lake lugano tours

For an hour, a day or a dinner, enjoy the fabulous views offered by Lugano Lake. Choose from the many different cruises available and relax: the lake is all yours!

Lake Lugano Boat Tours timetable – valid from 24.03.2024 until 20.10.2024

Cruises on Lugano Lake

• Bosco Luganese
• Brè s/Lugano
• Campione d'Italia
• Cassina d'Agno
• Castelrotto
• Corticiasca
• Davesco-Soragno
• Gola di Lago
• Madonna del Piano
• Maglio di Colla
• Molinazzo di Monteggio
• Pambio-Noranco
• Ponte Capriasca
• Ponte Cremenaga
• Ponte Tresa
• Roveredo TI
• Sala Capriasca
• Vico Morcote
• Villa Luganese

• Lake Maggiore
• Book & Go
• Boat & Villas
• Food & Wine
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• Beyond Lake Como
• & Beyond

Day Trip to Lake Lugano: all you need to know before you go

Are you ready to embark on a journey to a destination that seamlessly blends the allure of Italy with the charm of Switzerland? Lake Lugano awaits, promising enchanting experiences and breathtaking landscapes. Even though Lugano is reasonably well connected by train both from Milan and Como we strongly recommend booking a personalized tour. At Lake Como we make it our mission to take the hassle out of planning allowing you to immerse in the beauty of Lugano while adding an unforgettable Swiss interlude to your Italian adventure.

In this guide, we’ll share all you need to know before your Lake Lugano day trip, from must-see attractions to the best ways to explore this captivating region.

Discovering Lake Lugano’s Timeless Beauty

Nestled between soaring peaks of the Swiss Alps Lake Lugano captivates with its idyllic charm and serene atmosphere. A popular destination for day trippers from Lake Como or Milan, this enchanting lake offers a diverse array of experiences to suit every traveler’s desires. We have designed two incredible tours to show you all there is to do at Lake Lugano

Things to Do at Lake Lugano: a day in Lugano

• Explore Lugano City: Begin your journey in the heart of Lugano, a vibrant city that effortlessly merges Swiss precision with Italian warmth. Stroll along the elegant lakeside promenade, admiring the gleaming waters and picturesque mountains that frame the landscape. Shop at chic boutiques, savor local delicacies – especially Chocolates! –  and visit cultural landmarks such as the Chiesa di Santa Maria degli Angeli, home to a stunning Renaissance fresco by Bernardino Luini, a disciple of Leonardo DaVinci.
• Cruise the Glittering Waters: Hop aboard a scenic cruise that glides across Lake Lugano’s shimmering surface. As you sail, you’ll be treated to postcard-perfect views of charming villages, verdant hillsides, and the iconic Swiss mountainscapes. The cruise is a perfect way to soak in the beauty of the region and create lasting memories.
• Monte Brè and Monte San Salvatore: For nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers, a trip to the summits of Monte Brè or Monte San Salvatore are a must. Hike the well-marked trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints, offering panoramic vistas of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Alternatively, take the funicular to the top for equally stunning views with minimal effort.
• Parco Ciani: Wander along the shores of Lake Lugano experiencing the timeless charm of a stroll in nature at this traditional Italian-Swiss gem of a park.

Add a Day in Switzerland During Your Italian Stay: Day trip to Lugano from Como or Milan

Our Lake Lugano day trip allows you to seamlessly cross borders and experience the best of both worlds. After exploring the beauty of Lake Como or Milan add in just a short journey to find yourself in the magical city of Lugano. Our tours are designed to ensure a seamless and unforgettable experience, catering to all your travel needs.

Extend Your Adventure: Visit Porlezza on the Italian Side of Lake Lugano

If you are staying in Bellagio or Menaggio or if you have a bit more time to spare, we suggest our Three Lakes Tour… This e-bike adventure takes you to the charming and less crowded town of Porlezza on the Italian shores of Lake Lugano. Pedal through picturesque landscapes, enjoying the freedom and joy of e-biking as you discover the hidden gems of this region guided by an expert cyclist who made it his mission to take you on the lesser-known trails!

