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Home > 16 Food Tours In Istanbul: Turkish Cuisine Tour Of Istanbul

16 Food Tours In Istanbul: Turkish Cuisine Tour Of Istanbul

Written by our local expert Enes

Originally from North Macedonia, Enes is a well-traveled enthusiast residing in Türkiye. He combines his extensive knowledge and avid wanderlust to bring you insightful narratives of his Turkish adventures.

Do you want to discover the city of Istanbul and its unique cuisine? I’m here to help you! In this article, you can find the best Istanbul food tours to discover the city’s local culture! This culinary tour guide is suited to both first-time visitors and those who have walked the narrow streets many times.

With these gorgeous Istanbul tours, you can learn more about the city’s history and explore the lesser-known areas of Istanbul and its culinary backstreets. Check out the tours we list and pick the best ones for your itinerary!

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Food Tour In Istanbul For Local Food – DayTime

Istanbul is a magnificent city with a rich history and culture. You can join various day trips to explore this extraordinary city, its culture, and local dishes. Here is your best guide to amazing food, food stalls, and home cooking.

1. Tates Of Istanbul Guided Food Tour of Street Food and Markets

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)

I would highly recommend this tour. It’s one of the best tours I did, the whole tour was amazing.

• Food Type : Street food
• Route : Itimat Fabrika Satis Magazasi (Meeting point) -> Local dairy market and café -> Ferry to Kadikoy region -> Fish market -> Local coffee house
• Duration : 6 hours
• Best for : Friend groups, couples, families, solo travelers
• Book it here

If you like delicious Turkish foods and want to discover Istanbul’s street food scene, you shouldn’t miss this guided food tour! This cultural expedition will take you to Istanbul’s most characteristic regions and neighborhoods, serving you plates of delicious Turkish food.

Starting at the gates of the famous Spice Bazaar, the tour leads you to the iconic Kadıköy, where you’ll taste various local dishes. You’ll taste dishes from local cafés, markets, luxury restaurants, and street vendors along your route.

Of course, the tour isn’t all about eating. You’ll also bask in Istanbul’s majestic atmosphere and admire panoramic views around the city. So, if you seek an unforgettable culinary adventure, this tour is the way to go.

Book this tour or read reviews here.

2. istanbul: spice bazaar backstreets guided walking tour with tastings.

• Food Type : Turkish
• Route : Hamdi Restaurant, Eminönü (Meeting point) -> Spice Bazaar -> Galata Bridge -> Rooftop dining room -> Trendy district
• Duration : 3.5 hours
• Book it here.

Spice Bazaar, with its cultural significance and endless opportunities, is one of Istanbul’s most significant tourist attractions. If you like Turkish cuisine and are open to experiencing new dishes, this Istanbul food tour in Spice Bazaar might be what you need to make the most of your stay in Istanbul!

The tour stands out as one of Istanbul’s most popular culinary backstreet tours. In this tour, you’ll walk through the long and busy passages of the Bazaar while sampling local dishes. Besides eating delicious dishes, you can also purchase souvenirs and snap charming pictures to immortalize your journey.

3. Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour

• Food Type : Kurdish, Turkish, Café (vegetarian and gluten-free options are available)
• Route : Karaköy -> Bosporus Strait -> Kadıköy
• Duration : 5 hours
• Best for : Real foodies, couples, families, solo travelers

Istanbul is an extraordinary city with a unique culture and delicious cuisine. Every corner of this wonderland offers different experiences. So, if you want to discover Istanbul and its different foods, finding perfect Istanbul food tours is the key.

This Istanbul: Guided Food and Culture Tour is a perfect opportunity to discover Istanbul cuisine and its different colors. The tour takes you to Istanbul’s popular neighborhoods to try Eastern Anatolian and Kurdish dishes at the best restaurants in Kadıköy. Although Eastern Anatolian cuisine is famous for its meat-based dishes, the tour offers vegetarian and gluten-free options.

Join this food lovers tour now to have an unforgettable culinary adventure in Istanbul!

4. Istanbul Walking Food Tour with Secret Food Tours

Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)

• Foods Included : Lahmacun, fresh salads, pickles, menemen, muhlama, brown bread, local cheese, tomatoes, olives, pide, beyran, soup, katmer, Turkish tea, wine, ayran, Turkish coffee , a delicious secret dish
• Route : Doktor Esat Işık Street -> Moda Street -> Damacı Street -> Güneşli Bahçe Street -> Arayıcıbaşı Street
• Duration : 4 hours
• Best for : Urban explorers, couples, families, solo travelers

This tour offers a captivating adventure through the heart of Istanbul, Kadıköy. This neighborhood, where Turkish food and history intertwine, is the perfect spot to discover the city’s unique cuisine.

Starting your journey from Doktor Esat Işık Street, you’ll explore Kadıköy’s hidden gems . During this adventure, you’ll sample delicious lahmacun, menemen, muhlama, katmer, and other must-try dishes from Turkish cuisine. Plus, the tour also has a delicious secret dish that’ll enchant your taste buds.

If you are looking for an intimate and delicious experience, this tour is the way to go. The expedition lasts approximately four hours, and groups consist of ten people.

5. Taste Of Two Continents Food Tour: From European Side Of Istanbul to Asian Kadıköy

• Route : Eminönü -> Bosphorus -> Kadıköy
• Duration : 4.5 hours

Want to taste Turkish delicacies on two continents? Then this half-day tour might be what you are looking for! Starting from the local Hamdi Restaurant in Eminönü, eat your way into Istanbul’s Asian Side , sampling local delicacies and indulging yourself with delicious Turkish dishes.

Enjoy an authentic and delicious Turkish food tour with a professional guide who looks forward to providing you with insights into Turkish cuisine. Since the tour groups are capped at eight people, you will enjoy a truly personalized experience.

The tour offers you some of the most iconic Turkish dishes, including kebabs, meatballs, pide breads, and baklava desserts. It also includes various types of refreshments and snacks, such as Turkish coffee and local beverages.

6.  Making Turkish Coffee on Sand & Fortune Telling Workshop

• Food Type : Turkish, Coffee
• Route : Highlights in Istanbul Workshops
• Duration : 2 hours
• Best for : Couples, solo travelers

If you’re a coffee lover and want to discover the traditional Turkish coffee culture, this tour is the way to go!

Join this authentic tour to explore the local coffee culture and learn more about Turkish coffee. Participate in a fortune-telling workshop and learn how to read coffee.

This tour will teach you how to make Turkish coffee on the sand like a professional. Experienced coffee makers will guide you and provide you with all the necessary tools you need for making Turkish coffee on the sand.

The tour will allow you to choose from eight different coffee types blended for your own taste. It will also teach you the secret art of Turkish coffee reading, a classic Turkish tradition. Once you finish this course, you’ll be able to make and read Turkish coffee like an expert!

7.  Istanbul Food On Foot Tour

• Food Type : Turkish, Mouth-watering local
• Route : Beşiktaş/Fatih/Karaköy/Eminönü (Pickup locations) -> Spice Bazaar -> Kadıköy -> Karaköy/Eminönü/Grand Bazaar/Beşiktaş/Fatih (Dropoff locations)
• Duration : 4-5.5 hours
• Best for : Urban explorers, couples, solo travelers

If you want to sample local Turkish dishes while exploring the city’s unique sights, this food tour on foot is perfect for you.

There are four pickup locations: Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, and Fatih. The journey will start at the famous Spice Bazaar, where you will visit the local food market. Then, you’ll visit Karaköy for street food and have a guided tour of food tasting.

The tour follows a local route that can be considered off the beaten track and lets you enjoy 14 different food tastings. It also allows you to taste the most authentic street foods associated with Istanbul’s culinary scene.

Joining this tour might allow you to enjoy Istanbul’s lesser-known parts and help you explore the city’s unique culture.

8.  Three-Hour Ottoman Dinner Cruise In Istanbul

• Food Type : Turkish, Ottoman
• Route : Bosphorus
• Duration : 3 hours
• Best for : Friend groups, couples, solo travelers

One of the most generous food tours in Istanbul, this 3-hour Ottoman dinner cruise will offer you all you need to discover Istanbul’s unique food scene and authentic atmosphere.

You will go on a three-hour-long journey over the Bosphorus and enjoy an unforgettable experience with special shows and food offerings. You will not only sample traditional Turkish dishes but also have a taste of a genuine Ottoman experience.

Of course, the tour isn’t all about culture and eating. The live DJ performance, traditional and Latin dances, and various animations will provide you with an entertaining experience. The tour starts around 08:30 pm and finalizes around 11:30 pm.

9.  Afternoon Foodie Trail in Istanbul

• Route : Spice Bazaar -> Galata Bridge -> Karaköy Pier -> Mandabatmaz -> Istiklal Street
• Best for  Families, urban explorers, friend groups, couples, solo travelers

This tour will take you to Istanbul’s lesser-known parts to discover the city’s gems. With your professional guide, you can eat your way to the hidden places on the streets of Istanbul.

Your journey will start at the Spice Bazaar; then, you will pass to Galata Bridge and watch the fishermen. It’s also the perfect spot to snap stunning pictures of Golden Horn.

Your next step will be in the Karaköy neighborhood, where you’ll sample çiğ köfte, çay, börek, and other local delicacies. Afterward, you’ll head to Beyoğlu district , where the famous coffeehouse Mandabatmaz and its very special Mandabatmaz Kahvesi are located.

You will eat Turkish delight, kokoreç (grilled intestines), stuffed mussels, içli köfte (stuffed meatballs), and a wet burger before finishing the tour at Taksim Square .

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Evening food tour in istanbul, 10. istanbul: bosphorus dinner cruise with turkish night show.

• Route : Bosphorus (cruise)

Did someone say the perfect Istanbul food tour? This excellent dinner cruise lets you sample local Turkish dishes while enjoying an authentic show. The panoramic views of the Bosphorus and the festive atmosphere are the icing on the cake!

If you seek an authentic experience in Istanbul, consider joining this entertaining Bosphorus tour. The whole experience takes around three to four hours and leaves a big smile on your face as the night finishes.

The Bosphorus cruise will provide you with a romantic atmosphere, a delicious dinner, a wide variety of Turkish dishes, tasty cocktails, and scrumptious Turkish desserts. During your dinner, you can enjoy folk dances and catchy music.

11. Istanbul Culinary Walks: Pera by Night

• Food Type : Middle Eastern, Turkish
• Route : Taksim Square (Meeting point) -> Nevizade -> Pera side streets -> Hazzapoulo Passage -> Megusta (Nevizade)
• Best for : Couples, families, friend groups, solo travelers

Do you want to have a different experience exploring Istanbul at night? Then, this culinary walk tour is the perfect match for you!

The tour will take you on an expedition through Pera’s bustling streets and bask in Istanbul’s culture. The 3-hour culinary walk will give you the opportunity to sample the most delicious Turkish dishes and discover Istanbul’s cultural center.

You’ll have the opportunity to try the local Turkish cuisine during your trip through Pera. The guide will take you to one of the best restaurants that serve Middle Eastern dishes, where you can try new cuisines. Towards the end of the night, you’ll visit a local coffee house to drink delicious Turkish coffee . You’ll call it a day after a peaceful session of raki, a Turkish alcoholic beverage , and mezze.

12.  Evening Culture & Food Tour Of Istanbul – Dinner in Asia Dessert in Europe

• Food Type : Turkish traditional & mezze
• Route : Karaköy -> Bosphorus Strait -> Kadıköy Bazaar

Istanbul is a majestic city with two main sides on two different continents. If you want to discover this city’s foods and culture, you should take an unforgettable tour through its streets.

Starting near the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, this tour takes you to Kadıköy Çarşısı for tastings of local delicacies. Then, you’ll visit a popular restaurant in the area to enjoy a tasty meal with Turkish specialties.

After having a meal, you’ll visit other eateries to indulge yourself with Turkish desserts, such as baklava, kadayıf, and coffee. Those who smoke can also enjoy an authentic Turkish hookah experience .

Private Food Tours

13. bosphorus villages private istanbul food tour.

• Food Type : Turkish, Local
• Route : Spice Market -> Üsküdar Pier -> Üsküdar Grand Bazaar -> Kuzguncuk -> Çengelköy
• Best for : Urban explorers, friend groups, couples, solo travelers

Finally, if you are looking for a unique experience discovering Istanbul’s lesser-known parts, this Bosphorus Village private food tour is the perfect option to explore this extraordinary place.

The tour starts in Spice Bazaar and takes you to Üsküdar Pier, where you will have the opportunity to take lots of great pictures of Istanbul and admire the stunning Istanbul scenery.

The journey will take you to Kuzguncuk after a short trip to Üsküdar Grand Bazaar. In Kuzguncuk, you will enjoy delicious Turkish coffee made in a local style. The neighborhood has a rich and colorful culture, which might help you immerse yourself better in Istanbul’s lifestyle and understand the local way of life.

After Kuzguncuk, you will pass to Çengelköy, a wonderland on the city’s Asian-side with picturesque scenery and extraordinary views. In this village, you will try local foods while watching the stunning views of Istanbul’s gorgeous Bosphorus.

Day Trip Food Tours From Istanbul

Once you sample all the delicacies Istanbul has to offer, you can join various day trips from Istanbul to enjoy different local Turkish cuisines.

