school supplies backpack tour

A WCLOC can help support your business

Savor bourbon & BBQ in Benson, NC

Take a road trip to Harford County, MD

• Achieving equity in kidney care
• Health News
• Children's Health
• Entertainment
• Food & Drink
• Restaurants
• Family-Friendly
• Performances
• Fantasy Football
• Staff / Contributors
• Legal / Privacy

© 2024 WWB Holdings, LLC. All rights reserved

• Google Plus

More Events:

July 19, 2023

Philly kids can get free school supplies, immunizations at these summer events hosted by the district

School district officials are making stops in 11 neighborhoods from july 31 through aug. 18 to hand out backpacks and to answer questions from parents.

At part of the School District of Philadelphia's 'Back to School Bus Tour,' officials will hand out free backpacks and school supplies, and help parents register their children for school, at 11 neighborhood events from July 31 to Aug. 18. A stop from the 2022 tour is pictured above.

Philly kids don't return to school until Sept. 5, but a lot of them will need backpacks, books and fresh crayons before that. Parents can grab supplies for free this summer at the Back-to-School Bus Tour.

Organized each year by the School District of Philadelphia, the bus tour connects families with free backpacks and books, but also information. At every stop, school officials will be available to help moms and dads sign up for Parent Portal accounts or register their children for Pre-K through 12th grade. Select events also will offer free immunizations required for school attendance. Those stops are marked with an asterisk below:

Follow Kristin & PhillyVoice on Twitter: @kristin_hunt | @thePhillyVoice Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice Have a news tip ? Let us know.

Kristin Hunt PhillyVoice Staff

[email protected]

How a working capital line of credit can provide flexibility for business owners

Just In

• Several Philly animal shelters will cap adoption fees at $50 to start May
• Trailer for 'Trap' seems to give away one of M. Night Shyamalan's signature twists
• Macy's set to open New Jersey's first small-format store in Mount Laurel
• Jefferson's Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center gains nation's top designation
• Food trucks, records and a roller rink: Your weekend guide to things to do
• Wm. Mulherin's Sons opens second pizzeria in Center City

Must Read

Two republicans compete in pa. attorney general primary.

Laughter may be the best medicine

• A new job benefit aims to help Philly workers improve their well-being

Jason Kelce loses his Super Bowl ring in a kiddie pool filled with chili

5 Phillies thoughts: Best rotation in the NL bails out an ugly offense

Arts & Culture

Handmade art and aerial show converge at this month's West Craft Fest

• Exceptional nurses can be nominated to receive IBX's Sunshine Award
• A Temple Hospital worker needed a kidney transplant. When the call finally came, his colleague performed it
• Healthy Recipe: Apple Blackberry Oat Muffins
• People with obesity may benefit most when exercise is done in the evening

Adult Health

Understanding the importance of kidney health

Philadelphia Vietnam Veterans Memorial still needs $50K to repair extensive vandalism sustained last August

Ireland's rich blend of history, culture, and natural wonders awaits both returning visitors and first-timers

Visit Gettysburg in the springtime!

Your next weekend getaway awaits you in Northern Pennsylvania

Food & Drink

Harford County, Maryland: Your new favorite road trip

School supplies, registration, and ice cream: Philadelphia’s back-to-school bus tour begins

The first day of school is still more than a month away, but Philadelphia is starting the back-to-school excitement early.

Monday marked the kick-off event for the school district’s third annual back-to-school bus tour, an effort started in 2021 to share information and resources for the upcoming school year , and to improve communication between the district and families — an issue that’s continued to dog district leaders .

Parents and students gathered at the Martin Luther King High School in Germantown for free ice cream, music, and information about school registration.

“Today’s kickoff is our collective first step to uplifting all of our learners so that they are equipped to realize their dreams,”  Philadelphia Board of Education President Reginald Streater said at the event.

This past year was a tough one in many ways for Philadelphia school families. Gun violence claimed the lives of more than 20 students. Damaged asbestos closed buildings . And issues with the city’s lottery enrollment system for special admissions schools damaged trust in district leadership.

This coming school year, Superintendent Tony Watlington’s second in office, he said he has big aspirations for the district. This bus tour will set the tone, he said.

District employees and volunteers on the tour offered families help with school registration, gave out free backpacks and school supplies, arranged immunizations, and shared information about school scheduling. The district’s first day of school for nearly 114,000 students will be Sept. 5.

Local businesses and city service agencies also set up tables at the event to let families know about SEPTA public transportation offerings for students, internet service assistance, events at public library branches, and other resources.

This is Watlington’s second year kicking off the tour. But it’s a smaller version of the 2021 back-to-school tour, which made 31 stops around the city. This year, the bus tour will make 11 stops and will run through Friday, Aug. 18.

“This back-to-school celebration allows us to engage our families right where they are, bringing important back-to-school information and services directly to neighborhoods across the city,” Watlington said Monday.

The tour is funded through a $150,000 grant from the Independence Blue Cross Foundation.

Parents Michelle and Wayne Jones said they are grateful the district is making an effort to connect with families. Wayne graduated from Martin Luther King High School in 1980 and has a daughter Giavonni who is about to start fourth grade in the district.

“It’s a beautiful thing,” Jones said, “to see my school having something for the community.”

Priscilla Howard — the guardian for Jada and Jayden Whipple, two students in the district — said the tour has saved her money on backpacks. Howard said the event is especially important for her family and neighbors in the Black community who have struggled under what the city has called generations of “disinvestment” and “structural racism.”

“We need this,” Howard said. “Everything is going up but the paycheck.”

Carly Sitrin is the bureau chief for Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Contact Carly at [email protected] .

The board defended its “policy governance” model that limits information requests and funnels communication through the superintendent.

With time running out, GOP leaders insist voucher bill is still in play

Gov. Josh Shapiro says the testing change will mean less time spent preparing for the tests and more time for actual learning.

Jon Wilcox, the principal at Petoskey Middle School, grows Christmas trees on his property and raises honey bees in his spare time.

Almost 75% of the city’s high schools do not have student publications, according to a 2022 study.

15 Best Backpacks for School (and College!) in 2023

By Brittany Romano and Shauna Beni-Haynes

All products are independently selected by our editors. If you buy something, we may earn an affiliate commission.

If you want to prevent shoulder, neck, or back pain in the near future, we recommend investing in one of the best school backpacks. 

After all, your designated tote bag , cool backpack , or laptop bag  will be your go-to accessory — the one thing you’ll be carrying day-in and day-out — so you want to make sure it vibes with your ‘fit and ticks off all the functionality boxes you need it to (like padded shoulder straps for comfort, laptop compartments, and plenty of storage pockets for all your stuff). Plus, research has shown that heavy weight on the shoulders can develop pain in several parts of the body, so it’s beneficial to get a backpack that is stylish and comfortable. 

Sure, you can find plenty of the best backpacks on Amazon , but with so many options to choose from, it can easily get overwhelming. So if you are looking for something cute yet functional (we've (we've got chic leather backpack ideas, too) for traveling through school halls, that's where we come in. We browsed through hundreds of customer reviews and TikTok videos to round up top-rated backpack designs that will fulfill all your middle, high school, and even college class needs, including picks from the most popular backpack brands like Jansport, Herschel, and The North Face. 

Below, shop the best backpacks for school and college to keep your daily essentials (and back-to-school supplies ) secure and readily accessible. 