Is Lake Lugano Worth a Visit? Absolutely!

The allure of Lake Lugano lies in its ability to enchant visitors with a harmonious blend of Swiss sophistication and Italian hospitality. Whether you’re seeking natural beauty, cultural exploration, or a tranquil lakeside escape, Lake Lugano promises an unforgettable day trip that will leave you yearning for more.

So, are you ready to embark on this extraordinary journey? Let Lake Como for You be your guide, ensuring a day filled with wonder, beauty, and cherished memories.

Contact Us and Unlock the Treasures of Lake Lugano

Learn more about our Lake Lugano day trip and Three Lakes page and embark on an unforgettable and fully customizable adventure. Trust us to make your trip seamless and memorable, as you explore the best of Lake Lugano and its surroundings.

We’re here for you:

• Explore more of our tours here
• Be inspired by more Travel Ideas here

• Contact us for a private or bespoke experience here

We collected all the best travel tips and curiosities about Lake Como & Beyond, for you. Find out exciting experiences you may not have considered on our socials:

• Art & Culture (15)
• Boat & Villas (6)
• Food & Wine (13)
• Planning Tips (26)
• Sport & Fun (8)

Got a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. Whether it’s an inquiry about tour or a request for customisation, our team of local experts is happy to talk to you!

(+39) 349 560 0603 [email protected]

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Together In Switzerland

All Things Swiss

Lugano Walking Route: 1 Day Self Guided Tour

Zoe | Ticino

Spending a day at the beautiful Swiss location of Lugano is perfect for those who are staying in the area or are passing through. This ultimate self guided Lugano walking route is for those who enjoy walking, have a full day in Lugano and not afraid of heights or boats. So make sure you have your comfy walking shoes are on, camera in your hand and you’re ready for exploring this beautiful location of Switzerland.

This 1 day itinerary is written based on our personal experience, sharing a fantastic itinerary that you can do with friends, family and loved ones who only have 1 full day to experience Lugano.

Lugano Walking Route

This self guided Lugano walking route is on the map as a figure of 8. It’s a loop that takes you around Lugano , up Mount San Salvatore, back down with a boat trip on Lugano Lake to Gandria and then back again via a lakeside walking path.

You can start anywhere along the route of course, especially if you are already staying in Lugano for longer than 1 day. However based on timings we suggest you start at the train station or city centre of Lugano. That way you start the day and end the day in Lugano.

TIP : If you are visiting during Spring specifically, our Spring Lugano post has more travel tips!

Who is this Lugano walking route for?

This is a self guided walking route suitable for all who are comfortable walking for at least 4/5 hours, which excludes breaks, the boat trip and a lunch stop. It’s best for those who wear good walking shoes too (so don’t bring your heels!).

Most sections are also suitable for those who may find walking difficult and need assistance. Such as Lugano centre and along the waters edge of Lake Lugano which is walkable on a flat pathway. Reaching the top of Mount San Salvatore is suitable for all as the funicular is wheelchair friendly.

When can you enjoy this route best?

Lugano is (in my opinion) a lovely destination to visit all year round. But indeed this route is most suitable in dry, sunny weather – for Spring and Summer. This is due to the funicular and boat timetables having winter vs summer timetables, so they do not run the same times. It is also more enjoyable to walk this day time route during nice weather.

The Lugano walking Route in more depth

Read on below see all sections in detail.

Breakfast & lake Lugano

If arriving by train, make sure to walk down into the city first, as you have an amazing view from the train station. From here you already have a great impression on how big Lugano is, spotting Mount Bre and the city directly straight from the station. There are viewpoints half way down the stairs too, with wider views of the Lake Lugano.

Fun fact: The lake is officially called Lake Ceresio, but known better as Lake Lugano.

Start the day first with a local Italian coffee and a small bite to eat at the Munger Tea Room. This bakery is located in the centre and have the best treats and sweet snacks. Else we can suggest the following Brunch locations in Lugano!