14. From Istanbul: Ephesus & Şirince Day Trip With Wine Tasting

• Food Type : Turkish, Wine
• Route : Hotel (Pickup location) -> Izmir -> Ephesus
• Duration : 14 hours
• Best for : Wine lovers, learning about the history of Turkey, couples, solo travelers

Ephesus is a true wonderland every traveler should explore. This unique ancient city in İzmir was once home to one of the most advanced civilizations of its time. Today, this marvelous land is in ruins, visited only by travelers who want to have a glimpse of the past.

Near Ephesus lies Şirince, a mountainous village known for its local wines and stunning scenery. Since it has a secluded location, far from the city center, Şirince preserved its unique culture pretty well. So, it’s the perfect spot for having a different experience and discovering lesser-known places in Turkey .

This food tour to Şirince from Istanbul offers you all you need for an unforgettable experience. You can explore the pretty town of Şirince and see historical ruins nearby. The House of the Virgin Mary, Hellenic temples, and ancient churches are among the other highlights of the area.

After discovering the cultural and historical side of Şirince, you will sample delicious local wines as part of the tour.

So, if you are looking for the perfect Turkey experience, this delicious Istanbul to İzmir tour is the way to go!

15. Full Day Wine Tour From Istanbul

• Route : Hotel (Pickup location) -> Kırklareli
• Duration : 12 hours
• Best for : Wine lovers, couples, solo travelers

Kırklareli might not be the most famous place in Turkey. However, it’s definitely a perfect place for wine lovers. The city’s biggest plus is its close proximity to Istanbul, which shortens the journey’s duration and gives you plenty of time to rest after the tour.

As part of this tour, you will discover three boutique wineries in Kırklareli and sample four different wines at each shop. This unforgettable journey will help you discover various local flavors and tastes, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Zinfandel varieties. With wines, you will enjoy the ideal food pairings of each wine.

Of course, the tour isn’t all about sampling wine. Your professional guide and employees from the wineries you visit will offer you interesting information regarding the region’s food history and winemaking techniques.

16. From Istanbul: Sapanca And Masukiye Day Trip With Lunch

• Route : Hotel (Pick-up location) -> Sakarya -> Sapanca -> Maşukiye -> Kartepe
• Best for : Nature enthusiasts, friend groups, couples, solo travelers who want to experience the best tours we’ve ever done

Sakarya is a small town on the coast of the Black Sea . This green city is home to some of Turkey’s most beautiful sceneries. Its many waterfalls, lakes, and forests give Sakarya a cozy, mystic atmosphere, making it a truly unforgettable place.

This day trip from Istanbul to Sakarya might offer you the perfect opportunity to sample traditional dishes and explore the culture of a different Turkish city. Considering that almost every city in Turkey has its own unique culture, Sakarya will offer you an extraordinary journey.

The tour will take you to Sapanca Lake in Sakarya, where you can eat lunch at a restaurant near a waterfall. Then, you will discover a Turkish delight factory, the local Wildlife Park, and more. If you join the tour during winter, you will also have the opportunity to go skiing at Kartepe Ski Resort.

So, if you want to discover the rest of Turkey but don’t want to get too far away from Istanbul, this Sakarya day trip might be the perfect option for you!

Fun Facts About Turkish Food Culture

Turkey has one of the wealthiest and most popular cuisines in the world. As a result, there is much to know about this unique food culture. That’s why we want to provide some fun facts about the rich food culture in Türkiye that might help you during your food tour of Istanbul.

Kahve Falı: Coffee Fortune Telling

Tasseomancy, also known as “Coffee fortune telling” or “Coffee reading,” is a significant part of Turkish coffee culture.

Once people finish drinking their coffee, they usually cover their cup with a saucer and turn it upside down. After waiting a while, they start “reading” the traces left by the coffee sediment.

Seasonal Delicacies

Turks have various seasonal dishes they eat during special times of the year – mainly during Ramadan. However, two of them, Ramazan pidesi and güllaç, particularly stand out due to their unique flavor.

Ramazan Pidesi: A Special Bread Eaten in Ramadan

Ramazan pidesi, or Ramadan pita, is a special type of bread made during the holy month of Ramadan. It is traditionally eaten during iftar and sahur meals.

This special bread has a round and flat form with a wave-like patterned crust. It’s made of wheat flour with yeast and topped with sesame seeds.

Although it might seem like regular bread, Ramazan pidesi is one of the most delicious foods you can try in Turkey, making it an excellent option for those looking for authentic dishes to try in Turkey.

Another popular Ramadan dish, Güllaç, is a must-try dessert – even for those who don’t have a sweet tooth! The dessert is made with milk, rose water, pomegranate, and a special pastry.

Istanbul Street Food

If you think Istanbul’s cuisine is all about kebab and baklava, you’re wrong! Istanbul has a very rich cuisine with delicious dishes, tasty desserts, and scrumptious street food.

Here are the most popular street foods in Istanbul you might want to sample:

• Simit : similar to American bagels,  simit is one of the most popular foods in Turkey
• Balık Ekmek : Balık ekmek , or fish sandwich, is a quick, delicious, and healthy street food
• Lahmacun : Lahmacun is another popular dish in Turkey made by putting a minced meat-onion-red pepper mixture on a very thin dough. It’s sometimes called “Turkish pizza” by tourists – and even by locals
• Dürüm : the moment you step into a Turkish street, you will see many restaurants selling wraps with various types of meat. This food is called  dürüm and is a very popular street dish in Istanbul. Its a classic Turkish food
• Tantuni : originated in Mersin,  tantuni is the spicier cousin of dürüm and a popular street food in Istanbul
• Midye dolma : the favorite snack of Turks,  midye dolma is literally mussels mixed with spicy rice and served with a squeeze of lemon juice

You can join Istanbul walking tours to enjoy street food and discover unique local delicacies.

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Food Tour Of Istanbul FAQs

1. how can i find top food tours in istanbul.

You can check Viator and Get Your Guide to find the best food tours in Istanbul.

2. Are there any highly recommended food tour companies in Istanbul?

My Local Guide Istanbul, Bosphorus Sunset, Highlights in Istanbul, and Senkron Day Tours are among the most popular food tour operators in Istanbul.

3. What types of food tours are available in Istanbul?

You can find day trips, cruises, museum visits, and walking tours in Istanbul. Since the city is huge and boasts a rich culture, you can join various tours for a true Istanbul experience.

4. Can I book Istanbul food tours online?

Yes, you can. In fact, booking Istanbul guided tours online is always better. Also, some websites that provide food tours only accept online payment.

5. How much do Istanbul food tours typically cost?

It really depends on the experience and the tour company. Most food tours are between €50 and €150. Yet you can find tours for higher or lower prices.

6. What neighborhoods in Istanbul are known for their food tours?

Every neighborhood in Istanbul has a remarkable cuisine and is worth a visit. However, if you are looking for a unique experience, Fener and Balat neighborhoods must be on your itinerary.

7. What is included in an Istanbul food tour package?

Food and drinks, transportation, pickup, and sometimes drop off included the price of most guided tours in Istanbul.

8. Are there vegetarian or vegan food tour options in Istanbul?

Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan food tour options in Istanbul . Also, most food tours of Istanbul offer non-meat dishes.

9. How long do Istanbul food tours usually last?

Depending on the experience, most tours last three to six hours – sometimes longer.

10. Do Istanbul food tours cater to specific dietary preferences or allergies?

If you have any allergies or dietary preferences, it’s best to contact the company or persons that organize the food tour you want to join and discuss your situation.

Sometimes, some food tours might alter the route or experience per your preferences or allergies. However, if the tour has a specific theme – for example, Turkish baklava sampling or Turkish meyhane experience – they might not be able to make changes.

11. Are private food tours available in Istanbul?

Yes, there are private food tours in Istanbul experiences.

12. What are some must-try foods and dishes on Istanbul food tours?

Here is a list of some foods you must try on guided tours of Istanbul:

• Turkish coffee
• Rakı and mezze

13. Are there evening or nighttime food tours in Istanbul?

Yes, nighttime walking tours of Istanbul or cruise experiences are perfect for those wishing to see what Istanbul looks like at night. Touring Istanbul at night is the best way to bask in the city’s atmosphere.

14. Do Istanbul food tours include visits to local markets or food markets?

Yes. Many Istanbul food tours start at the Grand Bazaar or the Spice Bazaar and take you to various local food markets for an authentic experience.

15. Are English-speaking guides available on Istanbul food tours?

Of course! The best Istanbul food tours provide English-speaking, knowledgeable guides.

16. How do I get to the meeting point for an Istanbul food tour?

Food tours usually set a meeting point or a pickup location. You can take public transportation or get a taxi to travel to that location.

17. Are there food tours in Istanbul focusing on a specific cuisine or region?

Yes, some food tours focus on a specific cuisine, such as Black Sea, Kurdish (Southeastern), or Middle Eastern.

18. Are Istanbul food tours suitable for families or children?

You can join most Istanbul food tours with your family and children. Especially Turkish breakfast and street food tours are the most popular family food tours.

19. Can I customize a food tour itinerary in Istanbul?

You should contact the tour guide beforehand to ask for a change in the route or an additional stop.

20. What are some tips for making the most of my Istanbul food tour experience?

• Carefully pick the food tour; reading the description and checking out the route might give you a better idea of what you should expect from the experience.
• Communicate with your expert guide in advance for inquiries or requests.
• Turkey doesn’t have a tipping culture similar to the US, yet tipping is always appreciated.
• You don’t need to know Turkish, but learning a few phrases might help you “earn the locals’ hearts.”
• Be open-minded and try new dishes.
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• How To Make Turkish Coffee

Comments (2)

How hard it is to get from Asian side to european side?

Crossing from the Asian side to the European side of Istanbul is straightforwad with the ferry system. Tickets can be purchased on the spot and are cheap.

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Taste of Two Continents Food Tour

4.97 / 1400+ reviews

4.99 / 300+ reviews

• Max 10 people
• All-inclusive of food and drinks

Ready to taste the best food on both sides of Istanbul? Start with a delicious traditional Turkish breakfast in Europe in the heart of the historic Old City, before you sail across to Asia and explore the vibrant streets of Kadıköy. With your foodie guide, you’ll make 8-9 delicious stops during your walk with a variety of samples at each – enough to fill your belly to the brim with all the fantastic Turkish flavours!

What's included

• -Tastings at 8-9 uniquely different restaurants
• -4-5 exciting and local drinks (non-alcoholic)
• -Ferry tickets

8 reasons to book this experience

• Taste the best of the Turkish cuisine
• Secret local restaurants & one-of-a-kind boutique markets
• Try classic Turkish kebab at a local family restaurant
• Visit locals favourite Kadikoy market
• It is not just food, it's Turkish culture with an expert's insider view
• Taste the world famous Turkish ice-cream & baklava
• 25+ local tastings
• Get oriented with Turkish food and restaurants

What you can expect

You’ll kick off your culinary journey of Istanbul with a delicious Turkish breakfast of locally-sourced produce and freshly brewed tea at a traditional tea house overlooking the New Mosque. You’ll then board your ferry for a scenic journey across the mighty Bosphorus to the vibrant and more modern Kadıköy, on the Asian side.

Kadıköy is home to some of the best local restaurants in Istanbul which are frequented by a new generation of Turks who love to dine out while still savouring the flavours of their childhood. 

As you make your way through the colourful streets of Kadıköy market, you’ll sip on freshly brewed Turkish coffee while delighting in locally-made crispy golden baklava. You’ll savour the delicious tastes of popular street foods like dolma, lahmacun and kokoreç, as well as other local favourites. You’ll then sit down to enjoy the seasonal flavours of a variety of traditional Turkish homestyle dishes. 

Finally, you’ll end your day with a short walk to the district of Moda to cool down with the refreshing flavour of the best Turkish dondurma (ice-cream) in the city.

During your walking tour, you’ll make 8-9 different stops, with a variety of samples at each. You’ll fill your belly to the brim with all the fantastic flavours that make up Turkish cuisine! Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself inside Istanbul’s food scene and experience the buzz of Istanbul daily life. 

Your day spent exploring Taste of Two Continents will surprise and delight your taste buds as you discover the real Istanbul.

Kadıköy is home to some of the best local restaurants in Istanbul which are frequented by a new generation of Turks who love to dine out while still savouring the flavours of their childhood.

As you make your way through the colourful streets of Kadıköy market, you’ll sip on freshly brewed Turkish coffee while delighting in locally-made crispy golden baklava. You’ll savour the delicious tastes of popular street foods like dolma, lahmacun and kokoreç, as well as other local favourites. You’ll then sit down to enjoy the seasonal flavours of a variety of traditional Turkish homestyle dishes.

During your walking tour, you’ll make 8-9 different stops, with a variety of samples at each. You’ll fill your belly to the brim with all the fantastic flavours that make up Turkish cuisine! Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself inside Istanbul’s food scene and experience the buzz of Istanbul daily life.

Your day spent exploring Taste of Two Continents will surprise and delight your taste buds as you discover the real Istanbul.

• Show all 1400+ reviews
• Show all 300+ reviews

Tour highlights

Things to know

Cancelation policy, vegetarian alternatives.

-Vegetarian food at 6-7 of the food stops.

Booking Details

Tour details, what to bring & wear, meeting & finishing point, choose from available dates, other food tours in istanbul, flavours of the old city, taksim evening food tour, kadiköy street food tour, whats's included.

