5 places to visit in russia

The Top 15 Places to Visit in Russia

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

St. Petersburg

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

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

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

Arctic Circle (Murmansk)

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

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

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

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

Kamchatka Peninsula

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

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

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

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

Republic of Dagestan

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

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

Lake Baikal

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

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

Nizhny Novgorod

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

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

Vladimir and Suzdal

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

Lena Pillars

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

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

Vladivostok

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

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

Kizhi Island, Karelia

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

Yekaterinburg

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

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

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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.

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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.

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• 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.

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Museum of Wander

12 Incredible Tourist Attractions & Things to do in Russia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ride a T-34 Tank Just Outside Moscow

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

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

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

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

By Lindsey Puls of Have Clothes, Will Travel

See the Northern Lights in Murmansk

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

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

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

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

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

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

Visit Vladimir in the Golden Ring

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

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

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

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

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

By Ellis from Backpack Adventures

Climb Mount Elbrus

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

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

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

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

By Alya & Campbell from Stingy Nomads

Take an Epic Train Ride on the Trans Siberian

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

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

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

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

By Claire from Claire’s Footsteps

Take a Cruise on Lake Baikal

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

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

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

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

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

By Sinead from Map Made Memories

Ride the Circum Baikal Railway

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

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

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

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

By Sarah from ASocialNomad

Visit Kazan, the Third Capital of Russia

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

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

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

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

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

By Kami from My Wanderlust

Eat Like a Russian

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

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

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

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

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

By James Ian from Travel Collecting

Learn About the Romanovs in Pushkin

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Maartje & Sebastiaan from The Orange Backpack

Visit a Buddhist monastery in Siberia

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Nisha & Vasu from Lemonicks

Best places to visit in Russia

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

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

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

Thank you for the beautiful photos and inspiring information.

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

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• Guide to Russia
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The Best 5 Cities to Visit in Russia

What are the best cities to visit in Russia?

• Moscow is one of Russia’s most ancient cities. Culture and history lovers are spoilt for choice with world-famous sites, and can visit lively districts to experience local life.
• St Petersburg is the cultural capital of Russia adorned with countless museums and galleries. Visitors can explore the rivers and boulevards, or head to the suburbs to discover imperial residences.
• Vladivostok is located on the border of Russia and East Asia. The ‘San Francisco’ of Russia has much opportunity for hiking and watersports, and visitors can sample the delicious local cuisine, a fusion between Russian and Asian.
• Irkutsk is located on the edge of Lake Baikal, the largest and deepest lake in the world. Explore its imperial history, culture, and beautifully preserved wooden architecture.
• Visitors to Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan, can discover a magical fusion between Russian and Islamic cultures. Visitors can admire the enchanting architecture, visit the thriving bazaar, and brush up on their knowledge of Russian history.

Russia’s landscape spans from Europe all the way to the Far East, and is home to unparalleled diversity. Tumultuous history and rich culture can be found in each town and city throughout the country. Read on to discover the top 5 cities that you simply can’t miss!

One of Russia’s most ancient cities, Moscow harbours centuries of Russian history and culture. Culture-lovers are spoilt for choice at the Tretiakov Gallery and the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, and can experience a world-renowned performance at the Bolshoi Theatre. Red Square is the largest square in Russia and is fringed by some of the country’s most famous sites - the seat of Russian state power in the Kremlin , the famous coloured cupolas of St Basil’s Cathedral , and the father of the Revolution in Lenin’s Mausoleum. Moscow comprises a number of lively districts and boulevards in which visitors can feel the life and energy of this city, and there is something for everyone. Visitors can admire the cityscape from Sparrow Hills or from the observation deck of Christ the Saviour Cathedral, and get a feel for Moscow’s medley of architecture - from medieval Russian, to imposing Soviet, to sleek skyscrapers. Moscow has excellent transport connections to other Russian cities, and St Petersburg can be reached in under four hours.

