top 3 places to visit in russia

15 Best Places to Visit in Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Mar 21, 2024

The largest country in the world really has it all–mountains, valleys, frozen lands, and warm sands, and an incredible number of amazing natural destinations to impress any visitor.

Some of the oldest cities in Russia, including Moscow and St. Petersburg , still retain their imperial splendor–obvious not only in their architecture but also in their majestic parks, shopping centers, and even metro stations.

Other cities and regions–including far-away destinations in Siberia and the Far East –offer a chance to explore things like the stunning beauty of the tundra and the Northern Lights , volcanoes, and more skiing than you could ever dream of.

From striking gilded palaces to vast natural spaces, take a look at our list of the best places to visit in Russia.

1. Lake Baikal

3. st. peterburg, 6. the russian tundra, 7. peterhof, 8. olkhon island, 9. petropavlovsk-kamchatsky, 10. vladivostok, 12. novosibirsk, 13. the taiga forest, 14. dargavs, 15. kizhi island, best time to visit russia.

When it comes to breaking records, Lake Baikal is hard to beat. This massive high-altitude rift lake in Siberia is the oldest and deepest lake in the world –reaching a maximum depth of 1,642 meters and an estimated 25 million years of age. Baikal is also the largest freshwater lake in the world–over 20 percent of the world's freshwater is in this lake.

Although Lake Baikal is considered one of the clearest lakes in the world , this is particularly noticeable in winter, where, in some areas, it's possible to see up to 40 meters down into the water–even though much of the lake's surface freezes over for up to five months of the year.

For about a month around August, the lake's water temperature can reach around 16 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for quick dips or short swims. During the rest of the year, however, it usually stays under five degrees Celsius.

In summer, Lake Baikal is a famous destination for kayaking, boat cruises, and island hopping to discover shorelines and beaches. In winter, when the lake freezes over, visitors can cross-country ski across sections of it and visit the frozen Tazheran Steppes caves.

Since most international flights arrive or at least stop in Moscow, it's worth planning your trip so you at least have a few hours to explore the city . Russia's capital is a magnificent mix of greenery, stunning architecture, and lots of historical reminders of times gone by.

Visitors to Moscow usually start exploring in the center, where the Kremlin , Red Square , and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral are located. The shopping mall GUM , with its glass and steel roof, is also a popular destination–even for tourists who can't afford the luxury brands sold here–and a great place to try authentic Russian food.

Even if museums are not exactly your thing, Moscow has some amazing options worth visiting, including The State Tretyakov Gallery (which houses only Russian art); the Pushkin Museum (for more international collections); and the Kremlin Armory Museum for a look into some unique items, such as the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and gold-covered imperial carriages.

The Bolshoi Theater , one of the largest ballet and opera theaters in the world, is also worth a visit if you can get tickets.

Some of the best things in Moscow require some walking to be properly explored, such as the pedestrian-only shopping street Stary Arbat and the boardwalk along the River Moskva.

Moscow's Metro stations are works of art in themselves, decorated with porcelain relief, crystal chandeliers, and unique mosaic artworks that make these places basically look like subterranean palaces. Mayakovskaya metro station, with its ceiling mosaics and pink rhodonite columns, and Kiyevskaya station, filled with white marble, frescoes and elaborate artworks, are two of the most stunning ones to visit.

Although smaller than Moscow, St. Petersburg actually has so much to offer, it's often impossible to see it all in one day. Compared to Moscow, St. Petersburg feels more European–fine art and exquisite design details mixing in with history around every corner. You can explore it on foot to admire the architecture up close and personal, or hop on a cruise to explore part of the 300 kilometers of canals that cut through the imperial city.

For a stunning overdose of white and gold colors, visit Moika Palace (most famous for being the place where Rasputin was killed) and the Neoclassical, 19th-century St. Isaac's Cathedral , which is actually a Russian Orthodox museum.

The Hermitage Museum , perhaps St. Petersburg's most famous tourist attraction and the second largest art and culture museum in the world , has a collection of over three million items that cover everything from prehistoric art (including articles from the nomadic tribes in Altai) to Catherine the Great's art collection.

About 25 kilometers outside of St. Petersburg, and more than worth the day trip, is Peterhof Palace . Built in the early 1700s as a summer residence for Peter the Great, it greatly resembles the Palace of Versailles in France.

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg

The Altay Mountains in Siberia extend from Russia into China , Kazakhstan , and Mongolia . Traditionally inhabited by different ethnic groups involved in horse husbandry and forestry, it is also a very popular tourist destination for both locals and travelers. Together with a number of natural reserves and lakes, the Altay Mountains are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site .

There's a lot of untouched beauty in Altay, where frozen rivers and snowcapped mountains attract cross-country skiers and other outdoor lovers in winter, as well as hikers (the area around Aktru Glacier is especially popular for trekking), kayakers, and climbers in summer. More unusual activities, including diving, cave exploring, and herb and mushroom picking, can also be pursued here.

The Denisova Cave in Siberia is particularly significant because of the bone fragments, artifacts, and even prehistoric horses that have been here–some dating back 50,000 years.

The resort town of Belokurikha is a popular starting point for Altay adventures, and many tourism agencies offer organized trips from here.

A summer beach resort town sitting right on the Black Sea , Sochi offers long stretches of pebble and sand beaches, imposing examples of Stalinist architecture, a summer film festival known as Kinotavr, and plenty of spas and outdoor markets to please all budgets and tastes. The longest river in Russia, Mzymta, cuts through Sochi before it empties into the Black Sea, and it's a very popular destination for rafting .

The 3000-square-kilometer Caucasian State Nature Biosphere Reserve , just 50 kilometers from Sochi, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to a number of unique species of flora and fauna, including the endangered Persian leopard.

The nearby Rosa Khutor ski resort is another favorite destination during winter and a world-class alpine skiing area –the 2014 Winter Olympic Games were hosted here.

The tundra is a unique biome that only exists in or near the Arctic Circle . Here, temperatures are so cold that trees can't grow, and only moss, shrubs, and certain types of grasses can get through the winter. In most places, the tundra is synonymous with permafrost–meaning the ground is permanently frozen. In areas where the top layer of ground does melt during summer, marshes, and streams will form over the land, leading to beautiful patches of colorful icy water.

The Russian tundra is home to polar bears, seals, gray wolves, and rich birdlife during nesting season. Over the past few decades, ecotourism has become more and more interested in the tundra areas, especially the Great Arctic State Nature Reserve near Krasnoyarsk Krai, where visitors can take a number of environmental routes to explore, try bird-watching, or visit as part of an educational tour.

The city of Murmansk , in the Kola Peninsula, not only offers incredible tundra views, but it's also a great place to catch a tour to see the Northern Lights .

Peterhof might be home to a university and a major Russian watch manufacturer, but this relatively small city's call to fame is the Peterhof Palace . Originally designed and built in the early 1700s for Tsar Peter the Great in a style that resembles the Palace of Versailles, the palace grounds cover an area of almost 4000 hectares.

There are 173 garden fountains around the palace–some, like the Grand Cascade fountains , with special features that activate water jets when people get close. The lower gardens, designed in French formal style, offer marble statues, shaded walking paths, and even an aviary pavilion.

The Grand Palace itself is a masterpiece of architecture, with majestic colors (there are gold details everywhere), art imported from Asia and the Far East, walls covered in authentic Chinese silk, and a massive ballroom covered in gilded carvings. The palace contains 10 separate museums, which hold art, furniture, and palace items from the 18 th century.

One of the world's largest lake islands , Olkhon is covered in steep mountains, lush forests, and taiga. The island is in Eastern Siberia and has a small permanent population that consists mostly of local Buryats, a Mongolic indigenous group who believes the island to be a powerful spiritual place.

Tourism has become a growing industry on Olkhon Island, with visitors coming over to explore places such as the coastal sand dunes and the abandoned Peschanaya Village and former Soviet labor camp nearby.

This area is also famous for its "walking trees," an unusual phenomenon that causes strong winds to uncover tree roots on the beach and gives them the appearance of a standing person.

There are several semi-urban settlements on the island, with Khuzir being the largest and the one offering homestays for visitors who want to stay over. The village also houses the small but interesting National History Museum of Revyakin , which chronicles life on the island as far back as Neolithic times .

Located in the Russian Far East, the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky is surrounded by volcanoes (including the active, snowcapped Koryakskaya Sopka volcano) and cannot be reached by road–in fact, the only way to get into the city is to fly in.

Those who take on the challenge and get here, however, will discover an active city center with tons of monuments, squares, and churches. The city lies right against Avacha Bay, a great place for a waterside stroll and to catch a whale watching tour .

Tours to the volcanoes should be at the top of your list if you visit here, but skiing on Krasnaya Sopka mountain and a visit to the world's only Museum of Salmon are also must-dos.

The small but unique Vulcanarium Museum here offers a unique insight into the world of volcanoes and probably your only chance ever to touch lava.

Located near the borders with China and North Korea and just across the ocean from Japan, Vladivostok is Russia's largest port city. A major stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway route, the city was actually off-limits to foreigners during Soviet Union times and now receives lots of foreign visitors eager to discover it.

The city is home to many parks and public spaces, including Sportivnaya Harbor with its beautiful beach and promenade, and the Eagle's Nest viewpoint at the top of a hill.

Vladivostok's Russky Bridge is a stunning architectural marvel and the longest cable-stayed bridge in the world at 1,885 meters. The bridge connects Vladivostok to Russky Island, where visitors will find Philippovsky Bay and its beautiful sandy beaches , as well as Voroshilov Battery, a military museum.

History buffs will appreciate a chance to explore the WWII C-56 Submarine or visit the Museum Vladivostok Fortress , originally built to protect the city against potential attacks from Japan.

Anapa–perfectly located against the Black Sea and a very popular resort destination for decades–is well known for its sandy beaches, spas, and stunning views from the rocky promontory where Anapa's lighthouse sits. A somewhat more modest destination than Sochi, Anapa also offers plenty of other things to keep visitors entertained besides coastal attractions.

Places worth exploring include The Anapa Archaeological Museum and the single remaining gate of an Ottoman fort that once occupied this area. There's also the archaeological site of Gorgippia, which dates back to the 6th century BCE and was once a busy maritime trade port.

Both the Sukko Valley and the Wildlife Preserve of Bolshoy Utrish are just minutes away from the city and offer plenty of options to explore nature, swim in clear waters, and take to the trails for some trekking.

Located on the banks of the Ob River, Novosibirsk is the third-largest city in Russia and the unofficial capital of Siberia –a place where summers are hot enough to swim and sunbathe (Novosibirk has its own man-made beach on the shores of a reservoir), and the winters have temperatures that can reach -45 degrees Celsius.

Home to the Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theater , a number of universities, and several museums, the city has much to offer visitors. The outdoor Museum for Railway Technology is particularly interesting, as it features many diesel and steam locomotives, electric trains, snowplows, and a number of unusual carriages, such as tank cars, hospital and prison cars, and even fire engines.

The Novosibirsk Trans-Siberian railway station is one of the largest ones in the country and it was once at the epicenter of the transport of prisoners to gulags (Soviet forced labor camps). Today, it is the main departing point for train adventures to nearby cities, including the town of Berdsk , on the shores of the Ob Sea–which is actually a man-made reservoir, not an actual sea.

The Russian taiga is a unique ecoregion that sits between the frozen tundra in the North and the more temperate mixed forests in the South. It's essentially a type of boreal forest where only coniferous trees like pines, spruces, and larches grow.

Parts of Alaska and Canada are covered in Taiga, too, but the Russian taiga brings a level of isolated beauty you won't find anywhere else. Here, temperatures can reach as low as -20 degrees Celsius, though the Siberian taiga can easily see nights of -50°C during the coldest months. In the north of the country, the taiga experiences the midnight sun in summer and polar night in winter.

The heart of the taiga is north of Irkutsk city, where dogsledding, snowshoeing, and the northern lights are waiting for you. Extreme tour operations take visitors to the area to spend days outdoors before warming up in a steam bath inside a wooden cabin, a local tradition.

Vodlozersky National Park falls within the Russian taiga. It covers over 4,000 square kilometers and is a popular destination for white water rafting and bird-watching. The park can only be reached via a countryside road from the town of Pudozh, 352 kilometers away. Once at the park, your only connection with civilization is the village of Kuganavolok , which has 500 permanent residents.

The tiny settlement of Dargavs, better known as "the city of the dead," has just over 150 permanent living residents – and at least just as many dead ones. Located near the Georgian border and only reachable after a remote and difficult one-hour drive, this tiny village is famous for its ancient cemetery.

Legend goes, the unusual cemetery – which consists of small stone buildings with serrated roofs sitting on a hill – was created in the 18th century as the final resting place for plague victims. Once infected, families would move into these "homes" with food and some personal items and stay there until (and after) their deaths. Today, visitors arrive here from all over the world to see the eerie but beautiful sight.

The closest major city is Vladikavkaz, an industrial town with plenty of cultural and historical sights that's also worth a visit.

Located in Lake Onega in northwestern Russia, this tiny, six-kilometer-long island has been inhabited since at least the 15th century.

The island's most famous sight is the Kizhi Pogost, an open-air museum with over 80 ancient wooden structures. The two 18th-century churches are especially stunning and have been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site . They're also considered one of the most amazing and tallest wooden structures in Europe.

The main church is home to 22 silver domes (the tallest one being 37 meters) and a massive wooden altar, as well as 102 icons that decorate its walls. It was built using no nails and, legend goes, using only one axe. There is no other wooden structure in Russia built in a similar style.

To reach the island, visitors must take a picturesque ferry from the nearby city of Petrozavodsk. During summer, cruises take visitors around the lake before stopping at the island.

The best time to visit Russia depends on many factors: where you're going within the massive country, what you plan on doing when you land (hiking around Lake Baikal or touring museums in Moscow?) and just how willing you are to experience extreme weather.

If you're after savings, November and early Spring (especially March) are the cheaper months , but both are rainy and on the chilly side, with November feeling more like winter than fall.

Summer months are the most expensive months to arrive in Russia, when hotels are fully booked and flight prices skyrocket. Summer also means very hot temperatures, big crowds, and long lines to access museums or to catch a boat to tour the St. Petersburg canals.

If you plan on spending time outdoors, early fall is usually better than summer . Places like the Golden Ring (an area that extends north-east of Moscow) and Lake Baikal and the Ural Mountains are stunning in the fall, as the trees change color and a red hue takes over the entire region.

Most of the mountain trails are open in Autumn and the weather is perfect for long hikes. Lake Baikal is equally beautiful in winter, and the water looks a deep navy blue under the frozen surface, offering an incredible opportunity to skate right over the world's largest freshwater lake.

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Russia

Home to eleven time zones and a border spanning two continents, Russia, the world's largest country, is truly a world of its own. As a country that has seen the rise and fall of great empires and unions, its history only adds to its distinct identity. With vast and immensely beautiful landscapes in Siberia and the Kamchatka Peninsula, culturally rich heritage sites in the North Caucasus, and pulsating cities such as Moscow, Russia makes for a destination worth a visit for travelers of all kinds.

St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is known as Russia’s cultural capital, and rightly so. Home to more than 200 museums, such as the spectacular Hermitage, the city’s links to heritage from the past can also be seen in several buildings such as the opulent Catherine Palace and the magnificent Church of Saviour on Spilled Blood. St. Petersburg additionally can be a delightful destination for book lovers, with spots to explore Russian authors such as Fyodor Dostoevsky’s legacy. Further, book lovers can visit old bookstores and several libraries in the city, such as the National Library of Russia, are open to the public through pre-arranged tours. A final reason why St. Petersburg is a top destination in Russia is the exciting nightlife of the city, which one can start exploring in and around the Nevsky Prospekt.

The capital city of Moscow is definitely among the top places to visit in Russia, for its variety of experiences on offer: art museums such as the Tretyakov Gallery, high-end restaurants such as the White Rabbit to the impressive ballet culture, most prominently in the Bolshoi Theatre.

While the Red Square is a vital part of the city to see the essentials such as The Kremlin and Lenin’s mausoleum, other places in the city, such as the Izmailovo flea market, are also worth a visit.

Arctic Circle (Murmansk)

The vast Russian territories on the Arctic Circle hangs as the crown of country, marked by Tundra and snow. As the northern edge of the world, this region attracts those looking to go stargazing and, if lucky, to catch the Northern Lights. Head to the largest city in the Arctic circle, Murmansk, from where you can head to villages such as Teriberka close by for views of the vast sky and a boat graveyard, beaches at the northern edge of the world, making for a thoroughly surreal experience.

Murmansk is also home to the Lenin Nuclear Icebreaker, the world’s first nuclear-powered ship turned museum. A visit to a husky farm near the city where one gets to interact with the royal, adorable Huskies in their natural habitat is also recommended.

Capital of Tatarstan region, Kazan is one of the most aesthetically delightful cities in Russia that is home to the Islamic heritage of this part of the country while also incorporating Orthodox Christianity. The highlight of Kazan is thus its heritage architecture, which displays both colorful orthodox Christian churches as well as stunning mosques such as the Khul Sharif mosque.

Other must-see buildings include the Suyumike tower and the Temple of All Religions, an eclectically styled prayer complex where several faiths can go to pray.

Kamchatka Peninsula

A peninsula full of vast volcanoes, stunning natural formations such as Valley of Geysers and a habitat of bears, a visit to Kamchatka is a real immersion into Russia’s natural beauty. There are several trekking and camping tours available inside the numerous bio-reserves located in the valley, making it ideal for those who want to disconnect with the outside world and dive deep into nature.

The city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky can be made a base to further explore the region, where once can sample some of the seafood delicacies such as Kamchatka crabs.

A resort town by the black sea, Sochi is surrounded by stunning snowcapped mountains, which form a backdrop to beaches. Among the most popular summer destinations within Russia, this city, however, this city also makes for an excellent place to try out winter sports activities such as skiing.

Besides lounging around the beaches, the city is a good place to try out adventure sports such as bungee jumping, and one can also head to the SkyPark Sochi for rollercoasters and other adventure activities with stunning views.

Republic of Dagestan

A somewhat offbeat destination in Russia for tourists, the culturally unique and naturally stunning region of Dagestan, which translates to The Land of The Mountains, can be a top choice for those looking to explore the diversity of the world’s largest country. While Dagestan is perceived by many as a dangerous place to visit owing to political movements in the area, visitors to the region attest to the fact that prior planning and taking general safety measures can make for a rewarding experience.

The city of Derbent, with the Caspian Sea on the coast, owing to its old-world charm and stunning mosques, is one prominent place to visit and to explore the heritage and culture of the region.

Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal, the largest freshwater lake in the world, is a vast region full of villages around the lake that make for excellent summer holidays and comes highly recommended for visitors looking to unwind and relax. The famous trans-Siberian railway route passes through this vast water body, which can be navigated after making a base in the city of Irkutsk.

While there are several villages and spots such as Olkhon Island where you can rent a Dacha and proceed to kayak, boat, or simply lounge around the lake, a recommended place to visit is the Peschanaya Bay, which is a stunning beach-like landscape with slanted rocks to form a backdrop.

Nizhny Novgorod

Marked with history and home to several heritage monuments, Nizhny Novgorod is a top choice for Russian history lovers. Once known as ‘Gorky,’ this city was also considered an important center for the production of military equipment, but these days, the highlight of the city is its architecture.

Places to explore include the city’s Kremlin, with its 13 towers, and the historic Rozhdestvenskaya Street. Other activities to indulge in include watching the sunset over the confluence of the Oka and Volga Rivers, which can be viewed set against the city’s Kremlin.

Vladimir and Suzdal

The two cities of Vladimir and Suzdal, located very close to each other, are part of a cluster among the "Golden Ring" cities around Moscow. While Vladimir was once the capital of the Russian empire, the adjacent Suzdal extends the sense of history and heritage through the numerous churches to be found here. Wooden houses with ornate window panels, large church and monastery complexes, and charming markets delight visitors.

Lena Pillars

Spectacular, awe-inspiring rocks that go up to impressive heights and nicknamed Mountains of Rising Gods among locals form the Lena Pillars Natural Park. A one-of-a-kind landscape that's worth a visit in Russia's Yakutia, Lena Pillars can be accessed from Yakutsk. River cruises around the park offer a spectacular view, but one can also opt for a helicopter or air tour of the area.

A winter wonderland located on the banks of the Kama River, Perm can be a surprising delight for those looking to visit ice caves such as Kungar Ice Caves in the nearby region. In itself, the city also has an impressive ballet scene as well as other cultural activities. Visitors can also take a day trip to the Memorial Complex of Political Repressions, Kuchino, Permsky Krai, also known as the Perm 36 Gulag Museum, which was once a forced labor camp.

Vladivostok

A stunning city in the Far East of Russia, Vladivostok is a port city located close to both China and North Korea. The beauty of this city, marked by mountains and bays, is most prominent in its Golden Horn Bay. Meanwhile, the city's Eagle's Nest Hill is one of the best places to get views of the cityscape.

As a big city, Vladivostok has several notable museums, with the S-56 Submarine Museum, a World War II museum located inside a submarine, being a unique choice for visitors.

Kizhi Island, Karelia

Russia’s wooden architecture is among the many things unique to the county, and the Kizhi Island, located in the Karelia region, is an open-air museum of these detailed and classic structures. Kizhi Island is increasingly becoming a popular site for visitors, with ancient structures such as the Church of Transfiguration as well as an arranged display of rural life. The island, which houses the oldest wooden church in Russia, can be visited from Petrozavodsk and can only be visited for a day trip.

Yekaterinburg

A large industrial city in the Ural Mountains, Yekaterinburg is among Russia’s crucial spots with a significant history in the Russian Revolution: it is where Russia’s last Tsar and his family were executed. Exciting for history and culture enthusiasts, this city is home to a thriving theater and dance scene. Further, Yekaterinburg also houses over 30 interesting museums.

Those in the city can also plan day trips to fascinating spots close to the town, such as the quirky Kirillov’s House in the Kunara village or opt for a nature trip to the mountains.

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The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Russia

It’s no surprise a country as vast as Russia has a lot of top-of-the-bucket-list travel destinations. Truly, this is a country of immense natural splendour. From ancient mountain ranges to ocean-sized lakes, from remote rugged wilderness to picturesque countryside, here are some of the most beautiful spots to visit in the world’s largest nation.

1. lake kardyvach.

Natural Feature

Sandwiched between three mountain tops and fertile alpine meadows, Lake Kardyvach’s beauty is topped off by cascading waterfalls. It is just 44km (27mi) away from the popular Krasnaya Polyana in the Sochi region, and a good hiking destination for those adventurers who want to dip into Russia’s remoteness.

2. Olkhon Island

Craggy cliffs and serene bays mark Olkhon Island’s coastline, the largest island in Lake Baikal . Tucked away in Siberia’s vast wilderness, it is an important shamanic site for the Buryat people who are indigenous to Siberia.

3. Ussuri Bay

A short drive out of Vladivostok – a city less than 500km (311mi) from the borders of both North Korea and China – Ussuri Bay is a unique anomaly of nature . Over time, thousands of discarded bottles and broken bits of glass have been smoothed over by Mother Nature, and now appear as multicoloured pebbles lining the rugged shoreline.

5. Ruskeala

The northwesterly region of Karelia is known for its lush beauty, and the scenery surrounding the small town of Ruskeala is the region’s crowning glory. Ruskeala Mountain Park is a water-filled ravine, where holidaymakers can boat, hike and swim.

6. Krasnaya Polyana

Architectural Landmark

The 2014 Winer Olympics put Krasnaya Polyana’s snow-capped mountains on the map and they remain a popular ski destination today. It is a scenic drive from Sochi up to the mountain village of the same name, from which the world-class ski fields and views can be accessed.

7. Solovki Islands

In Russia’s northwest, the remote Solovki archipelago in Onega Bay in the White Sea used to house a notoriously grim gulag during Soviet times. Now, however, ancient cemeteries and old monasteries lure travellers to these windswept islands.

In the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, an ancient cemetery attached to the village of Dargavs remains, built into the dramatic, misty mountainside. Also called the City of the Dead, there are over a hundred stone tombs where villagers used to bury their dead along with their possessions and clothes.

9. Lake Teletskoye

The Altai Republic is one of Russia’s most beautiful regions and this mountaintop lake is one of the region’s must-sees. Along the shoreline of this 70km (43mi) lake are steep gorges, rugged rockface, caves, waterfalls and beautiful bays.

10. Kaliningrad

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

Russia’s most westerly enclave is home to Germanic architecture, a Baltic coastline and a green Birch forest. It is the Russian gateway to the windswept Curonian Spit.

11. Kizhi Island

Another beautiful spot in Karelia, the 18th-century wooden churches that sit on the banks of Onega Bay’s Kishi Island are Unesco World Heritage-listed. It is estimated that the structures were built in 1713 (a clock tower was added in the 19th century) and they remain quality examples of medieval northern Russian and Scandinavian architecture.

12. Red Square

Shop, Store

13. Peterhof Palace

Technically located in a suburb of Russia’s second city, St Petersburg , the grounds and architecture of Peterhof Palace is a lavish display of baroque design and style. Often referred to as the Russian Versailles, the elaborate estate was built during Peter the Great’s reign.

14. Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood

Domed churches and monasteries are scattered up and down Russia, but only a few are as rich in religious iconography as St Petersburg’s Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. Built in the late 19th-century, the church is covered in intricate mosaics inside and out.

15. Mount Elbrus

The Caucasus mountain range in Russia’s south, near the Georgian border, boasts the highest peak in Europe. A dormant volcano, Elbrus reaches 5,642m (18,511ft) above sea level and offers spectacular views for experienced mountaineers and eager amateur adventurers.

16. Kola Peninsula

Almost completely within the Arctic Circle, the Kola Peninsula boasts the midnight sun in summer and brilliant displays of the northern lights in winter. The port city of Murmansk is an ideal base from which to depart into the wilderness of low mountains, tundra, abandoned villages and lakes.

17. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

The Kamchatka Peninsula was dubbed ‘The Land of Fire and Ice’ thanks to a string of over 160 volcanoes, 29 of them still active. The peninsula’s main city, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, is flanked by two and is far more accessible than the volcano belt itself.

18. Mount Belukha

Mount Belukha is the highest peak in the Unesco-listed Golden Mountains of Altai. While climbing the peak requires mountaineering skill and experience, there are trekking trails for beginners as well.

19. Ural Mountains

Natural Feature, Building

20. Dykh-Tau

Another Caucasus snow-capped peak, Dykh-Tau hulks over the Bezengi Valley, which is known as the ‘Russian Himalayas’ because it contains the highest snow tops in the region. Its altitude and remoteness means only a smattering of people live in the valley and even less attempt to climb the majestic mountain.

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Russia Travel Destination Guide - Best Places to visit in Russia

Home / Russia Travel Experiences / Russia Travel Destination Guide – Best Places to visit in Russia

Thinking of travelling to or within Russia but undecided on which destination to go? This Russia Travel Destination guide shares tips and highlights of the best locations to vacation in Russia.

The world’s largest nation has it all – fast-paced, cosmopolitan cities with eye-popping architecture, quaint historic rural villages, mountain ranges, ancient volcanic landscapes, lakes, rivers and forests. From magnificent stretches of coastline to snow-swept tundra to semi-arid desert, no other country can challenge, surprise, inspire and delight visitors with incredible diversity quite like Russia. If you’re planning for the perfect holiday get-a-way to Russia whether it be independent, a guided trip, as part of a group tour or a Russia travel package , this Russia Destination Guide is for you.

Best way to use this Russia Travel Destination Guide: use the Table of Contents below to click on a topic most relevant to you.

Table of Contents

The Russia travel destination guide is your travel companion

1. Top 9 must-visit Russia travel destinations: This Guide will arm you with invaluable traveller’s insights into the most amazing  regions of Russia and what each of them has to offer every traveller.

2. Practical tips for each region: This guide summarises everything from practical travel advice on sightseeing highlights, what to see and experience, to practical information for your ideal trip like the best time to go and how to go, whether you’re coming from overseas by air or travelling overland within Russia.

3. Personalised travel destinations for all: Whether you’re a hardcore historian, architecture admirer, nature and wildlife lover, off-the-beaten-track adventurer or a traveller seeking authentic connections with local people, this is your go-to Russia Destination Guide to a one-of-a-kind experience.

Wherever your interests lie, the Russia travel advice and tips within this guide will reveal in vivid detail which regions in Russia will best fulfil your travel aspirations. Read on and start planning the Russian vacation of your dreams!

Destination #1: Moscow

A modern mega-city of some 13 million souls and bursting at the seams with possibilities, Moscow is a city like no other. It’s exciting, chaotic and constantly on the move. Ugly, beautiful, glamorous, cool and confident, with surprising warmth and hospitality beneath a stern, business-like façade.

A visit to Moscow is an endlessly surprising journey to sights unseen and tastes unsampled. Whims and indulgences are catered to wholeheartedly, whether your desires lie in the steamy pleasures of a traditional Russian sauna, evenings sipping vodka and champagne in an exclusive nightclub, gourmet feasting in a high-class restaurant or simply taking in the atmosphere of the city’s famous public parks and squares and watching the world go by. Moscow’s architectural splendour is legendary but seeing it for yourself will fill you with a sense of awe and wonder that no picture can recreate.

Born from an imperial past, yet an enduring symbol of Soviet Russia, Moscow is a city between two worlds. Unique to any other city you’d find in this Russia Destination Guide, Moscow’s art and architecture reflect a crossroad position astride the Eastern and Western worlds and revels in the centuries of comings and goings of great minds that have called this captivating and engrossing metropolis home.

Moscow is full of history and intrigue – a spiritual and political hub and billionaire playground with a youthful, cosmopolitan culture stirring just beneath the surface. Visit Moscow and decide for yourself what this dynamic city means to you.

Why visit Moscow?

To understand Russia, first, you need to visit Moscow. The city dates back at least 900 years, and there’s a real sense of being transported through time as you stroll the ever-changing streets and districts, showcasing mind-bogglingly intricate 18th-century neo-classicalism and Soviet-era concrete monoliths, through to constructivism’s quirky Russian avant-garde and gleaming contemporary glass skyscrapers. Moscow is all about culture – architecture, history, food , arts, music and nightlife. In a city this size, there’s something to cater to every taste, no matter how eclectic. Dive into the rabbit hole of Moscow’s endlessly engrossing history with visits to the Imperial palaces where mighty rulers rose and fell from power and revolutions were born. Visit magnificent cathedrals, state-of-the-art museums and world-class art galleries.

Moscow shines in the evening, with nightly music, ballet and opera performances in its majestic theatres and concert halls. In recent years, Moscow has become a hub of gastronomy thanks to a new breed of local and international chefs. Yes, Moscow has its fair share of fancy fine dining restaurants and hipster cafes, but you’ll still find street snacks in abundance and homely, traditional Russian fare served in well-loved, hole-in-the-wall eateries.

If you’ve come to Moscow keen to party, you’re in luck. Moscow’s nightlife scene rivals almost any major international city. The label “city that never sleeps” isn’t always warranted, but in Moscow, it’s the truth. There’s after-dark fun to be had every day of the week, with various nightlife districts home to mega dance warehouses, atmospheric underground clubs, friendly local pubs, jazz lounges, rock venues, performance art spaces and the best bar-crawling action this side of London.

Weather in Moscow and when to go

The peak season to travel to Moscow is in Summer between June and August, where temperatures usually hover around a pleasant 20 degrees Celsius. While summers are slightly rainier than other seasons in Moscow, downfalls tend to be fairly heavy but short-lived.

However, for Russia Destination Guide readers keen to avoid higher prices that come with booking accommodation in the summer, you might try the shoulder seasons of spring and early autumn. Late spring (April and May) provide more sunshine and less rainfall, while in autumn, the city’s parks are filled with flowering trees and colourful leaves.

The depths of mid-winter are undoubtedly cold, but a winter visit is an adventure that will give you a true insight into Moscow life – both its hardships and its great beauty. Furs and vodka keep the locals warm and the snow-filled streets are postcard picturesque. With layers of shimmering show blanketing the roofs of Moscow’s grand palaces, parts of the city are transformed into a fairy-tale wonderland. The Christmas lights, traditional winter markets and News Years celebrations offer sights and sounds and an atmosphere to be savoured.

