and large enough to hold most, if not all, of your favorite foods — this beaded pearl serving tray is the serving platter that does it all. The brand not only says it's great for indoor or outdoor use, but the curved pearl edge is both stylish and acts as a solid rim to prevent dripping or spilling from any liquids that might accumulate on the plate. That said, although dishwasher safe, it is not recommended for microwave use.

If you were hoping to find a budget-friendly set, rather than just one platter, Amazon has you covered with this set of three. Measuring 12 inches long, this decorative set, which can best be described as a mix between a serving platter and a serving bowl, are made of durable porcelain, made to withstand marks and scratches from flatware use, all available at a super affordable price. Reviewers praise the quality, elegant design and how easy they were to clean, but do say that their thin design can make them a bit fragile and to be careful when using.

These fridge-, freezer-, microwave- and oven-friendly small and large gather platters are chic enough that they can double as a centerpiece, even when you aren't serving food. Available in five different colors, the ceramic stoneware set is coated with a glossy interior layer that's scratch-resistant as well as a satin exterior finish , and we love that they can stack on top of one another for easy storage . They are the ideal shallow platters for smaller bites like chips and dip, but for bigger dishes, you'd probably want to opt for a serving platter or dish with a deeper interior.

Take this white ceramic sheet pan out of the oven and put it straight to the dinner table with its convenient wood stand. The budget-friendly ceramic platter is microwave-, dishwasher- and oven-safe, and helps cut down on the number of dishes used at meal time by acting as both a baking sheet and serving dish . Reviewers say that they wish it was a bit higher quality but in the long run appreciate how easy it is to use and the very affordable price.

Made from natural acacia wood and coated in a special food-safe oil to ensure long-lasting quality and durability , this uniquely designed small and large bowl set is the perfect way to serve up chips, dips, salads and more. The only downside is that if you're looking for a dish that can serve up a variety of food, these bowls are not super versatile thanks to their size and shape. But if you like the look of this set, check out the larger, centerpiece bowl of constructed from the same material.

This expensive set is on our Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab director's wish list! The eight-piece set, which includes an oval serving platter, three nested serving bowls and four additional small bowls, has a "handmade, earthy" design that Nicole says "is very on trend right now." The entire set is dishwasher-, microwave- and oven-safe, and although the semi-matte material can be prone to some light marks or scratching from flatware, it can easily be cleaned with a scouring powder and the brand's special brush (sold separately).

There's nothing more convenient than a kitchen dish that has more than one use. "These are baking pans [that] I bought to double as serving dishes," Nicole says. "[I] love them a lot." Although one of the more expensive picks on this list, this glass-porcelain scratch-free set of three with an enamel finish allows dishes to go straight from the fridge or freezer to the oven to the table . The sturdy handles allow for easy transportation, and the smaller dishes stack and store into the large one. Plus, the sleek design, which is available in three colors, makes them pair well with any kitchen decor and our experts say they are very easy to clean. "Perfectly sized with easy carrying handles and can go straight from oven to table without overpowering the decor," one online reviewer wrote.

Pottery Barn Mason Modern Melamine Handled Serving Platter

Looking for a serving platter that can hold it all, rather than a couple of smaller ones? This serving platter, which can be ordered individually in medium or large, as a joint set, is made of melamine that, according to the brand, is ultra-durable and designed in a matte finish with handles for easy carrying. " I love how modern these are plus the large surface area and handles ," Nicole says. Although dishwasher safe, these serving platters are not microwave friendly.

What are things to consider when shopping for serving platters and dishes?

You might not realize it, but there are a few key things to keep in mind when shopping for the right serving platters or serving dishes. Nicole shares the important things to consider:

✔️ Material : "There’s a wide variety of materials that can be used," says Nicole. You should consider where you'll be using it (indoor vs. outdoor) before picking a material, since you may want to pick something more durable if you're planning on using it outdoors on a patio or deck. Here's Nicole's breakdown:

• Stoneware is sturdy but can chip; it’s typically easy to clean and can often be used in the oven as well.
• Glass is perceived to be pretty and high quality, but it may be prone to shattering.
• Plastic is lightweight and easy to clean, but prone to staining and is easy to scratch.
• Wood is gorgeous and lighter weight than some other materials aside from plastic and easy to clean, but it's not dishwasher safe.

✔️ Size : "I love having an assortment of sizes," says Nicole. "Large, flat dishes are great for meat and smaller ones are great for veggies." She says to opt for some bowls in different sizes for salads, sides, grains or anything that needs to be scooped.

✔️ Design features : Consider if you want handles for easier carrying, and if it's a dealbreaker for you if your serving dishes have them. Rims are also a consideration: "Rimmed serving platters help keep drippings in the dish and prevent from spilling," says Nicole, but they may make storage a bit more clumsy. Think about if you'd prefer your serving ware to nest or stack when you put them away and make sure your preferred set can accomplish that.

✔️ Versatility : What will you be serving? Do you want something just for serving or something that you can cook a dish in and then move from the oven to the table for easy serving? If the latter, make sure that the dish can fit easily in your oven and looks nice enough to work as a centerpiece.

✔️ Price : Our experts and research indicate you can expect to pay up to $130 or as low as $20 for serving plates and dishes . That said, you can always find options both more expensive or less expensive than this range, depending on what you're looking for. Consider your budget first and foremost.

✔️ Color : Ask yourself if you have a classic style or a more eccentric one. White and black help food pop, but "also consider how you want each piece to match each other and your go-to everyday dishes," Nicole says. "[It] might be fun to stick to neutrals, or pops of colors, textures, patterns, etc."

✔️ Care : If you don't want to hand wash bulky serving ware, consider dishwasher safe options. And if you plan to use them in the oven or microwave, make sure they can handle those cooking methods!

Why trust Good Housekeeping?

As an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping , Annie O'Sullivan has written comprehensive product reviews about everything from the best shoes for nurses to the best evaporative coolers , relying on her own in-depth research as well as insights from experts and consumers.

For this story, she consulted Nicole Papantoniou , director of the Good Housekeeping Institute Kitchen Appliances and Innovation Lab, who shared her favorites based on versatility, weight, durability and how easy they were to clean. Annie also conducted extensive research and scoured customer reviews online to round out our recommendations.

Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping . She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World , NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day . Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.

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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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In Transit: Notes from the Underground

Jun 06 2018.

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

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

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

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

A Brief Introduction

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Buying Tickets

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

Rules, spoken and unspoken

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

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

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

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

An Easy Tour

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

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

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

Take the 3/Green line one station to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stay on that train direction one more east to:

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

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

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

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

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

Keep going one more stop west to:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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