• 9 uniquely different eateries and restaurants, multiple tastings at each.
• Friendly, knowledgeable and passionate English-speaking tour guide.
• A day filled with culinary, cultural, historic and personal anecdotes, with a local’s insider view of Istanbul.
• 5 exciting and local drinks
• Transport by ferry from Europe to Asia (and back again).

$125 / adult

Turkey Real Food Adventure

11 days | go behind the scenes of the local cuisine on an adventure that’s full of turkish delights.

Get up close and personal with Turkey's age-old culinary traditions on this authentic food adventure. From ancient recipes with modern twists to Asian-inspired feasts with European influences, take a tongue-tingling journey beyond the cookbook and discover the secrets behind delicious Turkish dishes. Enjoy a cooking class in the caves of Cappadocia, learn from a celebrated local chef in Selcuk, and explore the impressive ruins of Ephesus. Whether you’re wandering through the passageways of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar or flying high in a balloon above the fairy chimneys of Goreme, embark on an experience that goes above and beyond what you think you know about Turkish cuisine.

Trip overview

• Discover the secrets behind Turkish dishes during a cooking class with a celebrated local chef in Selcuk, and learn how to make central Anatolian dishes with a local chef in her cave home.
• Meet the people behind the dishes, from the market vendors serving up sizzling street food in Izmir and Istanbul, to the owners of a local olive farm in a rural village.
• Explore bustling Istanbul, walk among the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia, hear the wartime stories of Gallipoli and wander through the ancient ruins of Ephesus.
• Taste the country’s most cherished dishes, from iconic kebabs and world-famous Turkish delight to local favourites like baklava, pide, gozleme and fish sandwiches.
• Get to know the artisans behind local crafts when you visit a social enterprise that trains local women in carpet weaving, and visit a family-run pottery studio that’s been in business for six generations.
• By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, CYDD (Çağdaş Yaşamı Destekleme Derneği). Donations help them provide scholarships and educational programs for economically disadvantaged youth in Turkey.
• The cuisine of Turkey includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Turkey which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
• This trip includes a 12 hour overnight train trip from Izmir to Konya. Please see Day 6 of the itinerary for details.
• This trip involves a lot of walking, sometimes on rocky or slippery terrain such as the sites in Goreme. Please bring sturdy walking shoes, but also note that you can sit out the walks if you do not feel up to them.
• Don’t underestimate the weather at any time of year in Turkey. In the summer months, heat can be extreme. In winter months, some travellers have been surprised at how low the temperatures go. A hat, sunscreen, and clothing that can be layered will serve you well year-round.

Hosgeldiniz! Welcome to Turkey. Istanbul is the only city in the world to straddle two continents, so when you explore the streets, you'll see a great clash of east and west that’s represented not only in its architecture, but in its delicious cuisine. Your adventure kicks off at 6pm today with an important welcome meeting, however if you arrive early, feel free to go out and explore what this captivating city has to offer. Following the meeting, head out for your first taste of Turkey with a classic – a kebab. While you might be familiar with the shaved meats and pita bread sensation, nothing beats the kind they wrap up in Istanbul. The eggplant kebab is also a winner if you fancy something vegetarian tonight.

• Hotel (1 night)
• Istanbul - Welcome Dinner

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Start the day by heading to the celebrated Egyptian Spice Bazaar on a guided walking tour. Meet a spice merchant, sit down for a Turkish coffee and savour a typical Turkish sweet. Continue your tour around Sultanahmet and Eminonu, taking in some of the most celebrated sites of the city, such as Hagia Sophia Mosque (Hagia Sophia entrance is not included on the tour. It can be purchased on site for 25 EUR) and the Hippodrome. The area around Eminonu boasts some delicious street food, and local favourites include barbecued corn, roasted kestane (chestnuts), and of course lokum, which you may know better as Turkish Delight. In the afternoon, jump on a ferry and in just 20 minutes you’ll arrive on the Asian side of the city in the vibrant neighbourhood of Kadikoy. Hit the sarkuteri (delicatessen) to sample some olives, pastirma (seasoned cured beef) and a variety of delicious pickles. Your evening is free to spend as you wish.

• Istanbul - Spice Market tour
• Istanbul - Kadikoy visit and street food tour
• Istanbul - City Tour

This morning, travel to the waterside town of Canakkale, visiting the Gallipoli battlefields en route, a place of enormous significance to Australians and New Zealanders. Turkey's most westerly point may feel serene, but this coastal point was once a major backdrop of World War I. After touring the former battlefields, continue to Canakkale and join your leader for an orientation walk of this exciting university city perched on the Dardanelles. During the walk you'll stop to sample locally made cheeses and jams. In particular, you will get to taste Cheese Halva, which is a dessert made from cheese, typical of this region. Canakkale has a great range of dining options – ask your leader for some recommendations. You may like to round out your day with a stroll along the waterfront with a dondurma, a type of Turkish ice-cream.

• Gallipoli - Battlefields visit
• Canakkale - Leader-led orientation walk
• Canakkale - Cheese Halva tasting

Today’s travel time is approximately 4 hours.

This morning, we’ll begin our journey to Selcuk. Our first stop is Adatepe Village to see the Altar of Zeus. The altar was dedicated by King Eumenes II to Zeus and Athena Nikephoros, and its construction probably took place between 181 and 159 B.C. Travel onwards to an authentic Turkish village famed for its olive oil products. Hear the story of the regional olives, sample some of the products and wander this beautiful town. For lunch we visit a restaurant that is owned by a local woman who left the corporate world behind to become an award-winning olive & olive oil producer and restaurant owner. After lunch, we’ll drive approx. 3 hrs to Selcuk where the evening is free to spend as you wish.

• Havran - Olive Oil Farm
• Adatepe - Altar of Zeus

Today’s travel time is approximately 5.5 hours.

Today is a full day. This morning you will visit Ephesus, one of Turkey's most important ancient sites. Explore this beautifully preserved classical city with your leader who will bring its colourful 1500-year history to life. Watch in awe as the sophistication of this former metropolis reveals itself. It had running water, public toilets, a renowned medical institute, and Roman baths. The theatre is well-preserved and regularly hosts concerts, but the marvellous library might just be the highlight. From ancient ruins to ancient traditions, next up you’ll be treated to a carpet weaving demonstration and learn about the art of traditional carpet weaving from local social enterprise; Sultanköy. Turkish carpet weaving dates back to the early Neolithic age. Sultanköy provides local women with employment while protecting and developing the ancient tradition. Later, drive past apple and peach orchards to the quaint village of Sirince, where charming, red-roofed houses clamber up the hillside. Drop by a local wine house where you’ll enjoy a tasting of the locally produced fruit wines. Try a sip of kiwi, pear, peach, quince, or all the above! Next, you’re in for an extraordinary treat - meet a local chef (who has appeared on the BBC!) for a Turkish cooking class, using olive oil produced on site as well as herbs and vegetables picked fresh from the garden. If you’re just eating Turkish food in restaurants, you’re only getting half the story. Learn how to make a range of small mezze dishes using seasonal ingredients. Enjoy the fruits of your labour as this evening’s dinner will be the mouth-watering mezze plates you’ve made together.

• Ephesus - Archaeological site visit
• Selcuk - Sultankoy Village Carpet Weaving
• Selcuk - Cooking class
• Sirince - wine tasting in a wine house

After breakfast, join your leader for an orientation walk around Selcuk. You’ll see the Isa Bey Mosque, a beautiful example of 14th-century Seljuk Turkish architecture (only from outside, as the Mosque is under renovation), and the imposing Byzantine citadel of the Grand Fortress. Just below the fortress are the ruins of the Basilica of St John, built by Justinian I in the sixth century. Late morning, drive to Izmir (1hr) where your leader will show you around the city, visiting the clock tower, Hisar Mosque and Kemeraltı Bazaar. While in the bazaar you will have the opportunity to try some local treats such as kumru (a favourite local sandwich), boyoz (an Izmir tahini pastry specialty) and gevrek (a chewy bread dipped in honey, water, and sesame seeds). You'll have free time to explore and eat your way around Izmir, before meeting the group and heading to the train station. Your train will depart Izmir in the evening, transporting you through the night to the central Anatolian city of Konya.

• Overnight train (1 night)
• Selcuk - Leader-led orientation walk
• Izmir - Street eats and city tour

Today’s driving time is approximately 1 hour and the overnight train journey is approximately 12 hours.

Each cabin on the overnight train sleeps two people in single bunk beds. Pillows, sheets and blankets are provided, and there is also a small sink. Toilets are located at the end of the carriage. Each cabin is lockable from the inside and your luggage will be stored with you.

Arrive in Konya by early morning, then take a private transfer to Goreme. This is your gateway to the fabled fairy-chimneys of Capadoccia. Perhaps stop for a mid-morning snack of etli ekmek, a larger local variation of the traditional Turkish lahmacun: flat bread baked with ground meat, tomato, peppers and onion. Stop in at Derinkuyu, the astounding old subterranean city that goes as deep as 60 metres underground. It used to have wine and oil presses, cellars, refectories, stables and chapels, not to mention some 20,000 residents. For lunch perhaps hit a local pide restaurant for Turkey's answer to the Italian pizza, enjoy toppings like grilled lamb, black pepper, tender spinach, fresh egg and Turkey’s famed peynir cheese made from sheep’s milk. 

• Cappadocia - Derinkuyu Underground City

Today’s travel time is approximately 3 hours.

This morning you have the option to take a hot air balloon flight, a once-in-a-lifetime experience during which the sun illuminates a skyline dotted with balloons. Even if you'd prefer not to take a flight, it's still worth waking up for this truly incredible sight. Later this morning, wander through the Soganli Valley on a morning walk (approximately 1 hour), taking in the arid surrounds and towering vistas. Next up is a stop in Mustafapasa, a village with strong Greek Orthodox roots. Take a break at a coffeehouse to see the beans being roasted and sample the fresh results. Onwards to lunch to try a local specialty - testi kebab. Also known as pottery kebab, meat and vegetables are cooked in a clay pot for several hours, before being cracked open in front of you. This afternoon, visit one of Cappadoccia’s most famous wineries to learn about the region's 4000-year-old wine industry. Afterwards, walk through the stunning Red Valley (approximately 1.5 hours) as the sun sets, enjoying a glass of the local wine.

• Goreme - Sunset wine tasting
• Goreme - Red Valley walk
• Goreme - Soganli Valley walk
• Mustafapasa - Coffeehouse visit and tasting
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Regular Flight - EUR260
• Cappadocia - Hot Air Balloon Deluxe Flight - EUR330

Hot air balloon in Cappadocia can only be booked directly with your trip leader locally. Please speak to your Turkish group leader on early on your trip to secure a spot for this popular activity. Due to local regulations, sunrise hot air balloon excursion times do vary which may result in your excursion beginning just after sunrise. This is subject to the tour provider’s discretion and is not within our control. The price of the hot air balloon activity is indicative only as the prices may fluctuate between different seasons. Your tour leader will advise you the correct rate at the time of booking.

Today’s walks are not particularly challenging, but a basic level of fitness will help you to enjoy them to the fullest. The routes include gradual hill ascents and descents, and the exercise will mean you can enjoy more of the delicious Turkish food!

This morning you will visit a family-run pottery studio that has been in the business for six generations. Speak with a local artist who will explain the history and techniques of traditional Turkish ceramics. Discover the rich local clay and watch how it is molded into exquisite pieces. Enjoy free time before an evening cooking class. You'll be warmly welcomed into the cave home of Nuray, a brilliant home cook. Under her tutelage, learn to prepare classic central Anatolian dishes. The exact menu will vary to showcase the best of local seasonal produce. Enjoy your flavoursome creations over dinner.

• Goreme - Cooking Class
• Cappadocia - Pottery demonstration

This morning, wave the fairy chimneys a fond goodbye and transfer to one of the region's airports for a flight back to Istanbul. After checking into your hotel, enjoy free time before joining your group for a classic Istanbul meal - balik ekmek, the casual but delicious fish sandwich, bought and eaten alongside the Bosphorus.

• Istanbul - Balik ekmek (fish sandwich)

Today’s flight time is approximately 2.5 hours.

Your Intrepid trip comes to an end this morning. If you wish to spend some more time in Istanbul, we would be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

10 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners

Plane, Private Vehicle, Overnight Train

Hotel (9 nights), Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement excludes Day 6 (Overnight Train) where you will be in shared accommodation, and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Check back later or explore reviews for similar trips.

The 7 Best Istanbul Food Tours in 2024 🍽️

Top 3 Food Tours We Recommend: 

#1 – Best Overall – The Taste of Two Continents #2 – Best Night Tour –  Traditional Meyhane and Street Eats #3 – Best Cruise Tour – Bosphorus Dinner

#1 Best Istanbul Food Tour: The Taste of Two Continents

Discover the delicious Turkish cuisine on this intimate full-day tour across Istanbul’s European and Asian quarters.

Start your gastronomic journey in Istanbul’s historic center, with a day packed with scrumptious food tasting. Experience a vibrant spice market, enjoy a classic Turkish breakfast, and traverse the Bosphorus to the chic Kadikoy district. Throughout the day, savor diverse dishes, visit a range of eateries, and gain insight into Istanbul’s iconic foods.

This small-group tour, capped at eight attendees, melds food, culture, and history into an unforgettable experience.

Why Join This Tour?