Once you are fuelled up for the morning, start your walk from the tea room to the beautiful Parco Ciani . Here you can walk all the way through the park to the beach area. It’s a lovely spot in the mornings, quiet and peaceful, and you can often see little boats (in the summer) leaving the little Lugano port area. It’s also beautiful all year round, with seasonal flowers and plants for each season all looked after.

If staying longer in Lugano, we suggest that you rent a little red and white pedalo boat for a minimum of 30 mins. It’s a fun little activity on the water.

We have a fully-loaded, high content Ticino Guide listing local things to see, do and explore with each season: Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter.  Click here

Lake Lugano to Mount San Salvatore

From the park, walk along the water’s edge of Lake Lugano all the way towards the Mount San Salvatore funicular. This section is only 30 minutes to walk and extremely beautiful with all the trees and flowers. The promenade has also lots of red benches to relax on and enjoy the views.

Once you reach the funicular, it has a specific timetable for summer and winter, and runs every 30 minutes, so check this before you arrive to be sure your day trip can include this. A return ticket is a little cheaper than two singles, so worth it with the timing of this 1 day itinerary.

Mount San Salvatore is 912m / 2992ft high and provides 360° views of Lugano, the lake, towards Italy and the Alps in the west!

Arriving at the top, after a short ride up in the cute red carriages, you will arrive at the restaurant. But we suggest to go straight from the funicular to a higher point with some hiking on the left of the entrance. There are a few small paths to take, but they all take you to the same viewpoints. Depending on which one you take, you can see the whole of Lugano (which is amazing on a clear day!) and the following locations:

• Monte Generoso – definitely worth visiting if you are in Lugano for longer than a day!
• Monte Bre – the mountain opposite San Salvatore with their own restaurant.
• Lugano airport – so you can spot the little private planes!
• Monte Tamaro and Monte Lema – both beautiful mountain peaks to hike at.

The whole 360° views are very impressive! and don’t be discouraged on a cloudy day, as it’s still great to be at the top looking down.

Take your time to take it all in, spotting the boats down below and the small airplanes at the local Lugano airport. Once you want to take a break, we suggest lunch at the Ristorante Vetta San Salvatore. This allow’s you to enjoy the views a little more from an outside table with a delicious meal (and a Swiss wine!). They have lots to choose from and not too overpriced either.

A personal favourite dish was the salmon with potatoes and vegetables. Their tomato soup was also perfect when visiting on a cold day. Save space for dessert – you won’t be disappointed!

Mount San Salvatore To Gandria

After an enjoyable lunch, make your way back down the mountain by funicular. Else you can consider hiking down from the top instead (but keep in mind it will take you a bit longer). The next part includes a bit of good timing, as you can now get a boat from Lugano Paradiso station to Gandria . We bought tickets on the way down in the funicular using the local SBB app. That way we knew we would make the boat with plenty of time and have valid tickets for boarding. It’s only about 5-8 minutes walking from the funicular to the boat docking station.

The boat trip takes only a short 10-15 minute journey to the idyllic and picturesque location of Gandria. You are free to walk around on the boat, enjoying the outside decking area or to relax inside. They have service on board for buying a drink or a snack. It’s best to sit outside on the lefthand side however, as you will arrive with Gandria on the left too. This little village is picture perfect while arriving along the waters edge. You can see cute little balconies, restaurants and greenery growing with each little house and building.

Lugano Tip: If it’s raining during your visit in Lugano, check our personal recommendations of things to do in Lugano on a rainy day !

Gandria and Back To Lugano

So what can you do in Gandria you wonder? When we arrived, everything was actually closed (or closing early) as it was a Sunday afternoon, so we recommend doing this itinerary on another day if you want to enjoy the local village more. But for us it was perfect as we were able to explore and take in the prettiness of this Ticino village. We even spotted a local cat relaxing in peace from all the tourists. For those that visit on a day where things are open, consider a drink at a local place.

When visiting a little earlier or not on a Sunday, you’ll be pleasantly greeted by the local restaurants for a bite to eat or drink. Or even an ice cream for those warmer days!

