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Review: Hotel Café Royal London review

All listings featured on Condé Nast Traveller are independently selected by our editors. If you book something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Selected by the editors as one of the best hotels in London

First impression 19th-century party palace meets urban sanctuary. Staff On it, friendly, but not overbearing. Food & drink Destination-worthy. Bed & bath Serene, sumptuous, hi-tech and leaving you wanting for nothing. The crowd Cosmopolitan. In a nutshell A thrilling mix of old and new, parcelled into a grown-up, sophisticated hotel in the heart of the city.

Set the scene The traffic-, tourist- and tat-choked Piccadilly Circus isn’t the sort of place you’d ordinarily want to linger, but this grand building, with its copper-domed rotunda and façade carved from Portland stone, is a reason to. It’s a haze of marble pillars, lofty arches, sculpted cornices and bygone splendour. The main entrance, tucked away discreetly on quieter Air Street, gives way to a double-height, show-stealing lobby lit by a 770lb Murano-glass chandelier – a nod to the marriage of history and modernity that unfurls as you venture further into the building.

What’s the story? Back in its late-19th and early-20th-century heyday, hedonism practically dripped from Café Royal’s gilded walls. It was a high-society hotspot, where anyone who was anyone came to eat, drink, gossip and be seen; a louche party venue visited by everyone from King George VI to Muhammad Ali. It was where Oscar Wilde got high on absinthe; where David Bowie held Ziggy Stardust’s retirement bash; where Elizabeth Taylor, Winston Churchill and Diana, Princess of Wales came to dine. In 2008, it closed its doors and architect David Chipperfield led a five-year renovation project, whipping the Grade II-listed building into a super-smart hotel while keeping the original historic features intact. It’s part of the Set Group, known for its sensitive restoration of landmark buildings, and its siblings includes the Lutetia in Paris and the Conservatorium in Amsterdam .

What can we expect from our room? Everything’s decadently oversized: even the smallest room categories feel generous, while the larger Regent Suites have sitting rooms and Carrara-marble bathrooms big enough to cartwheel across. An intriguing blend of period opulence and slick modernity, rooms are clad in mock Portland stone or pale English oak; the spectacular Tudor Suite comes with an original 16th-century fireplace and the showstopping Dome Penthouse has a private cinema and a generous terrace with views across the city. They’re all deeply understated – minimalist even – save for the leather sofas in quirky shades of dusky pink and khaki green. But the overarching theme is luxe; Frette linens, bathtubs big enough for two hewn from single slabs of stone, TVs hidden in bathroom mirrors, curtains controlled from the bedside and state-of-the-art Bang & Olufsen tech. Most surprising is the serenity; some rooms are so close to the gaudy Piccadilly Circus billboard that you could almost reach out and touch it – yet triple-glazed windows don’t allow even a whisper of noise to sneak through.

How about the food and drink? The three restaurants and two bars are see-and-be-seen spots; bag a window seat at Cake & Bubbles, the pastry restaurant overseen by three- Michelin-star ex-el Bulli chef Albert Adrìà, and order his legendary salty-sweet cheesecake made with white chocolate, hazelnut and English brie. For a grander affair, head to the gilded Oscar Wilde Lounge, where afternoon tea is served each day. Steak and sushi restaurant Laurent, from star French chef Laurent Tourondel, is the main event. It’s an unusual combination of flavours; crispy shrimp and gin-cured salmon sushi is followed by Wagyu beef short rib, fillet steak and fluffy onion rings – but it works. The hotel’s newest bar, Ziggy’s, is one of the best bars in Soho , especially if you're a Bowie fan; cocktails are named after his greatest hits and the walls are lined with photos documenting his colourful career. And then there’s the sultry, absinthe-heavy Green Bar – the perfect spot for a final nightcap.

Anything to say about the service? Smooth, efficient staff seem to have the knack of knowing your name almost before you’ve even checked in – which is all the more impressive given the hotel is pretty much always at full capacity. Suites come with butlers, and a chauffeur-driven Range Rover is on hand to zip guests around London in style (albeit at a cost).

What sort of person comes here? Well-dressed Londoners in suits and stilettos stopping by for pre-dinner drinks or post-theatre sushi; svelte fashion models lounging by the pool; shoppers laden down with designer bags and American tourists in baseball caps flexing their gold Amex.

What’s the neighbourhood scene like? You’re right in the thick of things here: on the cusp of Theatreland; spitting distance from the shopping meccas of Oxford and Regent Streets; and close to leafy Mayfair . This may be a tourist heartland, but the convenience is indisputable and the rest of London’s mega-sites – including Trafalgar Square, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey – are all within easy walking distance.

Anything you’d change? Some might find the fiddly in-room tech more of a hindrance than a blessing – it took quite a lot of playing around with to finally master.

Anything we missed? The Akasha Spa, squirrelled away in the basement, is one of the best spas in London – and it’s vast. The centrepiece is the softly lit 60-foot lap pool, flanked by comfy day beds tucked into marble-lined alcoves. There’s a hammam, sauna, jacuzzi, yoga studio and a lengthy treatment menu: Aromatherapy Associates massages, Valmont facials, Vichy hydrotherapy rituals and the more unique bone setting and aquatic movement therapies (the hotel has the only Watsu pool in the city).

Is it worth staying here? Yes – besides the historical splendour, superlative spa and buzzy restaurants, there’s something dreamlike about the sense of total serenity in the heart of such a restless pocket of the city.

Rates can vary widely by room type and season. "We Paid" is intended to give a general sense of price, but you might find considerably different rates for your trip.

When we book, we aim for the optimum season for the destination, but we avoid holidays and major public events, when prices are highest. We generally book a room at one category up from the most basic.

We take advantage of promotional rates, when possible. That means the rate you see above might have included other benefits, such as spa or meal credits.

Hotel Café Royal

• The Grill Room is a riot of gold leaf and Louis XVI detailing reflected in ceiling-high mirrors. Look up at the ornate ceiling as you indulge in afternoon tea here.
• Located in the basement of the hotel, Akasha encompasses a large lap pool (almost 60 feet), a cutting-edge gym, a lounge bar, numerous treatment rooms, a Vichy shower, a private hammam and a private watsu pool (London’s first), which offers hydro-therapy treatments.

Be sure to dine at Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal, an intimate setting for the London-born chef’s meticulous modern French tasting menu. 

The façade may be staunchly Georgian, but the guest rooms are thoroughly modern with price-is-no-object design details like marble bathtubs masterfully crafted from a single solid piece of stone.

• The hotel had to reinforce every floor to support the massive amount of marble installed in the luxurious guest bathrooms.
• The Green Bar, located off the restaurant and with its own entrance from the street, was inspired by the Café Royal Cocktail Book compiled in 1937. There’s an ever-flowing absinthe fountain, a nod to the hard-drinking intellects who used to tipple here.
• Ziggy Stardust (aka David Bowie), Mick Jagger and the Beatles have all partied here.
• A minimalist lobby hints at what’s to come in the rooms, which are decked out almost exclusively in shades of pale grays and nudes.
• The odd candy-colored chair or golden lampshade serve to highlight the chicly austere décor.
• Bedroom walls are plaster “carved” (rusticated) to look like the Portland stone of the exterior, while bathroom walls — along with everything else within the en suite — are solid Carrera marble, rusticated to match.
• Free WiFi, a Nespresso machine and luxury bathroom amenities also come standard.

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Hotel Cafe Royal

10 Air Street, West End - Mayfair, Westminster Borough, London, W1B 4DY, United Kingdom – Excellent location – show map – Subway Access

Hotel Cafe Royal Reserve now

Lock in a great price for Hotel Cafe Royal – rated 9.2 by recent guests!

Enter dates to get started.

Cleanliness

Value for money

Excellent location!