• Explore Istanbul’s Diversity : This tour takes you through both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul , including ferry tickets in the package.
• Culinary Adventure : Sample a variety of Turkish dishes at different local eateries, markets, and cafes, accompanied by Turkish coffee and breakfast.
• Immerse in Local Culture : Learn about local culinary culture, history, and traditions from a knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
• Comprehensive Package : The tour includes tastings at 9 unique eateries and restaurants, friendly and passionate tour guides, a full day of culinary, cultural, and historical experiences, gratuities, and return ferry tickets.
• Meeting and End Points : The tour begins at Brew Coffee Works Hobyar and concludes at the Kadıköy Ferry Terminal, with your guide assisting you to catch the return ferry.
• Interesting Tour Stops : Visit historically significant areas of Istanbul, Misir Carsisi (Spice Market), Bosphorus Strait, Kadikoy Carsisi, Sureyya Opera House, and Kadikoy Iskelesi.

#2 Best Overall Private Food Tour: The 10 Tastings of Istanbul With Locals

The Istanbul Private Food Tour: The 10 Tastings is a half-day culinary exploration. This private tour takes participants on a gastronomic journey, introducing them to 10 of Istanbul’s most notable culinary delights while immersing them in the city’s vibrant food culture.

Why this tour?

• Unique Locations: The tour initiates from the Espresso Lab Cihangir and navigates through varied locales such as Cicek Pasaji, Avrupa Pasaji, and Aga Hamami, each reflecting a unique facet of Istanbul’s culinary spectrum.
• Culinary Delights: Participants get an opportunity to taste 10 of Istanbul’s most celebrated culinary delights, presenting an array of flavors and food traditions.
• Educational Insights: The tour is not only a feast but an educational journey as well, where participants learn about the history and cultural significance of the foods they taste, guided by an informed and engaging guide.
• Private and Personalized: Being a private tour, it offers a more intimate and personalized experience, making every culinary stop a memorable one.
• Flexible Group Sizes: The tour accommodates varying group sizes, adjusting the prices accordingly, making it a suitable choice for solo travelers, couples, and larger groups alike.
• Cancellation Policy: The tour’s cancellation policy allows participants to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing added flexibility.

In essence, the Istanbul Private Food Tour: The 10 Tastings is a comprehensive way to delve into Istanbul’s food culture. With an expert guide, a thoughtfully curated itinerary, and the benefits of a private experience, this tour provides a rich perspective on Istanbul’s culinary landscape.

#3 Bosphorus Dinner Cruise: Born on the Bosphorus Authentic Istanbul Food Tour

Discover the magic of Istanbul by night on this unforgettable dinner cruise aboard the city’s only catamaran, a unique experience that combines exquisite dining and captivating entertainment. Cruise between Europe and Asia along the breathtaking Bosphorus Strait, taking in iconic palaces and the illuminated Istanbul skyline. Your evening will be punctuated by thrilling performances, from traditional Turkish to dynamic Latin dances, complemented by a live DJ to keep the energy high.

Why Join this Tour?

• Culinary Delight : Feast on a delightful array of Turkish cuisine with your dinner, complemented by unlimited alcoholic drinks, offering you a taste of the local food culture.
• Cultural Immersion : Experience traditional Turkish dances and enjoy a lively DJ performance, giving you a deep dive into the local entertainment scene.
• Unparalleled Views : Cruise between Europe and Asia on the Bosphorus Strait, admiring the iconic palaces and the mesmerizing Istanbul skyline illuminated at night, providing a unique perspective of the city.
• Convenience : With hotel pick up and drop off included in comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles, you can enjoy the evening without arranging your own transportation.
• Unforgettable Experience : This tour combines food, entertainment, and sightseeing into one package, promising an unforgettable evening that will be a highlight of your Istanbul trip.

Join this tour for an enchanting evening aboard Istanbul’s only catamaran dinner cruise and create memories that will last a lifetime. This unforgettable experience is more than just a dinner, it’s a feast for all the senses.

#4 Savor Istanbul At Night: A Flavorful Journey through Traditional Meyhane and Street Eats

Experience a culinary journey through the vibrant Beyoglu (Pera) neighborhood with this immersive half-day food tour. Limited to just eight participants for a personal touch, you’ll get to savor a range of Turkish delicacies, from mezes to kebabs and from baklava to the regional anise-flavored liquor, raki. Along the way, enjoy visits to lively markets, street food stalls, and restaurants tucked away in the backstreets, all while soaking up insights into Turkish culture and history from your professional guide.

• Diverse Food Experience : Sample an array of Turkish dishes, from delicious mezes and kebabs to sweet baklava, offering an authentic taste of Turkey’s rich culinary scene.
• Local Spirits : Get a chance to try raki, a local anise-flavored liquor that is a staple in Turkish culture.
• Cultural and Historical Insights : Learn about Turkish culture, history, and cuisine from your professional guide, enhancing your understanding of the region.
• Intimate Group Setting : The tour is limited to eight travelers, ensuring a personalized and more intimate experience.
• Explore Local Spots : Visit bustling markets, street food stalls, and backstreets, providing a closer and more local perspective of the city.

Don’t miss this chance to eat, learn, and explore your way through Istanbul, leaving with a full belly, enriched knowledge, and unforgettable memories. Join this foodie tour to discover why Turkish cuisine is cherished worldwide, and find your new favorite dish in the heart of Istanbul.

#5 Best Food Combo: An Evening of Dining in Asia, Dessert in Europe

Indulge in Istanbul’s diverse culinary scene with an enchanting evening walking and food tour that bridges both the European and Asian sides of this magnificent city. Start your gastronomic journey near the iconic Blue Mosque , then sail across the Bosphorus River to delve into the delicious offerings of the Kadikoy Carsisi market. Savor traditional Turkish specialties at a local restaurant, and indulge in rich baklava, aromatic coffee, and an optional hookah session as the evening unfolds.

• Culinary Variety : Experience the incredible diversity of Turkish cuisine, from hearty meals to delectable desserts and invigorating drinks.
• Cross-Continental Journey : Take a unique gastronomic adventure that spans both the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.
• Local Experiences : Explore the Kadikoy Carsisi market and authentic local eateries, taking you beyond typical tourist experiences.
• Small Group : Benefit from personalized attention and a more intimate experience with a group limited to eight people.
• Knowledgeable Guide : Gain fascinating insights about Istanbul’s food and culture from a professional, gourmet, English-speaking local guide.

From sampling traditional food in markets and restaurants to crossing continents over dinner and dessert, this adventure is a sensory delight. Whether you’re a food lover, a culture enthusiast, or a traveler seeking unique experiences, this tour promises a memorable evening filled with delicious food, vibrant culture, and extraordinary sights. Take this journey and let Istanbul’s flavors tell their own story.

#6 Best Private Guided: ‘Taste of Istanbul’ Food Tour

Get on a private, guided food tour that unravels the rich culinary tapestry of Istanbul. With a knowledgeable local guide, you’ll savor a broad range of Turkish delights, from popular favorites to hidden gems known only to insiders. The tour is highly customizable to suit your preferences and dietary needs. With substantial walking and eating involved, don your comfy shoes and bring your appetite for a truly enjoyable Turkish gastronomic adventure.

• Authentic Cuisine : Dive into Turkey’s diverse culinary scene, tasting popular delicacies and lesser-known treats guided by a local foodie.
• Private and Customizable : Enjoy the exclusivity of a private tour that can be tailored to your needs, preferences, and appetite.
• Insider Knowledge : Benefit from your local guide’s expertise, as they introduce you to food items you might not discover independently.
• Comprehensive Package : Food tastings, beverages, and hotel pickups from certain areas are all included for your convenience.
• Perfect for Groups : This tour makes an ideal experience for friends and family traveling together, creating shared memories.

It’s more than a food tour – it’s an intimate exploration of the culture, history, and tradition embedded in each dish. With the flexibility of customization and the benefit of a local guide, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for Istanbul’s culinary landscape. Join  this mouth-watering adventure and let Istanbul’s cuisine captivate your senses in the most delightful way.

#7 Best 4-Course Meal: Food and Wine Pairing Experience at Karnas Vineyards, Bodrum

Introducing a 2- to 4-hour food and wine pairing dinner at the charming Karnas Vineyards in Bodrum. Delight in a scenic drive through the enchanting Turkish wine country, and upon arrival, enjoy a welcoming glass of Zinfandel. A tour of the cellar and a carefully curated 4-course meal awaits, with each dish perfectly paired with regional Turkish wines and showcasing local ingredients like olive oil, jam, and cheese.

• Exclusive Wine Tasting : Savor a variety of regional Turkish wines, getting an authentic taste of the country’s wine heritage.
• Food and Wine Pairing : Learn the art of pairing food and wine through a meticulously crafted 4-course dinner.
• Local Produce : Enjoy dishes made with locally-sourced ingredients, highlighting the richness of Bodrum’s agricultural produce.
• Scenic Vineyard Tour : Experience a picturesque drive through Turkish wine country and tour the cellar at Karnas Vineyards.
• Convenience : Complimentary hotel pick-up and drop-off ensures a hassle-free and enjoyable experience.

Beyond just a meal, it’s an educational journey into the world of Turkish wines and the art of pairing them with gourmet dishes. With the scenic backdrop of Bodrum’s lush wine country, this tour promises not only unforgettable flavors but also enchanting views. Join this tour and raise a glass to the delights of Bodrum’s culinary and viticulture scene.

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Istanbul culinary walks

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Culinary Backstreets covers the world’s best eating destinations, with city guides, food tours, multi-day trips and daily dispatches.

Cosmopolitan Kurtuluş: Istanbul’s Neighborhood of Taste

Quick bite: Far from the tourist trail, get a taste of one of the last bastions of classic Istanbul flavors, including bread fresh from the tandir oven, a mind-boggling assortment of meze, sizzling kebab, old school ice cream and much more. On this full-day food tour, we will dig deep into the culinary traditions of one of Istanbul’s most culturally diverse and food-centric neighborhoods.

US$135 / adult

Two Markets Two Continents

Quick Bite: This full-day Istanbul market tour draws from our best-of list in the European side’s Karaköy neighborhood and the Asian Kadıköy, tied together by a Bosphorus crossing, visiting two markets on two continents.

US$135/ adult

Culinary Backstreets of the Bazaar Quarter

Quick bite: Istanbul’s Bazaar Quarter is one of the world’s biggest open-air commercial centers and a historic hub of small craftsmen who still carry on their tradition in the atmospheric caravanserais. On this 6-hour Grand Bazaar food tour, we will meet and eat with these craftsmen. 

Born on the Bosphorus: Exploring Three Distinct Waterside Neighborhoods

Quick bite: From a workingman’s breakfast in the frenetic market to a leisurely fish lunch in the Bosphorus neighborhood, this full-day Istanbul food tour brings together the high points of life in the city, in all their rich contrast.

US $135/adult

Culinary Secrets of the Old City

Quick Bite: In Istanbul’s Old City, two culinary worlds exist side by side – one for tourists and one for locals. On this Istanbul Old City food tour, we go beyond the major monuments to time-honored spots where all of the serious eating is done.

Hidden Beyoğlu

Quick bite: With Beyoğlu’s cosmopolitan history as a backdrop, on this food tour in Istanbul we will eat our way through the classic and unknown eateries of the neighborhood, the old and the new, tasting specialties from all over Turkey. 

Shop, Cook, Feast: A Hands-On Culinary Adventure

Quick Bite: After shopping for ingredients in one of Istanbul’s most food-centric neighborhoods, we’ll teach you how to cook six of our favorite Turkish recipes from all over Turkey in this Istanbul cooking class – dishes like Circassian chicken, stuffed eggplant from southeastern Turkey, Aegean-style mincemeat pastries and more. 

US $120/adult

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• Hotel Reviews

This Hotel in Istanbul Was Just Voted the Best in the World — Here's What It's Like to Stay

From gorgeous decor to an ideal location, and an unmatched history, this hotel has it all.

Food and Drink

Activities and amenities, family-friendly offerings, sustainability, how to get the best value.

Courtesy of Four Seasons

Any hotel can host you in a destination, but an extraordinary one will immerse you in the local culture right from the jump. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet, voted the best hotel in the world by our readers in this year’s World’s Best Awards , sits firmly in the latter. 

“This recognition is an incredible honor for our team in Sultanahmet and across Four Seasons, further solidifying our position as luxury hospitality leaders. This exceptional property reflects our enduring commitment to personalized service and exemplary quality – all grounded in the genuine heart of our people,” Alejandro Reynal, the president and CEO of Four Seasons, told Travel & Leisure about winning the remarkable accolade. 

Right from its curbside entrance at Tevkifhane Street, the hotel is indeed a special one. Upon exiting my cab on a warm fall day, I got to experience this particular brand of magic for myself, determined to make the most of my short weekend getaway to Istanbul — and luckily for me and all the hotel guests, the towering neoclassical yellow building sits just a short walk from some of Istanbul’s most famous sites. But we’ll get into that in a minute because the building deserves to be this story's star. 

The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

• The beds here are unlike any we’ve ever experienced.
• Süreyya Teras Lounge has unmatched city views — among the best in the city.
• The spa’s hammam experience will leave your skin feeling like a baby’s bottom.