Moscow city guide

Saint Petersburg

The seat of Imperial power for three centuries, St Petersburg is Russia’s cultural capital. A fairytale-like city epitomising opulence and elegance and adorned with museums and galleries, you’ll be immersed in culture and history both day and night. Taking pride of place in St Petersburg are the State Hermitage Museum , the second-largest art museum in the world, and the Russian Museum, the largest collection of Russian art in the entire country. Visit St Isaac’s Cathedral , the biggest Orthodox Church in the world, or the Church on Spilled Blood, a masterpiece of Russian architecture covered entirely in intricate mosaics. Take a stroll down beautiful Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main thoroughfare, wander along the meandering embankments of the ‘Venice of the North’, and see the raising of St Petersburg’s famous bridges. Just outside of St Petersburg, you’ll find the Imperial residences of Peterhof and Tsarskoe Selo. Inspired by Versailles, Peterhof is adorned with golden statues and its manicured gardens lead straight to the sea, whereas the palatial architecture of Tsarskoe Selo rivals that of the Winter Palace. Discover St Petersburg during the White Nights, when the city is bathed in sunset glow for hours and assumes a carnival atmosphere. Or, if you can brave the Russian winter, experience the magic of St Petersburg in the snow.

St. Petersburg city guide

St. Petersburg map

Vladivostok

The last stop on the Trans-Siberian railway , Vladivostok lies in the depths of the Far East on the shore of the Pacific Ocean. The name ‘Vladivostok’ means ‘Ruler of the East’, and the city certainly possesses a mysterious aura as the boundary between Russia and Asia. Nicknamed the ‘San Francisco of Russia’ for its hilly landscape, hiking through the nearby hills is popular in both winter and summer. Striking views over the city and the sea can be found by taking the funicular to the Eagle’s Nest observation deck. Food lovers can explore the local restaurants to sample not just Russian delicacies but Korean and Chinese cuisine, and take cookery masterclasses with local chefs. For those who are feeling a bit lucky, Vladivostok is home to the only casino in Russia’s Far East. Or for those who prefer outside activities, why not take a boat tour to experience Vladivostok through the eyes of local sailors? The city also sports a thriving watersports scene - paddleboarding, surfing, and even kitesurfing are some of the activities you can get involved in in the summer months.

Vladivostok map

An Imperial hub of science and culture perched on the edge of the biggest lake in the world, Irkutsk is a must-see for those wanting to visit Siberia. The city possesses a rich history, being the base from which exiles were banished into Russia’s snowy depths, and from which explorers set out to colonise the Far East. Irkutsk’s centre is a rare preservation of traditional wooden architecture which adorns the streets in all its colourful carved glory. For those searching for local produce, Irkutsk’s Central Market contains a huge number of stalls, and for those seeking a cultural fix, Siberia’s largest collection of art is housed in the Museum of Fine Arts Visit. Irkutsk is the perfect place from which to discover Siberia’s nature, as Lake Baikal lies a mere hour’s drive from the city. Head there in summer to enjoy its beaches, explore local villages, and swim in the lake. Alternatively take a trip in the winter time to see its magical transparent ice, take a dog-sleigh over the lake’s surface, or join the local people in some ice-fishing.

Irkutsk map

The capital of Tatarstan, Kazan’s name aptly translates as ‘cauldron’ - it is a veritable melting pot of Russian and Asian influence. Kazan boasts a wealth of unique architecture: visit the famous Kul Sharif Mosque with its sky-blue domes, and the Kremlin, a fusion of European and Islamic architecture. You can’t miss the Temple of All Religions, homage to the city’s cultural diversity with its eclectic mix of cupolas and minarets. Situated on the banks of the Volga, a boat trip along this formidable river is the ideal way to appreciate Kazan’s cityscape. And if you’re interested in Tatar culture, visit the historical bazaars of the Central Market, experience one of Kazan’s many festivals, or sample the delicious local cuisine with its Turkic influences. For history lovers, any one of Kazan’s many museums will help you brush up on Russian history from the age of Ivan the Terrible until the present day.