Hotel Café Royal is in the heart of central London. With the hotel located to the South-West of Mayfair and Soho to the South, the property is positioned on Regent Street, within 1 mile from Theatreland, Buckingham Palace, Westminster and the British Museum. The shopping areas of Bond Street, Oxford Street and Savile Row are a short 6-minute walk away. Each room features Wi-Fi, Modern entertainment systems, media hubs and luxury bathroom amenities. Some suites offer a complimentary mini-bar including snacks and soft drinks. Guests can relax in the Akasha, which features a gym, a lap pool, a sauna, Jacuzzi , a Hammam/steam room and spa treatments. Hotel Café Royal also offers a selection of restaurants including a two Michelin star restaurant by Alex Dilling, traditional afternoon tea and Cakes & Bubbles by Albert Adrià, as well as a cocktail bar and Mediterranean restaurant called Barbounia At The Gallery

Couples in particular like the location – they rated it 9.8 for a two-person trip.

Distance in property description is calculated using © OpenStreetMap

• Indoor swimming pool
• Family rooms
• Non-smoking rooms
• Fitness center
• Tea/Coffee Maker in All Rooms
• Good Breakfast

Property highlights

Located in the heart of London, this hotel has an excellent location score of 9.8

Want a great night's sleep? This hotel was highly-rated for its very comfy beds.

Breakfast Info

Full English/Irish, Vegan, Gluten-free, Breakfast to go

Loyal Customers

끖 There are more repeat guests here than most other properties.

Availability

Select dates to see this property's availability and prices

Sustainability certification

Categories:, guests who stayed here loved.

Hotel area info

Restaurants 5 restaurants on site.

• Cuisine European
• Ambience Modern • Romantic
• Dietary options Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
• Open for Lunch • Dinner
• Ambience Family-friendly • Modern • Romantic
• Dietary options Vegetarian • Vegan • Gluten-free • Dairy-free
• Cuisine British
• Open for High tea
• Ambience Family-friendly • Traditional • Modern • Romantic
• Cuisine Mediterranean
• Ambience Family-friendly • Traditional

Amenities of Hotel Cafe Royal Great facilities! Review score, 9.4

• Toilet paper
• Bathtub or shower
• Private Bathroom
• Free toiletries
• Wardrobe or closet
• Alarm clock
• Coffee machine
• Electric kettle
• Socket near the bed
• Clothes rack
• Live music/Performance
• Kids' club
• Sitting area
• Flat-screen TV
• Satellite channels
• Pay-per-view channels
• Coffee house on site
• Fruit Additional charge
• Wine/Champagne Additional charge
• Kids' meals Additional charge
• Special diet meals (on request)
• Breakfast in the room
• Tea/Coffee maker
• Valet parking
• Parking garage
• Accessible parking
• Private check-in/out
• Baggage storage
• Currency exchange
• Express check-in/out
• 24-hour front desk
• Indoor play area
• Books, DVDs or music for children
• Board games/puzzles
• Babysitting/Child services Additional charge
• Daily housekeeping
• Suit press Additional charge
• Ironing service Additional charge
• Dry cleaning Additional charge
• Laundry Additional charge
• Fax/Photocopying
• Meeting/Banquet facilities Additional charge
• Fire extinguishers
• CCTV outside property
• CCTV in common areas
• Smoke alarms
• Key card access
• 24-hour security
• Safe Additional charge
• Carbon monoxide detector
• Grocery deliveries Additional charge
• Hypoallergenic
• Air conditioning
• Smoke-free property
• Hypoallergenic room available
• Wake-up service
• Laptop safe
• Packed lunches
• Soundproof rooms
• Ironing facilities
• Facilities for disabled guests
• Wake-up service/Alarm clock
• Room service
• Visual aids (tactile signs)
• Visual aids (Braille)
• Bathroom emergency cord
• Lowered sink
• Raised toilet
• Toilet with grab rails
• Wheelchair accessible
• Upper floors accessible by elevator
• Open all year
• Locker rooms
• Personal trainer
• Fitness classes
• Yoga classes
• Full-body massage
• Hand massage
• Head massage
• Couples' massage
• Foot massage
• Neck massage
• Back massage
• Spa/Wellness packages
• Spa lounge/Relaxation area
• Spa facilities
• Light therapy
• Body treatments
• Waxing services
• Facial treatments
• Beauty services
• Beach chairs/Loungers
• Turkish/Steam Bath
• Hot tub/Jacuzzi
• Massage Additional charge
• Azerbaijani

House rules Hotel Cafe Royal takes special requests – add in the next step!

Child policies.

Children of all ages are welcome.

Children 17 and above will be charged as adults at this property.

To see correct prices and occupancy info, add the number and ages of children in your group to your search.

Crib and extra bed policies

Prices for cribs and extra beds aren't included in the total price. They'll have to be paid for separately during your stay.

The number of extra beds and cribs allowed depends on the option you choose. Check your selected option for more info.

All cribs and extra beds are subject to availability.

The fine print Must-know information for guests at this property

Please, note Regent Street may occasionally be closed to traffic. If you would like assistance to reach the hotel during the road closures, please contact the property directly.

Under the guidance of an adult, children from the age of 5 to 16 years old are welcome in the swimming pool daily between 9:00 to 10:30 and between 16:00 to 17:30.

Guests are required to show a photo ID and credit card upon check-in. Please note that all Special Requests are subject to availability and additional charges may apply.

FAQs about Hotel Cafe Royal

How much does it cost to stay at hotel cafe royal.

The prices at Hotel Cafe Royal may vary depending on your stay (e.g. dates, hotel's policy etc.). To see prices, enter your dates.

What is there to do at Hotel Cafe Royal?

• Swimming pool
• Couples' massage

What are the check-in and check-out times at Hotel Cafe Royal?

Check-in at Hotel Cafe Royal is from 3:00 PM, and check-out is until 12:00 PM.

How far is Hotel Cafe Royal from the center of London?

Hotel Cafe Royal is 2,150 feet from the center of London. All distances are measured in straight lines. Actual travel distances may vary.

What type of room can I book at Hotel Cafe Royal?

Does hotel cafe royal have a pool.

Yes, this hotel has a pool. See details about the pool and other facilities on this page.

Does Hotel Cafe Royal have a restaurant on site?

• Cakes & Bubbles
• Alex Dilling at Hotel Café Royal
• The Grill Room at Cafe Royal
• Barbounia At The Gallery

What kind of breakfast is served at Hotel Cafe Royal?

Guests staying at Hotel Cafe Royal can enjoy a highly-rated breakfast during their stay (guest review score: 7.8).

• Full English/Irish
• Gluten-free
• Breakfast to go

Does Hotel Cafe Royal have a hot tub for its guests?

Yes, there's a hot tub. You can find out more about this and the other facilities at Hotel Cafe Royal on this page.

The Best of London

• St James's Church, Piccadilly
• Brewer Street Car Park

Popular Areas

• Piccadilly Circus
• Piccadilly Theatre
• Prince Of Wales Theatre
• Criterion Theatre
• The Lyric Theatre
• London City Airport (LCY) 8 miles
• London Heathrow Airport (LHR) 13.9 miles
• London Gatwick Airport (LGW) 24.4 miles

Subway/Metro Stations

• Piccadilly Circus Tube Station

Most Popular Cities

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Check-in date

Check-out date

The Man in Seat 61

How to travel by train from

London to moscow & russia.

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Train travel UK & Ireland...

Train travel in europe..., train travel in asia..., train travel in africa..., train travel in america..., train travel in australasia, uk to russia by train in 48 hours....

Of course, doesn't everyone go there by train?  It's easy, safe & comfortable to travel from London to Moscow by train in just over 48 hours.  Just take an afternoon Eurostar to Paris and board the Paris-Moscow Express , this runs once a week all year round.  It's the civilised way to reach Russia!  Or travel more cheaply via Berlin, Warsaw or Kyiv, it's all explained on this page with times, fares & how to buy tickets...