Highlights of Moscow

The Kremlin

No place better represents the triumphs and turmoil of Russia’s past than the Kremlin . Built between the 14 th and 17 th centuries, it served first as the Imperial Residence of the Tsars and later as the headquarters of the Russian presidents. Within the imposing walls of the Kremlin are a plethora of classic buildings, each as stunning as the next. Wander past the Kremlin Palace, the neoclassical Senate Building, the 40-tonne Tsar Cannon and the 200-tonne Tsar Bell, the Armoury Museum, Cathedral Square and others.

The Red Square

Along the eastern side of the Kremlin Wall is the vast cobblestoned expanse of the Red Square . Although it’s been the scene of countless displays of military might, parades and protests since the 15 th century, it’s traditionally been a place of trade and social gatherings/ Today thousands flock to the square to celebrate official state events, be photographed in front of famous monuments or simply soak up its historic splendour.

St Basil’s Cathedral

Located in Red Square is one of Russia’s most iconic buildings, with its vibrant rainbow-painted, onion-shaped domes. The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible in 1552 to mark the capture of Kazan from the Mongol forces. According to legend, Ivan was so enamoured by architect Postnik Yakovlev’s design that he had him blinded so that he would never be able to design anything as fantastical again! If the cathedral is open, it’s possible to visit the interior, richly decorated and well worth an explore.

Arbat Street

In the heart of downtown Moscow, Arbat is Moscow’s oldest pedestrian street. The cobblestone roads and classical statues are reminders of its elegant past, but today the area caters mostly for the tourist crowd, with rows of souvenir shops and restaurants and cafes of varying quality. Still, it’s a must-visit attraction with a lively atmosphere. Street performers and musicians ply the street day and night, and you can often watch traditional Russian craft-makers at work.

The Moscow Metro

Apart from being one of the largest and oldest underground railway systems in the world, and a fantastic, cheap way to get around Moscow, the metro is a tourist attraction in its own right, thanks to its spectacularly decorated underground stations. The stations have been described as underground art museums, home to fantastic sculptures, murals and striking architectural elements from stained glass panels to mosaic marble floors.

Bolshoi Theatre

A historic theatre in the centre of Moscow, renowned for its world-class ballet and opera performances. An evening at the Bolshoi Theatre is one of Moscow’s most romantic after-hours options and the theatre offers a range of Russian and foreign works throughout the week. Equally as spectacular as the theatre’s performances is the rich, lavish interior of the six-level auditorium. No matter what performance you take in on this historic stage, the experience is sure to make you feel like royalty, at least for a couple of hours.

How to Get to Moscow

Travel by plane:.

The are four major airports in Moscow – Domodedovo , Sheremetyevo , Vnukovo and Zhukovsky. The majority of international flights go in and out of Sheremetyevo (most of the major international airlines and Russian airline Aeroflot ). Domodedovo Airport is the main hub for Swiss Airlines, Air Malta, British Airways, Emirates, China Eastern, Singapore Airlines, Thai Airways and most of the Central Asian airlines. Most domestic flights also operate out of Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo, with a few departing from Vnukovo (UtAir, Vladivostok Avia, flights to North Caucasus), as well as German Wings flights to and from Germany.

To get to the centre of Moscow from the airports, the Aeroexpress train is the fast and easy way, especially during Moscow’s notorious morning and afternoon rush hours. The trip to the city clocks in at around 35 to 40 minutes. Outside of peak times, taxis take an average of 1 hour to reach the city centre, while a private transfer or shuttle is the most comfortable option to arrive directly to your hotel.

Travel by train:

Russia overland travellers from Europe can also reach Moscow by train. Train travel is often less cost-effective compared with flying (at least within Europe) and provides a totally unique experience with the ability to stopover in various European cities along the way.

Direct trains to Moscow depart from Paris, Berlin, Warsaw, Amsterdam and Kiev. The Paris-Moscow Express runs once a week all year and is the most glamorous and comfortable option. The train traverses through four countries (France, Germany, Poland and Belarus) before pulling in at Moscow’s long-distance Belrussky train station after a journey of just under 40 hours. Another classy option popular among tourists is the Berlin-Moscow Swift train. Departing twice a week (Sundays and Mondays) from East Berlin station, it takes a little over 20 hours to cover the 1,896km between the German capital and Moscow.

Destination #2: Saint Petersburg

The former capital of the Russian Empire, the city that Peter the Great founded in 1703 is today a decidedly more laidback city compared with the frenetic pace of Moscow. Explore the highlights of this living museum, where the city centre of Saint Petersburg (also known simply as ‘Peter’) consists of one colossal architectural masterpiece after another.

Peter the Great transformed a tract of swampland on the Neva River delta into what would be regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, reflecting the cultural and artistic prowess of Imperial Russia and a sophisticated European influence inspired by the likes of London, Paris and Vienna.

At the same time, St Petersburg is a thriving, modern metropolis with a population of over five million. Just as it originally attracted architects, poets, painters, composers and revolutionaries, today young creatives flock to St Petersburg’s lively streets, artistic hubs, galleries and performance venues, many of them housed in the shells of crumbling old-world mansions and derelict palaces, providing a youthful, edgy and energetic counterpoint to the city’s stately ornamental façade.

Why visit St Petersburg?

Moscow may be the seat of Russia’s political power, but St Petersburg is the country’s cultural capital. There are many reasons the Russia Destination Guide has to make visiting St. Petersburg a must. Not just for its numerous palaces, churches and museums , but also its theatres and concert halls, its contemporary art hubs and its flourishing live music and bar scene.

St Petersburg is renowned for its illustrious architecture, home to the magnificent Palace Square and Peterhof Palace, the Russian equivalent of Versailles. It also boasts one of the world’s greatest museums in the imposing State Hermitage complex. The entire historic city centre is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site.

Known as the “Venice of the North” for its numerous rivers and canals, Russia’s most romantic city is famous for its beautiful drawbridges. The Palace Bridge is drawn every night in front of crowds of tourists and has become one of the most recognisable symbols of the city. History fans will be enraptured by St Petersburg’s perfectly preserved monuments to Tsarist extravagance, and the many sites and landmarks which played an integral role in the Russian Revolutions and both World Wars.

The city’s epic White Nights are the intoxicating summer weeks between late May and early June when night never falls and the streets and parks are alive with all-night revellers, open-air concerts and dusky evenings that transform almost unnoticeably into the morning.

Weather in St Petersburg and when to go

Despite being the northernmost metropolis in the world, St Petersburg’s proximity to the Gulf of Finland blesses the city with a maritime climate, making it far less chilly than much of Russia over winter, with temperatures rarely dipping below -7°C even in the coldest month of January.

Summers are usually pleasantly warm, with the occasional spell of hot, humid weather. Mid-summer (between late May and mid-June) is also the time of the legendary St Petersburg White Nights when the sun never completely sets and the evenings are alive with a festive atmosphere and concerts and performances take place nightly around the city.

A good amount of snow over winter in St Petersburg is always a given. During winter, the city is arguably at its most beautiful. The streets are relaxed and uncrowded, the Neva River becomes a wilderness of ice and shiny white snowflakes cover buildings and monuments set against a backdrop of bare trees covered in crystalline frost. In winter many parks are converted into ice skating rinks and skiing is possible outside of the city. Theatre life is very much alive over the winter months, with performances of the Nutcracker being a special Christmas favourite.

Here’s a Russia Destination Guide tip: If you find yourself in St Petersburg over New Years, the best way to celebrate in this destination with the locals is to head down to Palace Square. You can join in the countdown for the fireworks display before warming up at one of the many bars, clubs and hotels holding parties.

Highlights of St Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage is undoubtedly the jewel in St Petersburg’s cultural crown. One of the world’s greatest collections of ancient and modern art, only the Louvre in Paris and Prado in Madrid rival the Hermitage in terms of worldwide cultural importance. The museum houses some three million individual artworks and artefacts, from Egyptian antiquities to 19 th and 20th-century modern art. The Hermitage comprises six individual buildings including Winter Palace, with its stunning white-columned facade and gallery rooms.

Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood

One of St Petersburg’s most iconic sights is this extraordinarily decorated church marking the site where Tsar Alexander met his untimely death at the hands of bomb-wielding revolutionaries. Although it bears a resemblance to Moscow’s 16 th St Basil’s Cathedral, with its intricate mosaics and multi-coloured onion domes, the church is just over a hundred years old.

St Issacs Cathedral

St Petersburg is home to countless cathedrals, most conceived in the baroque and neoclassical styles. St Issacs Cathedral is the largest cathedral in St Petersburg, identifiable by its gold-illuminated dome and twelve statues of angels. The cathedral’s history tells an intriguing story of conflict and dissent. The anti-religious Soviet government denounced the Cathedral and converted it into a museum of atheism. In 1937 it was converted into a museum of art, and religious activities resumed in 1990.

Tsarkoye Selo

This grand Imperial estate is located in the handsome town of Pushkin, 25km south of St Petersburg. Amid exquisite parks and gardens, you’ll find the baroque Catherine Palace, a luxurious summer sanctuary surrounded by acres of gardens where remarkable structures like the Marble Bridge, the Dutch Admiralty and the Creaking Pagoda were constructed for her amusement. The estate is also home to Alexander Palace. A fine example of neoclassic architecture, its tumultuous history paints a fascinating portrait of the Romanov family.

Peterhof Palace

With its exquisitely manicured gardens, magnificent fountains and gold sculptures, Peter the Great modelled his sumptuous summer palace on the Baltic Sea on Versailles. It’s living rooms, bedrooms, ballrooms and ceremonial rooms are all extraordinarily beautiful. Peter’s daughter, Empress Elizabeth later extended the park and ordered the construction of the 22km Grand Cascade, featuring a total of three waterfalls, 64 fountains and 37 gilt statues.

Nevsky Prospect

St Petersburg’s high street is a 4.5km long royal avenue lined with stately mansions and palaces as well as countless shops, luxury hotels and Gostiny Dyor , the city’s largest department store. Walking the length of the avenue during the day and again at night is highly recommended by the Russia destination guide to take in the atmosphere of this living piece of history and its captivating mixture of old and new.

Bridges and canals of St Petersburg

A relaxing canal tour is a must-do activity, allowing you to see the sites of St Petersburg and its surrounding suburbs from an entirely different perceptive. A city made up of 42 islands across the Lena River delta, St Petersburg is crisscrossed by 300km of artificial canals, flowing beneath a network of over 800 bridges.

How to get to St Petersburg

The distance between Moscow and St Petersburg is approximately 700km, making either flying or train travel excellent for travelling between the cities. There are numerous flights per day and the flight time is around 1.5 hours. However, you’ll have to factor in the time need to get to and from the airports, which are located on the city outskirts.

Most overseas visitors first touchdown in Moscow and then connect to St Petersburg. There are also direct flights to St Petersburg’s Pulvoko Airport from many international destinations, mostly in Europe, including Paris, London, Brussels, Amsterdam, Zurich, Frankfurt, Prague, Helsinki and Stockholm. Direct flights also operate from Shanghai, Beijing, Doha, Dubai and Istanbul and many other international hubs.

From Moscow, overland options include daytime high-speed trains such as the Sapsan , which whisks you from Moscow to St Petersburg in about four hours. Ticket prices vary but at the time of writing this Russia destination guide, expect to pay around US $70 for an economy seat. Business-class costs around twice as much and first-class around twice again.

There are also several overnight train services travelling between the two cities. The journey takes around 8 to 9 hours and offers the benefit of saving you a night’s accommodation. A bunk in a third-class sleeper carriage is around 2,000 rubles (US $30), while a first-class cabin on the luxury Red Arrow train will set you back around 8,800 rubles (US $134)

Train tickets can be purchased at the station, but to be safe, you can purchase them online up to 90 days in advance from RZD , the official website of Russian Railways.

Destination #3: The Golden Ring

The Golden Ring is renowned as the most popular overland tourist trail through the charming provincial cities of central Russia, and thus certainly deserves a spot in the Russia destination guide’s list. The 740km circular route passes through a collection of small cities northeast of Moscow that counts among Russia’s oldest medieval townships. Despite their modest size, many of the Golden Ring’s cities played a vital role in shaping the country’s history. Its oldest settlements can be traced back to at least the 10 th century.

Scattered across a postcard-perfect landscape of rolling hills, flower blanketed meadows, rivers and streams, the cities of the Golden Ring were considered political backwaters by the time Soviet industrialisation took hold, escaping much of the urban progress that rapidly engulfed Moscow and its surroundings. Consequently, many locals still lead a largely traditional existence, living in tight-knit communities where the ancestral izba (wooden farmhouse) is the centre of daily life.

Today, the region remains remarkably untouched by urbanisation. Surrounded by rolling hills and verdant meadows, these lands are a throwback a rural Russia that has changed little for generations. Many of the towns were instrumental in the rise of the Orthodox church, as evidenced by the abundance of magnificent cathedral spires and domes. Apart from their religious significance, these proud towns have staunchly preserved their time-honoured traditions, folk art and cuisine.

Why visit the Golden Ring of Russia?

Wandering the tranquil, cobblestone streets of the ancient Golden Ring towns feels like genuinely stepping back in time. Virtually every city on the circuit is a living museum, made up of ancient forts, towering monasteries, imposing palaces and magnificent cathedrals. Several of the Golden Ring towns are home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed treasures, including the medieval White Monuments of Suzdal and Vladimir and the historic centre of Yaroslavl.

Readers of the Russia Destination Guide who are admirers of classic architecture  or perhaps history buffs will adore these destinations. Those hoping for an intimate insight into the places, people and events that shaped the complex, deep-rooted history that shaped Imperial and Soviet Russia will find the sights and stories of the Golden Ring region a fascinating and enthralling experience. You can feel the history in the air, among the perfectly preserved medieval wooden houses and the grand fortress and kremlins built in times where these cities wielded substantial political and religious power. Instrumental in the rise of the Russian Orthodox Church, across the centuries, many of these strategic settlements found themselves battling ruthless Mongol invasions, rebellious Tatar sieges and a string of Tsarist scandals.

Due to its proximity to Moscow, the Golden Ring is a popular side-trip for visitors to the Russian capital. The gorgeous countryside and laidback pace of the towns provide a welcome respite from the frenetic atmosphere of Moscow, well worth a diversion of at least a couple of days (hardcore history fans will ideally need a week or more to see most of the region’s highlights).

Weather in the Golden Ring and when to go

With this Russia Destination Guide, you can plan the perfect date of arrival with these tips. The Golden Ring is truly a year-round destination, with each season bringing a new and beautiful palette of colour to the rural countryside. Visitor numbers peak with the warm summer months (June to August) when the skies are a vivid blue, making for a particularly great backdrop against the domes and cupolas of the region’s many churches and cathedrals. In spring (April through to May) the meadows come alive with flowers while in the short autumn months (September to October) the scenery takes on the rich hues of red, orange and yellow. The freezing temperatures of the winter months (November to March) often bring a thick blanket of snow that creates a dreamy wonderland with lakes and rivers frozen over, perfect for ice skating.

Highlights of the Golden Ring of Russia

The most picturesque stop on the Golden Ring circuit, 1,000-year-old Suzdal appears like a scene from a Russian storybook. It’s quiet laneways, cobblestone plazas and medieval churches have inspired artists and poets for centuries. With many of residents living in colourful wooden houses, and classic horse-drawn buggies still a fixture of its quiet streets, Suzdal has managed to retain a tranquil, rural atmosphere, giving you an impression of how much of Russia might have looked centuries ago.

Explore  Yaroslavl,  the first Christian city on the Volga River and the subject of epic poems and heroic prose for centuries. Many of Russia’s greatest craftsmen, stonemasons, painters and sculptors came together to create this city of magnificent churches and monuments, dating back to the 1100s. The Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour is one of the richest and most fortified monasteries. Here’s a Russa destination guide tip for you: A bird’s-eye view of Yaroslavl and its rivers can be had by climbing up to the top of the cathedral’s bell town.

The oldest town in the Golden Ring and is also one of its most architecturally impressive, rich in elegantly restored monuments dating from the 12 th to the 17 th century. Today, a sleepy, village-like atmosphere hovers over the town, bringing a quiet stillness to the evenings that only breaks with the crowing of the cockerels at first like. The supremely photogenic Rostov Kremlin features walls of delicate pink, enclosing a number of extraordinary 17th-century buildings including the domed Assumption Cathedral and the St John the Divine Gateway Church.

Sergiev Posad

The Russia destination guide presents to you Sergiev Posad – one of the most important spiritual centres of the Orthodox Church sometimes referred to as the ‘Russian Vatican’. This is because of its city-wide scattering of magnificent white-walled churches with contrasting blue and gold cupolas – the colour scheme most strongly associated with the perception of Russian divinity. Founded in 1340 by the country’s most revered saint, St Sergius of Radonezh, Sergiev Posad is one of Russia’s holiest destinations, attracting devoted pilgrims since the 14 th century.

How to get to the Golden Ring 

Moscow is the logical starting point for excursions into the Golden Ring region. This small group or private tour is popular among foreign visitors as it allows you to cover the most ground in the shortest amount of time. On a customised tour, you can choose your pitstops and overnight stays depending on which cities most strike your interests. This Russia Destination Guide will assist you in picking the right experience for you.

Day tours that operate out of Moscow and will hit up one or two of the closest towns from the capital (typically Sergiev Posad, or Suzdal, sometimes combined with Vladimir) but to truly appreciate the variety of the Golden Ring cities the languid beauty of its, a multi-day day tour is highly recommended. If you only have a limited amount of time, a tour encompassing an overnight stay and two-day detour from Moscow in the region’s most beguiling town of Suzdal is highly recommended.

It’s also possible to visit some of the major cities on the Golden Ring route via train, although not every popular destination on the route is serviced by a train station. A popular rail loop from Moscow allows for direct stops in Rostov, Yaroslavl, Ivanovo and Vladimir.

Destination #4: Lake Baikal

An ancient lake so vast in size it’s referred to as Siberia’s “inland sea”, the deepest point of Lake Baikal is an abyssal 1,637m, making this 30 million-year-old body of water the deepest lake in the world. Incredibly, 20% of the world’s entire freshwater supply is contained within Lake Baikal. The crescent-shaped lake extends for 636km from north to south and contains 27, mostly uninhabited islands. The vast Baikal region is home to several indigenous cultures, including the ethnic Buryat people who practice a unique form of Buddhism blended with ancient shamanistic rites and religious beliefs. Traditional villages are dotted along the lake’s shore, interspersed with taiga forest and rocky steppe terrain. The national park surrounding Baikal harbour diverse array of wildlife, and the lake’s waters are home to the N erpa , the beloved freshwater Baikal seal.

With its mirror-clear blue water and enthralling natural beauty, Lake Baikal is considered Siberia’s premier attraction and is recognised by UNESCO as one of Russia’s 28 World Heritage Sites. It will certainly enchant any Russia destination guide reader planning a trip to Russia.

Why visit Lake Baikal?

Lake Baikal offers something for every traveller. Readers of the Russia destination guide attracted to laidback summer cruise vacationers, who are adventure sports enthusiasts and culture buffs keen to discover will love this destination. The blend of European, Turkic and Mongol influences are found in the region’s languages, customs, cuisine and traditional ways of living.

With a surface that freezes solid between early January and late May, the ice covering Lake Baikal can be up to a metre thick, giving winter visitors the chance to experience unique activities such as ice driving, snowmobiling, ice fishing and ice rafting (river rafting on an actual chunk of Baikal ice). Lovers of landscape photography are drawn to Lake Baikal’s mystical frozen caves and shimmering ice floes. Summer is the season for Russia destination guide readers interested in multi-day cruises and epic kayaking expeditions to hidden coves and pristine beaches.

Weather in Lake Baikal and when to go

Lake Baikal has a maritime climate which is typically much milder than the rest of Siberia. The vast majority of visitors to Baikal arrive in the summer months, with peak season hitting between June and mid-August. Summer days in Baikal are typically warm and pleasant. Sunbathing and swimming are possible, although water temperatures of 15 degrees or below usually keep swim sessions bracingly short! Boating season starts with the break-up of pack ice in late June and can last until September, although cruise tours are generally offered in July and August.

Autumn falls between the end of August and October and is usually the rainiest time of year. Still, this Russia Destination Guide recommends this season’s exquisite autumn scenery for photographers looking to capture the red and gold flora of the forests and the moody, sometimes dramatically windy and stormy weather.

The lake freezes over between January and May. Baikal is arguably at its most enchantingly beautiful over the winter period. The extreme transparency of the lake’s solid surface allows you to peer beneath the ice and into the inky, unfrozen depths below. The ice caves and glittering hummocks are at their most impressive in March, when the ice is at its thickest and winter sports enthusiasts take to the lake for skating, biking, 4WDing and ice-hole fishing.

Highlights of Lake Baikal

For most tourists reading the Russia destination guide, the unofficial regional capital of Irkutsk is the gateway to Lake Baikal, which lies 70km to the east. With a population of about 600,000, Irkutsk is a compact and friendly city, well worth a visit for its charming traditional wooden architecture, 18th-century churches and local history and art museums.

Olkhon Island

Beautiful, rugged Olkhon is the most populated of Baikal’s islands, consisting of a scattering of tiny villages, occupied mainly by indigenous Buryat communities. The middle of the island, one of the highlights of this Russia destination guide journey, is a green sanctuary of Siberian taiga forest. Its majestic coast is made up of the rocky steppe, white sand beaches and soaring cliffs providing perfect vantage points for witnessing spectacular sunsets across the shimmering surface of the lake.

Circum-Baikal Railway

The Circum-Baikal railway is a short, picturesque stretch of railway running between Slyuduanka and Port Baikal, along with the southern tip of Lake Baikal. A steam train trip along the Circum-Baikal make a great day trip, passing through tunnels and bridges that serve to highlight the sheer feat of engineering that first made the journey possible in the early 1900s.

Baikal Nature Reserve

On a wild, southeastern stretch of Baikal’s coastline, the desolate mountains of the Khmer Daban Range descend steeply to the rocky shores of the lake. The park preserves subalpine meadows and tundra, and deep within the taiga forests, Siberian brown bear, lynx, otter, wolverine and golden eagle.

How to get to Lake Baikal 

The city of Irkutsk is considered the main tourist gateway to Lake Baikal for Russia destination guide travellers. Although it’s about 65km from the lake itself, it hosts an airport with several flights a day arriving from Moscow (around 7 hours). There are also regular flights from the major Russian cities, including St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk and Krasnoyarsk. Regular international flights are operated from Beijing and occasional flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and seasonally, twice a week from Seoul. For the western shore of Lake Baikal, the closest airport is Ulan-Ude. It’s a smaller airport, serviced by flights from Moscow and the larger Siberian airports, as well as flights from Beijing.

Travel by train via the Trans-Siberian Railway:

If time isn’t a limiting factor for you, the Russia Destination Guide will go through a far more interesting way to reach Lake Baikal. This is via the Trans-Siberian Railway . If you’re taking the east-west route from Moscow, the train journey from Moscow to Irkutsk takes about three to four days. To reach Lake Baikal from the Irkutsk railway station, you’ll need to make your way by public transport to the main bus station in town, where buses regularly depart for Listvyanka.

Destination #5: Kamchatka

Once considered an inaccessible “edge of the world” location, only visited by the hardiest of adventure travellers, today Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula is gaining a reputation as one of Russia’s most remarkable tourist destinations. Make no mistake, Kamchatka is remote – with no road or railways connecting it to the outside world, the only practical access into this pristine wilderness is by air, and the only way to travel long distances inside this refreshingly undeveloped region is by 4WD or helicopter.

For this Russia Destination Guide readers keen to get closer to nature, this is a trip worth making. Located at the northernmost edge of the “Pacific Ring of Fire”, the Kamchatka Peninsula juts out dramatically from the northeastern tip of Russia. Thirty active volcanoes are scattered across the peninsula, including Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the largest in the Northern Hemisphere. Equally as stunning are, the 90 geysers and numerous hot springs that make up the 6km Geyser Valley. The second largest concentration of geysers on earth, this natural gem remains a virtually untouched region of raw geothermal power. Getting to Kamchatka is half the journey, but once you arrive, the raw beauty of this far-flung region will floor you.

Why visit Kamchatka?

For lovers of wildlife, challenging hiking and rugged natural scenery, Kamchatka is paradise on earth. If your idea of the ultimate adventure is scaling an active volcano, coming within metres of wild brown bears, or exploring some of the most remote and wildlife-rich coasts on earth, Kamchatka should be at the very top of your bucket list. Active travellers seeking unique physical challenges where few tourists have gone before should visit in winter for action-packed tours , or in summer for incredible backcountry sea kayaking and camping expeditions, tracing Kamchatka’s dramatic coastline, paddling beneath the shadows of volcanoes and riding the swirling Pacific surf.

Weather in Kamchatka and when to visit

Kamchatka stretches across several climatic zones. Central Kamchatka’s climate is mild and continental. The alpine valleys are characterised by frosty winters and hot, humid summers, while the coast experiences a temperate, marine climate. The summer and autumn months (June through to October) are by far the most popular when max temperatures range from 15°C to 30°C but a growing trend in winter sports means Kamchatka receives visitors year-round.

Kamchatka’s famous brown bears hibernate during the long, snowy winter, so you’ll need to visit between late July and mid-September to be able to spot them. Swimming and kayaking in Avacha Bay is possible during the summer months, and the fly fishing season is between May and October. Kamchatka’s ski resorts and off-piste mountain slopes attract hardcore snow junkies from January through to May.

Highlights of Kamchatka 

Volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire

Kamchatka earns a deserving place as one of the most outstanding volcanic regions of the world, with a high density of active volcanoes. Rugged volcanic peaks interspersed with lush valleys, desolate lava-spewing plains and ancient glaciers form a dynamic landscaped with a strange, almost otherworldly sense of beauty. Nineteen active volcanoes are included in the within the six groups of UNESCO World Heritage-listed sites of Kamchatka. Travellers who fancy themselves as mountain trekkers can easily walk to the bases of some impressive mountains.

Valley of Geysers

Seething, steaming and periodically expelling huge volumes of hot water in a spectacular jet, geysers are a remarkable natural phenomenon. Kamchatka’s Geyser Valley is home to the second largest concentration of geysers on earth, scattered across a 6km basin with the Martian-like volcanic scenery. Due to their remote location, the geysers can only be accessed by helicopter. Once inside the valley, local guides and wooden walkways provide a safe passageway past some of the largest and most spectacular geysers.

The Brown Bears of Kamchatka

The Kamchatka brown bear , one of the largest subspecies of brown bear in the world. The region’s well-preserved wilderness has created a safe sanctuary for one of the most concentrated brown bear populations in the world, meaning summer sightings of these impressive animals are virtually guaranteed. During late July to mid-September, Kuril Lake hosts Kamchatka’s largest salmon spawning event, attracting about 2 million fish each season. Tourists, escorted by rangers can observe the bears as they swim, play and fish for salmon.

Kamchatka’s Pacific Coast

Vast, rugged and largely uninhabited, Kamchatka boasts one of the most isolated stretches of coastline in the world. The region’s capital, Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, is situated beside the calm waters of Avacha Bay, under the shadow of the three Petropavlovsk volcanoes. Beyond Avacha are thousands of kilometres of rocky coastline. The most conspicuous residents here are seals, giant Stellar sea lions, orcas, whales and sea eagles.

Heli-Skiing in Kamchatka

For experienced skiers and snowboarders with a taste for the extreme, heli-skiing the untouched volcanic slopes of Kamchatka will be a wild winter adventure that’s virtually unrivalled. The experience starts with an incredible flight over the untamed peaks of the peninsula in a Russian chopper – the ultimate chairlift! Then, touchdown in the middle of nowhere and prepare for the free ride of a lifetime. Kamchatka is the only place on earth where it’s possible to ski down active volcanoes, and even to ski into the crater, with active steam vents smoking around you!

How to get to Kamchatka

Sandwiched between sub-Arctic Russia and the Pacific Ocean, Kamchatka has no overland routes leading into the region. There are no regular passenger ferries to anywhere in Kamchatka, so the only practical way for travellers to arrive is by air. You can find the airport located 20km from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in the village of Yelizovo. There are daily flights from Moscow (nine hours), and several flights a week from St Petersburg, Khabarovsk, Novosibirsk, Vladivostok and Beijing. In the peak summer season, there are occasional flights from Anchorage, Alaska and Tokyo, Japan.

Destination #6: Karelia

Karelia exudes an air of magic unlike anywhere else in Russia. Encompassing vast tracts of untouched wilderness, the far northwestern republic is covered in dense forests, idyllic lakes and waterfalls, fertile hills and barren steppe country. Iconic animal species now extremely rare in much of Europe – bears, wolves, wolverine, lynx, reindeer, moose and otter roam freely along the Russian frontier.

Bordered by Finland and the White Sea, Karelia is not just a far-flung no-mans land but a living museum of human history. Inhabited by Scandinavian peoples for 6,000 years and intermittently contested by Finnish, Swedish, and Russian forces over centuries, Karelia, despite having much of its territory ceded to the Soviet Union in 1939, the region still retains a strong cultural connection with eastern Finland. Distinctly Karelian culture lives on in the peasant traditions of poetry, music and folk ceremonies that reinforce the people’s bond with the land and sea.  

Why visit Karelia?

This Russia Destination Guide will present to you some of the highlights and high points of this magnificent destination. Easily accessible from Moscow and St Petersburg, and blessed with extraordinary natural beauty, a unique culture unlike anywhere else in Russia and some of the best-preserved traditional wooden architecture in the country, Karelia slowly starting to appear on the radar of international travellers.

The region offers a fantastic mix of nature, outdoor adventure and cultural discovery, from the prehistoric petroglyphs near the White Sea Coast to the republic’s most famous attraction, the World Heritage-listed Kizhi Pogost, an open-air museum in the middle of a lake, dedicated to fine 17 th ad 18th-century wooden architecture.

Karelia is an equally enchanting eco-tourism destination for Russia destination guide readers, home to the primordial forests of  Kivach Nature Reserve , and  Ruskeala Mountain Park , a former marble quarry that has been naturally transformed over time into a magnificent flooded canyon, carved from a unique and harmonious fusion of the natural and the man-made.

Karelia’s rivers, lakes and streams allow off-the-grid kayaking, fishing and camping for weeks. In winter, the woods become an enchanting playground for dog sledding, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing.

Weather in Karelia and when to visit

Generally speaking, Karelia has a continental climate zone, with typically much milder winters in contrast to other northern regions near the Arctic. However, Karelia’s climate has a reputation for being unpredictable, so no matter which season Russia Destination Guide traveller’s trips coincides with, be prepared for practically any weather.

The short summer period from June to mid-August is modestly warm, but this time of the year welcomes the most visitors to Karelia since it enjoys the sunniest days by far. By the peak of July, the famous ‘midnight sun’ visits northern Karelia, and shines almost around the clock. Expect maximum daytime temperatures of between 16 and 21°C. Karelia’s relatively mild temperatures make it one of the most comfortable destinations for experiencing winter in the Arctic zone. The Russia Destination Guide implores you to explore the ethereal taiga forests and fairytale wooden houses which look especially magical against a snowy winter backdrop. The snowy landscapes are perfect for enjoying favourite local sports such as snowmobiling, skiing and dog-sledding. Its proximity to the Arctic Circle means that the skies above Northern Karelia are sometimes graced with an appearance from the Northern Lights.

Highlights of Karelia

One of the largest open-air museums in Russia has been built on the island of Kizhi in the middle of Lake Onega. Kizhi is immediately recognisable thanks to the iconic Transfiguration Church. This masterpiece of timber architecture features five tiers of 22 wooden domes, built in 1714 without the use of a single nail. The pine walls and domes of the church change colour as the day progresses. The Kizhi State Museum is home to dozens of 18 th and 19th-century log buildings, some furnished in period style, moved here from Karelian villages during the Soviet era.

Ruskeala mountain park

Ruskeala was formerly a marble quarry, mined by the Swedes, Finns and Russians for around three centuries. The 109-metre wide canyon now stretches for 456 metres and its sides are riddled with caves and grottoes. Tall pines sprout from the tops of the canyon walls and the groundwater has become a river of deep emerald green, creating a truly beautiful union of the natural and the man-made. The canyon can be traversed by boat, and some of the caves and mine shafts can be explored with a professional guide.

Solovetsky Islands

The Solovetsky Islands, is a place that many travellers fantasise about visiting when in Russia but few actually ever end up doing so. Located in the Onega Bay of the White Sea, the archipelago is made up of 6 main islands and many smaller ones. The largest island is the Bolshoy Solovetsky and it is home to the main monastery, which dominates the rural idyll of Solovetsky Village, the islands’ main settlement.