Photos by @irinagrotkjaer @huchenme @ironstagram @kms_mary @nourtayeh @sergio_capuzzimati

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Russia Travel Destination Guide - Best Places to visit in Russia

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

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

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

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

Table of Contents

The Russia travel destination guide is your travel companion

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

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

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

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

Destination #1: Moscow

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

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

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

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

Why visit Moscow?

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

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

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

Weather in Moscow and when to go

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

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

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

Highlights of Moscow

The Kremlin

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

The Red Square

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

St Basil’s Cathedral

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

Arbat Street

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

The Moscow Metro

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

Bolshoi Theatre

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

How to Get to Moscow

Travel by plane:.

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

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

Travel by train:

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

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

Destination #2: Saint Petersburg

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

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

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

Why visit St Petersburg?

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

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

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

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

Weather in St Petersburg and when to go

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

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

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

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

Highlights of St Petersburg

The State Hermitage Museum

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

Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood

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

St Issacs Cathedral

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

Tsarkoye Selo

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

Peterhof Palace

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

Nevsky Prospect

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

Bridges and canals of St Petersburg

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

How to get to St Petersburg

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

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

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

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

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

Destination #3: The Golden Ring

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

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

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

Why visit the Golden Ring of Russia?

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

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

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

Weather in the Golden Ring and when to go

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

Highlights of the Golden Ring of Russia

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

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

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

Sergiev Posad

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

How to get to the Golden Ring 

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

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

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

Destination #4: Lake Baikal

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

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

Why visit Lake Baikal?

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

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

Weather in Lake Baikal and when to go

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

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

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

Highlights of Lake Baikal

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

Olkhon Island

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

Circum-Baikal Railway

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

Baikal Nature Reserve

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

How to get to Lake Baikal 

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

Travel by train via the Trans-Siberian Railway:

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

Destination #5: Kamchatka

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

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

Why visit Kamchatka?

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

Weather in Kamchatka and when to visit

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

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

Highlights of Kamchatka 

Volcanoes of the Pacific Ring of Fire

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

Valley of Geysers

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

The Brown Bears of Kamchatka

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

Kamchatka’s Pacific Coast

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

Heli-Skiing in Kamchatka

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

How to get to Kamchatka

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

Destination #6: Karelia

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

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

Why visit Karelia?

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

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

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

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

Weather in Karelia and when to visit

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

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

Highlights of Karelia

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

Ruskeala mountain park

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

Solovetsky Islands

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

Valaam Island

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

How to get to Karelia

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

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

Travel by bus:

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

Destination #7: Kola Peninsula

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

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

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

Why visit the Kola Peninsula?

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

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

Weather in the Kola Peninsula and when to go

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

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

Highlights of the Kola Peninsula 

The Northern Lights in the Kola Peninsula

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

Nomadic Saami culture

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

Snow Village

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

Teriberka Village

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

Destination #8: Yamal

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

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

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

Why visit Yamal?

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

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

Weather in Yamal and when to go

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

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

Highlights of Yamal

Reindeer Migration with Nenets

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

Reindeer Herder’s Festival in Yamal

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

How to get to Yamal

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

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

Destination #9: Altai Republic

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

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

Why travel to Altai?

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

Weather in Altai and when to go  

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

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

Highlights of Altai

The Golden Mountains of Altai

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

Lake Teletskoye – The Golden Lake

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

The Indigenous Cultures of Altai

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

How to get to Altai   

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

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

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

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

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

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

[email protected] Ph: +61 93889816

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15 Best Cities to Visit in Russia

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

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

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

15. Novosibirsk

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

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

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

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

13. Smolensk

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

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

12. Kaliningrad

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

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

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

11. Krasnodar

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

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

10. Veliky Novgorod

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

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

9. Volgograd

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

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

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

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

7. Nizhny Novgorod

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

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

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

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

5. Vladivostok

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

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

4. Yekaterinburg

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

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

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

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

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

2. Saint Petersburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

Map of cities in Russia

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25 Best Places to Visit in Russia

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

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

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

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

The Capital

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

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

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

When to visit Moscow

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

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

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

1. Moscow’s City

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

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

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

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

2. Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Red Square

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

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

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

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

3. Izmailovo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. VDNKh Park

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

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

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

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

The Old Imperial Capital

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

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

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

The best time to visit St. Petersburg

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

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

6. Saint Petersburg Canals

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

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

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

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

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

7. Peterhof

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

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

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

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

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

8. Hermitage Museum

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

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

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

9. Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood

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

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

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

10. Kazan Cathedral of Saint Petersburg

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Baikal Lake

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

During the different seasons it changes beyond recognition.

