famous tourist spots in russia

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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35 Famous Landmarks Of Russia (with photos)

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What are the best landmarks of Russia? Why are they worth visiting? In this article I will tell you all about the 35 most famous landmarks of Russia and why they are so famous. Ready to learn more? Keep reading…

1. Kremlin, Moscow

2. bolshoi theatre, moscow, 3. gorky central park, moscow, 4. lenin’s mausoleum, moscow, 5. red square, moscow, 6. mayakovskaya metro station, moscow, 7. dream land, moscow, 8. st basil’s cathedral, moscow, 9. catherine palace, st petersburg, 10. state hermitage museum, st petersburg, 11. peterhof palace, st petersburg, 12. peter and paul fotress, st petersburg, 13. cruiser aurora, st petersburg, 14. mariinsky theatre, st petersburg, 15. church on blood, yekaterinburg, 16. epiphany cathedral, irkutsk, 17. stalin’s dacha, sochi, 18. kul sharif mosque, kazan, 19. kul sharif mosque, kazan, 20. savior of the spilled blood, 21. the lenna pillars, 22. st. nilus stolobensky monastery, 23. tagany national park, zlatoust, 24. olkhon island, 25. the winter palace, 26. mount akhun, sochi, 27. lake baikal, siberia, 28. golden bridge, vladivostok, 29. kivach falls, kondopoga, 30. rusky island, eugénie archipelago, 31. suyumbike tower, kazan, 32. vorontsovsky palace, alupka, 33. golden mountains of altai, siberia, 34. kizhi island, lake onega, 35. izmailovo kremlin, landmarks of russia- bottom line.

35 Famous Landmarks in Russia

Known as the land of wonders, Russia is truly a mystery. It has much to offer its tourists as a country spanning over two continents. It is home to spectacular monuments, magnificent architecture, natural scenery, castles, and palaces, yet many famous landmarks of Russia are to be discovered by tourists.

If you plan to explore these beautiful landmarks of Russia without missing any popular attractions, this article is for you. Here is a list of 35 landmarks of Russia that you will want to tick off on your trip to this wonderfully cryptic land.

The Kremlin is one of the historical landmarks of Russia. The Kremlin dates back to the 14th century and has played an important part in Russian history. It has views of the Moskva River, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the historic Red Square. 

This enormous triangular-shaped castle is the largest active fortress in Europe, characterised by colourful domes and luxurious architecture.  

Located in the heart of Moscow, the Bolshoi Theatre is renowned worldwide as the stage for the world-class Bolshoi Ballet and operas. Audiences are drawn to the theatre by beautiful and emotionally engaging performances, such as traditional ballets and contemporary retellings of classic works.

Whether you have tickets to a show or not, the theatre is stunning and well worth a visit if you are interested in discovering landmarks of Russia.

During the Soviet era, Moscow’s most well-known park, Gorky street, was developed as a place of leisure and cultural activities. You can rent bicycles and ride through the park and along the Moska River to spend your time delightfully in the park. 

Lenin’s Mausoleum is the resting site of Vladimir Lenin, one of Russia’s most renowned and vicious leaders. The body of Lenin is lighted in the middle of the tomb. 

While persistent rumors exist that a false body now rests in Lenin’s Mausoleum, the site remains a popular tourist destination.

Red Square is a public plaza in Moscow and is widely considered one of the world’s most recognizable public spaces. You can find several famous Russian sites in and around the red square, but simply exploring the plaza and taking in its vibrant colors and unique architecture is an unforgettable experience.

Russian metro stations are architectural works of art in their own right. Mayakovskaya is one of the gorgeous stations on the Russian subway system, which you should check out while visiting Russia and exploring its landmarks.

It is speculated that Soviet authorities used these metro stations as underground bunkers for conducting secret actions. 

Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

Long ago, Russia was not known for amusements park. However, the new Russian tourist attraction Dream Island is now the largest indoor amusement park. This fairy-tale castle is home to a massive shopping and entertainment complex. 

Though not historical, it is a landmark that will fill your experience of visiting Russia with fun!

Saint Basil’s Cathedral’s colorful roofs help it stand out on Red Square, making it a well-known tourist attraction in Russia. The interior of this structure is exactly as stunning as the photographs suggest, with walls adorned with artwork and tapestries from the 16th century. 

The Catherine palace was built in honour of Peter, The Great’s wife, and is an outstanding example of Rococo architecture. As a tourist attraction , it is among Russia’s best landmarks.

The outside is painted a lovely pale blue. There are golden domes and accents above each window, all shining from the inside.

The State Hermitage Museum is the world’s second-largest of its kind. It features works by some of the most well-known artists in the world, in addition to priceless cultural artifacts from Russian history.

The museum includes the Winter Palace, the official residence of the tsars of Russia. If you are a fan of arts and culture, you should visit this museum during your trip to Russia.

Peterhof Palace is a stunning museum and palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Peter the Great commissioned its construction to outdo the nearby Palace of Versailles in France .

Peterhof has ten museums, all of which provide intriguing insights into the lives of the tsars. If you want to experience how the ancient Russian aristocracy lived in opulence, you should see the palace.

The Peter and Paul Fortress was Peter the Great’s first building in St. Petersburg. Since then, this fortress has served as a prison for political prisoners and, since 1924, a museum housing significant artifacts from the city of St. Petersburg.

If you are interested in history, visiting this place in Russia is a must. It is one of St. Petersburg’s most famous locations and captures pivotal events in the city’s occasionally furious past. 

The Aurora, a memorial ship honoring those who died during the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, is a great way to relive Russia’s rich history. The Aurora is a one-of-a-kind museum experience set aboard a Russian-Japanese War-era battleship. 

Several tourists visit this historical landmark each year because of its collected artifacts from the Russian Navy that have significant cultural and historical relevance. 

The Mariinsky Theatre, once known as Kirov Theatre, is one of the awe-inspiring landmarks to explore in Russia. It is widely considered St. Petersburg’s most recognizable opera and ballet theater. 

Even if you aren’t interested in attending a performance, you should stop by this beautiful structure to peek at Russia’s renowned Neoclassical architecture.

Yekaterinburg’s Church of All Saints, also known as the church on the blood, is a revered religious and historical landmark . This church is significant across Russia since it was built on the site where the last tsar, Nicholas II, was executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918, during the Russian Civil War.

You should add this to your itinerary when visiting landmarks of Russia , as it is both a beautiful and educational landmark.

Credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/

Many of you might not have thought to include Irkutsh in your trip, but you might be surprised to learn that it is home to stunning structures like the Epiphany Cathedral.

The Epiphany Cathedral is located near a riverside, making it ideal for a quiet afternoon after seeing the larger cities.

One official mansion the former Soviet leader visited during his travels to the country was Stalin’s Dacha in Sochi. The ambiance and spirit of Stalin’s time are still present in this home. If you are interested in Russia’s Communist past, this is an important historical site to explore.

The largest mosque in Russia and the essential must-see attraction in Kazan is the Kul Sharif Mosque, which bears the name of the renowned scholar Kul Sharif. 

It is still used by worshippers today; however, it is feasible (and highly advised!) to take a tour to appreciate the beautiful interior designs and magnificent domes.

A Salt Lake called Elton Lake lies close to Kazakhstan’s border with Russia. The lake is so big and flat that the sky reflects beautifully on its surface.

Because the salinity is so high, unique natural salt sculptures in distinctive patterns are revealed when some water evaporation occurs.

Church of Savior of the Spilled Blood holds historical value and is named after the assassinated Alexander II. It’s one of the most breathtaking churches in all of St. Petersburg. 

With multicolored onion domes like St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Savior of the Spilled Blood is breathtaking inside and out.

Crediit: https://en.wikipedia.org/

The Lena Pillars is a collection of magnificent granite pillars that rise up to 100 meters above the ground and are located along the banks of the Lena River. The pillars are a part of a nature park, making for lovely strolls and breathtakingly stunning scenery.

St Nilus Stolobensky Monastery is one of the famous landmarks of Russia , located on a small island in Lake Seliger. Nilus Stolobensky is the most idyllic of Russia’s hundreds of resurrected monasteries. 

Visit this monastery of St. Nilus Stolobensky on a summer day while exploring Russia ‘s beauty to enjoy the spectacular views. 

This famous landmark is for those who love natural reserves. A beautiful wildlife reserve in Russia, Taganay National Park is an ideal place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 

It’s a lovely place to hike. While traveling, spend some time outside in the fresh air, surrounded by peace and greenery.

With barely 1500 people, Olkhon Island is free from the bustle of towns and has a rocky environment of mountains and dense forests . 

Sand beaches on the island’s coastlines make it simple to forget that you are looking out over a lake rather than the ocean . 

Among the many beautiful Russian palaces, the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to Russia. The magnificent Winter Palace was once the official residence of the Russian tsars.

The green exterior of the palace, which is embellished with golden sculptures, is impossible to overlook. 

Beautiful Mount Akhun is a stand-alone peak and a well-known landmark of Russia. The trek to the mountain’s peak is a fantastic way to spend a day in Sochi, taking about two to three hours to complete. You can get some fantastic cityscape shots from the observation tower. 

The oldest freshwater lake still in existence, Lake Baikal, located in Siberia’s southeast, is thought to be 20 million to 25 million years old. This lake has a stunningly expansive view of the surrounding landscape, and its blue waters are a sight to behold. 

Visit this lake during the summer months to see the most transparent blue of the sea and the backdrop of the towering mountains.

Vladivostok’s Golden Bridge is another contemporary structure in Russia that enables off-the-beaten-path exploration.

This is a stunning architectural effort, and if you are in Vladivostok, you should visit the bridge for a fantastic photo opportunity. To get a feel of this bridge’s size, take a picture from a little further away.

Do you want to switch from historical to natural landmarks of Russia ? Starting at Kivach Falls is a great idea!

It is one of the most well-known places for its natural scenic beauty. This gushing waterfall has a height of more than 10 meters and is located on the Suna River. A trip to the falls is a refreshing change of pace and reconnecting with nature.

Crediit: https://www.wikiwand.com/

If you’re visiting Russia, you can’t miss the natural wonder of Rusky Island, one of the largest islands off the coast. You may go to the island by regular buses from adjacent towns.

This area has much room for tourism, from taking an aquarium tour to simply strolling along one of Russia’s best beaches.

The Suyumbike Tower in Kazan is an exquisite example of Russian historic architecture with a tragic past. The Suyumbike Tower was built in an attempt to win the hand of Princess Suyumbike, but the story ended tragically.

While inside the complex, it is worthwhile to see every landmark of Russia that is a part of the Kazan UNESCO world heritage site .

Perhaps, this one is the most beautiful castle in all of Russia. This majestic and stunning castle frequently referred to as the Alupka Palace, can be found close to Alupka in Crimea. The Vorontsovsky Palace is regarded as one of the region’s oldest buildings and is a well-known landmark of Russia.

The thrill of taking a tour of the Altai’s Golden Mountains will allow you to explore some of the region’s most fascinating sites. You will learn about the native people’s history, culture, and way of life. You may find a Russian spa, a geyser lake that never freezes in the winter, and much more.

Famous for its lush greenery surrounding the churches and an interesting museum, Kizhi island is a must-visit tourist attraction. A little ferry will take you across to the island. Whether you like a calmer pace of living or fast-paced action, this island has something for you to do.

Moscow is home to a second impressive Kremlin named Izmailovo. It is situated on the banks of the Serebryano-Vinogradny pond, one of Moscow’s most attractive historical areas. 

The fairytale-like structure, with whitewashed walls and brightly patterned and adorned rooftops, makes it one of the must-visit places in Russia.      

Whether you prefer to stay in the major cities or travel further into Russia, this list has given you some of the top landmarks in Russia . I hope you have enjoyed this post and planned your trip accordingly. And if you did enjoy this post, I know that you will love these too-

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Top Things to Do in Russia

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Museum of Wander

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.

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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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25 Famous Landmarks Of Russia To Plan Your Travels Around!

Posted on Last updated: November 24, 2021

Categories Famous Landmarks Around The World , Russia

Expert travel storyteller Jordan Adkins, founder of InspiredByMaps.com, brings a decade of adventures across 101 countries and 450+ UNESCO sites into rich, off-the-beaten-path narratives, melding ecological expertise with genuine, seasoned travel insights. His full bio can be found here.

Russia is one of the world’s most captivating travel destinations, a juxtapositioned jumble of medieval, Soviet, and modern treats from the history-soaked streets of Moscow and vast expanses of Siberia to the fairytale-esque St. Petersburg and the far-flung Vladivostok.

There is so much to see here, but discovering the most famous landmarks in Russia is an excellent place to start…

Unique cities, architectural monuments, inspirational tales, small towns, palaces, parks, forests, art and music, museums, and many customs and traditional rituals remain to be discovered by intrepid tourists. As you would expect from a nation with more than a thousand years of history.

Not to mention that this continent-spanning country is also incredibly well endowed with spectacular natural scenes of thick forests, long rivers, high mountain ranges, and plenty of Arctic Tundra.

There are so many places to explore in Russia; you could spend your life enjoying their richness and scrape only the surface. That is why we created this cheat sheet to guide you on your journey.

But first – what is a landmark?

A landmark is a recognizable natural or artificial feature that typically stands out from its environment and has become a local or national symbol. For modern tourists, a landmark is useful for navigation – in terms of both being a physical waypoint and in trying to help you organize your itinerary.

Getting the off-the-beaten-track is all well and good, but at the end of the day – there are some spots you just have to see when you visit a country. Think about the Canals of Amsterdam or Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Instantly recognizable places you couldn’t miss if you tried. And Russia has more than its fair share…

When approaching a trip to the land of vodka and Matryoshka nesting dolls, you will want to tick off as many famous Russian landmarks as you can – and the best way is to do that is often by renting a car, taking a tour , or using the famous Russian rail system to get around.

There is a lot to explore in Russia — and no list of famous Russian landmarks could ever be exhaustive. But, we have tried to collate the top highlights by putting a call out to our favorite travel bloggers and asking them to amuse us with stories and helpful tips about their most beloved spots.

This way, you have a reasonable frame of reference to inspire your Russia travels from which you could choose a few landmarks that you absolutely cannot miss… or cram as many as humanly possible into a single trip.

If you plan it right — with enough time—, and you might just hit them all. And discover plenty more of your own favourite highlights of Russia while you’re at it!

25 Famous Landmarks Of Russia To Plan Your Travels Around! 🇷🇺

Page Contents

Alexander Palace

Bolshoi theatre, central air force museum, chesme church, church of the spilled blood, datsan monastery, giant lenin head of ulan-ude, holy trinity-st. sergius lavra, kazan kremlin, kizhi island, lake baikal, lakhta center, moscow kremlin, the seven sisters of moscow , smolensk kremlin, st basil’s cathedral , suzdal kremlin, tokarevsky lighthouse, veliky novgorod kremlin, winter palace, 130 kvartal.

The  Alexander Palace in Pushkin  is a unique place to visit near Saint Petersburg. This Russian landmark tells the tragic history of the last Romanov tsar and his family.

The palace is located in the village of Pushkin, once named Tsarskoye Selo – Tsar’s Village – because of the royal summer palaces. The most famous of them is Catherine Palace, which draws many visitors to the small village. The Alexander Palace is definitely worth a visit as well, though it lacks the splendor you might think for a Romanov palace.

It was home to the last tsar Nicolas II, his wife Alexandra, and their children. It was their favorite place to live, far away from the busy court life in Saint Petersburg. It’s one of the reasons the royal couple wasn’t popular at all in the Saint Petersburg society.

When the Russian monarchy was overthrown, and the tsar abdicated, he and his family lived I house arrest in the Alexander Palace. When I visited the palace in 2015, it showed a unique insight into their private family life. The children’s rooms were covered in religious icons, and the tsar’s study was well preserved. All very sober, as the tsar family despised the usual court splendor the Romanovs are known for.

The palace is under renovation since 2015, and ever since, the date for its reopening has been postponed. It is now planned for early 2022.

By Maartje and Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

The Bolshoi Theatre is a landmark theatre in Moscow built initially by architect Joseph Bové for ballet and opera performances and inaugurated on 20 October 1856, the coronation day of Tsar Alexander II. The Bolshoi building has been recognized as one of Moscow’s key sights ever since. 

Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera are among the oldest and most famous ballet and opera organizations globally and today is the largest ballet company in the world, with more than 200 performers.

The theatre’s main building has been restored and renovated many times in the course of its history. It is a living testament to Russian artistic achievement and is so famous the neoclassical façade is depicted on the 100 rubles banknote. In 2011, the Bolshoi was re-opened following a massive six-year renovation. The reconstruction included the restoration of original acoustics (squandered during the Soviet era) and the revival of the original imperial decoration of the Bolshoi.

A symbol of Russia popular with tourists worldwide, you will not find ‘cheap tickets’ here as you can in other world-class theatres around Russia and places like  Minsk  and  Riga . The Bolshoi Theatre prices are more comparable with Western performances and is especially the case for ballet. Tickets are around 15,000 rubles (≈$230) (for seats in the orchestra or stalls), but it is still well worth seeing a production in such a historic landmark of Russia.