IMPORTANT UPDATE 2024:   All international trains to/from Moscow & Russia remain suspended until further notice, originally due to covid-19 and now due to sanctions and the war in Ukraine.  No trains at all now cross the Poland/Belarus or Finland/Russia border.  This page is not being updated, it shows travel as it used to be pre-pandemic.

The Foreign Office currently advises against all travel to Russia because of the war between Russia & Ukraine, see www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia .

Train times, fares & tickets

Information on other pages

Route map:  uk to russia by train.

London to Moscow by train is a comfortable 1,924 miles (3,097 km) via the route in dark blue.

Useful country information

What are the options for getting to moscow .

There are a range of good options for travel from London to Moscow by train:

Option 1 , London to Moscow via the daily Warsaw-Moscow sleeper :  The cheapest option.  Routed via Belarus.

Option 2 , London to Moscow via the weekly Paris-Moscow Express :  The most glamorous & comfortable option, once a week all year.  Routed via Belarus.

Option 3 , London to Moscow via the twice-weekly Berlin-Moscow Talgo :  Another classy option, twice a week all year.  Routed via Belarus.

Option 4 , London, East Anglia, the North & Scotland to Moscow via Amsterdam :  Similar to option 1, but by ferry not Eurostar.  Routed via Belarus

Option 5 , London to Moscow via Kyiv :  Takes an extra night, but avoids Belarus so no Belarus visa required & has daily departures .  Easiest non-Belarus option.

Option 6 , London to St Petersburg via Stockholm then train to Moscow.  Also avoids Belarus, a scenic & comfortable route via Scandinavia.

Other routes & options including journeys via Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, Vilnius, Riga or Tallinn.

Option 1, London to Moscow via Warsaw

This option runs every day and is usually the cheapest way from London to Moscow.  It takes the direct route shown in dark blue on the route map above .  You might still want to consider option 2, the Paris-Moscow Express , as it's a classic experience even if it costs a bit more, or option 3 via the new Berlin-Moscow Strizh , also a very classy experience.  If you want to avoid having to get a Belarus transit visa, consider option 5 via Kyiv .

London ► Moscow

Day 1, travel from London to Berlin using any of the options shown on the London to Germany page .  For example...

Leave London St Pancras at 09:01 by Eurostar , change at Brussels Midi & Cologne Hbf onto high-speed ICE trains arriving Berlin Hbf 19:08.

Leave London St Pancras at 11:04 by Eurostar , change at Brussels Midi & Cologne Hbf onto high-speed ICE trains arriving Berlin Hbf 21:09.

Eurostar has a cafe-bar, ICE trains have a restaurant car, all these trains have power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.

Stay overnight in Berlin.   Top choice here is the InterCity Hotel Berlin Hbf (my favourite), only 200m from Berlin Hbf 's main entrance, relatively inexpensive with great reviews, or if you're in the money, the excellent 5-star Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station.  If you're on a budget, the cheaper 3-star Motel One Berlin-Hbf is behind the station or use www.hostelworld.com .  Of course, if you really want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is next to the Brandenburg Gate just 17 minutes walk away.

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train , leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:38 every day arriving Warsaw Centralna at 15:11.

The Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity trains are comfortable air-conditioned trains with restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and full meals.  Treat yourself to lunch and a beer or two in the restaurant.  Warsaw Centralna station & city information .  Map of Warsaw showing station location .

Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Moscow by sleeping-car, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 19:15 daily and arriving Moscow Belorussky at 16:58 (16:00 from late March to late October as Russia has no daylight saving time).  Check times with Russian Railways at www.rzd.ru .

This train was suspended due to covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions...

This is an impressive modern Austrian-built sleeping-car with 4-berth compartments built in 2014, see photos of this type of sleeper here & see panorama photo inside one of these modern sleepers .  Each compartment can be sold as 1st class 1-berth, 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth.  The sleeping-car comes from Prague.  A Russian restaurant car is attached between Brest (on the Polish/Belarus border) & Moscow.  This train crosses Belarus, so you will need a Belarus transit visa , also see this update on reaching Russia via Belarus .

Russian track gauge is 5', but most of Europe (including the UK) is 4' 8½", so at Brest on the Belarus frontier the sleeping-car is into a shed, and jacked up to have its bogies (wheelsets) changed. You remain on board while this is done, quite an experience.  Once in Russia, the scenery is rolling hills, birch tree forests, and villages of small wooden houses.  Approaching Moscow, you may catch a glimpse of the plaques on the station building marked '1812' and '1942' as the train passes through the small station of historic Borodino...  Map of Moscow showing Belorussky station .

Moscow ► London

This is an impressive modern Austrian-built sleeping-car with 4-berth compartments built in 2014, see photos of this type of sleeper here & see panorama photo inside one of these modern sleepers .  Each compartment can be sold as 1st class 1-berth, 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth.  The sleeping-car goes through to Prague.  A Russian restaurant car is attached between Moscow & Brest on the Belarus/Poland border.  This train crosses Belarus, so you will need a Belarus transit visa .  Warsaw Centralna station & city information .  Map of Warsaw .

Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Berlin by Warsaw-Berlin EuroCity train , leaving Warsaw Centralna daily at 12:33 arriving Berlin Hbf at 18:16. 

Alternatively, a later train leaves Warsaw Centralna at 16:34 daily except Saturdays arriving Berlin Hbf at 22:16.

The Warsaw-Berlin EuroCity trains are comfortable air-conditioned trains with a trolley refreshment service and a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and full meals.  Treat yourself to a meal in the restaurant:  Three courses, a beer and a coffee only come to around €11.

Day 2, travel from Berlin to London using any service shown on the London to Germany page .  For example:

Leave Berlin Hbf at 06:46, change at Cologne Hbf & Brussels Midi , arriving London St Pancras at 17:00.

Leave Berlin Hbf at 10:46, change at Cologne Hbf & Brussels Midi , arriving London St Pancras at 19:57.

How much does it cost?

How to buy tickets.

Step 1, book your London-Berlin tickets online following the step by step instructions here .

Step 3, now book the Warsaw to Moscow sleeper train, using one of these 3 sites...

a)  You can book it with no booking fees at the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru .  It's a little fiddly, and doesn't always accept every overseas credit card, but does work with many payment cards,

b)  You can book it easily in plain English using the Real Russia online booking system here with a mark-up, tickets sent to any address worldwide.

c)  You can order tickets online from reliable Polish ticketing agency Polrail at http://booking.polrail.com with tickets collected in Warsaw or (at extra charge) shipped to any address worldwide.

Don't forget to arrange your Russian visa & Belarus transit visa .  See update on travelling to Russia through Belarus

How to buy tickets by phone

You can buy tickets just by picking up the phone, with either...

International Rail on 0844 248 248 3, lines open 09:00-17:00 Monday-Friday.  Overseas callers call +44 844 2482483.  International Rail are equipped with both the French and German rail ticketing systems, so can offer the best prices all the trains between London and Prague.  They charge a £10 booking fee for bookings under £100, £20 for £100-£300, £30 above £300.  In many cases tickets can be emailed to you as e-tickets, so there's no postage fee or delay.

Let Tailor Made Rail arrange it as a package...

This is the most hassle-free way to arrange a trip to Russia by train.  Tailor Made Rail's suggested tour package from London to Moscow & St Petersburg is at www.tailormaderail.com/itinerary/moscow-and-st-petersburg , this can be customised your own requirements, one-way or round trip.  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens to one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

Call their dedicated seat61 phone line 020 3778 1461 and quote seat 61 when booking.  From outside the UK call +44 20 3778 1461.  Lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday.

What's the journey like ?