Valaam Island

As one of the most popular Orthodox tourist destinations, the main attraction that draws visitors to its shores is the 14th century Transfiguration Monastery. It is a monumental structure that sits on top of the high hill, making it visible from many locations on the island. In the past, the monastery had been subjected to numerous accounts of destruction and devastation from fires and invasions. Now, the gardens, a bakery, vegetable patches and a farm, rolling prairies and granite cliffs with around 200 Orthodox monks living within its walls permanently.

How to get to Karelia

For Russia Destination Readers travelling within Russia itself, S7 Airlines fly between four and five times a week from Moscow (Domodedovo) to the Karelian capital of Petrozavodsk (approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes). The timetable changes regularly so keep an eye out on S7’s flight schedule. Petrozavodsk is a small airport about 12km out of town. Taxis or private transfers are the preferred means of getting into the city. Once you arrive at the Petrozavodsk airport, it is about a 12km drive to the city centre. Pre-arranged private transfers are typically the preferred methods of transportation to get to town.

There are several trains per week, both daytime and overnight departing from St Petersburg to Petrozavodsk (7 hours) or day trains (4 hours). Trains from Moscow to Petrozavodsk run daily, an overnight journey of around 16 hours. The twice-weekly train to Murmansk (capital of Kola Peninsula) also makes a stop in Petrozavodsk.

Travel by bus:

A bus service connects Petrozavodsk to Joensuu in Finland (Thursdays to Sundays) and takes around 4 hours and 40 minutes. There are also bus services to Petrozavodsk from St Petersburg, which takes between 5 and 6 hours and is an extremely cheap way to travel between the two cities.

Destination #7: Kola Peninsula

Pierced by the snow-dusted pines of the taiga forest in the south and blanketed by an endless expanse of tundra in the north, the Kola Peninsula is the quintessential Russian Arctic destination. Inhabited by reindeer-herding nomads and bound by the White and Barents Seas (plied by only the strongest of nuclear ice-breaker ships), this remote region is the stuff of romance and legend. Situated almost entirely above the Arctic Circle, between mid-May and July, daylight lasts a full 24 hours, bathing the peninsula in the dazzling light of the unsetting midnight sun. Conversely, for two months over winter, the Kola Peninsula is blanketed by the polar night, when the sky is only lit by the appearance of the mesmerising Aurora Borealis.

A land of jewel-like lakes and crystal clear rivers, unexplored mountain ranges and wildlife-rich Arctic coastline, Kola’s vast grasslands are subject to visiting grazing reindeer in their thousands over the summer months. Many of the indigenous Sami, who also inhabit northern Scandinavia, still live on to a semi-nomadic way of life, depending on reindeer herding for their livelihood, traversing the tundra on husky-drawn sleds and holding on to their own ancient customs, language and traditions.

Not all of Kola is untouched by modern development. The capital Murmansk, with a population of over 300,000, is the largest city north of the Arctic Circle, and despite its industrial port town feel, is a remarkably lively town, with bars and restaurants and interesting Naval history.

Why visit the Kola Peninsula?

Still very much a frontier tourist destination, Kola is a place for travellers seeking unusual and extreme environments and boundless Arctic wilderness. For those Russian Destination Guide readers keen on winter sports, Kola offers some of the Arctic region’s best cross-country skiing, and the opportunity to go snowmobiling in the taiga. For hardcore history buffs, the peninsula is also a hunting ground for Soviet-era ruins including a haunting submarine graveyard near the Russian naval base at Olenya Bay.

Between the months of September and April, the city of Murmansk receives an influx of visitors hoping to catch the cosmic dance of the Northern Lights above the city rooftops and the hills, forests and snowfields surrounding the town.

Weather in the Kola Peninsula and when to go

Despite its extreme northern location, Kola enjoys one of the mildest climates of any region above the Arctic Circle, thanks to the influence of the warm Atlantic currents. This has helped make Kola an attractive destination for Northern Lights tourism between the autumn and late winter months of September and April.

The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of about -10°C in the Murmansk region. July is the warmest month, with temperatures between 12 and 20°C. From early December till late January, the sun is hidden beneath the horizon day and night, with artificial light the only means of illuminating the infamous polar night. The season of the polar day is from late May to late July when bright sunshine persists regardless of the time of day.

Highlights of the Kola Peninsula 

The Northern Lights in the Kola Peninsula

Known as the best place in the Russian Arctic for a chance to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights , Murmansk and its surrounds have become one of the world’s premier destinations for observing and photographing this bewitching natural phenomenon. Although their appearance is unpredictable, the lights can be sighted between late August and April, with September to April considered the best months for maximising your chances.

Nomadic Saami culture

The Sami (or Saami) are also the most prominent indigenous group in Lapland, Scandinavia. So distant is their language and way of life from the rest of Russia the Sami-dominated parts of Kola are usually referred to as Lapland. With a local guide, it’s possible to visit a traditional Sami settlement where many traditional dwellings are still in use. You may be invited to test your reindeer lassoing skills, commandeer your own troupe of sled-pulling huskies and taste authentic Lappish cuisines such as Arctic fish soup and berry pie.

Snow Village

The Snow Village is an ambitious tourism project featuring ornately decorated buildings, sculptures, labyrinthine tunnels and intricately patterned rooms, painstakingly constructed almost entirely out of ice and snow. Drop in at the ice bar, watch a film at the snow cinema, check out the ice sculpture gallery or stroll through the enchanting “village” where you’ll encounter fairy tale characters, mythical snow maidens and perhaps even Santa Klaus himself.

Teriberka Village

Teriberka is an old village, located on the Barents Sea coast. The way to the village takes travellers through the tundra with splendid sceneries on their way. Teriberka village is an authentic place and you will be impressed by arctic nature, village life and almost destroyed households Soviet Union period, cemetery old wooden ships and the famous breathtaking view of the Arctic ocean.

Destination #8: Yamal

Once considered a virtually inaccessible “edge of the world” location, only visited by the hardiest of adventure travellers, Yamal is one of the last refuges of Siberia’s nomadic reindeer herders, custodians of a land of vast plains that stretch from the Polar Ural Mountains to the Kara Sea in the Arctic Ocean. While large-scale reindeer herding is slowly disappearing throughout Russia and the Arctic, Yamal’s remoteness has been key to the preservation of this ancient way of life practised by the indigenous Nenets. Even so, the discovery of immense oil and gas resources in the peninsula will mean the Nenets culture is becoming increasingly under pressure from modern industrial development.

With much of its territory above the Arctic Circle, Yamal means ‘edge of the world’ in the language of its indigenous people. Its administrative centre, the historic town of Salekhard (population 43,000) straddles the Arctic Circle. The Yamal Peninsula was considered so inhospitable that Stalin built his prison camps here. And yet a rich, colourful and resilient culture and ancient shamanistic religion have managed to survive here.

To survive Yamal’s extreme climate, the Nenets migrate with herds of up to 10,000 strong from their winter pastures in the southern taiga, north to their summer grazing lands near the Arctic Ocean. Crossing the frozen Ob, the world’s fifth-largest river is just part of a journey which can span over 1,000km, one way, making it one of the longest annual human migration routes in the world.

Why visit Yamal?

Very few foreigners have set foot on the Yamal Peninsula. There are no roads from outside into the area, and outsiders (both Russians and foreigners) must apply for a visitors permit at least two months ahead. Due to the challenging logistics of visiting Yamal, a guided tour is highly recommended.

The Russia Destination Guide presents to you the single most compelling reason to make this difficult journey to Yamal. Here, you can submerge yourself in a culturally immersive experience like no other. During the reindeer migration season, you will have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live amongst the indigenous Nenets of Yamal, sleeping in their summer tented camps, working with reindeer and following them on part of their migration on wooden sleds through the snowy taiga forest. The highlight of the year for visitors to Yamal is the annual Reindeer Herder’s Festival , the most important event on the Nenets calendar which showcases all manner of reindeer-related physical challenges.

Weather in Yamal and when to go

Most of the Yamal territory is located within the northern part of the West Siberian Plain, and a small part of the eastern slope of the Ural Mountains. The climate of this region is characterised by long, harsh and winters of up to eight months, and short summers with strong winds and relatively light snow cover.

Summer temperatures hover around 5 to 25°C but the wind chill factor still makes warm clothing outside a must. In deepest winter, out on the tundra, temperatures of a staggering -50°C are common. Clothing and exposure protection suitable for extreme cold is an absolute must for surviving Yamal in the winter time. The Nenets wear heavy coats, hats and boots fashioned from reindeer skin, and while living with them in their tents, guests are highly advised to do the same.

Highlights of Yamal

Reindeer Migration with Nenets

Travel with the Nenets on one leg of their annual migration – it’s one of the most unforgettable and incomparable cultural experiences on earth! Each spring, the Nenets migrate from winter pastures on the Russian mainland to the summer pastures in the Arctic Circle, a one-way journey of up to 1,000km. This is a remarkable extraordinary opportunity to get to know one of the world’s last true nomadic reindeer herders through their eyes.

Reindeer Herder’s Festival in Yamal

The Reindeer Herder’s Festival is a one-day holiday, celebrated in late March or early April in Yamal. For the nomadic Nenets people, a festival day is a major event, which offers a chance to meet with friends and compete in contests of physical skill and a variety of other competitions. It has also become an event in which the Nenets are able to share with the world a rarely-glimpsed slice of their culture, which has remained relatively unchanged for centuries. Visits to the festival combined with a stay in a traditional nomad camp can be arranged by a specialist tour company.

How to get to Yamal

The Arctic city of Salekhard is the gateway to the rest of Yamal. There are direct flights from Moscow and St Petersburg (both around 3 hours) and also from Ekaterinburg (1.5 hours) on Yamal Airlines. Salekhard Airport is about 7km from the city centre.

Fancy a ride on the real, modern-day Polar Express? The train named the “Polar Arrow” was launched in 2013 and makes the 3,550km journey from Moscow, cutting through the Ural Mountains, hauling through Asia and Siberia and crossing the Arctic Circle to reach Labytnangi (the closest station to Salekhard) some 43 to 46 hours later. Taxis from Labytanangi will take you to Salekhard’s town centre in less than half an hour.

Destination #9: Altai Republic

The Altai Republic is, in a word, “diverse.” A mountainous region whose borders touch the semi-deserts of Mongolia and the vast Kazakh plains, Altai has one the most varied climates in Siberia. Still largely undiscovered, Altai now supports a growing, community-based eco-tourism industry. As well as being an incredible hike and ski destination, Altai offers the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of the mountain-worshipping Altay people, whose ancient culture reflects Altai’s location at the crossroads of both Europe and East and Central Asia.

Altai is impossibly scenic – watch the scenery slide by as it rolls from rocky steppes to the high desert to impenetrable taiga forest. Colours shift, fields lay in hushed snowfall or blossom in spring. Everything changes here, with only one exception – Altai’s majestic mountain peaks. Home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site “The Golden Mountains of Altai”, the Altai Mountain Range is a refuge for some of the world’s rarest animal species. In the raw, rugged beauty of this long-forgotten wilderness, you can hike for miles in complete solitude. Go fishing in the pristine tributaries of the Katun and Chemal Rivers, search for snow leopard prints in the hills, explore vast underground cave complexes or get your fix of winter sports action in one of the region’s burgeoning boutique ski resorts.  

Why travel to Altai?

Blessed with unforgettable mountain scenery – eternally snow-capped alpine peaks, broad green valleys, rocky canyons and mighty glaciers – Altai cements its place in the Russia destination guide as the ultimate hiking destination. Altai has an enormous amount to offer lovers of landscape, nature and wildlife photography. Despite being a relatively unknown ‘adventure’ destination, Altai’s trekking routes offer something for hikers of all levels of experience, from easy jaunts in the foothills and meadowlands to hardcore, high-altitude multi-day and multi-week treks straddling the mountain ranges that straddle the Mongolian, Chinese and Kazaz borders. Altai’s hiking trails are endless and reaching the summit of one of the high peaks is of the most rewarding things to do in the Altai region.

Weather in Altai and when to go  

The Altai Republic has three main climatic zones – warm and humid continental, subarctic and cold semi-arid, making it essentially a year-round destination. Being located far from the oceans, the lands of the Altai Ranges heat up considerably in summer and cool rapidly in winter, making late spring and summer the ideal season for mountain trekking and camping.

Summer is peak whitewater rafting season in Altai. The Russia destination guide recommendation is to visit around the end of August where you may witness or participate in the White Water Siberia Forum, a sensational event that attracts professional rafters from around the world attempting to conquer the incredibly wild rapids and of the majestic Chuya River.

Highlights of Altai

The Golden Mountains of Altai

The Golden Mountains of Altai is a UNESCO World Heritage site forming the major mountain range in Western Siberia and the source of its greatest rivers – the Ob and the Irtysh. The region harbours the most diverse vegetation and microclimatic zones in central Siberia, from steppe to dense mix forest and high alpine vegetation. The dramatic Altai ranges are home to nearly 700 animal species, including the mountain ram, reindeer and the endangered snow leopard. Stunning Mount Belukha is the highest peak in Siberia at a cloud-piercing 4,506m.

Lake Teletskoye – The Golden Lake

Lake Teletskoye or Altyn-Köl, which means “Golden Lake” is the world’s second deepest freshwater body after Lake Baikal (up to 325m at its deepest point). A dazzlingly transparent aquamarine sometimes referred to as “Baikal’s Little Brother”, the lake spans 233 square kilometres and is surrounded by the alpine meadows, forests and the jagged, rocky peaks of the Altai mountain ranges.

The Indigenous Cultures of Altai

Altai is home to 5 million people speaking 40 languages. The indigenous population includes the various ethnic groups of the Alati people, descendants of the Turkic tribes with ancient cultural links to the Mongols. Among the most famous Altai ancestral traditions is throat singing. The style of throat singing or ‘overtone singing’, (as it sounds as though the vocalist is singing two notes in separate frequencies at the same time) performed in Altai is unique to certain cultures in Siberia and Mongolia.

How to get to Altai   

For Russia Destination Guide readers travelling within Russia, there are two main options for reaching the Altai Mountains by air. From Moscow, you can take a direct flight to Gorno-Altaysk, the capital of the Altai Republic. S7 Airlines runs about two flights a week (check the schedule for seasonal changes to the timetable) with a flight time of about 4 hours and 4 minutes.

Flights also operate several times a week from Moscow to Barnaul (just over 4 hours flight time), capital of the neighbouring Altai Territory and a larger and more developed city than Gorno-Altaysk, from where you can take public transport or rent a car for the three-hour drive to Gorno-Altaysk

Although it is not part of the Altai Republic, lying 447km from the Altai capital of Gorno-Altaysk, Novosibirsk is one the most popular jumping-off points for trips into rural Altai. As the largest city in Siberia, Novosibirsk is well serviced by air, with daily flights to and from all the major Russian cities and some international flights from Frankfurts, Hannover, Beijing, Seoul and Tel Aviv. The largest local airport it Tolmachovo Airport, located 20km west of the city centre by taxi, hotel shuttle bus or private transfer.

The Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow passes through Novosibirsk, and travellers can disembark the train here before continuing their 5 and a half to 6-hour journey to Gorno-Altaksy by road.

From Novosibirsk or Baurnal, the cheapest way to get into Gorno-Altaysk is by bus. There are around 4 to 5 trips per day from Novosibirsk, while buses depart from Baurnal roughly every 2 hours.

We hope this Russia destination guide was informative and useful to you. Feel free to get in touch with our team for more information on options to travel to Russia.

[email protected] Ph: +61 93889816

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15 Best Cities to Visit in Russia

A country of epic proportions, Russia’s grand and elegant cities mirror this sense of size and scale in their layout and design. With colossal fortresses, cathedrals and churches lining its wide streets and boulevards, visitors to Russia will find a plethora of incredible historical and cultural sites to explore.

Steeped in history, this ancient country throws up delights wherever you look – whether it is the stunning settings of the cities themselves or the marvels hidden away amidst their streets.

Russia’s lively cultural scene manifests itself in performing arts, opera and theatrical productions, while its writers and composers are of international renown. The best cities in Russia offer a perfect mix of old and new – modern shopping malls, trendy bars and restaurants are interspersed among Soviet-era architecture and ancient buildings that highlight Russia’s diverse past.

15. Novosibirsk

Set on the Trans-Siberian Railway line, Novosibirsk is remarkably the third largest city in the country. It is well worth stopping off at, as there is a lot to see and do. A peaceful, laidback place with lots of leafy parks and boulevards, its ugly Soviet-era buildings make it quite unattractive, though the delightful museums and monuments more than make up for that.

With some fantastic galleries and dining options, as well as lots of shops, boutiques, and a lively entertainment scene, it definitely warrants a visit of at least a couple of days.

Capital of Bashkortostan, an autonomous region in Russia, Ufa is a delightful mix of Bashkir and Slavic culture that manifests itself in its local customs and cuisine. A beautiful city, Ufa lies at the point where two rivers join.

It has interesting cultural attractions and a distinctive feel to it, although in recent years, crime has increased following the financial crisis. From here you can easily head to nearby Kazakhstan .

13. Smolensk

Lying on the Dnepr River, Smolensk has loads of interesting and beautiful sights to woo visitors with and is one of the oldest cities in Russia. Captured and ruled by different countries at various points throughout its long history, churches, buildings and monuments dating to various epochs can be found around the city.

Its spectacular fortress – which is somehow larger than the Kremlin in Moscow – is delightful to explore, with the breathtaking Assumption Cathedral being another highlight. In addition to its historical sites, museums, galleries and theaters showcase a rich art and musical heritage.

12. Kaliningrad

Separated from the main body of Russia by Poland and Lithuania, Kaliningrad lies along the Baltic coast and for long parts of its history was ruled by Germany. In 1946 the region was annexed to the USSR and stripped of its German identity after the German population had been expelled.

While much of the city was destroyed in the Second World War, some of its German heritage can still be found here and there, although much of the city is now made up of drab, grey Soviet-era buildings. Surprisingly nice to walk around, tree-filled parks and quaint neighborhoods serve to soften its harsh features and there are some delightful museums on offer.

Formerly known as Konigsberg, the old city walls lend a distinctive air to Kaliningrad and are its most famous sight after its fantastic cathedral.

11. Krasnodar

A lively place with an energetic feel about its streets, Krasnodar is an elegant city – at times it is called ‘Little Paris’. Some lovely Tsarist-era architecture can be found dotted about, and numerous shops, bars and restaurants make it a nice place to spend some time – although it does lack the spectacular sights of other cities in Russia.

From here, there are great transport links if you want to explore the surrounding region.

10. Veliky Novgorod

Lying on the banks of the Volkhov River, this ancient city was the first capital of Russia all the way back in the 9th Century. Set on an important trade route between Central Asia and Europe, Veliky Novgorod thankfully avoided being destroyed in the Second World War, so most of its fantastic monasteries and monuments are intact.

The medieval heart of the city is fascinating to explore, and numerous old churches can be found – the 11th Century St Sophia’s Cathedral is just one of many highlights, alongside St George’s Cathedral, the oldest monastery in Russia. Drenched in history, the city’s bars and restaurants are great to unwind in after a long day of sightseeing.

9. Volgograd

Formerly known as Stalingrad, the city is famous as the site of the battle where the Russians finally managed to stop the German advance in WWII. After the war, Volgograd was transformed by the Soviets, and the grand public buildings and wide avenues that we see today were designed to highlight their victory.

The massive monument dedicated to their success is awe-inspiring, while the huge war cemetery just outside the city is humbling as you realize the incredible sacrifice the Soviets made during the war. Volgograd has a lovely waterfront for travelers to explore, and there are some atmospheric cafes and fine dining establishments to be found.

Lying on the Black Sea, Sochi hosted the 2014 Winter Olympics. As such, a lot of investment went into improving the city’s facilities and tourist services. Russia’s most famous seaside resort, it has a lovely waterfront promenade – home to some great nightclubs and restaurants. There are also some delightful parks throughout the city.

While the beaches are not so nice, and it can get expensive in the summer months, the sea is warm to swim in and Sochi has a nice climate. From here, you can visit the Russian Riviera, go hiking in Agura Valley, or head to the nearby ski resorts in the mountains – where the Olympics took place.

7. Nizhny Novgorod

With the Volga and Oka Rivers running through it, Nizhny Novgorod is most famed for the spectacular hilltop kremlin looking out over the spot where the two tributaries join. Although it is understandably the highlight of what is on offer, the city has more than enough to entertain visitors for a couple of days.

There are some great museums and restaurants for tourists to enjoy, as well as lovely views of the surroundings. From here, you can go on a scenic river cruise to some of the villages and towns nearby.

Lying not far from Lake Baikal, Irkutsk is increasingly popular with tourists – there are new, educative and interesting museums springing up in recent times. The 130 Kvartal part of the city is full of traditional Siberian wooden buildings that are lovely to wander around, and new, trendy cafes, bars and restaurants can be found throughout its streets.

Most people arrive here on the Trans-Siberian Railway – Irkutsk is a great base from which to explore the surrounding region.

5. Vladivostok

An important port and naval base, Vladivostok is set in the far east of Russia and acts as a capital to the region. Set amidst the hills, its Pacific coastline is full of delightful little islands and bays which only add to the picturesque feel of the place.

Some lovely architecture can be found interspersed among Soviet-era buildings. A city on the move, new theaters and cultural attractions are opening up in Vladivostok, while its fantastic restaurant scene is perfectly complemented by trendy cocktail bars and pumping nightlife.

4. Yekaterinburg

Yekaterinburg has been the setting of numerous important events in Russia’s history; it is here that the Romanovs were executed and Boris Yeltsin came to power. Lying next to the Ural Mountains, the city was once the object of a gem rush, as miners poured into Yekaterinburg hoping to make their fortune.

Nowadays, it has lots of historical and cultural sites for visitors to enjoy. With a growing economy, many bars and cafes are springing up and there is a fantastic gastronomic scene that will leave you salivating. A busy place with horrendous traffic, its international airport means that many people stop by here on their way to explore the Ural Mountains.

Lying on the Volga, this city is the capital of the Tatars (a Turkic people). As such, it is a unique and interesting place to visit in Russia. With Slavic Russians making up a large part of Kazan’s population, there is a delightful mix of cultures.

You can find church spires interspersed among the minarets of the mosques, and streets signs are written in both languages. An autonomous region, Tatarstan’s oil reserves mean that the city is quickly modernizing, although it still retains its traditional identity.

With some delightful local cuisine and interesting cultural attractions such as the Kazan Kremlin, Kazan’s distinctive flavor makes it a lovely city to explore.

2. Saint Petersburg

Only founded in 1703, St Petersburg’s tumultuous history has seen it change names numerous times. The former capital from which the Tsars once reigned hosted the Communist Revolution and was later sieged by the Nazis.

With a Western European feel to it, elegant palaces and grand cathedrals are abundant in the city, while lovely, leafy parks make it a simply beautiful place to wander around. Rivers and canals cut through St Petersburg, and delightful bridges cross its waterways.

With a laidback way of life, the city has lots of great shopping and dining options, as well as some fantastic nightlife. Not to be missed is the spectacular art collection at the Hermitage Museum.

A majestic city with a sense of grandeur and epic scale about it, the capital of Russia is a delight to explore, with the Kremlin and Red Square being its undoubted highlight. Lying at the heart of the city, wandering around the ancient fortress is an awe-inspiring experience – the stunning St Basil’s Cathedral only adds to the atmosphere.

Monuments, museums, statues and more commemorate the country’s Soviet past – the Bunker-42 Cold War museum is particularly worth checking out. With over 600 churches in this city, orthodoxy is another defining feature of the country; everywhere you look, you’ll see gold-plated domes sparkling joyfully in the sunlight.

Renowned throughout the world for its performing arts, catching a ballet, circus performance or opera at one of Moscow’s theaters will live long in the memory – new and innovative pieces are constantly being produced. On top of all this, Moscow has fantastic restaurants, trendy bars and some hopping nightlife spots.

Map of cities in Russia

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Top Places to Visit in Russia: Best Sights to See the Russian Nature

Russia is the largest country in the world it occupies over 17 million square kilometers. therefore, it is not surprising that there are many unusual and interesting places to visit. in this article, we tried to compile the unique tourist destinations that you can reach by yourself or with us ..

• We plan to make a big winter Tour from Moscow to Baikal for 1-2 months by car in 2020-2021 .

5. Elbrus, Caucasus

Elbrus is the largest mountain in russia and europe reaching 5642 meters above sea level. it is considered being one of the seven wonders of our country. elbrus is sung by poets and glorified by climbers. in elbrus it is possible to go skiing, drink mineral water narzan and enjoy caucasian hospitality with a barbecue and wines., the mountain is actually an ancient volcano, that erupted a long time ago. most of the slopes of elbrus are gentle up to a height of 4000 meters, then they become steep and rocky with snow and ice. several dozen glaciers descend from elbrus in all directions making the landscape spectacular., the legendary mountain has always attracted people with its mysterious beauty. the elbrus region is extremely popular among skiers, runners, and climbers since soviet times. if you are experienced alpinist climbing to elbrus from north, you may see a line of people climbing to the top every morning. it’s a russian everest, 6. baikal lake, siberia, baikal is unique it is the deepest lake and possibly the oldest lake on the planet. it stores almost a quarter of the world’s freshwater resources. water is so clear that you can see bottom through up to a depth of 40 meters the lake is spectacular , baikal looks like a sea. its serene blue expanse extends almost to the horizon, and on the shores sacred rocky cliffs give way to sandy beaches. almost half of the species of the entire flora and fauna of baikal are unique and do not exist anywhere else on earth. for example, you may meet funny fresh-water animals similar to seals. they are cute and fat animals with huge saucer eyes and love to bask on warm coastal rocks., in the autumn, storms with strong winds blow. baikal freezes only in the second half of january, the ice melts only in may. the baikal ice is like the water; it is surprisingly clear. people travel baikal in winter to see huge fields of transparent ice with wonderful cracks and bubbles., the circum-baikal railway is a historic railway; in the past it was part of the trans-siberian railway 94 km long. now it is a kind of museum of railway architecture with many monuments of engineering art, including tunnels and more bridges., olkhon is the largest and the most famous island of baikal lake. its natural beauty and diversity of landscapes are marvelous. steppes, dense forests, swamps, harsh cliffs and dunes with sandy beaches attracts many tourists. olkhon is also great to experience the culture of shamanism..

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Having a place with both Europe and Asia, the world’s biggest country is inseparable from onion-domed. Read Places to Visit in Russia.

Introduction

Having a place with both Europe and Asia, the world’s biggest country is inseparable from onion-domed decently story esque constructions, epic train ventures, tremendous breadths of wild, dubious lawmakers, long unforgiving winters, and vodka-fuelled evenings. It has since quite a while ago held an interest with numerous an inquisitive explorer and for the individuals who do visit will discover a nation loaded up with socially incredible urban areas, unspoiled open country, creative wealth, and a lot of inviting individuals. In a particularly gigantic nation it’s difficult to tell where to begin, yet our visitor blogger Daniil Timin – a Russian local – picks 20 of the best and most excellent spots to visit in Russia…

St. Petersburg – Russia’s luxurious social community

St. Petersburg Russia

St. Petersburg is a city with a long and momentous history and is perhaps the best city to visit in Russia. In 1611, the town was brought into the world under the name Nyens and consistently filled in size and eminence. As systems rose and fell around the incredible city, it was renamed over and over until it showed up at its current name, St. Petersburg.

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The historical backdrop of the city has left various notorious relics, like excellent old places of worship with incredibly fancy design. Today, guests to the city love to investigate the way of life of the city just as partake in watersports and appreciate the expressive arts that the city has to bring to the table.

The fancy city flaunts a phenomenal culture scene including shows just as various galleries and noteworthy visits. An extraordinary method to discover more about nearby life here is to incorporate a visit to some Kommunalka condos a collective living plan that started in the Soviet time. Read Also about best san jose towing company

Altai – a staggering spot to visit in Russia which is home to delightful lakes and glades

Altai is a Russian republic in southern Siberia whose landscape Altai is maybe the most delightful district in Russia. This wild territory is almost immaculate, and the normal magnificence is entirely amazing. Altai is loaded up with icy masses and icy lakes, just as remedial natural aquifers. One of the Best Places to Visit in Russia.

The two tourists and wellbeing searchers love this wild territory for its unsullied common contributions, this is a magnificent untainted spot in Russia which is ideal for hikers to investigate.

Moscow – the powerful and grand Russian capital which is unquestionably probably the best spot to visit in the country

Moscow is the capital of Russia, just as the country’s cosmopolitan focal point of expressions, music, science, scholastics, and governmental issues.

This centuries old city is a captivating spot to investigate for guests, with craftsmanship and design from each period, other than a lot of cutting edge joys to participate in. St. Basil’s Cathedral is an especially fascinating structure, with designed multi-hued pinnacles and inflatable like rooftops.

Despite the fact that it looks somewhat like something out Disneyland, the Cathedral and all of Moscow is no legendary fantasy, however a genuine experience! On account of Moscow, reality bests dream. This Russian city is a lovely spot to make a trip to and very not at all like anything you’ll discover somewhere else. One of the Best Places to Visit in Russia.

Olkhon Island – the pearl of Siberia and a genuine delight spot

Olkhon Island

This is the fourth-biggest lake-bound island on the planet and for a stage back on schedule, Olkhon Island is a great spot to visit and remain in Russia. Situated around 250 km north-east from Irkutsk, it’s reachable overland or by the ocean and here the way of life of the neighborhood locals is astoundingly very much safeguarded, so you can encounter an exceptional corner of Russia in a valid manner.

This enormous island is in Lake Baikal, and its secluded area makes it both uncrowded and normally stunning. On the off chance that you’ve investigated every one of the locales in metropolitan Russia and you’re searching for more, at that point this is the spot in Russia to go to.

The Golden Ring – excursion paradise and quite possibly the most excellent spots to visit in Russia

The Golden Ring is a progression of urban areas that are viewed as the establishment of Russia’s development and culture. For explorers particularly inspired by Russian history, an excursion through a portion of these superb urban areas is an absolute necessity in Russian. A couple of good ones, regardless, are Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Suzdal.

Large numbers of the locales inside these urban communities are UNESCO ensured on account of their worth not exclusively to Russian history however to world history when all is said in done. Large numbers of the constructions date back to bygone eras and past, so guests to the space can get an encounter of what life resembled quite a while in the past. On the off chance that you visit any urban areas in the Golden Ring, make certain to visit a couple of historical centers and religious communities too.

Inns and Self-Catered Vacation Rentals in The Golden Ring

Kamchatka – an immense volcanic promontory

The audacious will cherish beautiful Kamchatka, an enormous peninsular landmass in the north of Russia. In spite of the fact that Kamchatka which lies in far eastern Russia, between the Sea of Okhotsk on the west and the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea on the east, is somewhat segregated, it keeps on drawing voyagers due to its forcing volcanoes, steaming holes and ethereal scenes.

Between intriguing structures, unusual land developments, and various characteristic marvels, there is continually something to find in Kamchatka and it’s effectively perhaps the most wonderful spots to visit in Russia.

Kizhi – a charming island to investigate in Russia

Kizhi is a tranquil island situated close to the mathematical focal point of the Lake Onega in the Republic of Karelia, in the north of Russia. During the warm mid year months, the little local area is supported by the travel industry to the Kizhi State Open-Air Museum of History, Architecture, and Ethnography.

This is an outside gallery devoted to instructing guests about eighteenth century life in Russia. In the event that you visit Kizhi, you can stroll through this protected town and find out about regular daily existence, religion, amusement, and groups of natural Russia. One of the top attractions in Russia, it’s an instructive and remarkable experience that merits the excursion.

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Peterhof Palace – an elaborate Russian jewel and an enchanted spot to investigate in Russia

Peterhof is a sub-area of St. Petersburg, and it merits a put on this top Russian location list since it’s home to the delightful Peterhof Grand Palace. The Palace is a noteworthy design dating to 1714 when Peter the Great of Russia started development on his celebrated royal residence. One of the Best Places to Visit in Russia.

In the years that followed, Czars kept on adding their own wings, nurseries, and lakes to the royal residence and grounds. Lamentably, a large part of the royal residence was obliterated by Axis Powers during the Second World War, and fixes are as yet progressing today. All things considered, the Peterhof Grand Palace is an incredibly delightful and superb spot to visit. Guests can organize voyages through the grounds and the elaborately enriched insides.