The nondescript green doors of Bunker-42 in Moscow may not be as recognizable as the Kremlin or St. Basil’s Cathedral. However, it’s a landmark in Russia you won’t want to miss visiting!

Once a man dressed in a Soviet KGB uniform admits you through the vaulted doors, you will descend 18 flights of stairs to this once top-secret, Soviet military complex. Joseph Stalin had commissioned Bunker-42 to be made after the United States created a nuclear bomb. It is 65 meters underground, which was the ideal depth meant to protect Stalin and the top Russian government officials from a nuclear attack.

Now, it’s a museum dedicated to the Cold War that you can tour!  To enter Bunker-42, you do need to schedule a tour, and there are several English tours to choose from throughout the day. (Call +7 499 703-44-55 to book your tour.)

Another option for experiencing Bunker-42, if you would rather not do a tour, is to visit the restaurant inside Bunker-42. While I would not describe Bunker-42 as one of  the best restaurants in Moscow  for food, it is absolutely worth visiting for a drink or two. The restaurant is also located within the bunker and is decorated in the old Soviet-style. 

Bunker-42 is a short cab ride away from Moscow’s Red Square (10-15 minutes). However, I recommend taking the metro to get to it, as the closest station is Taganskaya – which is a stunningly beautiful metro station also worth seeing. I also suggest leaving yourself plenty of time to find the entrance before your scheduled tour time, as it is set against a rather ordinary-looking building, that gives no hints to what lies below.

Explored by Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel

If you’re in Moscow and somewhat of an aviation fanatic, the Russian Central Air Force Museum at Monino (around 40km east of Moscow) is a famous landmark of Russian military history that is definitely worth a trip.

Also known as the Russian Federation Air Force Museum, it is the largest in Russia and the best air museum in all of the ex-Soviet Union. In fact, it is one of the world’s top aircraft museums up there with the (far more famous)  Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa,   the Palm Springs Air Museum , and, of course, the  Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center / National Air and Space Museum in DC.

The Russian Federation Air Force Museums collection features over 170 aircraft, including conventional planes, helicopters, gliders, and some unusual flying machines. Try counting the stars; you’ll be here all day…

The Central air force museum in Monino consists of one main building where there is information on Russian aviation (though mostly only in Russian) and an indoor hangar featuring several WW2 fighter aircraft. However, outside is an enormous open-air area where hundreds of post WW2 aircraft are stored, which have to be the museum’s main attraction.

Many of the aircraft on display were top secret during and even after the Cold War. Known only by their NATO code names, these aircraft were at the cutting edge of design and aeronautical experimentation. A couple of aircraft on display at the Central air force museum in Monino are still types that are in active service.

Along with military aircraft, there are also a few civilian aircraft on display, one of particular note is the Tupolev 144. Not many people realize that it was actually the Soviets who built and flew the world’s first supersonic airliner. They snuck in 2 months ahead of the Concorde.

From attack to transport, they’re just as impressive. Greeting you at the gate, you can’t miss the Mil V-12, its size is dwarfing, and it’s longer than a Boeing 737. It’s almost unbelievable that this thing got off the ground with its strange design features, but it did and still holds records to this day.

You can even see the Mil V-12, the largest helicopter ever built! The museum is located next door to an active Air Force Base, so you may be lucky enough to see some of the Russian air force’s current inventory buzzing overhead. Fighter jets and transports leaving their dark streaks across the sky, there were probably seven or more circling around every few minutes on the day I was there. Not many museums provide a free airshow along with the ticket!

A place with a difference and plenty of history. The Central Air Force Museum in Monino is the only place in the world you can see some of these machines. To visit the Monino air force museum, simply head to Moscow’s Yaroslavskaya railway station (Russian: Яросла́вский вокза́л, Yaroslavsky vokzal) and ask for a return ticket to Monino (Russian: Мо́нино). It’s about 1.5 hours each way, leaving hourly.

There’s so much to do in St Petersburg, but did you know about the pretty pastel cake shaped church called Chesme Church? It’s well off the typical tourist guidebook path but quite the lovely discovery for those who venture out to take a look at it! 

We were so glad we went to see this lovely little gem, and you will too!

About the church, it was commissioned by Catherine the Great for the Chesme Palace and built by court architect Yury Felton as a resting place for the royal family when they traveled to Tsarskoe Selo from St Petersburg. It’s also one of the few orthodox churches that have such a beautiful color and striking architectural build. The official name of the church is St John’s The Baptist Church at Chesme Palace. 

It has lasted through many wars and social uprisings with it being used as a labor camp, warehouse, and a burial ground for war heroes from the Siege of Leningrad. Located a quick taxi ride south of St. Petersburg, it’s definitely worth the trip as you’ll be the only tourist there to witness this amazing church! 

The best time to go is at sunset when the color of the sun makes the pretty pink color really stand out! You can try going at sunrise also, but the church might be backlit. 

Sometimes the church is open to visitors, but it depends on the schedule of the church. Either way, you’ll love it so much!

Explored by Henry from This Life Of Travel

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood in the city of St. Petersburg is an unmissable attraction in Russia. We visited the church during our  family trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway , and it remains one of my favorite places in Russia. I love visiting interesting architecture, but as an outdoors enthusiast, I am rarely spellbound by a human-made structure.

However, the late 19th century Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was one of those rare man-made features that stopped me in my tracks. The de-consecrated church lies on the banks of the Griboedov Canal and can be easily reached by canal boat, public bus, or by a short walk from the nearby Nevsky Prospekt metro station. The church was constructed on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in March 1881, hence the given ‘spilled blood’ name.

The exterior of the Cathedral is intricate, ornate, and colorful, reminiscent of St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. The church looks like it belongs in the pages of a fairy tale. But it is the interior of the Cathedral that will take your breath away. The entire interior of the church, from the stone floor to the interior of the high curved domes, is decorated in tiny stone mosaic pieces that together make up vivid, colorful scenes from the Bible. Every inch of the church is covered in rich-toned, detailed mosaics – there is an estimated 7,500 square meters of mosaics.

The intricate artistry is incredible, and it is easy to see why this magnificent church took 24 years to build. The church is a very popular attraction, so visit early to avoid large crowds. 

Explored by Sinead from Map Made Memories

If you happen to visit Russia, include Chita in your itinerary. Around 6 hours from Moscow by flight, Chita is a beautiful and historic place. Though there are many  things to do in Chita  but a visit to Datsan Monastery is a must-do in the list.

Aginsky Datsan is also an attraction of Chita, Datsan, which means a Buddhist university monastery in the Tibetan tradition. Located in Amitkhasha village, the monastery is painted in a proverbial Buddhist style. In a Datsan generally, there are two departments, philosophical and medical, and monks are taught different layers of it.

In Buryat Buddhism, the terms Datsan and ‘Buddhist monastery’ are similar. Aginsky dastan is no different and is a place of cultural heritage of federal significance. Initially, the Datsan had Russian church architecture. It also had elements of Tibetan, Chinese and Russian styles in its structure. It was rebuilt in the middle of the 19th century with roof & pillars being repaired.

Slowly the Datsan became the largest Buddhist monastery in the Transbaikalia region and later became famous for its medical, philosophical, and astrological schools even in far off areas. People of Buddhism faith from distant places such as the other side of Russia, Mongolia, China , and even Myanmar and Thailand visit this monastery to study and offer their prayers. Even non-Buddhist people visit the monastery for its architecture and grandeur. There is a separate section for the students.

The best way to go to Datsan is by road, as it is around 150 KMs away from the town of Chita. You may pray at the monastery, and there is also a souvenir shop. You may want to have the fun of meeting the healers and astrologers.

Explored by Nisha and Vasu from Lemonicks.com

During our epic Trans-Siberian railway adventure discovering  the gay side of Russia , we stopped over at Ulan Ude for a few nights. Ulan Ude is a city over in East Siberia, east of the famous Lake Baikal, and close to the Mongolian border. What makes Ulan Ude so memorable for us was the giant head of Lenin! This is literally a gigantic sculpture of the renowned Soviet leader’s head, located right in the heart of the city in the main square. It’s truly a sight to behold.

The bronze Lenin Head sculpture of Ulan Ude is 7.7 meters (over 25 ft) high and weighs around 42 tons – making it the largest head sculpture in the world. It was built in 1970 and installed as part of the celebration of Lenin’s 100th birthday. The statue has become an iconic symbol of Ulan Ude – beyond a touristic landmark; it’s a common meeting spot as well as a popular backdrop for wedding photos.

It’s a common joke amongst locals in Ulan Ude to refer to the Lenin Head statue as the “world’s largest Jewish head” because when it snows, the top of the statue collects a circle of snow, which makes it look like a giant white kippah on a male head.

The Lenin Head statue is officially called “Pamyatnik V. I. Leninu,” and it is located in the main square of Ulan Ude, in front of the Buryatia government building. You can get to Ulan Ude either by a loooong train ride from Moscow – 3 days and 18 hours to be exact (4,420km 2,746 miles)! Alternatively, you can fly to the Baikal International Airport from Moscow (6 hours), which is 12km (7.5 miles) west of the city center.

Explored by Stefan and Sebastien from the Nomadic Boys

When it comes to beautiful religious buildings and churches to visit in Russia, there really is an endless list of possibilities. But one place that should definitely go on your must-visit list is the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius in the town of Sergiev Posad.

Located about 45 miles northeast of Moscow, Sergiev Posad is part of Russia’s “Golden Ring,” a cluster of historically important towns and cities. Here, the historically important part is the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, the most important monastery in Russia. Dating back to the 1300s, the Trinity Lavra is the spiritual center of the Russian Orthodox Church, and is still home to hundreds of monks. 

Visitors are welcome to the monastery, where they can marvel at the blue and gold onion domes atop the Cathedral of the Assumption, pass by the tomb of St. Sergius in the Trinity Cathedral, and admire all the gold details, carved icons, and interior frescoes that the Russian Orthodox Church is so well-known for. You definitely don’t want to miss the interior of the Refectory Church, either, which is simply stunning.

The monastery is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its architecture and historical significance, making it a no-brainer to visit for anyone curious to  learn more about Russia.

You can get to the Trinity Lavra independently by bus, train, or car from Moscow, but I would probably recommend booking a guided day tour (either just to the monastery or as part of a longer Golden Ring tour) if you want to fully understand what you’re seeing while there.

Explored by Amanda of A Dangerous Business Travel Blog

Kazan is one of the most beautiful and interesting cities you can visit in Russia. The capital of the Republic of Tatarstan is located only 700 km east of Moscow (that’s close in Russian standards), and the main reason to visit Kazan is the UNESCO listed Kremlin.

The historic citadel was built in the 16th century, under the rule of Ivan the Terrible, in the place where the castle of the Khanate of Kazan used to stand. There are numerous monuments you can find in the Kremlin – the Annunciation Cathedral from the 16th century, the leaning tower Söyembikä (the highest building in Kremlin), or the Tatarstan Museum of Natural History.

The highlight of the place and the absolute must-visit place in Kazan is Kul Sharif Mosque – the impressive masterpiece that looks like straight from a fairy tale. This is one of the largest mosques in Russia and in Europe, and it is indeed really big. The building was finished in 2005, to commemorate the 1000th birthday of the city, and the mosque stands in the same place where the old mosque used to be. Be sure to visit the mosque inside too; it’s beautiful!

If you can, you should come to Kazan Kremlin twice, in the daytime to visit all the important sights and in the evening, to enjoy the place without too many tourists and to fully appreciate its beauty. Visiting Kremlin is one of the  best things to do in Kazan.

Explored by Kami from Kami and the Rest of the World

Kizhi Island is one of the most unique and interesting landmarks in Russia! It is located just south of the Arctic Circle and is one of the coolest  hidden gems in Europe!

It is found on a small island in Lake Onega and is a popular spot to visit from Saint Petersburg. To get here, you either need to drive [it is quite a distance], take the overnight train, or go via boat or cruise. If you are taking a river cruise, your cruise may stop here, and it is popular with tour groups and schools.

The visit to this famous Russian landmarks is worth it, though as you will feel transported to another world! Kizhi Island is a UNESCO heritage site, and it is easy to see why. The buildings are constructed solely out of wood and nothing else. They date back to the 18th century! The Church Of The Transfiguration is the most striking and beautiful building on the property, but Kizhi Island as a whole is very cool.

This island has great historical significance because it was a defense against the Swedish and Polish during the 17th century, and several important peasant revolts took place here between 1769 and 1771.

There are various other buildings from the old settlement that you can visit and tour, such as Banyas and farm buildings, and it is very interesting to go on a tour to learn more about the history of the iconic Kizhi Island!

Explored by Victoria Yore of Follow Me Away

Lake Baikal is surely the most famous natural landmark in Russia, and for a good reason. It’s the world’s oldest and deepest lake, and also its all-around largest freshwater lake, which makes it all the more surprising that this vast lake completely freezes over in winter!

This is Siberia, after all, and temperatures here are bitterly cold, not only in winter but also for much of spring and autumn. So, the best time to visit Lake Baikal is in July and August, especially if you’re hoping to do some outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, or (if you’re really brave) swimming.

Foreigners rarely make the long trip out to this isolated reason solely to see the lake. The most common way to visit Lake Baikal is as part of a longer trip across the whole country on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Although the lake is not directly on the train line, so whether you’re arriving by train or by air, you’re jumping-off point will be the Siberian city of Irkutsk. From there, it’s about a 70-kilometer trip by minibus to the lakeshore town of Listvyanka.

Many visitors don’t get any further than this, but I recommend continuing on to one of the smaller villages to really experience the peace and quiet of this beautiful landscape. Since there are no roads from Listvyanka apart from the one heading back to Irkutsk, you’ll need to either hike or take a ferry to continue your journey. There are grand plans to build a  hiking trail called the Great Baikal trail  that may one day follow the entire circumference of the lake.

For now, though, it only goes as far as Bolshoye Goloustnoye, and even that is a bit dangerous in parts. If one day of hiking is enough for you, I recommend walking from Listvyanka to Bolshiye Koty, which is about 25 kilometers, and staying overnight at the lovely Lesnaya 7 Hostel there.

Explored by Wendy Werneth from The Nomadic Vegan

The Lakhta Center is an 87-story skyscraper located in the northwestern Lakhta neighborhood of Saint Petersburg. While it is not yet a famous landmark of Russia (due to only just being completed), it stands 462 meters high and is sure to become more well known in the next few years.

This is because not only is it now the tallest building in Russia and the tallest building in Europe, but it is also the fourteenth-largest building in the world. It’s just taller than  the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur  and 10 meters shorter than Central Park Tower in New York. It is still 366 meters short of  the Burj Khalifa in the UAE , however. 

The construction of the towering Lakhta Center began in 2012, and the building topped out in 2018. Prior to this, the Vostok Tower of the Federation Towers in Moscow was the tallest building. The Lakhta Center is planned for large-scale mixed-use development, consisting of public services and offices, including the news headquarters of the Russian energy corporation Gazprom. Somewhat ironically, it is also one of the five most environmentally sustainable skyscrapers in the world.

The opening date of the project will be decided after the completion of the finalization and landscaping, but is expected to be in late 2020 when there will be a free public viewing deck that tourists can visit, along with open spaces for sculptures and exhibitions. A twist spire that thrusts skywards, the Lakhta Center is a beacon of modern Russia – and is worth planning a few hours to go and explore (even if you cannot get inside just yet).

The Moscow Kremlin, or just *the* Kremlin, is a defensive complex in the middle of Moscow, facing the Moskva River to the south, the Saint Basil Cathedral, and Red Square to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the West.

It is one of Russia’s most famous landmarks and even used metonymically to refer to the government of the Russian Federation, like how the “White House” is used to refer to the Executive Office of the President of the United States. Throughout most of Russian and Soviet history, the Kremlin has resided at the center of it all. It is an emblem of both Russian and (for a time) Soviet strength and control and was made the President of the Russian Federation’s primary dwelling after 1991.

More recently, to prevent the disturbances to Moscow traffic generated by motorcades, President Vladimir Putin commissioned the Kremlin helipad’s construction in 2013 and now commutes using a Mil Mi-8 helicopter. Thankfully, particular attention was exercised in determining the helipad’s position so as not to threaten the architectural majesty of the Kremlin.

The Kremlin’s octagonal red brick walls and its 20 towers (19 with spires, in case you want to count) were installed at the end of the 15th century when a group of Italian architects assembled in Moscow at the request of Ivan III (the Great). Among the most prominent buildings, the Savior (Spasskaya) Tower, which leads to the Red Square, was constructed in 1491 by Pietro Solario, who planned most of the other buildings; its bell tower was incorporated in 1624–25. The clock’s chimes are transmitted by radio as a time signal across all of the eleven (yes eleven) time zones of Russia.

The St. Nicholas (Nikolskaya) House, initially built-in 1491 and reconstructed in 1806, is also on the Red Square front. The best way to visit and explore the Kremlin today is with the Moscow Kremlin Museums, separated into eight parts. It is one of the most visited museums globally, and you should allow at least a full day to fully appreciate the history and scale of world events that have taken place here.