This particular building hasn’t always been a destination people want to check into. Built in 1918, it began as a guest house only to be quickly transformed into the Ottoman Empire's first jailhouse, a convenient destination next to the local courthouse. Even the street names give away its history — Tevkifhane translates to “detainee,” while the street around the corner from the front door, where prisoners were released, is named Kutlugün, meaning “happy day.” 

Political prisoners were often housed here, including novelist Orhan Kemal, who wrote Ward 72 while imprisoned. The jail eventually closed in 1969; however, following the 1980 coup, it was reopened for a short time as a military jail before falling into disrepair until 1996, when the Four Seasons took over. But the brand has made sure not to forget the building and the area’s extraordinary past. 

“The property itself is a marvel, and the thoughtful enhancements of its century-old Turkish neoclassical architecture have ushered in its next chapter, creating new opportunities for our guests to discover Istanbul from our very special hotel at the heart of the city’s Old Town,” Reynal said. “From Sultanahmet and beyond, our teams will continue to shine bright by building lasting connections with our guests and bringing the very best travel experiences to life.”

Not only did the Four Seasons brand work meticulously to preserve elements of the building in the mid-'90s, it did so again in 2022, when it emerged from a two-year renovation project, pulling in even more of Turkey’s gorgeous style into every room. “Our designers researched styling, pattern, and details from antiques, fabrics, and architecture and distilled these influences through a contemporary filter to create designs that feel completely in tune with the building and setting,” Martin Goddard of the design studio Goddard Littlefair, shared in a statement following the unveiling. 

Indeed, every inch of this space feels not only aligned with its surroundings but a part of them. Despite being next door to some of the most visited sites in the nation, it still provides guests with all the peace, quiet, and privacy they’d want. 

Upon check-in, I was whisked directly to my premiere room. Though the hotel’s smallest room category, it still clocked in at 645 square feet, larger than most New York City apartments. Everything about it felt plush — from the entry couch to the upholstered chairs around a small dining table for any in-room meals, the Turkish Kilim textiles hanging on the walls, and, of course, the overstuffed bed that sat like a cloud, ready to envelop weary travelers. However, I wasted no time lying down, instead doing what all guests at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet should do: swing open the windows. 

My room happened to open up to the dazzling and verdant courtyard below, sectioned off with intentional style to include garden space, lounge, and dining spaces, which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner thanks to the Avlu Restaurant — think Anatolian mezze plates; erişte pasta made with chives, spiced walnut, sautéed asparagus; and lamb tander smothered in a gorgeous tomato sauce with sheep cheese, oregano, chili flakes, sumac, and yogurt. Though the food here is undoubtedly fabulous, do make sure to head a few floors up for sunset. 

Resting atop the hotel sits Süreyya, its rooftop bar that comes with the bonus of the breathtaking Hagia Sofia Grand Mosque as the backdrop, making it the perfect place to transition from day to night with a craft cocktail in hand, like its Sultan Martini, made with vodka, passion fruit, yuzu juice, and vanilla syrup. Those feeling peckish while looking at the view can order small plates, salads, sandwiches, a sweet treat, or a cheese and honey plate stacked with Anatolian cheeses. 

However, there was one destination in the hotel that I couldn’t experience — but you now can. That is the Kurna Spa, offering traditional Turkish hammam rituals on its massive slate gray marble stones surrounded by colorful blue and soft green Turkish tiles, alongside a full menu of massages and facials. 

Though I didn’t get to see the spa during my stay, I could still explore so much more thanks to the hotel’s privileged position steps from the Hagia Sofia, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar, about a 15-minute walk away. There, I filled my bags with jewels, sweet-smelling spices, and tiny trinkets to remember my trip by. I also purchased two large rugs from a local supplier. Unsure of how I’d get them back to the hotel, the merchant asked where I was staying, and I couldn't even get the hotel's full name out before he said they’d be delivered to my room within an hour. And true to his word, they were there upon my return, speaking to how stellar this hotel’s relationships are within the area. 

The hotel, without question, deserves all the praise heaped upon it for the food and drink (worthy of a visit alone), the decor that roots you firmly in Istanbul, but most of all, because it is so utterly welcoming to all that walk through its door, setting a standard for hospitality that few can match. And the view most certainly doesn’t hurt either. 

The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet offers 65 luxurious rooms across several categories, including deluxe, premiere, and superior rooms and eight suites. Every room includes a seating area, a dining table, and an over-the-top fluffy bed. Guests can maximize their stay by booking the Beyzade Suite, a bi-level suite offering sweeping views thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the street below. 

The hotel offers guests plenty of choices when it comes to their meals. Guests can book a fine dining experience at Avlu, its outdoor restaurant located in the courtyard, or inside at its elevated Lingo Lingo Bar and Restaurant. Guests are also invited to sip cocktails at night on the roof at Süreyya Teras Lounge or grab a coffee and a pastry in the morning at its on-site cafe, La Pistache. 

The concierge at the hotel will happily help guests deep dive into local culture by setting them up with one of the hotel’s unique experiences. This includes activities like an exclusive Bosphorus cruise, time with a Turkish coffee fortune teller, and a Wonders of Istanbul local tour. 

At the hotel, guests can book treatments at Kurna Spa, including traditional Turkish hammam treatments that will leave them feeling fully renewed. 

The hotel offers guests babysitting services, as well as baby and child amenities like cribs and rollaway beds, to ensure everyone has a fun and comfortable stay. 

The hotel takes part in various Four Seasons sustainability efforts, as well as site-specific efforts like its water reduction program through water-efficient landscaping, and irrigation control, waste reduction via the elimination of single-use plastic food and beverage containers and bathroom amenities, and by offering local, sustainable food and beverages and seasonal menus. The hotel also celebrates sustainability through its local tours to heritage sites and by displaying local artists throughout the hotel to bolster the Istanbul community.

There’s no need to rent a car when staying at The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet. It’s within walking distance to several major attractions, including the Hagia Sophia Basilica, Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and the Grand Bazaar. There are plenty of taxis available as well. 

A good way to get a little value out of your stay is by booking the hotel’s bed & breakfast rate, which includes the daily buffet breakfast in AVLU restaurant or an American breakfast through in-room dining for up to two guests. 

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USA TODAY 10Best

From farmers markets to food halls, where to go for the best epicurean excursions

April 24, 2024 // By 10Best Editors

By 10Best Editors April 24, 2024

Whether we're in our own cities or exploring a new region of the country, we often explore with our taste buds. So, we set out to find the best food outlets the United States has to offer across four categories: farmers markets, food halls, public markets, and food tours.

A panel of experts made their nominee selections, then our readers voted for their favorite places to get food — whether it's meant to be enjoyed right then and there or used to prepare an incredible meal at home.

Click on each category below to see the full winners list:

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Best Farmers Market: Worthington Farmers Market in Worthington, Ohio

Nearly 100 vendors from the Columbus area converge for the year-round Worthington Farmers Market that adapts to the seasons. In summer, May through October, farmers and producers of high-quality food and plants, sell al fresco in the Old Worthington Historic District. The rest of the year, the market goes indoors at The Shops at Worthington Place.

Full list of winners: Best Farmers Market »

Best Food Hall: Mother Road Market in Tulsa, Oklahoma

Get your kicks at Oklahoma's first food hall, located right on historic Route 66. In addition to more than 15 vendors serving up everything from sushi to Cajun cuisine to Brazilian fare, the Kitchen 66 Takeover Cafe offers a rotating opportunity for budding food entrepreneurs to strut their stuff.

Full list of winners: Best Food Hall »

Best Food Tour: Columbus Food Adventures in Columbus, Ohio

From neighborhood walking tours to by-van excursions and private tours, Columbus Food Adventures offers a full menu of ways to meet the area's rich culinary scene. Whether you're a meat-lover, brew-hound, taco fiend, or gastronomic globe-trotter, there's a tour to fit your appetite.

Full list of winners: Best Food Tour »

Best Public Market: Milwaukee Public Market in Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Billed as "a gathering place where great taste is always in season," Milwaukee Public Market offers local baked goods, cheeses, meats, produce, and prepared eats. Choose goodies from nearly 20 vendors and enjoy your selection in the Palm Garden seating area on the second level. Or learn how to make your own fare at Madam Kuony's demonstration kitchen, where cooking classes are offered multiple times weekly.

Full list of winners: Best Public Market »

Congratulations to all these winners! Remember to visit 10best.usatoday.com daily to vote in more of our Readers' Choice Awards.

THE 10 BEST Moscow Food & Drink Tours

Food & drink tours in moscow.

• Cooking Classes
• Farmers Markets
• Beer Tastings & Tours
• Wine Tours & Tastings
• Coffee & Tea Tours
• Wineries & Vineyards
• Distillery Tours
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• District Southern (YuAO)
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Adventurous
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Novikov Space

2. Usachevskiy Market

3. Accademia del Gusto

4. Kot Shrodingera

5. Farmers Market Petrovskiy

6. Culinary Studio CulinaryOn

7. Prosto VKUSNO

8. Culinary studio Clever

9. Pivzavod 77

10. Cooking Studio Vkusoterria

11. Eco Market

12. Moskvoretskiy Market

13. Culinary Studio Julia Vysotskaya

14. Culinary Studio CulinaryOn

15. Domodedovo Market

16. Krasnopresnenskie Baths

17. Exhibition-Tasting Hall Ararat

18. Preobrazhenskiy Market

19. Seven Hills Brewing Co.

20. Lefortovskiy Rynok

21. Food Studio DELI

22. Cheryomushkinskiy Rynok

23. Food City

24. Sushi Povar

25. Masterslavl

26. Fish Shopping Complex Pyatnitskiy

27. Leningradskiy Market

28. produce market.

29. Marusya Gastronomic Studio of Russian Cuisine

30. Green Market

What travelers are saying.

• Usachevskiy Market
• Moskvoretskiy Market
• Farmers Market Petrovskiy
• Pivzavod 77
• Novikov School
• Prosto VKUSNO
• Cooking Studio Vkusoterria
• Accademia del Gusto
• Culinary Studio CulinaryOn
• Culinary studio Clever
• Culinary Studio Julia Vysotskaya

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

A local’s travel guide to Austin: what to eat, see and do in three days

Standout spots include food truck parks, honky-tonk hangouts and Lady Bird’s wildflower sanctuary

A ustin has become one of the most popular places in the US to move to, and also to visit. Droves of people descend on the city in March for the South by Southwest tech, film and music festival and in the fall for the Austin City Limits music festival. And Austin is one of the top five destinations in the US for bachelorette parties. Don’t let the bachelorettes scare you away, though. Austin is a great place to spend a few days, so long as you do it like a local.

My family and I moved to Austin 12 years ago, after living in New York for many years. I’ve also lived in Washington DC , the San Francisco Bay Area and Philadelphia. Austin has a feel all of its own: it has a world-class music scene, great food that now goes well beyond Tex-Mex and barbecue, Texas history and fun shopping and museums – all with less hassle than bigger cities in the US.

Here’s my guide to a long weekend there. In addition to picks for adults, I’ve included some recommendations for families that our kids (now teenagers) have loved through the years. And I’m vegetarian, so I’ve chosen some of the city’s best veggie eats options. Don’t worry, my meat-eating wife made sure that I included great barbecue choices, too.

Day 1: Pool party & pickles

Start your day with a walk or run on the trail at Town Lake (it’s officially labeled on maps as Lady Bird Lake, but locals refer to it as Town Lake). This 10-mile (16km) trail on both sides of a dammed portion of Texas’s Colorado River (a different Colorado River than the bigger and more famous one) is tree-shaded, beautiful and one of Austinites’ favorite places to exercise. If you have time, walk through Zilker Park, which is right next to the trail. If you have kids, go to the new and very fun playground at Butler Park, complete with a splash pad just up the path from the playground.

Austin was one of the cities that started the food truck scene in the US several decades ago, and now there are more than 2,000 food trucks in the city. Some are located in trailer parks that have multiple truck options and picnic table seating. After your morning at Town Lake and Zilker Park, have lunch at the Picnic food truck park, or the nearby original location of local favorite Chuy’s (the Tex-Mex chain is now expanding throughout the US). Other great lunch options include Green Mesquite and Carpenters Hall .

In the afternoon, go for a swim at Barton Springs Pool . Open year-round, this massive basin measures three acres and is fed by underground natural springs. It’s open throughout the day, and it’s free before 8am and after 9pm.

Head back to your hotel or Airbnb for a rest, and then get ready for dinner. Tonight is casual: barbecue at Terry Black’s , or if you’re vegan, the food truck Rollin Smoke for a fantastic vegan barbecue sandwich made with baby portobello mushrooms, spicy slaw, barbecue sauce and pickles. It’s my favorite vegan barbecue sandwich in Austin (who says you can’t have barbecue if you’re veggie?), and it’s located in a food truck park with beautiful old trees shading the tables. Rollin Smoke has very good meat options, too (I’m told).

If you have young children, head to Phil’s Icehouse . They have burgers and a full playground where the kids can play before or after dinner. Just don’t put them on the spinning flower after the meal. And be sure to get some ice-cream after dinner at Amy’s Ice Creams , a longtime favorite of Austinites. Amy’s is located next to Phil’s, and it’s so good we had an Amy’s truck serve dessert at our wedding.