Our Top Picks

• Best backpacks for teens: Matein Travel Backpack with USB , $32
• Best backpack for college students with laptops: Rains Backpack Mini , $95
• Best backpack for high school students: JanSport Right Pack Red Tape , $62
• Best backpack for travel: Lekesky Laptop Backpack , $35
• Best padded laptop backpack: Swissgear 1900 Laptop Backpack , $90

Matein Travel Backpack with USB

There’s so much to love about this found-on-Amazon backpack besides its cool camo print looks and water-proofing material that will probably outlast an unexpected downpour. We’re talking plenty of compartments for valuables and school essentials, including storage for a 13-, 14-, or 15-inch laptop, an external USB charging port (just be ready for all your friends to ask you to juice up their phones), and small inside pockets to keep your pens and bike keys from disappearing into a bottomless pit.

Pros: Comes with USB charging port, Made with durable anti-scratch fabric 

Cons: Some shoppers note that the computer sleeve could use more padding. 

Dimensions: 12 x 18 x 7.8 inches

Weight: 1.56 pounds

Storage: One separate compartment holds a 15.6-inch laptop, one spacious compartment for books,  one compartment with several for pockets, pens, pencils, and a key fob hook

Warranty: You'll need to contact the seller directly for warranty information. 

Review: “One standout feature of this backpack is its exceptional storage capacity. The main compartment securely accommodates a laptop and tablet, while the multiple pockets and organizational slots keep smaller items well-arranged."

Fjallraven Kanken Laptop Backpack

You probably already know that the Fjällräven Kanken comes in a ton of colors and sizes, including a 17-inch laptop backpack in case you need the extra space. In addition to being a campus mainstay, it's also a regular at airports and train stations. Its compact design makes it a convenient travel companion for any post-grad road trips you have planned. 

Pros: Water-resistant fabric, Available in 30+ colors 

Cons: Some reviewers note the bag is too small to fit school books.

Dimensions: 10.63 x 5.12 x 14.96 inches

Weight: 0.2 ounces

Storage: One main zippered compartment, one front zippered pocket, two open side pockets

Review: “The bag is as expected. Very sturdy, [it] fits my iPad Pro with no problems."

JanSport Right Pack

Some backpacks are meant to blend in, this flaming hot red one is not . It's helpful, though, since no one will ever mistake theirs for yours. Finding it last-minute under a pile of clothes will be infinitely easier than a grey backpack masquerading as your carpet. Jansport's Right Pack is more basic than some other designs on this list since it only has one main compartment with an internal sleeve for a 15-inch laptop. The padded shoulder straps are a plus if you find yourself carrying your weight in textbooks on the regular.

Pros: Padded shoulder straps, Easy-to-clean suede leather bottom

Cons: Some reviewers note that there is no padding on the back to provide comfort. 

Dimensions: 18 x 13 x 8.5 inches 

Weight: 1.4 pounds 

Storage: Internal 15-inch laptop sleeve, one large main compartment, one front organizer pocket

Review: "My daughter is starting high school, and I need a durable backpack to hold all her books; this did not disappoint me. I put 12 hard-cover writing books in [and] they were lost in the bag. There are enough pockets to hold the small things. Oh, can I forget the most important part: the laptop holder is a cushion to protect the laptop, and the back is also a cushion. I love this bag."

Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Backpack

Herschel backpacks are statement pieces that somehow always go well with whatever you're wearing. The Settlement model is one of the brand's most popular ones: It is made from a lightweight yet heavy-duty cotton canvas that can take on all kinds of scuffs and spills, with zipper pockets and a solid back panel so your bag doesn't sag when it's loaded to the brim. We're into the versatility of this birch school backpack, but there are over 20 colors and patterns (and adorable sizes ) that would look right at home whatever your personal style may be.

By P. Claire Dodson

By Liv McConnell

By Kara Nesvig

Pros: Crafted from a durable polyester fabric, Pebbled zipper pulls

Cons: Some shoppers note that there are no external side pockets for water bottles and umbrellas. 

Dimensions: 5.75 x 12.25 x 17.75 inches 

Weight: 1.33 pounds

Storage: Internal tech-safe sleeve is padded and lined with fleece, fits laptops up to 15-inches, has multiple front pockets with a key clip, one internal media pocket for your smartphone, one internal headphone port 

Review: "This is an excellent backpack. I was worried it wouldn't have much space left once I put my laptop in, but the capacity is great. It also does not feel heavy when I have a lot of stuff in there. The straps are padded and don't dig in."

Lululemon Everyday Backpack 2.0

The brand behind some of your (and Emma Chamberlain 's and Selena Gomez 's) favorite leggings also makes really good backpacks. This water-repellent backpack may be on the smaller side, but it is thoughtfully designed to let you fit more with less (hi, dual front pockets!), making it a winner for daily commuters. The best part? Not only does it slide perfectly underneath any kind of seat, but it also has a carry-on -compatible sleeve should you bring it along on a trip this summer. 

Pros: Designed for on-the-move, Water-resistant fabric

Cons: Users note that the straps could use more padding.

Dimensions:  11.4 x 5.9 x 16.5 inches 

Weight: 23L

Storage: Exterior padded pocket fits a 16-inch laptop, exterior water bottle pocket for quick access, several interior pockets, exterior trolley-compatible sleeve

Warranty: N/A

Review: "I was hesitant at first because of the reviews on the straps, but the straps on my bag seem to stay in place. Great quality and very roomy without being bulky! 10/10 recommend!"

The North Face Jester Daypack

Saks Fifth Avenue

Don't let this slim 28-liter daypack fool you, there's plenty of storage space to house your lunch box, laptop, and books. The sturdy design is also more than capable of protecting your gear, whether you're walking shoulder-to-shoulder in a crowded hallway or accidentally knock your bag off a chair. External mesh water bottle pockets provide easy access to beverages in between classes, and there's even a sternum strap for added security and comfort!

Pros: Unique FlexVent suspension system for comfort, Padded back panels 

Cons: Some shoppers note that the backpack is too small for school use.

Dimensions: 11 x 8.25 x 18.13 inches

Weight: 1 pound 

Storage: Interior padded 15-inch laptop sleeve, one large main compartment to hold books and binders, one front compartment

Warranty: The brand claims that products have a lifetime guarantee warranty when purchased directly on the  site . 

Review: "Very lightweight, I take it to campus, and I stuff my laptop, my tablets, my electronics organizer, some notebooks and pens, and my lunch—and it's so comfortable. The backpack doesn't "hang to the floor" when you wear it, it maintains its shape, and it's better for my back."

Everlane The ReNew Transit Backpack

Embracing uniform dressing as you figure out your life post-college ? You'll want a classic backpack that doesn't distract. This Everlane one is a bestseller for a reason: People love its timeless, minimalist design, which can hold a lot without looking bulky. Shoutout to the outer zip pockets which you'll love for stashing small items (keys, wallet, wired headphones ), as well as passports and tickets on an inaugural work trip. 

Pros: Travel-friendly backpack, Made with 100% recycled polyester 

Cons: Some shoppers wish it came with smaller pockets on the front and top flap.

Dimensions: 17.5 x 7.25 x 12 inches 

Weight: 27L

Storage: One exterior 15-inch laptop zip pocket, two zip-closure pockets, one external water bottle pocket, one internal water bottle pocket, two internal slip pockets 

Review: “Everlane, you’ve nailed it! I’ve been looking for a backpack that I can use for both work and travel, something that is comfortable, roomy, AND stylish—and after much searching, I’ve found it.”