1. London to Brussels by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Brussels in just 2 hours, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Brussels Midi station guide & short cut for changing trains in Brussels .

2. Brussels to Cologne by ICE3

Germany's superb ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, restaurant orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More information about ICE3 .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Cologne Hbf station guide .

An ICE3neo at Brussels Midi with restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  More about ICE trains .  Photo above courtesy of Christian Hunt.

3. Cologne to Berlin by ICE2

ICE2 trains have a restaurant car, bar car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi. In 1st class, bistro orders are taken at your seat.  Immediately after leaving Cologne Hbf , the train crosses the Hohenzollern bridge over the Rhine.  It passes through the industrial Ruhr via Wuppertal & Hamm.  After leaving Hannover, the train passes non-stop through Wolfsburg - look out for the original Volkswagen factory on the left, built in 1938.  The train then travels at up to 280 km/h (174 mph) on the high-speed line to Berlin Hbf , where it arrives at the low-level platforms.  More information about ICE2 .  Cologne Hbf station guide .  Berlin Hbf station guide .

4. Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train

These comfortable air-conditioned trains have a restaurant car.  See the Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity page for more photos, tips & information .

5. Warsaw to Moscow by sleeper train

The Warsaw-Moscow train starts in Prague, and uses excellent Austrian-built air-conditioned sleeping-cars owned by Russian Railways, with compartments which can be used as either 1st class 1-berth, 1st class 2-berth with two lower berths or 2nd class 4-berth with all four berths in use.  There are toilets and a nice hot shower at the end of the corridor.  See panorama photo inside one of the new Russian sleepers .

Don't forget your visas...

Back to top

Option 2, using the Paris-Moscow Express

This is the most glamorous and comfortable way to reach Russia!  It's the option I'd choose, at least if its weekly schedule suited me.  A direct train run entirely by Russian Railways (RZD) links Paris with Moscow once a week all year round.  It's the safe, comfortable and civilised way to travel to Moscow, with a restaurant car throughout the journey and the option of deluxe VIP sleepers with en suite toilet & shower as well as modern air-conditioned 2 & 4 berth sleepers with washbasin and a nice hot shower at the end of the corridor.  On the route map above , t his option takes the route shown in light blue via Paris as far as Berlin, then the direct route to Moscow shown in dark blue, a total of 3,483 km or about 2,164 miles from Paris to Moscow, making it the second longest direct passenger train in Europe - the longest being another RZD train, their weekly Nice-Moscow Express.  See the Paris-Moscow Express page for more information .

London & Paris ► Moscow

Day 1, travel from London to Paris by Eurostar leaving London St Pancras at 12:24 arriving Paris Gare du Nord at 15:47.  That allows plenty of time, although it's just an easy 10-minute walk to the Gare de l'Est .

Day 1, travel from Paris to Moscow on the Paris-Moscow Express .

It runs once a week all year round, leaving Paris every Thursday.

This train was suspended due to covid-19 and remains suspended due to sanctions

It leaves Paris Gare de l'Est at 18:58 and arrives Moscow Belorussky two nights later at 10:58 (late March to late October) or 11:44 (outside those dates), meaning day 3 from London & Paris.

This train crosses Belarus, so you will need a Belarus transit visa , and see this update on reaching Russia via Belarus .  Map of Moscow showing Belorussky station .

See the Paris-Moscow Express page for more information .

Moscow ► Paris & London

Day 1:  Travel from Moscow to Paris on the Moscow-Paris Express .

It runs once a week all year round, leaving Moscow every Tuesday. 

It leaves Moscow Belorussky at 17:14 (late March to late October) or 18:17 (outside those dates) and arrives Paris Gare de l'Est two nights later at 09:40 on day 3.

This train crosses Belarus, so you will need a Belarus transit visa .  Map of Moscow showing Belorussky station .

See the Paris-Moscow Express page for more information . 

Day 3, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar , leaving Paris Gare du Nord at 11:03 and arriving London St Pancras at 12:30.

Returns are twice the one-way fare.  Children under 12 half price.

Berths are sold individually, prices are for one person in one bed.  So if you book (say) one second class ticket you will travel in a 4-bed sleeper sharing with 3 other passengers of the same sex.  There is no need to pay for sole occupancy unless you want to!

On rzd.ru, 2-cl = 2/4 = 2nd class 4-berth = one bed in a shared 4-bed sleeper. 1-cl = 1/2 = 1st class 2-berth = one bed in a shared 2-bed sleeper.  1-cl 1/1 = 1st class 1-berth = sole occupancy of a 1st class 2-bed sleeper.  De Luxe  = VIP sleeper with shower & toilet, which is always sole occupancy whether you book one person or two.  You even get a chance to select a specific berth or berths.

Method 4:  You can sometimes book this train at the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com with tickets collected from any French station if your journey starts in Paris, or sent to address in your home country if it doesn't.  Again, if this doesn't work, try another method.

Step 3, don't forget to arrange your Russian visa & Belarus transit visa . 

See this update on travelling to Russia through Belarus - there appears to be no problem

How to buy tickets by phone...

You can book the Paris-Moscow Express by phone with Deutsche Bahn's English-speaking telesales line on 00 49 (0)30 311 68 29 04, lines open 08:30-20:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturday & Sunday UK time, 1.5% fee for phone bookings.  If you are making a return journey or a one-way trip inbound from Moscow, please read the section above about booking westbound trains from Moscow to London , as the same may apply to the Paris-Moscow Express.  Don't forget to arrange your Russian visa and Belarus transit visa .

What's the journey like?

1. London to Paris by Eurostar

Eurostar trains link London & Paris in 2h20, travelling at up to 300 km/h (186 mph).  There are two bar cars, power sockets at all seats and free WiFi.  Standard Premier and Business Premier fares include a light meal with wine (or breakfast, on departures before 11:00).  There's a 30-minute minimum check-in as all border formalities are carried out before you board the train.  More information about Eurostar including check-in procedure .  St Pancras station guide .  Gare du Nord station guide .

2. Paris to Moscow :  See Paris-Moscow Express guide

Don't forget your visas

Option 3, the berlin -moscow swift.

Russian Railways introduced a twice-weekly sleeper train between Berlin and Moscow in December 2016. Branded Strizh ( Swift ) by the Russians, it's a little articulated Spanish Talgo train featuring a restaurant car and cosy sleepers, some with en suite shower & toilet.  Like the Paris-Moscow option it's a classy option, and faster too:  It cuts 4 hours off the journey time as the Talgo has axles which adjust in minutes from European standard gauge to 5' Russian gauge, without the need for hours in a shed being jacked up.  If you get any photos of this train inside or out, please let me know !

Russian track gauge is 5', but most of Europe (including the UK) is 4' 8½", so at Brest on the Belarus frontier the train runs through a gauge-changing shed and the axles automatically adjust to the new gauge.  Once in Russia, the scenery is rolling hills, birch tree forests, and villages of small wooden houses.  Approaching Moscow, you may glimpse the plaques on the station building marked '1812' and '1942' as the train passes through the small station of historic Borodino...

This train crosses Belarus, so you will need a Belarus transit visa , also see this update on reaching Russia via Belarus .

Stopover in Berlin?   I have shown the fastest practicable journey here, assuming no stopovers.  But by all means leave London in the morning of day 1 rather than the evening and travel from London to Berlin in a single day by high-speed train using any of the options shown in the London to Berlin section on the Germany page .  You'd then have a 24h stopover in fabulous Berlin.  Consider the 3-star Meininger Hotel is ideal as it's right next to Berlin Hauptbahnhof and a 10-minute walk from the Reichstag or a 15-minute walk from the Brandenburg Gate, it's inexpensive and gets good reviews.  If you want to push the boat out, the famous Hotel Adlon Kempinski Berlin is right next to the Brandenburg Gate.   Alternatively, you could leave London in the morning or even afternoon of day 1 and travel to Cologne, staying overnight in Cologne instead of Brussels.  There are so many possibilities, what you do is up to you...