After dinner, head out to see some music at one of Austin’s many local music venues. One of our favorites is the Continental Club . There’s a main club downstairs and the intimate Continental Gallery upstairs, where you can see local musicians in a cozy space. Other great venues include C-Boy’s and the new Moody Amphitheater . For full local music listings on any night, check the Austin Chronicle . And if it’s summer, look to see if Blues on the Green has a free concert that night. If you have kids, take them to the free Rock the Park concert series, produced by local radio station KUTX.

Day 2: Breakfast tacos, books & bats

Start your day back at the lake with a rowing workout that’s almost, but not quite, on the lake. Rō Fitness is a local studio that has outdoor rowing classes by the water. It’s way more fun than working out at an indoor studio.

You’ll need fuel after your workout. Grab a breakfast taco at Veracruz or Tacodeli or Tamale House East . Breakfast tacos are an Austin staple (they are to Austin as bagels are to New York), and all three of these places have delicious options.

Today is a shopping day. Start out at BookPeople , one of the greatest bookstores in the US. It’s locally owned and independent, but the size of a superstore. BookPeople also dares to take a stand on issues, including being one of two bookstores that recently sued Texas state officials over a newly passed book ban law. It has an excellent kids section, and organizes live readings by kids’ authors.

After you’ve gotten your book fix, head across the street to Waterloo Records , one of the best record stores in the US. Waterloo carries new and used vinyl, CDs and merchandise from rock to jazz to local Texas music. For more shopping options, head over to the stores along South Congress Avenue and South First Street (including Roadhouse Relics , a neon art store and gallery that is one of our favorites), and if you want to go thrifting, our teens say Austin Pets Alive Thrift and Texas Thrift are the best.

After all of the shopping, it’s time for lunch. If you’re near BookPeople and Waterloo, head over to Soup Peddler, a local place for homemade soups, smoothies and fantastic grilled cheese sandwiches (trivia: Soup Peddler got its name because the founder started out delivering homemade soup by bike before opening full store locations). Or if you’re near South Congress and South First, go to the food trucks on South First or Underdog or Fresa’s .

As you’re heading back to rest up, grab an ice-cream at Amy’s, a gelato at Dolce Neve or cupcakes at Sugar Mama’s .

Some good dinner options for tonight include Loro , Suerte or Este . And if you’re looking for a vegetarian option, one of my favorite veggie restaurants is Bouldin Creek Cafe . It’s casual, with a great menu that includes vegan chips and queso. If it’s nice out, take a seat on the patio.

Tonight’s activity could be going to see the bats at the Congress Street Bridge. Austin has the largest urban bat colony in North America, and in season they live in one of the bridges that crosses the Colorado River (they migrate to Mexico in the cooler weather). Bat-watching is a lot more fun than you might imagine from horror movies (and these bats look more like birds than vampire bats). If you’re not in the mood for bats, head to the legendary Broken Spoke . Get there early for dance lessons, then hoof it at this classic Texas honky-tonk.

Day 3: Live oaks & Lady Bird wildflowers

It’s your last day in Austin, and it’s a good one for visiting a museum. Some of our favorites include the Bullock Museum to learn all about the history of our state (bonus fact: Texas was once its own country , and some people want it to be its own country again ). If you’re a fan of 1960s history, visit the excellent LBJ Presidential Library , which is the home of the 36th president’s papers. It has good exhibits on the US civil rights movement and 1960s US history in general. Another excellent museum option is the Blanton Museum of Art , or you could tour the Texas capitol (Austin is, after all, the capital of Texas). If you’re a nature fan, head to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center . And if you have kids, the Thinkery is an excellent children’s museum.

For lunch, it’s time for more barbecue (you’re in Austin, don’t fight it). Two terrific barbecue trucks are Mickelthwait and LeRoy and Lewis . And LeRoy and Lewis has another of my favorite vegetarian barbecue options: cauliflower burnt ends.

In the afternoon, head back to Town Lake. This time, get out on the water by renting a kayak, stand up paddleboard or paddle boat (a kid-friendly option). If you have time and energy for a drink, head over to the ABGB for happy hour. They have a great beer selection, lots of outdoor seating and local bands playing music.

For your farewell dinner, a few of our favorite restaurants that are a bit on the fancier end are Hestia , Uchi or the Lenoir wine garden, where dinner is served under live oak trees more than a hundred years old. And for a fantastic vegan option, go to Fabrik for a seven-course vegan tasting menu. You’ll need a reservation well in advance (they’re currently booking four to six weeks out). And for your final night in Austin, head out to another music venue. Or if you have kids, take them to the Austin favorite Peter Pan Mini Golf , which has been around for 75 years, or check Do512 Family for family events that are happening the dates you’re in town.

Question Time

When is the best time of year to visit austin.

There’s no dispute: it’s hot in the summer in Austin . A great time to visit is between October and May. From June through September, many days will be over 100F. If you’re here in the summer, spend lots of time at the Barton Springs pool.

Is Austin expensive?

Austin hotels can be expensive during big events like South by Southwest or the Formula One weekend. But for most dates, it’s less expensive than larger cities like New York, Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Will I need a car to get around Austin?

Most of the places that I’ve recommended are within walking distance from downtown. You can also rent bikes and scooters to get around. Austin’s public transportation is primarily through local buses, which can take you further out if needed. And car-share options are easy as well.

Steve Sachs is managing director of the Guardian US. He has worked at large and startup media companies for more than 20 years. He loves all kinds of music, and his most recent favorite concert, the Texas Songwriters Hall of Fame Show, featured a host of singer-songwriters including Lyle Lovett and Emmylou Harris

• Hometown tour

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Greenville food hall, food tour voted among best in the nation. Here's why they rank high.

USA TODAY has announced two Greenville winners for the USA Today 10Best Readers' Choice Awards.

Gather GVL and Greenville's History & Culinary tours placed in the top 10 for each of their respective categories.

Following last year's win, Gather GVL was recognized as one of the best food halls in the nation, moving up a spot in the list. Although Greenville's tours dropped down a few places from last year's ranking, it still managed to luck out when it comes to being one of the country's best food tours.

Here's what to know about this year's 10 Best winners.

Gather GVL ranks No. 5 for Best Food Hall

No matter what your taste, this Greenville melting pot has all the flavors, from fried chicken and classic smash burgers to sushi and hibachi. At Gather GVL , guests watch with growling stomachs as chefs serve up dishes from a colorful collection of shipping containers. When food is ready, guests settle down at long tables where they dine with family and friends, kicking back and relaxing. If you sit on the second floor, you can enjoy views of downtown, whether rain or shine. Locals with furry friends will be glad to know their pets are welcome to the ground floor, where they, too, can join in on the fun. In 2023, USA TODAY placed the food hall at No. 6 for best food in the nation.

What other food halls made the list?

∎ No. 1: Mother Road Market, Tulsa, Oklahoma

∎ No. 2: The Garage Food Hall, Indianapolis, Indiana

∎ No. 3: Budd Dairy Food Hall, Columbus, Ohio

∎ No. 4: The Market at Malcolm Yards, Minneapolis, Minnesota

∎ No. 5: Gather GVL, Greenville, South Carolina

∎ No. 6: City Foundry STL, St. Louis, Missouri

∎ No. 7: Federal Galley, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

∎ No. 8: Food Hall at Bottling Department, San Antonio, Texas

∎ No. 9: Time Out Market Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

∎ No. 10: Chelsea Market, New York City, New York

Greenville History & Culinary Tours voted No. 8 for Best Food Tour

For over a decade, Greenville's History and Culinary tours has drawn 40,000 guests to the city. On the history tours, guests are guided through historic buildings and homes, public artwork displays, restaurants, and shops. Foodies on the culinary tours will have opportunities to visit kitchens and sample food offerings while "At the Chef's Table." USA TODAY recommends trying the BBQ Trail Tour or visiting the countryside, where you will be escorted to a movable farm-fresh feast. Last year, the tours placed at No. 3 for best food tour by USA TODAY.

What other food tours made the list?

∎ No. 1: Columbus Food Adventures, Columbus, Ohio

∎ No. 2: Taste Buzz Food Tours, Las Vegas, Nevada

∎ No. 3: Six Taste, Los Angeles, California

∎ No. 4: Savor Seattle Food Tours, Seattle, Washington

∎ No. 5: Bienville Bites Food Tour, Mobile, Alabama

∎ No. 6: Doctor Gumbo Tours, New Orleans, Louisiana

∎ No. 7: Mangia DC Food Tours, Washington, D.C.

∎ No. 8: Greenville History & Culinary Tours, Greenville, South Carolina

∎ No. 9: Maine Day Ventures, Portland, Maine

∎ No. 10: Bobby's Bike Hike Chicago, Chicago, Illinois

Nina Tran covers trending topics. Reach her via email at [email protected]

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If Buddy is barking at you to fill his bowl, listen up.

He may also be speaking up to demand a switch in his daily dinner, or breakfast and lunch too, for that matter.

Since we all love our fur babies as our own, what we feed them matters. Finding the right kibble can be difficult, as there is a sea of choices for pooches of all shapes and sizes with less-than-helpful packaging and guidance.

The first step when choosing a dog food is to consult your local vet, as they know what is best for their favorite, slobbery patients . However, for those that want even more recommended or even a place to start before your annual visit, we have that covered.

• Best Overall : Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food

Best for Puppies: Purina Pro Plan High Protein Chicken & Rice Formula Dry Puppy Food

Best for small breeds: blue buffalo life protection formula small breed adult chicken & brown rice recipe dry dog food.

• Best for Large Breeds : Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Orijen Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food

We spoke with Dr. Danielle Bernal, a veterinarian for Wellness Pet Company as well as Dr. Katy Nelson , senior veterinarian at  Chewy about what to look for in a dog food formula, what to avoid and also any tips and tricks for choosing the right chow for your Chihuahua and the best munchies for your Maltese.

Keep reading to see Dr. Nelson’s top dog food recommendations or jump to our FAQ to learn more about the best ingredients (and the worse) to feed your pooch.

Best Dog Food Brands

RELATED: Best dog products, according to Cesar Millan

Best Overall: Freshpet Vital Chicken Recipe Fresh Dog Food

• Non-GMO ingredients
• Good for small and large breeds
• Works for dogs with sensitive stomachs
• Only four pouches come in a case

“I’ve been feeding  Freshpet  to my pups for years!” said Dr. Nelson. “I love that the only preservative that they use is your refrigerator. Fresh, natural ingredients are used and they’re slowly steamed to preserve the maximum nutrient availability.”

This expert pick made the list, as this is what Dr. Nelson feeds her own furry family member. The Freshpet collection can be found on Chewy, including the chicken recipe pictured above.

Size options: 1.75 pound bag | Flavor: Chicken

• Meat is the first ingredient
• Has vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids to keep your dog’s coat soft and shiny
• Promotes joint health
• Only two flavor options

“The recipe is crafted with high-quality protein, including chicken as the #1 ingredient to help build lean muscles and the food includes glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, for joint health and mobility,” said Dr. Nelson. “Plus, vitamin A and omega-6 fatty acids will help nourish your pup’s skin and coat.”

This dry dog food is sold in a variety of sizes from six to 34 pounds, lasting your pup a while until they become a big kid… well, big dog.

Size options: Available in 6-34 pound bags | Flavors: Chicken & Rice, Lamb & Rice

• Almost a five star rating on Chewy
• No wheat, soy, corn or meat by-product
• Chicken is first ingredient
• Overall, the majority of reviews are positive for this dog food. However, some pet owners found that their dogs did not take to the food’s flavor

For smaller dogs, such as Frenchies and terriers, try something like this from Blue Buffalo. It’s first ingredient is meat, which is important when shopping a dog food brand. “You then want to see ingredients you recognize,” said Dr. Bernal.

The kibble size isn’t too big, so smaller mouths don’t need to struggle to get a proper mouthful. The formula is also filled with antioxidants, Glucosamine for joint mobility, and omegas for a glossy coat.

Size options: Available in 5-15 pound bags | Flavors: Chicken & Brown Rice, Lamb & Brown Rice

Best for Large Breeds: Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Large Breed Adult Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food

• Calcium and phosphorus for teeth and bone health
• High protein content from meat and eggs
• Budget-friendly dog food brand
• Some customers noted that there are tinier bits of kibble mixed in that their dogs didn’t like

Similarly, if you own a bigger dog, such as a golden retriever or mastiff, Blue Buffalo has an option for them, too. We like the option made with deboned chicken, whole grains and fruits and vegetables. However, there’s also a lamb favor if your pooch is fancy!

Size options : Available in 15-34 pound bags | Flavors: Chicken & Brown, Lamb & Brown Rice,

• Flax seed for digestion
• Prebiotics and probiotics
• First seven ingredients are animal-based protein, including wild-caught fish
• Specific formula is for puppies. Check out other dog food options from Orijen

“With 4.9 stars,  ORIJEN Amazing Grains Puppy Dry Dog Food  is specially crafted to meet the nutritional needs of your growing puppy and protein-packed with poultry and fish to support your pup’s muscle development,” said Dr. Nelson. “This food also supports your dog’s digestive health with prebiotics and probiotics—soluble and insoluble fiber from inulin—and a premium grain blend.”

ORIJEN is sold at Chewy in a variety of flavors and sizes, with this dry food kibble coming in a small four-pound bag and a larger 22.5-pound bag.