Mount Elbrus is one of the most famous natural landmarks in Russia. It’s situated in the Caucasus Mountains in the southwest of the country, near the border with Georgia.

Elbrus is the highest mountain peak in Europe and one of the seven summits, seven highest mountains on each continent. The mountain was formed over 2,5 million years ago. Elbrus has two summits; the western summit (the highest) – 5 642 m, the eastern summit – 5 621 m. Both summits are dormant volcanoes, which makes Elbrus the highest stratovolcano in Eurasia. 

Elbrus was ascended for the first time in 1829. Nowadays,  conquering Elbrus  is on the bucket list of many climbers from all over the world. The way to the top is very challenging. On the summit day, climbers start their ascent between 12 am, and 1 am in the pitch dark. It takes about 8 hours of walking in knee-deep snow and cold wind to reach the summit.

The tough climb is rewarded by spectacular views of the Caucasus Mountain range from the top of Elbrus. July and August is the best time for climbing. In summer, Elbrus and the surrounding mountains are a popular place for hiking and rock climbing. In winter, many people come here for snowboarding and skiing. There are several cable cars and ski lifts here, including one on Elbrus that takes tourists to Garabashi Station at an altitude of 3800 m. 

The best and quickest way of getting to Elbrus is to fly to Nalchik, and from there, take a minibus or a taxi to Terskol or Azau. Both towns are gateways to Elbrus. It’s possible to get to Nalchik by train from Moscow or Saint Petersburg, but it’s a long 2-day journey. 

Explored by Campbell & Alya from Stingy Nomads

Peterhof, sitting on the banks of the Baltic Sea, is a sight not to be missed. Of all the  stunning palaces around St Petersburg , the UNESCO World Heritage site of Peterhof is surely the most beautiful.

A 45-minute hydrofoil journey from St Petersburg will find you arriving at this Russian landmark dubbed the “Versailles of Russia,” and it is quite evident to see why it has earned this title.

From the moment you set eyes on the cascading waters that lead from the boat dock to Peterhof palace, you will be enraptured by its opulence.With a dazzling yellow façade and gold onion-domed turrets, you can see why Peter the Great built Peterhof to show the world of his power and wealth. And then there is the spectacle that is the Peterhof fountains and statues.

250 golden statues and 150 fountains are situated in front of Peterhof’s Grand Palace, with the centerpiece being a golden statue of Samson fighting a lion; the epitome of Imperial Russian power over its subjects.

The life-size golden statues dazzle in the sunshine and offer the visitor a glimpse of the opulent lifestyle held by the Russian courtiers over the centuries. Four water levels known as the “cascades” make their way steadily down from the palace to the sea. Peterhof’s grand interior, though only consisting of 30 rooms, is bedecked with treasures and Russian antiquities fit for the likes of Peter the Great and his predecessor Catherine the Great.

Peterhof is a must-see attraction in Russia, but it does get busy, and so a guided tour is recommended. Your guide will be able to fast-track you into the palace and give you lots of interesting stories that you would otherwise be unaware of. However, in winter, the fountains do not function, due to extreme weather conditions, and so the best time to see them in all their glory would be in Spring and Summer.

Peterhof Explored by Angela Price of Where Angie Wanders

Not technically a single famous landmark of Russia, but seven, which form distinct features on the Moscow skyline. Stalin’s so-called ‘Seven Sisters’ are still amongst some of the tallest buildings in Europe.

A cluster of seven Stalinist-style skyscrapers in Moscow were designed in a bewildering mix of Russian Baroque and Gothic styles between 1947 and 1953. These buildings are, somewhat ironically, said to be influenced by the Municipal Building in Manhattan — not that you’ll ever hear the Russian officially admit it.

In fact, when Stalin called for their design and construct, he said, “We won the war … foreigners will come to Moscow, walk around, and there are no skyscrapers. If they compare Moscow to capitalist cities, it’s a moral blow to us”.”

The seven-sister buildings were the tallest in Europe when they were completed, and the Moscow State University’s main building maintained its status for almost 50 years as the tallest in Europe until 1997.

As glorious as they are to look at, the buildings are far heavier than American skyscrapers of the time, with limited use of technology and experience ensuring they were completed with a far higher-cost per square-meter. For example, each of the seven sisters is based on a steel frame with masonry infill, as opposed to reinforced concrete structures common already in the West at the time. These imposing edifices to Stalin and communism’s brute consumed so many resources that they effectively halved housing construction rates in Moscow for the five years of their construction.

The seven dotted around Moscow are Hotel Ukraina, Kotelnicheskaya Embankment Apartments, the Kudrinskaya Square Building, the Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya Hotel, the main building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the main building of Moscow State University, and the Red Gates Administrative Building. Other former USSR and former Soviet Bloc countries also have Stalinist skyscrapers like the   Latvian Academy of Sciences in Riga  or  Hotel Družba in Prague .

However, none are in quite the same league as the Seven Sisters.

When people hear the word “Kremlin” they automatically think of the famous architectural wonder located in Moscow, while, in fact, there are close to a dozen amazing Kremlins around the country. “Kremlin,” in essence, is an old fortress that was built to protect the heart of town from the invaders. There used to be about 400 Kremlins in Russia, but most of them were destroyed, unfortunately.

The Kremlin in Smolensk was built in 1594-1602. It was a very important fortress because the city of Smolensk was always the Westernmost outpost of Russia and would be the first one hit by enemies. The overall length of the walls of this Kremlin was about 4 miles, but only half of that length is preserved nowadays.

It used to have 38 towers, but only 17 are left standing today. But even with all this destruction, Smolensk Kremlin is still a beautiful and educational landmark to visit.

One of the towers, “Gromovaya” tower, now houses a history museum where you can see how the fortress was built and the information on various battles that the city was involved in. The museum also has a very interesting exposition where you can see various old weapons, cannons, and old military uniforms. From the tower, you can get on the top of the fortress wall itself and take a short walk that sort of gives you a feeling of what it was like to be the fortress’ defender.

If you have a chance, definitely visit at least one of the Russian Kremlins.

Explored by Tatiana from Family Road Trip Guru

Saint Basil’s Cathedral, whose official name is the Cathedral of the Intercession of the Most Holy Theotokos on the Moat or Pokrovsky Cathedral, is a Christian church in Red Square in Moscow, Russia. Not only is it one of the famous landmarks of Russia, but it is also viewed as a cultural symbol of the country.

Saint Basil the Blessed was built between 1554 and 1560 by Tsar Ivan IV (Terrible) as a decorative offering for his decisive campaign, which conquered Kazan and Astrakhan’s Khanates. The Cathedral was devoted to the protection and salvation of the Virgin Mary, but it eventually became known as the Cathedral of Vasily Blazhenny (St. Basil the Beatified) after Basil, the ‘holy idiot of Russia’ who shoplifted to give to the poor and rebuked Ivan for not paying enough attention to the church.

The church was developed by two Russian architect architects, Posnik and Barma, who may have been one in the same person. Records are not clear about a lot of things to do with Saint Basil’s — which is unusual for such an iconic building. Another example of this is the urban legend, that it was designed by an Italian architect who was blinded after so he could not ever build something comparable or equivalent.

Shaped like a colorful flame of a bonfire rising into the sky, or ice cream cones, the design of this Cathedral has no parallels in Russian architecture – making it even more iconic. With the Soviet Union’s demise in 1991, weekly Orthodox Christian services are once again held at St. Basil every Sunday at 10 am. There is also a small museum to visit.

Still, unlike other famous churches such as  St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Vienna  or  Igreja de Santa Clara in Porto , Saint Basil’s Cathedral is far more impressive from the outside than inside.

Located in the forested foothills of the Sayan Mountains on the outskirts of Krasnoyarsk lies the Stolby Nature Reserve where enormous stone pinnacles named ‘stolby’ climb above the trees and have become an icon of the region.

In 1925, a small pocket of these unique rock formations was declared as a nature reserve with further areas added over the next 30 years. Today, the Stolby Nature Reserve encompasses hundreds of rocky pillars and spans almost 50,000 hectares. However, just 3.5% of that is accessible to visitors allowing large tracts of the forest to remain undisturbed.

In the past, these large boulders and the forests that surround them acted as a sanctuary for the revolutionaries who would hideout here to escape persecution during the Civil War. Today, it has become one of the most visited national parks in Russia and is a popular spot for rock climbing and hiking.

Located just 30 minutes from Krasnoyarsk, the accessible area of the reserve extends across the top of a mountain plateau, which can be reached either by chairlift or via an access road that weaves through the forest.

The best way to experience the area and find the most impressive stolby is on two feet with a number of fantastic hiking trails meandering through the trees. Some areas play host to tight clusters of the ochre pinnacles that have been likened to stone cities. Visitors should also be sure to climb a few of the stolby to enjoy the best views overlooking the treetops.

Explored by Freya from The Sandy Feet

The Suzdal Kremlin is one of the most picturesque landmarks in Russia and one that is relatively easy to visit from Moscow.  Suzdal  is part of Russia’s so-called Golden Ring. A circle of towns that are close to Moscow and that have played an important role in Russian history. Nowadays, Suzdal might be a small rural village, but it is among the oldest towns. 

The Suzdal Kremlin developed as early as the 10th century. Almost every town in Russia had a kremlin, and basically, it means nothing more than a fortified city center with the city’s most important buildings. The one in Suzdal is among the oldest intact kremlins in Russia and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

When it started to grow in the 11th century with the construction of the Kremlin walls and the first city cathedral, Suzdal was bigger than Moscow. But even when Moscow became Russia’s political capital, Suzdal kept its religious importance with several well-respected monasteries and churches. 

It was only when the Trans-Siberian railway was built that Suzdal lost its importance. Not being connected to the rail meant that Suzdal remained an agricultural village frozen in time. During the Soviet Union, there was no place for religion either, but the Soviets did realize Suzdal’s tourist potential. That’s why the Suzdal Kremlin was preserved so well. 

The Soviets basically turned Suzdal into an open-air museum. The Suzdal Kremlin has a very scenic location in a bend of the Kamenka river. The white churches and monasteries are surrounded by traditional Russian wooden homes. There is a rural atmosphere. In spring, you will see chickens roaming the garden plots, and in winter, the village seems to come from a Russian fairytale. 

You can visit Suzdal as a day or weekend trip from Moscow by taking the train to Vladimir. From there, it’s a short bus ride to Suzdal. There is so much to see and do that I would recommend staying at least one night in Suzdal.  

Explored by Ellis from Backpack Adventures

One of the most visited attractions of Vladivostok is the Tokarevsky Lighthouse, which was one of the first things we saw after arriving in the city. It was built at the end of the 19th century, and it is one of the oldest lighthouses in the Far East. 

Another interesting fact is that this tiny, only 12-meter tall lighthouse was built on the artificial Tokarevsky Split that goes underwater during high tide. You can still walk to the lighthouse in the shallow water if you don’t mind getting your feet wet, but in colder weather, it can be quite a chilly experience.

We were there in summer on a windy and gloomy day. I was grateful that we didn’t have to step into the water as it was low tide, and the top of the split was above the water surface. Make sure you check the tide schedule before getting there, especially if the weather is not so pleasant.

The Tokarevsky lighthouse resembles the end of the world – and therefore attracts a lot of tourists and locals as it is a popular wedding photo location too. You can reach Vladivostok by plane or train as we did: we  traveled there by the Tran Siberian Railway  from all the way from Moscow to Vladivostok.

The lighthouse is 7 km from the city center. To reach it, you either need to rent a car, or you can take a bus (Nr. 60 from the city center) and walk 20 minutes to the tip of the narrow peninsula. 

Explored by Katalin & Karol from Our Life Our Travel

Veliky Novgorod is one of the Golden Ring towns of Russia that dates its recorded history way back to the 9th century. Once a thriving trade hub and a town of historical significance, Novgorod has been the place that paved the way for Russia’s formation.

Located almost midway between Saint Petersburg and Moscow, Veliky Novgorod could easily be covered on a day trip from either of these cities. However, it is much convenient from Saint Petersburg, as it takes just a couple of hours of commuting. Yet, the town hardly features in the  Russia itinerary  of travelers in spite of its rich history.

Veliky Novgorod has quite a handful of UNESCO heritage sites in its kitty. One such UNESCO site is the town’s Kremlin, that has been a witness to major political and regional upheavals. No wonder as it is one of the oldest citadels in Russia. 

Today, the walls of the Kremlin house the oldest of Russian churches called the Cathedral of St. Sophia, the Monument to the Millennium of Russian Statehood, and the Novgorod State United Museum. The market place that houses the Yarslov’s courtyard with a few other ancient orthodox churches is located on the other riverside of the town. The two are connected by a bridge constructed over the Volkhov River.

Although Veliky Novgorod looks like a petite town, it has every facility inside its precincts. From a lone railway station to street art and a university to fine-dining, the town is self-sufficient in all aspects. Tourists may even feel a high spotting an Mc Donald’s outlet in this ancient town!

The best season to visit Veliky Novgorod would be autumn, when golden trees and leaves adorn the town all around.

Explored by Meenakshi from Polkajunction

Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg is one of the city’s most iconic buildings. Winter Palace was built between 1754 and 1762 by the project of Bartolomeo Rastrelli as the official winter residence of the Russian Emperor.

In summer, the royal family used to move to one of their summer residences in Peterhof or Tsarskoye Selo. Elizabethan Baroque, a.k.a Russian Baroque is the dominant architectural style of the palace. The palace represents the scale and splendor of the Russian Emperor House. The building is huge; it has 1945 windows, 1786 doors, and the total number of 1500 rooms. 

Nowadays, the Winter Palace is part of the Hermitage Museum complex, one of the world’s largest museums. It’s  a must-visit place in Saint Petersburg.  The interior of the palace is even more impressive than the exterior. The luxurious decoration of the rooms and halls is astonishing; marble and malachite columns, golden ornaments and details, elaborated mosaics, and impressive frescoes. Not to mention an impressive collection of fine art, jewelry, and armor. Out of the hundreds of rooms open for visitors, these are not to miss: the Grand Church, Lodges of Raphaell, St. George Hall, Pavilion Hall, and the Armor Room.

The Winter Palace is the most visited museum in Saint Petersburg. More than 4,6 million people visit it every year. In the peak season between June and August, it gets very busy. The evening is the best time to visit it to skip the crowds. The museum has extended working hours on Wednesdays and Fridays when it’s open until 9 pm. 

Explored by Alya & Campbell from Stingy Nomads

Have you heard of Irkutsk? If you have, it’s probably either because you’ve played the board game RISK a lot or you’ve traveled  the Trans Mongolian Express . Irkutsk is one of the largest cities in Siberia, a region that most people associate with terrible colds and eternal snow and ice. Don’t worry though, Siberian temperatures can actually be quite comfortable in summer. We visited at the end of May and walked around in a t-shirt!  

In any case, one of the best places to visit in Irkutsk is the 130 Kvartal. This lovely pedestrian area in the heart of the city features lots of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Irkutsk is known for its traditional Siberian wooden houses, and in the 130 Kvartal you can find many of these beautiful buildings. Some are original and transported here from other locations in Siberia, and some are recreated. Regardless, this part of the city is a great place to spend an afternoon. 

To get to Irkutsk, you can either take a plane, but the best way to travel here is via the famous Trans-Siberian Railway. Once you’ve arrived at the beautiful station of Irkutsk, hop into a taxi (I recommend using the Gett app) for a short 10-minute ride to this district.  

One of the best restaurants in the 130 Kvartal is Khinkal’naya, serving up delicious dishes from the Georgian cuisine. We had dinner here not once but twice because there were so many options we wanted to try. If you’re looking for a nice place to stay in the 130 Kvartal, the Kupechesky Dvor is a great hotel housed in a reconstructed Siberian manor and beautifully decorated on the inside.

Explored by Lotte from Phenomenal Globe Travel Blog 

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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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10 most favorite tourist destinations in Russia - among Russians!

Russia’s domestic tourism is continuously developing, although there are still problems with infrastructure, services and sometimes extremely expensive tickets, especially for long distance destinations. Some Russians have indeed never been abroad, but they have the world’s largest country at their disposal and usually arrange holidays on the Black Sea coast, in Caucasian mountains or save up to visit the two capitals, Moscow and St. Petersburg. 

St. Basil's Cathedral and Kremlin

We are used to saying that Moscow is not Russia . However, despite this, Moscow is still the center of everything, and the most popular destination of a domestic tourist. Visiting the capital is a sort of a ‘must-do’ experience for Russians from the other regions. And despite the fact that a ticket to Moscow will cost a Far East resident more than a ticket to a neighboring Asian country, a trip to Moscow is almost a pilgrimage. 

Beyond the obvious selfie on the Red Square, domestic tourists adore the GUM department store, the new Zaryadye Park, the Tretyakov Gallery, and among the must-visit places in Moscow are a theater, a circus and the Zoo. 

According to the Russian Union of Tourism Industry, more than 22 million tourists from across the country visited Moscow in 2019, including traveling for sports events, as well as on business trips.

3. St. Petersburg

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

This city is often compared with Venice, Amsterdam and other historical European cities. And indeed, it was specifically built as a “window to Europe”, because Emperor Peter the Great wanted Russia to be more like a European country. 