L.L.Bean Comfort Carry Laptop Pack

L.L.Bean's ripstop-nylon laptop pack looks like it can weather just about anything — and that's because it can. (The water-repellent fabric is machine-washable, so do your worst.) Its 30-liter size is generously sized to fit textbooks, study notes, and gym clothes, with a padded laptop sleeve allowing you to pack your tech painlessly after class.

Pros: Built-in extra foam padding, Breathable mesh straps

Cons: Some customers note the fabric quality is not well-made.

Dimensions: 18.75 x 11.75 x 10 inches

Weight: 30L

Storage: Built-in organizer panel with multiple zippered pockets, padded laptop sleeve to fit laptops up to 15-inches, one large interior compartment, one exterior top pocket for each access to cell phone 

Warranty: No warranty info is provided, but returns are accepted on unused products within 30 days of shipment for orders shipped within the US.

Review: "Lots of love from Washington State! Great size pack for my middle schooler, carries all the textbooks, laptop computers, and lunch. Good quality, so I know he’ll have it year after year. My 11-year-old says: “It has a lot of good pockets, and it seems light!”

Gazigo School Backpack, Bookbag, & Laptop Bag

This backpack set is a must-have for high school students. It comes with a matching backpack, pencil case, and cross-body bag that can be used to store lunch or gym clothes. It also comes in various colorways and prints, you can mix and match with all your outfits. The best part? It's only $35! 

Pros: Padded shoulder straps, Water-resistant fabric 

Cons: Some users noted that after two months of use, the shoulder straps started falling apart.

Dimensions: 16.9 x 11.8 x 5.5 inches

Weight: 1.76 pounds 

Storage: One internal pocket sleeve that fits laptops and tablets that are up to 14-inches, several interior pockets to store supplies, two external side pockets, one front exterior flap pocket 

Review: “The stitching is very well done. The material is sturdy but fashionable. I am very pleased with this quality product. I use this backpack as a day-pack and the medium-size one as my new favorite purse. It is beautiful and functional.”

Dagne Dover Small Neoprene Backpack

Dange Dover

There's a reason why college students and recent grads gravitate towards Dagne Dover's durable neoprene bags. They're spill-proof, highly giftable, and professional-looking without being fussy. Did we mention they have a special side pocket for your phone and your phone only?

Pros: 100% crafted from vegan materials, Water-resistant 

Cons: Some shoppers note that the cupholder pockets are too small for water bottles.

Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 13 inches

Weight: 1.8 pounds

Storage: One air mesh tablet sleeve, two air mesh interior pockets, two zipper exterior pockets, one signature key leash 

Review: "This is my second small Dakota, so I knew what I was getting—a bag just big enough for my iPad and 32oz Nalgene, with a handy organization for all the little essentials. Everything has its place, and I love the zipper pockets along the back of the bag, where I keep my wallet (easy to move the bag with one arm and grab, but secure against my body to protect from pickpockets)."

Paravel Mini Fold-Up Backpack

This may not be the college backpack you had in mind, but it's so small and cute that we couldn't let you venture into a new school year without sharing. It folds up into a tiny square so you can actually leave it in the car or in your gym locker — clutch for days when you need to bring PE clothes home but your main backpack is already bursting at the seams with stuff.

Pros: Great for daily commutes, Folds up completely flat into a pouch 

Cons: Customers note that it will not fit a laptop or large books. 

Dimensions: 10 x 12 x 6 inches 

Weight: .44 pounds 

Storage: One small exterior zipper pocket, one large interior compartment 

Review: “The Mini Fold-Up Backpack was what I needed while traveling. It folds up into a small, lightweight square that easily fits in my suitcase without taking up space, then opens into a nice-sized day pack. I have the olive green color, which I love!"

Stoney Clover Lane Classic Backpack

Stoney Clover Lane's candy-colored backpack fits right in with #ProductivityTok 's penchant for cheerful school and desk supplies to stay on top of your class load. The bubblegum pink hue alone will deliver you the energy boost you need to make it through a full day of school — even if you spent the majority of the night before scrolling through your FYP.

Pros:  Polished gold-tone hardware, The fabric feels silky-soft 

Cons: No separate laptop sleeve 

Dimensions: 16.5 x 13 x 4.75 inches 

Weight: 22oz

Storage: One small exterior zipper pocket, one large interior compartment

Review: N/A

Away The Front Pocket Backpack

The adventurer looking for a does-it-all bag will probably love this high-quality travel laptop backpack, complete with padded shoulder straps, a wraparound zip opening, and a breathable mesh back panel. There's enough room for a 15-inch laptop to slide into its own zippered back compartment, and there's a detachable key clip in the front pocket to hang your dorm room keys.

Pros: Made with water-resistant nylon, Padded shoulder straps 

Cons: Some shoppers note that the interior compartment fills up fast. 

Dimensions:   11.8 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches

Weight: 2.2 pounds

Storage: Interior organization system with zipper and slip pockets, water bottle pocket, and detachable key clip, padded zip laptop compartment with iPad slip pocket that fits up to a 15-inch laptop with magnetic locking zipper, external secure front zip pocket, external back hidden zip pocket 

Warranty: Away bags and accessories are protected by a limited one-year warranty, which means that if anything breaks in your first year, they’ll fix or replace it. 

Review: "I could not love this backpack more! I travel weekly, and this backpack securely rides on carry-on, [and] my laptop slides in and out of the back pocket. The big pocket can fit my smaller purse, plus all the things. The front pocket is great for your phone [and] earbuds, is great for quick access."

Lekesky Laptop Backpack

Stick with a backpack that prides itself on being durable and reliable, like this one from Lekesky. The water-and-tear-resistant polyester will surpass any weather and remain intact with years of use. While the main compartment can safely carry laptops up to 16 inches and even offers a hidden anti-theft pocket on the back for peace of mind. At just under $40, it's easy to understand why over 3,800 Amazon reviewers claim this bag is impossible to beat.

Pros: ✓Comfortable and stylish ✓Keeps your organized with compartments ✓Extremely affordable

Cons: ✓ Some said the material wasn’t as waterproof as they’d like

Color(s): 3

Size: 10 x 8 x 16 inches

Materials: Waterproof-and-tear-resistant Polyester

Review: "[I] love this backpack. It’s comfortable to wear and can fit a lot of essentials. I used it for a conference and was able to pack my laptop, chargers, mouse, notebooks, additional books, umbrella, water bottle, snacks, and a sandwich! Professional look with a modern feel. I love it. The pocket along the back holds my wallet and phone more securely. Perfect backpack."

BÉIS The Backpack

Want a versatile pick you can take from the classroom to after-hour events? Go for this spacious and durable multi-functional backpack. The outside bottle holder will keep your liquids secure, and the interior mesh pocket and laptop compartment make it easy to grab what you need and nothing else.

Pros: ✓Laptop friendly ✓Two water bottle pockets ✓Great for those who need a larger bag

Cons: ✓ Many hated the straps

Color(s): 2

Size: 13 x 19 x 5.5 inches

Materials: Polyester, PVC, Nylon, Metal

Review: "I love this bag. As a chronic over-packer, my goal was to pack for a weekend, and it delivered. I was able to pack five outfits, two pairs of shoes- all my makeup and toiletries, and a laptop! Score."

