3 places to visit in russia

15 Best Places to Visit in Russia

Written by Diana Bocco Updated Mar 21, 2024

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

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

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

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

1. Lake Baikal

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Russia

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

St. Petersburg

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

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

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

Arctic Circle (Murmansk)

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

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

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

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

Kamchatka Peninsula

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

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

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

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

Republic of Dagestan

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

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

Lake Baikal

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

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

Nizhny Novgorod

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

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

Vladimir and Suzdal

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

Lena Pillars

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

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

Vladivostok

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

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

Kizhi Island, Karelia

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

Yekaterinburg

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

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

Moscow - Russian Rivers and Waterways Port of Call

The Top 12 Things to Do in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia

Travel to Murmansk, the Largest City North of the Arctic Circle

The Top 18 Things to Do in Vladivostok, Russia

10 Must-Visit Palaces and Castles in Russia

The Top 12 Things to Do in Astrakhan

Top 12 Things to Do in Kazan, Russia

The Top 12 Things to Do in Omsk

9 Things to See in Moscow's Red Square

12 Best Free Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Russia

The Best Countries in the World for Adventurous Travelers

Moscow Metro: The Complete Guide

25 Best Things to Do in Moscow

Top Mexico Destinations

The World's Most Gay-Friendly Beach Cities and Resorts

Top 15 Monuments and Historic Sites in Paris

Top Russia Attractions

Things to do in russia, explore popular experiences, popular cities in russia.

Top Attractions in Russia

Tours & Sightseeing

Walking & Biking Tours

Private & custom tours, what travelers are saying.

• The 21 Most Beautiful Places...

The Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Russia

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

1. lake kardyvach.

Natural Feature

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

2. Olkhon Island

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

3. Ussuri Bay

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

5. Ruskeala

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

6. Krasnaya Polyana

Architectural Landmark

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

7. Solovki Islands

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

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

9. Lake Teletskoye

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

10. Kaliningrad

Architectural Landmark, Historical Landmark

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

11. Kizhi Island

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

12. Red Square

Shop, Store

13. Peterhof Palace

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

14. Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood

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

15. Mount Elbrus

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

16. Kola Peninsula

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

17. Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky

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

18. Mount Belukha

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

19. Ural Mountains

Natural Feature, Building

20. Dykh-Tau

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

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

Incredible Photos From the Longest Bike Race in the World

Zhenotdel: The Soviet Union's Feminist Movement

A Guide to Cautionary Russian Proverbs and What They Mean

Restaurants

The best halal restaurants in kaliningrad.

A Soviet Pilot Went Missing in Afghanistan and Was Found 30 Years Later

Unusual Facts About the Soviet Union

Russian Last Names and Their Meanings

See & Do

Russia's most remote holiday destinations.

The Soviet Union’s Best Heart-Throbs and Pinups

The Mystery Behind Russia's Buddhist "Miracle"

Food & Drink

The best halal restaurants in kazan.

Guides & Tips

A 48 hour guide to astrakhan, russia, culture trip spring sale, save up to $1,100 on our unique small-group trips limited spots..

• Post ID: 1000045873
• Sponsored? No
• View Payload

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride a T-34 Tank Just Outside Moscow

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

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

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

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

By Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel

See the Northern Lights in Murmansk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Vladimir in the Golden Ring

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

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

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

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

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

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Climb Mount Elbrus

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

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

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

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

By Alya & Campbell from Stingy Nomads

Take an Epic Train Ride on the Trans Siberian

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

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

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

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

By Claire from Claire’s Footsteps

Take a Cruise on Lake Baikal

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

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

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

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

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

By Sinead from Map Made Memories

Ride the Circum Baikal Railway

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

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

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

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

By Sarah from ASocialNomad

Visit Kazan, the Third Capital of Russia

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

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

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

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

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

By Kami from My Wanderlust

Eat Like a Russian

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

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

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

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

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

By James Ian from Travel Collecting

Learn About the Romanovs in Pushkin

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Maartje & Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

Visit a Buddhist monastery in Siberia

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Nisha & Vasu from Lemonicks

Best places to visit in Russia

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

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

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

Thank you for the beautiful photos and inspiring information.

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

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

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

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

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

• Russia Evisa Guide for Filipinos – A Complete Step by Step Guide of the Online Application Process [with Screenshots]
• Things to do in St Petersburg, Russia with a Suggested Daily Itinerary
• 7 Awesome Things to Do in St. Petersburg, Russia
• List of the Best Backpackers Hostels in Russia

Table of Contents

Key Cities in Russia

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

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

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

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

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

What You Should Do in Russia

1. watch a ballet performance.

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

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

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

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

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

2. Visit Russia’s Kremlins

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. Have a glass of authentic Kvass

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

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

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

4. Go sunbathing under the Sochi sun

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Visit the Church on the Blood

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

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

8. Experience Russian winter season

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

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

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

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

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

9. Take a trip to Lake Baikal

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

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

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

10. Discover the mysteries of the City of the Dead

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

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

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

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

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

What You Should Know Before Visiting Russia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you on Pinterest? Pin these!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

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

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

COPYRIGHT DISCLAIMER: Many of the articles on Two Monkeys Travel Group are guest posts by a number of Approved Contributors and are hosted by Two Monkeys Travel Group. Approved Contributors control their own work and post freely to our site. This includes all text and images that they use within their own work. All contributors are instructed to follow internationally recognised copyright and intellectual property guidelines. Two Monkeys Travel Group takes its own responsibilities very seriously, so if you feel that any part of this work is abusive in any way, please send us an email so that we can investigate - [email protected]

DISCLOSURE: Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links. So when you make a purchase we sometimes make a small commission, at no extra cost to you. The cost to you remains the same, sometimes even cheaper if we have negotiated a special deal for our readers.We use all of the companies we have listed here and that’s why they are in this list, but of course we need to keep Two Monkeys Travel Group running as well as it can, which is exactly what you’re helping with if you do decide to buy or book something through an affiliate link! If you have any more questions about the companies we use or any other companies you’re looking at, just email us and we’ll be happy to help. Please see our full disclaimer page for more information.

Written by Two Monkeys Travel - Contributor

Two Monkeys Travel Group – Community Travel Blog is a travel blog and website. We quickly grew into a valuable source of inspiring travel stories, advice, itineraries and travel guides, with the aim of demonstrating how to live a sustainable life of travel, whilst living your own definition of success. If you'd like to contribute and write a guest post, contact us at [email protected]

Discover Turkey’s Lesser-Known Gems For The Adventurer

48 hours in tokyo – exploring japan’s vibrant capital, how to find the best hotels in new york, top california destinations for families to enjoy, scuba diving and snorkeling in the philippines, related posts, 5 hidden gems of southern bohemia, czech republic @budvaruk, weekend in algarve, portugal: how to spend 3 days in algarve, portugal, weekend in benidorm, spain: how to spend 3 days in benidorm, spain, give an experience gift with tinggly for as low as 79 usd, previous post, 15 best things to do in lake garda, italy [with suggested day trips], how to claim injury compensation after an accident abroad, subscribe to our newsletter.

Receive tips on how you can live a sustainable long-term travel lifestyle!

• First Name *
• Email This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Top Russia Attractions

Things to do in russia, explore popular experiences, popular cities in russia.

Top Attractions in Russia

Tours & Sightseeing

Walking & Biking Tours

Private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

Destination guides

Download free Russia travel guides

St Petersburg

Golden Ring

Lake Baikal

• Murmansk (Kola Peninsula)

Moscow & St Petersburg

• Russia River Cruises

Expedition Cruises

• Trans-Siberian Tours

Northern Lights Tours

Siberia Tours

• Winter Tours
• Students Trips
• Luxury Tours
• Plan My Tour

Start planning my tour

Your Russia, your dates, your mates

• Destination Guides
• Russia Travel Tips
• Russian Visa
• Travel Insurance
• Why 56th Parallel
• Traveller Reviews

FIND ARTICLES BY CATEGORY

• EXPERIENCES
• TRAVEL TIPS
• CULTURE & ETHNOGRAPHY
• FESTIVALS & EVENTS
• WEIRD & WONDERFUL

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

Related posts

10 Russian Festivals Every Traveller Should Experience

Most tourists come to Russia for a fleeting taste of its rich traditions and age-old culture. But to truly immerse yourself in the spirit of Russian culture, consider visiting the country during one of the Russian festivals or holidays.

12 Reasons Everyone Must Visit Russia

For the unfamiliar, the thought of Russia might conjure up images of vodka-swilling men in fur hats, or KGB spies from a Hollywood movie. But look past the stereotypes and you’ll discover a country of deep tradition, artistry and a passionate national identity. Read on and see why travellers visit Russia and why they fall in love with the country.

Top 13 Trans Siberian Stops Travellers Should Take time to explore

It is safe to say that a journey along the famous Trans-Siberian Railway would be a dream come true and a tick on the travel bucket list for many travellers. Known as the world’s longest railway journey which takes you across 10 different time zones. We thought you should know which are the best Trans Siberian Stops to spend a little time and explore.

Related Tours

Highlights of moscow & st petersburg.

Immerse yourself in the art, history and culture of Russia and explore the contrasting styles of Moscow and St Petersburg in just one week. Experience the iconic landmarks of ...

Kamchatka’s Critters and Craters

Take part in some of the best bear viewing on the peninsula, stay in the camp on a slope of active volcano Tolbachik and explore its lava fields. Immerse yourself in the ...

Legend of Lake Baikal

Experience the main sites of Lake Baikal just in one week. Visit Irkutsk and Listvyanka village, explore the iconic Olkhon island, learn about a local Buryat people culture and ...

Articles by Category

About 56 th parallel.

56th Parallel is a travel company specialising in providing packaged tours and travel services in Russia.

Our goal is to redefine travel to Russia, focusing on creating the most rewarding experiences, which help travellers unfolds the soul of this exciting destination.

RUSSIA TOURS FINDER

Russia tour finder.

< Return

Destination

Russian capitals and surrounds, siberia and russian far east, russian arctic, travel style, city breaks.

River Cruises

Trans Siberian Tours

Adventure and Discovery

Russia Winter Tours

Other travel styles

Luxury Holidays

Have a question or need specific information?