For the last part of the itinerary, it’s time to follow the Sentiero di Gandria (Gandria Trail) all the way back to Lugano. It’s a 50 minute walk, but you will for sure stop along the way to enjoy the view, flowers and the lake. This route is mostly flat and there are benches along the way to sit and relax at. The route is ideal to walk just before sunset, so that you arrive back in Lugano after sunset. This gives you a glimpse of Lugano in another setting, and to finalise the day after everything you have seen.

Swimming Pitstop

For those who want to swim during late Spring and Summer on this route, on the way back from Gandria you can choose to stop at: Lido San Domenico ! It’s a great location for a bite to eat, a cold drink or a splash in Lake Lugano on a hot day.

We absolutely love this route, and as locals we do it more often – especially the walk to Gandria and back. It’s most enjoyable on a warm sunny day, but this can also be done when colder or rainy. As long as you would enjoy it too!

Our tips for your visit to Lugano:

• Wear decent walking shoes and wear suitable clothes for the expected weather (also suncream for summer!)
• Carry water with you to stay hydrated for the hiking moments, but do stop along the way to enjoy a local drink and a bite to eat.
• Make time to sit along the waters edge, relax and spot the swans and fish
• Relax as well as have fun!

We hope this post inspires you to visit Lugano one day, and if you need more tips and local suggestions, check our up to date  Lugano posts !

Else, if you need more inspiration to visit Lugano, check our top 13 reasons to inspire you here!

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The Olive Grove Trail

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What is the difference between Lake Como and Lugano?

As a travel writer, I had the opportunity to visit both Lake Como and Lugano last year and experienced the charm and beauty of these breathtaking destinations. While both places have their unique characteristics, there are notable differences between them that set them apart. Let’s explore what sets Lake Como and Lugano apart:

Lake Como, known for its stunning vistas and picturesque towns, is a larger lake compared to Lake Lugano. It is surrounded by charming villages such as Bellagio, Cernobbio, and Varenna, which offer a glimpse into the enchanting Italian lifestyle. The towns of Lake Como are known for their vibrant atmosphere, narrow streets, and stunning villas. The scenic beauty and the Italian charm make Lake Como a favorite among many travelers.

On the other hand, Lake Lugano is smaller and shares its shoreline with Switzerland. This makes it a bit more exclusive and expensive than Lake Como. The town center of Lugano, with its Mediterranean-style squares, arcades, and sub-tropical parks, offers a relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. Lugano is often considered cleaner and more organized compared to the more rustic and authentic feel of Lake Como.

During my visit to Lake Como and Lugano, I found Lake Como to be more interesting and captivating. The little towns of Lake Como, such as Bellagio, Cernobbio, and Varenna, offer a unique and charming experience, showcasing the beauty of Italian architecture and culture. Lugano, while still worth visiting, felt more antiseptic and lacked the same vibrant atmosphere as Lake Como.

For those planning a trip to Lake Como, I recommend visiting the beautiful villages of Bellagio, Cernobbio, Laglio, Argegno, Varenna, and Tremezzo. These towns, with their cobblestone streets, stunning villas, and breathtaking views of the lake, are sure to leave you mesmerized.

If you prefer a more organized and exclusive experience, Lugano is the perfect choice. With its beautiful town center, stunning lake views, and a mix of Swiss and Italian influences, Lugano offers a unique blend of cultures.

Now let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Lake Como and Lugano:

1. Is Lugano worth a visit? Without a doubt, Lugano is worth a visit, even if it’s just for a few hours. The town’s Mediterranean-style squares, arcades, and parks, coupled with the beautiful lake views, offer a relaxing and enjoyable experience.

2. Which is the prettiest town around Lake Como? Varenna is often considered the most beautiful village among the towns surrounding Lake Como. Its steep hillside location, charming fisherman’s houses, and stunning views make it a must-visit destination.

3. Is Lake Lugano more expensive than Lake Como? Yes, Lake Lugano is generally more exclusive and expensive compared to Lake Como due to its smaller size and shared shoreline with Switzerland.