Ruskeala, Karelia – quite possibly the most delightful spots to visit in Russia

The town of Ruskeala in Karelia is arranged four hours north from St. Petersburg and is effectively quite possibly the most wonderful spots to visit in Russia. The territory is settled close to the Finnish line on the renowned Blue Highway, which interfaces Norway, Sweden, and Finland to Russia. Based upon the Tokhmayoki River, Ruskeala is prestigious for its eminent normal excellence and history as a marble mining focus.

It has a vicinity close to various delightful lakes, backwoods and sporting focuses. Ruskeala Mountain Park is a significant fascination, offering underground voyages through the rousing marble quarries. The Ruskeala Marble Canyon gives sailing exercises on beautiful marble lakes, while the Ruskeala Waterfalls are a well known area for coordinated strolls among the stunning landscape. Other than these characteristic marvels, travelers will likewise discover an assortment of inns, shops, and exercises on offer!

Pskov – appealing memorable city

Pskov is an antiquated city not a long way from the Estonian line. The city is an incredible objective to go to in Russia as it offers numerous dazzling instances of notable engineering, particularly chapels and religious communities, alongside the most unmistakable fascination – Pskov Krom.

This middle age riverside stronghold is a Russian structural pearl and highlights the similarly famous Trinity Cathedral. The twelfth century Mirozhsky Monastery is another fascination certainly worth visiting and is prestigious for its great strict paintings.

Notwithstanding incredible antiquated design, there is a wide assortment of exhibition halls and theaters around there, alongside a plenty of intriguing landmarks and sculptures to find.

Kenozersky National Park – rich forest and streams

Arranged in northwestern Russia, Kenozersky National Park is this well known spot to visit in Russia for travelers. Encircled by sections of land of rich forest and streams. The wonderful park is overwhelmed by the huge Lake Kenozero and is quite cherished by walkers, cyclists, and coordinated visits.

Spread around the recreation center, vacationers will experience incalculable verifiable structures, like places of worship and religious communities, the greater part worked by the Novgorod public, who were the primary occupants of this space. Curious Russian towns line the edge of the lake and offer an intriguing knowledge into the noteworthy nearby culture. One of the Best Places to Visit in Russia.

Since 2004, Kenozersky National Park has been an UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, making it a key preservation territory for environments and species neighborhood to the space.

Petropavlovsk – a lovely diamond to visit in Russia

Situated in Russia’s far-eastern district close to the Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk, the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky has a stunning setting of rocky grounds. The city is an extraordinary spot to remain in Russia and is getting progressively revolved around the travel industry, offering sailing and coordinated excursions to close view, including the Valley of Geysers and Uzon Volcano.

Other than astonishing landscape, vacationers can visit numerous exhibition halls, theaters, and sights of authentic importance. Mainstream objections close by incorporate the Monument to Peter and Paul, the Tri Brata spring of gushing lava and nature hold, and the volcanic exhibition hall, Vulkanarium.

Russian Arctic National Park – a cold untainted wild

An absolute necessity fascination in Russia, the Russian Arctic National Park is situated in the northern frosty district of Severny Island on Novaya Zemlya. Further north, the archipelago of Franz Josef Land likewise shapes part of this abandoned park. It is undeniably appropriate for vacationers who appreciate huge open scenes and marine well evolved creatures.

The region is extraordinary for touring strange icy dwelling creatures, particularly dim and bowhead whales, polar bears, and walruses. Opened in 2009, the public park is a significant region for preservation and environmental investigation.

Vladimir – a wealthy old city

Vladimir, found only east of Moscow, is a clamoring, memorable city and a significant vacation spot in Russia’s western area.

As the capital of the Vladimir Oblast authoritative region, the city is blessed to have held numerous instances of notable Russian design and is all around associated with significant vehicle joins, including street and rail. The city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site and gives travelers a lot to see and do.

The Cathedral of Saint Demetrius and Assumption Cathedral in Sobornaya Square are significant attractions, just like the old chapels of St. Nicholas in Galea and Nikitskaya Church. Guests can likewise visit Bolshaya Moskovskaya Street for shopping and amusement, while galleries and theaters give a lot of diversion esteem.

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Shorsky National Park – profound timberlands and transcending mountains

Shorsky National Park is situated in eastern Russia, not a long way from the boundary with Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan. It is a hilly area of thick forest path that are ideal for long strolls and outside air. The recreation center is outstanding amongst other normal attractions in Russia and is home to an assortment of wild creatures, including earthy colored bears, deer, wolves, and lynx.

Sightseers that visit this Russian jewel can hope to track down a wide scope of exercises inside the limits of the recreation center, for example, buckling, horse riding, strolling, and sailing. Other than huge spans of woods, travelers can likewise appreciate wonderful cavern developments and cascades. The landscape is very rough and sloping now and again, however for the challenging, the view is genuinely awesome!

Irkutsk – a flawlessly saved Russian city

Irkutsk is an enormous city situated in East Siberia, close toward the southern tip of Lake Baikal, supposed to be the most profound freshwater waterway on the planet. Known as a chief stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway, the city is an incredible spot in Russia to investigate as it mixes conventional design with 21st-century living.

Guests can hope to discover quality shopping, stunning society, and a lot of amusement in bars, theaters, and galleries. The city additionally plays host to the Central Market and an assortment of western-style indoor shopping regions.

Stolby Nature Reserve – probably the most established hold in Russia and a shocking spot to visit

Stolby Nature Reserve on the banks of the Yenisei River is found only south of the city of Krasnoyarsk. The hold is famous with walkers, cyclists, and rock climbers and highlights thick backwoods encompassed by intriguing stone arrangements. This territory, known as The Pillars, highlights enormous stone monuments up to almost 100 feet in stature, offering numerous difficulties to new and surprisingly prepared stone climbers. One of the Best Places to Visit in Russia.

Likewise, the save has a lot of convenience and visitor houses, albeit numerous sightseers appreciate this awesome spot to go to in Russia as there are bunches of different outdoors openings accessible.

Kazan – a glorious old Russian city to investigate

Kazan is a varied city, with its character established in sports just as expressions, religion, and sciences. It is maybe generally renowned for its athletic occasions, and is regularly called the “ Sports Capital of Russia.” However, guests to Kazan are bound to experience its various galleries and strict focuses. Gigantic mosques exist one next to the other with huge church buildings, all similarly wonderful and marvelously planned.

This is a traveler problem area in Russia as there are different galleries from workmanship to science to history accessible for the long lasting student, like the Museum of Happy Childhood and the Museum of Soviet Life. It’s positively an intriguing and assorted city in Russia for the metropolitan pioneer to find. One of the Best Places to Visit in Russia.

Nizhny Novgorod – a flourishing notable city and perhaps the best spot to visit in Russia

Nizhny Novgorod in western Russia dwells on the Volga and Oka streams. This city of more than 1,000,000 occupants joins an authentic past with a cutting edge, modern present. With incredible vehicle connects, the city is effectively open by rail, air, or vehicle. The Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin complex is maybe the most prominent vacation destination. One of the Best Places to Visit in Russia.

This archaic stronghold is an engineering work of art, highlighting 12 pinnacles lined on its dividers. Be that as it may, the city has bounty more on proposal for traveler to investigate, from Minin and Pozharsky Square to the Chkalov Stairs. Sormovskiy Park is a striking area of interest and offers outside entertainment territories that are ideal for the children. Ice skating, a funfair, and open air diversion are completely included here.

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Sochi – a lovely Russian city situated on the Black Sea

Sochi got celebrated during the 2014 winter Olympics, but at the same time it’s marvelous by its own doing. This city is situated on the edge of the Black Sea, which makes it ideal for both winter and summer sports.

During warm seasons, novice and expert competitors love to exploit water-sport exercises, for example, kite surfing and throughout the colder time of year, it’s a well known objective for skiing and snowboarding.

In case you’re searching for a spot to get your competitor on, Sochi is an extraordinary decision and I for one think the perspectives and the magnificent sea shore makes it an unquestionable requirement Russian objective!

Any of these 20 delightful spots to visit in Russia would make an awesome objective for your outing. Any place you choose to go, you will find a one of a kind and differed culture that Russia offers to the world. Prepare for an exceptional outing that should not be taken lightly, truly!

All words by visitor blogger Daniil Timin. Daniil was brought into the world in Kirov, Russia, yet is presently voyaging and working all throughout the planet. He’s creator of the blog russianblogger.me where he writes about existence and going in Russia.

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10 Things To Do in Russia [Best Places to Visit in Russia]

Russian vodka, anyone? It’s debated whether this hard drink came from the Polish or the Russians, but there’s no doubt that it has long been associated with the latter. Even the word vodka itself came from the word “Voda” which means water in Russian.

Aside from the famous clear liquor, another thing that made Russia a household name was the USSR or most often called the Soviet Union. During its peak, the Union spanned from Russia to Azerbaijan and Tajikistan. Even after its fall, Russia remains to be the biggest country in the world up to this day, with centuries worth of stories that need to be shared, from the imperial times up to the modern and powerful force that it is right now.

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• List of the Best Backpackers Hostels in Russia

Table of Contents

Key Cities in Russia

Moscow – This city is the country’s capital and also the most popular destination among tourists. Moscow is home to almost 12 million residents and also to its rich artistic and cultural heritage which leaves most of its visitors in awe. One of this city’s pride is its ballet performances, one of the things the whole country is most known for.

St. Petersburg – Also known as Leningrad, Russia’s second-largest city held a very important role in the country’s history as the former capital of Imperial Russia. This was where the tsars and tsarinas once held court before they were ousted by revolutionists in 1918. As Imperial Russia’s capital, this city is filled with grand palaces and majestic cathedrals that will instantly bring you back to the time of the monarch.

Yekaterinburg – Here’s another city in Russia that played a huge part in history. In particular, the Ipatiev House where the last Tsar and his whole family were executed by the revolutionaries is situated here. This is also where Boris Yeltsin, the first president of the Russian Federation rose to power.

Sochi – This city made its name to the news in recent times by being the venue of the 2014 Winter Olympics and the 2018 FIFA World Cup. It lies by the Black Sea and is a famous summer destination for Russians because of its subtropical climate and beautiful beaches.

Vladivostok – Russia’s key city in the east and is the center of the Far Eastern Federal District is the final destination of the Trans-Siberian Railway. Vladivostok is the primary port of the country in the Pacific and is the bordering town to North Korea and China.

What You Should Do in Russia

1. watch a ballet performance.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Get Bilet (@get.bilet) on Feb 18, 2019 at 6:24am PST

Russia might be one of the leading countries in the world when it comes to the art of ballet dancing. And as such, it should be included on your list as one of the things you should try when in the country.

Bolshoi Theatre is the famous theatre in Moscow where you can score passes to shows like The Nutcracker and Swan Lake. However, you need to be quick with getting your tickets as there are lots of resellers clamoring for those as well to sell them for almost 4 to 5 times its original prices.

The best way to get awesome seats to any of their shows is to buy them off the theater’s official website which you will find here .

In case you are planning to watch ballet in St. Petersburg, you can also drop by Mariinsky, another world-famous theater in the country. You can also get tickets to any of their shows using their website which you will find here .

2. Visit Russia’s Kremlins

Here’s a fun fact: Moscow isn’t the only city in Russia where there’s a Kremlin (a Russian citadel). There are 11 more of these scattered in the country.

Of course, the first one that comes to mind is the Moscow Kremlin (most commonly known as “THE” Kremlin to visitors) which holds a very important place in the history of the country as it was the residence of the Great Prince and also a religious center. It was built between the 14th and 17th centuries by some of the best architects within the country and beyond.

Nowadays, it has become one of the country’s centers of tourism with people traveling from all over the world just to see famous Russian Orthodox churches like the Church of the Archangel and the Assumption Cathedral where royal weddings and coronations used to take place.

Probably the most unique kremlin within the country is that of Kazan, the Russian city famous for being a cultural mixture of the east and west. This Kremlin sitting by the Volga River has a strong Islamic character than the rest of its contemporaries which can be traced back to the city’s large Muslim population. Sitting next to its 16th century Orthodox Cathedral is Europe’s largest mosque. This kremlin also houses Russia’s largest halal meat warehouse.

Another notable Kremlin that one must not miss is the one in Veliky Novgorod called The “Children’s” kremlin which got its name from the prince’s men-at-arms called “youngsters” or “children” who used to live there.

Under Ivan the Terrible, the city underwent a huge political turmoil and, according to the legend, only came to a halt when a pigeon from far away perched on the cross at St. Sophia’s Cathedral and turned to stone.

3. Have a glass of authentic Kvass

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by KVASS – Russian Soda (@kvassrussiansoda) on Jun 23, 2014 at 10:25am PDT

Kvass, a fermented Slavic brew made from rye bread has been a staple drink at this side of the world. You’ll often find it being sold in street stalls and monasteries and has been a famous refreshment during summertime.

Aside from its thirst-quenching abilities, kvass is also filled with good bacteria that are beneficial for your digestive system.

4. Go sunbathing under the Sochi sun

It’s surprising to know that while most of us envision Russia as a cold, frozen country during the winter season, it has towns where you can enjoy a subtropical climate like Sochi. Situated by the Black Sea, it’s a summertime destination that you won’t want to miss when you’re in Russia.

One thing that makes Sochi’s beaches stand out from what we’re used to is that the shores are rocky and full of pebbles, unlike most beaches with fine sand. That doesn’t take away the fun in diving into its warm waters, though.

Most of these beaches are managed by exclusive resorts so to make sure you’ll have the best time while visiting, you may book the best one that fits your taste in advance.

5. Familiarize yourself in Russian Art and History by visiting museums

As a country with its history spanning hundreds of years, it’s not surprising to find a multitude of museums and art galleries housing important artifacts and historic art pieces that will surely tickle the fancy of anyone who visits the country.

One of the most famous art museums in all of Russia and the world is the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It has more than three million art pieces and artifacts consisted of thousands of paintings, graphic art, sculptures, archeological documents and more. It’s also famous for being the former palace of Russian emperors in the past.

Khizi Island might not ring a bell to most of us, but this small island is the location of one of Russia’s largest open-air museums. In this complex, you’ll find monuments, churches, and even houses that showcase the life and culture of the Karelia people.

6. Witness the perfect mixture of the East and West in Kazan

Known as the Russian Republic of Tatarstan (home to the Tatars, a Turkic people), this country is the perfect mix of eastern and western influences within Russia. Here you’ll find Muslims and Christians living peacefully within this historic yet modern city.

Kazan is where the most unique Kremlin in all of Russia can be found, with the Kul Sharif Mosque standing in the same space as the Annunciation Cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church.

It is also right outside Kazan where you’ll find the Temple of All Religions, a site that pays tribute to the peaceful co-existence of Christians and Muslims within the city.

7. Visit the Church on the Blood

This church stands on the same spot where the ill-fated Romanov family, including their father, Emperor Nicholas II met their demise in the hands of the Bolsheviks during the revolution.

Today, the Russian Orthodox church which was erected on the same site hosts holidays and pageants in honor of the Romanov dynasty. There’s also a museum in the complex in memory of the imperial family. If you are a history buff and have always been interested in the story of the last Russian empire, this place is for you.

8. Experience Russian winter season

Of course, what would a visit to Russia be if you don’t get to experience their cold winter season at least once in your life?

Unlike most of the world which celebrates Christmas on December 25, the Russians hold their feast on January 7. Christmas season in Russia is a much more quiet festivity than it is around the world, but there are still festivals that you can still enjoy around this time in the country.

Russian Winter Festival in Moscow features ice sculptures, events and lots of pretty attractions in commemoration of the season. You might find yourself shopping for Russian-themed Christmas gifts at the Revolution Square if you visit around this time as there are shops lined up within the area with Matryoshka dolls and other traditional Russian crafts.

You should also never miss seeing The Nutcracker at the Royal Moscow Ballet as well as the fireworks display towering over the Red Square during New Year’s Eve.

Winter season is also the perfect time to go Northern Lights hunting in the country. Join a tour to the Kola Peninsula to witness this majestic sight for yourself.

9. Take a trip to Lake Baikal

Lake Baikal in Eastern Siberia is like no other lake in the world in the sense that it is the deepest and biggest of its kind.

People from all over flock to this ancient lake to swim in what’s considered as some of the purest water in the world. It’s also believed that the water in Baikal has miraculous properties, giving people the youthfulness they’ve always wanted to preserve.

During the winter season, Lake Baikal also becomes the perfect playground for anyone who enjoys ice fishing, ice-biking, and even dog sledding.

10. Discover the mysteries of the City of the Dead

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Atlas Obscura (@atlasobscura) on Feb 24, 2020 at 12:35pm PST

If you’re up for something that’s a bit out of the ordinary, the City of the Dead in Dragavs might pique your interest.

Within the city, there lies an ancient cemetery where people used to bury their family members along with their clothes and belongings. The cemetery stretches for around 17 kilometers and is the resting place of some 100 stone crypts. 

It’s believed that a local plague swept throughout the city in the 18th century so people are either forced to live in quarantine houses or wait in the expansive graveyard until they die.

Nowadays, it can be a bit hard to reach the location of the said cemetery, but it still attracts the attention of tourists from all over the world due to its history.

What You Should Know Before Visiting Russia

There are a few ways to get to Russia, depending on where you’re from. People from European countries like the UK can travel to Russia by land onboard a train or by driving a car.

Of course, you can always go the usual route and get plane tickets to Russia. It has several international airports where you can make a landing.

Most nations are required to have a visa to stay in Russia. Single entry tourist visas to Russia are valid up to 30 days and cannot be extended. It will take you anywhere between 4 working days to 6 weeks to get your visa to Russia, depending on the exact type you need.

When applying for a Russian visa, you must gather all the important documents such as your passport, a filled-out application form, a passport-sized photo, and supporting documents like your hotel voucher, tourist voucher, and booking confirmation.

In general, Russia is a safe country to visit, especially if you’re staying in the bigger cities like Moscow or if you’re traveling the Trans-Siberian route. However, certain places like the border with Ukraine and the North Caucasus region are risky places that you can consider not visiting for the meantime.

Aside from this, other things that you should pay close attention to when traveling to Russia are petty crimes like theft, pickpocketing and scammy taxi drivers. As with any other destination, always be vigilant whenever you’re out and avoid traveling outside the city at night.

The police might also stop you at any given time to have a look at your documents, so it’s always important to keep them handy. Always have your passport with you as well as any other documents that will help prove your identity. If you fail to provide any of these while being questioned by the police, you might face detention or heavy fines.

Another thing to keep in mind when in Russia is to NEVER drink their tap water. Even locals do not do this, so do not risk your health by trying it out and get yourself bottled water instead. Since the water pipes in the country are already very old, the water can be really bad and improperly sanitized.

Some people fear that when going around, they might have a hard time communicating with the locals since most of them speak Russian. You don’t have to fret, though, as more and more Russians learn to speak English nowadays. However, if you do find yourself in a difficult situation, you may approach receptionists, guides, or even the police to help you get out of it.

Since July 2014, the Russian government launched a special police force for tourists in Moscow to help visitors within the country. It’s made up of security patrols and English information available to tourists visiting Moscow.

Russia’s national currency is the Ruble (RUB) and it’s against the law for any establishment to accept any other currency except for this one. When in Russia, you may exchange your US Dollar or Euro so paying can be much easier. British Pounds, on the other hand, can be quite hard to exchange as you may only do it in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg. You may also use credit and debit cards when paying, but it’s still best not to run out of cash.

To get the best out of your travel to Russia, you may visit from May through September. During these times, temperatures can go anywhere from 21 to 31 degrees Celsius during the day and as low as 10 degrees during the night.

Going around, on the other hand, isn’t that hard when you’re in the country. You may use the metro or local taxi services. The only downside of hailing taxis is that the traffic can get pretty bad, so it might cost you a lot.

Yes, Russia might be considered as one of the countries with the coldest winter season, but their people are anything but that. They are friendly and hospitable once you get to know them. It’s typical for Russians to put on a straight face in public and not to be all warm and chummy with you upon your first meeting, but this is more of a cultural thing and not out of spite.

This is very reflective of Russia as a country as well. Most people see it as harshly cold and distant. However, once you get to know what Russia’s all about, with its rich history and incomparable beauty, you’ll surely fall in love!

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One thought on “ 10 Things To Do in Russia [Best Places to Visit in Russia] ”

Thank you for the information, I have taken notes! My friend and I are planning a trip to Moscow in May of next year. I like it a little warmer and she like a bit cooler, so I was happy to see that May is a good time.

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Russia, the largest country in the world, beckons travellers with a tapestry of captivating destinations and a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural wonders. Explore the hidden gems in Russia, from the vibrant cityscapes of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the rugged wilderness of Kamchatka and the serene beauty of Lake Baikal; Russia offers a diverse range of places to visit that cater to every traveller's interests and preferences.

One of the best places to visit in Russia, Moscow, boasts a blend of modernity and antiquity, with iconic landmarks like the majestic Kremlin and the grandeur of Red Square. St. Petersburg, the cultural gem of Russia, captivates visitors with its imperial heritage, showcased in opulent palaces, world-class museums, and picturesque canals. Beyond the urban centres, the Trans-Siberian Railway offers an epic journey through vast landscapes, traversing forests, mountains, and charming villages, providing a unique perspective on Russia's sheer expanse.

Places To Visit in Russia | Exploring the Breathtaking Beauty

Whether one seeks cosmopolitan charm, historical marvels, or natural splendours, the places to visit in Russia present an array of experiences, offering a journey that promises to captivate and leave a lasting impression on all who explore this magnificent country.

• Moscow | The Dynamic Capital of Russia
• St. Petersburg | The Cultural Gem
• Red Square | Iconic Landmark in History in Moscow
• The Kremlin | Majestic Fortress in Moscow
• Hermitage Museum | Art and History Extravaganza in St. Petersburg
• Trans-Siberian Railway Epic Train Journey
• Kazan | The Tatar Jewel
• Sochi | Riviera of the Black Sea
• Golden Ring Cities | Ancient Towns with Historical Treasures
• Lake Baikal | World's Deepest and Oldest Freshwater Lake
• Kamchatka Peninsula | Untouched Wilderness and Volcanoes
• Veliky Novgorod | Cradle of Russian Civilization
• Suzdal | Discover a Fairytale-Like Town
• Vladivostok | Gateway to the Pacific
• Yekaterinburg | Historical and Cultural Hub
• Nizhny Novgorod | Riverfront City with Rich Heritage
• Kazan Kremlin | UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Sergiev Posad | Spiritual Centre and Monastery
• Veliky Ustyug | Home of Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus)
• Mount Elbrus | Explore Europe's Tallest Peak

1. Moscow | The Dynamic Capital of Russia

Moscow, Russia's bustling metropolis and capital, is a vibrant blend of history, culture, and modernity. From the iconic Red Square and the majestic Kremlin to the contemporary skyscrapers of Moscow City, the city offers a captivating mix of historical landmarks and cosmopolitan charm.

• Major Attractions: Red Square, The Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral, Bolshoi Theatre.
• Activities: Visit Red Square and marvel at St. Basil's Cathedral.

2. St. Petersburg | The Cultural Gem

St. Petersburg, often called the "Venice of the North," is a treasure trove of cultural riches. The city's opulent palaces, exquisite cathedrals, and the renowned Hermitage Museum showcase its imperial past and artistic legacy, making it a paradise for art enthusiasts and history buffs.

• Major Attractions: The Hermitage Museum, Winter Palace, Peter and Paul Fortress, Nevsky Prospekt.
• Activities: Explore the Hermitage Museum, an art and history treasure trove.

3. Red Square | Iconic Landmark in Moscow

At the heart of Moscow lies the iconic Red Square, a symbol of Russia's history and national pride. Surrounded by architectural wonders like St. Basil's Cathedral and the State Historical Museum, this vibrant square has witnessed significant historical events throughout the centuries.

• Major Attractions: St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Mausoleum, GUM Department Store.
• Activities: Discover the majesty of this historic fortress and its cathedrals.

4. The Kremlin | Majestic Fortress in Moscow

The Kremlin, an imposing fortress in the heart of Moscow, serves as the official residence of the Russian president. Steeped in history, this UNESCO World Heritage Site houses an array of palaces, cathedrals, and government buildings, providing a glimpse into Russia's rich heritage.

• Major Attractions: Armoury Chamber, Ivan the Great Bell Tower, Tsar Bell.
• Activities: Embark on an epic train journey across vast landscapes.

5. Hermitage Museum | Art and History Extravaganza in St. Petersburg

The Hermitage Museum, one of the world's largest and most prestigious museums, houses an extraordinary collection of art and artefacts. With over three million exhibits, including works by renowned artists like Da Vinci and Rembrandt, the museum offers a mesmerising journey through history and culture.

• Major Attractions: Rembrandt's paintings, Egyptian Antiquities, Winter Palace interiors.
• Activities: Explore the Kazan Kremlin and its Eastern and Western architecture blend.

6. Trans-Siberian Railway | Epic Train Journey

The Trans-Siberian Railway, one of the world's longest and most famous train journeys, spans Russia's vast landscapes. Travelling on this iconic railway offers a unique perspective of the country's diverse scenery, from the Ural Mountains to the Siberian wilderness.

• Major Attractions: Baikal-Amur Mainline (BAM), scenic landscapes.
• Activities: Enjoy the Black Sea Riviera with its beaches and outdoor activities.

7. Kazan | The Tatar Jewel

Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, is a harmonious blend of East and West. With its stunning mosques, vibrant markets, and the Kazan Kremlin, this city presents a fascinating mix of Tatar and Russian cultures.

• Major Attractions: Kazan Kremlin, Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan Riviera.
• Activities: Step back in time in ancient towns with rich historical treasures.

8. Sochi | Riviera of the Black Sea

Sochi, known as the "Summer Capital of Russia," is a picturesque resort city along the Black Sea coast. Sochi is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and beach lovers alike, offering a delightful combination of palm-fringed beaches and snow-capped mountains.

• Major Attractions: Sochi Park, Rosa Khutor Alpine Resort, Olympic Park.
• Activities: Experience the stunning beauty of the world's deepest freshwater lake.

9. Golden Ring Cities | Ancient Towns with Historical Treasures

The Golden Ring is a group of ancient towns surrounding Moscow, each boasting a rich history and architectural heritage. These charming towns, including Suzdal, Sergiev Posad, and Veliky Ustyug, offer a glimpse into traditional Russian life and showcase stunning historical treasures.

• Major Attractions: Suzdal Kremlin, Yaroslavl Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery.
• Activities: Venture into the untouched wilderness and witness volcanic landscapes.

10. Lake Baikal | World's Deepest and Oldest Freshwater Lake

Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a natural wonder of stunning beauty and significance. With its crystal-clear waters and unique flora and fauna, this immense lake is a paradise for nature lovers and a source of inspiration for scientists and explorers.

• Major Attractions: Olkhon Island, Circum-Baikal Railway, Shaman Rock.
• Activities: Discover the cradle of Russian civilisation with its historical sites.

11. Kamchatka Peninsula | Untouched Wilderness and Volcanoes

Kamchatka, located in Russia's Far East, is a remote and pristine region boasting dramatic landscapes, active volcanoes, and abundant wildlife. This untouched wilderness offers thrilling adventures and an unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts.

• Major Attractions: Valley of Geysers, Tolbachik volcano, Kuril Lake.
• Activities: Feel like a fairytale as you stroll through this picturesque town.

12. Veliky Novgorod | Cradle of Russian Civilization

Veliky Novgorod, one of Russia's oldest and most important cities, holds a significant place in the country's history. With its ancient churches, historic buildings, and cultural heritage, this city offers a unique opportunity to delve into Russia's early roots.

• Major Attractions: St. Sophia Cathedral, Yaroslav's Court, Detinets.
• Activities: Explore the maritime gateway to the Pacific Ocean.

13. Suzdal | Discover a Fairytale-Like Town

Suzdal, a picture-perfect town in the Golden Ring, exudes an enchanting charm with its wooden houses, onion-domed churches, and peaceful countryside. Visiting Suzdal feels like stepping into a fairytale setting frozen in time.

• Major Attractions: Spaso-Evfimiev Monastery, Suzdal Kremlin, Museum of Wooden Architecture.
• Activities: Immerse in history and culture at the border of Europe and Asia.

14. Vladivostok | Gateway to the Pacific

Vladivostok, Russia's easternmost port city, is a bustling hub of commerce and culture. Rich in maritime history and with a fascinating mix of Russian and Asian influences, the city serves as a gateway between Russia and the Pacific region.

• Major Attractions: Vladivostok Fortress, Russky Bridge, Primorsky Oceanarium.
• Activities: Enjoy the riverfront city with its rich heritage and architecture.

15. Yekaterinburg | Historical and Cultural Hub

Yekaterinburg, located at the border between Europe and Asia, is a city steeped in history and culture. It is famous as the place where the last Russian Tsar, Nicholas II, and his family were executed, and it offers a captivating blend of historical landmarks and modern urban life.

• Major Attractions: Church on the Blood, Yekaterinburg City Tower, Iset River Dam.
• Activities: Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site with iconic mosques and buildings.

16. Nizhny Novgorod | Riverfront City with Rich Heritage

Nizhny Novgorod, situated at the confluence of the Volga and Oka rivers, is known for its splendid riverfront views and a wealth of historical and architectural landmarks. Visitors can immerse themselves in various activities like learning about the history and culture of Russia.

• Major Attractions: Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, Chkalov Staircase, Bolshaya Pokrovskaya Street.
• Activities: Experience spiritual serenity at this important religious centre.

17. Kazan Kremlin | UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an ancient fortress and cultural complex in the heart of Kazan. It showcases a fascinating fusion of Russian and Tatar architecture and symbolises religious tolerance and cultural diversity.

• Major Attractions: Kul Sharif Mosque, Annunciation Cathedral, Qolşärif University Library.
• Activities: Embrace the holiday spirit in the hometown of Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus).

18. Sergiev Posad | Spiritual Centre and Monastery

Sergiev Posad, also known as the "Russian Vatican," is a spiritual centre and home to the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, one of the most important monasteries in Russia. This revered site holds immense religious significance for Orthodox Christians.

• Major Attractions: Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, Assumption Cathedral, Troitse-Golenischevo Museum-Reserve.
• Activities: Challenge yourself with mountaineering on Europe's highest peak.

19. Veliky Ustyug | Home of Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus)

Veliky Ustyug is believed to be the home of Ded Moroz, the Russian equivalent of Santa Claus. The town embraces the festive spirit all year round and offers a delightful experience for those seeking Christmas magic.

• Major Attractions: Vologda and Veliky Ustyug Kremlin, St. Prokopy Cathedral.
• Activities: Hike, ski, and explore the untouched wilderness and volcanic landscapes.

20. Mount Elbrus | Explore Europe's Tallest Peak

Mount Elbrus, situated amidst the majestic Caucasus Mountains, proudly stands as Europe's tallest peak, drawing numerous mountaineers and adventure enthusiasts to its slopes. This place attracts large numbers of tourists interested in hiking and sightseeing.

• Major Attractions: Terskol Observatory, Adyr-Su Glacier.
• Activities: Take a river cruise between these iconic cities and witness the changing landscapes and culture.

Russia offers a captivating blend of historical landmarks, cultural gems, and breathtaking natural wonders, making it a diverse and exciting destination for travellers. From the iconic landmarks of Moscow to the cultural riches of St. Petersburg, the untouched wilderness of Kamchatka, and the world's deepest Lake Baikal, Russia has something to offer every type of traveller. Whether you're interested in history, art, adventure, or simply immersing yourself in nature's beauty, Russia has many places to explore and experiences to cherish. Unfold these beautiful places and embark on your journey today; plan your vacation with Adotrip, and enjoy a hassle-free trip.

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Frequently asked questions about places to visit in russia.

Q1. What famous plaza is located in Moscow's Red Square? A1. St. Basil's Cathedral is located in Moscow's Red Square.

Q2. What is the colourful, onion-domed landmark of Moscow? A2. The colourful, onion-domed landmark of Moscow is St. Basil's Cathedral.

Q3. Which palace just outside St. Petersburg is a must-see? A3. The Winter Palace is a must-see palace just outside St. Petersburg.

Q4. What is Russia's second-largest city popular for its canals? A4. Russia's second-largest city, popular for its canals, is St. Petersburg.