This train is an articulated Spanish-built Talgo train branded Strizh (swift).  It has ordinary seats and sleeping-cars with 2nd class 4-berth compartments, 1st class 1 or 2 berth compartments with washbasin and deluxe 1 or 2 berth compartments with en suite shower & toilet.  There's also a restaurant & bistro car.  Map of Moscow showing Kurskiy station .

Travelling across Russia, the scenery is rolling hills, birch tree forests, and villages of small wooden houses.  An hour or so out of Moscow you can glimpse the plaques on the station building marked '1812' and '1942' as the train passes through the small station of historic Borodino...  Russian track gauge is 5', but most of Europe (including the UK) is 4' 8½", so at Brest on the Polish frontier the train runs through a gauge-changing shed and the axles automatically adjust to the European standard gauge.

This train crosses Belarus, so you will need a Belarus transit visa .

Day 2, travel from Berlin to London in a single day by high-speed train, leaving Berlin Hbf at 10:46 by ICE2 train , changing at Cologne Hbf onto an ICE3 train to Brussels Midi , then taking a Eurostar to London St Pancras arriving at 19:57.

London to Brussels by Eurostar starts at £52 one-way or £78 return in standard class, £97 one-way, £140 return standard premier (1st class).

Berlin to Moscow costs around 13,000 rubles (€181) with a bed in a 4-berth compartment, 18,000 rubles (€251) with bed in a 1st class 2-berth compartment.

Step 2, book the Berlin to Moscow train.  You can book it in either direction at the Russian Railways site www.rzd.ru .  It's a little fiddly at first, but it usually works, and you'll get a print-at-home ticket.

If you have any problems with rzd.ru, especially at the payment stage, you can easily book the Berlin-Moscow Talgo train online using the Real Russia online booking system here with a small mark-up, tickets sent to any address worldwide

Germany's superb ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  In 1st class, food & drink orders are taken at your seat.  50 minutes after leaving Brussels the ICE calls at Liège, where you can admire the impressive station designed by celebrity architect Santiago Calatrava.  As you approach Cologne Hbf you'll see the twin towers of Cologne Cathedral on the right, next to the station.  More information about ICE3 .  Brussels Midi station guide .  Cologne Hbf station guide .

4. Berlin to Moscow by Strizh sleeper train

The Strizh sleeper train from Berlin to Moscow is a Spanish-built articulated Talgo train run by Russian Railways (RZD).  Each car is relatively small, with just one axle between each pair of cars.  The axles adjust automatically from standard European gauge (4' 8½") to Russian 5' gauge at Brest, as the train passes slowly through a special gauge-changing shed at Brest on the Polish/Belarus border.

Don't forget to arrange your Russian visa & Belarus transit visa .

See this update on travelling to Russia through Belarus - there appears to be no problem .

Option 4 , by ferry from Harwich

There are some good reasons why you might prefer a ferry alternative.  For example, if there are problems affecting Eurostar or the Channel Tunnel, or if all the cheap Eurostar tickets have sold out, or if you live in the North of England, Scotland or East Anglia and want to by-pass London.  Or you might simply prefer a relaxing journey, cruising overnight on the Stena Line superferry to Hoek van Holland in a cosy en suite cabin with shower, toilet, satellite TV, have lunch in Amsterdam, then take comfortable trains to Warsaw and the daily sleeper train to Moscow.  You can buy special Rail & Sail tickets from London or any Abellio Greater Anglia rail station to Amsterdam using Stena Line's Harwich-Hoek ferry, complete with a private cabin. 

If you live in the North of England or Scotland, DFDS Seaways run an excellent daily overnight cruise ferry from Newcastle to IJmuiden (near Amsterdam), and P&O Ferries run a daily overnight cruise ferry from Hull to Rotterdam Europoort with bus/train connections to Amsterdam.  So catch the overnight cruise ferry to Holland, spend a day exploring Amsterdam, then take the train to Russia! 

London & Harwich ► Moscow

Day 1, travel from London to Amsterdam overnight by Stena Line Rail & Sail .

You leave London Liverpool Street at 19:36 Mondays-Fridays, 19:04 Saturdays or 20:00 Sundays by direct train to Harwich International.

You leave Cambridge at 19:47 Mondays-Saturdays or 19:45 on Sundays by direct train to Harwich International.

At Harwich the ferry terminal is integrated with the station.  You check in for the luxurious overnight Stena Line superferry to Hoek van Holland, sailing at 23:00 and arriving at Hoek at 08:00 next morning.  All passengers get a comfortable private cabin with shower, toilet & satellite TV and there's free WiFi in the lounges, bars & restaurants on 9 deck.

On arrival at Hoek van Holland you walk down the gangway, through passport control and out of the ferry terminal straight onto the station.  Take the frequent metro train to Schiedam Centrum and change onto an InterCity train to Amsterdam Centraal, arriving 10:25.

Cheap combined train & ferry tickets are offered on this route from London or any Greater Anglia rail station to Hoek van Holland, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details of times, fares and how to buy tickets .

Coming from the North of England or Scotland?   Take a train to either Hull or Newcastle, whichever is most convenient for where you live.  Transfer to the P&O overnight cruise ferry from Hull to Rotterdam or the DFDS Seaways cruise ferry from Newcastle to IJmuiden, the port of Amsterdam.  Both ferries have bars, restaurants & comfortable en suite cabins, arriving next morning.  For details of timetables, fares, station to port transfer arrangements & how to buy tickets for travel to Amsterdam via each of these ferry routes, see the UK-Netherlands page .

Day 2, travel from Amsterdam to Berlin by Intercity train leaving Amsterdam Centraal at 15:00 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 21:22.

Or take an earlier train and enjoy an evening in Berlin, for example the 11:00 from Amsterdam arrives 17:22, the 13:00 arrives 19:22.  The Reichstag is only 10 minutes walk from Berlin Hbf, the Brandenburg Gate just 15 minutes walk.

Day 3, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train , leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:38, arriving Warsaw Centralna 15:11.

The Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity trains are comfortable air-conditioned trains with a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and meals.  Warsaw Centralna station & city information .

Day 3, travel from Warsaw to Moscow by sleeper train, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 19:15 every day arriving Moscow Belorussky at 16:58 (one hour earlier late March to late October) (day 4 from London).

This is a comfortable modern Russian sleeping-car with 1st class 1 & 2-berth compartments & 2nd class 4-berth compartments with washbasin, there's a shower at the end of the corridor.  A Russian restaurant car is attached between Brest (just across the Belarus border) and Moscow.  Next morning, as the train passes through the small station of Borodino, look out for the plaques on the station building marked '1812' and '1942'.

This train crosses Belarus, so you will need a Belarus transit visa , also see this update on reaching Russia via Belarus .  Map of Warsaw showing Centralna & Gdanska stations .  Map of Moscow showing Belorussky station .

Moscow ► Harwich & London

Day 3, travel from Amsterdam to London overnight by Stena Line Rail & Sail .

You leave Amsterdam Centraal at 18:35 by train to Schiedam Centrum, changing onto the frequent metro to Hoek Van Holland Haven.  Sail overnight on the luxury Stena Line superferry, sailing at 22:00 and arriving in Harwich at 06:30.  You sleep in a comfortable private cabin with shower & toilet, satellite TV and there's free WiFi in the lounges, bars & restaurants on 9 deck.  A connecting train will get you to London at around 08:55 (day 4 from Moscow).  Special SailRail tickets are offered on this route from Hoek van Holland to London or any Abellio Greater Anglia rail station, covering ferry and train, see the Stena Line Rail & Sail page for full details of times, fares and how to buy tickets .