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

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

The best time to visit Lake Baikal

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

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

12. Olkhon Island

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

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

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

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

When to visit Olkhon Island

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

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

13. Altai Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit the Altai Mountains

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

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

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

14. Yenisei River

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

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

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

When to visit the Yenisei River

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

15. Oymyakon

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

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

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

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

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

Visiting Oymyakon in winter

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

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

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

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

The Far East

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

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

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

16. Vladivostok

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Vladivostok

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

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

17. Kamchatka

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Kamchatka

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

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

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

Top 3 Cultural Centers

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

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

18. Torzhok

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Torzhok

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Vyborg

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Kazan

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

The Far North

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

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

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

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

21. Murmansk

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

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

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

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

When to visit Murmansk

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

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

22. Teriberka

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Teriberka

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

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

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

Black Sea Coast and Caucasus

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Sochi

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

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

24. Gelendzhik

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit Gelendzhik

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

25. The North Caucasus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

When to visit the North Caucasus

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

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Home » 5 Best Places to Visit in Russia!

Even though considered the largest country and the most powerful member of the former USSR, Russia , until this day remains a land of breathtaking beauty.

And perhaps the most fascinating thing about it is the striking scenic contrast that all of its landscapes combine to create.

From warm subtropical beaches and slopes of glacier-capped mountains to quaint villages and scenic national parks, Russia is filled with some of the most exquisite sites to behold.

So, if you’re planning a short trip there and can’t decide on which of the sites to visit, then here is a top 5 list of our absolute favorites, which are bound to help out your travels.

Best Places to Visit in Russia

The capital city of Russia is its most important one, but not for the reasons that you may be thinking of.

Apart from its political importance, Moscow is quite well known for its artistic culture. Spectacles like the ballet, orchestral symphonies, and art galleries are what is central to the Moscow way of life.

The Kremlin and the Red Square with the statues of Lenin and Stalin are some of the most notorious sites that must not be missed at any cost.

In such a big city, you might like to explore by taxi rather than on foot. You can easily book your taxi in Moscow online here .

2. St. Petersburg

Also known as Leningrad, St. Petersburg was founded in 1703 by Tsar Peter the Great, and was once the imperial capital of Russia.

Its unique location on the Neva river (which feeds the Gulf of Finland) makes this city quite an attractive tourist destination for a northern cruise.

It’s also ranked as the most popular place to visit in Russia as the Hermitage is home to one of the finest art collections in the entire world.

You can explore this beautiful city either by horse-and-carriage or maybe you prefer to order a taxi instead.

3. Mount Elbrus

Located in the Caucasus Mountain Range in Southern Russia, Mount Elbrus stands at approximately 5,642 meters and is considered to be one of the ‘Seven Summits’ of the world.

And even though Elbrus is formed from a volcano, it’s found to be dormant, with no eruptions to have been recorded. Its snow-capped peaks have a sort of lasting and serene beauty, making it a must visit for all tourists.

4. Nizhny Novgorod

With over 600 monuments and statues, and numerous concert halls and art museums, Nizhny Novgorod is indeed the ideal place to lose one’s self in Russian culture and folklore.

This small town began as a fortress in the 13th century and was initially called Gorky (named after Maxim Gorky).

It has a mesmerizing Archangel Cathedral, which stands till this day and is the only surviving piece of 13th-century architecture that was not destroyed by the Bolsheviks.

5. Vladivostok

Vladivostok is perhaps the most scenic and beautiful city in all of Russia; as it’s surrounded by bays and mountains on all side, it’s no surprise why this city is considered to be so very picturesque.