Want more great Back-to-School stories from Teen Vogue ? Check these out:

11 Best Affordable Printers for College Students That Won’t Take Up Too Much Space

13 Best Backpacks for School (and College!) in 2022

30 Cute Back-to-School Supplies to Stock Up on for Next Semester

The 13 Best Planners That Will Help You Get Through the School Year

By Vandana Pawa

By India Roby

By Lex McMenamin

Free School Supplies

Providing supplies for those in need.

While we distribute a majority of the kits during summer events, we actually give them out 365 days a year. The program is truly a year-round effort requiring thousands of man-hours and volunteers, as well as the gracious support of many companies and individuals.

Many of our Back 2 School kits are assembled and/or distributed through programs such as: Buy-A-Kit , Build-A-Kit , Win School Supplies for an Entire School Contest and We Appreciate Teachers Contest.

Our Community Distribution Partners handle the distribution of our kits. B2SA does not directly provide kits to individuals. Click here for a list of B2SA’s Community Distribution Partners.

Low-Cost Internet & Computers – Internet Essentials by Comcast

We recognize that the digital divide impacts millions of families and is a barrier to children getting a first-rate education, which is why we’ve partnered with Comcast to help provide access to low-cost, high-speed internet through their Internet Essentials program. A low-cost laptop and Chromebook are also available. For more information click here .

Please note: Our Community Distribution Partners handle the distribution of our kits. B2SA does not provide kits to individuals.

Click here for a list of B2SA’s 2023 Community Distribution Partners

Major support for B2SA provided by:

• Associated Bank
• Comcast/Xfinity
• Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
• Lincoln International
• Meridian Health
• Republic Bank
• West Suburban Currency Exchange
• Winston & Strawn
• Wintrust Bank

Do you want to support us?

Do you want to offer your help?

Get Involved

What's Going On In

Your state, back 2 school america.

501(c)(3) nonprofit

1946 W. Irving Park Road Chicago, IL 60613

Subscribe to

Our monthly newsletter.

• Privacy Policy

First 2,000 children to receive free backpack with school supplies at Tyler event

T YLER, Texas ( KETK ) – The City of Tyler, Tyler Area Business Education Council and Tyler ISD are partnering to put on the annual School is Cool event, benefitting school children.

According to a release, the event will take place on Aug. 1 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the Rose Garden Center and the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center at 2000 W. Front Street. The organization said that the first 2,000 school-aged children in line at the event will receive free backpacks with school supplies.

The release said that the Tyler Area Business Education Council is seeking donations and sponsorships from local businesses and organizations. The organization said that for every $50 donated, a backpack with school supplies will be purchased for a child in need.

Donations can be made online through Eventbrite , cash or check payable to the Tyler Area Business Education Council which can be dropped off or addressed to 315N. Broadway Ave. Suite 307 in Tyler.

For businesses and organizations looking to be sponsors, the sponsorship levels are as follows:

• Named as a sponsor on all marketing materials
• Signage near a backpack distribution area at the event
• An insert in each backpack
• Company logo on the website and printed items
• Company logo on the back of volunteer shirts
• Named as sponsor on all marketing materials
• Signage near a backpack distribution location at the event
• Company logo on back of volunteer shirts

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.

We’re on the road right now – join in on the fun and follow @thebrokebackpacker on IG!

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Europe » Moscow

EPIC MOSCOW Itinerary! (2024)

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

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

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

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Time To Visit Moscow

Where to stay in moscow, moscow itinerary, day 1 itinerary in moscow, day 2 itinerary in moscow, day 3 and beyond, staying safe in moscow, day trips from moscow, faq on moscow itinerary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Best Airbnb in Moscow – Exclusive Apartment in Old Moscow

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

Best Budget Hotel in Moscow – Izmailovo Alfa Hotel

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

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

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

Best Hostel in Moscow – Godzillas Hostel

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 1 – The Red Square

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 2 – The Moscow Kremlin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Lenin’s Mausoleum

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 1 / Stop 5 – GUM Department Store

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Novodevichy Convent

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 3 – The State Tretyakov Gallery

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 4 – All-Russian Exhibition Center

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

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

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

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

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

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

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Bolshoi Theater

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Godzillas Hostel

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

• Towels Included

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

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

Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics

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

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

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

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

The Alexander Garden

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ostankino Television Tower

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

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

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

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

Izmaylovo District

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

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

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

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

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

Museum of Soviet Arcade Games

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad (Golden Ring)

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

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

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

Day Trip to Vladimir and Suzdal

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

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

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

Zvenigorod Day Trip and Russian Countryside

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

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

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

Day Trip to St Petersburg by Train visiting Hermitage & Faberge

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

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

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

Trip to Kolomna – Authentic Cultural Experience from Moscow

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

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

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

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

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

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

How many days you need in Moscow?

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

What’s the best month to visit Moscow?

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

What are some unusual things to do in Moscow?

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

What are some fun things to do in Moscow?

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

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

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

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

Alya and Campbell

Share or save this post

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

2018 Primetime Emmy & James Beard Award Winner

R&K Insider

Join our newsletter to get exclusives on where our correspondents travel, what they eat, where they stay. Free to sign up.

A History of Moscow in 13 Dishes

Featured city guides.

• Share full article

For more audio journalism and storytelling, download New York Times Audio , a new iOS app available for news subscribers.

The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial

Here’s what has happened so far in the unprecedented proceedings against a former u.s. president..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

It’s the first day of the Trump trial and just walking out the door in my house. It’s a beautiful day, 6:11 AM. The thing that keeps running through my head is it’s kind of amazing that hundreds of jurors are going to show up at the Manhattan courthouse. And some of them are going to know what they’re there for — probably talking to their friends, their relatives about it.

Some of them are going to learn this morning talking to other jurors in line, asking what all the fuss is about. But I really do imagine that there’s going to be at least one potential juror who, headphones on, getting into court. Here they’re going to be there for the first criminal trial of Donald J. Trump. And just, I mean, how would you react?

[MUSIC PLAYING]

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.” Today, what it’s been like inside the lower Manhattan courtroom, where political and legal history are being made? My colleague, Jonah Bromwich, on the opening days of the first criminal trial of a US President. It’s Thursday, April 18.

Is that his mic? Hi, there.

Hello. How are you?

I’m doing good.

OK. Thank you for coming in, Jonah —

Thank you for having me.

— in the middle of a trial. Can you just explain why you’re able to even be here?

Sure. So we happen to be off on Wednesdays during trial, so.

We being not “The New York Times,” but the courts.

That’s right.

Which is why we’re taping with you. And because we now have two full court days of this history-making trial now under our belts. And the thing about this trial that’s so interesting is that there are no cameras in the courtroom for the wider world.

There’s no audio recordings. So all we really have is and your eyes and your notebook, maybe your laptop. And so we’re hoping you can reconstruct for us the scene of the first two days of this trial and really the highlights.

Yeah, I’d be happy to. So on Monday morning, I left the subway. It’s before 7:00 AM. The sun is just rising over these grandiose court buildings in lower Manhattan.

I’m about to turn left onto Center Street. I’m right in front of the big municipal building.

And I turn onto Center Street. That’s where the courthouses are.

I’m crossing.

And I expected to see a big crowd. And it was even bigger than I had anticipated.

Here we go. Here we go. Here we go. Now, I finally see the crowd.