Heading for the North of England or Scotland?   Instead of using the Hoek van Holland-Harwich route, transfer from Amsterdam Centraal by bus or train+bus to the relevant ferry terminal and sail overnight by cruise ferry either with P&O Ferries from Rotterdam Europoort to Hull or with DFDS Seaways from Amsterdam to Newcastle, whichever is most convenient for where you live.  Next morning (day 4) transfer to the station and take a train home.  For full details of train & ferry times, port transfer arrangements and how to buy tickets for each of these routes, see the Hull-Rotterdam page or the Newcastle-Amsterdam page .

Step 1, buy a Rail & Sail ticket from London to Amsterdam online as shown on the London to Amsterdam page .  One ticket covers the whole journey, train and ferry then Dutch train.

For journeys via P&O Hull-Rotterdam or DFDS Seaways Newcastle-Amsterdam, first buy your ferry ticket online at www.dfds.com (Newcastle-Amsterdam) or www.poferries.com (Hull-Rotterdam).  Then check train fares and buy a ticket online as shown on the UK page or using www.nationalrail.co.uk

a)  You can book it with no booking fee at the Russian Railways website www.rzd.ru .  It's a little fiddly, and doesn't always accept every overseas credit card, but does work with many payment cards,

Step 1, London to Amsterdam by train & ferry

A train takes you from London's Liverpool Street station directly to the ferry terminal at Harwich.  You walk off the train, into the terminal, get your boarding card & cabin key at the Stena Line check-in desk and walk straight onto the overnight ferry to Hoek van Holland.  The superferry Stena Britannica is the largest ferry of its kind in the world.  Have a late dinner in the restaurant, retire to bed in a private cabin with en suite toilet & shower and satellite TV.  At Hoek van Holland, you walk off the ship, through passport control and straight onto the station for the frequent metro train to Schiedam & Rotterdam.  Change at Schiedam Centrum for a Dutch Railways (NS) train to Amsterdam Centraal .  The journey from London to Holland is explained in detail on the Stena Line Rail & Sail page .  See the video ...

Step 2, Amsterdam to Berlin by Intercity train

Take a comfortable Intercity train from Amsterdam Centraal to Berlin Hbf .  See the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity page for photos, tips, and what to see along the way .

Step 3, Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train

4. Warsaw to Moscow to Russian sleeper train

The train from Warsaw to Moscow uses immaculate modern Russian air-conditioned sleeping-cars (pictured below, see also panorama photo inside one of the new Russian sleepers ).  The Russian cars have compartments which can be used as 1st class 1 or 2 berth or 2nd class 4 berth, shower & toilets at the end of the corridor.

Option 5, London-Moscow via Kyiv

If you want to avoid Belarus to escape the cost & bureaucracy of a Belarus transit visa and any issues crossing Belarus to reach Russia, the cheapest and easiest way to do this is to go south of Belarus through Ukraine rather than north through the Baltic states.  EU & UK citizens no longer need a visa for Ukraine and the trains work much better this way than via the disjointed rail networks through the Baltic States.

The complete journey from London to Moscow takes 3 nights, assuming you don't want to stop off anywhere, as opposed to just 2 nights on the direct route via Belarus, so although you save the cost of a Belarus transit visa it takes longer.  Going north of Belarus via Vilnius & Riga generally means an even longer 4 night journey, with yet more changes of train and at least one, possibly two nights in a hotel, although by all means do this if you want to see the Baltic capitals on the way to Russia.

Update 2024:  For obvious reasons, this route is now out of action.

Day 1, travel from London to Berlin using any of the options shown on the London to Germany page .  For example:

Day 2, travel from Berlin to Warsaw by EuroCity train , leaving Berlin Hbf at 09:38 and arriving Warsaw Centralna at 15:11.

The Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity trains are comfortable air-conditioned trains with a trolley refreshment service and a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and full meals.  Treat yourself to lunch in the restaurant car with a beer or two...

Alternatively, on Mondays-Saturdays you can take the early 05:43 Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity train arriving 11:11, which will give you an afternoon in Warsaw, see the Warsaw Centralna station & city information .  A left luggage office and lockers are available.  Warsaw's historic old town is a 20 minute walk from Centralna station - if you fancy a modest splurge, the celebrated Ufukiera restaurant ( www.ufukiera.pl ) is excellent and right on the square in the heart of Warsaw's old town.  The Palace of Culture (a wedding cake style Soviet skyscraper and distinctive Warsaw landmark, www.pkin.pl ) is right next to the station and has a viewing terrace on the 30th floor.

Day 3, take an overnight sleeper train from Kyiv to Moscow...

There are several night trains and times vary by date, but for example there's usually one leaving Kyiv at 19:36 and arriving in Moscow Kievskaya station next morning at 10:13 (day 4 from London).  2-berth & 4-berth sleepers are available.  Check times for your date using int.bahn.de or www.poezda.net .  Incidentally, there's also a direct train from Kyiv to St Petersburg, but this passes through a small corner of Belarus, requiring a Belarus visa and so defeating the object of the exercise...

Day 1, travel from Moscow to Kyiv by overnight train...

The best train is train 5 leaving Moscow Kievskaya station at 19:35 and arriving Kyiv at 07:02 (day 2).  Other night trains are available and times vary, so check times using int.bahn.de or www.rzd.ru .  2 berth & 4 berth sleepers are available.

Spend a pleasant day exploring Kyiv...

The Kyiv Express has comfortable Ukrainian sleeping-cars with 3-berth compartments, you can book all three berths for single or double occupancy.  There may be a buffet car serving tea, coffee, beer and snacks, but it's a good idea to take your own supplies of food, water and wine or beer.  Around 4am, the train is shunted into the gauge-changing shed at Yagodin (the Ukrainian border point) and jacked up to have its wheels changed from Russian 5' gauge to standard European (4' 8½") gauge.  You remain in your sleeping-berth on board while this is done, an interesting experience.  See Tim Richards excellent blog entry about of the Kyiv Express .

Day 3, travel from Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train , leaving Warsaw Centralna daily at 12:33 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 18:16.  Alternatively, daily except Saturdays there's a later EuroCity train leaving Warsaw Centralna at 16:34 and arriving Berlin Hbf at 22:16, giving you more time in Warsaw.

Day 4, travel from Berlin to London using any service shown on the London to Germany page .  For example:

See the London to Ukraine page for prices between London and Kyiv .

Kyiv to Moscow costs around €92 with a bed in 4-berth kupé or €180 with a bed in a 2-berth spalny vagon, if booked online.  Polrail.com charge about €95 for a bed in a 4-berth sleeper.

There may be a reduction if you buy both the Warsaw-Kyiv and Kyiv-Moscow tickets together, Warsaw-Kyiv-Moscow becomes £146 one-way in 3-berth to Kyiv then 4-berth to Moscow.

• You'll still need a Russian visa , but you don't go through Belarus if you go this way.

Other possible routes & options

There are several other routes worth considering, especially if you want to stop off on the way in Scandinavia, the Baltic States or Ukraine, or to avoid travelling through Belarus and so avoid the cost and hassle of getting a Belarus transit visa (although this isn't really a problem, just an expense and a bit of extra bureaucracy).  All these routes take at least 3 nights compared with just 2 nights travelling on the direct route through Belarus, so the cost of an extra day or two's food and accommodation must be set against the cost of the Belarus visa for travel on a direct train to Moscow.  These alternative routes tend to involve a bit more legwork to book, too.  If you simply want to avoid Belarus, the quickest and easiest way to do this is really to head south via Kyiv & Ukraine, see the section above .  You might not be saving much money by avoiding Belarus, but the opportunity to stop off in some fascinating places and countries makes these alternative routes worth considering.