Size options : Available in 4-22.5 pound bags | Flavor: N/A

Best Freeze-Dried: Open Farm Turkey Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food

• Made from free-range turkey and organic produce
• Omega-3 and 6 for coat health
• Meat isn’t organic

For those of you who’d like to prepare your dog fresh meals every day, consider this a less labor intense alternative. The dog food is freeze-dried to maintain nutritional freshness, and features a host of organic veggies and fruits. Most importantly, the first three ingredients are turkey, providing a healthy dose of protein for you K9.

Size options : Available in 3.50-22 ounce bags | Flavor: Turkey Recipe

Best Grain Free: Wellness CORE Puppy (Grain Free)

• Fortified with vitamins and minerals
• Taurine for heart health
• Good for large and small dog breeds
• While also listed as appropriate for adult and senior dogs, we couldn’t find reviews from owners with either. Because of this, we recommend checking Wellness CORE (Grain-Free) for adult dogs

“CORE recipes are crafted based on the nutritional philosophy that dogs, based on their primal ancestry, thrive on a natural diet mainly comprised of meat. Packed with premium protein along with nutrient-rich superfoods and nutritional supplements to ensure your puppy has everything they need to thrive from the CORE,” said Dr. Bernal.

Starting at $20 for the four-pound bag, the dry kibble can be ordered to pick up in store, or shipped to your home for easy feeding.

Size options: Available in 4-26 pound bags | Flavor : Chicken & Turkey Recipe

Best Organic: Castor & Pollux Organix Grain-Free Butcher & Bushel Organic Carved Turkey Dinner

• Certified organic ingredients
• 4 out of 5 star rating on Chewy
• Probiotics for healthy digestion
• Only one flavor

If you want your dog to eat as well as you do, add this best organic dog food brand to your cart. It’s first ingredient is organic, free-range turkey, which are vet experts approve of, as well as organic carrots and sweet potatoes. Free of fillers like corn and soy, the food is handcrafted and made in small batches. Your dog may not want anything else after trying it.

Size options : 12.7 ounces (12 pack) | Flavor: Turkey

Best for Coat Health: American Journey Puppy Lamb & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• Contains healthy fats
• Also available in the flavor chicken & lamb
• Doesn’t contain soy or corn
• One reviewer mentioned having an issue resealing the bag. To keep your dog’s dry food fresh, consider using a sealable container, like the Frisco Airtight Food storage Container ($14).

“This high-protein dog food with real, deboned lamb is not only delicious for your pup but full of amino acids that help maintain lean muscle mass, plus salmon oil and flaxseed provide omega-3 and 6 fatty acids, including long-chain DHA, help support your dog’s skin and coat health and brain and eye development,” said Dr. Nelson.

There are an array of sizes to order, should you shop at Chewy. We love the option to bundle and save, with two four-pound packages or two 12-pound bags, shipped right to your door.

Size options : Available in 12-24 pound bags | Flavors: Chicken & Sweet Potato, Lamb & Sweet Potato

Best for Senior Dogs: Wellness CORE Digestive Health Age Advantage (grained)

• Contains superfoods and omega fatty acids
• Good for gut health
• Promotes firmer stools
• Kibble size is on the larger side, which may be an issue for smaller dogs

“Designed specifically for the needs of senior dogs, Wellness CORE Digestive Health Age Advantage is a highly digestible, probiotic-coated kibble crafted with a unique blend of prebiotic fibers to support digestive health. This recipe is made with guaranteed levels of Glucosamine, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Calcium to support healthy joints and bones. So, every dog, at any age, can live their best life,” said Dr. Bernal.

Digestive health is really important for any age, but senior dogs especially. That’s why this formula sold at Petco is made with small, easy-to-eat kibble bits.

Size options: Available in 4-24 pound bags | Flavor: Chicken & Brown Rice

Best for Small Senior Dogs: Hill’s Science Diet Adult 7+ Small Bites Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe Dry Dog Food  

• No artificial flavors, preservatives or colors
• First ingredient is chicken
• Easy on dog’s digestion
• Only available in one flavor

“This is an easy-to-digest food for senior dogs who prefer a smaller kibble size. Its synergistic ingredient blend encourages youthful vitality and promotes an ideal weight,” said Dr. Nelson.

These small bites come in many sizes, from a small five-pound bag to the largest 33-pound package, all sold on Chewy’s site.

Size options: Available in 5-33 pound bags | Flavor: Chicken Meal, Barley & Rice Recipe

Best Splurge: American Journey Senior Chicken & Sweet Potato Recipe Grain-Free Dry Dog Food

• Contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Taurine and L-Carnitine
• Also available in the flavor Salmon & Sweet potato
• More than 1,000 five star reviews on Chewy
• Only available in 24 pound bag

“This is a grain-free senior dry dog food that helps support healthy aging with real chicken as the first ingredient, plus a blend of targeted nutrients. Its antioxidant blend helps support a healthy immune system while omega fatty acids help maintain skin and coat health and medium chain triglycerides naturally occurring in coconut oil help support brain health in aging dogs to encourage cognitive wellness,” said Dr. Nelson.

No need to journey to the store, either, as Chewy can ship this 24-pound bag of kibble right to your home. You can also set up an Autoship subscription, saving more time and money when you need a refill.

Size options : Available in 24 pound bag | Flavors: Chicken & Sweet Potato, Salmon & Sweet Potato

Best for Weight Loss: Wellness Complete Health Healthy Weight

• Calcium and phosphorus for healthy teeth and gums
• Available in four flavors at Chewy
• Some customers reviews noted that it did not agree with their dog’s digestive system

“This natural dry food for dogs is specially formulated with reduced calories and lowered total fat to support healthy weight loss and weight maintenance in less active or overweight adult dogs,” said Dr. Bernal.

Keeping your pet’s weight under control is no small feat, which is why the vets recommended this kibble made with nutrient-rich whole foods to fill up your pup.

Size options : Available in 5-30 pound bags | Flavors: Beef & Barley, Deboned Chicken & Oatmeal, Lamb & Barley, Whitefish & Sweet Potatoe

Best Wet Food for Weight Loss: Hill’s Science Diet Adult Perfect Weight Hearty Vegetable & Chicken Stew Canned Dog Food

• Smells good
• No artificial colors or preservatives
• Includes organ meat
• One customer complained that the ratio of peas and carrots were too high

“If you’re looking for canned food, this is a good pick as its lean and delicious recipe delivers 100% precisely balanced nutrition and contains prebiotic fibers for gentle digestion,” said Dr. Nelson. “When fed this nutrition, over 70% of dogs lost weight within 10 weeks adding not only to their life expectancy but also their overall quality of life.”

We wanted to add in an option for wet food, should your dog prefer the whole and hearty taste of vegetable and chicken stew, sold in a package of 12 or 24.

Size options : Available in 12.5-12.8 ounce cans (case of 12) | Flavors: Chicken & Vegetables, Hearty Vegetables & Chicken

Best Frozen: JustFoodforDogs

• Human-grade meal
• Free of BHA, BHT, growth hormones and artificial colorings
• May not appeal to finicky dogs

“This brand has some great fresh and frozen recipes including  JustFoodForDogs Fish & Sweet Potato Recipe Frozen Human-Grade Fresh Dog Food  which is a high-protein, low-calorie recipe promoting healthy weight and crafted with fresh, human-grade ingredients including wild-caught Alaskan cod, sweet potatoes, broccoli and green beans,” said Dr. Nelson, using Chewy’s Fresh and Prepared Food Finder for help.

Like the brand says, this shop is just for dogs and puppies. Shop the full selection at Chewy.com, making sure to take a look at the variety pack listed above.

Size options : Available in 5.5-72 ounce pouches (cases vary) | Flavors: Beef & Turkey, Beef & Russet Potato, Chicken & White Rice, Fish & Sweet Potato, Venison & Squash, Lamb & Brown Rice, Turkey & Whole Wheat Macaroni, Sampler Variety Pack

Best for Allergies: Royal Canin Veterinary Diet Skintopic Adult Dry Dog Food

• Single source carbohydrate
• Hydrolyzed Protein
• First ingredient isn’t meat but the second is hydrolyzed chicken liver

No one likes being itchy — even dogs. For Fido’s allergies, go with Royal Canin. It has a Dermauxilium Complex for skin health, as well as highly hydrolyzed protein to promote better stools and digestion. The food also has a host of vitamins and minerals.

Size options: Available in 8-25 pound bags | Flavors: N/A

Best Dog Food for Sensitive Stomaches: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets EN Gastroenteric Dry Dog Food

• Ingredients to aid in nutrient absorption
• Appropriate for puppies and older dogs
• Meat is not the first ingredient but second

“With a With a 4.8 rating, this is a great-tasting dry dog food for a healthy GI tract featuring MCT vegetable or coconut oil. The recipe was developed in collaboration with nutritionists, researchers and veterinarians using high-quality ingredients including prebiotic fiber and healthy antioxidants and designed to promote optimal nutrient absorption and total digestibility,” said Dr. Nelson.

This formula not only has the vet’s stamp of approval, but the star-rating to back it up with customer satisfaction. The bag of dry food comes in a variety of sizes, from a five-pound bag all the way up to a 32-pound amount.

Size options: Available in 6-12 pound bags | Flavor: N/A

Best Fresh: Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly Chicken (Fresh/Frozen)

• Deboned chicken is the first ingredient
• Has a variety of vitamins and minerals, including Zinc, Taurine, and Vitamin D3
• Only 6 pouches come in a case

“Packed with mouthwatering pieces of turkey, grains and sweet potatoes, Wellness Bowl Boosters Freshly will not only be gentle on stomachs but also satisfy your dog’s taste buds and support her total health. The wholesome ingredients included help support skin, coat, energy, digestion and immune system, too. Serve it straight from the fridge as a full meal or use it to top off your dog’s daily kibble,” instructed Dr. Bernal.

We also wanted to give a fresh pick for Fido and friends. This Wellness Bowl Boosters are sold in stores or shipped frozen, able to be stored in the fridge or freezer and defrosted when dinner time comes around.

Size options: Available in 14 ounce pouches (6 case) | Flavor: Chicken & Butternut Squash

How to choose a good dog food?

There are a bunch of factors that go into choosing the right food for your dog, many of which will be addressed by your vet. If not, we also got expert intel from Dr. Bernal, breaking it down into simple steps — trust of the brand, nutrition, ingredients and format. We’ll get into a lot of this later, but here are a few tips.

• [Look for] trust in its manufacturing practices, food safety processes and quality assurance programs
• See if the brand has undergone AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) testing and meets requirements
• Dry vs. wet food? Neither is the better format, as both have benefits. For example, dry recipes deliver more nutrient dense nutrition while wet recipes have a high moisture content.

What ingredients should I look for?

The ingredients list of a dog food bag can be confusing, with buzz words like “healthy,” “raw,” and “organic” thrown around. But what ingredients should we really be looking for when choosing a substantive and delicious dish for your dog?

“Look for [bags that] include fresh meat as the first ingredient, concentrated meat meals as second and or third ingredients,” said Dr. Bernal . “You then want to see ingredients you recognize.”

In addition, other vitamins and minerals are important for well-rounded health of your pup, said Dr. Nelson.

“Amino acids, which build and repair tissues, help maintain healthy skin and coat and support the immune system; fatty acids, which also maintain healthy skin and coat, and are essential for joint health and a healthy immune system. Vitamins and minerals are important to ensure that the pet’s nutrient requirements are met,” she said.

What ingredients should I avoid?

There are a few ingredients that you want to watch out for. Dr. Nelson warns of a few specific ingredients to be on the lookout for.

“Items like BHA, melamine and artificial dyes are the products that I steer pet parents away from when choosing foods,” she said.

There is also a misconception that grains and corn are bad for dogs, when really they do serve a purpose aside from just a filler for pet food companies.

“Grains provide a healthy source of carbohydrates in pet food and meat meal is simply a dried end-product of of the cooking process and can contain high quality and digestible whole meat products,” explained Dr. Nelson.

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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!

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

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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 .

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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!

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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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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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The Comprehensive Guide to Moscow Nightlife

• Posted on April 14, 2018 July 26, 2018
• by Kings of Russia
• 8 minute read

Moscow’s nightlife scene is thriving, and arguably one of the best the world has to offer – top-notch Russian women, coupled with a never-ending list of venues, Moscow has a little bit of something for everyone’s taste. Moscow nightlife is not for the faint of heart – and if you’re coming, you better be ready to go Friday and Saturday night into the early morning.

This comprehensive guide to Moscow nightlife will run you through the nuts and bolts of all you need to know about Moscow’s nightclubs and give you a solid blueprint to operate with during your time in Moscow.

What you need to know before hitting Moscow nightclubs

Prices in moscow nightlife.

Before you head out and start gaming all the sexy Moscow girls , we have to talk money first. Bring plenty because in Moscow you can never bring a big enough bankroll. Remember, you’re the man so making a fuzz of not paying a drink here or there will not go down well.

Luckily most Moscow clubs don’t do cover fees. Some electro clubs will charge 15-20$, depending on their lineup. There’s the odd club with a minimum spend of 20-30$, which you’ll drop on drinks easily. By and large, you can scope out the venues for free, which is a big plus.

Bottle service is a great deal in Moscow. At top-tier clubs, it starts at 1,000$. That’ll go a long way with premium vodka at 250$, especially if you have three or four guys chipping in. Not to mention that it’s a massive status boost for getting girls, especially at high-end clubs.

Without bottle service, you should estimate a budget of 100-150$ per night. That is if you drink a lot and hit the top clubs with the hottest girls. Scale down for less alcohol and more basic places.