About 9 million tourists from all around Russia visited the city in 2019. “When you come to St. Petersburg, it seems that there are more royal palaces than ordinary living houses, and you just can’t get enough of the beauty that surrounds you,” says Sasha from Moscow, who tries to spend one weekend a year in the northern capital. 

There are plenty of ways to get to St. Petersburg from Moscow, so there are almost never problems with tickets (unless big international events such as the annual Economic Forum).  As a rule, St. Petersburg is a destination for two- or three-day school trips. It’s a perfect place for historical and cultural enrichment. Here are 5 must-see places for your first visit. 

Lastochkino gnezdo castle (the Swallow's Nest)

Crimea has always been a favorite resort for Russians - Chekhov and Tolstoy liked coming here, and its nice climate is perfect for recovering from a range of illnesses. Russian tsars had residences here, which were turned into Soviet sanatoriums . There is also the legendary ’Artek’ pioneer camp, which is still in operation. And in 2019, about 7 million Russians visited Crimea.

The peninsula has a big number of resorts all around its perimeter, but one of the most popular cities is Yalta , the ‘Russian Rivera’ and the main city of the southern coast. While in Sevastopol , you can not only have a rest, but also explore ancient history, as there is a museum on ruins of the Greek colony Chersonesus. At the same time, Sevastopol is a city with navy and military glory, that was under siege many times and successfully fought and defended the peninsula. 

Besides the great sea resort, Crimea also has mountains and its peak, Ai-Petri, is a great place for climbing - check out our video about this sight.

5. Vladivostok

Tokarev lighthouse

For a Moscow citizen, a ticket to Vladivostok can cost as much as an all inclusive package tour to Turkey (and many Russians would actually choose Turkey), however, the idea of appearing on the other side of the world - and still be in Russia - is exciting. And it’s all about nature and the ocean there. In 2019, more than 4 million Russian tourists visited Vladivostok, and the number of foreign tourists is rapidly increasing every year.

“Comparing with the noisy, crowdy Moscow, just observing Vladivostok’s giant bridges and remote mayaks is a kind of meditation and an absolutely different feeling of your surroundings,” says photographer Gleb, who considers it lucky to have had a chance to visit Vladivostok on a business trip. 

Another appealing thing about the Far East of Russia is the seafood - ordinary citizens of central Russia don’t usually get to try Kamchatka crab at home, but here, it’s absolutely affordable. And moreover, there are also lots of museums, art galleries and many interesting sites to explore .

6. Caucasian Mineral Waters

Park in Zheleznovosk resort city

Caucasian Mineral Waters is a group of resort cities in Stavropol Territory, among them are  Pyatigorsk, Zheleznovosdsk, Kislovodsk, Essentuki and Mineralnye Vody (most of the titles are somehow related to water).

“I love going to Kislovodsk, drinking mineral water and adoring the Caucasian Mountains,” says Vladimir, admitting that he doesn’t need to visit “any places abroad”. Vladimir is lucky - his work provides him a discount package tour to Kislovodsk.

It has to be said that prices there are not that cheap, however, these resorts offer a range of medical treatments and special water drinking programs. These places have been popular destinations since the 19th century, that Russian writer Mikhail Lermontov famously described in his novel ‘Hero of Our Times’ - and, in fact, Lermontov was killed in a duel in Pyatigorsk … In 2019, around 2 million tourists visited the resorts.

7. Altai Mountains

Mountain lake in the Altai

This is one of the most beautiful places in Russia, though not that easy to reach and still with a poor infrastructure. Going there, one should always take enough spare money and it’s best to arrange a car or hiking trip (here are some other tips ). Tourist agencies also offer exhilarating horse riding in the mountains. And all the lack of comfort and inconveniences will be forgotten after you follow along Altai’s Chuysky Trakt, one of the most picturesque highways in Russia .

“That’s probably the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to and the most unforgettable and extreme experience,” says Kira from Kuznetsk/Moscow, who went on a wild car trip.

By the way, Altai is also a land of Buddhism and shamans, and while visiting, you can see nomads in yurts, listen to the kaichi , local musical storytellers. 2 million Russians had the chance to do this in 2019.

8. Golden Ring

Suzdal's kremlin

This is a touristic route and a group of ancient cities about 200-300 km outside of Moscow. About 300-500 thousand Russians visit each of the nine cities annually. When a big city inhabitant wants to escape and feel the atmospheric and authentic Russia, they come here. Forts and monasteries built in the 11-12th centuries, golden dome churches, the Volga River or huge lakes, endless fields or dense wood can all be found along the Golden Ring. There is an experience for all tastes there. Read more in our short guide to the Golden Ring cities .

Prices there are rather cheap and getting there is rather easy. To attract even more tourists, the local tourist boards recently set up a number of glamping hotels , which will make you feel closer to nature, while not foregoing any luxury!

“The first place that I took my Italian husband to in Russia after Moscow was Suzdal , I wanted to surprise him with the real Russia, to show him the wooden houses with carved window surrounds and he was absolutely amazed,” says Alina from Moscow, now living in Munich. Unfortunately, booking a hotel in Suzdal can sometimes be problematic, especially during official holidays in Russia - there are too many tourists who want to stay in this gingerbread fairy tale paradise! 

Editor’s Choice:

These two destinations are not represented among the most popular ones, because they are considered expensive, sometimes not comfortable and hard to get to. However, these places deserve a special mention, because secretly, all Russians dream of going there. 

9. Baikal 

Baikal in winter

This place never gets onto any top tourist destination lists. But when you ask a Russian where they would like to go before they die, it’s very likely that they will say: “Baikal”. The unique lake and a holder of numerous records regarding water amount, deepness and amount of animals and fish that one can encounter there… is a land of shamans and enormously beautiful nature. 

In summer, tickets there are rather expensive, but in winter, they are much more affordable. That’s what Vsevolod Pulya, our editor-in-chief did this year, and according to him, he left a part of his soul in the ice of Lake Baikal , which freezes in unusual and many kinds of shapes. 

Don’t forget to watch our travel documentary about Lake Baikal.

10. Kamchatka

A bear at the Kuril Lake in Kamchatka

The remote peninsula in Russia’s Far East is a dream of all the extreme seekers and nature lovers. It’s a land of Geysers, volcanoes and a wide range of activities . In summer, one can kayak, hike, fish, surf , see bears and whales. In winter, it’s mountain skiing and snowboarding. Despite a lack of proper infrastructure and having to rent an expensive helicopter ride to reach the top, nothing can express the emotions that one can experience sliding down right to the ocean. 

Vladimir and his friends used to travel a lot around the world, but several years in a row now, he visits Kamchatka one to two times a year. “Snowboarding in Kamchatka was so exciting and so different from what I’ve experienced before, that I just don’t want to go to the Alps or anywhere else and I save money the whole year to make another trip to this edge of the world,” says Vladimir.

However, visiting Kamchatka is very expensive! Plane tickets to get there and then renting helicopters, off-road vehicles, boats, as well as all the equipment will cost a small fortune, and moreover, prices for ordinary foods are, naturally, much higher there. Time to start saving!

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Discover the Ultimate Russian Adventure: Best Places to Travel

Russia has various destinations that travelers should consider, including Moscow and St. Petersburg. Russia offers a mix of history, culture, and natural wonders, making it an attractive destination for tourists.

Beyond the two main cities, travelers can explore landmarks like the kremlin and St. Basil’s cathedral in Moscow or visit the hermitage museum and palace square in St. Petersburg. For the nature lover, Altai mountains and lake Baikal offer stunning landscapes to explore.

Those seeking adventure can try dog-sledding, ice fishing, and snowmobiling during winter months, while summer is perfect for hiking or kayaking. With its rich history and beautiful scenery, Russia is a destination worth considering for your next vacation.

Credit: www.travelandleisure.com

5 Best Places To Travel in Russia

Russia is one of the most fascinating countries to explore. From the iconic landmarks such as st. Basil’s cathedral to the wild countryside of siberia, there’s no shortage of places to discover. But if you’re looking for an ultimate russian adventure, then you should definitely plan to visit these best places to travel in russia.

Exploring The Unique Exclave Surrounded By Eu Borders

Kaliningrad is a unique russian region located between poland and lithuania. The picturesque town is home to impressive architecture, old-world charm, and stunning natural landscapes. Here are the key highlights to explore:

• Immerse yourself in the history of the region by visiting the bunker museum, which was once a nazi-era air raid shelter.
• Admire the stunning königsberg cathedral, built-in 1357.
• Visit the fish village, where you can feast on the local seafood and take a stroll around the picturesque fishermen’s homes.

Königsberg Cathedral, Fish Village, And Immanuel Kant Museum

One of the most popular attractions in kaliningrad is the königsberg cathedral, which is one of the few surviving examples of the gothic architecture in the region. The fish village is definitely a must-visit place to get a taste of local cuisine and admire the picturesque surroundings.

Fans of philosophy can’t miss out on immanuel kant museum, a museum dedicated to the famous philosopher and kaliningrad-native.

Fortifications And Bastions Of The Prussian Era

The prussian era has left kaliningrad with not only impressive cathedrals and museums but also fortifications and bastions to explore. Here are some must-visit sites:

• Don’t miss the king’s gate, which was once the main entrance to the city and now a museum.
• Fort no. 11 is one of the best-preserved fortifications in kaliningrad.
• The kronprinz tower is another impressive piece of architecture that was once part of the prussian fortifications.

Curonian Spit, The Largest Desert In Europe

Located on the baltic coast of the kaliningrad region, the curonian spit is a unique natural wonder with sand dunes, beaches, and breathtaking scenery. Here are some activities to add to your itinerary:

• Take a stroll or go for a bike ride along the picturesque paths of the forested curonian spit national park.
• Visit the dancing forest, where oak trees twist and turn in unusual shapes.
• Relax on the pristine beaches and take a dip in the baltic sea.

How To Get To Kaliningrad

Now that you have an idea of what to do in kaliningrad, you’re probably wondering how to get there. The easiest and fastest way is to fly into khrabrovo airport, which has direct flights from moscow and other major cities in russia.

You can also take a train or a bus from other parts of russia or from neighboring countries such as poland and lithuania.

There you have it! Visit these best places to travel in Russia to discover the ultimate adventure and to make unforgettable memories.

Experiencing The Best Of Russian Nature

Russia is a massive and diverse country, with a lot to offer for nature lovers. From snow-capped mountains to world-renowned natural wonders, there is truly something for every type of traveler. In this post, we will explore some of the best places to travel in russia, focusing on those that offer the best of russian nature.

Why Kamchatka Is A Nature Lover’S Paradise?

Kamchatka is a peninsula located in the far east of russia, known for its stunning volcanic landscapes and diverse wildlife. Here are some reasons why kamchatka is an ideal destination for nature lovers:

• Home to over 300 volcanoes, hot springs, and geysers, kamchatka is a unique destination that offers up-close views of its active natural wonders.
• The peninsula is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, such as brown bears, eagles, and salmon, making it a fantastic place to go wildlife spotting.
• Kamchatka’s untouched landscapes offer an opportunity to disconnect from city life and immerse oneself in nature.

Avachinsky-Koryaksky Nature Park, An Unforgettable Hike

Avachinsky-koryaksky nature park is located in kamchatka and is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the region. Here are some things to know about the hike:

• The hike takes about 6-8 hours round trip and covers a distance of about 12km.
• The trail offers stunning views of avachinsky and koryaksky volcanoes and their surrounding valleys, as well as the pacific ocean.
• The hike is challenging and requires a moderate to high level of fitness, making it ideal for experienced hikers.

Valley Of The Geysers, A Unique Natural Wonder

The valley of the geysers is located in kamchatka and is considered one of the world’s most significant geyser fields. Here are some reasons to visit the valley of the geysers:

• The valley is home to over 20 geysers and about 200 thermal springs, with some geysers shooting up to 30 meters high.
• The natural attraction is located in the stunningly beautiful and remote kronotsky nature reserve, making it an unforgettable experience.
• Visitors can take guided tours to learn more about the geysers and the surrounding natural environment.

Kuril Lake, A Bear Watching Experience

Kuril lake is located in kamchatka and is famous for its large population of brown bears. Here’s what to know about visiting kuril lake:

• Visitors can only enter the area on guided tours due to its remote location and the need for safety measures around bears.
• The best time to visit kuril lake is between july and september, when the bears are most active.
• Visitors can witness the bears fishing and interacting with each other in their natural habitat, making it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Hot Springs And Wildlife Spotting

Kamchatka is also famous for its many hot springs, which vary in temperature and mineral content. Here are some of the best places to soak in natural hot springs while enjoying russian nature:

• Nalychevo nature park is located in kamchatka and is home to several hot springs that offer stunning mountain views.
• Malki is another popular hot spring location that is also known for its excellent birdwatching opportunities.
• Tumrok is a hot spring located in a remote and beautiful location, offering a serene and peaceful experience.

How To Plan A Trip To Kamchatka

Here are some tips for planning a trip to kamchatka:

• Research the region extensively before booking a trip to ensure you know what to expect.
• Book with a reputable tour operator who can organize everything from tours to transportation and accommodation.
• Be prepared for remote locations with limited facilities and bring all necessary equipment and supplies.
• Learn about the region’s weather patterns before packing and bring appropriate clothing and gear for the climate.

Russia is full of unique and beautiful natural wonders, but kamchatka, in particular, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. With its rugged landscapes, diverse wildlife, and world-renowned natural attractions, kamchatka is the perfect place to disconnect from city life and immerse oneself in nature.

Discovering Russia’S Multifaceted Identity

Russia is a multifaceted country that offers a wide range of experiences, from bustling cities to breathtaking natural landscapes. If you are looking to experience the true essence of russia, you must visit kazan, the capital of tatarstan. From historical landmarks to rich cultural heritage, kazan has it all.

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this city so special.

Introduction To Kazan, Capital Of Tatarstan

Kazan is a beautiful city located in the heart of russia, on the banks of the volga river. It is known for its unique blend of russian and tatar cultures, which is evident in its architecture and cuisine. Here are some key points you must know before planning your trip to kazan:

• Kazan is the capital of the republic of tatarstan, a predominantly muslim region in russia.
• It is a vibrant and bustling city that attracts tourists from all over the world.
• The official languages are russian and tatar.

Kremlin And Qolşärif Mosque, A Symbol Of The City

Kazan kremlin is a unesco world heritage site that dominates the city’s skyline. The complex comprises several buildings, including the qolşärif mosque, which is the largest in russia. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• The kremlin is a huge complex that includes several museums, art galleries, and cathedrals.
• The qolşärif mosque is a symbol of kazan and attracts visitors from all over the world.
• The kremlin has witnessed several key moments in russia’s history, including ivan the terrible’s conquest of kazan and the russian revolution.

The Oldest Peasant Market – Bauman Street

Bauman street is one of the oldest streets in kazan and offers a glimpse into the city’s history and culture. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Bauman street is a pedestrian street that is home to several shops, cafes, and restaurants.
• It is the oldest peasant market in kazan and has been a hub of activity for centuries.
• The street is lined with stunning 19th-century buildings that add to its charm.

Discovering The Tatar Culture And Cuisine

Kazan is known for its unique blend of russian and tatar cultures, which is evident in its cuisine and architecture. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Tatar cuisine is a unique blend of russian, european, and central asian influences.
• Some must-try dishes include chak-chak (a sweet pastry), borscht (a beetroot soup), and pilaf (a rice dish).
• Kazan is also home to several museums and cultural centers that offer a glimpse into tatar culture and history.

Lyadsky Gate And The Historical Background Against Ivan The Terrible

Lyadsky gate is a historic monument that is an important part of kazan’s history. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Lyadsky gate is a historical monument that has been a part of kazan since the 16th century.
• It is located in the heart of the city and is a popular tourist destination.
• The gate has witnessed several key moments in kazan’s history, including ivan the terrible’s conquest of the city.

How To Travel To Kazan

Getting to kazan is easy, as the city is well-connected to the rest of russia. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Kazan international airport is located just outside the city and offers flights to several destinations in russia and beyond.
• The city is also well-connected by train and bus.
• Once you arrive in kazan, the best way to get around is by taxi or public transport.

To sum it up, kazan is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. If you are planning to visit russia, make sure to add kazan to your itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to visit in russia.

Russia has many incredible destinations to offer, including moscow, st. petersburg, lake baikal, sochi, and the golden ring cities.

What Is The Best Time To Travel To Russia?

The best time to travel to russia is during summer, from june to august, when the weather is pleasant and most outdoor activities can be enjoyed.

Is It Safe To Travel To Russia Alone?

Generally, it is safe to travel to russia alone, as long as you take the necessary precautions, such as avoiding certain areas at night and keeping an eye on your belongings.

What Is The Currency Used In Russia?

The currency used in russia is the russian ruble. It is recommended to exchange currency at banks or official exchange offices to avoid scams.

What Are Some Must-Try Russian Dishes?

Some must-try Russian dishes include borscht (beetroot soup), pelmeni (dumplings), blini (crepes), shashlik (grilled meat), and caviar.