London to Moscow via Warsaw, Vilnius & the Baltic States

London to moscow via copenhagen, stockholm & helsinki, london to moscow via copenhagen, stockholm & riga, london to st petersburg.

There are several good ways to travel from the UK to St Petersburg by train ( all routes currently suspended due to sanctions ):

Option 1:  London to Moscow, then Moscow to St Petersburg

This is the fastest and most frequent option, first travelling to Moscow, then using one of the many Moscow-St Petersburg trains.

Step 1, travel from London to Moscow as shown in the London to Moscow section above using any option you like .

Step 2, travel from Moscow to St Petersburg on any of the overnight trains, or on one of the new Sapsan high-speed day trains in just 3h55.

To buy tickets, first arrange your London to Moscow tickets as shown above .

Then book an internal Russian train between Moscow & St Petersburg using the booking form below which links to Russian rail ticketing & visa agency Real Russia, or you can use www.rzd.ru if it will accept your credit card.

Sapsan high-speed trains from Moscow to St Petersburg, in 3h55

Introduced in December 2009, the Sapsan (Peregrine Falcon) 250 km/h high-speed trains link Moscow & St Petersburg in just 3 hours 55 minutes.  The initial 3 services a day have now been increased to 5 trains each way every day.  The Sapsans have been very successful, with a 99% on-time performance and an average load factor of 80% (meaning each departure is on average 80% full).  Built by Siemens and based on the superb German ICE , they are set to revolutionise travel between Russia's two prime cities, with additional services and faster journey times to come as the line is progressively upgraded.  See the Russian railways' Sapsan video .

Traveller Ian Newberry reports:   "I travelled from Moscow to St Petersburg on Sapsan train 156 leaving at 13:00.  Departure was punctual and the staff greeting passengers could not have been better - they all speak English as well as Russian.  The service on the train was extremely good and in business class a full 3 course meal was served with wines and spirits all included in the price of the ticket.  Information was supplied through screens and announcements in English as well as Russian. The train is very comfortable and arrived 5 minutes ahead of schedule at 17.40.  If one wants to avoid a night train then this is a very civilised way to travel, on a par with any equivalent TGV or ICE available in western Europe."

Overnight sleeper trains from Moscow to St Petersburg

The best Russian Railways overnight train is the famous Krasnaya Strela (Red Arrow) leaving Moscow (Leningradski Vokzal) at 23:55 daily, arriving in St Petersburg (Moskovski Vokzal) at 07:55 next morning.  The Krasnaya Strela has 2-berth and 4-berth sleeping cars plus two luxury sleeping-cars with 1 & 2-bed rooms with private toilet shower and TV/DVD entertainment.  The fare is about 3,280 rubles (£70 or $110) in a kupé 4-berth sleeper, 5,895 rubles (£126 or $197) spalny vagon 2-berth sleeper or 16,250 rubles (£551 or $865) luxury sleeper with private shower and toilet - although there are less swish, cheaper sleeper trains.  The Krasnaya Strela has now been joined by a couple of other premium sleeper trains, train 3/4 Ekspres and train 5/6 Nicholaevsky Express .  Since 2005, there's also a privately-run luxury train, the Grand Express , with fares from 3,700 rubles.  Click for information & online booking for the Grand Express .

Option 2:  London to St Petersburg by train to Stockholm then direct cruise ferry

Travel from London to Stockholm by train, taking Eurostar & connecting trains from London to Hamburg on day 1, staying in Hamburg overnight, then taking trains from Hamburg to Stockholm on day 2.  See the London to Sweden page for full details of train times, prices and how to buy tickets .

Spend the night in Stockholm , find a hotel here .  Spend most of the following day free in Stockholm.

A new ferry company, St Peter Line ( www.stpeterline.com ), sails twice a week from Stockholm via Helsinki to St Petersburg using a luxurious cruise ferry.  She sails at 19:00 on various dates, arriving St Petersburg at 09:30 two nights later, with a day to explore in Helsinki on the way.  The return trip also takes 2 nights, with a day spent exploring Helsinki included.  See www.stpeterline.com to check sailing schedule and prices.  Other ferries on this route seem to have started up and been discontinued soon afterwards, it's hoped that this one will survive a bit longer!

Onward trains to Moscow are explained on the train travel in Russia page .

Other options

London to st petersburg via stockholm & helsinki.

If you feel like seeing a bit of Scandinavia on the way to Russia, you could travel from London to St Petersburg via Stockholm and Helsinki.  This will take 3 nights / 4 days.  See the Finland page for information on the journey from London to Helsinki, then click here for trains between Helsinki, St Petersburg & Moscow .

London to Minsk (Belarus)

The direct Belarusian sleeping-cars from Amsterdam & Cologne to Minsk were discontinued in December 2013.  However, it's still easy to get there via Warsaw or using the Paris-Moscow express.

Option 1, via Brussels, Berlin & Warsaw

This is the cheapest option, and it runs daily.

London ► Minsk

Day 1, travel from London to Berlin by Eurostar to Brussels, high-speed train to Cologne and ICE2 train to Berlin, using any of the several daytime options shown on the London to Germany page .  For example, you can leave London St Pancras at 11:04, arriving Berlin Hbf at 21:09.

The Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity trains are comfortable air-conditioned trains with a trolley refreshment service and a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and full meals.  Treat yourself to a meal in the restaurant.  Warsaw Centralna station & city information .  Map of Warsaw showing station location .

Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Minsk by Russian sleeper train, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 19:15 and arriving Minsk at 06:13 next morning (day 3).  The sleeper train has a modern Russian sleeping-car with 4-berth compartments which can be sold as 1st class 1 or 2 berth or 2nd class 4 berth.  This train is currently still suspended due to sanctions.

Minsk ► London

Day 2, travel from Warsaw to Berlin by Warsaw-Berlin EuroCity train , leaving Warsaw Centralna daily at 12:33 arriving Berlin Hbf at 18:16.  Alternatively, a later train leaves Warsaw Centralna at 16:34 daily except Saturdays arriving Berlin Hbf at 22:16.

The Warsaw-Berlin EuroCity trains are comfortable air-conditioned trains with restaurant car serving drinks, snacks and full meals.  Treat yourself to a meal in the restaurant...

Day 3, travel from Berlin to London by ICE train to Cologne, high-speed train to Brussels and Eurostar to London, using any of the several daytime options shown on the London to Germany page .  For example, you can leave Berlin Hbf at 06:46 arriving London at 17:00 or you can leave Berlin at 10:46 arriving London St Pancras at 19:57.

Option 2, using the Paris-Moscow express

This costs a bit more, but is a very comfortable journey using the excellent Paris-Moscow express which calls at Minsk on the way.  There are comfortable sleepers direct from Paris to Minsk, with restaurant car Paris-Warsaw.  It runs once a week.

See the Paris-Moscow Express page for details of the Paris-Minsk train and how to buy tickets.

Add a connection between London and Paris at www.eurostar.com .  I'd allow at least a two hours to connect in Paris to allow for any delay.

Buy Russian train tickets online

How to arrange a russian visa..., important:  travel to moscow via belarus from 2020 onwards....

No major problems were reported by any westerners using the direct Russian Railways trains from Paris, Nice, Vienna, Berlin, Prague or Warsaw to Moscow via Belarus in 2017, 2018 or 2019, in spite of there being a theoretical issue with westerners reaching Moscow via Belarus, due to the Belarus-Russia customs union so there's no border control.

It seemed to be that as long as you had a valid Russian visa and a valid Belarus transit visa, travel from Western or Central Europe to Moscow on a direct Russian Railways international train was fine, even if it crossed Belarus.  One traveller even confirmed this with the traincrew.  The problem only arose if you want to START a train journey in Belarus to travel to Russia.  This was the actual situation in practice, regardless of any theoretical official legal situation.  This route is after all Russia's main 'front door', the main line to Moscow, the way people have always travelled since the 19th century...