You have camera banks. You have reporters. You have the beginnings of what will eventually become a protest. And you have this most New York thing, which is just a big crowd of people.

[CHUCKLES]: Who just know something is going on.

That’s right. And what they know is going on is, of course, the first trial of an American president.

All right, I’m passing the camera, folks. Camera, camera, camera, camera. Here we go.

Let’s start with Sharon Crowley live outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan.

I want to get right to ABC’S Aaron Katersky who’s outside of the courthouse.

Robert Costa is following it outside the courthouse in Lower Manhattan. Bob, I saw the satellite trucks lined up all in a row. Good morning.

Talk to us how we got here exactly.

So this is the case that was brought by the Manhattan district attorney. So prosecutors have accused Donald Trump of covering up the actions of his former fixer, Michael Cohen, after Cohen paid hush money to Stormy Daniels. Stormy Daniels had a story about having had sex with Donald Trump, which Trump has always denied.

Cohen paid her money, and then Trump reimbursed Cohen. And prosecutors say that Trump essentially defrauded the American people because he hid this information that could have been very important for the election from those people when he reimbursed Cohen.

Right. And as I remember it, he also misrepresented what that reimbursement was. Claimed it was a legal fee when, in fact, it was just reimbursing Michael Cohen for a hush money payment.

Exactly, yeah. He definitely didn’t say reimbursement for hush money payment to Stormy Daniels. It’s a cover up case. It’s a case about hiding information you don’t want people to see.

Right. And of course, the context of all this is that it is in the middle of a presidential election. It’s 2016. Trump wants to keep this secret, prosecutors allege, so that the American public doesn’t know about it and potentially hold it against him.

Right. And prosecutors are telling a story about election interference. They’re saying that Trump interfered with an election. And Trump himself is also using the phrase “election interference.” But he’s painting the trial itself as election interference as he now runs again in 2024.

Fascinating.

And because we’re in Manhattan, and because the jury pool is going to be largely Democratic, and the judge is a Democrat, and the district attorney is a Democrat, Trump keeps claiming he cannot get a fair shake. This is democrat central. And in democrat central, Trump doesn’t have a chance.

OK. So, what happens once you actually enter the courthouse?

Outside, there’s all this fanfare. But inside, it’s a little bit business as usual. So I go up to the 15th floor, and I walk into the courtroom, and I sit down, and it’s the same old courtroom. And we’re sitting and waiting for the former president.

Around 9:30, Trump walks in. He looks thin. He looks a little tired, kind of slumping forward, as if to say with his body like let’s get this over with. Here we go.

The judge walks in a little bit after that. And we think we’re all set for the trial to start, but that’s not what happens here. And in fact, there are a series of legal arguments about what the trial is going to look like and what evidence is going to be allowed in.

So, for example, prosecutors ask that they be allowed to admit into evidence headlines from “The National Enquirer” that were attacks on Trump’s 2016 opponents — on Ted Cruz, on Marco Rubio, on Ben Carson.

Because prosecutors are in some sense putting Trump’s 2016 campaign on trial. These headlines are a big part of that because what prosecutors say they show is that Trump had this ongoing deal with “The National Enquirer.” And the publisher would promote him, and it would publish damaging stories about his opponents. And then crucially, it would protect Trump from negative stories. And that’s exactly what prosecutors say happened with Stormy Daniels. That “The National Enquirer” tipped Cohen off about Stormy Daniels trying to sell her story of having had sex with Donald Trump, which he denies. And that led to the hush money payment to her. So what prosecutors are doing overall with these headlines is establishing a pattern of conduct. And that conduct, they say, was an attempt to influence the election in Trump’s favor.

And the judge agrees. He’s going to admit this evidence. And this is a pretty big win for the prosecution. But even though they win that one, they’re not winning everything.

They lose some important arguments here. One of them was that after the Access Hollywood tape came out, there were allegations of sexual assault against Donald Trump. And you know this, Michael, because you reported two of them — two of the three in question at this very trial.

Prosecutors had hoped to talk about those during trial in front of the jury to show the jurors that the Trump campaign was really, really focused on pushing back against bad press in the wake of the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump seemed to describe sexual assault. That was a big problem for the campaign. Campaign did everything it could to push back, including against these allegations that surfaced in the wake of the tape.

But the judge, saying that the allegations are hearsay — that they’re based on the women’s stories — says absolutely not. That is incredibly prejudicial to the defendant.

Interesting.

And that Donald Trump would actually not get a fair trial were those allegations to be mentioned. And so he will not let those in. The jurors will not hear about them.

So this is a setback, of course, for the prosecution, a victory for Trump’s legal team.

It’s a setback. And it also just shows you how these pre-trial motions shape the context of the trial. Think of the trial as a venue like a theater or an athletic contest of some sort. And these pre-trial motions are about what gets led into the arena and what stays out. The sexual assault allegations — out. “The National Enquirer” headlines — in.

OK. And how is Trump sitting there at the defense table reacting to these pre-trial motion rulings from the judge?

Well, as I’ve just said, this is very important stuff for his trial.

Right. Hugely important.

But it’s all happening in legal language, and I’m decoding it for you. But if you were sitting there listening to it, you might get a little lost, and you might get a little bored. And Trump, who is not involved in these arguments, seems to fall asleep.

Seems to fall asleep — you’re seeing this with your own eyes.

What we’re seeing, overall, including our colleague, Maggie Haberman, who’s in the overflow room and has a direct view of Trump’s face — I’m sitting behind him in the courtroom, so I can’t see his face that well.

You guys are double teaming this.

That’s right. I’m sitting behind him, but Maggie is sitting in front of him. And what she sees is not only that his eyes are closed. That wouldn’t get you to he is asleep.

And we have to be really careful about reporting that he’s asleep, even if it seems like a frivolous thing. But what happens is that his head is dropping down to his chest, and then it’s snapping back up. So you’ve seen that, when a student —

I’ve done that.

(CHUCKLES) Yeah. We all kind of know that feeling of snapping awake suddenly. And we see the head motion, and it happens several times.

Lawyers kind of bothering him, not quite shaking him, but certainly trying to get his attention. And that head snapping motion, we felt confident enough to report that Trump fell asleep.

During his own criminal trial’s opening day.

Does someone eventually wake him up?

He wakes up. He wakes up. And in fact, in the afternoon, he’s much more animated. It’s almost as if he wants to be seen being very much awake.

Right. So once these pre-trial motions are ruled on and Trump is snapped back to attention, what happens?

Well, what happens in the courtroom is that the trial begins. The first trial of an American president is now in session. And what marks that beginning is jurors walking into the room one by one — many of them kind of craning their necks over at Donald Trump, giggling, raising their eyebrows at each other, filing into the room, and being sworn in by the judge. And that swearing in marks the official beginning of the trial.

The beginning is jury selection, and it’s often overlooked. It’s not dramatized in our kind of courtroom dramas in the same way. But it’s so important. It’s one of the most important parts of the case. Because whoever sits on the jury, these are the 12 people who are going to decide whether Trump is guilty or whether Trump is innocent.

So how does jury selection actually look and feel and go?

So, jury selection is a winnowing process. And in order to do that, you have to have these people go through a bunch of different hurdles. So the first hurdle is, after the judge describes the case, he asks the group — and there are just short of 100 of them — whether they can be fair and impartial. And says that if they can’t, they should leave. And more than half the group is instantly gone.