4. How much time do you need in Lugano? Lugano is a relatively small town, and a day trip is usually sufficient to explore its main attractions and enjoy the beautiful views it has to offer.

5. Can you walk around Lake Lugano? While it is possible to walk around Lake Lugano, finding the right hiking routes can be a bit challenging. It’s best to do some research or join guided tours to fully explore the landscape.

6. What is the most beautiful village in Lugano? Vico Morcote is often regarded as the most beautiful village in Lugano. Its pleasant location among woods and vineyards, along with its architectural charm, makes it a popular attraction for tourists.

7. What food is Lugano famous for? Lugano offers a wonderful blend of Swiss and Italian cuisine, with an emphasis on Italian dishes. Pasta, pizza, and red wine are commonly found on menus in Lugano’s restaurants.

8. Is Lake Como a must-visit destination? Absolutely! Lake Como’s majestic beauty, surrounded by the Bergamo Alps, makes it a must-visit destination for anyone who loves mountains and breathtaking scenery.

In conclusion, both Lake Como and Lugano have their unique appeal and offer different experiences to visitors. Lake Como’s vibrant towns and rustic charm make it a favorite among many travelers, while Lugano’s exclusive atmosphere and Swiss-Italian fusion create a distinct allure. Whether you choose to explore the charming villages of Lake Como or enjoy the tranquil beauty of Lugano, both destinations promise an unforgettable experience.

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• Moscow Tours

Our 20 Best Moscow Tours of 2022

Join us on an unforgettable tour to Moscow, the capital of Russia. Imagine visiting Red Square, St. Basil’s the Kremlin and more. Moscow is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities and one of Russia’s most historical. All of our tours to Moscow are fully customizable and can be adjusted to fit any budget. Our most popular tours are listed below. Please click on the tour details to learn more or contact us for more information about our Moscow tours using the form at the side of the page. You can also schedule a call with one of our Russian travel specialists to learn more.

Classic Moscow

This is our most popular Moscow tour that includes all the most prominent sights. You will become acquainted with ancient Russia in the Kremlin, admire Russian art in the Tretyakov Gallery, listen to street musicians as you stroll along the Old Arbat street, and learn about Soviet times on the Moscow Metro tour.

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PRIVATE TOUR

A Week in Moscow

This tour is a perfect choice for those who wish to get to know Moscow in depth. One of the highlights of this package is the KGB history tour which gives an interesting perspective on the Cold War. You will also have time for exploring the city on your own or doing extra sightseeing.

Weekend in Moscow

This tour is a great way to get acquainted with the capital of Russia if you are short of time. You will see all the main attractions of the city, the most important of which is the Kremlin - the heart of Russia. The tour starts on Friday and can be combined with a business trip.

Group Tour Moscow Break by Intourist

Russia's capital has so much to offer, from the Kremlin and the Metro to the Old Arbat street and the Tretyakov Gallery. Besides these sites, you will also visit a fascinating country estate which today is quite off the beaten path, Gorky Estate, where the Soviet leader Lenin spent the last months of his life.

Kolomenskoye Tour with transport

The history of Kolomenskoye stretches back for centuries. In 1380, Dmitri Donskoi’s army passed through Kolomenskoye on their way to the Kulikovo battlefield, and it was...

Tours by car

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Armory Tour

The Kremlin is truly a fascinating structure, at the same time it is an ancient tower, the city’s former military fortification, a palace, an armory, the sovereign treasury...

Walking tours

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals, Armory, Diamond Fund Tour

Old Arbat walking tour

You will be told of the street’s interesting history and view the street’s artisan culture. You will also have the opportunity to view and purchase souvenirs from the...

Tour to Sergiev Posad with transport

Considered by some to be the Russian Vatican, Sergiev Posad is the temporary residence of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. The Trinity St. Sergius Monastery (Lavra)...

Tour to Kuskovo with transport

The Kuskovo Estate often called the Moscow Versailles due to its perfectly preserved French park, is an example of an 18th century, luxurious Moscow summer residence. Its history...