Send us a note below or call us

Country * Afghanistan Albania Algeria American Samoa Andorra Angola Anguilla Antarctica Antigua and Barbuda Argentina Armenia Aruba Australia Austria Azerbaijan Bahamas Bahrain Bangladesh Barbados Belarus Belgium Belize Benin Bermuda Bhutan Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegowina Botswana Bouvet Island Brazil British Indian Ocean Territory Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria Burkina Faso Burundi Cambodia Cameroon Canada Cape Verde Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad Chile China Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia Comoros Congo Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Cook Islands Costa Rica Cote d'Ivoire Croatia (Hrvatska) Cuba Cyprus Czech Republic Denmark Djibouti Dominica Dominican Republic East Timor Ecuador Egypt El Salvador Equatorial Guinea Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Faroe Islands Fiji Finland France France Metropolitan French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon Gambia Georgia Germany Ghana Gibraltar Greece Greenland Grenada Guadeloupe Guam Guatemala Guinea Guinea-Bissau Guyana Haiti Heard and Mc Donald Islands Holy See (Vatican City State) Honduras Hong Kong Hungary Iceland India Indonesia Iran (Islamic Republic of) Iraq Ireland Israel Italy Jamaica Japan Jordan Kazakhstan Kenya Kiribati Korea, Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Republic of Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Lao, People's Democratic Republic Latvia Lebanon Lesotho Liberia Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Liechtenstein Lithuania Luxembourg Macau Macedonia, The Former Yugoslav Republic of Madagascar Malawi Malaysia Maldives Mali Malta Marshall Islands Martinique Mauritania Mauritius Mayotte Mexico Micronesia, Federated States of Moldova, Republic of Monaco Mongolia Montserrat Morocco Mozambique Myanmar Namibia Nauru Nepal Netherlands Netherlands Antilles New Caledonia New Zealand Nicaragua Niger Nigeria Niue Norfolk Island Northern Mariana Islands Norway Oman Pakistan Palau Panama Papua New Guinea Paraguay Peru Philippines Pitcairn Poland Portugal Puerto Rico Qatar Reunion Romania Russian Federation Rwanda Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Samoa San Marino Sao Tome and Principe Saudi Arabia Senegal Seychelles Sierra Leone Singapore Slovakia (Slovak Republic) Slovenia Solomon Islands Somalia South Africa South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands Spain Sri Lanka St. Helena St. Pierre and Miquelon Sudan Suriname Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands Swaziland Sweden Switzerland Syrian Arab Republic Taiwan, Province of China Tajikistan Tanzania, United Republic of Thailand Togo Tokelau Tonga Trinidad and Tobago Tunisia Turkey Turkmenistan Turks and Caicos Islands Tuvalu Uganda Ukraine United Arab Emirates United Kingdom United States United States Minor Outlying Islands Uruguay Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela Vietnam Virgin Islands (British) Virgin Islands (U.S.) Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Yugoslavia Zambia Zimbabwe

If you have any urgent questions or enquiries, please give us a call +61 412 587 785

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

15 Best Cities to Visit in Russia

By Alex Schultz · Last updated on May 4, 2024

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

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

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

15. Novosibirsk

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

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

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

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

13. Smolensk

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

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

12. Kaliningrad

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

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

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

11. Krasnodar

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

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

10. Veliky Novgorod

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

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

9. Volgograd

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

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

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

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

7. Nizhny Novgorod

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

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

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

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

5. Vladivostok

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

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

4. Yekaterinburg

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

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

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

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

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

2. Saint Petersburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map of cities in Russia

Share this post:

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Russia

25 Best Places to Visit in Eastern Europe

6 Most Beautiful Regions of Europe

14 Most Scenic Small Towns In Russia

10 Best Places to Visit in Russia

9 Most Beautiful Regions in Russia

10 Most Amazing Destinations in Eastern Russia

17 Top Tourist Attractions in Moscow

15 Top Tourist Attractions in Saint Petersburg, Russia

Where to Stay in Moscow

Travel Guide Russia

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• Travel guide
• Travel Advice
• Accommodation

Plan your tailor-made trip with a local expert

Book securely with money-back guarantee

Travel stress-free with local assistance and 24/7 support

European Russia stretches from the borders of Belarus and Ukraine to the Ural mountains, over 1000km east of Moscow; even without the rest of the vast Russian Federation, it constitutes by far the largest country in Europe. Formerly a powerful tsarist empire and a Communist superpower, Russia continues to be a source of fascination for travellers. While access is still made relatively difficult by lingering Soviet-style bureaucracy – visas are obligatory and accommodation usually has to be booked in advance – independent travel is increasing every year, and visitors are doubly rewarded by the cultural riches of the country and the warmth of the Russian people.

Where to go in Russia

Russian for beginners, russian red tape.

Moscow, Russia’s bustling capital, combines the frenetic energy of an Eastern city with the cosmopolitan feel of a Western one. With its show-stopping architecture – from the tsarist palaces of the Kremlin and the onion domes of St Basil’s Cathedral, through the monumental relics of the Communist years, to the massive building projects of today – and the impersonal human tide that packs its streets and subways, the metropolis can feel rather overwhelming. By contrast, St Petersburg, Russia’s second city, is Europe at its most gracious, an attempt by the eighteenth-century tsar Peter the Great to emulate the best of Western European elegance in what was then a far-flung outpost. Its people are more relaxed and friendly, and its position in the delta of the River Neva is unparalleled, giving it endless watery vistas. Visible – often ostentatious – but uneven wealth creation in both cities has made them twin figureheads for Russia’s recent high-speed renaissance.

Top image © Grisha Bruev/Shutterstock

Travel advice for Russia

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Russia

• How to get to Russia
• Culture and Etiquette in Russia
• Eating and drinking in Russia
• Getting around Russia: Transportation Tips
• Sports and Outdoor activities in Russia
• Travel Tips Russia for planning and on the go
• Best time to visit Russia

The Rough Guides to Russia and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

Find even more inspiration here

Planning your own trip? Prepare for your trip

Use Rough Guides' trusted partners for great rates

written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 26.04.2021

Ready to travel and discover Russia?

Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

• Where to stay
• Travel advice

12 Amazing Places To Visit In Russia

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

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

1. Altai Mountains

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

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

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

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

3. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Lake Baikal

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

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

4. Saint Petersburg

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

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

5. Kamchatka

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

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

6. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Sochi

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

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

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

7. Veliky Novgorod

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

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

8. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Olkhon Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Kizhi Island

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

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

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

Do you want to embed our blog post “ 12 Amazing Places To Visit In Russia” onto your site? You can either take our photos and text and give us credit with a link to this blog post. Or click here: https://iframely.com/embed/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.saveatrain.com%2Fblog%2Fen%2Famazing-places-visit-russia%2F  – (Scroll down a little to see the Embed Code)

• If you want to be kind to your users, you can guide them directly into our search pages. In this link, you will find our most popular train routes –  https://www.saveatrain.com/routes_sitemap.xml .
• Inside you have our links for English landing pages, but we also have  https://www.saveatrain.com/ru_routes_sitemap.xml , and you can change the /ru to /fr or /de and more languages.

Paulina Joukov

Related posts.

10 Once In A Lifetime Destinations

5 Picturesque Towns To Visit On Lake Como

10 Best Fall Vacations In Europe

Translation flags, search blog, search hotels and more..., destination, check-in date, check-out date.

Recent Posts

• Digital Visa for Freelancers: Top 5 Countries for Relocation
• 5 Platforms To Explore Volunteer Programs Worldwide
• New EU Rail Regulations: Better Protection for Passengers
• 7 Amazing Spring Break Destinations In Europe
• Traveling To Europe During Bank Holidays

• Bahasa Indonesia
• Slovenščina
• Science & Tech
• Russian Kitchen

100 most beautiful places in Russia – the ultimate list

1. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, St. Petersburg

Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

The church looks amazing from the outside but it’s even more impressive on the inside. Its interior walls are covered with seven square km of mosaic and the church is built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was mortally wounded in 1881.

2. Kizhi, Karelia

Kizhi Island in Karelia , 764 km north of Moscow, is home to Russia's oldest surviving wooden churches. For example, the Church of the Resurrection of Lazarus dates back to the late 14th century.

3. Bermamyt Plateau, Karachay-Cherkessia

Bermamyt Plateau

Bemamyt Mountain is 2,592 meters above sea level. It’s the “Russian Trolltunga” and offers the best views of Elbrus.

4. Ai-Petri suspension bridges, Crimea

Ai-Petri suspension bridges

Ai -Petri is one of the best-known mountains in Crimea, while its suspension bridges, at a height of 1,234 meters, are one of the scariest and most thrilling places on the peninsula .

5. Nikola-Lenivets, Kaluga Region

Nikola-Lenivets

This village, located 218 km south of Moscow, has acquired a cult status thanks to its contemporary art consisting of several sculptures dotted around the scenic landscape, which is divided by a river you can swim in during the summer. There’s also 980 square km of fields and meadows.

6. Swallow's Nest Castle, Crimea

Swallow's Nest Castle

The Swallow's Nest , perched on a 40-meter high cliff near Yalta, looks like a medieval castle, though it was in fact built in the early 20th century thanks to a German oil industrialist called Baron von Steingel.

7. Singer House, St. Petersburg

Singer House

This iconic building was built in the early 20th century and is the main landmark on Nevsky Prospekt .

8. Stone pillars, Komi

Stone pillars

These seven gigantic stone pillars were formed by the wind over thousands of years (they are in what’s believed to be an anomalous zone ).

9. Mir diamond mine, Yakutia

Mir diamond mine

This former diamond mine is so huge that helicopters avoid flying over it, otherwise they might get sucked in due to the draft. It’s the second largest man-made hole in the world at 525 meters deep and 1,200 meters in diameter.

10. Dominion Tower, Moscow

Dominion Tower

The first project of Zaha Hadid's bureau in Moscow and Russia. This snow-white futuristic business center is located in an industrial zone. Make sure to check out its interior staircases.

11. Peterhof, St. Petersburg

This summer residence of Russian monarchs is located 47 km from St. Petersburg: golden fountains, palaces, pavilions, and endless gardens on the banks of the Finnish Gulf, which are open to tourists all year round.

12. Chara Sands, Transbaykal Territory

Chara Sands

This is perhaps the strangest (and most beautiful) desert in the world. These Siberian sands are surrounded by rivers, lakes, and glaciers - despite being a real desert. To find out more, click here .

13. The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

This museum, which boasts the world's biggest art collection, is itself one of its main exhibits . The museum's main building – the Winter Palace – is a former residence of Russian monarchs.

14. Yew and Boxwood Grove, suburb of Sochi

Yew and Boxwood Grove

This ancient forest is located 20 km from Sochi. You’ll find trees and plants that have been there for nearly 30 million years.

15. Lena Pillars, Yakutia

Lena Pillars

These majestic rock pillars, some of them 100 meters tall, are located along the Lena River in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). They’re also a UNESCO World Heritage site.

16. Flooded belfry in Kalyazin

Flooded belfry

"Russia’s Atlantis" on the Volga River in the Tver Region (200 km north of Moscow) used to be part of Kalyazin Monastery, which was often visited by Russian tsars . Later, the whole area was flooded to create a reservoir. The only thing that remains is the belfry that was used as a lighthouse .

17. Franz Josef Land, Arkhangelsk Region

Franz Josef Land

There are no towns or villages here and the only way to reach this remote part of Russia’s Arctic is with an organized group on a boat - be prepared to fork out several thousand dollars .

18. St. Basil's Cathedral

St. Basil's Cathedral

This is the main postcard view of the Russian capital and its best-known church. It’s actually nine churches in one, and according to a popular legend its architect was blinded on the order of Ivan the Terrible after completing the construction. You can learn more about this fascinating landmark here .

19. Ivolginsky Datsan, Ulan- Ude

Ivolginsky Datsan

This temple is situated 100 km from Lake Baikal in the Republic of Buryatia (in Siberia). This is the center of Russian Buddhism and also the resting place of the incorruptible body of a lama, who is considered to still be alive.

20. The Heart of Chechnya Mosque, Grozny

Heart of Chechnya Mosque

This mosque, dedicated to the memory of the first president of Chechnya, Akhmat Kadyrov, is one of the biggest in Europe . Its minarets are 63 meters high and it’s big enough to accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers.