So after we do this big mass excusal, we’re left with the smaller group. And so now, jurors are getting called in smaller groups to the jury box. And what they’re going to do there is they’re going to answer this questionnaire.

And this part of the process is really conducted by the judge. The lawyers are involved. They’re listening, but they’re not yet asking questions of the jurors themselves.

And what’s on the questionnaire?

Well, it’s 42 questions. And the questions include, their education, their professional histories, their hobbies, what they like to do whether you’re a member of QAnon or Antifa.

Whether you’re far left or far right.

That’s right. Whether you’ve read “The Art of the Deal,” Trump’s book, which some prospective jurors had.

Right. It was a bestseller in its time.

That’s right. And some of it can be answered in yes/no questions, but some of it can be answered more at length. So some of the prospective jurors are going very, very fast. Yes, no, no, no, yes.

Right. Because this is an oral questionnaire.

That’s right. But some of them are taking their time. They’re expanding on their hobbies. So the potential juror in seat 3, for example, is talking about her hobbies. And she says some running, hiking. And then she said, I like to go to the club, and it got a huge laugh. And you get that kind of thing in jury selection, which is one of the reasons it’s so fun. It’s the height of normality in this situation that is anything but normal.

Right. The most banal answer possible delivered in front of the former president And current Republican nominee for president.

Well, that’s one of the fascinating parts about all this, right? is that they’re answering in front of Trump. And they’re answering questions about Trump in front of Trump. He doesn’t react all that much. But whenever someone says they’ve read “The Art of the Deal —” and there are a few of those — he kind of nods appreciatively, smiles. He likes that. It’s very clear. But because there are so many questions, this is taking forever, especially when people are choosing to answer and elaborate and digress.

This is when you fall asleep.

This Is. When I would have fallen asleep if I were a normal person.

And by the end of the day. Where does jury selection stand?

Well, the questionnaire is another device for shrinking that jury pool. And so the questionnaire has almost these little obstacles or roadblocks, including, in fact, a question that jurors have seen before — whether they would have any problem being fair and impartial?

Hmm. And they ask it again.

They’re asked it again. And they’re asked in this more individualized way. The judge is questioning them. They’re responding.

So, remember that woman who said she liked to go to the club got a big laugh. She reaches question 34. And question 34 reads, “Do you have any strong opinions or firmly-held beliefs about former President Donald Trump or the fact that he is a current candidate for president that would interfere with your ability to be a fair and impartial juror?” She said, yes, she does have an opinion that would prevent her from being fair and impartial. And she, too, is excused.

So that’s how it works. People answer the questionnaire, and they get excused in that way, or they have a scheduling conflict once they reach the jury box. And so to answer your question, Michael. At the end of day one, given all these problems with the questionnaire and the length of time it’s taken to respond to and people getting dismissed based on their answers, there is not a single juror seated for this trial.

And it’s starting to look like this is going to be a really hard case for which to find an impartial jury.

That’s the feeling in the room, yeah.

We’ll be right back.

So Jonah, let’s turn to day 2. What does jury selection look like on Tuesday?

So when the day begins, it looks almost exactly like it looked when the day ended on Monday. We’re still with the questionnaire, getting some interesting answers. But even though it feels like we’re going slow, we are going.

And so we’ve gone from about 100 people to now there’s about 24 the room there’s 18 the jury box. And by the time we hit lunch, all those people have answered all those questions, and we are ready for the next step in the process.

Voir dire. And what it is the heart of jury selection. This is the point where the lawyers themselves finally get to interview the jurors. And we get so much information from this moment because the lawyers ask questions based on what they want out of the jurors.

So the prosecution is asking all these different kinds of questions. The first round of wajir is done by a guy named Joshua Steinglass, a very experienced trial lawyer with the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. And he’s providing all these hypotheticals. I’ll give you one example because I found this one really, really interesting. He provides a hypothetical about a man who wants his wife killed and essentially hires a hitman to do it. And what he asked the jurors is, if that case were before you, would you be able to see that the man who hired the hitman was a part of this crime?

And of course, what he’s really getting at is, can you accept that even though Michael Cohen, Trump’s fixer, made this payment, Trump is the guy who hired him to do it?

That’s right. If there are other people involved, will jurors still be able to see Donald Trump’s hands behind it all?

Fascinating. And what were some of the responses?

People mostly said, yes, we accept that. So that’s how the prosecution did it.

But the defense had a totally different method of voir dire. They were very focused on their client and people’s opinions about their client.

So what kind of questions do we get from them?

So the lawyer, Todd Blanche, is asking people, what do you make of President Trump? What do you think of President Trump?

And what are some of the responses to that?

Well, there’s this incredible exchange with one of the jurors who absolutely refuses to give his opinion of Donald Trump. They go back and forth and back and forth. And the juror keeps insisting you don’t need to know my opinion of him. All you need to know is that I’m going to be fair and impartial, like I said. And Blanch pushes, and the guy pushes back. And the only way the guy budges is he finally kind of confesses almost at the end that, yes, I am a Democrat, and that’s all we get.

And what ends up happening to this potential juror?

Believe it or not, he got dismissed.

[LAUGHS]: I can believe it. And of course, it’s worth saying that this guy and everybody else is being asked that question just feet from Trump himself.

That’s right. And you might think you were going to get a really kind of spicy, like, popcorn emoji-type exchange from that. But because these are now jurors who have said they can be fair and impartial, who, to some extent, want to be on this jury or at least wouldn’t mind being on this jury, they’re being very restrained.

Mostly, what they are emphasizing — much like that guy just described dis — is that they can be fair. They can be impartial. There’s one woman who gives this really remarkable answer.

She says, I thought about this last night. I stayed up all night. I couldn’t sleep, thinking about whether I could be fair. It’s really important to me, and I can.

What ends up happening to that particular juror?

She’s also dismissed. And she’s dismissed without any reason at all. The defense decides it doesn’t like her. It doesn’t want her on the jury. And they have a certain number of chances to just get rid of jurors — no questions asked.

Other jurors are getting dismissed for cause — I’m doing air quotes with my hands — which means that the lawyers have argued they actually revealed themselves through their answers or through old social media posts, which are brought up in the courtroom, to be either non-credible, meaning they’ve said they can be fair and they can’t, or somehow too biased to be on the jury.

Wait, can I just dial into that for a second? Are lawyers researching the jurors in real time going online and saying — I’m making this up — but Jonah Bromwich is a potential juror, and I’m going to go off into my little corner of the courtroom and Google everything you’ve ever said? Is that what’s happening in the room?

Yeah, there’s a whole profession dedicated to that. It’s called jury consultant, and they’re very good at finding information on people in a hurry. And it certainly looked as if they were in play.

Did a social media post end up getting anybody kicked off this jury?

Yes, there were posts from 2016 era internet. You’ll remember that time as a very heated one on the internet, Facebook memes are a big thing. And so there’s all kinds of lock him up type memes and rhetoric. And some of the potential jurors here have used those. And those jurors are dismissed for a reason.

So we have these two types of dismissals, right? We have these peremptory dismissals — no reason at all given. And we have for cause dismissals.

And the process is called jury selection. But you don’t actually get selected for a jury. The thing is to make it through all these obstacles.

You’re left over.

Right. And so when certain jurors are not dismissed, and they’ve made it through all these stages, by the end of the day, we have gone from zero juror seated to seven jurors who will be participating in Donald Trump’s trial.