Dress code & Face control

Door policy in Moscow is called “face control” and it’s always the guy behind the two gorillas that gives the green light if you’re in or out.

In Moscow nightlife there’s only one rule when it comes to dress codes:

You can never be underdressed.

People dress A LOT sharper than, say, in the US and that goes for both sexes. For high-end clubs, you definitely want to roll with a sharp blazer and a pocket square, not to mention dress shoes in tip-top condition. Those are the minimum requirements to level the playing field vis a vis with other sharply dressed guys that have a lot more money than you do. Unless you plan to hit explicit electro or underground clubs, which have their own dress code, you are always on the money with that style.

Getting in a Moscow club isn’t as hard as it seems: dress sharp, speak English at the door and look like you’re in the mood to spend all that money that you supposedly have (even if you don’t). That will open almost any door in Moscow’s nightlife for you.

Types of Moscow Nightclubs

In Moscow there are four types of clubs with the accompanying female clientele:

High-end clubs:

These are often crossovers between restaurants and clubs with lots of tables and very little space to dance. Heavy accent on bottle service most of the time but you can work the room from the bar as well. The hottest and most expensive girls in Moscow go there. Bring deep pockets and lots of self-confidence and you have a shot at swooping them.

Regular Mid-level clubs:

They probably resemble more what you’re used to in a nightclub: big dancefloors, stages and more space to roam around. Bottle service will make you stand out more but you can also do well without. You can find all types of girls but most will be in the 6-8 range. Your targets should always be the girls drinking and ideally in pairs. It’s impossible not to swoop if your game is at least half-decent.

Basic clubs/dive bars:

Usually spots with very cheap booze and lax face control. If you’re dressed too sharp and speak no Russian, you might attract the wrong type of attention so be vigilant. If you know the local scene you can swoop 6s and 7s almost at will. Usually students and girls from the suburbs.

Electro/underground clubs:

Home of the hipsters and creatives. Parties there don’t mean meeting girls and getting drunk but doing pills and spacing out to the music. Lots of attractive hipster girls if that is your niche. That is its own scene with a different dress code as well.

What time to go out in Moscow

Moscow nightlife starts late. Don’t show up at bars and preparty spots before 11pm because you’ll feel fairly alone. Peak time is between 1am and 3am. That is also the time of Moscow nightlife’s biggest nuisance: concerts by artists you won’t know and who only distract your girls from drinking and being gamed. From 4am to 6am the regular clubs are emptying out but plenty of people, women included, still hit up one of the many afterparty clubs. Those last till well past 10am.

As far as days go: Fridays and Saturdays are peak days. Thursday is an OK day, all other days are fairly weak and you have to know the right venues.

The Ultimate Moscow Nightclub List

Short disclaimer: I didn’t add basic and electro clubs since you’re coming for the girls, not for the music. This list will give you more options than you’ll be able to handle on a weekend.

Preparty – start here at 11PM

Classic restaurant club with lots of tables and a smallish bar and dancefloor. Come here between 11pm and 12am when the concert is over and they start with the actual party. Even early in the night tons of sexy women here, who lean slightly older (25 and up).

The second floor of the Ugolek restaurant is an extra bar with dim lights and house music tunes. Very small and cozy with a slight hipster vibe but generally draws plenty of attractive women too. A bit slower vibe than Valenok.

Very cool, spread-out venue that has a modern library theme. Not always full with people but when it is, it’s brimming with top-tier women. Slow vibe here and better for grabbing contacts and moving on.

High-end: err on the side of being too early rather than too late because of face control.

Secret Room

Probably the top venue at the moment in Moscow . Very small but wildly popular club, which is crammed with tables but always packed. They do parties on Thursdays and Sundays as well. This club has a hip-hop/high-end theme, meaning most girls are gold diggers, IG models, and tattooed hip hop chicks. Very unfavorable logistics because there is almost no room no move inside the club but the party vibe makes it worth it. Strict face control.

Close to Secret Room and with a much more favorable and spacious three-part layout. This place attracts very hot women but also lots of ball busters and fakes that will leave you blue-balled. Come early because after 4am it starts getting empty fast. Electronic music.

A slightly kitsch restaurant club that plays Russian pop and is full of gold diggers, semi-pros, and men from the Caucasus republics. Thursday is the strongest night but that dynamic might be changing since Secret Room opened its doors. You can swoop here but it will be a struggle.

Mid-level: your sweet spot in terms of ease and attractiveness of girls for an average budget.

Started going downwards in 2018 due to lax face control and this might get even worse with the World Cup. In terms of layout one of the best Moscow nightclubs because it’s very big and bottle service gives you a good edge here. Still attracts lots of cute girls with loose morals but plenty of provincial girls (and guys) as well. Swooping is fairly easy here.

I haven’t been at this place in over a year, ever since it started becoming ground zero for drunken teenagers. Similar clientele to Icon but less chic, younger and drunker. Decent mainstream music that attracts plenty of tourists. Girls are easy here as well.

Sort of a Coyote Ugly (the real one in Moscow sucks) with party music and lots of drunken people licking each others’ faces. Very entertaining with the right amount of alcohol and very easy to pull in there. Don’t think about staying sober in here, you’ll hate it.

Artel Bessonitsa/Shakti Terrace

Electronic music club that is sort of a high-end place with an underground clientele and located between the teenager clubs Icon and Gipsy. Very good music but a bit all over the place with their vibe and their branding. You can swoop almost any type of girl here from high-heeled beauty to coked-up hipsters, provided they’re not too sober.

Afterparty: if by 5AM  you haven’t pulled, it’s time to move here.

Best afterparty spot in terms of trying to get girls. Pretty much no one is sober in there and savage gorilla game goes a long way. Lots of very hot and slutty-looking girls but it can be hard to tell apart who is looking for dick and who is just on drugs but not interested. If by 9-10am you haven’t pulled, it is probably better to surrender.

The hipster alternative for afterparties, where even more drugs are in play. Plenty of attractive girls there but you have to know how to work this type of club. A nicer atmosphere and better music but if you’re desperate to pull, you’ll probably go to Miks.

Weekday jokers: if you’re on the hunt for some sexy Russian girls during the week, here are two tips to make your life easier.

Chesterfield

Ladies night on Wednesdays means this place gets pretty packed with smashed teenagers and 6s and 7s. Don’t pull out the three-piece suit in here because it’s a “simpler” crowd. Definitely your best shot on Wednesdays.

If you haven’t pulled at Chesterfield, you can throw a Hail Mary and hit up Garage’s Black Music Wednesdays. Fills up really late but there are some cute Black Music groupies in here. Very small club. Thursday through Saturday they do afterparties and you have an excellent shot and swooping girls that are probably high.

Shishas Sferum

This is pretty much your only shot on Mondays and Tuesdays because they offer free or almost free drinks for women. A fairly low-class club where you should watch your drinks. As always the case in Moscow, there will be cute girls here on any day of the week but it’s nowhere near as good as on the weekend.

In a nutshell, that is all you need to know about where to meet Moscow girls in nightlife. There are tons of options, and it all depends on what best fits your style, based on the type of girls that you’re looking for.

Related Topics

• moscow girls
• moscow nightlife

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Photos courtesy of Food Strolls

Apr 23, 2024

Five food tours that are for locals too

How to eat your way through several neighborhoods in good company..

By Stacey Lastoe

If there’s one thing New Yorkers like to do, it’s eat. After that, it might be arguing over where to eat — where to find the best slice, the best bagel, best B.E.C., best ramen, and the list goes on.

One way to experience some of Brooklyn’s tastiest bites is by embarking on a food tour. Of course, there’s nothing to stop you from walking out the front door on a Saturday afternoon and going on your own food tour of Sunset Park, Bay Ridge, or Greenpoint, but the option to focus on eating as a professional guides you around one of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods, dispensing doses of history as you nosh on a knish, is available in spades.

Some of Brooklyn’s food tours have been around for decades; others for just a couple of years. The food stops on each are different, but the idea is the same: Good eating in good company. Local businesses are supported, conversation is shared and history is learned.

A Man and His Sandwich Williamsburg Ben Gollan is like many New Yorkers: He’s a transplant. The Australian, a lawyer by trade back in his native country, moved to the city in 2016 and accidentally built what is now a national company. A Man and His Sandwich — the blog came first, then the sandwich tours — was born from Gollan’s search for the world’s best sandwich. “I use this as my excuse to travel around the world eating,” says Gollan whose Brooklyn sandwich tour encourages participants to debate: What even is a sandwich? Is a hot dog a sandwich? How about a hamburger?

“Are you aware that when the hamburger was first invented, it was called a hamburger sandwich ?” Gollan asks. Gollan’s wide understanding of what constitutes a sandwich means tour participants are exposed to all sorts of sandwich-like foods, including the godly Dankwrap from Super Burrito . “We really push the boat on what a sandwich could or could not be,” says Gollan. History — about the neighborhood, the people making their food — is a part of the $69 tour that includes three stops from a changing library of spots. All are led by Gollan himself.

“I just like hanging out with cool people, eating sandwiches, having a beer with them at the end, having a laugh,” says Gollan, whose first expansion outside of New York is Nashville. As for Brooklyn: He’s committed to the Williamsburg area (lots of creative, independent food creators, history and more), but says he’d be open to expanding to other neighborhoods like Cobble Hill, which has an “amazing food scene,” or Prospect Heights, perhaps. “The Williamsburg one will never die though,” Gollan says.

Food Strolls Brooklyn Heights and Coney Island Like A Man and His Sandwich, Alex Tervooren’s Food Strolls started off as a blog. The entries, dating back to 2020 when the former finance worker was considering his next move, were just for fun. In the beginning, “It was just me and my kids wandering around New York City, primarily exploring different ethnic neighborhoods,” says Tervooren. But after a blog post on Harlem’s Little Senegal caught the attention of a book publisher researching a book on West African cultural and religious influences in America and sought him out for a walk around the neighborhood, a light bulb went off.

Tervooren says one thing led to another and instead of going back into finance, Food Strolls is his full-time job. The Brooklyn Heights tour ($75 per person) is the more popular of the two official Brooklyn tours, and a perk of being with Tervooren on a tour is skipping the lines. This is especially useful at Juliana’s Pizza, a popular pizza spot next door to the also popular Grimaldi’s. Lassen and Hennigs, a Jewish and Italian deli and bakery, is also a stop on the Brooklyn Heights food tour. Sometimes Tervooren will share some history and the story of the establishments himself; other times, he’ll have the owners share some of their origin story with tour participants.

Although there is plenty of eating on a Food Stroll, Tervooren insists the ethos is bigger than that. “If the food and the local businesses don’t have some sort of a connection that I can use to help kind of explain the history of the neighborhood, then I won’t include them on the tour.”

Funky Experiences Dumbo Sarah Funk and Luis Yanes launched Funky Experiences food tours in 2019 after Funk’s travel videos on YouTube led to viewers requesting on-the-ground tours. In 2020 when the pandemic hit, the tours went virtual, but now the way to experience Funk’s and Yanes’ passion for the city and its food is via a three-hour tour in Dumbo. The $109 price tag comes with stops at five locally-owned restaurants, including Grimaldi’s and Clinton Street Baking Company’s location in the Time Out Market for “some of the best pancakes the city has to offer,” says Yanes.

Sweet tooths will be duly rewarded with a stop at The Brooklyn Ice Cream factory where Yanes says, “we get to taste (in my opinion) some of the best ice cream in the city made with the best and purest ingredients.”

The company has grown to the point that Funk, founder and CEO, no longer leads tours, but on occasion Yanes, Funky Experiences CTO, heads tours, and promises all guides are carefully vetted and approved by Funk. A love of everything New York City is a must-have trait.

In addition to some of the more expected spots, at least for Brooklynites who’ve lived in the city for any amount of time, the Dumbo tour stops at a local Egyptian restaurant in the nearby Brooklyn Heights, where the friendly owner is often on site to greet the tour group. Although the tour typically follows a set route with mapped stops along the way, Yanes says the guides are at liberty to “switch it up to best fit the needs of the entire group so no one feels left out.”

Noshwalks Brooklyn at large This year, Myra Alperson, founder of Noshwalks, transitioned to a requests-only, private tours format (rates are dependent on the tour). The company, which launched in 2000, was inspired by Alperson’s love of showing people her favorite places. In Brooklyn, this could mean a tour covering a block of Atlantic Avenue known for its Middle Eastern markets and eateries. Or it could take you to Bensonhurst for a taste of Italian, Russian, and Chinese bites.

Brooklyn Food Tour Brooklyn at large For a food tour with a fifth-generation Brooklynite, join Rachel Kaplan as she takes participants around Williamsburg. Qahwah House, a Yemeni establishment serving up excellent chai and coffee, is one of the stops, and of course there’s pizza with a modern twist at Fini Pizza, co-owned by one of Lilia’s founders Sean Feeney. The $68 tour can also be customized.

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Stacey Lastoe

Prior to becoming a full-time freelancer, Stacey Lastoe won an Emmy for her work on Anthony Bourdain's "Little Los Angeles" as a senior editor at CNN. In addition to freelance editing gigs at TIME Magazine, Fodor’s Travel,and Red Ventures, Stacey writes for a variety of publications, including The Washington Post, The New York Post, Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, and Robb Report. Stacey lives with her husband and hound dog in Brooklyn.

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