Q5. Where can you see mediaeval fortresses and churches? A5. You can see mediaeval fortresses and churches in the Golden Ring Cities of Russia.

Q6. What scenic port city has Russian Pacific naval facilities? A6. The scenic port city with Russian Pacific naval facilities is Vladivostok.

Q7. What Siberian city has historic Trans-Siberian Railway significance? A7. The Siberian city with historic Trans-Siberian Railway significance is Yekaterinburg.

Q8. Which mountains near Sochi offer hiking and skiing? A8. The mountains near Sochi that offer hiking and skiing are the Caucasus Mountains.

Q9. What Jewish autonomous region has a distinctive heritage? A9. The Jewish autonomous region with a distinctive heritage is Birobidzhan.

Q10. Which lake is nicknamed the "Pearl of Siberia"? A10. Lake Baikal is nicknamed the "Pearl of Siberia".

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25 Best Places to Visit in Russia

In the 21st century, most of the territory of Russia is still a little off-the-beaten-path travel destination, but actually, this is a great advantage.

The country is a very good opportunity for people who like to travel and are looking for something different and unknown.

Given the vast territory, you can easily find a place to enjoy as long as you know exactly what you are looking for.

The good news is that the country is quite affordable and most of the sights are not designed for tourists but are completely authentic.

The Capital

The Russian capital is a huge city (12,593,252 in 2021), which offers a rare variety and opportunities for entertainment and places to visit.

If you only have a few days in Moscow, you will find it difficult to see everything, but you will certainly be able to visit the main sights.

Fortunately, the subway is among the most developed in the world, not to mention that it is a true work of art.

When to visit Moscow

Moscow has a temperate continental climate with very cold and frosty winters, but also with warm and sunny summers.

June and July offer the most pleasant weather conditions for walking and exploring the city.

The average temperature during the day is usually around 72°F (22°C) in June and 77°F (25°C) in July.

1. Moscow’s City

Travelers are often surprised by the impressive appearance of the financial center of Moscow.

As the capital is the largest economic center in the country, the skyline of Moscow is dominated by modern skyscrapers.

Although the construction of tall buildings is not new to Russia, the first Western-style skyscrapers appeared on the background of the city only in the 21st century, with most of the highest structures completed after 2010.

By 2021, the tallest building in the city is the Federation Tower, which rises to an impressive height of 1,227 feet (374 meters).

2. Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square

Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square are the most recognizable and iconic landmarks in Russia.

The square was initially created as a market place in the distant 12th century. Over the centuries it has been gradually enlarged and built up.

It acquired its modern appearance only in the 18th century. The Orthodox temple itself is even older, with its construction taking place between 1555 and 1561.

The Red Square and the majestic Saint Basil’s Cathedral were inscribed in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1990.

3. Izmailovo

Travelers often describe Izmailovo as the most charming place in Russia.

Founded as a village in the late 14th century, today it is part of the historic center of Moscow.

It plays the role of a major open-air tourist landmark, attracting visitors with its unique architecture, colorful and well-preserved historic buildings, cobbled streets and numerous entertainment opportunities.

Traditionally for the Old Russian architecture, most of the buildings were built of stone and wood.

A symbol of power in Russia and a true cultural monument under the open sky, the Kremlin is among the most recognizable landmarks of the Russian Federation.

Built between 1482 and 1495, it is a fortified complex with an area of ​​27.7 hectares (0.277 km²) in the heart of the capital.

The complex was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List along with the Red Square in 1990.

As they are built of red bricks, the walls of the Kremlin are known for their specific natural red color.

It is very interesting to mention that until the 19th century, they used to apply white paint over the walls as part of the regular maintenance of the fortress, so the Kremlin looked quite different.

5. VDNKh Park

VDNKh Park in Moscow is one of the most popular places for recreation, walks and entertainment in the Russian capital.

The park was built during the Stalin era between 1935 and 1939 as an exhibition center and was completely renovated in 2014.

It is one of the largest entertainment centers in Europe, combining in a very balanced way nature and tourist attractions.

Over the last years the complex includes the Moscow Botanical Garden, so you will have the opportunity to visit them both at the same time.

The Old Imperial Capital

St. Petersburg is the most beautiful and romantic Russian city.

Situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea, it is known as “Venice of the North”.

It is famous for its amazing architecture, great variety of museums, theaters, palaces and churches.

The best time to visit St. Petersburg

The best time for a holiday in St. Petersburg is in June and July.

Apart from the fact that the weather in this part of the year is the most pleasant and comfortable (around 74°F / 23°C), you will also be able to enjoy the beauty of the White Nights.

6. Saint Petersburg Canals

St. Petersburg is known for its huge network of canals.

They are approximately 70 in number, of which 50 are natural and 20 are artificially created for drainage reasons.

As the city is located at a very low altitude above sea level and the terrain was quite swampy, the frequent floods were quite a serious problem, especially after heavy rainfalls and high water on the river.

The canals completely solved this problem and gave the city a unique charm.

Many of them freeze completely between early December and early April.

7. Peterhof

If you have to choose just one place to visit in Russia, it should be the Peterhof Palace Complex.

It is located on the southwest outskirts of the city, and it takes between an hour and an hour and a half to get there from the downtown of Saint Petersburg, depending on the transport you choose.

The beginning of the construction of the complex took place at the very beginning of the 18th century, in 1705.

However, it took more than a century before the complex acquired its present splendor and charm.

For example, one of the biggest landmarks, the fountains, were created only in the 19th century.

8. Hermitage Museum

The Hermitage was established in 1746 to serve as a winter palace for Catherine the Great.

Today it is not only the symbol of St. Petersburg and the most photographed building in the city, but it is also the second largest art museum in the world.

It is located on the south bank of the main stream of the Neva River, next to the Admiralty and is surrounded by elegant squares and lovely gardens.

9. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

Constructed between 1883 and 1907 by order of the royal family Romanovi, the Savior on Spilled Blood is a former cathedral that today functions as one of the most visited museums in St. Petersburg.

It is located not far from the beautiful Mikhailovsky Park in the central part of the city and is easily recognizable from afar thanks to its colorful domes.

The former Orthodox cathedral rises 266 ft (81 m) above the city. The building was designed as a mixture between Neoclassicism and elegant Baroque style.

10. Kazan Cathedral of Saint Petersburg

Looking more like a palace than as an Orthodox temple, the Kazan Cathedral is one of the most famous buildings in Russia’s old imperial capital.

Its construction began in 1801 and was completed 10 years later, in 1811. It is modeled on the majestic St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and the elegant neoclassical Helsinki Cathedral.

The majestic bronze gates are a copy of the doors of the Baptistery in Florence, Italy.

Siberia covers a huge area of 5,100,000 sq mi (13,100,000 km2), which is more than the territory of China and India combined.

It is a symbol of harsh climate and polar frosts, but also an oasis of wildlife.

The region is among the least populated in the world. It falls within the boundaries of three climate zones (temperate, subpolar and polar).

It is covered with some of the vastest forests on the planet and is home to some of the deepest and longest rivers.

11. Baikal Lake

Along with Crater Lake in Oregon , USA , Lake Baikal is considered the most beautiful in the world.

During the different seasons it changes beyond recognition.

In winter, the area is hidden under a thick snow cover, and the lake remains covered with 5 – 6 ft (almost 2 meters) of ice.

In summer, Lake Baikal is a magnet for wildlife lovers. Being the deepest in the world, the lake is known for its crystal clear emerald waters and wonderful swimming conditions during the summer season.

The best time to visit Lake Baikal

Baikal is located in Siberia, but as it falls in the southernmost parts of the region, the place has a temperate continental climate.

Summer is very short, but if you come here in late July and early August, the probability of encountering sunny weather and temperatures around 68 – 77°F (20 – 25°C) is very high.

12. Olkhon Island

Olkhon Island is located less than a mile off the west shore of Baikal Lake.

It is known for the most attractive in Russia soft golden sandy beaches, and approximately ⅓ of its territory is covered with beautiful and untouched forests.

Apart from the beautiful nature, the island is famous for always being shrouded in mystery.

It is believed that the place is imbued with a powerful positive energy, which attracts fans of shamanism from around the world.

When to visit Olkhon Island

Olkhon Island has a moderate continental climate, so July and early August bring the best weather conditions here.

The island experiences pleasant temperatures of around 77°F (25°C), in combination with clear skies and plenty of sunshine. Its wonderful beaches attract swimmers and beachgoers.

13. Altai Mountains

The Altai Mountains are one of the wildest and most untouched places in Russia.

They are situated in some of the most remote and isolated areas of central Asia, close to China, Kazakhstan and Mongolia.

The area is harsh and very sparsely populated, which is why the landscape has been preserved completely unchanged.

The area is a mosaic of dense mountain forests, snow-capped mountain peaks, vast plains and almost no traces of civilization.

Although very beautiful, the place attracts relatively few visitors because of the need for serious preparation before traveling.

When to visit the Altai Mountains

The region of the Altai Mountains has a moderate continental climate with warm to hot summers and very cold winters.

However, it can vary dramatically from one point to another. This is why you should check the weather conditions specific for the area you want to explore.

The major city in the area is Barnaul and it experiences the most comfortable temperatures in late May and in June – between 68 and 77°F (between 20 and 25°C).

14. Yenisei River

The Yenisei River is one of the most powerful and majestic rivers in Asia.

It crosses the endless plains and plateaus of Siberia from south to north and flows into the Arctic Ocean after 2167 mi (3,487 km).

Although the European Volga River has traditionally attracted the majority of river cruise lovers, the Yenisei is becoming an increasingly attractive tourist destination as it passes through some of the least populated and most untouched areas of the country.

When to visit the Yenisei River

Summer is the best time to enjoy a long boat trip on the Yenisei River. In June and July you will enjoy lovely temperatures of around 68°F (20°C) or even more.

15. Oymyakon

The province of Oymyakon is located in one of the most remote northeastern regions of Russia.

As it falls within the subpolar climate zone, the place is known for the lowest winter temperatures on the planet outside Antarctica.

In January and February, temperatures such as -40°F (-40°C) are considered completely normal.

Residents became more cautious with low temperatures when thermometers show less than -67°F (-55°C).

The lowest temperature in Oymyakon ever recorded is -89.9°F (-67.7°C), and it was measured on February 6, 1933.

Visiting Oymyakon in winter

Oymyakon is the coldest town on the planet and this is exactly what the small settlement is most famous for.

It attracts very few visitors but most of them come here during the winter months to experience the extraordinary cold weather.

The temperatures here can be dangerously low so you should talk to your doctor before you go and you should follow all the safety tips they give you.

Visiting such a cold place can be dangerous and you do so at your own risk.

The Far East

The Far East of Russia is one of the least populated parts of the world.

Due to its geographical remoteness, the place still welcomes very few visitors, most of them from East Asian countries.

The region is known for its uniquely beautiful nature and rare species of animals, including some species of large predators, such as tigers and brown bears.

16. Vladivostok

Being a center of science, education and art, Vladivostok is one of the most remote and secluded cities not only in Russia but in the world.

It is located in the southern part of the Primorsky Krai and the first thing tourists notice here is the scenic location.

The old part of Vladivostok has a very beautiful architecture. Here you can feel a light Asian influence, but the vast majority of the buildings are in German Gothic or Romanesque architecture style.

The modern buildings and engineering facilities complement the urban environment, making Vladivostok one of the most harmonious cities in Russia.

Among the main attractions here is Tokarev Lighthouse, which was completed in 1913. With its picturesque location, it attracts artists and photographers from around the world.

When to visit Vladivostok

The climate of Vladivostok is moderate oceanic, with cool summers and cold winters.

The best time to visit the city is definitely in July and August, which bring the most comfortable temperatures. You can expect around 70°F (21°C) in July and 74°F (23°C) in August.

17. Kamchatka

If you want to travel off the beaten tracks in Russia, Kamchatka is the best place.

Covered with dense unspoiled Boreal forests, it is a land of unique natural beauty.

It is located on the Pacific coast, approximately 3882 miles (6248 km) east of Moscow.

The easiest way to get there is to take advantage of the regular daily lines between Moscow and Kamchatka. The duration of the flight is approximately eight and a half hours.

The peninsula is extremely sparsely populated, and approximately 1/3 of its territory has been declared a protected area.

The biggest attraction here are the volcanoes. They are about 300, but only 10% of them are active.

Among the most interesting for scientists are the volcanoes Avachinsky, Goreli and Mutnovski.

The Uzon Caldera, on the other hand, is one of the largest geothermal fields in Russia and in the world.

When to visit Kamchatka

Although the climate of Kamchatka is moderate oceanic, it is quite cold for most of the year.

The temperature is well below freezing for at least 5 months per year.

The best time to visit the peninsula is during the cold and short summer season, which brings average temperatures of around 61°F (16°C) in July and August.

Top 3 Cultural Centers

The vast territory of Russia includes an impressive variety of cultures and very often they coexist together, creating unique and incomparable cities.

Adding the centuries-old rich history and traditions, Russia has a lot to offer, especially if you explore three of the country’s most exciting cultural centers outside Moscow and Saint Petersburg.

18. Torzhok

If you want to touch the old Russian culture and traditions, Torzhok is a good place for you.

Founded in 1083, it is located just 3 and a half hours drive northwest from Moscow.

The old part of the city will offer you beautiful Neoclassical architecture.

You will also see some of the famous Russian wooden churches built between the 17th and 19th centuries.

The major tourist attraction, however, is the beautiful Boris and Gleb Monastery.

Torzhok is also famous for its traditional old crafts, especially the unique gold embroidery.

When to visit Torzhok

Torzhok has a continental temperate climate which is characterized by cold severe winters and warm pleasant summers.

The best time to visit the city is the period between early June and mid August, which brings temperatures of around 72 – 74°F (22 – 23°C).

Vyborg is a small but unique city in Russia, located 70 miles northwest of St. Petersburg, near the Finnish border.

It was founded by the Swedes in 1293, but was conquered by Russia in the early 18th century.

It had become part of Finland in 1918 but later it was rejoined to Russia again in 1940.

Vyborg is different from any other city in the country because it has a typical Scandinavian architecture.

With its extraordinary atmosphere, it attracts visitors both from Russia and from abroad.

When to visit Vyborg

As it has a marine temperate climate, the best time of the year to visit Vyborg is July. It brings pleasant and comfortable temperatures of around 74°F (23°C) in combination with clear skies and plenty of sunshine.

If you want to visit a place where people of different ethnicities, cultures and religions coexist together in Russia, you should visit the city of Kazan.

Here, in this very beautiful modern city, Muslims and Orthodox Christians have lived together for centuries.

Nowadays, Kazan is the largest and most important economic and cultural center of Tatarstan.

The most famous landmark is the Kazan Kremlin, which was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2000.

Here you will find the unique Kul Sharif Mosque which is known as one of the symbols of the city.

When to visit Kazan

The best time to visit Kazan is in summer. It brings temperatures between 74 and 79°F (23 and 26°C), with June and July being the best time to enjoy the city.

The Far North

Located beyond the Arctic Circle, the Far North of Russia is not a very popular place for tourism.

However, it is a great choice if you want to travel off the beaten tracks.

The most interesting places to visit in this part of Russia are the Soviet-style city of Murmansk and the small Teriberka known for its old traditions and extraordinary lifestyle.

Although in the subpolar climate zone, the weather here is much milder in comparison with Siberia.

21. Murmansk

Surrounded by endless tundra, Murmansk is a very interesting city and is different from all the places you have ever visited.

It is the largest settlement beyond the Arctic Circle and its appearance has remained largely unchanged since the Soviet era.

Quite surprising for many people, Murmansk is actually a Scandinavian city as it falls within the limits of a region better known as Fenno-Scandinavia, which is part of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

Murmansk is most beautiful during the winter season when you can see the city covered in deep snow.

When to visit Murmansk

The most beautiful time of the year to visit Murmansk is during the winter season, with January, February and March being the best months to enjoy the spectacle of the Northern Lights.

The average winter temperature is always below freezing in winter, but temperatures lower than 6°F (-14°C) are rare.

22. Teriberka

Located in the far north of European Russia, Teriberka has a declining population, but at the same time, it enjoys a growing popularity.

The people visiting the small town with a population of less than 1,000 residents are not many, but their number is constantly increasing because of the unique spirit of the place.

There are hundreds of small lakes scattered in the area. They are covered with thick ice and snow during the winter months.

It is not uncommon to see a polar bear roaming the surrounding tundra so you have to be careful!

The town is known for its numerous unique traditions and sporting events, including deer races, husky safaris and many others.

When to visit Teriberka

Although it falls within the subarctic climate zone, Teriberka is an exciting place, no matter the season.

The temperature in summer is about 15°C while winters bring temperatures below freezing from November to April.

However, because of the influence of Gulf Stream, the average temperature during the day in January and February is -5°C, which is much warmer in comparison with Siberia and the Far East.

Black Sea Coast and Caucasus

The Black Sea coast and the Caucasus Mountains offer the best that Russia.

Because of the combination of good climate, lush nature and sunny hospitable cities, this place is one of the most recommended to visit in the country and is better known as the Russian Riviera.

Nestled between the Caucasus Mountains and the sunny Black Sea coast of Russia, the city of Sochi is known for its beautiful architecture, lovely parks and gardens, numerous museums and comfortable urban environment.

The city is undoubtedly one of the most attractive to live or visit in Russia and is already on the list of cities that have hosted the Winter Olympics.

Sochi is famous for its warm subtropical Mediterranean climate and beautiful beaches covered with silver pebbles.

The sea water is very clear and the beaches are full of visitors from early June until September.

When to visit Sochi

Sochi enjoys lovely weather year round but if you want to take advantage of the beautiful beaches, you should go between early June and early to mid September.

The average temperature during the day in the period is between 77 and 82°F (between 25 and 28°C).

24. Gelendzhik

The pearl of the Russian Black Sea is the small town of Gelendzhik.

Home to about 76,000 residents, it is the most attractive destination for summer tourism in the country.

In stark contrast to the idea that Russia is a cold northern country, here you will find lovely sunny beaches covered with a mixture of small pebbles and golden sands.

Its cosy hotel complexes and holiday villas reveal a beautiful panorama from the green mountain slopes along the coast.

The city attracts visitors from all over the country and from other parts of the world.

As Gelendzhik is located at a well-shaped bay, it is known for its clear and balmy emerald sea water.

When to visit Gelendzhik

The best time to visit the city is from early June till early September. The weather during the summer season is quite stable with clear skies and temperatures between 77 and 86°F (between 25 and 30°C) on average.

25. The North Caucasus

Because of the harsh landscape, jagged snow-covered mountain peaks and deep emerald-green valleys, the Caucasus Mountains are often called the “Russian Alps”.

In fact, as a result of its more isolated location, the Caucasus is even richer in rare species of plants and animals.

Green mountain meadows attract rare species of herbivores, including mountain goats, rams, rabbits and some species of deer.

This in turn attracts predators, such as Persian leopards, brown bears, lynxes, wild cats and wolves.

Here you will find the highest peak in Russia and in Europe – Mount Elbrus, which is 18,510 ft (5,642 m) high.

However, the region is worth visiting not just because of its natural beauty but also because of the cultural and historical heritage.

One of the most recommended cities in the region is Kislovodsk, which is an old spa resort known for its hot mineral springs.

When to visit the North Caucasus

Because of its mineral springs and beautiful mountains, the North Caucus is worth visiting year round. However, the best time to come here is during the summer season from June to August.

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12 Incredible Tourist Attractions & Things to do in Russia

Looking for the best places to visit in Russia? Our ultimate guide shows you the best things to see and do in Russia

Russia. The name alone is intriguing enough for most of us to plan a trip to this fascinating country. As to be expected from the largest country on earth, there is a ton of places to visit, tourist attractions and things to do in Russia. The staggering variety of landscapes, people and cultures make Russia an incredibly exciting country to visit.

Stretching from Eastern Europe all the way across Asia until it reaches the Pacific Ocean in the Far East, Russia is many different things to many different people. Whether you’re looking for world-class museums , history, art, culture, adventure, solitude, vibrant cities or bleak arctic landscapes, Russia has it all. Deciding which places to visit in Russia will probably be the hardest part of your trip.

To visit the tourist attractions in Russia, especially Moscow and St Petersburg, independently is surprisingly easy and you could do most things by yourself. However, some places to visit in Russia require you to take a tour. Also if you don’t speak or at least read Russian, having someone show you around will be much more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for the best places to visit and the best things to do in Russia , you are in the right place. So pour yourself a cup of tea (or vodka if you prefer), and start planning a dream trip to Mother Russia- she is patiently waiting for you.

Please note: This post may contain affiliate links. This means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you).

BEST TOURIST ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO IN RUSSIA (OUTSIDE MOSCOW & ST PETERSBURG)

Of course, no trip to Russia would be complete without seeing the splendours of Moscow and St Petersburg. Those looking for fun in Russia will find it here without a doubt. Whether your idea of fun is exploring funky neighbourhoods, hitting the bars or cafes, or watching a world-famous ballet, Moscow and St Pete’s have it all – and more!

St Petersburg is the cultural heart of Russia and it is a stunningly beautiful city. You definitely need to see the incredible collection of art in the Hermitage while in St Petersburg. You will also enjoy a canal cruise through the Venice of the North.

The cathedrals, architecture, food, palaces and gardens are on par with that of the rest of Europe, yet it won’t cost you nearly as much as it does in Western Europe.

Moscow is grand, and as the political and religious heart of the country, it’s easy to see why it’s the most popular place to visit in Russia.

The Kremlin, Red Square, and relics from the Soviet era are sure to be on top of the list of most visitors. One of the best things to do in Moscow is taking a metro tour from one over-the-top station to the next.

But don’t stop there. If you’re planning to see Russia beyond the Red Square, here is a list of the best things to do and the best places to visit.

Ride a T-34 Tank Just Outside Moscow

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to ride in a real Soviet tank? You can find out when you visit Moscow! A couple of different tour operators in Moscow will take you just outside the city to experience riding on/in a T-34 tank! The T-34 is a Soviet medium tank that was introduced in 1940 and famously deployed during World War II against Operation Barbarossa.

In addition to the  tank ride , these tours also allow you to fire 10 blank shots from the Russian weapon of your choice, such as an AK-47. You can also learn how to disassemble and reassemble an AK-47. Where else in the world can you do that?

Be aware, you are not allowed to bring your camera with you on the ride, though, as both hands are needed to hang on! You will also be dressed in helmets and protective clothing provided by the tour company. This protects you against scrapes from tree branches.

For this tour, the tank ride is approximately 1 km…so, not very long at all. You go through the woods and then back. You get the option of sitting on the outside of the tank or inside (not claustrophobia friendly!). This tour is by no means cheap either, but it is a unique experience to have in Russia! How many people can say they have ridden a real Soviet tank while in Russia?

By Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel

See the Northern Lights in Murmansk

If you’re travelling to Russia in the winter, Murmansk in the Kola Peninsula should not be missed. During the winter you can see one of nature’s best shows, the Northern Lights, and Murmansk is the cheapest place on earth to do so.

Murmansk sits on the shores of the Arctic Ocean and is the biggest city in the world located above the Polar Circle. Being so far north makes Murmansk suitable for seeing the midnight sun in summer and the aurora borealis in winter.

During the short winter days, you can go and see the Defenders of the Soviet Arctic During the Great Patriotic War Monument (locally known as the Alyosha Monument). At 35m tall, this colossal Soviet statue is the second biggest in Russia after the Motherland Statue in Volgograd. Another interesting activity is to go check out the is Lenin , a decommissioned Soviet nuclear-powered ice breaker that has been turned into a museum ship.

It’s possible to see the Northern Lights in Murmansk anytime between mid-September and mid-March. Murmansk experiences the polar night (the period of continuous darkness from 2 December to 10 January), and this is the ideal time to see the northern lights in this part of Russia.

The city itself is not the ideal place to see the aurora because of light pollution. The best place in Russia to see the northern lights is in the village of Teriberka north of Murmansk.

This small village on the tundra is where you want to be to see the colours of the aurora dancing in the sky. Stay in a glass igloo at the Aurora Village for a few days, and if you’re in luck, mother nature might just give you a show that you’ll never forget.

Visit Vladimir in the Golden Ring

Vladimir is one of Russia’s golden ring cities but is often overlooked by visitors as they head directly to nearby Suzdal. A pity, because Vladimir has just as much to offer. While Suzdal is stuck in time and offers a glimpse of rural religious life, Vladimir is a modern city that has preserved its important historical sights very well.

Vladimir is one of the oldest golden ring cities and it was established by Prince Vladimir in the 12th century. Like most golden ring towns it played an important role in the development of the Russian state and orthodox church. For a short time, it was even the capital of Russia and Vladimir built churches, monasteries, fortified walls, defence towers and medieval gates.

In 1238 tragedy struck when the Mongols conquered Vladimir and left it in ruins. After that, the capital moved to Moscow, but the princes of Moscow did not forget Vladimir. It was rebuilt and renovated and new churches were built in the 16th century.

Nowadays Vladimir is the administrative centre of the Vladimir province. When you walk in its modern shopping streets it could be any city in Russia with great restaurants, cosy cafes and pub bars. However, its picturesque historic centre is a journey back in time. The Golden Gate, the Assumption Cathedral and the Demetrius Cathedral are the oldest structures in Vladimir and still date from the 12th century. 

By high-speed train, Vladimir is less than 2 hours away from Moscow. There are also frequent commuter trains that take slightly longer. It is possible to see Vladimir on a day trip, but it’s better to add another day and include Suzdal as well. Combined it makes for a great weekend away from Moscow.

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Climb Mount Elbrus

Prielbrusye National Park is located in the Central Caucasus, in southwestern Russia near the border with Georgia . The park occupies 100 000 hectares and it’s one of the largest national parks in Russia. Mount Elbrus is the most famous landmark in the park and one of the main reasons thousands of people come here every year.

The highest of the two peaks of Elbrus reaches 5642 m above sea level. It is the highest mountain in Europe and one of the seven summits, the seven highest mountains on each continent. Conquering Elbrus is on the bucket list of many professional climbers and adventure seekers. In summer climbing to the top of Elbrus or hiking in the surrounding mountains is a popular summer activity in the park. In winter many tourists come here for skiing and snowboarding, there are several ski lifts on the slopes of Elbrus and some other mountains. 

The scenery in Prielbrusye is truly spectacular; turquoise colour lakes, crystal clear rivers, snowy peaks, alpine meadows, mineral springs, and beautiful waterfalls. It’s a real paradise for outdoor lovers. There are several multi-day hiking trails and long-distance treks inside the park. The entrance fee to the national park is about US$10, and a ticket is valid for several days for different routes including climbing. 

The easiest way of getting to Prielbrusye is to fly from Moscow or St.Petersburg to Nalchik and from there take a local bus or a shared taxi to Terskol, the closest town to the national park. 

By Alya & Campbell from Stingy Nomads

Take an Epic Train Ride on the Trans Siberian

The Trans Siberian spans the length of Russia, travelling from Moscow to Vladivostok in the country’s far east. It travels more than 9200 kilometres, and takes seven whole days to do the entire stretch! There are a few variations to the train – if you want to go through Mongolia, you’ll take the Trans Mongolian, and if you want to end up in China , you’ll be on the Trans Manchurian.

These are routes rather than trains, lots of different trains actually span the route. They vary in quality and modernity; if you book with tourist agencies you’ll generally be put on the tourist trains, which are kitted out for people hunkering down for seven days. However, if you book with local websites or at the station you will be on local trains, where few people are doing the whole journey.

Some people stay on the train for the entire journey, whereas others disembark at various stops along the way and enjoy some of the highlights of Russia! Places to stop include Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Irkutsk for Lake Baikal. The Trans Mongolian can be used to get from Mongolia to Kazakhstan by train via Russia; from Novosibirsk or Omsk, it’s relatively easy to travel southwards to the border.

While there’s plenty to see en route, the uniqueness of the Trans Siberian Railway is the journey itself. Sitting at the window with a hot mug of tea, watching Siberia speed by, encountering locals and tourists in the cabin, and trying out some local delicacies at each stop is what makes this epic train journey so special!

By Claire from Claire’s Footsteps

Take a Cruise on Lake Baikal

A visit to Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage site, should be on every traveller’s Russia bucket list. Lake Baikal is not only the world’s deepest lake, but it also holds the largest volume of fresh water in the world – a staggering one-fifth of the world’s surface freshwater. 

The lake lies just a one-hour drive from the transport hub and city of Irkutsk in Eastern Siberia and is an ideal stop if you are travelling across Russia on the  Trans-Siberian Railway.  Tourists can hire a car in Irkutsk or take one of the many tours on offer.

Visitors to Lake Baikal can walk along the lakeshore, take a trip to remote Olkhon Island and explore charming villages such as Listvyanka with its ornate, wooden Church of St Nicholas.

But to truly experience this enormous lake, visitors need to take a boat trip on the lake itself. There are a variety of cruises offering trips of varying lengths on an array of different sized crafts but to experience the tranquillity and wildlife of the lake, opt for a smaller craft without piped commentary. Alternatively, travel like the locals and use the car pontoons that transport locals to different locations around the lake. 

On a sunny day in Spring or Summer, the lake is ethereal and otherworldly. The rich-toned, blue hue of the water is in contrast to the green, densely wooded hills and mountains surrounding the lake. The water is crystal clear offering exceptional visibility for visitors and on a calm day appears more like a waveless ocean than a lake. 

By Sinead from Map Made Memories

Ride the Circum Baikal Railway

The glorious Lake Baikal is considered to be the deepest lake in the world and is home to fabulous views, wonderful wildlife and some truly Russian experiences.  Until the mid 20 th  century, the rail tracks that run from Slyudyanka to Port Baikal for 74 kilometres were part of the Trans Siberian.

These days it offers a service that allows you to see some of the stunning Lake Baikal in just a few days.  The track runs through 4 stations and 38 tunnels, ending in Port Baikal where you can take a ferry across to the village of Listvyanka – popular in summer for wildlife tours and a great spot for dog sledding in winter.

The train route is known as the  Circum Baikal Railway  – although it’s certainly not circular and doesn’t go all the way around the lake, just a small part of it.  You can, however, make your route circular by taking the train to Port Baikal, then a ferry to Listyvanka and then a bus back to Irkutsk.  The route can be undertaken independently or as a tour from Irkutsk.  Tours tend to take the specific tourist train which only runs on certain days and which will make photo stops.  They also allow for hiking part of the rail tracks.

Popular overnight stops are Port Baikal or Listyvanka, where you’ll find local spots to eat and where locally caught smoked omul – a fish from the lake – is a great and tasty delicacy.  This Russian street food is cooked by ladies on grills at the end of their gardens and is worth the trip on its own.  Taking the Circum Baikal in Russia off the beaten track and a great way to explore this part of Siberia.

By Sarah from ASocialNomad

Visit Kazan, the Third Capital of Russia

Visiting Kazan is one of the best things to do in Russia. The capital of Tatarstan, located some 700 km east of Moscow, is a fascinating place, full of history, different cultures, and beautiful places including a UNESCO site.

Kazan is also often called “the third capital” due to its significance in Russia. The city was founded in the 11th century and was an important centre of the Golden Horde in medieval times.

The most important place you can’t miss in Kazan is the UNESCO-listed Kremlin – the historic citadel from the 16th century. On its premises, you will find plenty of famous Russian tourist attractions: the Annunciation Cathedral, Söyembikä Tower (the leaning tower, one of the symbols of the city), the impressive Kul Sharif Mosque, and more.

The heart of the city is the pedestrian Bauman street, always busy with street musicians and strolling people. That’s where you will also find numerous cafes and restaurants. Be sure to try local Tatar cuisine, unique in this part of Russia. Since Kazan is a Russian centre of the Tatar people this is a great place to learn more about their culture and history. On the contrary, you can also visit the cool and quirky Museum of Soviet Lifestyle to see how everyday life in Soviet times used to look like.

If you have extra time go to the Temple of All Religions, located outside of the city. It serves as the universal temple with elements of all the main religions in the world and is such a unique place. With all these great  things to do in Kazan , you won’t be bored there for sure! 

By Kami from My Wanderlust

Eat Like a Russian

Moscow is the heart of Russia, so it is a wonderful place to experience the food and culture from many regions around the country.  A great way to discover new foods and sample the best is to take a food tour.