Sharing its borders with North Korea and China, Vladivostok is Russia’s largest port and offers plenty of cultural attractions which include theatres and museums.

With centuries of culture and a vast landscape, Russia indeed has a lot of places which are a must visit for every tourist.

We hope that our guide today was able to help you with your travel plans

Till next time!

Jolene Ejmont

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12 Amazing Places To Visit In Russia

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

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

1. Altai Mountains

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

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

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

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

3. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Lake Baikal

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

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

4. Saint Petersburg

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

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

5. Kamchatka

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

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

6. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Sochi

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

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

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

7. Veliky Novgorod

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

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

8. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Olkhon Island

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

12. Amazing Places To Visit In Russia: Kizhi Island

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

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

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

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5 must-visit places in Russia

• September 11, 2021
• by Elizaveta Kotelnikova
• 5 minutes read

Have you ever thought to visit Russia? It is a huge country, you may say, so it can be a little confusing knowing where to start. Well fear not, here are 5 must-see places you should go to in the first place. follow this guide and you won’t regret it.

The Red Square, Moscow

This is the main square of the whole country with different historical buildings. Saint Basil’s Cathedral, the State History Museum, Lenin’s Mausoleum, and Eastern Kremlin Wall, and other buildings – all worth to see. The name “Red” means neither the red bricks nor as a reference to communism. Because the square has been changing its colors and rebuilding a couple of times since the 15 century. The word “red” in Russian means the color as well as “beautiful”, so historically the name of the square was “Beautiful Square” . As a result, it has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1990.

Initially, the square was built to facilitate trade and create the city’s marketplace . Nowadays, it is more like a landmark and the most known symbol of Russia even though it still has so-called Middle Trade Rows and Upper Trade Rows (nowadays, called GUM department store) – main trading areas. At Christmas time the square turns into a huge ice-rink with a beautiful atmospheric market in typical Russian style. So, if you want to experience the Russian winter and culture that is the best time to come and visit the Red Square.

Petergof, Saint Petersburg

Peterhof is a large complex 50 km from St. Petersburg, famous all over the world for its unique fountains and luxurious palace chambers . Historically, it was the residence of Peter I, who traveled a lot and dreamed of a palace on the shores of the Baltic Sea, surrounded by a garden with many fountains, similar to those he visited in Europe.

The complex was built at the beginning of 18th century and in the 19th century they added many buildings for the constantly-growing Romanov family in Peterhof. The huge and varied museum complex unites Peterhof, Oranienbaum, Alexandria, the palace of Peter I in Strelna, Tsaritsyn and Holguin islands. But the soul of Peterhof is still the magnificent complex fountains.

With almost 4000ha of land and plenty of palaces and fountains, Petergof is worth seeing and spending at least 1 whole day there. UNESCO declared Petergof a World Heritage Site since 1990.

Visit Russia: Kul Sharif Mosque, Kazan

The most famous mosque in Kazan – Kul Sharif – is the main cathedral mosque of the Republic of Tatarstan and Kazan. In the middle of the 16th century, during the battles and wars between Moscow and Kazan, the mosque burned down along with the entire city. It hasn’t been rebuilt until recently when the grand opening took place in 2005 for the 1000th anniversary of the city. The mosque looks spectacular in any weather, at any time of the day, outside and inside.

For tourists, there are special balconies and a museum of Islamic culture. Fantastically beautiful interior decoration, Czech glass chandeliers, patterned carved balconies. At the entrance, you can get scarfs and capes if your clothes do not meet the requirements (in the mosque, knees, shoulders, and neckline must be covered).

Visit Russia: The Motherland Calls Statue, Volgograd

Monument “Motherland Calls!” was erected in 1967 with a height of 82 meters. At the time of its construction, it was the tallest statue in the world exceeding The Statue of Liberty by 2.5 times. Nowadays, it is one of the top 10 tallest statues in the world. You can find this statue in Mamayev Kurgan, Volgograd.