Russia is a treasure trove of stunning attractions, from cultural landmarks, to art galleries, rolling countryside, beautiful beaches, and beyond. It is a destination that offers a rich tapestry of experiences and memories that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Whether you are a history buff, art enthusiast, foodie, nature lover, or adventure seeker, russia has something for you. From the majestic city of st. petersburg, to the iconic red square in moscow, the rolling hills of the caucasus mountains, the incredible lake baikal, and the serene countryside of the golden ring, russia is a country that caters to all kinds of travelers.

So if you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience, plan your trip to russia today and be amazed by all the beauty and wonders that this country has to offer.

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in St. Petersburg, Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Dec 23, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Moscow might be Russia's most modern, cosmopolitan city, but St. Petersburg is the cultural and historical heart of the country . Home to the Hermitage, one of the largest and most stunning art museums in the world, surrounded by canals, and home to beautiful white nights (when the sun never sets in summer), St. Petersburg is regal and inspiring.

First-time visitors should start at the Hermitage Museum -a museum so large, it is literally impossible to see it all in one day -and the beautiful Nevsky Avenue, flanked by opulent restaurants, churches, and palaces, and a great place for people watching. The Peterhof Palace Complex requires a day trip out of town, but it's a must-see and one of the highlights of a trip to St. Petersburg.

Whether you already know what to do when visiting or are looking for more ideas on how to spend your time, take a look at our list of top tourist attractions in St. Petersburg.

1. State Hermitage Museum

2. peter and paul fortress, 3. palace square, 4. peterhof palace, 5. eliseyev emporium, 6. vasilyevsky island, 7. nevsky avenue, 8. church of the savior on spilled blood, 9. mariinsky theater, 10. rivers and canals, 11. cruiser aurora, 12. saint isaac's cathedral, where to stay in st. petersburg, russia for sightseeing, map of tourist attractions in st. petersburg, russia.

Founded when Empress Catherine the Great started acquiring works of art in the late 1700s, the museum didn't officially open to the public until 1852. Today, the Hermitage is the second-largest art museum in the world after the Louvre, and it's home to a collection of over three million items.

The Hermitage technically occupies six buildings, although the main part of the museum (and the building most people associate with the museum) is housed in the Winter Palace, which served as the home of the Russian emperors until 1917, and it's a massive structure with 1,500 rooms.

In addition to French Neoclassical and Impressionist art, Flemish Baroque and Italian Renaissance exhibits, the museum also holds an impressive collection of Russian art from the 11th to 19th centuries, a sizable 19th-century Egyptian antiquity collection, and a hall showcasing prehistoric art. The Hermitage has the largest collection of paintings in the world, spanning many countries and centuries.

The Peter and Paul Fortress was originally a fortified area meant to protect the state from foreign attacks. It was constructed in 1703 and then extended and modified for the following four decades. While the fortress never saw any actual combat, it still has a dark story behind it, as it served as a prison and execution quarters during the Bolshevik revolution in the early 20 th century. Today, it's part of the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg.

Within the walls of the fortress and surrounded by beautiful gardens and stone paths, there are several buildings. Perhaps the best known is the 18 th -century Peter and Paul Cathedral , the final resting place of Russian czars. Prison cells, a city museum, and the Saint Petersburg Mint building (founded in 1724 to manufacture coins and still in operation) are also located within the walls of the fortress.

St. Petersburg's main city square is a massive open public space right in front of the Winter Palace. The Alexander Column , built in the 1830s of a single piece of red granite, stands 47 meters tall at the center of the square. It was commissioned by Alexander I to commemorate the victory against Napoleon.

Many major events in Soviet/Russian history have taken place right on the square-Tsar Alexander II was shot here in 1879, and Bolshevik troops started the Revolution here in 1917 by storming the Winter Palace, where the royalty lived. Since then, the square has also been used for marches and demonstrations, from military parades to celebrate Victory Day (which marks the end of WWII) to New Year's Eve celebrations.

Located less than 30 kilometers from central St. Petersburg, the 18 th -century Peterhof Palace complex consists of a series of buildings, several formal gardens, and a total of 173 fountains fed by underground springs. Designed in the style of the Palace of Versailles , Peterhof is best known for its "Grand Cascade," which consists of 64 fountains located on a series of terraces outside the main entrance of the palace.

The opulence of the palace itself can be discovered through a guided tour. It features 30 rooms decorated with truly imposing gold colors, lots of marble, and items brought back from Asia mixing in with Baroque-style fireplaces and giant mirrors. Although it's possible to take a bus to get here, you can also catch a boat from St. Petersburg. The ride takes 45 minutes on the Neva River and offers great views of the shoreline along the way.

When the Eliseyev Emporium building was inaugurated in 1903, it was one of the most luxurious structures of its time. This might not be the case anymore, but the Art Nouveau details, stained-glass windows, crystal and metal candelabra, and hand-painted wall patterns are still quite impressive. The main attraction here, however, is the window displays, which feature moving puppets representing characters from The Nutcracker .

Today, this retail complex focuses mainly on food, with the most famous stop inside being the Eliseevy Merchants' Shop , Russia's oldest confectionery shop, which also sells high-end meats, spices, and dressings. The Eliseyev Emporium is also home to a unique homemade ice-cream shop selling flavors such as spicy basic and strawberry, green tea with jasmine, and "tender violet." Beautiful, hand-carved wooden souvenirs of traditional figures from Russian folktales are also available here.

Located just across the river from the city center and the Winter Palace and connected to the mainland by two bridges and a metro line, this small island is home to a number of landmarks and beautiful parks-including a Museum of Electrical Transport; the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography; the Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange; and the Baroque Menshikov Palace, which serves as a branch of the Heritage Museum and holds mainly 17 th -century Russian art.

The Russian Academy of Sciences has several branches on the island, as well-and visitors might particularly appreciate visiting the Institute of Russian Literature , which holds original manuscripts of some of Russian's most famous writers, including beloved poet Alexander Pushkin.

Named after the Alexander Nevsky Lavra monastery that sits on this same street, the 4.5-kilometer-long Nevsky Prospect (or Avenue) is the heart of St. Petersburg. Home to the 18 th -century Great Gostiny Dvor, one of the oldest shopping arcades in the world, Nevsky Avenue also hosts lots of high-end shops, fancy restaurants, and luxury hotels.

Nevsky Prospect is all about opulent architecture -here, palaces and churches stand side by side, including the Late Baroque Stroganov Palace; the early 19 th -century Kazan Cathedral; and the Russian National Library, housed in a building dating back to the 1700s.

Even if you don't plan on doing any shopping here, the lights and atmosphere of this avenue are still worth a visit. Along the way, you'll find street artists; an original movie theater dating back to 1913; and the Anichkov Bridge, which was seriously damaged during WWII and restored without removing traces of shell damage from Nazi guns as a reminder of what happened here.

One of the most beautiful sights in St. Petersburg is this multicolored church designed in traditional medieval Russian style. Alexander III ordered its construction in 1883 on the site where his father had been assassinated two years prior.

It took over 20 years for the church to be finally completed, partly because of budget and partly because the materials needed for its interior décor (which included 7,500 square meters of mosaics to cover the walls and ceilings) weren't that easy to come by.

The church was seriously damaged during the Russian Revolution in 1917, then used as a morgue during WWII and as a potato warehouse right after. It took almost 30 years of restoration to get the building to its original splendor-but rather than reopening as a church, the structure is now a museum of mosaics .

Catherine the Great ordered the formation of the imperial opera and ballet troupe in the late 18 th century, but it wasn't until 1860, almost 80 years later, that the company got its own theater. Once it opened, Mariinsky Theater was the most preeminent music hall in Russia-the place where major masterpieces from Tchaikovsky and Mussorgsky were first premiered.

A masterpiece of Neoclassical architecture with Neo-Byzantine design elements, the Mariinsky Theater looks opulent from every angle-from the U-shaped auditorium to the ceiling mural to the massive crystal chandelier.

Today, the theater is one of the most prestigious cultural institutions in St. Petersburg. If you plan on attending a premiere or a popular performance (such as The Nutcracker in December or January), you will need to get tickets well in advance.

St. Petersburg's canals once played an important role in preventing floods-and while they still do keep waters at bay, they are now mainly used for transportation and to enjoy beautiful cruises down the Neva.

The canal system stretches for over 300 kilometers, with hundreds of bridges (both pedestrian and for traffic) crossing over them. The two most popular waterways are the Griboyedov Canal and the Winter Canal. The Griboyedov Canal flows under 21 bridges and alongside some of the city's most famous landmarks, including the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood. The city's shortest canal, the Winter Canal , runs by the Winter Palace and the Hermitage Theater.

Both small and large boats are available to travel through the canals-some offering food, live music, or special English-language tours-including special rides to watch the bascule bridges opening at midnight.

The protected cruiser Aurora is a retired Russian naval ship with an armored deck. Built in the earlier 1900s, it served during the Russo-Japanese War in 1904-1905 and survived the Battle of Tsushima, where Russia suffered massive losses both in human lives and in the number of ships sunk or destroyed. It was also a shot from an Aurora cannon that marked the beginning of the Russian Revolution in 1917.

The Aurora is now anchored on the river Neva and is the most visited branch of the Central Naval Museum . Visitors can tour six different rooms onboard the ship, where they can see recreated snippets of everyday life (including how people ate and slept), photographs and paintings, and model ships.

While access to the Aurora is free, the engine room is only accessible for an extra fee. The view from the deck of the Aurora is stunning, with imperial buildings and rocking waters all around.

Technically speaking, St. Isaac is the world's largest Orthodox basilica , though the building has been converted into a museum, and religious service is rarely held here anymore. The cathedral was named after Saint Isaac the Confessor, a Christian monk who founded an important monastery in Constantinople.

The cathedral was finished in 1858, after 40 years of construction work plagued by criticism about the Neoclassical building being "plain and not too impressive."

The museum's collection features many ancient icon paintings, mosaic images, and colored stonework and marble. Perhaps the best reason to visit St. Isaac's Cathedral, however, is the 360-degree view you'll get from the platform at the 43-meter-tall colonnade - a magical mix of colorful rooflines, golden spires, and a number of city landmarks.

Luxury Hotels:

• Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg has an excellent location just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum and the Winter Palace. The hotel itself is inside a former palace belonging to a Russian princess in the 1820s. The interior is stunning, with a granite grand staircase. Rooms and suites are spacious and posh, with 5-star amenities. Also on-site are a number of different dining options, including a glass-roofed winter garden where you'll find the Tea Lounge. A spa, heated swimming pool, hot tub, and sauna are other perks of staying here.
• Hotel Helvetia is a 5-star property that is often priced lower than others in its category making it excellent value. Located within walking distance of Nevsky Prospect, it is a historic hotel dating back to the early 1800s. The design is elegant, and the rooms and suites have charming style and butler service. There is a restaurant and concierge on-site.
• Another luxury option is the Hotel Astoria next to St. Isaac's Cathedral in the center of St. Petersburg. The rooms and suites are classy, and there are options for families. Butler service is offered, and there is also valet parking. Other amenities include a restaurant and a spa with a sauna.

Mid-Range Hotels :

• Galunov Hotel is an excellent mid-range choice. The 4-star property is still quite luxurious and features cozy rooms and suites with exposed brick walls and fresh flowers in vases by the bed. The hotel is less than a 10-minute walk to Vosstaniya Square and just a few hundred meters to the Moskovskiy train station. Amenities include free parking, free breakfast, and 24-hour check-in.
• For an intimate mid-range stay check out the Alexander House . Located on the Kryukov Canal Embankment in the historic center of St. Petersburg, it has just 20 rooms and suites. These have a warm ambiance, with upholstered furniture, exposed brick walls, large windows, and area rugs. A complimentary breakfast is served in the morning.
• Old meets new at the Pushka Inn Hotel . The property boasts antique lanterns on walls, dark wood floors, and high ceilings. It also has a scenic location right on the Moyka River. Amenities include a restaurant, 24-hour front desk, and airport transportation.

Budget Hotels:

• For a solid budget hotel check out Allegro Hotel on Ligovskiy Ave . Just a few minutes' walk from the railway station with trains to Moscow and to Nevsky prospect, it features bright and spacious rooms with wood floors and furnishings and exposed brick walls painted white. A free breakfast is offered.
• Admiralteyskaya Hotel is another good budget choice. It is located on Matisov Island, which is surrounded by three rivers and connected with the rest of the city by five different bridges, offering guests a different view of St. Petersburg. The hotel is family friendly and offers guests a free breakfast.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Exploring Russia : When planning a trip to Russia, it pays to look outside the main cities for some unique and awe-inspiring destinations. For stunning mountains, lakes, and never-ending tundra, check out our list of Best Places to Visit in Russia . If you are heading to Moscow next and want ideas on what to see while there, we have some great suggestions in our article, Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Moscow .

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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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World countries facts

• World countries
• Central Asia
• Tourist attractions

Russian Federation Central Asia Moscow 142,470,272 inhabitants 17,098,242 sq km 8.33 inhabitants/sq km Russian rubles (RUB) population evolution

Top tourist attractions in Russia

Here is a list of top tourist attractions in Russia . Only the topmost tourist destinations are presented here. To see other destinations, please check the images from Russia section.

Curious if any of these place from Russia made it our best tourist attractions in the world list? Read the aformentioned article in order to find out.

You can also view all tourist attractions in Russia and other countries on our tourist attractions map .

Hermitage Museum

Art Gallery

The State Hermitage is a museum of art and culture in Saint Petersburg, Russia. One of the largest and oldest museums in the world, it was founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great and has been open to the public since 1852. Its collections, of which only a small part is on permanent display, comprise over three million items, including the largest collection of paintings in the world. The collections occupy a large complex of six historic buildings along Palace Embankment, including the Winter Palace, a former residence of Russian emperors. Apart from them, the Menshikov Palace, Museum of Porcelain, Storage Facility at Staraya Derevnya and the eastern wing of the General Staff Building are also part of the museum. The museum has several exhibition centers abroad. The Hermitage is a federal state property. Since 1990, the director of the museum has been Mikhail Piotrovsky. Of six buildings of the main museum complex, four, named the Winter Palace, Small Hermitage, Old Hermitage and New Hermitage, are partially open to the public. The other two are the Hermitage Theatre and the Reserve House. The entrance ticket for foreign tourists costs more than the fee paid by citizens of Russia and Belarus. However, entrance is free of charge the first Thursday of every month for all visitors, and free daily for students and children. The museum is closed on Mondays. The entrance for individual visitors is located in the Winter Palace, accessible from the Courtyard.

World Heritage Site

Kizhi is an island near the geometrical center of the Lake Onega in the Republic of Karelia, Russia. It is elongated from north to south and is about 6 km long, 1 km wide and is about 68 km away from the capital of Karelia, Petrozavodsk. Settlements and churches on the island were known from at least the 15th century. The population was rural, but was forced by the government to assist development of the ore mining and iron plants in the area that resulted in a major Kizhi Uprising in 1769–1771. Most villages had disappeared from the island by 1950s and now only a small rural settlement remains. In the 18th century, two major churches and a bell tower were built on the island, which are now known as Kizhi Pogost. In 1950s, dozens of historical wooden buildings were moved to the island from various parts of Karelia for preservation purposes. Nowadays, the entire island and the nearby area form a national open-air museum with more than 80 historical wooden structures. The most famous is the Kizhi Pogost, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Moscow Kremlin

Tourist attraction

The Moscow Kremlin, sometimes referred to as simply the Kremlin, is a historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow, overlooking the Moskva River to the south, Saint Basil's Cathedral and Red Square to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the west. It is the best known of kremlins and includes five palaces, four cathedrals, and the enclosing Kremlin Wall with Kremlin towers. The complex serves as the official residence of the President of the Russian Federation. The name Kremlin means "fortress", and is often used as a synecdoche to refer to the government of the Russian Federation in a similar sense to how the White House is used to refer to the Executive Office of the President of the United States. Indeed, even the Russian President's official website is Kremlin.ru. It had previously been used to refer to the government of the Soviet Union and its highest members. "Kremlinology" refers to the study of Soviet and Russian politics.

Mariinsky Theatre

The Mariinsky Theatre is a historic theatre of opera and ballet in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Opened in 1860, it became the preeminent music theatre of late 19th century Russia, where many of the stage masterpieces of Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and Rimsky-Korsakov received their premieres. Through most of the Soviet era, it was known as the Kirov Theatre. Today, the Mariinsky Theatre is home to the Mariinsky Ballet, Mariinsky Opera and Mariinsky Orchestra. Since Yuri Temirkanov's retirement in 1988, the conductor Valery Gergiev has served as the theatre's general director.

Red Square is a city square in Moscow, Russia. The square separates the Kremlin, the former royal citadel and currently the official residence of the President of Russia, from an historic merchant quarter known as Kitai-gorod. Red Square is often considered the central square of Moscow and all of Russia, because Moscow's major streets—which connect to Russia's major highways—originate from the square.