A top choice is the Danilovsky Market, which actually includes foods from other former Soviet republics such as Georgia as well as more remote Russian regions like Dagestan.  There has been a market on this site for hundreds of years, though the current building, shaped like a domed tent, is recent.  There are stalls of fresh produce and prepared food from around the world, with a heavy emphasis on Russian and former Soviet dishes. 

A classic food tour of the market includes pork dumplings in soup, raw lard (pork belly fat), and blinis and caviar.  Even if these are not foods you usually eat, this is an opportunity to be adventurous and try new things.  You can also try horse jerky and a Dagestan pie made with flatbread.  

You will also have the chance to sample Russian cheeses, Georgian walnut and grape juice candy and different flavoured cordials to drink.  Russian food is heavy on pickles, and you can sample pickled leeks, pickled garlic, pickled cucumbers and much more. 

Taking a food tour at the beginning of your trip is not only a great introduction to the local cuisine, but it can also give you ideas about dishes that you could try more of in restaurants throughout your trip.  The overall awareness of Russian food that you gain can in turn help make you even more adventurous in your food explorations throughout your trip.

By James Ian from Travel Collecting

Learn About the Romanovs in Pushkin

Visiting  the Alexander Palace in Pushkin  is the highlight of a trip to Russia. It offers you a great insight into Russian history, as this was one of the Romanov summer residences.

Perhaps many Romanov palaces in Russia are more beautiful than the Alexander Palace, including the more famous Catherine Palace just around the corner. But none of them tells history as the Alexander Palace does.

It was constructed by Tsarina Catherine the Great, but its most famous resident might be the last tsar. Nicholas II choose the palace as his favourite summer residence to escape Saint Petersburg and court live with his beloved family.

Hiding for the public and court life was one of his many mistakes and his reign eventually ended with a bloody revolution. The Alexander Palace switched from home to prison for Nicholas, his wife, four daughters, son and loyal staff. The family was executed later on in another location.

The palace displays the home of the last tsar and his family, including the children’s room, some of their personal items and the tsar’s study. It gives you a glimpse of the private family life of one of history’s most tragic rules.

Visiting the palace makes a great day trip from nearby Saint Petersburg. Combine it with the Catherine Palace next door for a Romanov-themed day out. You could join one of the many tours to Catherine Palace, but most of them don’t visit Alexander Palace too. It’s much more fun as well to visit Pushkin on your own by taking public transport. You’ll never forget your ride in the public minivans (marshrutkas).

By Maartje & Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

Visit a Buddhist monastery in Siberia

A 6-hour flight away from Moscow is a beautiful town called Chita. Chita is well known for several historical monuments and events and is also a stop along the Trans Siberian railway. One of the many  things to do in Chita  is a visit to Datsan Monastery.  

Datsan is a term used for Tibetan Buddhist university monasteries in Mongolia, Siberia and Tibet. The Aginsky Datsan Monastery is located in Amitkhasha village, around 2 hours drive from Chita town.

Aginsky Datsan is a place of significant cultural heritage. The Datsan used to be an Orthodox church, but it was rebuilt and adapted in the 19th century to a small temple. The design was influenced by Tibetan, Chinese and Russian styles. Today the monastery is painted in the traditional Buddhist style with bright colours, which gives it a definite oriental flavour.

Over time the Datsan became the largest Buddhist monastery in the Transbaikalia region. It’s well known throughout Siberia and farther afield for its medical, philosophical and astrological schools. Monks and students from as far away as Tibet and Mongolia visit the Datsan. The Datsan is not as big and grand as those in Tibet but it has a more homely, approachable feel to them.

Aginsky Datsun seems to stand in the middle of nowhere but there’s a steady flow of locals. Russian visitors and tourists from all religions visit the monastery for its architecture and grandeur. 

You may pray, offer a few coins at different idols and there is also a souvenir shop. If you are interested, you may be interested in meeting the healers and astrologers.

By Nisha & Vasu from Lemonicks

Best places to visit in Russia

This list is by no means a complete list of things to do in Russia. But at least it’s a start. Yes, we know we should go all the way east to see the incredible volcanoes, bears and hot springs of Kamchatka. We know that the crab in Vladivostok is supposed to be damn good (and cheap). How could we have skipped Volgograd and its Patriotic War monuments or the Russian Riviera on the Black Sea ?

Well, this just gives an excuse to come back to Russia and see more of this incredibly interesting and beautiful country.

Let us know in the comments below if we missed one of your favourite tourist attractions in Russia. We are always looking for more things to do in Russia. Who knows, perhaps we can amend the list for you.

Thank you for the beautiful photos and inspiring information.

I’m glad that you liked it, Linda. You should really go and see Russia. Such a beautiful country with a lot of culture and history.

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Best Places To Visit In Russia

Posted on Last updated: 23/02/2022

The world’s largest country Russia, undoubtedly accommodates most travel enthusiast’s needs. Whatever your interest is, whether you are a nature lover, an adventurer, or an art admirer, Russia caters to everyone. Home to 18% of the planet’s land area, the landscapes of Russia are blessed with magnificent mountains, valleys, frozen terrains, and a diverse array of natural landmarks. The landmarks of Moscow and St. Petersburg, Russia’s oldest cities, display the splendour of their imperial eras in their architecture, parks, shopping areas, and even in their metro stations. We hope you are excited about reading on some of the enthralling places to visit in Russia, so let’s start exploring now.

Table of Contents

Besides being the capital of Russia, Moscow is also the country’s cosmopolitan centre for arts, music, sciences, and politics. Stunning architecture, beautiful greenery, and historical relics overflow in this beautiful city. Although it may appear mystical, Moscow is not a fairy tale capital. Instead, it is a city of adventures and real-life experiences. One of the most iconic places in Russia is the Red Square, which is situated in the heart of Moscow and is aptly named after the word ‘red’, which meant ‘beautiful’ in old Russia. Among Moscow’s top attractions are St. Basil’s Cathedral, Kazan Cathedral, The Iberian Gate, The Bolshoi Theatre, State Tretyakov Gallery, Kremlin Wall, Lenin Mausoleum, State Hall Museum, and City Hall.

Lake Baikal – World’s oldest and deepest lake

Beautiful green expanses, breathtaking mountain ranges, and abundance of fauna and flora make this lake a favourite for photographers and nature lovers alike. Lake Baikal offers unique wildlife safari experiences and hiking opportunities. A top tourist attraction in southern Siberia, Lake Baikal is a world-renowned natural beauty. Ice skating, cross-country skiing, and sleigh riding can be enjoyed on the frozen waters of Lake Baikal in the winter. The crystal clear waters of Lake Baikal are apparent in the winter when you can see 40 meters under the surface in some areas. In late summer, when the lake’s water is warm, you can take quick dips or swim for a short period in the lake. There are endless activities to enjoy at Lake Baikal in the summers, such as kayaking, boat cruises, island hopping, and discovering shorelines and beaches.

Altai – Galore of Lakes and Meadows

A trip to the Altai Mountains, a place with pristine lakes and serene stretches, should be on the top of your itinerary of places to visit in Russia. The Altai Mountains are a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Siberia that runs along the border between China, Kazakhstan, and Mongolia. This destination is popular among ethnic tourists who want to experience Russian culture. A picturesque backdrop and plains abound with lush greenery, made even more spectacular by the beautiful view of the Altai Mountains. Horseback riding, glacier climbing, white water rafting, and mountain climbing are among the adventures available at the famous Aktru Glacier in the region. Additionally, you can relax and enjoy a traditional Russian steam bath and then take a stroll around the countryside admiring its natural beauty.

Kamchatka – A vast volcanic peninsula

The majestic Kamchatka Peninsula is nestled in the northeastern part of Russia. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, the Okhotsk Sea, and the Bering Sea. With rivers running fast, hot springs and snow-capped peaks, it is a place of breathtaking natural beauty. In terms of attraction, Kamchatka has a variety of bizarre geological structures and natural wonders, making it among the most intriguing places to visit in Russia. It is almost untamed and very geologically active; there are countless volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and even a thriving acid lake. Fishing and hunting are also popular on the peninsula, as the peninsula is the southernmost part of the Arctic Tundra in the world. Most of the places can only be reached by helicopter, although several are accessible by car or foot. Despite the challenges involved in travelling and exploring the region, visitors rarely leave feeling anything other than absolute amazement.

Olkhon Island – Fantasy on a remote island in Siberia

Lake Baikal’s largest island, Olkhon, is the third-largest lake island in the world. It has an expansive area of more than 700 kilometers spread out over a large area. The site lies deep in Siberia’s vast wilderness, and it is considered sacred by the Buryat, the indigenous people of this area. With steep mountains, dense forests, and taiga covering the landscape, you can explore coastal sand dunes and visit the nearby abandoned village and former Soviet labor camp. “Walking trees” are another feature of this area, a phenomenon that occurs when strong winds uncover tree roots on the beach and give the appearance of standing people. Khuzir, the island’s largest semi-urban settlement, offers homestays to tourists who wish to stay over.

Peterhof Palace – Russia’s blend of opulence and grandiosity

Peterhof Palace is a luxurious Baroque design and an architectural masterpiece in the suburbs of Russia’s second-largest city, St Petersburg. Built by Peter the Great during his rule over Russia, this magnificent palace overlooks the Gulf of Finland and is fondly called the Russian Versailles. One of Russia’s best tourist attractions, the Peterhof Palace features over 24 rooms that are each lavishly adorned with distinct themes. There are more than hundreds of fountains around the palace, some of which emit water jets in response to people approaching, such as the Grand Cascade fountain. There are also marble statues, shaded paths, and an aviary pavilion in the lower gardens, which are designed in French formal style. Its many attractions include the Chess Board Hill Cascade adorned with three dragons, Roman and Greek idols.

Sochi – The charming and contemporary Russian City

With its lush parks dotted with palm trees and its two-hundred-year-old neoclassical buildings, Sochi is a picture-perfect summer destination. Sochi is an iconic resort town on the Black Sea, featuring a long stretch of pebble and sand beaches, Stalinist architecture and an annual film festival known as Kinotavr, in addition to a wide variety of outdoor markets for weddings and other celebrations. Skiers and snowboarders make the most of the area’s winter skiing and snowboarding opportunities, and water sports lovers can engage in kitesurfing, diving, and other water activities in the summer. Russia’s longest and most floatable river, the Mzymta, flows through Sochi before entering the Black Sea, making it a popular rafting destination. One of the attractions of Sochi city, which is spread throughout the Caucasus Mountains, is the Forested Sochi National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Ruskeala – An oasis nestled in marble mountains

The small town of Ruskeala lies in the northwest region of Karelia and attracts many visitors due to its peaceful surroundings, lovely views, and peaceful atmosphere. The town lies on the Blue Highway, the crossroads connecting Finland, Norway, and Sweden. Ruskeala, which is located along the Tokhmayoki River, boasts natural beauty and also has a rich history as a marble mining center. The Ruskeala Mountain Park is not only one of the best places to visit in Russia, but has also contributed marble to the construction of many iconic Russian landmarks. Its majestic marbles can be found on the floors of Kazan Cathedral, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, and the window sills of the Hermitage. Water-filled ravines draw visitors to Ruskeala Mountain Park, where they can swim, hike, and boat. Walking trails offer breathtaking views of the park, as do the ancient marble quarries, which are brimming with water.

St. Petersburg – The glistening cultural capital of Russia

Having been the capital of the imperial era for nearly two centuries, Saint Petersburg is filled with fascinating architecture, arts, and culture. It’s no surprise that St. Petersburg’s historic core is a world-renowned destination thanks to its UNESCO World Heritage status. As a port city located on the Baltic Sea, it provides visitors with the chance to explore the architecture up close by taking a voyage through one of its long stretches of canals, or by simply traversing the city walking around. The Winter Palace is one of the biggest attractions in this city, which is home to the Hermitage Museum, which has more than three million exhibits from around the globe.

Moika Palace and St. Isaac’s Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox Museum that dates back to the 19th century, are two places that will overwhelm you with gold and white. You could spend years exploring Saint Petersburg, but the highlights include attending ballet and opera performances and touring several historical monuments.

The Golden Ring – A journey into the past of Russia

Russian culture is considered to have originated in the eight primary cities that form the Golden Ring. Located on the northeast side of Moscow along this route are numerous medieval cities and towns, which make this one of the great places to visit in Russia for history lovers. Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Suzdal are some of the cities you should visit en route. Because the area contains many medieval and earlier structures, visitors to the area can experience a glimpse into centuries past. In addition to their delicious traditional food and picturesque domed white churches, they are well known for their little gingerbread-style cottages that line the countryside. There are ancient monuments, well-preserved churches, ancient monasteries, and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites found on The Golden Ring. You can travel the entire circuit by train or bus, but renting a car will ensure you see everything.

Novgorod – The city that gave Russia its identity

The ancient city of Novgorod is about midway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. Historic monuments and religious buildings are found all over the city, and it has an enormous amount of historical significance. The Kremlin, one of the oldest citadels in Russia, is home to several of the city’s most popular attractions. Inhabitants of the area refer to this wooden fortress as ‘Detinets’. A Unesco World Heritage site, the Novgorod Kremlin has exhibits and artefacts demonstrating the history of the city, including an open-air market, which was once Yaroslav’s Courtyard. The monument at the heart of the Kremlin depicts a sculpture of Prince Rurik at the helm of the Russian Statehood Millennium monument. In a spiral-shaped representation of Russian history, notable people, including Mikhail Romanov and Catherine the Great, are depicted.

The Ural Mountains – The Aladdin’s cavern filled with treasures

Located to the west of the Kara Sea in northwest Russia, the Ural Mountains create the border between Europe and Asia. They extend almost 2,400km from the Kara Sea to Kazakhstan. This region is incredibly popular, as there are many rivers and caves in and around Perm city. The river Tschussowaja and its rocky banks attract adventurous water sports enthusiasts. Here, the current is relatively mild, which makes it suitable for even people with less experience to explore this area. Water levels sometimes fall so drastically in summer that you can run aground. There are no better places for hiking than the protected areas in the Ural Mountains region, and you can easily traverse the diverse landscape on foot. You can also experience the untouched taiga of Sjuratkul National Park, which is home to numerous mountain ranges, rivers, and brooks.

Kizhi Island – The epitome of medieval and Scandinavian architecture

As the most picturesque destination along Russia’s largest waterway, Kizhi Island offers an astonishing array of wooden churches in the heart of Lake Onega. Kizhi is one of the best places to visit in Russia in addition to being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A visit to this island will reveal amazing wooden structures and incredible traditional crafts. The island has two significant landmarks, the 22-domed Transfiguration Church and the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus. This island’s spirituality and artistic quality are further complemented by chapels dedicated to Archangel Mikhail, Assumption of the Virgin Mary, and Divine Savior. At night, the church domes glow with a mysterious, incandescent light, adding to the beauty of Kizhi during the long northern summer. Yet during winter mornings, the church appears dazzlingly lit, as though it were part of a fairy tale.

The Russian Tundra – Coast of Eastern Siberia and Laptev Seas

The Russian Tundra is a unique biome that’s unlike any other on the planet, with thousands of lakes and depressions and an array of diverse wildlife. In total, the Russian Tundra covers about ten percent of the total Russian land surface. The Tundra, which stretches across a narrow strip of coast and maxes out at 500 kilometers, is a marshy plain devoid of trees. Animals in the tundra region are fur-bearing animals who have adapted to its extreme weather conditions. Some of the animals you can spot in the region are polar bears, seals, squirrels, foxes. During the breeding season, they provide habitat for elks, bears, gray wolves, and a variety of birds. There is a wide range of ecotourism opportunities close by Krasnoyarsk Krai, including tundra hikes, bird watching, and educational programs at Great Arctic State Nature Reserve. The Kola Peninsula in Murmansk not only provides you with incredible views but there is also the possibility of seeing the Northern Lights.

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12 Amazing Places To Visit In Russia

Across Siberian taiga, the most ancient lake Baikal, wild Kamchatka to Moscow, these 12 amazing places to visit in Russia will take your breath away. Just choose your way of travel, pack warm gloves or raincoat for the tricky weather, and follow us to Russia.

• Rail Transport Is The Eco-Friendly Way To Travel. This article is written to educate about Train Travel by Save A Train, The  Cheapest Train Tickets Website  In The World.

1. Altai Mountains

Between Russia, Mongolia, China, and Kazakhstan Altai region is home to 700 lakes, forests, and the highest Siberian peak of Mt Belushka, at 4506 m. Altai is barely populated, so you will find it untouched by modern civilization, and only the wildest nature and wildlife will greet you.

In addition, if you are an adventurous traveler, then a trip to any of the 1499 glaciers in Altai will amaze you. Moreover, rafting in the greatest Katun and the Biya rivers is an epic experience. On the other hand, a wildlife safari can be a more relaxing option. You could get a rare chance to meet the snow leopard, ibex, lynx, and more than 300 bird species. No doubt, Altai is one of the best wildlife destinations in Europe and an amazing place to visit in Russia.

Kazan is architectural heaven in the Tatarstan Republic, western Russia. The center of Tatar world is situated on the banks of the Volga, and Kazanka rivers, and is considered the fifth largest city in Russia.

As mentioned above, the architecture of Kazan’s main sites will catch your sight with its white and blue colors and design. For example, Kazan Kremlin, a world heritage site, Kul Sharif Mosque, Epiphany Cathedral, are just a few of the places you could visit to learn more about the Tatar culture.

3. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Lake Baikal

The oldest lake in the history of the world, Lake Baikal has formed 25 million years ago. Its icy and vast surface make Lake Baikal a winter attraction in Siberia, and in the summer, you can jump into the clearest waters in Europe, or explore the rarest wildlife in the world.

Cruising, admiring from Baikal trail on foot, or having a barbecue on the shores of the most amazing lake in Russia, you will have a mind-blowing adventure. The pine trees around, Taiga and wilderness are a train trip from the nearest city Irkutsk, another fascinating place to visit in Russia. To top it all off, you could begin your Baikal adventure from China or Russia, via the Trans-Siberian train, summer or winter.

4. Saint Petersburg

The city of Tsars and legendary palaces, Saint Petersburg has inspired poets and writers. If you haven’t been to Saint Petersburg, you haven’t really seen Russia, because this city is one of Russia’s most famous and impressive icons.

The Hermitage, Catherine Palace, the Winter Palace, and Peterhof gardens, are just breathtaking. Every step you make will pull you closer to a Russian fairytale and will enchant you. Saint-Petersburg’s history and architecture make it a must place to visit in Russia and of course one of the top 12 most amazing places in Russia.

5. Kamchatka

Wild, vast, beautiful, and surprising, Kamchatka is waiting for you almost at the end of the world. The Kamchatka peninsula is at the far east of Russia, home to almost 300 volcanos, most are active, and the most mind-blowing views of the Pacific Ocean and Russian wilderness. Very few know of Kamchatka’s wonders, so Kamchatka is by far the most amazing and extraordinary place to visit in Russia.

You will see that it is not that easy to reach the marvels of Kamchatka, due to its remote location. However, when you do, you will be taken aback by the primal nature, natural wonders: the hot springs , rivers, wildlife, and of course volcanos. A volcano expedition is one of the most extreme and thrilling things to do in Kamchatka. For example, Klyuchevskaya Sopka is the highest peak and an active volcano, desired destination for many travelers in Kamchatka.

6. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Sochi

On the coasts of the Black Sea, surrounded by green mountains and resorts, Sochi is the ultimate summer holiday destination in Russia. Sochi is so popular that the city attracts 4 million people every year, for their summer vacation by the sea.

In addition to sunbathing, The Sochi Arboretum, or little Italy, is perfect for panoramic views of the Black Sea and Sochi, and wandering in the gardens admiring the peacocks.

To conclude, there is no better place for a relaxing holiday, in Russia style, Russia than in Sochi. Therefore, it is not surprising you could travel to Sochi from Moscow and any point in Russia, as well as from Central Asia and Eastern Europe, by train.

7. Veliky Novgorod

Veliky Novgorod has a place of honor on our 12 most amazing places to visit in Russia. You could say that the great Novogrod is where Russia came to be the great country it is today. Back in the 9th  century, Veliky Novogrod was where Prince Rurik, in 862 announced the modern Russian state and made Novogrod the center of trade, democracy, and literacy between Russia and the Balkan.

So, if you are into Russian history, Veliky Novogrod should be on your bucket list. The Novogrod Kremlin fortress, Cathedral St. Sophia are just 2 of the must-see sites in Veliky Novogrod that will astound you. Standing for 800 years, just think of the stories and events that took place here.

8. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Olkhon Island

Lake Baikal is so big, that we had to add another amazing place one should visit when in Russia. Olkhon Island is the largest island in Lake Baikal, similar in size to New York City. The island is home to think forests, rocky landscape, and only 150000 residents, unlike New York City.

However, Olkhon Island is a popular point for travelers to Lake Baikal. This means that in the summer you can come to swim in the clear pristine lake water and dive in the deepest lake in the world. In the winter, on the other hand, you can come to admire the oldest lake in the world, in its winter attire, frozen and beautiful in white.

The island is a ferry away from Sakhuyurta and by the Buryat people is believed to be 1 of five global poles of Shamanic energy. In fact, you can find the shaman rocks in the center of the island.

If you are on your Trans-Siberian journey, then you will probably stop in Irkutsk, the unofficial capital of Eastern Siberia. 19th-century Russian churches, wooden brown and blue colored houses, Siberian Taiga, Irkutsk is a beautiful historical city.

Moreover, Irkutsk was once a place of exile of many Russian nobles and intellectuals in Siberia, if the reigning government decided they went against power. So, Irkutsk and Siberian taiga feature many Russian works of poetry and literature. Nonetheless, today Irkutsk is a beautiful city: block 13 of wooden 18th-century houses, the Savior’s Church, and the Bronshteyn Gallery are a few of the places you should visit.

10. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Stolby Nature Reserve

On the banks of the Yenisei River, Stolby nature reserve is located just south of the city of Krasnoyarsk. The reserve does not fall in beauty from the top 5 most beautiful nature reserves in Europe . After a long journey on the Trans-Siberian train across Russia, you will find that wandering around the reserve uplifts your spirits wake up the sleepy body and soul.

Stolby has 5 main colored-coded trails, so you won’t go lost in the many tiny forest trails. Once you reach deep in the forest, you will discover the reserve’s name origin. There are 100 stolby – rocky pillars of stone, impressive and tall clusters of stolby amidst the trees. 

Visiting this beautiful nature park is all about enjoying the best of mother nature. There’s nothing like the smell and views of Russian forests, in summer or winter. However, if you are planning a winter trip a quick reminder to wear many layers, as Siberia gets very cold and snowy.

Colorful Arbat, Kremlin and the Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and Moskva river, feature in every postcard, image, and piece about Moscow. However, only until you set foot in these marvelous sites, that you really appreciate their greatness and beauty. There is no question about the beautiful charm of Moscow. So, it’s not surprising the capital is one of the 12 most amazing places to visit in Russia.

While Moscow is breathtaking, the underground city of metro stations is as equally magnificent. A city walking tour in Moscow’s underground is one of the best things to do in Moscow. Here, you will get tons of info about the art, design, and history of every station, as well as the city, from the locals.

12. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Kizhi Island

Wooden churches, an octagonal clock tower entirely of wood, constitute the unique Kizhi Pogost. This extraordinary complex of wooden constructions was made by carpenters, on one of the islands in Lake Onega. You will be amazed to learn that this type of model was popular in ancient times. These wooden spaces were popular parish spaces in the 16th century, and perhaps earlier.

While churches are not a rare sight in Russia, wooden churches are. The Kizhi island is a wonderful example of Russian artisans. Kizhi Island is a UNESCO world heritage site , and one of the world’s wonders, as the entire complex, fits in magnificently in the natural landscape.

Here at  Save A Train , we will be happy to help you plan an unforgettable trip to these 12 amazing places in Russia by train.

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Most Epic Places to Visit in Russia

MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES IN RUSSIA TO VISIT

Table of Contents

Visiting Russia should be more than visiting St. Petersburg and Moscow, and here you will find out about the best places to visit in Russia.

Russia is a massive country spread through eleven time zones. When it’s early morning in Vladivostok, it’s late evening in Kaliningrad; 9 climate zones from the Arctic to Subtropical means you can find a huge bio and geographical diversity.

Traveling Russia is a great combination of cultural and nature/wildlife experience; great cities with hundreds of years of history, art museums and cathedrals, and at the same time Baikal – the deepest lake in the world, the largest forest area in the world, vast Tundra plains and the Valley of Geysers.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I might earn a small commission when you buy a product/service via my link (at no extra cost to you). More about it  here .

TOP PLACES TO VISIT IN RUSSIA

Ready to find out about the most beautiful places to visit in Russia?

St.Petersburg

The cultural capital of Russia is one of the top tourist destinations in the country. The city attracts more than 7 million visitors every year.

St.Petersburg is a young city, only 314 years, but so much was built, and so many things happened in this short time that the city will keep you very busy for the whole period of your stay. During the Navigation season, anybody can visit St.Petersburg without a visa and stay for 72 hours in the city as a part of a cruise.

The best time for visiting is June – July when you have a chance to experience famous White nights, with the shortest night, less than 2 hours, on the 21 st of June. Some of the St.Petersburg highlights; the Hermitage, Peter and Paul Fortress, St.Isaak Cathedral, Church of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood, Peterhof Palace and Park, Catherine Palace with Amber Room, and Russian Museum.

The best way to explore the city center is on foot or by boat there are several water routes through the historical part.

The Russian capital is the largest European city with over 10 million people living in it!

Moscow is a mix of old and new, a crazy bustling megapolis where something always happening. One of the oldest Russian cities, it was founded in 1147. During its almost 900 years of history, Moscow has been burnt, rebuilt, and expanded in the last four centuries. It even ceased its leading role to St.Petersburg and was the second city of Russia for 207 years.

The oldest remaining building in Moscow is the Andronikov Monastery of the Savior, built in 1425. The city is huge the best, and the fastest way to move around is using the underground, it’s a widespread network of stations throughout the city. Must-see places in Moscow; Kremlin, Red Square, Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Bolshoi Theatre, Tretyakov Gallery, Novodevichy Convent, Kolomenskoye.

Located in the Kabardino-Balkaria region near the border with Georgia, Elbrus is a part of the Caucasus mountain range.

The highest mountain in Europe , 5642m, for the first time, was conquered in 1874. Nowadays, hundreds of people climb Elbrus every year though it doesn’t mean it is easy.

The area around Elbrus is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery, mineral springs, and great local food. The best seasons to come here are summer (June – August) if you plan to go climbing or hiking and winter (December – February) for skiing and snowboarding – visiting is surely one of the best things to do in Russia.

The easiest way of getting to Elbrus is to take a flight to Nalchik (the nearest airport). There are flights from Moscow, St.Petersburg, Istanbul , and Tbilisi.

Veliky Novgorod

The oldest Russian city on the bank of River Volkhov remained almost the same as it was centuries ago.

Once, the Novgorod Republic’s capital (what later became the Russian Empire) and one of the biggest European cities.

If you want to see old Russian architecture, experience a small Russian town’s tranquil life, and try traditional food, Novgorod is a great place for these. The history of Novgorod goes back to the 10 th century when it was mentioned for the first time in Chronicles.

The highlights of Veliky Novgorod; Novgorodsky Kremlin, the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the Museum of Wooden Architecture, Yuriev Monastery, St. Nicholas Cathedral.

Novgorod can be visited as a day trip from St.Petersburg it takes 3 hours to get there by speed train.

Lake Baikal

It has many world records and impressive figures; the largest freshwater lake in the world by volume and the seventh largest by surface area, the deepest lake (max depth 1600m), and the oldest lake (25 million years).

All these sound quite impressive and enough reasons to go and see Baikal, but it’s more just a huge lake when you’re there. It’s an incredible ecosystem and beautiful nature.

There are many activities to do in the area, from hiking on Olkhon Island and kayaking in summer to ice-diving and skating/skiing in winter.

The fastest way to get here is to fly to Irkutsk, or if you have more time and seek adventure, take the famous Trans-Siberian railway all the way from Moscow. It’ll take you 4 days to get here.

The summer capital of Russia has gained back its popularity in the last years, Sochi. First holding Winter Olympic Games and then being one of the main FIFA World Cup cities, it is one of Russia’s most interesting places.

Sochi has a subtropical climate with evergreen palm trees, the warm water of the Black Sea, and beautiful mountains.

In summer, it’s a good place for chilling on the beach, hiking in the surrounding mountains, or doing some adventure tours, e.g., rafting, abseiling, and bungee jumping.

In winter people come here for skiing and snowboarding, there are some great slopes.

It’s easy to get here from any Russian city there are plenty of flights and trains going this way.

Best Off the Beaten Path Places to Visit in Russia – Hidden Gems in Russia

Overlooked by most tourists Altai region is a real hidden treasure of Russia; stunning landscape, untouched nature, and many hiking trails. This is a real paradise for nature lovers.

The region is in the South-East of Russia on the border with Kazakhstan, China , and Mongolia.

Altai is famous for its lakes. There are over 7000 in the area, snow-peak mountains, including Mt.Belukha, the highest mountain in Siberia, with incredible wildlife, bears, wolves, snow leopards, foxes, etc.

Read more: The Trans-Siberian Railway .

The capital of Tatarstan, the Republic of Kazan, might represent the country better than any other city. It is a mix of Asian and European cultures and is one of the most beautiful cities in Russia.

The capital of the Muslim republic, with 48% of its population being Christian, mosques and churches, the old Kremlin, and modern architecture peacefully coexist here.

The history of the city goes back to the 10 th century. It’s one of the oldest and most multinational Russian cities.

The highlights of Kazan are: Kazan Kremlin, Qolsarif Mosque, Millennium Park of Kazan, Bauman Street, and Cathedral of the Apostles Peter and Paul.

Kazan is connected by railway with many Russian cities, to get here from Moscow takes 12 hours, prices from 20 USD. There are flights from Russia and many European cities.

Kamchatka Peninsula

The most remote out of all Russian regions Kamchatka is closer to Canada than to Central Russia. 

A real wild Russia that many tourists imagine with many bears, forests, a tough climate, and few people. The highlights of Kamchatka; are the Valley of Geysers, Gorely Volcano, Avachinsky Bay, Mutnovsky Volcano.

The most challenging is getting here and moving around as there are very few roads in the region, and to get to some places, you’ll need a helicopter. But some helicopters are used as public transport, so you don’t need to hire the entire chopper only for you.

The cheapest flight from Moscow costs about 300 UDS return off-season and 500 USD in season. To get here from other places in Russia is even more expensive. There is no railway here train is not an option.

A wooden architecture open-air museum located on one of the islands in Omega Lake, the North of Russia.

Kizhi is a perfect example of old-style wooden Russian architecture. The main church was built in 1714 and replaced the early one destroyed years before by fire. The surrounding Nordic nature and wooden complex make a perfect match.

The main attraction of Kizhi is the Church of Transfiguration – a 37-meter-high building with 22 wooden cupolas. Its body was built without using any nails (the cupola constriction has some).

You can get from Moscow, St.Petersburg, and some other cities by train to Petrozavodsk, the nearest town, and then take a ferry to the island.

These are some of the best places to visit in Russia some famous tourist attractions and some hidden gems you can find in this huge country. 

Russia Travel Guide

You will find some travel tips for your Russia trip below.

Best Season to Travel in Russia

Summer (June – August) is the best time to visit Russia. Winter can be an option if you want to experience a really cold Russian winter, ski or snowboard, or do ice-diving in Baikal Lake.

Things You Need to Know About Russia

Find out about Visa requirements here.

Alphabet – The Russian language has its own Cyrillic alphabet, making it quite complicated for foreigners to read even street names and signs.

Google Translate works well for Russian–English language combination. It can read and translate signs and voice messages as well.

Time – Russia has 11 time zones. If you’re going to travel around the country, always check local time.

Russian currency: Ruble (RUB), 1 USD = 60 RUB

In big cities are many ATMs, and cards are widely accepted, but if you’re going to the country or a small place, bring cash.

Security Tips for Russia

Safety tips for Russia are limited by taking normal precautions like watching for your personal belongings in public places, not walking at night in dodgy areas, and don’t carry all your valuable stuff with you all the time. All these are mainly for big cities. If you go hiking in the mountains or forest, make sure somebody knows where you go and when you’re planning to come back.

How to Move Around Russia

The fastest way is to fly though it’s quite expensive and worth doing only for long distances, 1000km and more. Double-check luggage allowance for local airlines as some of them don’t include check-in luggage in the basic tariff. Some allow only small handbags for carry-on. A middle-distance flight of 2000km will cost you 60 USD.