Monument “Motherland Calls!” – part of a sculptural triptych, includes the monuments “Rear Front” in Magnitogorsk and “Soldier-Liberator” in Berlin’s Treptower Park. The Magnitogorsk sculptural composition depicts a worker who hands over a sword he has forged to a warrior. And the German monument – a victorious soldier with a rescued child in his arms and a lowered sword. The monument in Volgograd is a commemoration of Soviet soldiers of the Battle of Stalingrad in 1942-43.

Visit Russia: The Baikal Lake, Siberia

Lake Baikal is  the largest freshwater lake by volume , containing 20% of the world’s freshwater. It is granted as UNESCO World Heritage Site .

A favourable time to relax on Lake Baikal is from mid-July to mid-August. At other times in the year, it becomes cold in the coastal area, and the conditions are more suitable for fans of extreme recreation. But even in summer, the weather can plummet with a brisk wind throughout the day and night. An important condition for a safe trip is a detailed travel route.

The most visited destinations for tourists are the Circum-Baikal Railway, Sandy Bay, Listvyanka village, the Maloye Sea coast, Sandy Bay, the western coast of Olkhon, the coast near the city of Severobaikalsk. Other places that can be reached by SUV are also popular.

There are still a lot of discussions about the origin, age, and what is deep inside the lake. Undoubtedly, the lake attracts many tourists, which also explains the bunch of tours in any season.

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5 Places to Visit in Russia This Winter

No comments · Posted by Alex Smirnov in Travel

Russia is known for its harsh winters, yet Russians have found ways to have fun even at the coldest time of the year. Winter tourism is quite developed in Russia, and it is known for its variety of winter sports and ski resorts. As you travel through various Russian destinations, you will get the one-of-a-kind winter magic feel.

Here are the top 5 places to visit in Russia this winter:

Moscow is a real gem for tourists, particularly during winter. The city is covered in a blanket of snow for most of the winter, but it has a wealth of fun activities. Zaryadye Park is right next to the Red Square, and one can enjoy the best views of Moscow from the park. The park hosts different attractions, from a V-shaped floating bridge and concert hall to restored historic halls that are well-lit during winter.

Winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the VDNKH Exhibition Centre. The fairy tale Saint Basil’s Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour are quite magical in winter. Casino enthusiasts can also enjoy their winter trip to Moscow despite the fact that there are no legal casinos in this city. According to Nutz Casino , there are dozens of legal online casinos in this bustling city.

Sochi hosted the 2014 winter Olympics and was one of the destinations for the FIFA World Cup in 2018. The city is home to the Olympic Park and during the winter it attracts many skiing enthusiasts interested in skiing on top of Rosa Peak.

Visitors can enjoy beautiful sub-tropical resorts as the winters in Sochi are not harsh compared to the rest of Russia.

St. Petersburg

Another city worthy of a visit is St. Petersburg. Known for its imperial grandeur, the city has various attractions which shine in the winter snow. The European-like canals and avenues uncover the cityэs religious sites such as Samarkand Amir Timur Tomb and open-air museums. Tourists can enjoy the Christmas fairs, ballet performances, and the vibrant nightlife in St. Petersburg.

Baikal/Irkutsk

The main winter activity in Baikal is the frozen lake. Winter in Baikal is a fairy tale, and more and more tourists visit Baikal during winter to get a glimpse of its unique transparent ice.

At Baikal, you can enjoy winter rides on hovercraft, dog sleds, and snow bikes across the lake’s frozen surface. At the beginning of March, Lake Baikal hosts the world’s only marathon on the ice where participants run 42 km on ice.

Located north of St. Petersburg, Karelia is a destination straight out of a Tolstoy novel. It is covered in forests and over 60,000 frozen lakes which can be crossed on dog sleds. Karelia is a rustic place with a unique appeal and wooden architecture. Visitors can cozy up in off-road log cabins as they traverse this vast destination with many winter activities.

These five places are some of the best destinations to visit in winter to experience the unique spirit of Russia. The cities are quite different from each other, but each has various attractions, from the imperial grandeur of St. Petersburg to the highest skiing slopes in Sochi.

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