Tretyakov Gallery

The State Tretyakov Gallery is an art gallery in Moscow, Russia, the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world. The gallery's history starts in 1856 when the Moscow merchant Pavel Mikhailovich Tretyakov acquired works by Russian artists of his day with the aim of creating a collection, which might later grow into a museum of national art. In 1892, Tretyakov presented his already famous collection of approximately 2,000 works to the Russian nation. The façade of the gallery building was designed by the painter Viktor Vasnetsov in a peculiar Russian fairy-tale style. It was built in 1902–04 to the south from the Moscow Kremlin. During the 20th century, the gallery expanded to several neighboring buildings, including the 17th-century church of St. Nicholas in Tolmachi. The collection contains more than 130,000 exhibits, ranging from Theotokos of Vladimir and Andrei Rublev's Trinity to the monumental Composition VII by Wassily Kandinsky and the Black Square by Kazimir Malevich. In 1977 the Gallery kept a significant part of the George Costakis collection.

Winter Palace

The Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg, Russia, was, from 1732 to 1917, the official residence of the Russian monarchs. Situated between the Palace Embankment and the Palace Square, adjacent to the site of Peter the Great's original Winter Palace, the present and fourth Winter Palace was built and altered almost continuously between the late 1730s and 1837, when it was severely damaged by fire and immediately rebuilt. The storming of the palace in 1917 as depicted in Soviet paintings and Eisenstein's 1927 film October became an iconic symbol of the Russian Revolution. The palace was constructed on a monumental scale that was intended to reflect the might and power of Imperial Russia. From the palace, the Tsar ruled over 22,400,000 square kilometres and over 125 million subjects by the end of the 19th century. It was designed by many architects, most notably Bartolomeo Rastrelli, in what came to be known as the Elizabethan Baroque style. The green-and-white palace has the shape of an elongated rectangle, and its principal façade is 250 m long and 100 ft high. The Winter Palace has been calculated to contain 1,786 doors, 1,945 windows, 1,500 rooms and 117 staircases. The rebuilding of 1837 left the exterior unchanged, but large parts of the interior were redesigned in a variety of tastes and styles, leading the palace to be described as a "19th-century palace inspired by a model in Rococo style."

Pushkin Museum

The Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts is the largest museum of European art in Moscow, located in Volkhonka street, just opposite the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. The International musical festival Svyatoslav Richter's December nights has been held in the Pushkin museum since 1981.

Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress is the original citadel of St. Petersburg, Russia, founded by Peter the Great in 1703 and built to Domenico Trezzini's designs from 1706-1740. It is the central and most important part of the State Museum of Saint Petersburg History. The museum has gradually become virtually the sole owner of the fortress building except the building of Saint Petersburg Mint.

Amusement Park

Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure is an amusement park in Moscow, named after Maxim Gorky.

The Moscow Zoo is a 21.5-hectare zoo founded in 1864 by professor-biologists, K.F. Rulje, S.A. Usov and A.P. Bogdanov, from the Moscow State University. In 1919, the zoo was nationalized. In 1922, the ownership was transferred to the city of Moscow and has remained under Moscow's control ever since. The zoo had an area of 10 hectares when it first opened, with 286 animals. In 1926, the zoo was expanded to adjacent lands, increasing the area to 18 hectares. The zoo's original buildings were wooden, built in the old Russian style with intricate wood trims. In 1990, the zoo was renovated. Notable additions include a new main entrance in the shape of a large rock castle, and a footbridge that connected the old and new properties of the zoo. Prior to construction of the footbridge, the zoo operated as two 'separate zoos' because the Bolshaya Gruzinskaya Street divides the properties. In addition, the zoo was expanded once more. New exhibits were opened including a sea aquarium, an aviary, a creatures of the night exhibit, a sea lion exhibit and a section aimed at children. Waterfalls and streams were added throughout to give the zoo a more natural feeling.

Peterhof Palace

The Peterhof Palace is a series of palaces and gardens located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, laid out on the orders of Peter the Great. These Palaces and gardens are sometimes referred as the "Russian Versailles". The palace-ensemble along with the city centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Russian cruiser Aurora

Aurora is a 1900 Russian protected cruiser, currently preserved as a museum ship in St. Petersburg. She battled the Japanese Navy in the Russo-Japanese War. One of the first incidents of the October Revolution in Russia took place on the cruiser Aurora.

Kunstkamera

The Kunstkamera was the first museum in Russia. Established by Peter the Great and completed in 1727, the Kunstkammer Building hosts the Peter the Great Museum of Anthropology and Ethnography, with a collection of almost 2,000,000 items. It is located on the Universitetskaya Embankment in Saint Petersburg, facing the Winter Palace.

Nevsky Prospect

Nevsky Avenue is the main street in the city of St. Petersburg, Russia. Planned by Peter the Great as beginning of the road to Novgorod and Moscow, the avenue runs from the Admiralty to the Moscow Railway Station and, after making a turn at Vosstaniya Square, to the Alexander Nevsky Lavra. The chief sights include the Rastrelliesque Stroganov Palace, the huge neoclassical Kazan Cathedral, the Art Nouveau Bookhouse, Elisseeff Emporium, half a dozen 18th-century churches, a monument to Catherine the Great, an enormous 18th-century shopping mall, a mid-19th-century department store, the Russian National Library, and the Anichkov Bridge with its horse statues. The feverish life of the avenue was described by Nikolai Gogol in his story "Nevsky Prospekt". Fyodor Dostoevsky often employed the Nevksy Prospekt as a setting within his works, such as Crime and Punishment and The Double: A Petersburg Poem. During the early Soviet years the name of Nevsky Prospect was changed, first to "Proletkult Street" in honor of that Soviet artistic organization. Following the demise of Proletkult the name was changed again, this time to "Avenue of the 25th of October," alluding to the day of the October Revolution.

Catherine Palace

Rococo Structure

The Catherine Palace is a Rococo palace located in the town of Tsarskoye Selo, 25 km south-east of St. Petersburg, Russia. It was the summer residence of the Russian tsars.

Peter and Paul Cathedral

The Peter and Paul Cathedral is a Russian Orthodox cathedral located inside the Peter and Paul Fortress in St. Petersburg, Russia. It is the first and oldest landmark in St. Petersburg, built between 1712 and 1733 on Zayachy Island along the Neva River. Both the cathedral and the fortress were originally built under Peter the Great and designed by Domenico Trezzini. The cathedral's bell tower is the world's tallest Orthodox bell tower. Since the belfry is not standalone, but an integral part of the main building, the cathedral is sometimes considered the highest Orthodox Church in the world.

Kazan Cathedral

Kazan Cathedral or Kazanskiy Kafedralniy Sobor, also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, is a cathedral of the Russian Orthodox Church on the Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg. It is dedicated to Our Lady of Kazan, probably the most venerated icon in Russia.

Kremlin Armoury

The Kremlin Armory is one of the oldest museums of Moscow, established in 1808 and located in the Moscow Kremlin. The Kremlin Armoury originated as the royal arsenal in 1508. Until the transfer of the court to St Petersburg, the Armoury was in charge of producing, purchasing and storing weapons, jewellery and various household articles of the tsars. The finest Muscovite gunsmiths, jewellers, and painters used to work there. In 1640 and 1683, they opened the iconography and pictorial studios, where the lessons on painting and handicrafts could be given. In 1700, the Armoury was enriched with the treasures of the Golden and Silver chambers of the Russian tsars. In 1711, Peter the Great had the majority of masters transferred to his new capital, St.Petersburg. 15 years later, the Armoury was merged with the Fiscal Yard, Stables Treasury and the Master Chamber. After that, the Armoury was renamed into the Arms and Master Chamber. Alexander I of Russia nominated the Armoury as the first public museum in Moscow in 1806, but the collections were not opened to the public until seven years later. The current Armoury building was erected in 1844-1851 by the imperial architect Konstantin Ton. The director of the museum from 1852 to 1870 was the writer Alexander Veltman.

State Historical Museum

The State Historical Museum of Russia is a museum of Russian history wedged between Red Square and Manege Square in Moscow. Its exhibitions range from relics of prehistoric tribes that lived on the territory of present-day Russia, through priceless artworks acquired by members of the Romanov dynasty. The total number of objects in the museum's collection comes to millions. The place where the museum now stands was formerly occupied by the Principal Medicine Store, built by order of Peter the Great in the Moscow baroque style. Several rooms in that building housed royal collections of antiquities. Other rooms were occupied by the Moscow University, founded by Mikhail Lomonosov in 1755. The museum was founded in 1872 by Ivan Zabelin, Aleksey Uvarov and several other Slavophiles interested in promoting Russian history and national self-awareness. The board of trustees, composed of Sergey Solovyov, Vasily Klyuchevsky, Uvarov and other leading historians, presided over the construction of the museum building. After a prolonged competition the project was handed over to Vladimir Osipovich Shervud.

Kubinka Tank Museum

The Russian Kubinka Tank Museum is a museum of armoured fighting vehicles in Kubinka, just outside Moscow. It has many famous tanks from World War I, World War II and the Cold War. The museum also houses many unique vehicles, such as the Panzer VIII Maus, Troyanov super-heavy tank and a Karl-Gerät alongside single production prototypes from the Soviet Union and Nazi Germany. The museum is derived from the research collection of the Kubinka armour test base, still functioning as such. Most Cold War-era Western tanks are war trophies from Middle East, Africa, Vietnam and Latin America, sent to the armour test facility to test for weaknesses.

Yasnaya Polyana

Yasnaya Polyana was the home of the writer Leo Tolstoy, where he was born, wrote War and Peace and Anna Karenina, and is buried. Tolstoy called Yasnaya Polyana his "inaccessible literary stronghold". It is located 12 kilometres southwest of Tula, Russia and 200 kilometers from Moscow. In June 1921, the estate was nationalized and formally became his memorial museum. It was at first run by Alexandra Tolstaya, the writer's daughter. The current director of the museum is Vladimir Tolstoy, also one of Tolstoy's descendants. The museum contains Tolstoy's personal effects and movables, as well as his library of 22,000 volumes. The estate-museum contains the writer's mansion, the school he founded for peasant children and a park where Tolstoy's unadorned grave is found.

Poklonnaya Hill

Poklonnaya Gora is, at 171.5 metres, one of the highest spots in Moscow. Its two summits used to be separated by the Setun River, until one of the summits was razed in 1987. Since 1936, the area has been part of Moscow and now contains the Victory Park with many tanks and other vehicles used in the Second World War on display. Historically, the hill had great strategic importance, as it commanded the best view of the Russian capital. Its name is derived from the Russian for "to bow down", as everyone approaching the capital from the west was expected to do homage here. In 1812, it was the spot where Napoleon in vain expected the keys to the Kremlin to be brought to him by Russians.

Neoclassical Structure

Kuskovo was the summer country house and estate of the Sheremetev family. Built in the mid-18th century, it was originally situated several miles to the east of Moscow but now is part of the East District of the city. It was one of the first great summer country estates of the Russian nobility, and one of the few near Moscow still preserved. Today the estate is the home of the Russian State Museum of Ceramics, and the park is a favourite place of recreation for Muscovites.

Marble Palace

Marble Palace is one of the first Neoclassical palaces in Saint Petersburg, Russia. It is situated between the Field of Mars and Palace Quay, slightly to the east from New Michael Palace.

Central Air Force Museum

Aerospace Museum

The Central Air Force Museum in Monino at the site of Monino Airfield 40km east of Moscow, Russia, is one of the world's largest aviation museums, and the largest for Russian aircraft. 173 aircraft and 127 aircraft engines are on display, and the museum also features collections of weapons, instruments, uniforms, other Cold War-era US spy equipment, artwork, and other air-related items. A library containing books, films, and photos is also accessible to visitors. Tours are given by ex-pilots. The museum opened its doors in 1958. Prior to 1999, the museum was closed to the public, because of the display of classified prototypes from the era of the former Soviet Union. The museum is located next to the Military Academy named after Yu. A. Gagarin.

Varshavsky railway station

Varshavsky station, or Warsaw station, is a former passenger railway station in Saint Petersburg, Russia, now serving as the Museum of Railway Machinery. The station was originally built in 1851 for a rail line, completed in 1858, from the city to the Tsar's residence in Gatchina. The line was extended in 1859 to Pskov and in 1862 to Warsaw, which at that time was a part of Russian Empire. A branch from the main line that ran to the Prussian border at Virbalis connected Saint Petersburg to other capitals of Europe. The current building was designed by Piotr Salmanovich in a mixture of historical styles. It was constructed between 1857 and 1860. A church was built in front of the station in 1908; it was later demolished and a Lenin statue by Soviet sculptor Nikolai Tomsky appeared in 1949. In 2001, the station was closed, with long distance rail service diverted to Vitebsky railway station and commuter service to Baltiysky Rail Terminal, and the depiction of Lenin removed. The trade center Warsaw Express has occupied the building since 2005. On the tracks, a railway museum now holds over 80 exhibits of steam engines, electric and diesel locomotives.

Abramtsevo Colony

Abramtsevo is an estate located north of Moscow, in the proximity of Khotkovo, that became a center for the Slavophile movement and artistic activity in the 19th century.

Leningrad Zoo

The Leningrad Zoo or Leningradskiy Zoopark, sometimes called the Saint Petersburg Zoo or Sankt-Peterburgskiy Zoopark, in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is located in Alexander Park on the Petrogradskaya Storona. It was founded by Sofia Gerhardt and Julius Gerhardt in 1865. It has about 2,000 animals from 410 species, including polar bears. The zoo was renamed from "Zoological Garden" to "Leningrad Zoo" in 1952. In 1991 the name was retained, even after the city resumed its former name of Saint Petersburg.

Polytechnical Museum

Polytechnical Museum is a science museum in Moscow that emphasizes the progress of Russian and Soviet technology and science, as well as modern inventions and developments. It was founded in 1872 after the first All-Russian Technical Exhibition on the bicentennial anniversary of the birth of Peter the Great. The first stage of the museum was designed by Ippolit Monighetti and completed in 1877. Almost from the beginning the collection was too big for the space. The north wing was added in 1896 and the south wing in 1907. It is the largest technical museum in Russia, offering a wide array of historical inventions and technological achievements, including humanoid automata of the 18th century and the first Soviet computers. Its collection contains more than 160,000 items in 65 halls including, Chemistry, Mining, Metallurgy, Transport, Energy, Optics, Automation, Computer Engineering, Radio electronics, Communications, and Space exploration. Highlights include the first Achromatic telescope; an early solar microscope, created by German anatomists Johann Nathanael Lieberkühn; an early seismograph created by Boris Borisovich Galitzine; galvanoplastics by Moritz von Jacobi; and early electric lights by Pavel Yablochkov. The automobile exhibit includes a Russo-Balt K12/20 and a GAZ-M20 Pobeda.

Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps

The Military Historical Museum of Artillery, Engineers and Signal Corps, also known simply as the Artillery Museum, is a state-owned military museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia. Its collections, consisting of Russian military equipment, uniforms and decorations, are hosted in the Kronverk of the Peter and Paul Fortress situated on the right bank of the Neva near Alexander Park. The museum is managed by the Russian Ministry of Defence.

Stroganov Palace

The Stroganov Palace is a Late Baroque palace at the intersection of the Moika River and Nevsky Prospect in St. Petersburg, Russia. The palace was built to Bartolomeo Rastrelli's designs for Baron Sergei Grigoriyevich Stroganov in 1753-1754. The interiors were remodeled by Andrei Voronikhin at the turn of the 19th century.

Moscow Museum of Modern Art

Modern Art Museum

The Moscow Museum of Modern Art is a museum of modern and contemporary art located in Moscow, Russia. It was opened to public in December 1999. The project of the Museum was initiated and executed by Zurab Tsereteli, president of the Russian Academy of Arts.

Menshikov Palace

The Menshikov Palace is a Petrine Baroque edifice in Saint Petersburg, situated on Universitetskaya Embankment of the Bolshaya Neva on Vasilyevsky Island. It was the first stone building in the city. Since 1981, it has served as a public museum, a branch of the Hermitage Museum. The palace was founded in 1710 as a residence of Saint Petersburg Governor General Alexander Menshikov and built by Italian architects Giovanni Maria Fontana, and, later, German architect Gottfried Johann Schädel. It was opened in 1711, but the construction continued until 1727, when Menshikov with his family was exiled to Siberia and his property was confiscated. In 1731, Cadet Corps were established and occupied the palace and neighboring buildings. At the end of the 19th century the Menshikov Palace was restored and became the museum of the Corps. In 1924, its collections were moved to the Hermitage and other museums. From 1956-1981 the Menshikov Palace was restored again and finally opened to the public as a branch of the Hermitage Museum with a collection of Russian art of the late 17th-early 18th century.

Central Armed Forces Museum

The Central Armed Forces Museum also known as the Museum of the Soviet Army, is located in northern Moscow near the Red Army Theater.

Gorki Leninskiye

Gorki Leninskiye is an urban locality in Leninsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia, 10 kilometers south of Moscow city limits and the Moscow Ring Road. Population: 3,586; 1,729; 1,711. The estate of Gorki belonged to various Muscovite noblemen from the 18th century, ending up in the possession of General Anatoly Reynbot, who was Governor General of Moscow in 1905 during the Revolution of 1905. After his death the estate passed to his widow, Zinaida Morozova. She engaged the most fashionable Russian architect, Fyodor Schechtel, to remodel the mansion in the then current Neoclassical style, complete with a six-column Ionic portico. After the Soviet government moved to Moscow in 1918, the luxurious estate was nationalized and converted into Vladimir Lenin's dacha. In September 1918, the Soviet leader recuperated there from an assassination attempt. He spent an increasing amount of time there as his health declined over the following years. On May 15, 1923 Lenin followed the doctor's advice and left the Moscow Kremlin for Gorki. He lived there in semi-retirement until his death on January 21, 1924.

Kaliningrad Zoo

The Kaliningrad Zoo was founded in 1896 as the Königsberg Tiergarten in the then-German town of Königsberg, which in 1945 became part of Russia and was renamed Kaliningrad. Thus, the zoo is one of the oldest zoological gardens in Russia, and one of the largest. Its collection, which extends over 16.5 ha, comprises 315 species with a total of 2264 individual animals. The Kaliningrad zoo is also an arboretum. Sights include not only animals, but also rare plants like a relict ginkgo tree which was coeval with the dinosaurs. The zoo also has animal sculptures, including a bronze statue of an elk and a stone statue of an orangutan. The entrance is decorated by a sculpture of many animals. The grounds include pre-war buildings and a fountain.

Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange and Rostral Columns

Greek Revival Structure

The Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange and Rostral Columns, located in Saint Petersburg in the Russian Federation, are significant examples of Greek Revival architecture. Designed by French architect Thomas de Thomon, and inspired by the Greek Temple of Hera at Paestum, the stock exchange was constructed between 1805 and 1810. The rostral columns erected on either side of the Stock Exchange were completed in 1811. The Old Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange is located at Birzhevaya Ploschad 4.

Khudozhestvenny Cinema

Khudozhestvenny is a Moscow movie theater opened in 1909.

Monino is an urban locality in Shchyolkovsky District of Moscow Oblast, Russia, located 38 kilometers east of Moscow. Population: 22,821; 20,017; 18,582. The Central Air Force Museum in Monino is one of the world's largest aviation museums, and the largest for Russian aircraft. 173 aircraft and 127 aircraft engines are on display, and the museum also features collections of weapons, instruments, uniforms, artwork, and other air-related items. A library containing books, films, and photos is also accessible to visitors. Tours are given by ex-pilots. The museum opened its doors in 1958. Since the museum is situated on the territory of a military division, all visitors must pass the entrance gate to the complex. It is no longer required to first obtain special permission to visit. There is a Mineral spa complex Monino capable of serving 150 people simultaneously. Monino is home to VVA-Podmoskovye, current champions of the Professional Rugby League, Russia's national rugby union competition. VVA have won the title eight times, in 1993, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010. They were also nine-time winners of the Soviet Championship.

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, loosely translated in English as St. Cyril of Beloozero's Monastery, used to be the largest monastery of Northern Russia. The monastery was dedicated to the Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos, for which cause it was sometimes referred to as the Dormition Monastery of St. Cyril. By the 20th century, the town of Kirillov had grown nearby.

Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow

The Museum of the Great Patriotic War is a history museum located in Moscow at Poklonnaya Gora. The building was designed by architect Anatoly Polyansky. Work on the museum began on March 3, 1986, and the museum was opened to the public on May 9, 1995. The museum features exhibits and memorials concerning World War II, known in Russia as "The Great Patriotic War".

Moscow Paleontological Museum

Natural history Museum

The Orlov Museum of Paleontology was founded by Paleontological Institute of Russian Academy of Sciencies in 1937 prior to the XVII session of the International Geological Congress. It is named after Yuri Alexandrovich Orlov. It contains public exhibits representing almost every type of fossil organism. Particularly well represented are dinosaurs from Mongolia, therapsids from the Perm region of Russia, and Precambrian fossils from Siberia.

Central Naval Museum

Central Naval Museum is one of the oldest Russian museums and one of the world's largest naval museums. The museum's history officially started in 1709 with the foundation of Model-kammer by Peter the Great for the conservation of ship drafts and models. Since 1924, the museum has been known by its current name. At first, the museum was located in the Main Admiralty building. However, since 1939–41, it has been located in the Old Bourse building in Saint Petersburg.

Church of the Twelve Apostles

The Church of the Twelve Apostles is a minor cathedral of the Moscow Kremlin, commissioned by Patriarch Nikon as part of his stately residence in 1653 and dedicated to Philip the Apostle three years later. Although premises for the Muscovite metropolitan had existed in the Kremlin ever since the 14th century, Patriarch Nikon, who aspired to rival the tsar in authority and magnificence, had them replaced with a much more ambitious residence, centered on a spacious chamber in the form of the cross, once used as a banqueting hall but now serving as a museum of applied arts. To this structure adjoins from the south a domestic church of the patriarchs, originally consecrated to Philip the Apostle until the dedication was altered to the present one in 1682. The church is almost as prominent as neighbouring grand cathedrals of the 15th century, due to its placement upon a high pediment, pierced by two large arches allowing passage from the Cathedral Square to the patriarch's courtyard. The exterior walls are decorated with two belts of columned arches which reference both the neighbouring cathedrals of the Cathedral Square and the great churches of the 12th-century Vladimir-Suzdal school which had been their inspiration. The rigorous outline of five helmeted domes, in keeping with Nikon's conservative architectural tastes, serves to accentuate the church's Byzantine pedigree.

Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics

The Konstantin E. Tsiolkovsky State Museum of the History of Cosmonautics is the first museum in the world dedicated to the history of space exploration. It was opened on 3 October 1967 in Kaluga, and is named after Konstantin Tsiolkovsky, a school master and rocket science pioneer who lived most of his life in this city. The driving force behind the creation of the museum was Sergei Korolyov, chief designer of RKK Energiya. The building was designed by Boris Barkhin, Evgeny Kireev, Nataliya Orlova, Valentin Strogy and Kirill Fomin, and the cornerstone was laid by Yuri Gagarin on 13 June 1961. The museum has over 100,000 visitors per year and has 127 employees, of whom 43 are curators.

Dostoyevsky Museum

The F. M. Dostoyevsky Literary Memorial Museum, located on Kuznechny Lane 5/2 in Saint Petersburg, was opened on November 12, 1971 in the former apartment of the famous writer. Fyodor Dostoyevsky lived in the apartment twice during his life: first for a short period in 1846 in the beginnings of his career, and later from October 1878 until his death in January 1881. The apartment was his home during the composition of some of his most notable works, including The Double: A Petersburg Poem and The Brothers Karamazov. The apartment has been reconstructed based on the memoirs of his wife and his friends.

Anna Akhmatova Literary and Memorial Museum

The Anna Akhmatova Literary and Memorial Museum is a literary museum in St Petersburg, Russia, dedicated to the poet Anna Akhmatova.

Suvorov Museum

Suvorov Memorial Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, is a military museum dedicated to the memory of Generalissimo Alexander Suvorov. It was founded in 1900 to commemorate the centenary of Suvorov's death and was inaugurated four years later, on the 175th anniversary of Suvorov's birth, with much pageantry, in the presence of Emperor Nicholas II. In 1904, the museum moved into the present building, purpose-built to a flamboyant design by Alexander von Hohen in a dramatic Russian Revival style. The building's austere outlook derives primarily from medieval Muscovite military architecture. Apart from the Suvorov family coat of arms and signs of military glory, the facade displays two mosaics representing "Suvorov Leaving Russia for Italy in 1799" and "Suvorov Crossing the Alps". The museum's collections, exceeding 100,000 items in 2002, were acquired through purchase and private donations. The Communist authorities had the museum closed down in 1919 and the collections were dispersed to other museums. In the 1930s, the building housed the AeroMuseum. During the Siege of Leningrad, it was damaged by a bomb. During the Great Patriotic War the respect of Suvorov was restored in the Soviet military. As a consequence, the museum building was renovated in 1950 and resumed its activity the following year. The latest restoration was undertaken in 1995-2000.

Kremlin Arsenal

The Kremlin Arsenal is a former armory built within the grounds of the Moscow Kremlin in Russia. Initially constructed in 1736, it has been rebuilt several times. It remains in military use to date, unlike the Kremlin Armoury, another arsenal within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin, which is now a museum. The building is off-limits to tourists, who can view a portion of its short southern façade upon entering the precincts of the Moscow Kremlin. The Kremlin Arsenal is currently home to the Kremlin Regiment, which forms the main security service for the Russian President, and the longer eastern façade is a high secured and restricted area closed to the public.

Taganrog Museum of Art

Taganrog Museum of Art was officially inaugurated in 1968, but the basis of the museum collection was formed by the end of 19th century when the art department of the Taganrog's city museum was established. Renowned playwright and short-story writer Anton Chekhov played a major role in establishing the collection of his home city through his connections in St. Petersburg Academy of Arts and his friends like Mark Antokolski etc. The most important part of the museum collection was formed in the Soviet Union time, and features two departments - Russian art before the Russian Revolution of 1917 and Soviet art. The whole collection of art was looted from the museum during the Occupation of Taganrog in 1941-1943. Since 1975, the museum of art is located at the former mansion of merchant Anton Handrin on Alexandrovskaya street 56.

Nabokov House

Nabokov House is the house in Saint Petersburg with the modern street number of 47 Great Morskaya Street, 190000. It was in this mansion that Vladimir Nabokov was born in 1899. Currently, the first floor of the house contains the Nabokov Museum.

Ivanovka estate

Ivanovka is an estate near Tambov, Russia, which used to be the summer residence of the Russian composer Sergei Rachmaninoff in the period between 1890 and 1917. It was the family home of his aristocratic relatives, the Satins. Many of Rachmaninoff's earlier masterpieces were created in its bucolic atmosphere. A museum commemorating the life and works of the composer was opened there in 1982.

Timiryazev State Biological Museum

Smolny cathedral in saint petersburg.

Baroque Structure

Rastrelli began the design in 1734, and used a Muscovite style with vague French touches to the detailing. The building stands in the cdentre of a magnificent square formed by the monastic buildings. The central dome is over 105m high.

Alexander I Palace

Alexander I Palace in Taganrog is a one-story stone building in Russian classicism style on Grecheskaya Street, 40 where Russian emperor Alexander I of Russia died in 1825. The mansion was built in 1806 and belonged to different owners. The most significant of them was the Governor of Taganrog Pyotr Papkov. Emperor Alexander I of Russia stayed there twice – in 1818 and 1825. After his death the building was bought by his widow empress consort Elizabeth Alexeievna and the first memorial museum in Russia dedicated to the Emperor was established there. Among the visitors to the palace of Alexander I were the Russian emperors Alexander II of Russia and Alexander III, poets Alexander Pushkin and Vasily Zhukovsky, artist Ivan Aivazovsky, People’s commissar of enlightenment Anatoly Lunacharsky, and many others. For 12 years since 1864 an amateur choir conducted by Pavel Chekhov sang in the Church of Exaltation of the Cross, which was established within the mansion to honor the emperor. At the end of 1860s – beginning of 1870s Alexander, Nicolas and Anton Chekhov sang there in choral parts of descant and alto. In 1928 the memorial museum was closed and some of the exhibits were moved into the Alferaki Palace.

Russian Museum

Building complex

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17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

The capital of Russia is an incredible place to explore. Visitors to Moscow come away spellbound at all the amazing sights, impressed at the sheer size and grandeur of the city. Lying at the heart of Moscow, the Red Square and the Kremlin are just two of the must-see tourist attractions; they are the historical, political and spiritual heart of the city – and indeed Russia itself.

A fascinating city to wander around, stunning cathedrals, churches, and palaces lie side-by-side with bleak grey monuments and remains from the Soviet state. In addition to its plethora of historical and cultural tourist attractions, Moscow is home to world-class museums, theaters and art galleries.

Renowned for its performing arts, fantastic ballets and amazing circus acts, catching a show while in Moscow is a must. The wealth of brilliant restaurants, trendy bars, and lively nightlife means there is something for everyone to enjoy.

See also: Where to Stay in Moscow

17. Tsaritsyno Palace

Once the summer residence of Catherine the Great, the stunning Tsaritsyno Palace is now a museum-reserve. The architecture is magnificent and there is a lovely park surrounding it for visitors to explore.

Located in the south of Moscow, the palace was commissioned in 1775 and recent renovations mean its lavish interior looks better than ever before with its elegant halls and beautiful staircases.

The exhibits on display look at the life of the empress as well as the history of Tsaritsyno itself. The huge palace grounds are also home to some other delightful buildings with the elegant opera house and wonderful brickwork of the Small Palace being particularly impressive to gaze upon.

Starting out in 1935 as the ‘All-Union Agricultural Exhibition’, VDNKh has slowly morphed over the years into the fascinating open-air museum of today. Remarkably, over 400 buildings can now be found within its confines.

The huge park complex has numerous pavilions representing former Soviet republics on show, such as those of Armenia and Turkmenistan and the distinctive architecture of each of the buildings is always interesting to gaze upon. In addition to this there is the fascinating Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics which is dedicated to space exploration and the fun Moskvarium aquarium even offers you the chance to swim with dolphins.

With lots of eateries scattered about and numerous entertainment options such as horse-riding and zip-lining, there is something for everyone to enjoy; the Friendship of Nations fountain truly is wonderful.

15. Kremlin Armoury

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Kremlin Armoury has a wealth of treasures; highlights include the ornate Grand Siberian Railway egg, the historic Cap of Monomakh and the stunning Imperial Crown of Russia which often has a crowd of tourists around it, jostling to take a photo.

Once the royal armory, there are loads of fascinating objects on display. Perusing the many sabers, jewelry, armor and more is as interesting as it is educational and entertaining and the swords are so finely crafted that you’ll almost wish you could pick up one and wield if yourself.

Established in 1851, the museum is situated in the Moscow Kremlin.

14. GUM Department Store

Standing for ‘Main Universal Store’ in Russian, GUM is stunning. Its wonderful skylights and beautiful facades mean it doesn’t look out of place alongside its illustrious neighbors on Red Square.

With over 200 shops, boutiques and upmarket eateries inside, it is a shopaholic’s heaven and concerned partners will be glad to find more affordable options alongside luxury brands such as Dior and Prada.

The main department store in the city, GUM was opened in 1893. The stunning architecture makes it well worth a visit even if shopping isn’t your thing.

13. Moscow Metro

It’s not often that public transport looks like a work of art. So many stops on the Moscow Metro will astound visitors with their beauty and elegance.

Decked in marble and with frescoes covering the walls, the stations are amazing to gaze upon and are part of one of the longest metro systems in the world, with the first stations opened in 1935.

Using the metro is the quickest and easiest way to get around Moscow and braving the crowds of commuters is well worth it for the beauty all around you.

12. Arbat Street

An elegant yet lively street, Arbat is full of impressive architecture and was once a popular place to live for aristocrats, artists, and academics.

A historic place, it is down Arbat Street that Napoleon’s troops are said to have headed on their way to capture the Kremlin.

Nowadays, there are many cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as various monuments and statues to former residents such as Alexander Pushkin who was reputed to be a lover of the Russian Empress due to his massive influence in court.

11. Novodevichy Convent

Drenched in history, the Novodevichy Convent is located in a striking building that was once a fortress. This captivating place is well worth visiting when in Moscow.

Founded in 1524, the convent houses four cathedrals; Smolensk Cathedral is the undoubted highlight due to its delightful 16th-century frescoes.

Wandering around the grounds is like stepping back in time. The Novodevichy Cemetery is where many famous leaders of the Soviet Union are buried, such as Yeltsin and Khrushchev.

10. Pushkin Museum

Despite its name, the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts actually has no connection at all to the famous poet other than that it was named in his honor after his death. A delight to visit, its extensive collection focuses on European art with masterpieces by Botticelli, Rembrandt, and van Gogh all featuring.

Sculptures, graphic art, paintings and more can be found in its beautiful galleries; various sections look at themes and epochs such as the Renaissance, the Dutch Golden Age, and Byzantine art.

Among the many highlights are the clownish characters which can be found in Cezanne’s Fastnacht (Mardi Gras) and the twirling ballerinas who look so elegant in Degas’ Blue Dancers. Picasso’s Young acrobat on a Ball is also well worth checking out for its interesting use of shapes and colors.

9. Christ The Savior Cathedral

This gorgeous Russian Orthodox cathedral is located on the banks of the Moskva River, just a stone’s throw away from the Kremlin.

The church as it stands today was consecrated in 2000, as the original church that stood here was destroyed on the command of Josef Stalin in 1931 due to the anti-religious campaign.

With its delightful golden dome, spires and dazzling white facades, the Christ the Savior Cathedral is stunning. The interior is just as captivating to wander around, with its beautifully tiled floors and impressive altar.

8. Lenin Mausoleum

Opened to the public in 1924, Lenin’s Mausoleum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Moscow. The red granite structure is located at the heart of the city in Red Square.

Lenin’s embalmed body lies in a glass sarcophagus; it is a somewhat eerie experience walking past the former leader of the Soviet Union but is well worth doing as you understandably can’t do it anywhere else in the world.

After visiting the mausoleum, head to the Kremlin wall right next to it for more graves of important communist figures such as Stalin and Brezhnev.

7. Tretyakov Gallery

Home to the most extensive and impressive collection of Russian fine art in the world, the State Tretyakov Gallery is definitely worth visiting when in Moscow for the wealth of amazing art pieces that it has on display.

Having started out as the private art collection of the Tretyakov brothers, there are now over 130,000 exhibits. Highlights include the iconic Theotokos of Vladimir which you will almost certainly recognise despite probably not knowing the name and Rublev’s Trinity which is considered to be one of highest achievements in Russian art.

An absolute must for art lovers, the State Tretyakov Gallery will delight visitors with all that is has to offer.

6. Kolomenskoye

Once a royal estate, Kolomenskoye is now a museum-reserve and lies a few kilometers outside of the city center. A captivating place to visit, there is a plethora of history on show and the site overlooks the Moskva River.

Consisting of four historical sites, there are extensive gardens for visitors to explore, as well as loads of interesting old buildings, the former village of Kolomenskoye itself and the impressive Palace of the Tsar Alexey Mikhailovich – once considered the Eighth Wonder of the World by contemporaries.

Among the many stunning sights, it is the brilliantly white Ascension Church that is the undoubted highlight – dating back to 1532.

5. Gorky Park

Lying alongside the Moskva River, the huge Gorky Park is a lovely place to visit. Its extensive gardens are home to numerous cultural institutions and visitors should definitely check out the Garage Museum of Contemporary Art and while the eclectic exhibits may not always feature such incredible sights as a balloon-covered rider on a zebra; they certainly always succeed in pushing back the boundaries of art.

Pop-up exhibitions and festivals can be found from time to time in the park itself and there is an open-air theatre and numerous eateries alongside a plethora of leisure activities.

Whether it’s cycling, table tennis or yoga that you are after or beach volleyball and rowing, Gorky Park certainly has it. In winter, there is a huge ice rink for visitors to enjoy.

4. Bolshoi Theatre

The Bolshoi Theatre is the main theater in the country. The amazing opera and ballet performances it has put on over the centuries go a long way in explaining Russia’s rich history of performing arts.

While the Bolshoi Ballet Company was established in 1776, the theater itself was opened in 1825. The glittering, six-tier auditorium is lavishly and decadently decorated; it is a fitting setting for the world-class performances that take place on its stage.

Spending a night watching a performance of such classics as The Nutcracker or Swan Lake at the Bolshoi Theatre is sure to be a memorable experience and the beauty all around you only adds to the sense of occasion.

3. Moscow Kremlin

This famously fortified complex is remarkably home to five palaces and four cathedrals and is the historic, political and spiritual center of the city. The Kremlin serves as the residence for the country’s president. It has been used as a fort, and this fact is made clear by its sheer size. The Kremlin’s outer walls were built in the late 1400s.

Under Ivan III, better known as Ivan the Great, the Kremlin became the center of a unified Russian state, and was extensively remodeled. Three of the Kremlin’s cathedrals date to his reign that lasted from 1462-1505. The Deposition Church and the Palace of Facets were also constructed during this time. The Ivan the Great Bell Tower was built in 1508. It is the tallest tower at the Kremlin with a height of 266 feet (81 meters).

Joseph Stalin removed many of the relics from the tsarist regimes. However, the Tsar Bell, the world’s largest bell, and the Tsar Cannon, the largest bombard by caliber in the world, are among the remaining items from that era. The Kremlin Armory is one of Moscow’s oldest museums as it was established more than 200 years ago. Its diamond collection is impressive.

The Kremlin’s gardens – Taynitsky, Grand Kremlin Public and Alexander – are beautiful. The Kremlin has also served as the religious center of the country, and there is a tremendous number of preserved churches and cathedrals here. The collections contained within the museums include more than 60,000 historical, cultural and artistic monuments. Those who enjoy the performing arts will want to consider attending a ballet or concert at the State Kremlin Palace. Completed in 1961, it is the only modern building in the Kremlin.

2. Red Square

Lying at the heart of Moscow, Red Square is the most important and impressive square in the city. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions due to its wealth of historical sights and cultural landmarks.

Drenched in history, the huge square is home to incredible sights such as the Kremlin, St. Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum, among others. Consequently, it is not to be missed when in Moscow as it really is home to the city’s most stunning monuments.

It is here that many important moments in Russian history took place; the former marketplace has hosted everything from Tsar’s coronations and public ceremonies to rock concerts and Soviet military parades. Wandering around the massive square is a humbling experience and undoubtedly one of the highlights the city has to offer.

1. Saint Basil’s Cathedral

Located in the impressive Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral is gorgeous; its delightful spires appear as if out of a fairytale. The most recognizable building in the country, the cathedral is very much a symbol of Russia. No visit to Moscow is complete without having taken in its unique and distinctive features.

Ivan the Terrible ordered the cathedral’s construction in the mid-16th century, and legend holds that Ivan put out the architect’s eyes so that he would be unable to build another cathedral more glorious than St. Basil’s. Designed to resemble the shape of a bonfire in full flame, the architecture is not only unique to the period in which it was built but to any subsequent period. For various reasons, both Napoleon and Stalin wanted to destroy the cathedral but fortunately did not succeed.

Known for its various colors, shapes and geometric patterns, St. Basil’s Cathedral houses nine different chapels that are all connected by a winding labyrinth of corridors and stairways. On the lower floor, St. Basil’s Chapel contains a silver casket bearing the body of St. Basil the Blessed.

Throughout the cathedral are many beautiful murals, frescoes, wooden icons and other art works and artifacts. Outside the cathedral is a lovely garden with the bronze Monument to Minin and Pozharsky, who rallied an all-volunteer Russian army against Polish invaders during a period of the late 16th century known as the Times of Troubles.

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10 Best Places to Visit in Russia

Looking for countries to visit post Covid ? Head to Russia! Steeped in history and adorned with modernity, Russia is an ideal destination for taking a break from your zoom meetings and rejuvenating yourself. Trust us, from ancient architecture, picturesque countryside and shimmering lakes to performing arts and opera, the world’s largest nation has it all!

Whether you are planning a solo escape, a vacation with your family or a romantic getaway, these 10 Russian cities will welcome you with open arms.

An ethereal mix of history and modern edginess, Moscow is indeed one of the top tourist places in Russia. This vibrant city is lined with architectural landmarks, intriguing museums, stunning parks, ancient churches and shopping arcades. In simpler words, Russia’s capital has it all! Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Moscow’s Kremlin and State Historical Museum are just some of the city’s many tourist attractions. So, if you are looking for places to travel outside India , we say, take a flight to Moscow for an unforgettable vacation.

Saint Petersburg

Another gem on Russia’s crown, Saint Petersburg, is rightfully called the country’s cultural and historical heart. Every nook and corner of this city is an exquisite display of fine art, glorious architecture and triumphant history. A visit to the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest museums in the world, is among the top 10 things to do in Russia. But that’s not it! You must also add Peter and Paul Fortress, Peterhof Palace, Palace Square, Nevsky Avenue and Vasilyevsky Island to your St. Petersburg itinerary. Excited to visit this awe-inspiring city? If yes, pack your bags, book a flight to Saint Petersburg and enjoy a blissful time exploring the region.

When we say Sochi is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Russia, we are not overstating! Adorned with long stretches of sand beaches and splendid architecture, Sochi has plenty to offer to visitors. You can take a stroll along the shimmering beaches, admire the waterfalls and go for an exhilarating skiing experience (in winters) or a hiking expedition (in summers) at Krasnaya Polyana. What else? Mouthwatering food and lots of shopping! If that sounds like a perfect vacation for you, hurry and book your flight to Sochi.

Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Kazan Kremlin, Kazan is among the most offbeat Russia must visit places. The city offers an elegant mix of the cultures of Russians and Tatars, attracting tourists from far and wide. Kul Sharif Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Europe, is also situated here! Oh, we almost forgot to talk about the exceptional gastronomical experience! While in Kazan, make sure to try the authentic flavours of Tatarstan at any of the cafes and restaurants. In case you are wondering, you gotta take a flight to Kazan airport to explore this captivating city.

Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

No words will ever be enough to describe the unique beauty and distinctive charm of this place. The region is surrounded by 160 volcanoes, 29 of them still active. The best part - you can actually visit some of these volcanoes via a jeep safari or fly over them during a helicopter tour. If that isn’t enough to excite you, there are numerous glaciers, glittering waterfalls, hot springs, calm rivers, boiling geysers and endless adventure. Guess you are convinced now! So, don’t wait any longer, book a flight to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky as a thrilling holiday awaits you!

Vladivostok

If you wish to soak in nature while admiring Russia’s art and culture, we suggest taking a flight to Vladivostok. With a fascinating history, exceptional opera and attractive modern art, the city of Vladivostok often finds its way to the list of famous attractions in Russia. Make sure to include the Russian Opera House, S-56 Submarine Museum and Eagle’s Nest Hill on your Vladivostok sightseeing tour. And your trip will remain incomplete without crossing the Russky Island Bridge - the world’s longest cable-stayed bridge. Believe us, a holiday in this enchanting city will leave you spellbound.

Novosibirsk

If you want to dip into Russia’s authentic vibe, take a flight to Novosibirsk. A historic town blessed with unspoiled nature, the city ranks high on the list of good places to visit in Russia. Novosibirsk is home to several tourist attractions, the State Art Museum, Lenina Square, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Novosibirsk Opera and Ballet Theatre, Novosibirsk Zoo and the list goes on.

Renowned for Lake Baikal, the oldest and deepest lake in the world, Irkutsk is a popular romantic destination in world . The lake is an incredible destination for boat cruises, kayaking and cross-country skiing (during winters). After some adventure, indulge in sightseeing. The Icebreaker Museum, Church of the Savior and Irkutsk Museum Of Fine Arts are some unmissable spots here. You can also experience hot springs! The Arshan Resort, located close to Irkutsk, is one of Siberia’s most famous natural hot springs. Before leaving the city, don’t forget to buy a pair (or more!) of the famous deer and elk fur boots, called ‘Kamusi’. And finally, if you plan your visit during winters, the annual ice sculpture festival is a must-visit. To reach here, all you have to do is take a flight to Irkutsk and hop on a cab!

Yekaterinburg

One of the most beautiful cities Russia boasts of, Yekaterinburg is an excellent package of cultural events, inspiring architecture and amazing restaurants. If you love art and architecture, we say, take a flight to Yekaterinburg for a vacation that you will remember for your lifetime. The Red Line Walking Tour, a self-guided tour, will take you through 35 of the region’s popular sites, offering you an incredible opportunity to explore the city. You can also laze around in Victoria park, enjoy a high-spirited night at one of the clubs or dive into the culinary culture.

Veliky Novgorod

Among the oldest cities in Russia, Veliky Novgorod has been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city, with its magnificent churches and untamed beauty, promises a memorable trip. You can take a church tour, visit the Vitoslavitsy Museum of Folk Wooden Furniture or board a boat taxi to soak in the pristine surroundings. If you are planning a visit in April, you must attend the King Festival to make the most of your Russian holiday. If you are looking for ways to reach the city, here’s a quick guide! Take a flight to Saint Petersburg and hire a cab to reach your destination.

So, it’s quite obvious by now that Russia is overflowing with things to see and do. So, note down the best sites to see in Russia and get ready for the most exciting vacation of your life.

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Best Cities to Visit in Russia

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Are you dreaming about a vacation in Russia? That's a great idea! You just need to decide where you would like to travel and which cities you wish to visit. We always suggest starting in the two gorgeous capitals - Moscow and Saint Petersburg. Where next? We have a list for that!

St. Petersburg

Another city that will welcome sports enthusiasts from all around the globe is the world-famous “Venice of the North” and cultural capital of Russia - St. Petersburg .

The sightseeing opportunities here are endless: from the romantic canals, the Nevsky Prospect, the  Peter and Paul Cathedral ,  Church of Spilled Blood ,  St. Isaac’s Cathedral  and the iconic  Hermitage Museum  to the treasures located in its outskirts including Peterhof and Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoye Selo in Pushkin. Moreover, St. Petersburg houses top-notch theaters and operas, as such make sure to visit theaters such as the Mariinsky while in Russia.

Quick St. Petersburg Facts

• Founded: in 1703
• Population: 4.9 million (2012)
• Must-visit sights: State Hermitage Museum, Savior on the Spilled Blood, Catherine's Palace

Without a doubt, the capital of Russia is place that will provide travelers top-notch sightseeing just about around any corner. By all means, the beating heart of Moscow, the  Red Square , colorful-domed  St. Basil’s Cathedral  and the mighty red-walled  Kremlin  cannot but be mentioned among top places to see during your Russia tour.

The largest Christian Orthodox  Cathedral of Christ the Savior , Sparrow Hills and the Old Arbat Street are worth visiting as well, plus we advise stepping down to see the  Moscow Metro , many stations of which are famed for their luxuriant palatial interiors.

Quick Moscow Facts

• Founded: in 1147
• Population: 11.9 million (2012)
• Must-visit sights: The Moscow Kremlin, The Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral

Nizhny Novgorod

If you will be attending the sports events in Nizhny Novgorod , we recommend not to miss touring the best sights of this picturesque Volga River city. Boasting rich history and scenic hilly surroundings, the Minin and Pozharsky Square and the Pechersky Ascension Monastery are among the points of interest of Nizhny.

Take a walk along its many pedestrian streets and the Historic Rozhdestevenskaya Street, see what’s inside the city’s own Kremlin, ride the local tram for a fun experience or enjoy a cruise on the mighty Volga.

Quick Nizhny Novgorod Facts

• Founded: in 1221
• Population: 1.2 million (2012)
• Must-visit sights: Nizhny Novgorod Kremlin, Chkalov Stairs, The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Kaliningrad

The FIFA World Cup is indeed a large-scale event, and the easternmost city on the World Cup map of 2018 is Russia’s Kaliningrad , situated on the shores of the Baltic Sea between Poland and Lithuania.

The town has been part of Russia for less than a century and has a lot of German architecture and beautiful sandy beaches.

Because it’s often referred to as the “land of amber”, we advise bringing souvenirs made of this stone as well as visiting the Konigsberg Cathedral, the Fort 5 defensive fortress, and the Amber Museum.

Quick Kaliningrad Facts

• Founded: in 1255
• Population: 437,456 (2012)
• Must-visit sights: Brandenburg Gate, Amber Museum, Königsberg Cathedral

Although Saransk might not be the first city that will pop up in your mind when you think of Russia, it shouldn’t be left without your attention. Originally founded as a fortress in the 17th century, it is home to unique Mordovia culture and has much to offer its visitors.

When going sightseeing check out the State Musical Yaushev theatre, the museum of Local Lore and Soviet Square. If you’re not too short on time, take a short trip to the Sanaksar Monastery of Feodor Ushakov located nearby.

Quick Saransk Facts

• Founded: in 1641
• Population: 298,103 (2012)
• Must-visit sights: The Cathedral of St. Theodore Ushakov & Mordovian Erzia Museum of Visual Arts

Being a melting pot of many religions and Slavic and Tatar culture, undoubtedly, Kazan boasts a unique history, many interesting places to see and things to do in the free time in between soccer matches.

Visit its white-walled Kremlin, holding the stunning blue-domed Qol Sharif Mosque, take a picture with the Dragon Zilant monument for good luck, check out the leaning Soyembika Tower and neighboring Annunciation Cathedral. Also enjoy the truly unique Temple of all Religions and take a stroll in Millennium Park.

Quick Kazan Facts

• Founded: in 1005
• Population: 1,1 million (2012)
• Must-visit sights: Kazan Kremlin, Kul Sharif Mosque, Temple of All Religions

Samara is another unique city on the shores of the Volga noted for its well-preserved Tsarist architecture. Stalin’s Bunker Museum placed deep underground is definitely a must-visit during your stay in Samara.

Also, check out the Samara Kosmicheskaya space monument, take a stroll down the river embankment and plus while you’re in Samara taste the local Zhigulevskoye beer.

Quick Samara Facts

• Founded: in 1586
• Must-visit sights: Samarskaya Luka National Park, Stalin's Bunker & Iversky Women's Monastery

Ekaterinburg

This one-of-a-kind Russian city is renown for being the place where the Russian Imperial Family spent its last days before the revolution.

The main attractions of Ekaterinburg include Church on Blood, Rastorguev - Haritonov’s House and the Monastery Complex Ganina Yama .

Plus here you can treat yourself to a unique opportunity to stand on two continents at once on the nearby Europe-Asia monument!

Quick Ekaterinburg Facts

• Founded: in 1723
• Population: 1,3 million (2012)
• Must-visit sights: The Church on Blood in Honour of All Saints Resplendent in the Russian Land, Ekaterinburg Central Park & Ganina Yama

Also referred to by its previous name Stalingrad, Volgograd is among the most strikingly beautiful cities in Russia with winding canals, hills abundant in greenery and numerous attractions dedicated to the heroism of Soviet people.

When in Stalingrad go to Mamayev Kurgan hill complex to see its impressive Motherland Calls memorial erected to honor the victory during the Battle of Stalingrad and WWII.

Quick Volgograd Facts

• Founded: in 1589
• Population: 1 million (2012)
• Must-visit sights: Mamayev Kurgan, The Motherland Calls, Pavlov's House