Trains run across the country, the famous Trans-Siberian railway crossing Russia from West to East. Trains are cheap, especially if you buy a sleeper class ticket, quite comfortable if you go for a compartment ticket, and easy to use. You can buy a ticket online anywhere in Russia. A train ticket (2000km distance) costs 60USD.

Buses are quite popular even for long distances but traveling time is longer than by train, and it’s less comfortable. The average price for a long-distance bus (1300km) from 40USD.

Renting a car is not very popular in Russia as public transport is quite good and relatively cheap, but you can do it. It can be worth doing if you’re at least three or four people or have a lot of luggage and don’t feel like moving around with all your stuff by trains and buses. Just keep in mind that traffic in big cities, mostly in Moscow, is hectic.

Hitchhiking is quite popular in Russia, especially in the South during the summer holiday, mostly between smaller towns and beaches. In big cities hitchhiking for money saving is not worth it as transport is not expensive and distances are huge. But some people do it and even manage to cross Russia from West to East hitchhiking if you’re seeking adventure, and an interesting experience, go for it.

About the Authors

Stingy Nomads bio

We’re Campbell and Alya, an adventurous travel couple who met surfing in the Philippines. Four years later, they married and are still traveling. We’re based somewhere between Cape Town, South Africa, and St.Petersburg, Russia, chasing summer and nice weather on both continents. We’re camping addicts and road trippers and like exploring the world’s best hiking and diving destinations and, of course, doing all the above on a tight budget.

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The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Fantastic Historic Sites in Russia

Known for its vast landscape, turbulent history and striking buildings, russia is brimming with historic sites. here's our pick of 10 historical sites that make for essential visiting..

Lucy Davidson

21 jan 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

By far the world’s largest country, Russia covers a large swathe of land over eastern Europe and northern Asia. Historically, it is known for its socialist dictators and bloody revolutions which have seen its royal family deposed and the country industrialised. Later involvement in brutal wars on the world stage has been reflected in the minds of famous writers, philosophers and artists who are some of the most prominent in history.

Out of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 has emerged a Russia which is home to a fascinating number of sites which attest to the country’s turbulent history. Here’s our pick of 10 of the very best.

What are the best Historic Sites in Russia?

1. St Basil’s Cathedral

St Basil’s Cathedral is a strikingly ornate red brick building bordering Moscow’s Red Square. Crowned with several vividly coloured domes, the cathedral bears a striking resemblance in shape to flames licking at the sky.

Today, St Basil’s Cathedral is a popular tourist destination and is a focal point of Moscow’s world renowned Red Square. It contains some interesting medieval paintings and today forms part of the State History Museum. Visitors can also see the resting place of Saint Basil himself. Outside St Basil’s Cathedral is a platform from which the tsar would announce executions and general orders.

2. The Kremlin

The Kremlin is an iconic symbol of Russian statehood and forms the seat of its political power. Characterised by colourful domes and opulent buildings, this vast triangular shaped complex spans an area of around 28 hectares and includes several beautiful palaces, numerous churches, and even armouries and a medieval fortress. The Kremlin offers visitors a plethora of incredible sites. Many of these, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, are contained in Cathedral Square. Many of Russia’s important religious leaders are buried here.

Beyond its religious sites, the Kremlin has much to offer the history enthusiast, notably in its Armoury which contains a myriad of exhibits relating to Russian culture, including ceremonial clothing of the tsars, Faberge eggs, the chalice of the founder of Moscow, Yuri Dolgoruky and, next door, the stunning Orlov Diamond which measures a staggering 190 carats.

3. Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood

The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is one of St Petersburg’s most impressive churches. With multicoloured onion domes reminiscent of St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is a breath-taking sight both outside and within its ornately decorated walls.

The church has had a varied history, from its original consecration and veneration to being looted and damaged in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution and being used as a storage facility for the deceased during the Second World War, and later as a potato storage facility. It was only in the 1970s that the church was reopened and in 1997, after 27 years of renovation, that it was returned to its former glory.

4. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Lenin’s Mausoleum is the final resting place of one of Russia’s most famous and ruthless leaders, Vladimir Lenin. Lenin’s Mausoleum borders Moscow’s Red Square.

Lenin died of a stroke on 22 January 1924 and his body was soon embalmed. Lenin’s mausoleum was built in Red Square to house his mummified corpse, initially as a wooden structure, and later as a more permanent building. Today, Lenin’s Mausoleum is a popular tourist attraction, despite the rumours that his body has since been replaced with a fake.

5. Red Square

Red Square is a public plaza in Moscow in Russia and one of the most famous squares in the world. In fact, it is of such historical importance that it is a UNESCO World Heritage historic site. Originally intended to be a marketplace for the city, the name “Red Square” derives from the fact that the Russian word “krasnaya” means both “beautiful” and “red”. Red Square itself is more black than red, owing to its dark cobblestones and spans an area of approximately 74 metres squared.

Today, Red Square is a tourist hotspot and one of the first places visitors frequent on their travels around Russia. This is due in large part to the Red Square’s central location and impressive surroundings. It is bordered by several sites of historical importance, including Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State History Museum, St. Basil’s Cathedral and, of course, the Kremlin.

6. Stalingrad Battlefield

Stalingrad Battlefield was the site of one of the most important and bloodiest battles of the Second World War. The Battle of Stalingrad, which took place from July 1942 and February 1943, was the most important of the standoffs between Germany and the USSR and is commonly thought of as the turning point in the war.

Those wanting to see Stalingrad Battlefield today can view remnants of the clash throughout Volgograd, from destroyed buildings to museums about the battle. The most prominent memorial showing Stalingrad Battlefield is the Mamayev Kurgan statue and complex.

7. The Hermitage

The Hermitage is a vast museum complex in St. Petersburg housing around three million historic and archaeological artefacts, paintings, sculptures, numismatics, and other works. It is one of world’s most well-renowned museums, with an astonishing array of exhibits ranging from the art and culture of ancient civilisations such as the Romans, Greeks and those of the Orient, to Western European art and Numismatic coins.

With so much to see, it’s probably best to join in one of the tours, available in many European languages including in English. For those wishing to see the Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Centre, visits must be booked in advance and must be by guided tour.

8. Church of the Ascension

The Church of the Ascension is a sixteenth century church in Kolomenskoye built by Prince Vasili III to celebrate the long anticipated birth of the heir to the Russian throne, Ivan IV Vasilyevich. Ivan, who was born on 25 August 1530, would become known as Ivan the Terrible.

Now dominating Kolomenskoye, a former royal estate in Moscow’s suburbs, the Church of the Ascension is a white stone structure characterized by its tent roofs and Renaissance details on a cross-shaped base.

9. Perm 36 Gulag

Perm-36 was one of many Gulags established under the Soviet regime of Joseph Stalin and the best-preserved of its kind. Essentially, Gulags were forced labour or concentration camps for prisoners of the state, including criminals and political prisoners such as human rights activists and anyone deemed to be opposed to the state.

Perm-36 was only closed down in 1988. In the period after Stalin’s death in 1953, Perm-36 was initially used as a prison for those in his regime convicted of crimes carried out under his rule and later for law-enforcement officials convicted of “traditional” crimes. Political prisoners also continued to be interned there. Today, the Perm-36 Museum offers tours of the former camp as well as exhibits about its history.

10. The Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress was the first building or structure built by Peter the Great in the city of St Petersburg.

The fortress has been a museum since 1924 and part of the St Petersburg UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. It contains several small museums and exhibits.

Top 25 Best Places to visit in Russia 

Russia ! What comes to your mind when you think about this country ? I am sure the very first thing that comes is, this is the largest country on our planet. But this is not the only thing true about this country. There are a number of internationally popular tourist destinations which you can find in this country. Europe is full of breathtaking islands, exotic beaches and some of the most spectacular and iconic landmarks present in the world. In this article I am gonna talk about the places to visit in Russia . This article is gonna include some interesting tourist places in Russia. 

By the end of this article you can pick up some valuable information and facts regarding the tourist destinations in Russia. You are gonna know about how you can plan for a tour to Russia in the most efficient way possible. And if you want to know about some interesting facts regarding Russia then you are in the right place. 

Here are the list of Top 25 Best Places to visit in Russia:

Saint Petersburg

• Lake Baikal

Kizhi Island

Petropavlovsk-kamchatsky.

• The Russian Tundra

The Golden Ring

• Limpopo Zoo
• Olkhon Island

St. Basil’s Cathedral

The moscow kremlin.

• River Moskva
• Kirillov House
• Vasilyevsky Island

Eliseyev Emporium

• Palace Square
• Peterhof Palace

Novospassky Monastery

Table of contents, places to visit in russia , moscow .

This is one of the top most places to visit in Russia. The great and mighty capital of Russia is one of the most popular tourist places located in Russia. Famous for the well renowned multi-colored amazing St. Basil’s Cathedral, this city has a lot to offer to its visitors. Moscow is one of the most extraordinary places located in Russia which absolutely suits the “Epicentre of diversity.” as described. You can enjoy top places to visit for couples.

This capital city is one of the most amazing places located in the entire region of Russia. If you want to enjoy the true and magnificent beauty of Russia then you should certainly be at this place along with your family and friends and you are sure to have some amazing and memorable moments for a lifetime. Moscow is one of the most prominent places to be in Russia and is even a significant place related to arts, politics, music,  science and many other fields. So when you visit this place you should jot down some significant things that will aid you to have the best experience. 

Some amazing places located here at this place which will turn your tour into a great experience are the Kremlin and Surrounding region to explore the history in the deepest manner. You can even have a closer look at the attractive architecture from the 19th century which provides an absolutely amazing feel. You can even experience the calm and the scenic beauty at Gorky Park.

If you love to shop then you should be at the prestigious GUM & TSUM and receive an artistic and historic feel. The traditional Russian Luxury Experience will amaze your mind too. 

Altay 

The second most amazing place to visit in Russia is the Altay. This is an amazing place which you should not miss when on a tour to Russia. You cannot stop yourself from capturing some amazing and fascinating pics through your camera once you fall in love with the royal beauty and natural elegance of this culturally and historically prominent destination in Russia.

Altay is one of the most prominent tourist zones in Russia. Here people do arrive to enjoy and feel the traditional Russian culture vibes. The perplexing land of this republic is bordered by the magnificent Altay Mountains and filled with thousands of lush green alpine meadows and serene lakes

A significant segment of the republic of Altay is a reserved zone with biodiversity reserves done to protect umpteen diversity of wildlife animals like the snow leopards and argali mountain sheep. Some other prominent attractions of Altay are the 4,506 metros tall Mt. Belukha and  the picturesque Loch Teletskoye.

Also read: Adventure Parks to visit in France

This amazing place in Russia is a perfect epitome of amazing designs, fine art and vast history which render perfect allure and beautiful sights. You will find an amazing display of powerful infrastructure which presents classical artistic culture. 

Saint Peter’s is an amazing destination when you are on a tour to Russia. It presents some of the most amazing sites and historically prominent buildings which you should not miss from your Russian itinerary. Being one of the most stunning places located in the entire Russian region, this place is visited by a number of tourists throughout the year.

 The well preserved and the most prominent constructions from the popular Tsarist tenure permits you to delve into the center of the amazing wonder of this place. This is one of the most stunning places all throughout the Russian region. You will certainly fall in love with this rich place. 

There are many attractions to visit in St Petersburg in Russia. You will surely have fun with the vibrant history by unleashing the royal gardens, classical sculptures, and captivating cathedrals. Apart from discovering the city by strolling to explore the wonder via boat rides on canals and rivers, this place presents various angles to experience its fascination. This is one of the most famous tourist spots in Russia. 

Lake Baikal 

Situated in the south-eastern Siberian zone of Russia, the stunning Lake Baikal is one of the most wonderful places to visit when in Russia. The water body is the biggest freshwater lake on the globe. This loch has a depth of around 1,700 metres and is recorded to be the oldest lake in the world too. 

If you love to enjoy the natural wonder of a particular destination then you should certainly be at this prominent destination located in the Russian region. If you are going to get there along with your family and friends or on a honeymoon tour then you should only enjoy and be at this stunning and mesmerising destination. This place is considered to be one of the most important and significant destinations located in Russia. 

Covered by magnificent glory, lush green spaces and picturesque snow-capped mountains, this loch houses a variety of plants and animals. You can sit back and experience the perplexing hiking experiences and wildlife tours at this amazing Russian landmark. 

This place is located in the Siberian region of Russia. 

Next is Kizhi Island, this is one of the top 25 places which you need to visit when you are on a tour to Russia. The natural beauty which this place offers is just breathtaking. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the breathtaking Kizhi is one of the most prominent places to get to in the Russian region. Placed between Lake Onega, the island dispersed to an approximate area of 6 kilometers in length. The Kizhi island is a dwelling place to amazing wooden architectural masterpieces and has some of the best crafts to present.

This Kizhi island has some of the best places which you should not miss when you are thinking of an amazing tour to the Russian region. If you want a great treat for your eyes then you are gonna be at this amazing destination in Russia. 

The island has the nation’s oldest wooden church and this Church of the Resurrection dating back to the 14th century is an amazing destination. Some other prominent attractions on this Island are the 18th century Church of the Transfiguration that feature 22 onion domes over it and the Pogost of Our Savior.  

Also read: Adventure Parks in United Kingdom

Sochi 

Russia is filled with largely popular places all throughout its region. One such top place to visit in Russia is Sochi. Sochi being one of the most spectacular places to visit Russia is mostly crowded by tourists and visitors all around the globe. The naturally rich experience that this amazing destination offers is one of the finest things. 

Sochi is among those places in Russia which have a subtropical climate making it more intriguing for visitors. The best thing about Sochi is that it is situated along the Black Sea’s coastline. Undoubtedly this place is one of the most frequently visited tourist destinations in the  Russian region.

Sochi is home to beaches, stunning-era monuments and a wonderful garden. This botanical garden located in this city has umpteen varieties of trees that have been collected from various parts of the world. This is basically a coastal town and it is sometimes called a Beach resort making it a perfect vacation spot both for summers and winters. 

You can experience the royal skiing adventure in the winters and during the summer time you can enjoy swimming at the popular destination in Russia. 

There are some of the most amazing places all around this country. The world’s largest country truly has some breathtaking views present all around. If you want to take back some great moments home after finishing your vacation then this place is one of the best picture perfect zones in the country.

This is one amidst the most amazing places to visit in Russia during the summers, the vibrant and advanced Russian city of Sochi is situated on the Black Sea and is popularly referred to as a stunning summer beach resort. This place has gained a huge amount of global fame after hosting the Winter Olympics in the year 2014. 

It is popular for its lush, palm-fringed parks as well as the architecturally mesmerising 20th-century neoclassical structures for instance the famous Winter Theatre. The other interesting place in the city is the picturesque forested Sochi National Park. This is actually a protected region, dispersed across a large land area of about 1,937 sq.km in the mountains of Caucasus. 

The Russian Tundra 

This spectacular place located in Russia is one of the most frequently visited places in the entire Russian region. If you love to linger around watching the naturally available wealth then this place is one of the most prominent places for you to visit. Hence it is rightly included in the list of top 25 places to visit in Russia . 

The Russian Tundra takes around one-tenth of the entire region within the national frontiers of Russia. Dispersed across a fine coastal belt it has a maximum breadth of 500 kilometers. The Tundra is basically a marshy plain and treeless region . 

The soil present in this place has a huge amount of moisture because temperatures over here are low. This is the reason why this zone does not receive an enduring and good vegetation around. The Russian Tundra is naturally present in the form of open grounds with some zones filled with mosses and lichens. Packed with magnificent wildlife, the Tundra zone will certainly make you find some beavers, reindeers, snowy owls, Arctic foxes, ptarmigan, lemmings and musk oxen

The Russian Tundra is situated in the Eastern Siberian region in northeastern Russia. 

The Golden ring is our next destination in Russia. This place is truly perplexing and amazing. The spectacular views which this destination offers to those who arrive to it are picture perfect. If you love to click some stunning images then this captivating Russian destination will be a perfect choice. There are very few places all around the world like the Golden ring of Russia. 

The Golden ring has a huge collection of historically significant  towns around the northeast region of Moscow for instance Sergiev Posad,  Suzdal and Vladimir popular for their well-protected religious sites and architecture. The Golden Ring is a famous tourist way in Russia that consists of numerous historically prominent towns and cities to the northeast of Moscow. 

The place is a blend of ancient towns and cities that had an important role in the construction of Russia’s culture and history. 

This way consists of many greatly protected mediaeval towns with their outstanding historic sites, architectural marvels and cultural places. 

This Golden Ring renders visitors an opportunity to go back in olden times and enjoy the awe and wonder of ancient Russian towns.

Vladimir is popular for its beautiful cathedrals and the Unesco-recognised St. Demetrius Cathedral and Assumption Cathedral. Suzdal is popular for its miraculous mediaeval architecture and also the awesome Suzdal Kremlin. 

Also read: Most Amazing Places to Visit in United Kingdom

Limpopo Zoo 

Zoos and sanctuaries are loved by many of us. If you are planning for an amazing tour to Russia then this Limpopo Zoo is gonna surely be on your Russian itinerary. Being a place of natural importance it is visited by a number of tourists whether domestic or international. If you love to explore new and amazing destinations all around the globe then this place is a sure visit for you. Let us know more about this place. 

 Limpopo Zoo is the best zoos in the nation and is also among the best family-friendly tourist spots in the Russian region. You can enjoy an amazing day out. This picturesque zoo houses a stunning diversity of reptiles, fish, mammals and birds. 

You are sure to spot indigenous animal species consisting of Amur tigers, leopards and stunning species like stingrays, Kangaroos and apes

This zoo also has some perplexing rides and outdoor play zones for the enjoyment of children who visit this destination. You can even find some cafes in Limpopo Zoo that have internationally prominent cuisine and drinks. This place is situated in the Ulitsa Yaroshenko, Nizhnij Novgorod, Nizhegorodskaya oblast’ in Russia. 

The timings are 9 AM to 5 PM and it is closed on Monday. 

Olkhon Island 

Dispersed across a large land area of a majestic 730 square kilometres  which measure 71.5 kilometres in length and 20.8 kilometres in width, this popular island in Russia is the third-largest lake island on the entire planet and the largest island located on Lake Baikal. 

Olkhon island is popular for the Academician Ridge’s southwestern end. This place is filled with iconic places for the lovers of nature to go deep and enjoy the picturesque lake sights. The eastern coast of the island is decorated by steep mountain peaks and the Mt. Zhima is the tallest peak which is at a magnificent height of about 2,684 feet above the water level of Lake Baikal. This place is situated in Lake Baikal in the Eastern Siberian region of Russia. 

If you love to be at some exotic resort destinations in Europe then this place is a must visit. We all need a refreshing gap from our daily routines and so such places are one of the finest options. Anapa, being a spectacular Russian destination, sees many tourists all around the year. If you want to get relaxed and refreshed after getting a boring work schedule then this is a great option for you. 

Anapa is exactly situated against the popular Black Sea and has been a much famous resort destination since decades. This place is globally popular for its sandy beach lines,spas and amazing sights from the rocky promontory where the lighthouse of Anapa prevails. Anapa is a somewhat more famous place in Russia than Sochi. This even presents a bountiful of other things to entertain the visitors apart from the coastal zones. 

The single prevailing gate of an Ottoman fort which occupied this region once upon a time and the Anapa Archaeological Museum are some amazing places to visit over here. You can even find the archaeologically prominent place of Gorgippia dating back to the 6th century BCE and it was also a busy maritime trade port once upon a time in history. 

The Wildlife Preserve of Bolshoy Utrish and the Sukko Valley are only minutes distant from the main city and provide many alternatives to unravel naturally prominent places, take to some trekking trails and swim along the crystal clear waters. 

Kamchatka 

You are certainly gonna find some top destinations in Russia. Kamchatka is one of the most frequently visited places in Russia. It has some of the most popular active volcanoes located on the European continent. You will rarely find a place not that sparkling in the Kamchatka region. Knowing about this place will induce an intriguing factor in your mind regarding this internationally popular destination in Russia. 

Kamchatka is a peninsula in the eastern region of Russia, based between the Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea to the east and the Sea of Okhotsk on the west. 

The two important mountain ranges here are the Vostochny in the eastern zone and Sredinny in the central part. The magnificent trough amidst these mountains is packed for the most of its length by the Kamchatka River. There are 127 volcanoes at Kamchatka and 22 are  active till date. 

This is one of the most spectacular places in Russia. If you want to have the best experience in the Russian region then you should certainly be at this popular place. You can even click some breathtaking images in your camera to store a treasure of memories for lifetime. 

Also read: Cities to Visit in Vietnam

Ruskeala 

Russia is filled with amazing places all around. Ruskeala is one of the most stunning destinations in Russia. This place offers a powerful feel for everyone who loves to enjoy the royal and natural beauty of this place.

This basically is a tiny rural town located in Russia, which is greatly popular for its refreshing climate, breathtaking views, calm surroundings and the popular Ruskeala Mountain Park here. The Ruskeala Mountain Park is well renowned as a prominent source of marble which has been employed for the construction of some scenic landmarks of the nation like the Hermitage’s window sills, Kazan Cathedral’s floors and the St. Isaac’s Cathedral. This is one of the most stunning tourist places in the Russian region. 

This popular park even allows visitors to take an amazing experience in the sights of picturesque strolling trails and the age-old marble which is now filled with water. 

This place is located in the Sortavala region of the Republic of Karelia in  Russia. 

The Red square is one of the top 25 places to visit in Russia. If you love to experience the greatness of Russia then you should certainly be at this destination in Europe. The power and strength that this place has is outstanding. I am sure you will never forget the experience which you will have over here. There is nothing that you will dislike about this breathtaking place. 

The Red Square is the most reputed and popular square situated in Russia. This is one of the most stunning tourist places in Russia and houses a list of significant landmarks of Moscow, the capital city of Russia. The mesmerising square situates the State History Museum, Lenin’s Mausoleum, Kremlin, GUM and St. Basil’s Cathedral. 

This place is the most important square of the city with all significant roads streaming from this place. This square becomes lively in the evening when this zone is lit with a variety of events organised in this square along with colourful lights. If you visit this place at Christmas, you will be able to feel the lovely experience of attending Christmas workshops, ice-skating and taste a variety of sweets at the Red Square.

Cathedrals are a part and parcel of a European tour. The entire European continent is filled with some popular Cathedrals. One such amazing architectural marvel stands high in the skies of the Russian nation, the St. Basil’s Cathedral. 

Presenting the most amazing artistic architectural design, St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most visited monuments in Russia. This place is often known as “Pokrovsky Cathedral” or “The Cathedral of Intercession of the Virgin by the Moat”. This is one of the most renowned Russian monuments. 

Flaunting out the typical mediaeval feel along with magical spirituality, St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most significant landmarks to visit in Russia for those who seek an amazing spiritual experience, peace lovers and those who love architectural marvels. 

This Cathedral is located in the Red Square of the capital city, Moscow, Russia. 

The entry fee to get to this marvel is 500 to 1,000 Rubles per person. 

Moscow Kremlin is yet another prominent place you should not miss when you are on a tour to Russia. This popular destination is one of the must visit places located in the amazing Russian region. 

Being the epicentre of the political authority of Russia the Moscow Kremlin is one of the most prominent places in the entire country. This is the same place from where the modern-day presidents, communist dictators and the autocratic tsars have circulated rules for the entire nation. 

Located on Borovitsky Hill, the Kremlin is encircled by 2.25 kilometers high walls and you can capture the best sights of this amazing destination from Sofiyskaya nab too. 

The entry fee over here is 1.000 rubles per person for adults and is absolutely free for children under 16 years of age. And you can visit this place anytime between 9 AM to 5 PM. 

Also read: Places to Visit in Andaman

Don’t get surprised, we are talking about the GUM region of Russia and not about any other gum. Gum is one of the most popular tourist destinations all around the planet.

Placed in Red Square in the capital city of Moscow, GUM is a popular shopping mall in the region. The perplexing architectural structure of this departmental store makes this place a majestic monument. This whole mall is packed with vibrant restaurants, premium luxury stores,  a pharmacy, supermarkets, ATMs and  souvenir shops.

GUM even hosts numerous cultural events, art exhibitions throughout the year and some recreational activities making this place truly exciting. Purchases at GUM consist of the famous GUM ice cream and some of the most suggested things you can visit. This place is situated in the Red Square, 3 of Moscow, Russia. 

The time to visit this place is from 10 AM to 10 PM. 

River Moskva 

River is an amazing place of natural significance. If you love to enjoy the scenic beauty of rivers then this river is surely going to be on your Russian itinerary. Located 140 km to the west of Moscow city, the River Moskva descends eastwards via Smolensk and Moscow Oblasts and by central Moscow. In addition to Moscow, this river flows through some of the most prominent Russian towns like Voskresensk, Zvenigorod, Mozhaysk, Zhukovsky and Bronnitsy.  The breathtaking Moskva River spreads across an area of 473 km.

This river normally freezes along the months of November and December and begins melting till later March. You can find 49 bridges constructed across Moskva river, with the first one built in the year 1692. This river is among the most prominent places in Russia for a mesmerising cruising feel. It is located in the Moscow region. 

Kirillov House 

Kirillov House is one of the most amazing tourist places in Russia. It is often observed that this is one of the most frequently visited places in the Russian region. You can find some other prominent elements consisting of a life-size vase with flowers arranged, presented near the  property entrance. 

Kirilov has employed metal for the construction of the sculptures which are fixed on the right and left oblique segments of the triangular corner of the primary monument’s roof’s facade. 

The sculptures here prominently display young people who were the leaders of the Russian youth movement holding up texts and signs or other depictions. Though the beauty of these sculptures display the era of their uprising during the years that the communist revolution became powerful, the presentation of the constructed statues and comparable reality can be shown as enthusiastic and affectionate. They are not propagandistic in nature. 

Vasilyevsky Island 

This is the largest island of St. Petersburg. Vasilyevsky Island was once upon a time declared as the prominent center of the capital by Peter the Great, when he reigned over here. The island even aided the place for a number of significant construction projects in the past. 

Currently Vasilyevsky Island is one of the most popular historical places in Russia and even houses a number of important foundations of the city of St. Petersburg. These include the Passenger Sea Port, the Stock Exchange, LenEXPO exhibition center and the St. Petersburg State University. The exact location of the island is the Gulf of Finland at Saint Petersburg in Russia. 

Situated on Nevsky Prospekt and deemed to be one of the most recommended places to visit when in Russia for food lovers, Eliseyev Emporium presents a large sitting area and a stunning decor. The impressive food emporium renders authentic and delicious Russian dishes which greatly treat your taste buds.

The Eliseyev Emporium experiences a huge variety of food, encircled by a colorful Art Deco as well as a lively live Piano music playing in the background. At this place you can even taste authentic Russian wines leaving your taste buds craving for more too. But always be in a limit. Vines can negatively affect your body and soul too. 

This place is located in Nevsky Prospekt, Malaya Sadovaya Ulitsa of Russia. This place is open for visitors between 10 AM to 11 PM. 

Palace Square 

The Palace Square is one of the greatest architectural marvels in Russia. The Palace Square got its name from the popular Winter Palace, which is found at this place. The large region is one of the most stunning squares in Russia presenting regal beauty. 

You can go on a sweet walk from the triumphal arch to the Nev sky pr and the Bolshaya Morskaya to receive the best feelings of Palace Square. There is a 47.5 meters tall Alexander Column right at the center of this square, which was constructed by Mont Ferrand in the year 1834 and it was named after Alexander I in memory of his majestic win over Napoleon in the year 1812.

Peterhof Palace 

This amazing Peterhof Palace depicts the perfect blend of grandiose and opulence. Known as ‘The Russian Versailles’, this awesome palace is based around the breathtaking Gulf of Finland. This Peterhof Palace characterises over 24 rooms where each room is luxuriously decorated with lucrative themes and this is one of the best tourist destinations in Russia.

The walls and furniture are decorated with silk tapestries too and the hallways are aligned with frescos and statues. The prominent attractions of the Peterhof Palace consist of golden facades having a ballroom and the picturesque White Dining Room presenting beautiful chandeliers.

This place is located in the Razvodnaya Ulitsa of St Petersburg in Russia. 

The entry fees to be here are 450 Rubles for Russian citizens and 600 Rubles for foreign tourists. The timings to visit here are 10 AM to 7 PM. 

There are some amazing places in the Russian region. One of these places is the Novospassky Monastery. This place dates back to the 14th century and this stunning  Monastery is popular to be the oldest monastery built in Moscow. Situated in the southeastern zone of Moscow and deemed to be one of the most prominent places in Russia, this monastery is a home to the great Transfiguration Cathedral built in the 1640s by the royal Romanov family of Russia. 

The architectural marvel of this monument matches with that of the Assumption Cathedral in the Kremlin. The Novospassky Monastery even houses another church, the Intercession Church, which was built in the year 1675.

This monastery is located in the Krestyanskaya Ploshchad’ in the Moskova zone. 

You can visit this place anytime between 7 AM to 8 PM. 

Also read: Places to Visit in Europe

Some amazing facts regarding Russia

Russia is an amazing country located in the northern segment of the European continent. Russia is filled with valleys, hills, mountains, islands, lakes, monuments, churches, rivers and much more. You are never gonna get bored of visiting the stunning places located in the Russian region. Here are some top fun facts about Russia. 

• Russia is the world’s largest country.
• Russia has the longest Railway route in the world.
• Russians don’t like to smile at strangers.
• Russians believe in many superstitions.
• There are 12 active volcanoes in the country. 
• Tetris was invented in this country. 

How to plan a tour to Russia ? 

Russia is easily accessible from all the prominent cities of the world. Russia is an amazing destination in the European region. Here is some important piece of content explaining how to plan your tour to Russia.

• Firstly decide on the top destinations where you want to be when on a tour to Russia. There are some amazing destinations in Russia like Moscow, Kizhi Island, St Basil’s Cathedral and many more. You need to select some top places to visit in Russia. Including the top destinations in your itinerary will specify your needs which will help your tour operator to maximize your fun and experience. 
• Nextly you should find out the best deals and offers on tour packages to Russia. You can pick out the best option from the number of options to choose from. Understand the fact that budget is not the sole thing to think upon when you are planning for a tour.
• There are a number of other crucial factors that you need to consider when you are planning an international or a national tour. Some of those important factors include the market standing of your tour operator, the experience, customer ratings and reviews and many more others. You should consider these important factors when you are planning for such tours. 
• Finalize and allocate an appropriate budget to the entire tour. Budget being one of most crucial things to decide on, must be decided on in the most prominent manner. Budget is something that must be considered before planning for any trip. 
• Selecting the best deal for your Russian tour is basically a process you should follow well. 

Bottom line 

In this I have shared with you some interesting facts and information regarding the top 25 must visit places in Russia. You can certainly base your Russian itinerary on this blog shared with you. I have tried to be as precise and compact as possible. There are many things to be added but prominent places are discussed in the above content. You can even find some amazing facts about Russia in the above blog. Keep following us for such articulative and to the point description of some nationally and internationally popular destinations.

Also read: Budget Friendly International Destinations from India

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Russia-Ukraine war: Zelenskiy signs new mobilisation law in effort to boost Ukraine’s exhausted forces – as it happened

Kyiv brings in higher payments for volunteers and new punishments for draft dodgers

• 2d ago Closing summary
• 2d ago Ukraine identifies 37,000 people missing since Russia launched its full-scale invasion
• 2d ago Poland's president could meet Donald Trump in New York
• 2d ago German defence giant to build ammunition plant in Lithuania amid fears of Russian threat
• 2d ago Volodymyr Zelenskiy signs new army mobilisation law
• 2d ago Summary of the day so far...
• 2d ago Ukraine says it 'ran out of missiles' to stop Russian strike destroying power plant
• 2d ago Kremlin dismisses Macron's call for 'Olympic truce'
• 2d ago Russia-Ukraine Black Sea shipping deal was almost reached last month - report
• 2d ago Warnings over nuclear danger after attacks on Zaporizhzhia power plant
• 2d ago Opening summary

Volodymyr Zelenskiy signs new army mobilisation law

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy , signed into law a bill overhauling army mobilisation rules, according to the parliamentary website (see earlier post at 13.13 for more details)

The law will come into force a month after it is officially published, Reuters reports.