UPDATE 2020   However, in early 2020 I have now had two reports from travellers who were taken off international trains at Smolensk, because they had crossed overland from Belarus to Russia.  Both reports involved a Warsaw to Moscow journey on the Berlin-Moscow Strizh.  One traveller had made a dozen similar journeys without incident since 2015 and asked why the random check now.  He was told it varied with the political ups and downs between Russia and Belarus.

So whilst the situation below seems to hold true for most westerners on most international trains and I'm still getting occasional positive reports from people who have travelled this way without any problem, you might want to consider diverting via Kyiv to avoid Belarus .

Situation in detail, prior to both updates above...

Since 2016 there has been some concern about entering Russia via Belarus, to do with the Belarus-Russia customs union and the lack of border formalities between the two countries - though of course Brest-Minsk-Moscow has been the perfectly normal mainline rail route for international travellers for over 100 years.

It seems that in practice the Russians are OK with people entering Russia on these direct Russian trains via Brest on the Polish/Belarus border as Moscow-bound passengers appear to have their Russian visas checked here. Many people use these trains every week, but so far I've had zero reports of anyone on these trains having any problem in 2016, 2017, 2018 and just one report in 2019 - but only one isolated report so other factors may have been involved.  I have had a steady trickle of positive confirmations that people have used these trains without a problem.  Polrail.com haven't heard from anyone who's had any problem using these international trains either, and nor have Real Russia.

When leaving Russia, travellers report that they simply showed the Belarus entry stamp that they received at Brest when they entered to the Belarus-Russia unified customs area, and that seems to satisfy the Russian border staff when you leave Russia.

On the other hand, you cannot start a journey in Belarus and go to Russia, as there's nowhere to check visas in between Minsk and Moscow. Real Russia tell me they had reports of people being taken off Minsk-Moscow trains and sent back to Minsk even with valid Russian visas - but so far, they tell me they've had reports from anyone having problems on the Russian-run international trains from Paris, Berlin, Warsaw, Vienna or Prague to Moscow via Brest.

By all means check the latest advice at http://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/belarus, although at the time I write this it simply refers you to your travel provider.  I suppose I should add the disclaimer that I can only report what I hear from travel companies and travellers, and you travel at your own risk - but read the traveller's feedback below, it seems pretty conclusive!

PLEASE REPORT BACK !!   If you successfully travel to Russia on a direct Russian train through Belarus to Moscow, please let me know .  It's difficult to prove a negative, but the more 'no problem' reports I get, the more confident we can be.

How to arrange a Belarus visa ...

Holidays to russia by train.

Tailor Made Rail...

Tailor Made Rail can arrange a flight-free holiday or tour to Russia by train, with trains, hotels & stopovers arranged for you.  Tailor Made Rail have a suggested tour package from London to Moscow via Warsaw & Berlin, and a suggested return tour via Helsinki, Stockholm & Copenhagen, see at www.tailormaderail.com/destinations/russia .  These can be customised your own requirements, one-way or round in either direction, with any stopovers you want.  They specialise in complex itineraries!  As it's a package, they'll take care of you if anything happens on one part of the trip, for example, a national strike.  They're TTA-protected - like ATOL, but not only for agencies that sell air travel.

European Rail Timetable & maps

Rail Map Europe is the map I recommend, covering all of Europe from Portugal in the west to Moscow & Istanbul in the east, Finland in the north to Sicily & Athens in the south.  Scenic routes & high-speed lines are highlighted.  See an extract from the map .  Buy online at www.europeanrailtimetable.eu (shipping worldwide) or at www.amazon.co.uk (UK addresses).

G uidebooks

Click the images to buy the book from amazon.co.uk ..., hotels in moscow & russia, tripadvisor hotel reviews....

www.tripadvisor.com is a good place to find independent travellers' reviews of the main hotels.  It also has the low-down on all the sights & attractions too.

Backpacker hostels:  www.hostelworld.com

If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about the hostels.  For backpacker hostels in Amsterdam and most other European cities at budget prices (either a dorm bed or an ultra cheap private room) see www.hostelworld.com .

Travel insurance & VPN

Always take out travel insurance.

You should take out travel insurance with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover from a reliable insurer.  It should cover trip cancellation and loss of cash & belongings up to a reasonable limit.  These days, check you're covered for covid-19-related issues, and use an insurer whose cover isn't invalidated by well-meant but excessive Foreign Office travel advice against non-essential travel. An annual policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year, I have an annual policy with Staysure.co.uk myself.  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, see the advice on missed connections here .  Here are some suggested insurers, I get a little commission if you buy through these links, feedback always welcome.

Get an eSIM with mobile data package

Don't rely on WiFi, download an eSIM with a European mobile data package and stay connected.  Most newer mobile phones can download a virtual SIM including iPhone 11 & later, see device compatibility list .  There's no need to buy a physical SIM card!  Maya.net is a reliable eSIM data retailer with a 4.5 out of 5 Trustpilot rating and a range of packages including unlimited data .

Get a Curve card for foreign travel

Most banks give you a poor exchange rate then add a foreign transaction fee on top.  A Curve MasterCard means no foreign transaction fees and gives you the mid-market exchange rate, at least up to a certain limit, £500 per month as I write this.  The money you spend on your Curve card goes straight onto one of your existing debit or credit cards.  And you can get a Curve card for free.

How it works:   1. Download the Curve app for iPhone or Android .  2. Enter your details & they'll send you a Curve MasterCard - they send to the UK and most European addresses.  3. Link your existing credit & debit cards to the app, you can link up to two cards with the free version of Curve, I link my normal debit card and my normal credit card.  4. Now use the Curve MasterCard to buy things online or in person or take cash from ATMs, exactly like a normal MasterCard. Curve does the currency conversion and puts the balance in your own currency onto whichever debit or credit card is currently selected in the Curve app.  You can even change your mind about which card it goes onto, within 14 days of the transaction.

I have a Curve Blue card myself, it means I can buy a coffee on a foreign station on a card without being stung by fees and lousy exchange rates, just by tapping the Curve card on their card reader.  The money goes through Curve to my normal debit card and is taken directly from my account (in fact I have the Curve card set up as payment card on Apple Pay on my iPhone, so can double-click my phone, let it do Face ID then tap the reader with the phone - even easier than getting a card out).  I get a little commission if you sign up to Curve, but I recommend it here because I think it's great.  See details, download the app and get a Curve card , they'll give you £5 cashback through that link.

Get a VPN for safe browsing.  Why you need a VPN

When travelling you may use free public WiFi which is often insecure.  A VPN encrypts your connection so it's always secure, even on unsecured WiFi.  It also means you can select the geographic location of the IP address you browse with, to get around geoblocking which a surprising number of websites apply.  See VPNs & why you need one explained .  ExpressVPN is a best buy with a 4.7 out of 5 Trustpilot ranking which I use myself - I've signed up as an ExpressVPN affiliate, and if you go with expressvpn.com using this link you should see a special deal, 3 months free with an annual subscription.  I also get some commission to help support this site.

Carry an Anker powerbank

Tickets, reservations, hotel bookings and Interrail or Eurail passes are often now held on your mobile phone.  You daren't let it run out of power, and you can't always rely on the phone's internal battery or on being near a power outlet.  I always carry an Anker powerbank which can recharge my phone several times over.  Buy from Amazon.co.uk or buy from Amazon.com .

Touring cities?  Use hill walking shoes!

One of the best things I've done is swap my normal shoes for hill-walking shoes, in my case from Scarpa.  They're intended for hiking across the Pennines not wandering around Florence, but the support and cushioning for hiking works equally well when you're on your feet all day exploring foreign cities.  My feet used to give out first and limit my day, now the rest of me gives up before they do!

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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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