Tour to Tsaritsyno with transport

The Tsaritsyno Estate is located in the southern part of Moscow. The estate was constructed for Catherine the Great by the Russian architects Bazhenov and Kazakov in a romantic...

Moscow Metro and Old Arbat Tour

The Moscow Metro is one of the largest and most grandly built metro systems in the world. It was meant to be a showcase of the Soviet Union’s achievements for both the Russians...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion and vodka tasting)

Vodka is an important component of Russian life, an element of national identity and everyday culture. We invite you to visit the Vodka Museum and feel the atmosphere of long-gone...

Mikhail Bulgakov Apartment Museum

This apartment museum located close to Patriarch Ponds became the prototype of the "bad apartment" described in the novel "The Master and Margarita." Currently the museum's...

Kremlin, Red Sq., Cathedrals & Diamond Fund Tour

The State Museum of Lev Tolstoy Tour

Take this opportunity to learn more about the Russian writer Lev Tolstoy. During the visit to the museum you will see part of a vast collection of exhibits connected to Tolstoy...

Novodevichy Convent Tour with transport

Tour of the Novodevichy Monastery. Founded in 1524 by Grand Prince VasiliIoanovich, the original convent was enclosed by fortified walls and contained 12 towers. The structure...

City Tour with Visit to St. Basils & Red Sq. with transport

Panoramic City Tour. This Moscow tour is a great start to your trip and the best way to get acquainted with many of the city’s major highlights. Our professional guide will...

City Tour of Moscow

Head to the heart of Moscow with a professional guide on a 4-hour private walk through the city center. See Tverskaya and Old Arbat streets, Theatre Square with the world-famous...

Moscow Metro walking tour

Kremlin, Red Square and Cathedrals Tour

KGB Tour with transport

This is a very interesting and insightful tour. You will visit places connected with Stalin’s terror - a time of great repression and fear. You will be shown monuments to...

Soviet and Post-Soviet Moscow Tour

The tour begins with a drive or walk down Tverskaya Street – a Soviet masterpiece. In the years of Soviet power, Tverskaya began to undergo a transformation: it was widened...

Tretyakov State Gallery Tour

This world-famous gallery contains masterpieces of Russian art beginning in the 10th century up until today. You will view exquisite Russian icons and paintings from the 18th and...

Jewish Heritage of Moscow Tour

This tour offers a detailed look into the history and present-day life of the Jewish community of Moscow. On the tour, you will visit sites connected with the cultural and religious...

Vodka Museum Tour with transport (excursion only)

Lena, our guide in Moscow was excellent. She was very knowledgable and could answer any question we had for her. We liked that she could pick up on our interests and take us places we might not have thought of to go. When we realized that one of the places we had chosen to see would probably not be that interesting to us, she was able to arrange entry to the Diamond Fund and the Armoury for us. Riding the Metro with Lena was a real adventure and a lot of fun. In Saint Petersburg we found Anna well versed in the history of the Tsars and in the Hermitage collection. Arkady in Veliky Novgorod was a very good guide and answered all of our questions with ease. Novgorod was perhaps a long way to go for a day trip, but we did enjoy it. Vasily was a great driver to have and kept us safe with good humour and skill. We enjoyed ourselves so much, my daughter says she is already planning to return. We would both have no hesistation to recommend ExpresstoRussia to anyone we know.

Just wanted to let you know that My grandson Bruno and I couldn´t have been more pleased with our week in Moscow (6/15 - 6/21). We were absolutely enchanted with the whole experience, including getting lost a couple of times in the Metro during our free time. Although both our guides (both Eleanas) were excellent, I would particularly commend the first one (she took us to the Tatiakov, the KGB tour, and to that beautiful cemetery where so many great Russian artists, authors, composers, musicians, militarists, and politicians are buried). Her knowledge is encyclopedic; and her understanding of today´s Russia as a product of its past was, for us, truly enlightening. I will be taking another tour in Russia, with my wife, within the next two or three years. I will be in touch with you when the time comes. Meanwhile, I will refer you to other potential visitors to Russia as I meet them.