It obliges men to update their draft data with the authorities, boosts payments to those who volunteer, and adds new punishment for draft dodging. Russia has many more soldiers fighting in the war than Ukraine .

In the first weeks after the invasion, hundreds of thousands of ordinary Ukrainians volunteered to serve at the front in an explosion of patriotism that helped keep the country independent and fight off the initial attack.

More than two years later, however, many of those initial recruits are dead, wounded or simply exhausted, and the army needs new recruits to fill the ranks. By now, most of those who want to fight have already signed up, leaving the military to recruit among a much more reluctant pool of men.

Vladimir Putin ordered a “partial mobilisation” of 300,000 reservists in September 2022 , after a series of military defeats saw Russian forces routed from east Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and under increasing pressure in the southern Kherson region.

Since then, it has replenished its ranks by recruiting prisoners as well as luring tens of thousands of recruits from poorer Russian regions with the promise of high salaries.

At the end of 2023, Putin said that 486,000 new recruits had joined the army that year and that 1,500 a day were signing contracts.

Closing summary

Ukraine said it had identified almost 37,000 people, including military personnel, who are unaccounted for since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has signed a mobilisation bill into law with the aim of boosting troop numbers. The parliament’s website said the bill had been “returned with the signature of the president” on Tuesday, after receiving final approval from lawmakers last week. The new law toughens penalties on draft dodgers, incentivises conscription and obliges men to keep their military registration details with the authorities up to date.

Polish President Andrzej Duda may meet Donald Trump during a visit to New York this week, he said on Tuesday . “If there is such a possibility, because it also depends on the schedule, I will also meet socially with … Donald Trump,” Duda, whose term in office expires in 2025, told reporters before boarding his plane. An informal meeting could reportedly take place on a visit to New York during which Duda is scheduled to meet the UN secretary-general António Guterres.

Lithuania and German weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall has agreed to build an ammunition plant in the Baltic state, in a new sign of Europe re-arming to counter any threat from Russia . Germany’s largest military equipment maker and the Lithuanian government signed a letter of intent to set up a factory to make 155mm artillery shells in the EU and Nato member.

In a wide-ranging interview with PBS NewsHour , Volodymyr Zelenskiy , said a lack of air defence missiles prevented Ukraine from thwarting a Russian missile attack last week that destroyed the Trypilska thermal power plant . His comments gave fresh urgency to Kyiv’s pleas to be sent more military weapons from its allies as the war appears to have turned in the Kremlin’s favour over recent months.

Mike Johnson , the US House speaker, has unveiled a complicated proposal for passing wartime aid for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan . Facing an outright rebellion from conservatives who fiercely oppose aiding Ukraine, Johnson said he would push to get the package to the House floor under a single debate rule, then hold separate votes on aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan and several foreign policy proposals, according to Republican lawmakers.

Germany’s chancellor, Olaf Scholz , has said he hoped Berlin and Beijing could help achieve a “just peace” in Ukraine , as he met his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping , in the Chinese capital.

Ukraine’s UN ambassador, Sergiy Kyslytsya , has accused Russia of a “a well-planned false-flag operation” endangering the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, as the two countries traded accusations at the UN security council over alleged attacks on Europe’s largest nuclear power station. The Zaporizhzia nuclear power plant reportedly suffered at least three direct strikes on 7 April and another drone attack at the plant’s nearby training centre on 9 April. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Mariano Grossi , said, without attributing blame, that the “reckless” attacks had put the world “dangerously close to a nuclear accident”.

The Kremlin reacted coolly to France’s president Emmanuel Macron ’s call for a truce in international conflicts during the Paris Olympics, saying Ukraine might use it as an opportunity to regroup and rearm.

Russia and Ukraine negotiated for two months with Turkey on a deal to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea and reached agreement on a text that was to be announced by Ankara last month, but then Kyiv suddenly pulled out, sources told Reuters .

Thank you for following today’s latest news. This blog is closing now but you can read all our Ukraine coverage here .

Ukraine identifies 37,000 people missing since Russia launched its full-scale invasion

Calculating the exact number of missing is difficult, as Russian forces still occupy around a fifth of the country and neither side regularly releases data on military casualties.

“Almost 37,000 people are considered missing – children, civilians and military. These figures may be much higher,” Ukraine’s human rights ombudsman, Dmytro Lubinets , said.

He said Ukraine and the Red Cross had identified about 1,700 people “illegally detained” by Russia, which he accused of “abducting civilians” since 2014, when war with Moscow-backed separatists in the country’s east first broke out.

Human rights groups have accused Russia of forced disappearances and abducting children in occupied areas, accusations the Kremlin has rejected.

The British Ministry of Defence has said that the UK-based Operation Interflex has trained over 34,000 Ukrainian recruits.

Military personnel from countries including Canada, New Zealand, Australia and Norway have been involved in the operation.

🇬🇧🇺🇦🇨🇦🇦🇺🇳🇿🇳🇴🇸🇪🇫🇮🇱🇹🇳🇱🇷🇴🇽🇰🇪🇪🇩🇰 The UK and 12 partner nations stand as one to support Ukraine in the training of recruits. Operation Interflex, based in the UK, has trained over 34,000 Ukrainian recruits with the help of our partners. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/n40yeqKfiv — Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) April 16, 2024

Poland's president could meet Donald Trump in New York

Polish President Andrzej Duda may meet Donald Trump during a visit to New York this week, he said on Tuesday.

Duda, whose term in office expires in 2025, was one of Trump’s preferred international partners during his presidency. The Polish president’s top aide has said they remain in contact, according to Reuters.

“If there is such a possibility, because it also depends on the schedule, I will also meet socially with … Donald Trump,” Duda told reporters before boarding his plane.

An informal meeting could reportedly take place on a visit to New York during which Duda is scheduled to meet the UN secretary-general António Guterres

Many European leaders have long been nervous that another Trump presidency would mean waning US support for Poland’s neighbour Ukraine and the Nato military alliance.

Poland is a staunch ally of Ukraine and both Duda and Poland’s prime minister Donald Tusk have urged US lawmakers to approve $60bn in military aid to Ukraine.

While Tusk and Duda are bitterly divided over a host of domestic issues, they are united on the importance of continued support for Ukraine.

“If he actually meets (with Trump), we would expect him to firmly raise the issue of clearly siding with the West and Europe in the Ukrainian-Russian conflict,” Tusk told reporters on Tuesday.

He said his foreign minister would also brief Duda on the importance of speeding up the delivery of American weapons to Poland.

German defence giant to build ammunition plant in Lithuania amid fears of Russian threat

Lithuania and German weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall has agreed to build an ammunition plant in the Baltic state, in a new sign of Europe re-arming to counter any threat from Russia , AFP reports.

Germany’s largest military equipment maker and the Lithuanian government signed a letter of intent to set up a factory to make 155mm artillery shells in the EU and Nato member that was once a Soviet-ruled nation.

“This will be the largest ever defence investment in Lithuania,” the country’s economy minister, Ausrine Armonaite, told reporters.

“It is time for us, democracies, to step up our arsenal that is (a) prerequisite to defend freedom,” Lithuania’s prime minister, Ingrida Šimonytė, said on social media.

Today we signed the Memorandum of Understanding with @RheinmetallAG , laying the foundation for artillery ammunition plant in 🇱🇹 and our long-term cooperation. I am very grateful to everyone working on this project since the day one. It is time for us, democracies, to step up our… pic.twitter.com/qSh0V8gqbj — Ingrida Šimonytė (@IngridaSimonyte) April 16, 2024

Lithuania is a staunch ally of Germany, which plans to deploy a brigade-sized military unit in the country until 2027 to help secure Nato’s eastern flank. Germany is also a key arms supplier to Lithuania.

Lithuania’s defence minister, Laurynas Kasciunas, said the war in Ukraine showed the importance of having an independent ammunition supply “as an integral part of national security and defence”.

The location of the plant and the investment amount are being negotiated between the government and the German company.

Poland will cooperate with the European Sky Shield Initiative air defence umbrella and it makes sense for the country to be part of several air defence systems, the country’s prime minister, Donald Tusk, has announced.

The European Sky Shield Initiative is a common air defence scheme set up by Germany in 2022 to boost European air defence.

Warsaw has been one of Kyiv’s staunchest supporters since Russia’s February 2022 invasion and has said Ukraine must regain control over all of its territory in order to deter Moscow from further aggression.

Russian blogger Anastasia Ivleeva , the organiser of a “Nearly Naked” party that caused a major scandal, has been charged with discrediting the Russian army, according to the Moscow court service.

Ivleeva has been charged with an administrative offence, which could lead to a fine, and the hearing has been set for 25 April, the court service said.

On 20 December, Ivleeva threw an “Almost Naked Party” at Moscow’s Mutabor nightclub. It was attended by a number of household celebrity names who have stayed in the country since Vladimir Putin launched his invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The scantily clad stars wore flesh-coloured mesh, lace, and lingerie, with one rapper attending in nothing but a sock, in what appeared to be a tribute to the famous 1987 Red Hot Chili Peppers album cover .

But when videos surfaced of the party, there was outrage among Russian politicians and law enforcement agencies. You can read more about what happened here:

Ukraine’s bill on mobilisation has been submitted to Volodymyr Zelenskiy for signature, according to the online portal of Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has said.

The Kyiv Independent reports :

The bill was passed in its second reading in parliament on 11 April and was signed by the speaker of the parliament on 15 April.

The bill on mobilisation is a critical component of the Ukrainian political and military leadership’s efforts to update the legal framework around conscription in order to ramp up mobilisation in 2024 .

After an initial, contentious version of the mobilisation bill was withdrawn in January, a new, updated version passed the first reading on 7 February. Lawmakers have proposed over 4,000 amendments to the bill since then.

Several key provisions of the earlier draft law were eventually passed by the parliament separately, with Zelenskiy signing three laws in early April: on the lowering of the conscription age to 25, the introduction of an electronic register for conscripts, and the canceling of the “partially eligible” status.

The final version of the mobilisation bill was approved by the parliament’s National Security and Defense Committee on 9 April.

Of the provisions remaining in the bill, key points include the right of disabled soldiers and those who have returned from captivity to discharge themselves, and the introduction of mandatory medical commission checks for those who previously held the “partially eligible” status.

The Reuters newswire is running an interesting explainer on why Russia is trying to capture the Ukrainian town of Chasiv Yar.

Here are some extracts:

Russian paratroopers have reached the eastern edge of the Ukrainian town, which Kyiv’s top commander says Moscow wants taken by 9 May, the date when Russia marks the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. If Russian forces capture the town, 12 km (7.4 miles) from the centre of the devastated city of Bakhmut they took last May after months of bloody fighting, they would be able to launch direct offensives against several Ukrainian “fortress cities.” Russian military analysts list Sloviansk, Kramatorsk, Druzhkivka, and Kostiantynivka as the “fortress cities” in Ukraine’s east accessible from Chasiv Yar. The Washington-based Institute for War Studies (IWS) think-tank describes the cities as “the backbone” of the Ukrainian army’s defence in the east. “The offensive effort to seize Chasiv Yar offers Russian forces the most immediate prospects for operationally significant advances,” ISW said in a briefing note. The ISW warned that losing Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka in particular would be a major operational setback that would be hard to reverse.

A ballet performance in South Korea featuring dancers from Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet was cancelled abruptly, the organisers confirmed to AFP on Tuesday, amid growing tensions between Seoul and Moscow over Ukraine and North Korea.

The Russian embassy in Seoul expressed its “deep regret” over the cancellation of the show – scheduled to open 16 April – which comes after another planned performance in Seoul featuring Russia’s top ballet dancer Svetlana Zakharova was axed in March.

Ukraine said the show had been cancelled after a lobbying campaign by its local embassy. “Russian ‘cultural’ propaganda should have no place on international platforms,” it added on an official Telegram account.

But the South Korean organiser Choi Jun-seok, who studied at Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet Academy, told AFP that while Kyiv’s embassy had requested he cancel the show, the final decision was made by the venue, Seoul’s Sejong Centre for the Performing Arts.

Summary of the day so far...

In a wide-ranging interview with PBS NewsHour , Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy , said a lack of air defence missiles prevented Ukraine from thwarting a Russian missile attack last week that destroyed the Trypilska thermal power plant . His comments gave fresh urgency to Kyiv’s pleas to be sent more military weapons from its allies as the war appears to have turned in the Kremlin’s favour over recent months.

Ukraine says it 'ran out of missiles' to stop Russian strike destroying power plant

A lack of air defence missiles prevented Ukraine from thwarting a Russian missile attack last week that destroyed the biggest power plant in the region around Kyiv, Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy , said.

Trypilska thermal power plant was destroyed in a strike last month. It was the biggest energy facility near Kyiv and was built to have a capacity of 1,800 megawatts, more than the prewar needs of Ukraine’s biggest city. Other stations and imports have filled the gap for now but residents have been urged to save power.

“There were 11 missiles flying. We destroyed the first seven, and four (remaining) destroyed Trypillia. Why? Because there were zero missiles. We ran out of missiles to defend Trypillia,” Zelenskiy said in an interview with PBS .

He warned earlier this month that Ukraine, which has reported ongoing ammunition shortages, could run out of air defence missiles if Russia keeps up its intense long-range bombing campaign.

It followed weeks of Russian strikes on the energy infrastructure, towns and cities using a vast arsenal of missiles and drones. Western allies have been reluctant to send additional air defences to Ukraine, which says it needs 25 Patriot systems to cover its territory properly. Germany has pledged to deliver another system after urgent calls from Kyiv.

Zelenskiy said in the PBS NewsHour interview:

It’s a lot to preserve ourselves. It’s very difficult for us. We are fighting against a large army. They don’t care about their soldiers’ lives. They’re not training them. They’re not as trained as our soldiers. But there’s a lot of them. They have an unlimited number of people and a lot of shells. They use thousands of drones against us. Tell me, please, how can you fight against these thousands if you don’t have weapons to take them down? They have aircraft taking off from Crimea and engaging us at a distance of over 300 kilometers. It could be over 300, 400, 500 kilometers, depending on how deep they’re targeting from Crimea. How can we destroy those? The plan is very simple. It’s very clear. It exists. There is a specific weapon that we need to advance. There’s a specific weapon to defend the skies. This plan exists. Besides, all the partners have it in their hands. This is the plan for what we really need.

Mike Johnson, the US House speaker, has faced mounting pressure to act on Joe Biden’s long-delayed request for billions of dollars in security assistance for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan. It’s been more than two months since the Senate passed the $95bn aid package , which includes $60bn for Ukraine.

The Republican speaker huddled with fellow GOP lawmakers on Monday evening to lay out his strategy to gain House approval for the funding package.

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Iran attack: Israeli response to attack may be 'imminent,' source says

What to know.

• An Israeli response to Iran's retaliatory attack may be “imminent,” a source told NBC News as Israel weigh ed its next steps and after a meeting of the country’s war Cabinet today.
• The two countries clashed at an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council, with Tehran insisting it does not seek further escalation after it launch ed the barrage of 300 drones and missiles but warning of more "decisive" strikes in retaliation to any Israeli counterattack.
• U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said it was time to “step back from the brink” as a chorus of world leaders urged restraint. President Joe Biden has warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against launching new strikes on Iran . He said the U.S. would not participate in any offensive actions against Iran but has privately said he fears that Netanyahu is trying to drag the U.S. into a wider conflict, officials told NBC News.

U.S. officials expect Israeli response to Iran strikes will be limited

Courtney Kube

Mosheh Gains

Monica Alba

U.S. officials expect a possible Israeli response to  Iran’s attack over the weekend  to be limited in scope and most likely involve strikes against Iranian military forces and Iranian-backed proxies outside Iran, four U.S. officials said.     

The U.S. assessment is based on conversations between American and Israeli officials that happened before Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel on Saturday night.

As Israel was preparing for a possible Iranian attack last week, Israeli officials briefed U.S. officials about possible response options, the U.S. officials said. 

The U.S. officials stressed that they have not been briefed on Israel’s final decision about how it will respond and that the options could have changed since the weekend attack. They also said it is not clear when an Israeli response will happen, but they said it could happen at any time.

Read the full story here.

Johnson outlines House plan to vote on foreign aid bills

Rebecca Kaplan

Zoë Richards

House Speaker Mike Johnson spoke to reporters after a GOP conference meeting that he said was “fruitful and productive” and outlined his plan to put four national security bills on the House floor: Israel aid, Ukraine aid, Indo-Pacific aid and a fourth measure that includes GOP national security priorities that would include more sanctions on Iran.

“Every member ultimately will be able to vote their own conscience on all of these matters and everyone have an opportunity to weigh in and bring the amendments that they think are suitable,” said Johnson, R-La.

He said that he would prefer to send each bill to the Senate individually but that no final decision has been made. 

If bill text comes out tomorrow, as is the hope, Johnson said, the House might not vote on the packages until Friday. The House is scheduled to leave Thursday afternoon and be in recess next week, but that could change.

Iranians anxious as Israel weighs strike response

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The prospect of Israeli retaliation against Iran for its drone and missile attack over the weekend has alarmed many Iranians already facing economic pain and tighter social and political controls after protests in 2022-23.

Iran’s political and military leaders have repeatedly warned that they will respond to any Israeli retaliation by escalating further, potentially triggering yet more attacks.

And that would only be bad news for ordinary people, said Hesam, 45, a teacher from the northern city of Amol.

“Economic pressure will mount. Our safety will be jeopardized. ... We must avoid conflict at all cost. I don’t want a war. How can I protect my two children? Nowhere will be safe.”

Middle- and lower-income Iranians are shouldering much of the burden of the economic woes, with inflation over 50%; rising utility, food and housing prices; and the rial currency falling sharply.

Parvaneh, 37, a mother of two in the central city of Yazd, fears an Israeli strike could be the final hammer blow to the economy, weakened by years of sanctions, mismanagement and corruption.

“We Iranians have endured more than enough for years. War brings only disaster. My husband is a factory worker. We do not have even enough money to buy staples, let alone stockpile them,” she said.

Bilal Saab, an associate fellow at Chatham House, a think tank based in London, says the Iranian strikes on Israel signify that Iran has the ability to potentially mount a more significant attack.

Rep. Scalise offers support to Netanyahu in call

Yael Factor

House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., conveyed support for Israel following Iran's retaliatory strikes over the weekend in a call with Netanyahu today, according to both of their offices.

Netanyahu's office said in a statement that Scalise expressed support "for any decision that Israel makes in light of the Iranian attack."

"Majority Leader Scalise informed the Prime Minister of his initiative to advance in Congress, in the coming days, a series of measures against Iran and for Israel; Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked him," the statement said.

Scalise told Fox News that they spoke about the House agenda this week and that he spoke to Netanyahu about his support for Israel's right to self-defense.

"He truly appreciated the action we’re taking to support Israel and to hold Iran and their terrorist proxies accountable," he said.

Jordan allowed fighter jets to intercept Iranian drones, Israeli air force official says

Raf Sanchez

TEL AVIV — Jordan allowed Israeli fighter jets into its airspace to intercept Iranian missiles and drones, an Israeli air force official said today.

“In order to address something that comes from the east, we need to fly somewhere that is east of Israel,” the official said in a briefing for reporters. “This was done with coordination.”

While Iran’s direct attack against Israel was unprecedented, so was the scale of coordination between Israel and Jordan, its Arab neighbor, in the response. Jordanian and Israeli fighters — coordinated by the U.S. military — acted together to intercept the barrage of drones and missiles. 

In a statement yesterday, Jordan’s government said the interceptions were made to ensure the safety of its citizens, rather than in defense of Israel. 

But it is thought to be the first time the two countries’ militaries have fought side by side.

Jordan and Israel made peace in 1994, though the relationship has often been strained by disagreements over Israel’s treatment of the Palestinians.

U.S. looking to further isolate Iran, Kirby says

Ghael Fobes

Doha Madani

The Biden administration is working to "further isolate" Iran's regime by increasing economic pressure, White House national security communications adviser John Kirby told reporters today.

"That's the upshot here: a stronger Israel, a weaker Iran, a more unified alliance of partners," Kirby said.

Asked whether the U.S. would support a counterattack from Israel, Kirby told NBC News' Gabe Gutierrez it was a hypothetical question he would not entertain.

"We don’t want to see a wider conflict," Kirby said. "As the president said to the prime minister on Saturday night, we will continue to do what we have to do to help Israel defend itself. But you’re asking me to get ahead of — as far as I know — a decision that the war Cabinet hasn’t even made."

Blinken discusses regional concerns with visiting Iraqi delegation

Khalid Razak

Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani as part of Al-Sudani's official visit to Washington this week, Al-Sudani's office said in a statement.

The two officials spoke about strengthening relations between the U.S. and Iraq, as well as potential American investment opportunities, "especially in the fields of energy," the statement said.

Regional issues were also a topic, with Al-Sudani reiterating "Iraq’s clear position on the aggression, stressing the joint legal and moral responsibility for protecting unarmed civilians." The statement went on to say Al-Sudani stressed the importance of keeping the conflict from expanding.

A statement from Blinken's office was not yet available. Speaking to reporters alongside Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister Muhammad Ali Tamim, he said he was excited to welcome the Iraqi officials to the capital and hoped to "expand that 360-degree partnership" between their countries.

Both officials warned against escalating tensions in Iran.

The covert war between Israel and Iran has exploded into view. What comes next?

Daniel Arkin

The bitter conflict between Israel and Iran has long been confined to the realm of secret assassinations, audacious cyberattacks, nuclear sabotage and war-by-proxy. But that largely covert struggle burst into full view over the weekend with Tehran’s retaliatory drone and missile strikes.

Iran’s unprecedented direct attack on Israel, which followed its deadly strike on Iran’s consular building in Syria, left the U.S. and its allies scrambling to avoid a wider conflict as the world waits to see what comes next.

Netanyahu’s war Cabinet convened today to weigh its options. Western leaders have urged restraint, with Biden warning Netanyahu against carrying out new strikes on Iran and making it clear that Washington would not join in any such counterattack. (Speaking after the war Cabinet convened, an Israeli official told NBC News that a response may be “imminent.”) 

While Israel took down almost all the drones and missiles used in the attack, the U.S. and other allied countries, the stakes after the attack could not be higher. In the eyes of some foreign policy hawks, the attacks could be perceived as a grave provocation that demands a furious rejoinder. But other analysts have warned that if Netanyahu decides to hit back hard, it could plunge the wider Middle East into war amid Israel’s devastating monthslong military campaign in the Gaza Strip. 

Iran's response will be 'more extensive' if Israel counters, foreign minister told Cameron

Saba Hamedy

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian warned that if Israel launches an attack, the regime's next response will be "immediate, stronger and more extensive."

In a call with U.K. Foreign Minister David Cameron yesterday, Amirabdollahian reiterated Tehran's position that the assault on Israel was within the country's legal right to respond to the strike on its diplomatic building and blamed the region's tensions on "the destructive role of the occupying Israeli regime," according to a state news report.

Cameron confirmed his call with Amirabdollahian on X, saying he formally condemned Iran's retaliatory strike on Israel. He also discussed the Revolutionary Guard's seizure of a Portuguese-flagged ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

"I made clear that Iran must stop these reckless attacks, de-escalate and release the MSC Aries," Cameron wrote .

Biden addresses Iran attack during meeting with visiting Iraqi prime minister

Biden took a moment to address Iran’s “unprecedented aerial attack” against Israel.

He said the U.S. and its allies were able to “defeat” the attack during a meeting with the prime minister of Iraq. 

Bedouin girl severely injured during Iranian missile attack is still in intensive care, her father says

Anna Schecter

Paul Goldman

Rich Schapiro

The father of 7-year-old Amina al-Hasoni describes the chaos of the middle-of-the-night attack from Iran that left his daughter with a severe head injury from shrapnel.

Her injuries are the most severe casualty of the Iranian onslaught, according to Israeli authorities, as Israel's defense system was able to thwart most of the missiles and drones headed toward Israeli territory.

"We heard the rocket exploding over our heads. We didn’t know where to go, there was a lot of shouting and a lot of chaos," Amina's father, Mohammed al-Hasoni, told NBC News by phone Monday.

He said Amina is still in intensive care in a hospital in Be'er Sheva in southern Israel.

The Hasoni family lives in a Bedouin community in southern Israel. Bedouin communities number around 300,000, with very few of the resources enjoyed by other Israeli towns and cities, including bomb shelters that might have saved Amina's life, as was first reported by The New York Times.

"Amina has nothing to do with all that is happening [in the world], with this reality," her father said. "I just want peace."

Oil prices fall after Iran’s strike on Israel is thwarted

The Associated Press

Oil prices fell on Monday after Iran’s missile and drone strike failed to cause widespread damage in Israel and the U.S. made it clear it did not support a wider war with Iran.

Analysts say the chief risk to oil prices from the Israel-Hamas war would be if the conflict escalates and disrupts oil supplies from Iran and Persian Gulf producers through the Strait of Hormuz choke point.

Tougher sanctions enforcement against Iranian oil shipments by the U.S. could raise oil prices but would risk higher inflation and pump prices for U.S. motorists in an election year.

The stance taken by Iran, which said the matter “can be deemed concluded” with the retaliatory strikes, and the U.S. position reassured oil traders, who sent the price of international benchmark Brent crude 0.7% lower to $89.82 a barrel in Monday morning trading. That is below the levels just above $90 a barrel seen on Friday before the weekend attacks.

Risks that could send prices higher include any Israeli strike against Iranian oil facilities or tougher enforcement of sanctions against Iran by the U.S.

Israel’s response to the Iranian attack may be 'imminent,' official says

TEL AVIV — Israel’s response to the Iranian attack may be "imminent," an Israeli official said Monday.

Speaking after Israel’s war Cabinet met for several hours, the official said Israeli decision-makers believe it's important for any response to closely follow the attack. Several diplomatic and military options were examined during the Cabinet meeting, the official said.

“Any response will be coordinated with the Americans,” the official added.

Biden to host Iraqi leader, raising questions over U.S. presence in Iraq

President Joe Biden is set to host Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al Sudani this week for talks that come as tensions across the Middle East have soared.

The war in Gaza and Iran’s weekend attack on Israel in retaliation for a military strike in Syria have created a sharp rise in security fears and raised more questions about the two-decade American military presence in Iraq.

A U.S. Patriot battery in Irbil, Iraq, knocked down at least one Iranian ballistic missile, according to American officials.

Iran lifts suspensions on flights in Tehran as crisis simmers

Mithil Aggarwal

Iran has lifted suspensions on domestic and international flights from its capital, Tehran, the state-run IRNA news agency reported, possibly signaling a return to stabilization for now.

It comes as Israel weighs its response to the strikes and world leaders call for restraint.

Global airlines faced ongoing disruptions to flights after Iran’s missile and drone attacks on Israel narrowed options for planes navigating between Europe and Asia.

At least a dozen airlines have had to cancel or reroute flights over the last two days.

France raises security around Jewish community before Passover

The French interior ministry is increasing security for the Jewish community in the week before Passover and in the aftermath of Iran's attack on Israel over the weekend.

"As Passover approaches and given the current international situation, I have told local officials to significantly step up security at places visited by our Jewish compatriots, especially with regards to synagogues and Jewish schools," said Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin in a post on X Monday.

The news came as French President Emmanuel Macron announced the country was developing alternative plans should security threats pose risks to the opening ceremony for the Summer Olympics in Paris. 

"We think there are security risks, we’ll have Plan Bs and even Plan Cs,” Macron told local news outlets.

Ukraine condemns Iran attack and says it needs help like Israel

Peter Jeary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Iran’s drone and missile attack on Israel and said his country needed help from its allies to fend off threats from the air, just as Israel did.

Zelenskyy again called on the U.S. Congress to approve a vital aid package that has been blocked for months by political wrangling. Ukraine’s forces are facing new onslaughts from Russian troops in the east and daily attacks on cities and infrastructure from Russian missiles and drones, many supplied by Tehran.

Iran says the U.S. should be 'grateful' for its restraint

Iran has said the U.S. should be "grateful" for what it framed as the restrained nature of its retaliatory attack against Israel.

Tehran is not seeking a further escalation in the region, foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said today.

He "advised the U.S. to take account of Iran’s responsible conduct and legitimate reaction to the Israeli act of aggression and to be grateful for Iran’s logical and legitimate operation instead of adopting an irresponsible stance," according to the semiofficial Tasnim news agency.

Aid into Gaza has increased ‘dramatically,’ Kirby says

Max Butterworth

Israel has increased the amount of aid reaching Gaza “dramatically,” National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said today, calling for that flow to be sustained.

“In just the last few days, more than 2,000 trucks have been able to get in,” he said on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” with around 100 trucks entering the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours.

“Our policy with respect to Gaza will have to change if we don’t see changes over time and have them sustained,” he added.

Israel showed its 'military superiority,' White House official says

It's up to Israeli officials to decide on any response to Iran's attack over the weekend, but the U.S. ally should keep in mind its "incredible military achievement" in shooting down 99% of the drones and missiles, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said this morning on "TODAY."

Biden urged Netanyahu over the weekend to "consider the impact of that and the message it sent not only about Israel's military superiority but that Iran utterly failed in what it was trying to do," Kirby said.

"What we showed the other night is that Iran is not militarily superior, that Iran is not 10-feet tall and that Israel is not alone. We will act with them in their self-defense," he added.

Israel weighs response after Iran’s missile and drone barrage

Richard Engel NBC News Chief Foreign Correspondent, Host of MSNBC's "On Assignment with Richard Engel"

JERUSALEM — What happened this weekend could've easily started a massive war, and it's still not off the table while Israeli officials stay vague about any potential response.

'Double defeat' for Iran, U.K. says as Europe urges Israel to avoid further escalation

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron called the Iranian strikes a "double defeat" today, saying the United Kingdom has urged Israel to be "smart as well as tough" in weighing its response.

French President Emmanuel Macron also urged Israel against escalating the conflict further.

“We will do all we can to avoid things flaring up, escalating,” he told BFM TV and RMC radio today, adding that Israel should isolate Iran instead. “The situation is very unstable today,” he said.

Both the U.K. and France joined the U.S. in helping shoot down the drones and missiles Iran fired at Israel over the weekend.

Israel launches overnight strikes as it vows to press ahead with its war in Gaza

At least 68 people were killed in Gaza in the last 24 hours, the Palestinian enclave's Health Ministry said today, as Israel continued its strikes in Gaza overnight after vowing to press on with its war against Hamas.

“Even while under attack from Iran we have not lost sight, not for moment, of our critical mission in Gaza," IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said last night in a video statement.

U.S. says it intercepted 80 drones and 6 missiles launched from Iran and Yemen during attack on Israel

The U.S. military destroyed more than 80 drones and at least six ballistic missiles from Iran and Yemen during the Saturday night attack on Israel, U.S. Central Command said last night.

"This includes a ballistic missile on its launcher vehicle," it said in a statement on X.

Seven drones were destroyed before their launch from Yemen, it said, adding that the U.S. was supported by European forces.

‘You’re incredible:’ Biden thanks U.S. fighter squadrons that helped defend Israel

Biden thanked the U.S. fighter squadrons that helped defend Israel from a drone and missile attack by Iran. In a video posted to social media yesterday, he said, “You make me proud.”

Israeli war Cabinet to reconvene on response to Iran attack

TEL AVIV — The Israeli war Cabinet will meet today at 7 a.m. ET, an Israeli official told NBC News.

It comes after an Israeli official told NBC News following an hourslong meeting of the war Cabinet last night that the country would respond to the retaliatory strikes but that the scope and timing of that response had not yet been decided.

The official said that among the considerations were whether Israel needed to retaliate immediately or could afford to wait, and what impact any escalation against Iran would have on Israeli operations in the Gaza Strip.

Israeli schools to reopen, gathering restrictions relaxed

Schools are set to reopen in Israel today after they were shut as a security measure over the weekend due to Iran's retaliatory strikes, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on X.

Restrictions on public gatherings have also been lifted after a "situational assessment," it added.

Israeli military commanders gather at Kirya base in Tel Aviv

Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi leads a situational assessment at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv yesterday.

Catch up with our latest coverage

• Biden officials worry that Israeli response to Iran’s attack may trigger wider war
• Biden ‘doesn’t believe’ that Iran attack ‘needs’ to escalate into wider war, White House official says
• Johnson signals he won’t put Senate supplemental on the floor despite increased pressure
• Iran launches retaliatory attack on Israel that risks sparking regional war