Got it. And without going through all seven, just give us a little bit of a sketch of who so far is on this jury. What stands out?

Well, not that much stands out. So we’ve got four men. We’ve got three women. One lives on the Upper East Side. One lives in Chelsea. Obviously, they’re from all over Manhattan.

They have these kind of very normal hobbies like spending time with family and friends. They have somewhat anonymous jobs. We’ve got two lawyers. We’ve got someone who’s worked in sales.

So there’s not that much identifying information. And that’s not an accident . One of the things that often happens with jury selection, whether it be for Donald Trump or for anyone else, is the most interesting jurors — the jurors that kind of catch your attention during the process — they get picked off because they are being so interesting that they interest one or the other side in a negative way. And soon they’re excused. So most of the jurors who are actually seated —

Are not memorable.

Are not that memorable, save one particular juror.

OK. All right, I’ll bite. What do I need to know about that one particular juror?

So let me tell you about a prospective juror who we knew as 374, who will now be juror number five. She’s a middle school teacher from Harlem. And she said that she has friends who have really strong opinions about Trump, but she herself does not. And she insisted several times, I am not a political person.

And then she said this thing that made me quite surprised that the prosecution was fine with having her on the jury. She said, quote, “President Trump speaks his mind, and I’d rather that than someone who’s in office who you don’t know what they’re thinking.”

Hmm. So she expressed approval of President Trump.

Yeah, it was mild approval. But the thing is, especially for the defense in this trial, all you need is one juror. One juror can tie up deliberations in knots, and you can end with a hung jury. And this is actually something that I saw firsthand. In 2019, I was the foreperson on a jury.

How you like that?

Yeah. And the trial was really complicated, but I had thought while we were doing the trial, oh, this is going to be a really easy decision. I thought the defendant in that case was guilty. So we get into deliberations, but there’s this one juror who keeps gumming up the works every time we seem to be making progress, getting a conversation started.

This juror proverbially throws up his hands and says, I am not convicting. This man is innocent. And we talked and we talked. And as the foreperson, I was trying to use all my skills to mediate.

But any time we made any progress, this guy would blow it up. And long story short, hung jury — big victory for the defense lawyer. And we come out of the room. And she points at this juror. The guy —

The defense lawyer.

The defense lawyer points at this juror who blew everything up. And she said, I knew it. I knew I had my guy.

OK. I don’t want to read too much into what you said about that one juror. But should I read between the lines to think that if there’s a hung jury, you wonder if it might be that juror?

That’s what everyone in the courtroom is wondering not just about this juror, but about every single person who was selected. Is this the person who swings the case for me? Is this the person who swings the case against me?

These juries are so complex. It’s 12 people who don’t know each other at the start of the trial and, by the end of the trial, have seen each other every morning and are experiencing the same things, but are not allowed to have talked about the case until deliberations start. In that moment when deliberations start —

You’re going to learn a whole lot about each other.

That’s right. There’s this alchemical moment where suddenly, it all matters. Every personality selected matters. And that’s why jury selection is so important. And that’s why these last two days are actually one of the most important parts of this trial.

OK. So by my math, this trial will require five more jurors to get to 12. I know also they’re going to need to be alternates. But from what you’re saying what looked like a really uphill battle to get an impartial jury or a jury that said it could be impartial — and Trump was very doubtful one could be found — has turned out to not be so hard to find.

That’s right. And in fact, we went from thinking, oh, boy, this is going awfully slowly, to the judge himself saying we could be doing opening arguments as soon as Monday morning. And I think that highlights something that’s really fascinating both about this trial and about the jury selection process overall.

One of the things that lawyers have been arguing about is whether or not it’s important to figure out what jurors’ opinions about Donald Trump are. And the prosecution and, I think, the judge have really said, no, that’s not the key issue here. The key issue is not whether or not people have opinions about Donald Trump.

Right. Who doesn’t have an opinion about Donald Trump?

Exactly. They’re going to. Automatically, they’re going to. The question is whether or not they can be fair and impartial. And the seven people we already have seated, and presumably the five people that we’re going to get over the next few days and however many alternates — we expect six — are all going to have answered that question, not I hate Trump; I love Trump, but I can weigh in on the former president’s innocence or guilt, and I can do it as fairly as humanly possible.

Now, Trump is not happy about this. He said after court yesterday, quote, We have a highly conflicted judge, and he’s rushing this trial.” And I think that he is going to see these beats of the system the criminal justice system as it works on him as he is experiencing it as unfair. That is typically how he talks about it and how he views it.

But what he’s getting is what defendants get. This is the system in New York, in the United States. This is its answer to how do you pick a fair jury? Well, you ask people can you be fair? And you put them through this process, and the outcome is 12 people.

And so I think we’re going to see this over and over again in this trial. We’re going to see Trump experience the criminal justice system.

And its routines.

Yeah, openings, witnesses, evidence, closings. He’s going to go through all of it. And I think, at every turn, it makes sense to expect him to say, well, this is not fair. Well, the judge is doing something wrong. Well, the prosecutors are doing something wrong. Well, the jury is doing something wrong.

But at the end of the day, he’s going to be a defendant, and he’s going to sit, mostly silently if his lawyers can make him do that, and watch this process play itself out. So the system is going to try and treat him like any other defendant, even though, of course —

— he’s not. And he is going to fight back like no other defendant would, like no other defendant could. And that tension, him pushing against the criminal justice system as it strives to treat him, as it would anyone else, is going to be a defining quality of this trial.

Well, Jonah, thank you very much. We appreciate it.

Of course. Thanks so much for having me. [MUSIC PLAYING]

PS, have you ever fallen asleep in a trial?

I have not.

[CHUCKLES]:

Here’s what else you need to know today.

It’s clear the Israelis are making a decision to act. We hope they do so in a way that does as little to escalate this as possible and in a way that, as I said —

During a visit to Jerusalem on Wednesday, Britain’s foreign Secretary left little doubt that Israel would retaliate against Iran for last weekend’s aerial attack, despite pressure from the United States and Britain to stand down. The question now is what form that retaliation will take? “The Times” reports that Israel is weighing several options, including a direct strike on Iran, a cyber attack, or targeted assassinations. And —

Look, history judges us for what we do. This is a critical time right now, critical time on the world stage.

In a plan that could threaten his job, Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson will put a series of foreign aid bills up for a vote this weekend. The bills, especially for aid to Ukraine, are strongly opposed by far-right House Republicans, at least two of whom have threatened to try to oust Johnson over the plan.

I can make a selfish decision and do something that’s different, but I’m doing here what I believe to be the right thing. I think providing lethal aid to Ukraine right now is critically important. I really do. I really — [MUSIC PLAYING]

Today’s episode was produced by Rikki Novetsky, Will Reid, Lynsea Garrison, and Rob Zubko. It was edited by Paige Cowett, contains original music by Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Dan Powell, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly Lake.