Tours to Moscow

Our Moscow tours are land only meaning that you arrange your own air travel to Russia and our expert staff meets you at the airport and handles everything else from there. Our online Airline Ticket booking system offers some of the most competitive rates to Russia available on the web so if you need tickets, please visit our Russian air ticket center . Rest assured that you will be taken great care of on one of our Moscow tours. Express to Russia has a fully staffed office in Moscow that will help to make your visit fun, informative and unforgettable. Please remember that of all these tours are private and can be adjusted to your taste. You can add, replace or skip some sights; you can add more days to the package or cut the tour short. Our specialists will be glad to help you create the tour of your dreams!

Moscow, a City Like No Other

Moscow is Russia’s largest city with a population of between 12 and 13 million. It is also Europe’s largest city and when you visit Moscow, you can feel it. The layout and architecture of the city is eclectic, ranging from crooked, ancient streets and alleyways to wide, bustling boulevards, from medieval churches to Stalin skyscrapers and to modern, glass buildings towering over everything and of course in the center of it all is the Kremlin and the magnificent Red Square. Moscow is also home to a fantastic, efficient and very beautiful metro system – each station having its own special design. In fact, Express to Russia’s Moscow metro tours and excursions are some of our most popular attractions that we offer. On our Moscow tours, you will see this and more.

Moscow Tours centering on Russian History

Moscow has a long and interesting history and has been the capital of Russia in many of its different iterations – capital of the Grand Duchy of Moscow , the Russian Empire and of course the Soviet Union (who could ever forget the Soviet Union?). Moscow, was founded in the 12th century by Prince Yuri Dolgaruki (Yuri of the long arms – he really did have long arms!). From that time on, it was home to the Russian Tsars until Peter the Great moved the capital to St. Petersburg in 1703. The city has survived invasions and sieges from the Mongols, the Tartars, the Poles, Lithuanians and Napoleon but has always persevered. Our Moscow tours will enlighten you on this great history and give you insights into Muscovites and their unique culture. Our Moscow tours show you what the city is like today but also brings to life the past. Moscow never seems to sleep and is bursting with energy. A Moscow tour with Express to Russia is truly the best way of getting to know Russia’s largest and most vibrant city.

Frequently Asked Questions From Our Travelers

What is the best time to visit moscow.

Any time of year is fine depending on what you plan to do. Summertime is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring the city and its vibrant atmosphere, but Moscow will be much busier and accommodation is more expensive. Winter can be quite cold but beautiful nonetheless, and this is unproblematic if you intend to spend most of your trip in museums and galleries. There are also various festivals and events organised throughout the year. For more information about the best time to visit, read our guide

How many days are enough in Moscow?

If you plan your itinerary strategically and aren’t averse to a packed schedule, you can cover Moscow’s main sights over a long weekend. Most popular attractions are in the city centre, and the Moscow Metro allows you to cover much ground in a small amount of time. Ensure that your accommodation is fairly central and book tickets in advance, so that you can make the most of your days. For an informative and well-organised day out, check out our Moscow day tours with options to suit all interests.

Do they speak English in Moscow?

As Russia’s capital city, tourists are well accommodated in Moscow. There should be English-speaking staff in restaurants, bars, hotels, shops and attractions in tourist hotspots, and there are also English-speaking tourist police. Transport services have English translations on their maps and English announcements via intercom; alternatively, order taxis from the Yandex Taxi app (Russian Uber), though it’s unlikely that your taxi driver will speak English. If you get stuck and cannot communicate, it’s fine to use Google Translate.

Is it safe to travel to Moscow?

It is no less safe to travel to Moscow than to any European city if you exercise common sense and look after your belongings. As with every city some regions can be more unsavoury than others, but no tourist attractions are located there. The traffic in Moscow is notorious, so exercise caution when crossing roads. Do not take unlicensed taxis; book in advance or take public transport, which is widespread and perfectly safe. If you encounter any problems, look for the special tourist police who can help you. For more information, read our guide about staying safe in Russia .

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