21. Kaliningrad Cathedral

Kaliningrad Cathedral

This gothic cathedral was once the main church of the Prussian city of Koenigsberg (now Kaliningrad, in the west of Russia). Since the 14th century, it has been the burial place for dukes and university professors. The last person to be buried here was the philosopher Immanuel Kant.

22. Tokarevsky Lighthouse, Vladivostok

Tokarevsky Lighthouse

The spit where the lighthouse is located is considered to the symbolic starting point of the Pacific Ocean. The lighthouse is 150-years-old.

The mountains, lakes, and green meadows of Altai are often compared to those of the Alps. Despite its remoteness, this part of Russia gets many foreign visitors. You can find 10 travel tips for the Altai Region here .

24. Salt mines outside Yekaterinburg

Salt mines outside Yekaterinburg

Some 965 km to the east of Moscow, there are salt mines that could easily be the scene of a Van Gogh painting. These  crazy patterns are a natural phenomenon formed by vaporization 280 million years ago. More pictures of these psychedelic mines can be found here .

25. Sanduny, Moscow

This is perhaps the most famous Russian ba nya in Moscow, which looks more like a palace with its gilded marble stairways, vaulted ceilings, and statues. Pushkin, Tolstoy, and Chekhov all frequented this place.

26. Shoaninsky temple, Karachay-Cherkessia

Shoaninsky temple

This tiny (just 13 square meters) temple in the middle of a mountain gorge in the Caucasus is one of the oldest buildings in Russia dating back to the 10th century.

27. Putorana Plateau, Siberia

Putorana Plateau

This is an extinct volcano covered with forest, lakes, and waterfalls. The Putorana Plateau is the same size as the whole of the UK.

28. Veliky Novgorod Kremlin

Veliky Novgorod Kremlin

This is the legacy of medieval Rus and the oldest surviving kremlin. It was first mentioned in a chronicle in 1044 and is situated in Veliky Novgorod (Novgorod the Great) 570 km northwest of Moscow.

29. Kamchatka, Far East

This is one of the most incredible tourist destinations in Russia. It boasts around 300 volcanoes in the same spot (including 29 active ones), loads of bears, a valley of geysers, and other mind-blowing things .

30. White Square, Moscow

White Square

An office complex with modern buildings made of glass and concrete is built around a white-stone Old Believer church. The juxtapositions here are amazing ( here’s the proof ).

31. Mamayev Kurgan, Volgograd

Mamayev Kurgan

The southern city of Volgograd was the scene of the bloodiest battle in history , in which some 1.5 million people were killed. To commemorate it, a huge monument called “The Motherland Calls” was built on the top of the hill.

32. Avtovo metro station, St. Petersburg

Avtovo metro station

Official Soviet art was obsessed with mosaics, they can be found everywhere - in lobbies, streets, factories, corridors – anywhere where there was space. For example, at Avtovo metro station (yes, that picture was really taken in a metro station).

33. Amber Room, Tsarskoye Selo

The legendary Amber Room was one of the Romanovs' treasures lost during WWII . Only several of its elements survived the war. The restored Amber Room is located in Catherine Palace outside St. Petersburg.

34. Dubrovitsy Estate, Moscow Region

Dubrovitsy Estate

This estate 36 km from Moscow was commissioned by Russian boyar and tutor to Peter the Great, Boris Golitsyn. Over 300-years-old, these days it’s a popular wedding venue. The register office is just a few minutes from the church.

35. Lake Elton, Volgograd Region

There are no ripples on its surface because of the huge amount of salt, which makes the lake look like a giant mirror. Lake Elton is situated close to Kazakhstan border. And another thing: tsars were very fond of it .

36. Moscow City skyscrapers

Moscow City skyscrapers

At one point, this skyscraper development in central Moscow was the city’s most ambitious project. One of the buildings previously held the record for being the tallest in Europe, while it remains among the most expensive real estate in the capital per square meter.

37. Lakhta Center, St. Petersburg

Lakhta Center

The 462-meter high skyscraper, which houses Gazprom’s headquarters, is the highest skyscraper in Europe . Its budget exceeds that of the Burj Khalifa at around $2.5 billion.

38. Gamsutl, Dagestan

This is an abandoned ancient mountain village in the Republic of Dagestan in the North Caucasus. Its population was decimated by a cholera outbreak in the 20th century.

39. Valley of Geysers, Kamchatka

Valley of Geysers

Kamchatka is home to 90 geysers, which spurt out boiling water among green rocks.

40. Lake Baikal, Irkutsk

This is the oldest lake on our planet . It is situated between southern Siberia and Mongolia and is 25-35 million-years-old. In winter, Baikal is covered with a meter-thick layer of clear, glass-like, ice, while huge icicles hang from the surrounding caves.

41. White Mosque in Bulgar, Tatarstan

White Mosque in Bulgar

The Tatar Taj Mahal in Bulgar, a mystic Muslim town on the banks of the Volga (83 km from Kazan), is where the world's biggest Koran is kept. It weighs 800 kg.

42. Ruskeala marble quarry, Karelia

Ruskeala marble quarry

Karelia is a unique place where you can find at least 60,000 amazing lakes.

43. Tsarskoye Selo, Pushkin

Tsarskoye Selo

The palace in Pushkin (former Tsarskoye Selo, 30 km south of St. Petersburg) is one of the most striking examples of imperial extravagance (although not the only one ).

44. Moscow Metro

Moscow Metro

The capital’s underground is like a series of underground palaces. The Moscow Metro even has its own audioguide . Here’s our guide covering its most beautiful stations .

45. Vovnushki, Ingushetia

These medieval defense towers built on mountain tops were once connected by suspension bridges. A magical but brutal place.

46. Karasinoye Lake in Artyom, Far East

Karasinoye Lake in Artyom

Every year, the surface of the lake is covered with pink lotus flowers, which create a particularly striking contrast with the austere industrial landscape in the background.

47. Zaryadye, Moscow

This park outside the Kremlin walls has a "floating bridge," a concert hall, an ice cave, and great views of the Kremlin. In 2018, it was listed among the world's greatest places according to Time magazine.

48. Taiga, Siberia and European part of Russia

The taiga is the second largest biome in the world after the ocean and also one of Russia's natural treasures . It’s too big and beautiful not to make it onto our list.

49. Lake Baskunchak, Astrakhan Region

Lake Baskunchak

A lunar landscape on top of a salt mountain. It is in effect a huge natural salt shaker almost 500 square km large, located on the border with Kazakhstan. The lake is just 30 cm deep.

50. Lake Maly Semyachik, Kamchatka

Lake Maly Semyachik

An acid lake in the crater of an active volcano, i.e. it’s very, very high. It can be seen only from a helicopter.

51. Whale Bone Alley, Yttygran Island

Whale Bone Alley

This alley on an island in the Bering Sea made of bones and jaws of Greenland whales is an ancient Eskimo structure. It dates back to the 14th century. But why did the Eskimos build it ?

52. Sayano–Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station, Khakassia

Sayano–Shushenskaya hydroelectric power station

The dam on the River Yenisei is unique in terms of its size: it’s the biggest in Russia and the ninth biggest in the world. It towers over the forest like a giant spaceship.

53. Red October rooftop, Moscow

Red October rooftop

The calligraphic creation by street artist Pokras Lampas on the rooftop of the former confectionary factory Red October has become is world's biggest example of calligraphy, standing 22-stories tall. If you do not know who Lampas is, click here .

54. Thirteen Pillars of Serge, Irkutsk Region

This Buryat place of power in the village of Khuzhir ( Olkhon Island on LakeBaikal) is the capital of shamanic power. These pillars cannot be pulled out, burnt, or moved. The only thing that can destroy them is time.

55. Orekhovsky waterfall, Sochi

Orekhovsky waterfall

The water tumbling from Zezumenka Mountain falls from a height of 27.5 meters, but it is only two meters deep in this picture. This spot is easy to reach from Sochi, like many other amazing places .

56. Lake Sasyk-Sivash, Crimea

Lake Sasyk-Sivash

There is just a handful of pink lakes in the world, and Sasyk-Sivash in Crimea is one of them. It turns pink in July and August thanks to microalgae.

57. Avacha Bay, Kamchatka

No , this is not somewhere in Greenland. This is a bay in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Kamchatka. The symbol of the place are the famous Three Brothers rocks – there is a beautiful legend about them.

58. Historical Museum, Moscow

Historical Museum

If you’re in Red Square, there’s no way you can miss this red-brick building in the neo-Russian (or pseudo-Russian) style.

59. Ratmanov Island, Chukotka

Ratmanov Island

This is one of the Diomede Islands which belongs to Russia. The distance to the other island, which belongs to the U.S., is just 3.8 km by boat but the time difference between the two places is 23 hours! This is a tranquil place, but don’t be fooled, life her can be hell .

60. Tsaritsyno Estate, Moscow

Tsaritsyno Estate

This is an estate in the south of Moscow where Catherine the Great spent time with her lovers and her secret husband. It was originally built to demonstrate the greatness of the Russian Empire.

61. Skolkovo Business School, Moscow Region

Skolkovo Business School

This technopark outside Moscow was conceived as the Russian version of Silicon Valley. When designing the campus, British architect David Adjaye was inspired by Kazimir Malevich's suprematism .

62. Sochi Arboretum

Sochi Arboretum

This arboretum on a mountain slope in subtropical Russia was founded in 1892. Many Russian celebrities of the past, like Feodor Chaliapin, Anton Chekhov, and others enjoyed visiting it.

63. Sakhalin Island, Far East

Sakhalin Island

Russia's biggest island is situated at the edge of the earth, where nature remains practically untouched. It’s home to gray whales and lakes with brilliantly turquoise water.

64. Mriya Resort, Crimea

Mriya Resort

The hotel and spa designed by British architect Norman Forster, who conjured London’s Millennium Bridge, is located 25 km from Yalta. In 2016, the hotel in the form of a lotus flower was named the best leisure resort in Europe.

65. Aniva lighthouse, Sakhalin

Aniva lighthouse

This atomic lighthouse (running on a radioisotope generator) was built by a Japanese architect, but in 1990, when economic hardship hit, Russia no longer had the money to maintain it.

66. Bolshoi Theater, Moscow

Bolshoi Theater

Russia's - and perhaps the world’s - best-known theater does not require much introduction. But if you want to find out how to enjoy a play or the ballet there without paying hundreds of dollars for a ticket click here .

67. The Great Vasyugan Mire, Siberia

The Great Vasyugan Mire

The scale is this mire in southwestern Siberia is mind-blowing. It’s the size of Switzerland and continues to expand with every passing year. Not surprisingly it’s on the UNESCO World Heritage List .

68. Golden Bridge, Vladivostok

Golden Bridge

This 323-meter high bridge was built in 2012 and became the second tallest bridge in the world (the tallest is the Millau Viaduct in France). It links Vladivostok to Russky Island. Learn more about Vladivostok by doing our quiz .

69. Curonian Spit, Kaliningrad Region

Curonian Spit

One of the the tallest Europe's  sand dunes are located in its smallest national park, on the Curonian Spit . The Baltic Sea is on the one side, the Curonian Lagoon is on the other. The spit is divided equally between Russia and Lithuania.

70. Christ the Savior Cathedral, Moscow

Christ the Savior Cathedral

This is an exact replica of a cathedral that was blown up by the Soviet authorities in 1931. After the Great Patriotic War right up until the 1990s, its place was taken by.. an outdoor pool.

71. Moscow Kremlin

Moscow Kremlin

This is Russia's main kremlin , where President Vladimir Putin makes all the big calls. The Kremlin has lived through many ordeals: it was nearly burnt down, it was seized, and its cathedrals were turned into stables. And it wasn’t always red. There was a time when the Kremlin was white .

72. Wallagkom gorge, North Ossetia-Alania

Wallagkom gorge

The Vaza-Khokh mountain with its practically vertical slopes can be seen from any spot in the Alania national park. It’s also often compared to a tusk.

73. Samur vine forest, Dagestan

Samur vine forest

This is the northernmost subtropical vine forest in the world. The Dagestani jungle is so dense that you can move through it without touching the ground.

74. Moscow State University building, Moscow

Moscow State University building

This is one of the most famous of the seven Stalin buildings (The Seven Sisters ) as it looks out over Moscow from Sparrow Hills.  

75. Mariinsky Theater, St. Petersburg

It was one of the Imperial theaters of the 18th century, which attracted the crème de la crème of the country's elite and members of the Romanov family. These days it is one of the leading opera and ballet theaters in the world.

76. Solovki, Arkhangelsk Region

In the 15th century, this archipelago in the White Sea in Russia's northwest was the country's biggest monastery. In the first half of the 20th century it was turned into one of the first and the biggest gulag camps. These days it’s a tourist and spiritual center .

77. VDNKh, Moscow

Once the main exhibition to showcase the USSR’s economic achievements , this is now one of Moscow's main parks, whose restored pavilions, fountains, and alleys make it one of the world's most popular geotags on Instagram.

78. Kola Peninsula, Murmansk Region

Kola Peninsula

This peninsula beyond the Arctic Circle is where people live without sunshine for 40 days straight each year. By way of compensation, they can enjoy one of the most beautiful sights on earth, the northern lights (aurora borealis).

79. Big Bogdo Mountain, Astrakhan Region

Big Bogdo Mountain

Big Bogdo is a holy site among local Kalmyks. The mountain gets its red color from the clay, which is so crumbly that it’s impossible to walk there.

80. Elbrus, Kabardino-Balkaria

This is Europe's highest mountain (5,642 meters), which is in fact a composite volcano. In the foothills of Elbrus lies one of Russia's most exciting skiing resorts , Cheget.

81. Valley of Death, Kamchatka

Valley of Death

It’s name is ominous and its beauty deceptive . The strange otherworldly landscape is filled with poisonous gases that kill animals. Humans are banned from going here, as you can imagine.

82. Worker and Kolkhoz Woman, Moscow

Worker and Kolkhoz Woman

This monument, which has become one of the most recognizable symbols of the Soviet era, was originally created for the International Exhibition in Paris – but it’s associated with many troubles .

83. Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan

Kul Sharif Mosque

Tatarstan's main mosque , which is also one of its most beautiful, is situated inside the Kazan Kremlin on a site that used to be occupied by an old mosque, which was destroyed in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible's troops when they stormed the city.

84. Naryn-Kala, Dagestan

The most ancient fortress on the territory of modern Russia was built in Derbent in the sixth century , long before the Russians arrived there. It became Russian only in 1796, when the Persians lost it.

85. Teriberka, Murmansk Region

The world became aware of this village with its melancholy arctic scenery only after the international success of Andrey Zvyagintsev's film Leviathan . Now, whale bones and broken boats are part of its iconic image.

86. Krasnaya Polyana, Sochi

Krasnaya Polyana

This mountain village is packed with restaurants , hotels, and spa resorts. But the main attraction here is of course the views.

87. Chuy Steppe, Altay

Chuy Steppe

With its lunar scenery and huge expanses, southern Altay looks almost like Arizona. During the hot summer months, this empty yellow ground turns into a living and breathing Impressionist painting.

88. Metropol Hotel, Moscow

Metropol Hotel

This Moscow landmark has stunning views of the Bolshoi Theater and a long history. Its list of guests included Queen Sofia of Spain, Kim Jong-il, Sharon Stone, David Bowie, and Michael Jackson. There are tours of the hotel on Sundays.

89. Suzdal, Vladimir Region

This old Russian town (founded in the 11th century) embodies everything that can be expected from "an ideal of provincial Russia": centuries-old kremlin and churches, a Russian village, rivers, and meadows. It’s as if Suzdal is forever stuck in the past.

90. Kutkhiny Baty, Kamchatka

Kutkhiny Baty

Kutkhiny Baty is a weird-looking valley of pumice stone (rock glass) 4 km from Kurile Lake. These rock formations are about 110 meters high.

91. Orda Cave, Perm Territory

The longest underwater cave in Russia and the whole of Eurasia, situated under the western Urals, is a popular cave diving destination. It stretches 4,600 meters underwater.

92. Glass Beach, Vladivostok

Glass Beach

There was once a landfill nearby and this stretch of the coast was not particularly popular with the locals. Years later, the tides have polished glass bottles to such a degree that they look like this .

93. Tyatya Volcano, Kuril Islands

Tyatya Volcano

This is an active "volcano inside a volcano" (it has two cones, an old and a young one) located on Kunashir Island. It last erupted in 1973. The crater sometimes emits poisonous vapors and bears can often be spotted at the foot of the volcano.  

94. City of the Dead, North Ossetia- Alania

City of the Dead

This is the oldest crypt in the North Ossetian mountains. The necropolis has approximately 10,000 remains and attracts hundreds of tourists every year.

95. Church of the Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God, Voronezh Region

Church of the Sicilian Icon of the Mother of God

It’s not known for sure whose idea it was to carve out a chapel from a chalk mountain: perhaps hermit monks or Christians who fled from persecution in the Byzantium time? Nowadays this unusual church is a protected building.

96. Zhivopisny Most, Moscow

Zhivopisny Most

This bright red bridge spanning over the Serebryany Bor forest park in northwest Moscow has a suspended capsule at the top, which has still not found a use.

97. Football pitch in Moscow Region

Football pitch in Moscow Region

This football pitch in the midst of a forest - in Meshchersky Park outside Moscow - will appeal even to those who have no intention of playing football there.

98. Aq Qaya White Rock, Crimea

Aq Qaya White Rock

This 325-meter tall cliff in the Belogorsky District is a popular filming location, which is not surprising given that this place could be somewhere in Puerto Rico.

99. Tauric Chersonese, Sevastopol

Tauric Chersonese

This ancient polis on the southwestern coast of Crimea was founded by the Greeks. Some 2,000 years on, its ruins are still a beautiful sight.

100. Trans-Siberian Railway, anywhere

Trans-Siberian Railway

Eight time zones, 87 cities, 5,700 miles across two continents – this route is often described as "the adventure of a lifetime." The price is spending a week on a train. But it appears that it’s worth it.

If using any of Russia Beyond's content, partly or in full, always provide an active hyperlink to the original material.

to our newsletter!

Get the week's best stories straight to your inbox

• Here’s why you need to visit Altai (VIDEO)
• 10 surprising facts about Moscow
• Souvenirs, a fake Kremlin, craft food: Your ultimate guide to Izmailovo Market
• A step-by-step guide to visiting Russia

This website uses cookies. Click here to find out more.

Sign Up Today

Start your 14 day free trial today

The History Hit Miscellany of Facts, Figures and Fascinating Finds

10 Fantastic Historic Sites in Russia

Known for its vast landscape, turbulent history and striking buildings, russia is brimming with historic sites. here's our pick of 10 historical sites that make for essential visiting..

Lucy Davidson

21 jan 2021, @lucejuiceluce.

By far the world’s largest country, Russia covers a large swathe of land over eastern Europe and northern Asia. Historically, it is known for its socialist dictators and bloody revolutions which have seen its royal family deposed and the country industrialised. Later involvement in brutal wars on the world stage has been reflected in the minds of famous writers, philosophers and artists who are some of the most prominent in history.

Out of the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991 has emerged a Russia which is home to a fascinating number of sites which attest to the country’s turbulent history. Here’s our pick of 10 of the very best.

What are the best Historic Sites in Russia?

1. St Basil’s Cathedral

St Basil’s Cathedral is a strikingly ornate red brick building bordering Moscow’s Red Square. Crowned with several vividly coloured domes, the cathedral bears a striking resemblance in shape to flames licking at the sky.

Today, St Basil’s Cathedral is a popular tourist destination and is a focal point of Moscow’s world renowned Red Square. It contains some interesting medieval paintings and today forms part of the State History Museum. Visitors can also see the resting place of Saint Basil himself. Outside St Basil’s Cathedral is a platform from which the tsar would announce executions and general orders.

2. The Kremlin

The Kremlin is an iconic symbol of Russian statehood and forms the seat of its political power. Characterised by colourful domes and opulent buildings, this vast triangular shaped complex spans an area of around 28 hectares and includes several beautiful palaces, numerous churches, and even armouries and a medieval fortress. The Kremlin offers visitors a plethora of incredible sites. Many of these, including the Cathedral of the Assumption, are contained in Cathedral Square. Many of Russia’s important religious leaders are buried here.

Beyond its religious sites, the Kremlin has much to offer the history enthusiast, notably in its Armoury which contains a myriad of exhibits relating to Russian culture, including ceremonial clothing of the tsars, Faberge eggs, the chalice of the founder of Moscow, Yuri Dolgoruky and, next door, the stunning Orlov Diamond which measures a staggering 190 carats.

3. Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood

The Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is one of St Petersburg’s most impressive churches. With multicoloured onion domes reminiscent of St Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow, the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood is a breath-taking sight both outside and within its ornately decorated walls.

The church has had a varied history, from its original consecration and veneration to being looted and damaged in the aftermath of the Russian Revolution and being used as a storage facility for the deceased during the Second World War, and later as a potato storage facility. It was only in the 1970s that the church was reopened and in 1997, after 27 years of renovation, that it was returned to its former glory.

4. Lenin’s Mausoleum

Lenin’s Mausoleum is the final resting place of one of Russia’s most famous and ruthless leaders, Vladimir Lenin. Lenin’s Mausoleum borders Moscow’s Red Square.

Lenin died of a stroke on 22 January 1924 and his body was soon embalmed. Lenin’s mausoleum was built in Red Square to house his mummified corpse, initially as a wooden structure, and later as a more permanent building. Today, Lenin’s Mausoleum is a popular tourist attraction, despite the rumours that his body has since been replaced with a fake.

5. Red Square

Red Square is a public plaza in Moscow in Russia and one of the most famous squares in the world. In fact, it is of such historical importance that it is a UNESCO World Heritage historic site. Originally intended to be a marketplace for the city, the name “Red Square” derives from the fact that the Russian word “krasnaya” means both “beautiful” and “red”. Red Square itself is more black than red, owing to its dark cobblestones and spans an area of approximately 74 metres squared.

Today, Red Square is a tourist hotspot and one of the first places visitors frequent on their travels around Russia. This is due in large part to the Red Square’s central location and impressive surroundings. It is bordered by several sites of historical importance, including Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State History Museum, St. Basil’s Cathedral and, of course, the Kremlin.

6. Stalingrad Battlefield

Stalingrad Battlefield was the site of one of the most important and bloodiest battles of the Second World War. The Battle of Stalingrad, which took place from July 1942 and February 1943, was the most important of the standoffs between Germany and the USSR and is commonly thought of as the turning point in the war.

Those wanting to see Stalingrad Battlefield today can view remnants of the clash throughout Volgograd, from destroyed buildings to museums about the battle. The most prominent memorial showing Stalingrad Battlefield is the Mamayev Kurgan statue and complex.

7. The Hermitage

The Hermitage is a vast museum complex in St. Petersburg housing around three million historic and archaeological artefacts, paintings, sculptures, numismatics, and other works. It is one of world’s most well-renowned museums, with an astonishing array of exhibits ranging from the art and culture of ancient civilisations such as the Romans, Greeks and those of the Orient, to Western European art and Numismatic coins.

With so much to see, it’s probably best to join in one of the tours, available in many European languages including in English. For those wishing to see the Staraya Derevnya Restoration and Storage Centre, visits must be booked in advance and must be by guided tour.

8. Church of the Ascension

The Church of the Ascension is a sixteenth century church in Kolomenskoye built by Prince Vasili III to celebrate the long anticipated birth of the heir to the Russian throne, Ivan IV Vasilyevich. Ivan, who was born on 25 August 1530, would become known as Ivan the Terrible.

Now dominating Kolomenskoye, a former royal estate in Moscow’s suburbs, the Church of the Ascension is a white stone structure characterized by its tent roofs and Renaissance details on a cross-shaped base.

9. Perm 36 Gulag

Perm-36 was one of many Gulags established under the Soviet regime of Joseph Stalin and the best-preserved of its kind. Essentially, Gulags were forced labour or concentration camps for prisoners of the state, including criminals and political prisoners such as human rights activists and anyone deemed to be opposed to the state.

Perm-36 was only closed down in 1988. In the period after Stalin’s death in 1953, Perm-36 was initially used as a prison for those in his regime convicted of crimes carried out under his rule and later for law-enforcement officials convicted of “traditional” crimes. Political prisoners also continued to be interned there. Today, the Perm-36 Museum offers tours of the former camp as well as exhibits about its history.

10. The Peter and Paul Fortress

The Peter and Paul Fortress was the first building or structure built by Peter the Great in the city of St Petersburg.

The fortress has been a museum since 1924 and part of the St Petersburg UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. It contains several small museums and exhibits.

35 Famous Landmarks Of Russia (with photos)

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

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-

• 35 fascinating facts about Russia
• What is red tourism and why is it growing so fast?
• 21 Best Croatian Beaches
• Harbin Ice and Snow Festival | 1 week Harbin and Snow Town Itinerary
• 50 Epic Landmarks In China

Liked this article? Click to share!

Top Things to Do in Russia

Places to visit in russia.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3rd Transport Ring (TTK)
• District Central (TsAO)
• Garden Ring
• Boulevard Ring
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Couples
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Honeymoon spot
• Hidden Gems
• Adventurous
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

48751. Night Club MAX

48752. myata lounge.

48756. Salon MTS

48757. nbmx motocross school, 48758. reddot, 48759. hookahplace far east, 48760. lasertag club lazeika, 48761. biart style space.

48762. Lasso Picasso

48763. Victory Park Named After V. V. Talalikhin

48764. Monument to Film Director Ye. Karelov

48765. sports city.

48766. Midas Cyber Lounge

48767. Yolka Lounge Na Kryshe

48768. obelisk of the fallen in the war 1941-1945, 48769. loft pub, 48770. kontrast spa, 48771. muzey magistral'nogo transporta gaza.

48772. Crazy House

48773. zvenigovskaya eiffel tower.

48774. Crazy Cart

48775. another world.

48776. Star Karaoke Bar

48777. Lyuteratura

48778. V Klochya

48779. fudmoll "privoz".

48780. WeGoTrip Moscow | In-App Audio Tours

U.S. soldier detained in Russia and accused of stealing, officials say

A U.S. soldier was detained in Russia last week, a U.S. Army spokesperson said in a statement.

The soldier, Staff Sgt. Gordon Black, had been stationed in South Korea and traveled to Russia on his own, not on official business, according to four U.S. officials.

He had finished his deployment and was heading back to the U.S. when he made a side trip to Vladivostok, Russia, to visit a woman he was romantically involved with, officials said. They added that he had traveled there without permission from his superiors and that he is being held in pretrial confinement.

The soldier is accused of stealing from a woman, the officials said. It was not immediately clear whether it was the same woman he was visiting.

The soldier was detained Thursday, U.S. Army spokesperson Cynthia O. Smith said in a statement.

Smith said the soldier was apprehended in Vladivostok "on charges of criminal misconduct."

"The Russian Federation notified the U.S. Department of State of the criminal detention in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations," Smith said. "The Army notified his family and the U.S. Department of State is providing appropriate consular support to the Soldier in Russia. Given the sensitivity of this matter, we are unable to provide additional details at this time."

Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee, said he is "deeply concerned" by reports that a soldier was detained in Russia."Putin has a long history of holding American citizens hostage," McCaul said in a post shared on X . "A warning to all Americans—as the State Department has said, it is not safe to travel to Russia."

Current travel guidance from the U.S. State Department restricts travel for citizens to Russia. "Exercise increased caution due to the risk of wrongful detentions," according to the State Department advisory. The Defense Department also restricts travel for Pentagon personnel.

Black is one of a number of Americans detained in Russia, including several civilians.

Arrests of Americans in Russia have increased as the relationship between the two countries has sunk to Cold War lows, The Associated Press reported . The U.S. has accused Russia of targeting Americans and using them as bargaining chips, according to the AP.

Among the most prominent U.S. citizens to be detained are Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, who was jailed last March , and former Marine Paul Whelan, who was arrested in 2018. The U.S. government has said that both Gershkovich and Whelan are wrongfully detained.

WNBA star Brittney Griner spent 10 months in Russian penal colonies for drug-related charges but was released  in a  rare prisoner exchange  for Russian arms dealer Viktor Bout in 2022.

Courtney Kube is a correspondent covering national security and the military for the NBC News Investigative Unit.

Mosheh Gains is a Pentagon producer for NBC News.

Homeward How

15 Of The Most Isolated Places On Earth

Posted: January 16, 2024 | Last updated: February 13, 2024

Oymyakon, Russia

This town in Russia is one of the coldest places on earth, its average temperature is a whopping -58, frostbite can occur within a matter of a few minutes here. It is home to approximately 500 people, who spend 21 hours out of their day living in complete darkness. Due to it's the frigid weather its residents are unable to grow crops, they rely heavily on frozen fish, reindeer meat, and macaroni to sustain their diets.

To get to this remote location you will need to travel by plane to the nearest town, about 560 miles away from Oymyakon and then drive on the road that natives affectionately call "The Road of Bones".

Siwa Oasis, Egypt

Despite being isolated in the middle of the Egyptian desert, Siwa truly is the diamond in the rough.

Those who visit this hidden oasis boast its beauty in both its culture and experiences. Spending their days immersing themselves in the Siwi peoples culture, listening to their unique language, eating locally grown dates and olives, or taking a dip in Cleopatra's mineral spring bath.

Ittoqqortoormiit, Greenland

This quaint little town in Greenland called Ittoqqortoormiit is home to 450 residents. So remote that in order to visit you will need to catch a ride on a helicopter.

Those that live there enjoy an array of activities including camping, watching the northern lights,dog sledding, and hiking the tundra. Despite its icy existence it is a true wonder of the world and a bucket list destination for many.

Socotra Island, Yemen

Although not as remote as some of the others on this list, Socotra Island is hands down one of the most unique places in the world!

It is home to over 800 rare plants, including the native Dragon's Blood Tree which is known for its blood-red colored sap. The island is on the Gulf of Aden in Yemen and is home to 40,000 people, however it is slow to progress, building its first ever road in 2011. If exploring otherworldly landscapes and basking on pristine beaches is your thing, then a visit to the isolated Island of Socotra is for you.

La Rinconada, Peru

This little town can be found three miles up in the mountainous province of Puno, Peru, right next to a gold mine. It is noted as being the highest city in the world, and it is also one of the most poverty stricken, with the majority of its residents living below the poverty line.

It lacks many basic amenities such as running water and a sewer system, yet is still home to close to 30,000 people. To reach the city you will have to brave a 6 hour ride on unpaved rugged roads, most likely in the back of a local's old beat up truck, there are no bus routes or transit services that go to La Rinconada. Isolated is an understatement.

Palmerston, Cook Islands

Palmerston is a small island with a lagoon in the Pacific Ocean. Its stunning landscape of white sandy beaches and isolated existence is the basis of its appeal.

Although rough seas make it less accessible, creating difficulty for those who might want to visit. The island is only visited by a cargo ship with supplies maybe twice a year, it only has two phones on the entire island, and a whole 62 residents. It is the epitome of a well hidden gem.

Supai, Arizona

If you want to visit Supai, Arizona you will need to be comfortable riding horses, hiking eight miles, or hitching a ride on a helicopter. It is such a remote village that it is the only place in the United States that the mail is delivered by a mule!

It is predominantly occupied by an ancient tribe called the Havasupai; they have lived in this canyon for centuries. What it lacks in convenience it makes up for in character, featuring beautiful turquoise waterfalls, red rock canyons, and the pools of Havasu Creek.

Bantam Village, Cocos Islands

Batam Village, Cocos Island in Australia is home to approximately 448 people to which most are Cocos Maylays. It's extremely rich in culture, and thanks to its extreme isolation its people have been able to protect their native language and religious beliefs.

Being located in a tropical latitude means the Island has warm and consistent temperatures year round, adding even more to its general appeal. Isolated yes, mundane I think not.

Torshavn, Faroe Islands

Torshavn is definitely a bustling city yet still has its small town values. It is the capital of Faroe Island and also the tiniest capital city in the entire world, though it be tiny it is mighty!

The city is known for its hospitality, and its locals take a lot of pride in their home and historical roots.

Coober Pedy, Australia

Coober Pedy is somewhere you would expect to only see on the big screen, with most of its residents living underground to get away from the blistering heat.

It is located in the outback of Australia, mostly known for being the largest producer of opals in the whole world. It truly is a place of wonder and history.

Iqaluit, Nunavut, Canada

Iqaluit is located in the Everett Mountains of Canada, it was known as Frobisher Bay from 1942 till 1987 when traditional Inuktitut name was given back.

You can catch the northern lights, watch the Arctic Winter Games, or walk the famous "Road to Nowhere" if you take the trek to Iqaluit, Nunavut.

Changtang, Tibet

Changtang is a well protected area, so much so, you need a permit in order to enter. It is a vast plateau at an extremely high altitude and is the second largest nature preserve in the world.

The people of this land known as Changpa are nomadic herders, they live in extremely unpredictable and harsh weather conditions, yet the plateau has over half a million inhabitants. Changtang gives isolation and entirely new meaning.

Villa Las Estrellas, Antarctica

Villa las Estrellas Villa Las Estrellas (Spanish for 'Star Town') is one of only two permanent settlements in the Antarctic. Getting to it takes a long two day boat journey from Ushuaia, Argentina.

If you choose to visit, be sure to pop into the local gym and souvenir shop.

Barrow, Alaska

Barrow, Alaska is just an hour and half flight away from Anchorage, Alaska. Despite its close proximity it feels like it's a million miles away from anywhere, there are no roads that lead to Barrow making it a very contained space.

Because it is at the very top of Alaska it experiences some pretty severe extremes, the most notable being 65 days of straight darkness during the winter. It takes a special person to live in a place like Barrow, can you imagine not seeing the sun for 65 days?

Tristan da Cunha, British Overseas Territory

Tristan da Cunha is home to a population of 258 people, all sharing one of only seven surnames. It is a volcanic isle in the middle of the South Atlantic, and is said to be the most remote island chain in the world.

If you would like to visit you will need to strategically plan your trip and hop aboard one of the three ships that make nine trips to the isle each year.

More for You

Miss Teen USA resigns two days after Miss USA: ‘My personal values no longer fully align’

‘He liked to use the Oxford comma’ – Trump aide reveals how he crafted his ‘signature’ tweets

20 Movie Villains Who Were Right All Along

Suze Orman: 8 Money Mistakes You Can’t Afford To Make

China's military confronts US ship in South China Sea

The Best Way to Cook Sweet Potatoes, According to a Pro Cook

Meet the typical HENRY: Urban 32-year-olds with no kids who make a six-figure income and have a college degree

Zelensky sacks bodyguard chief after foiled assassination plot

New 'Dream Team'? USA basketball unveils 2024 Paris Olympics roster

Comedian Nikki Glaser dishes on awkward interaction with Tom Brady after roast: 'He was out of there'

15 Unnecessary Expenses to Cut out of Your Budget Today

How to Make Chocolate Magic Cake

‘I’ve sacrificed my career’: My husband and I may divorce soon, but he will inherit $1 million. How do I make sure I get half?

The doomed quest of the ‘last great explorer’ to find a mystical city in the Amazon rainforest

Donald Trump Lawyers' Mistake-Filled Week

Wildly Weird Facts About 24 Popular Movies

An AI Photo of Katy Perry at the Met Went Viral and Fooled Everyone

Mavericks coach says players don't want to play with Luka Doncic

20 Cleaning Secrets Only Car Detailers Know

20 chocolate cake recipes for the ultimate decadent dessert

• Live In The D
• Newsletters

A bus plunges off a bridge in the Russian city of St. Petersburg, killing 7 people

Associated Press

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Emergency responders work to recover victims of a bus crash in St. Petersburg, Russia, Friday, May 10, 2024. Authorities in St. Petersburg say that at least one person died and five others were hospitalized with injuries when a bus fell off a bridge in St. Petersburg. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)

ST. PETERSBURG – A bus veered off a bridge and plunged into a river on Friday in St. Petersburg , Russia’s second-largest city, killing seven people, officials said.

The Investigative Committee, Russia’s top criminal investigations body, reported the death toll. It did not state how many others were injured, but the emergencies ministry earlier said that six people removed from the bus were in critical or serious condition.

Recommended Videos

Russian news reports said there were 15 people on the city bus when it broke through a barrier and plunged into the Moika River in central St. Petersburg. Six of those who were onboard climbed out of the water on their own.

A surveillance video released by the Russian media showed the bus driving fast, making a sharp turn onto the bridge and colliding with another vehicle before breaking through the barrier and falling into the water.

Authorities in St. Petersburg said that the owner of the bus had been fined 23 times for various violations. Private companies run most of the city's bus services.

The bus driver was detained by police. His wife was quoted by Russian media as saying that managers forced him to work a morning shift after working for 20 hours the previous day and getting virtually no rest.

Authorities opened a criminal investigation into alleged traffic violations and unsafe travel services.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Click here to take a moment and familiarize yourself with our Community Guidelines.

Arrested US soldier to be held for two months in Russia on theft charges

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. Army soldier arrested in Russia last week was being held in a pretrial detention facility, the Army said Tuesday. Russian reports said he would be held for two months pending an investigation.

Staff Sgt. Gordon Black flew to Vladivostok, a Pacific port city, to see his girlfriend and was arrested after she accused him of stealing from her, according to U.S. officials and Russian police.

The Army confirmed Tuesday that he had not sought clearance for the international travel and it was not authorized by the Defense Department. Under Pentagon policy, service members must get clearance for any international travel from a security manager or commander and that was not done.

The State Department strongly advises U.S. citizens not to go to Russia, and given the war in Ukraine and ongoing threats to the U.S. and its military, it is extremely unlikely he would have been granted approval.

The regional branch of the Russian Interior Ministry said in a statement Tuesday that Black and his girlfriend had a conflict and she reported him to the police, claiming that she found cash missing after he stayed with her.

The statement said Black was arrested at a hotel in Vladivostok.

Russian media reports quoted Elena Oleneva, a spokesperson for Vladivostok courts, as saying the city’s Pervomaisky District Court on Friday ordered Grant held in custody until July 2. He faces up to five years in prison if convicted.

The U.S. Army is also conducting an administrative investigation into what happened.

Black was on leave and in the process of returning to his home base at Fort Cavazos in Texas from South Korea, where he had been stationed at Camp Humphreys with the Eighth Army. The U.S. officials said Black, who is married, met his girlfriend in South Korea. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss personnel details.

“Official and leave travel is currently restricted pursuant to the DoD Foreign Clearance Guide.” said Cynthia Smith, an Army spokeswoman, adding that “There is no evidence Black intended to remain in Russia” after his leave time ended.

Smith said Black enlisted in the Army in 2008, and deployed to Iraq from October 2009 through September 2010, and to Afghanistan from June 2013 until March 2014. He is an infantry soldier.

According to Smith, Black signed out for his move back home and, “instead of returning to the continental United States, Black flew from Incheon, Republic of Korea, through China to Vladivostok, Russia, for personal reasons.”

According to the U.S. officials, the Russian woman had lived in South Korea, and last fall she and Black got into some type of domestic dispute or altercation. After that, she left South Korea. It isn’t clear if she was forced to leave or what, if any, role Korean authorities had in the matter.

Smith said that an official from the Russian Interior Ministry informed the U.S. Embassy in Moscow on Friday that Black was arrested on Thursday in Vladivostok, “for theft of personal property.” The embassy and Eighth Army notified Black’s family of his arrest.

Russia is known to be holding a number of Americans in its jails, including corporate security executive Paul Whelan and Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich. The U.S. government has designated both as wrongfully detained and has been trying to negotiate for their release.

Others detained include Travis Leake , a musician who had been living in Russia for years and was arrested last year on drug-related charges; Marc Fogel, a teacher in Moscow, who was sentenced to 14 years in prison, also on drug charges; and dual nationals Alsu Kurmasheva and Ksenia Khavana .

The arrest comes less than a year after American soldier Travis King sprinted into North Korea across the heavily fortified border between the Koreas. North Korea later announced that it would expel King , who was returned to the U.S. He was eventually charged with desertion.

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.

WSAZ obtains documents, audio, whistleblower letter in alleged Boone Co. neglect case

Women charged after incapacitated child found living among waste

Man wanted, woman arrested in stabbing

Road reopens after crash in Kanawha County

Northern Lights dazzle the Tri-State

Latest news.

Man gets boat painted on fence that city made him put up to hide it

Man who had boat mural painted on fence says he's 'not a rule-breaker'

Dozens arrested as police clear Pro-Palestine encampment at University of Pennsylvania

Michael Cohen is next on witness stand when Trump hush money trial resumes

Quintuplets all graduating from the same college on the same day

2024 Champions League final: All you need to know

Friday, May 10, 2024

Article summary

The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final will take place at London's historic Wembley Stadium.

Article top media content

Article body

The best of the best will be crowned on the ultimate stage when the 2023/24 UEFA Champions League season concludes at London's prestigious Wembley Stadium on Saturday 1 June.

This is the 69th season of Europe's elite club competition and the 32nd since it was renamed the UEFA Champions League.

Who is playing in the Champions League final?

Borussia Dortmund were first to confirm their place in the final with a 2-0 aggregate victory over Paris Saint-Germain . They will take on 14-time champions Real Madrid, who secured their own ticket to London with a dramatic 4-3 aggregate victory over Bayern München .

Where is the Champions League final?

The highlight of European football's club calendar returns to the London venue for a record eighth time, and the third in the UEFA Champions League era following the 2011 and 2013 finals.

Wembley has undergone a massive transformation since it hosted the last old-style European Champion Clubs' Cup final in 1992 , the famous twin towers arena making way for a new venue symbolised by the gigantic arch. Boasting a seated capacity of around 90,000, the new Wembley reopened its doors in 2007 and is once again home to the England national side, as well as host to the nation's premier domestic cup finals.

Wembley Stadium also hosted all three of England's Group D games at UEFA EURO 2020 , as well as two round of 16 matches, both semi-finals and the final itself , with the hosts only denied their maiden triumph in the competition on penalties against Italy. The outcome was more successful for England at UEFA Women's EURO 2022, as the Lionesses overcame Germany 2-1 after extra time to become European champions for the first time.

How to watch the Champions League final

Details of where to watch the Champions League final will appear here.

Is there extra time and penalties in the Champions League final?

Yes. If the score is level at the end of normal time, two 15-minute periods of extra time are played. If one of the teams scores more goals than the other during extra time, that team is declared the winner. If the score remains level after extra time, the winner is determined by a penalty shoot-out.

Who is the referee for the Champions League final?

The refereeing team will be announced in the lead-up to the final.

What do the Champions League winners get?

The UEFA Champions League trophy stands 73.5cm tall and weighs 7.5kg. "It may not be an artistic masterpiece, but everybody in football is keen to get their hands on it," said creator Jürg Stadelmann.

The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League winners will also automatically qualify for next season's league phase if they do not earn a place via their domestic league position.

Champions League winner rebalancing

What happens if the UEFA Champions League winners have also qualified for the league phase via their domestic league position?

Lastly, the European champions also earn the right to play against the winners of the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup in Warsaw, Poland .

Who's performing at the Friday Night Show?

Rudimental will headline the first Friday Night Show in five years on 31 May to kick off UEFA Champions League final weekend in London .

Staged in in collaboration with Rockstar Energy Drink®, the Friday Night Show will take place at an iconic central London location, with Rudimental the main attraction on what promises to be an unforgettable music experience ahead of the biggest event in world club football.

Where are the other 2024 club competition finals?

2024 Europa League final : Dublin Arena, Dublin, Republic of Ireland 2024 Women's Champions League final : San Mamés Stadium, Bilbao, Spain 2024 Europa Conference League final : AEK Arena, Athens, Greece

Where is the 2025 Champions League final?

Top Attractions in Russia

Tours & Sightseeing

Walking & Biking Tours

Private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

Ukraine war latest updates: Ukrainian drone and rocket attack repelled, Russia says - as civilians flee after Kharkiv assault

Russia has said a Ukrainian attack overnight involving drones and rockets has been repelled. It follows a surprise offensive by Russia on Kharkiv on Friday morning, which killed at least two civilians and injured five others.

Saturday 11 May 2024 10:53, UK

• Civilians being evacuated in Vovchansk, in Kharkiv, after Friday morning's surprise attack by Putin's military 
• Sky's Deborah Haynes witnesses terror in attacked town as evacuations under way
• Analysis:  Russia's attack in Kharkiv region not a complete surprise - but the force of it is
• Russia says it downed Ukrainian rockets and drones overnight
• Ed Conway :  Russian oil still seeping into UK - the reasons why sanctions are not working
• Live reporting by Jake Levison

Our military analyst Sean Bell has been looking at Russia's brutal offensive in Kharkiv, which has led to mass evacuations.

It's been described as a surprise attack - but Bell says Ukraine has been warning over a potential attack by Russia in the region for several months.

"So it wasn't a complete surprise," he says. "But this attack by Russia wasn't just a minor thing - it was a coordinated attack.

"They were using air power, so glide bombs, artillery shells, multi-launch rocket systems and infantry."

He says the attack was clearly designed to "probe Ukrainian defences" and Russia has now made advances, with between 30,000 and 50,000 troops in the area.

Why has Russia opened up a second front in the war?

While Bell says it's a question only president Putin could answer for certain, he believes there are two likely reasons for Russia's latest attack.

First, the Russian border town of Belgorod is a logistics hub for Russian military activity, and is regularly targeted by artillery from Ukrainian territory.

As you'll see from our previous post, Russia said Ukraine targeted Belgorod just last night, killing one man and injuring another in a drone attack.

President Putin has long promised to create a buffer zone to push Ukrainian forces out of artillery range, which would limit the attacks on this frontier town, Bell says.

Secondly, although most analysts believe Russia would struggle to seize Kharkiv, the attack does force Ukraine to spread its limited resources across a broader front, leaving it more vulnerable to further attacks, he adds.

Earlier this morning we told you Russia said it downed 21 Ukrainian rockets and 16 drones overnight across its Belgorod, Kursk and Volgograd regions.

The governor of Russia's Belgorod region now says one man was killed and another injured after a Ukrainian drone hit a parked truck on the border village of Novostroyevka-Pervaya.

The Belgorod region borders Ukraine's Kharkiv region and has come under regular attack since the war began.

Kharkiv's regional governor has provided an update on Telegram this morning, where he's outlined how many civilians have fled their homes since Russia's attack yesterday.

Ukraine's second-largest city has seen a total of 1,775 people evacuate, Oleg Sinegubov said.

1,048 of those were from the Chuhuiv district, where Vovchansk is located. As we said earlier, Vovchansk has a population of around 3,000.

He said another 440 people were evacuated from the Kharkiv district, which encircles the city of Kharkiv, and 12 from Bohodukhiv district, located northwest of Kharkiv.

He added another 275 people were evacuated by volunteers across the region.

By Deborah Haynes , security and defence editor

Smoke hung in the air on the road into the border town of Vovchansk in northeastern Ukraine after a surprise Russian offensive.

Woodland that frames the route had caught fire amid the heavy bombardments.

Sky News followed a rescue team as they raced into Vovchansk in a white van to help evacuate residents amid fears of a wider assault by Moscow.

The streets in the part of the town we entered were largely deserted.

We pulled into a residential road of bungalows.

Part the way down there was a group of five elderly residents, gathered around a bench. They did not appear to be in a hurry to flee, despite the danger and warnings from the authorities for the town's around 3,000 residents to leave.

Read more here ...

Moving away from the Russian offensive in Kharkiv for a moment.

Russia's defence ministry says it has repelled a string of Ukrainian attacks on its territory, using drones and rocket artillery.

In a statement posted on Telegram, the ministry said its forces had downed 21 rockets and 16 drones across Russia's Belgorod, Kursk and Volgograd regions.

Ukraine is yet to comment on the reported attack.

People living in Vovchansk say despite the conflict continuing for over two years they've never seen anything like the barrage from drones, missiles, and artillery fire.

Its population of 3,000 have been evacuating the town, and its mayor Tamaz Gambarashvili reiterated they "haven't seen such a level of shelling".

Speaking directly to the Russian military, he said: "Enough killing people, enough destruction… You need to stop this war."

Here are some images showing residents on their way out of town yesterday.

It was at around 5am yesterday that Russian forces sprung a surprise attack near Vovchansk - barely 10km from the neighbouring Belgorod Oblast. 

The defence ministry in Kyiv said Russia's attack used "guided aerial bombs and artillery".

It's been described as one of Russia's fiercest attacks since the war broke out more than two years ago, with two killed and at least five wounded in the onslaught.

Fighting has been taking place in parts of the northeastern region, and Ukrainian officials have claimed Russian troops have advanced by 1km. 

Hello and welcome back to our coverage of the war in Ukraine.

Yesterday morning Russia launched a surprise offensive in northeastern Ukraine, killing at least two civilians and injuring five others.

Ukrainian officials have been helping civilians evacuate the border town of Vovchansk due to the heavy shelling.

In last night's address, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his top commander Oleksandr Syrskyi had reported to him that "heavy fighting" was taking place all along the more than 1,000-km (600-mile) frontline.

Before we press on with updates from today, here's a look at other major events from the past day:

The Ukrainian military launched a strike and triggered a fire near an oil storage depot in the occupied Luhansk region yesterday morning, with Russian officials saying three people were killed and seven others injured;

Ukraine officials say the country expects to receive the first US-made F-16 fighter jets this summer to help it counter Russian air threats;

Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked Joe Biden after a $400m military aid package was announced by the US. 

We're pausing our coverage of the Ukraine war for today. 

We'll be back with any major updates overnight, and we'll resume our regular live updates tomorrow morning. 

Thanks for following along. 

In our previous post, we told you about a reported Ukrainian strike on the occupied region of Luhansk. 

Now, Russian news agencies have quoted officials as saying three people have been killed and seven others have been injured. 

According to Russian state media, the attack triggered a large fire at an oil storage depot in the region.

"The enemy opened fire on the peaceful city of Rovenky," Russia installed regional Governor Leonid Pasechnik wrote on Telegram. 

"Because of the shelling, the oil depot was engulfed by flames and nearby houses were damaged."

Ukrainian bloggers and Telegram channels reported the strike, saying the oil depot was directly hit. 

It was the second such attack in three days.

On Wednesday, an attack on an oil depot in the regional centre of Luhansk injured five people.

Mr Pasechnik reported at least one of the dead was an employee at the depot. 

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free

Top Russia Attractions

Things to do in russia, explore popular experiences, popular cities in russia.

Top Attractions in Russia

Tours & Sightseeing

Walking & Biking Tours

Private & custom tours, what travellers are saying.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Russia-Ukraine war: UK to expel Russian defence attache, who it claims is ‘undeclared military intelligence officer’ – as it happened

Several Russian diplomatic premises that UK believes have been used by Russian intelligence also closed. This live blog is closed

• 3d ago Closing summary
• 3d ago Russian deputy defence minister kept in pre-trial detention over bribery charges
• 3d ago UK to expel Russian defence attache, who it claims is 'undeclared military intelligence officer'
• 3d ago Afternoon summary
• 3d ago Russia claims to have captured two villages in Ukraine
• 3d ago Kremlin plays down Ukraine claim of foiled plot to kill Zelenskiy
• 3d ago Overnight Russian attack could lead to power cuts, Ukraine's grid operator says
• 3d ago Russia attacks gas storage facility in Ukraine's Lviv region, governor says

Kremlin plays down Ukraine claim of foiled plot to kill Zelenskiy

The Kremlin said it had no comment on Ukrainian assertions that Kyiv caught Russian agents plotting the assassination of president Volodymyr Zelenskiy , but said that it was hardly likely to be accurate information.

Ukraine’s state security service said on Tuesday it caught two agents for Russia who planned to kill Zelenskiy and other top officials as “a gift” for Russian president Vladimir Putin as he was sworn in for a new term.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said he had no comment on the assertion but added that was unlikely to be accurate information.

Closing summary

The European Union has reached a deal to seize profits from Russia’s frozen assets to fund weapons and aid for Ukraine , overcoming a hitch about a tax windfall for Belgium. EU senior diplomats meeting on Wednesday agreed a compromise on using the €4.4bn windfall profits to aid Ukraine, smoothing over a dispute about taxation and management costs in Belgium, the country where most of the frozen assets are held.

Ukraine said it was producing the same number of deep strike drones as Russia, claiming to have reached parity on a key type of weapon that Moscow has used for long-range attacks for much of its invasion. Unable to rapidly match Russia’s vast arsenal of cruise and ballistic missiles, Kyiv has focused on developing and producing long-range drones so it can hit back at Russia , which has bombed Ukraine throughout the 26-month-old invasion, Reuters reported.

Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz has stressed Berlin’s support for a Ukraine peace summit to be held in Switzerland in mid-June during a phone call with president Volodymyr Zelenskiy, a government spokesperson in Berlin said on Wednesday. “The chancellor confirmed his participation and reiterated that Germany actively supported the meeting. They agreed to work towards the broadest possible global participation,” Reuters reports a statement from the spokesperson said.

An “undeclared” Russian military intelligence officer will be expelled from the UK, the home secretary has said, as he also announced the closure of several Russian diplomatic premises. James Cleverly, whose role is the equivalent on an interior minister, told lawmakers in London: “Today in conjunction with the foreign secretary, I am announcing a package of measures to make clear to Russia that we will not tolerate such apparent escalations.”

Poland was targeted by a hacking attack from a Russia-linked group this week, the state-run National Research Institute (NASK) said on Wednesday. “Malware targeting Polish government institutions was distributed this week by the APT28 group, associated with Russia’s intelligence services,” Reuters reports NASK said in a statement.

Tass reports that a Moscow court has kept deputy minister of defence Timur Ivanov in pre-trial detention after he was charged with receiving an exceptionally large bribe. It reports that a judge said “The court decided to leave Ivanov’s appeal without satisfaction, and the decision of the first instance – without change” Ivanov had appealed against his detention. He was arrested on 24 April. The case also involves businessmen Sergei Borodin and Alexander Fomin who are accused by authorities of making a large bribe.

Ukraine says it has foiled a Russian plot to assassinate its president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy , and other senior officials, using a network of agents who were recruited by Vladimir Putin’s domestic spy agency. The SBU state security service in Kyiv said the alleged agents had been instructed to find someone close to the presidential guard. The person would take Zelenskiy prisoner – in his office or when he left the building – and then kill him, the SBU said.

The Kremlin said it had no comment on Ukrainian assertions that Kyiv caught Russian agents plotting the assassination of president Volodymyr Zelenskiy , but said that it was hardly likely to be accurate information. Ukraine’s state security service said on Tuesday it caught two agents for Russia who planned to kill Zelenskiy and other top officials as “a gift” for Russian president Vladimir Putin as he was sworn in for a new term.

Russian forces have taken over the village of Kyslivka in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and the village of Novokalynove in the Donetsk region, Russia’s defence ministry said. It said in a statement that Russian forces hit military and energy facilities in Ukraine with drones and missiles in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Ukraine’s parliament has passed a bill allowing mobilisation of some categories of convicts, lawmakers said. “Those convicted of premeditated murder, rape, sexual violence, and crimes against the national security will not be mobilised,” Oleksiy Honcharenko, one of the parliamentarians, said on Telegram.

Russia said that sending Nato troops into Ukraine would potentially be extremely dangerous, and Moscow was closely watching a Ukrainian petition that called for such an intervention. The petition, posted on the Ukrainian president’s website, says Ukraine should ask the United States, Britain and other countries to send troops to help it repel Russia’s invasion, Reuters reported.

Russia said on Wednesday that the conflict in Ukraine would be over in just two weeks if the West halted military supplies to Kyiv, echoing remarks by the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell. Borrell said earlier this month that Ukraine’s existence depended on the West and that the war would be finished in a couple of weeks if the supply of Western weaponry ended, Reuters reported. Borrell said that he did not want the war to end like that.

Russian missiles and drones struck nearly a dozen Ukrainian critical infrastructure facilities in a major airstrike early on Wednesday, causing serious damage at three Soviet-era thermal power plants, Kyiv officials said. The air force said it shot down 39 of 55 missiles and 20 out of 21 attack drones used in the attack, which piles more pressure on Ukraine’s beleaguered energy system more than two years since Russia launched its full-scale invasion, Reuters reported.

Overnight Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure caused a deficit in grid system which could prompt power cuts in the evening for consumers around the country, Ukraine’s grid operator Ukrenergo said on Wednesday. Hydropower and thermal power plants were damaged in the attack, Ukrenergo said in a statement via the Telegram messaging app.

British allegations of Russian involvement in an arson attack in Britain are absurd and part of an information war against Moscow, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday. Zakharova said Russia considered such allegations provocative and never carried out sabotage attacks against civilian targets, Reuters reported. She was referring to a case in which Britain last month charged a man over alleged hostile state activity intended to benefit Russia, including by allegedly recruiting others for an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in London.

The Kremlin also said that it valued its relations with North Korea, when asked about a report that Russia has been shipping refined petroleum to North Korea at levels that appear to breach a cap set by the United Nations Security Council. “We value our bilateral relations with North Korea and intend to further develop them in all possible areas,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. North Korea, he said, was “our good and very promising partner.”

China’s foreign ministry congratulated Vladimir Putin on his inauguration as president of Russia, according to a spokesperson. “China congratulates president Putin on his inauguration,” said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, noting president Xi Jinping had already sent a congratulatory message to Putin on his re-election.

Russia warned France on Wednesday that if president Emmanuel Macron sent troops to Ukraine then they would be seen as legitimate targets by the Russian military. Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Russia was already seeing growing numbers of French nationals among those killed in the Ukraine war.

India’s federal police said four people linked to a network of human traffickers have been arrested, accused of luring young men to Russia with the promise of lucrative jobs or university admissions only to force them to fight in the war in Ukraine . About 35 Indian men were duped in this manner, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) said in March, Reuters reported.

That’s all from me, Tom Ambrose, and indeed the Ukraine live blog for today. Thanks for following along – see you tomorrow.

The European Union has reached a deal to seize profits from Russia’s frozen assets to fund weapons and aid for Ukraine , overcoming a hitch about a tax windfall for Belgium.

EU senior diplomats meeting on Wednesday agreed a compromise on using the €4.4bn windfall profits to aid Ukraine, smoothing over a dispute about taxation and management costs in Belgium, the country where most of the frozen assets are held.

Euroclear, a clearing house in Brussels, holds €191bn of the €260bn of Russian Central Bank assets that were immobilised by western governments in response to Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In February the clearing house reported €4.4bn interest on the Russian funds and forecast that the Belgium government would reap in €1,085bn in taxes.

The EU - wary of the legal ramifications of seizing the Russian assets - decided it could confiscate the profits, after concluding Moscow had no legal right to these funds. But finding a deal has been complicated by divisions about how to spend the money, Euroclear’s management fees and Belgium’s 25% tax on corporate profits.

Belgium has now said it is “prepared to consider” a voluntary plan to transfer the collected taxes to Ukraine from 2025, according to diplomatic sources. The Belgian climbdown was first reported by Politico.

The Belgian state was already contributing aid to buy weapons for Ukraine, but EU diplomats argued the Russian windfall should be additional not in place of Belgium’s regular Ukraine aid. Ahead of the compromise, one EU diplomat described the profits as “a windfall tax for Belgium” and said counting it towards Belgium’s Ukraine aid should not be allowed: “it is a little unfair because nobody else has Russian money to pay for their aid for Ukraine.”

Meeting on Wednesday, the diplomats whittled down Euroclear’s management fee to 0.3%, down from the original 3% proposed.

EU member states have also reached a compromise to spend 90% of the windfall profits on weapons for Ukraine and the remaining 10% on reconstruction, a split designed to assuage countries including Ireland, Austria and Hungary that cannot or do not wish to fund arms.

Ukraine said it was producing the same number of deep strike drones as Russia, claiming to have reached parity on a key type of weapon that Moscow has used for long-range attacks for much of its invasion.

Unable to rapidly match Russia’s vast arsenal of cruise and ballistic missiles, Kyiv has focused on developing and producing long-range drones so it can hit back at Russia , which has bombed Ukraine throughout the 26-month-old invasion, Reuters reported.

“In 2024, Ukraine caught up with Russia in terms of the production number of kamikaze drones similar to the Shahed-131 and Shahed-136,” Herman Smetanin, head of Ukraine’s state arms manufacturer, told the defence ministry’s media outlet, ArmyInform.

Shahed drones, which Kyiv says were initially procured from Iran before some production was localised in Russia’s Tatarstan region, have become a staple of Russian air strikes since they were first used against Ukraine in the autumn of 2022.

The drones, which are packed with explosives and detonate on impact, are nicknamed “mopeds” by Ukrainians due to the whirring sound of their engines that can be heard flying in the sky.

Smetanin said his comment about production numbers applied to other types of attack drone as well. He gave no figures.

Germany’s chancellor Olaf Scholz has stressed Berlin’s support for a Ukraine peace summit to be held in Switzerland in mid-June during a phone call with president Volodymyr Zelenskiy , a government spokesperson in Berlin said on Wednesday.

“The chancellor confirmed his participation and reiterated that Germany actively supported the meeting. They agreed to work towards the broadest possible global participation,” Reuters reports a statement from the spokesperson said.

The talks are due to be held from 15-16 June near the Swiss city of Lucerne.

Poland was targeted by a hacking attack from a Russia-linked group this week, the state-run National Research Institute (NASK) said on Wednesday.

“Malware targeting Polish government institutions was distributed this week by the APT28 group, associated with Russia’s intelligence services,” Reuters reports NASK said in a statement.

“Technical indicators and similarities to past attacks allowed the identification of the APT28 group.”

Russian deputy defence minister kept in pre-trial detention over bribery charges

Tass reports that a Moscow court has kept deputy minister of defence Timur Ivanov in pre0-trial detention after he was charged with receiving an exceptionally large bribe.

It reports that a judge said “The court decided to leave Ivanov’s appeal without satisfaction, and the decision of the first instance – without change”

Ivanov had appealed against his detention. He was arrested on 24 April. The case also involves businessmen Sergei Borodin and Alexander Fomin who are accused by authorities of making a large bribe.

Tass writes:

The deputy minister denied involvement in receiving a bribe and declared his readiness to give detailed testimony to prove his innocence. The accounts and assets of all defendants in the case were frozen as part of interim measures.

Reuters has a quick snap that Estonia is to summon Russia ’s chargé d’affaires over claims that Russia has been jamming GPS signals over the Baltic sea, which has been affecting thousands of commercial flights .

UK to expel Russian defence attache, who it claims is 'undeclared military intelligence officer'

An “undeclared” Russian military intelligence officer will be expelled from the UK, the home secretary has said, as he also announced the closure of several Russian diplomatic premises.

James Cleverly, whose role is the equivalent on an interior minister, told lawmakers in London: “Today in conjunction with the foreign secretary, I am announcing a package of measures to make clear to Russia that we will not tolerate such apparent escalations.”

PA Media reports he continued:

I can tell the House that we will expel the Russian defence attache, who is an undeclared military intelligence officer. We will remove diplomatic premises status from several Russian-owned properties in the UK, including Seacox Heath house, a Russian-owned property in Sussex, and the trade and defence section in Highgate, which we believe have been used for intelligence purposes. We are imposing new restrictions on Russian diplomatic visas, including capping the length of time Russian diplomats can spend in the UK.

Cleverly said the action followed a pattern of malign activity from Russia across Britain and Europe .

Reuters reports that Russia’s foreign ministry has said it will respond appropriately.

Afternoon summary

Ukraine’s parliament has passed a bill allowing mobilisation of some categories of convicts, lawmakers said.

“Those convicted of premeditated murder, rape, sexual violence, and crimes against the national security will not be mobilised,” Oleksiy Honcharenko, one of the parliamentarians, said on Telegram.

Russia said on Wednesday that the conflict in Ukraine would be over in just two weeks if the West halted military supplies to Kyiv, echoing remarks by the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell.

Borrell said earlier this month that Ukraine’s existence depended on the West and that the war would be finished in a couple of weeks if the supply of Western weaponry ended, Reuters reported. Borrell said that he did not want the war to end like that.

Asked about how to de-escalate the confrontation between Russia and the West, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the West had raised the rhetoric about Russia.

“And what is needed for de-escalation, Borrell said: if you stop supplying Kyiv with weapons, everything will be over in 2 weeks. And here is the de-escalation formula,” she said.

Russia claims to have captured two villages in Ukraine

Russian forces have taken over the village of Kyslivka in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and the village of Novokalynove in the Donetsk region, Russia’s defence ministry said.

It said in a statement that Russian forces hit military and energy facilities in Ukraine with drones and missiles in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy facilities.

Russia said that sending Nato troops into Ukraine would potentially be extremely dangerous, and Moscow was closely watching a Ukrainian petition that called for such an intervention.

The petition, posted on the Ukrainian president’s website, says Ukraine should ask the United States, Britain and other countries to send troops to help it repel Russia’s invasion, Reuters reported.

“The Kyiv regime is quite unpredictable,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about it at his daily briefing.

“We have repeatedly said that direct intervention on the ground in this conflict by the military of Nato countries potentially carries enormous danger, so we consider this an extremely challenging provocation, nothing less, and, of course, we are watching this very carefully.”

It was unclear if the petition would gather the required number of votes - 25,000 - to require president Volodymyr Zelenskiy to respond by either approving or rejecting it. As of Wednesday morning it had attracted 1,594 votes.

British allegations of Russian involvement in an arson attack in Britain are absurd and part of an information war against Moscow, Russian foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Wednesday.

Zakharova said Russia considered such allegations provocative and never carried out sabotage attacks against civilian targets, Reuters reported.

She was referring to a case in which Britain last month charged a man over alleged hostile state activity intended to benefit Russia, including by allegedly recruiting others for an arson attack on a Ukrainian-linked commercial property in London.

Foreign secretary David Cameron has voiced deep concern about the allegations, and his ministry last month summoned Russia’s ambassador to London to express its concern about “Russian orchestrated malign activity on UK soil”.

Zakharova told reporters at her weekly briefing: “We consider the appearance of such provocative materials as the latest salvo in an information war that Downing Street has unleashed against our country.”

“These attempts are pathetic... The accusations made are not only absurd, but also not supported by any facts,” she said, urging Britain to halt its “anti-Russian hysteria”.

• Ukraine war live
• Vladimir Putin
• Volodymyr Zelenskiy

Most viewed