That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 19, 2024   •   30:42 The Supreme Court Takes Up Homelessness
• April 18, 2024   •   30:07 The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial
• April 17, 2024   •   24:52 Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
• April 16, 2024   •   29:29 A.I.’s Original Sin
• April 15, 2024   •   24:07 Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
• April 14, 2024   •   46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
• April 12, 2024   •   34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam
• April 11, 2024   •   28:39 The Staggering Success of Trump’s Trial Delay Tactics
• April 10, 2024   •   22:49 Trump’s Abortion Dilemma
• April 9, 2024   •   30:48 How Tesla Planted the Seeds for Its Own Potential Downfall
• April 8, 2024   •   30:28 The Eclipse Chaser
• April 7, 2024 The Sunday Read: ‘What Deathbed Visions Teach Us About Living’

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Jonah E. Bromwich

Produced by Rikki Novetsky ,  Will Reid ,  Lynsea Garrison and Rob Szypko

Edited by Paige Cowett

Original music by Dan Powell ,  Marion Lozano and Elisheba Ittoop

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Political and legal history are being made in a Lower Manhattan courtroom as Donald J. Trump becomes the first former U.S. president to undergo a criminal trial.

Jonah Bromwich, who covers criminal justice in New York, explains what happened during the opening days of the trial, which is tied to Mr. Trump’s role in a hush-money payment to a porn star.

On today’s episode

Jonah E. Bromwich , who covers criminal justice in New York for The New York Times.

Background reading

Here’s a recap of the courtroom proceedings so far.

Mr. Trump’s trial enters its third day with seven jurors chosen.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Jonah E. Bromwich covers criminal justice in New York, with a focus on the Manhattan district attorney’s office and state criminal courts in Manhattan. More about Jonah E. Bromwich

Advertisement

• Clothing, Shoes & Jewelry
• Luggage & Travel Gear
• Kids' Backpacks

Add to your order

• No Additional Cost: You pay nothing for repairs – parts, labor, and shipping included.
• Coverage: Plans starts on the date of purchase. Stains, rips or tears and seam separation covered from day one. Defects in materials or workmanship covered after the manufacturer warranty expires.
• Easy Claims Process: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
• Product Eligibility: Plan must be purchased with a product or within 30 days of the product purchase. Pre-existing conditions are not covered.
• Terms & Details: More information about this protection plan is available within the “Product guides and documents” section. Simply click “User Guide” for more info. Terms & Conditions will be available in Your Orders on Amazon. Asurion will also email your plan confirmation with Terms & Conditions to the address associated with your Amazon account within 24 hours of purchase.

3 Year Luggage Protection Plan

4 year luggage protection plan.

Image Unavailable

• To view this video download Flash Player

24 Pack Bulk Backpacks with School Supplies for Kids - Trailmaker Wholesale Backpack and School Supplies Kits

Purchase options and add-ons

About this item.

• TRAIL MAKER CLASSIC BACKPACKS: The name & quality you love, these backpacks come with padded, adjustable straps and come 24 to a case. Comes in assorted colors as shown, with a 20 piece school supply set inside!
• WHAT’S INCLUDED: 24 individually wrapped school supply sets accompany these colorful backpacks, & consist of 3 #2 pencils, pencil sharpener with lid cover, canvas pencil case, 3 ballpoint pens (in blue & black ink), spiral wide ruled one subject notebook, pocket folder, ruler with centimeters and inches, highlighter, non-toxic wax crayons, easy-twist glue stick, and 2 pink erasers
• DETAILS: Products are safety compliant and made for kids! Highlighters are water-based, pencil sharpener collects shavings, ruler measures standard & metric both, & can be tucked into a 3-ring binder (notebook too!), rubber erasers work well as art erasers or for small/big mistakes, & zipper pencil pouch stores all included accessories!
• MULTI POCKET BACKPACKS: Large roomy main compartment is perfect for holding school books, folders, and electronics, while multiple outer pockets are perfect for pens, accessories, & snacks
• DIMENSIONS: Each Back Pack for Students and Adults Measures 16.5" x 12" x 5.5"

Frequently bought together

Customers who viewed this item also viewed

Product information

Warranty & support, product description.

Supplied Students are Successful Students!

This school year, give the gift of back packs and educational materials to the children in your community, your state, your country, or anywhere! Helping just one child anywhere impacts everyone everywhere. Each school supply kit in this set is individually packed within each backpack.

Pre-assembled 17 inch backpack & 20 piece school supply is a great pack for girls and boys alike. Backpack measures 17" x 12" x 5.5". Each backpack bundle pack for school comes with 1 backpack as shown, with adjustable, padded shoulder straps, and one individually wrapped 20 piece school supplies set. Pack all essential supplies needed for a productive school year. You’ll be at ease knowing school supply shopping just got a little bit easier. Each school supply kit is individually packed with the following supplies: 3 - #2 Pencils 3 - Ballpoint Ink Pens 2 - Pink Erasers 1 - Sharpener with Dome Cover (assorted colors) 1 - 12 Inch Ruler (assorted colors) 1 - Twist Up Glue Stick 1 - 70 Page Spiral Notebook (assorted colors) 1 - Two Pocket Folder (assorted colors) 1 – Pack of 5 Crayons 1 - Canvas Pencil Case (assorted colors) 1 – Highlighter

We are working hard to bring you bundles in every color! If your student is craving a color combo we don't have readily made yet, you can make your own!

Each School Supplies Pack Contains:

Plus a Pencil Sharpener

Every bundle comes equipped with a hand held pencil sharpener made for kids. A safety blade protects the little fingers holding it, and kids can have fun watching their shavings neatly collect from their pencils as they sharpen them.

A Colorful 12" Ruler

They come with imperial (US) and metric measurements, with binder holes so it can be easily transported, and in each pack an assortment of red, yellow, blue, or green, so every child gets the color of his or her choice.

Scissors for Lefties & Righties Alike

Each pack includes blunt-tipped safety scissors made with extra large loop handles, custom-crafted for little hands, and which work equally well for right handed or left handed children. Each child will get one from an assortment of black, red, yellow, green, and blue scissors.

Videos for this product

Click to play video

Trail maker Classic 17 inch Backpack and School Supplies Set

Looking for specific info, customer reviews.

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

Customers say

Customers like the value and supplies of the carrier bag case. For example, they mention it's a great purchase for donating to schools, and the colors are great. That said, opinions are mixed on the quality.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Customers appreciate the value of the carrier bag case. They say it's a great purchase for donating to schools for kids.

"These bags are great! Great price and filled with basics…...." Read more

"...I saw this I thought let’s take a chance they are amazing and so worth the money ." Read more

"It was little cost for its value no lines no crowds and no costly pricing" Read more

"I know this isn’t the best picture, however, it’s a great purchase for donating to schools for kids...." Read more

Customers like the supplies in the carrier bag case. They mention the colors are great, the supplies are starters, and they are fair.

"These bags are great! Great price and filled with basics …...." Read more

"I like that they came with supplies inside , and the variety of colors." Read more

"These are great quality backpacks. The supplies are fair , but they serve the need...." Read more

"...The colors are great and the supplies are starters . I did add a little extra to them. I would definitely buy this package again 👍🏼..." Read more

Customers are mixed about the quality of the carrier bag case. Some mention that it's a great product, while others say that the supplies are very low quality and the bags will not last a week with books in them.

" These bags are great ! Great price and filled with basics…...." Read more

"...The school supplies that come with the bag are very low quality . There are 10 pages in the spiral book, 3-4 wax crayons, etc...." Read more

"These are great quality backpacks . The supplies are fair, but they serve the need...." Read more

" Decent product but I bought this brand last year and they seemed to be a little sturdier last year" Read more

Reviews with images

• Sort reviews by Top reviews Most recent Top reviews

Top reviews from the United States

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. please try again later..

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices