If you’re looking for a travel destination with a saturated past, culture, and natural beauty, Russia is definitely the place to go. With its vast territory spanning 11 time zones and home to over 140 ethnic groups that speak more than 100 languages, Russia can serve as an ideal travel destination for any traveler. Wondering how to make the utmost of your Russia trip and see this many-sided region in full bloom? This article will provide you with some ideas for things to see in Russia and how to plan your adventure there!
Lively Moscow
Moscow is more than a city: it’s an experience. With palaces alongside glassy skyscrapers, lush gardens, shopping areas, and historical landmarks scattered around the area, Moscow has something to offer for every type of traveler.
Get inspired by the world-renowned performances at the Bolshoi Theatre, browse for art at one of Russia’s most famous galleries like Tretyakov Gallery or Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts, then explore Red Square which is home to iconic landmarks including St Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum.
To feel the city’s incomparable contrast, visitors can delve into the bustling life of the town in some of its most lively districts such as Arbat or Kitai Gorod. Save some time to admire Moscow’s skyline from Sparrow Hills which provide stunning views over a vast expanse of Russia’s capital sprawling below you.
While enjoying the scenery, pay attention to different architectural styles of buildings ranging from Soviet-styled-ones to monumental business towers!
Glorious Saint Petersburg
During your Russia expedition, make sure not to miss out on glorious St. Petersburg, since Venice of the North is accessible via direct train from Moscow to St.Petersburg just under 4 hours away!
The unmatched charm of St. Petersburg is one that will leave you in awe as the city has been traversed by numerous canals and features 342 bridges differing in sizes and designs. This place delivers on all fronts, by offering up magnificent museums and galleries for those who love art, as well as an abundance of remarkable sites to explore at any time during day or night.
The State Hermitage Museum resides in St. Petersburg’s largest museum complex and offers visitors both legendary paintings from artists such as Rembrandt van Rijn and Vincent Van Gogh while also boasting over 3 million items, from Ancient Egyptian artifacts dating back 5 millennia ago to Soviet propaganda posters celebrating Russia’s rise under Communism!
Stroll down beautiful Nevsky Prospekt, wander along meandering embankments of the city to see raising bridges, spend a day in the Imperial residences Peterhof with its golden statues and manicured gardens leading straight to sea. Believe us, you’ll be left with memories that will last forevermore!
Striking Vladivostok
The city of Vladivostok, the last stop on the Trans-Siberian railway, lies in a remote corner that was once part of Russia’s Asian empire. The name “Vladivostok” means “Ruler of the East” and suits its place perfectly since it’s beneficially nestled between two worlds – Asia and Europe.
Nicknamed “San Francisco” for its rocky landscape where you can enjoy hiking all year round or even take a funicular ride to see amazing views over this fascinating city from up high at Eagle’s Nest observation deck.
What is more, thanks to its location there are many restaurants in Vladivostok that offer delicious food from all around the world. You can explore the flavors of Russia, Korea and China or even take a cookery masterclass with local chefs to learn about their recipes! If you want an activity other than eating out then how about playing some blackjack at one of only two casinos in Russian’s Far East? Or if not feel like gambling but would rather enjoy nature, why not go on a boat tour through the city? In addition to boat trips, summer months provide plenty of opportunities for water sports lovers too: paddleboarding, surfing, and kitesurfing.
Scenic Irkutsk
Cold icy Irkutsk is famed for being the city from which Russia’s great explorers set out for Siberia’s untouched frontier. The town was founded in 1652 as a winter quarters for traders and tax collectors, but has since grown to be among one of Siberia’s largest towns with more than 500,000 people residing there.
With its rich heritage in tow, Irktusk is dotted with well-preserved examples of traditional wooden architecture, multiple historic churches, and museums. One of these is Volkonsky House – a building used for large social gatherings such as balls during Irkutsk tours in this Siberian capital. There are also many different palaces to see including Trubetskoy house where you can witness some of Russia’s most important art pieces from the 18th century onwards.
What is more, Irkutsk is the perfect destination for those who want to explore Siberia’s nature, with Lake Baikal just an hour’s drive away. It’s one of Russia’s most popular tourist destinations with visitors coming from all over the world to see its unspoiled nature, amazing wildlife, and get enchanted by spectacular views. Visit in summer and enjoy its beaches, villages, and swimming lakeside. Alternatively take a trip in winter when you can see Irkutskiy Zimnik (a unique type of ice that looks like glass), dog-sleigh across frozen Lake Baikal, or go ice-fishing!
Charming Kazan
Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan is a veritable melting pot of Russian and Asian influence where people of different backgrounds and beliefs have known peace for centuries.
The city’s main attraction is the UNESCO-listed Kazan Kremlin that was completed during Ivan The Terrible’s reign. One of this complex’s beautiful structures that highlights is the Kul Sharif Mosque, Europe’s largest mosque. Built in the 16th-17th century by architects who took inspiration from Eastern Islamic art, this architectural marvel features impressive wooden ceilings that are intricately decorated with gold leaf as well as beautifully crafted walls that depict verses from the Quran.
If you’re interested in more than just religion at the palace complex then check out also Annunciation Cathedral which was built next to it for symbolizing peace between Christianity and Islam through tolerance and respect among different beliefs. This building has been around for a long time with its completion date set back in 1561 AD!
What is more, the city has a rich cultural life and boasts various fascinating events, including festivals like the Tulip Festival in April that is sure to delight visitors with its vibrant colors and sounds of all sorts. Culinary lovers should visit at any time – Tatar dishes are delicious!
Stunning Ekaterinburg
Ekaterinburg is the capital of the Ural Mountain Region, full of hidden treasures for you to discover.
After a tragic event, Ekaterinburg is now home to an imposing church with Byzantine-style architecture. The Church Upon the Blood marks where many Romanov family members were killed and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in this city. It stands next to another attraction that can be explored during your travel: Yelizaveta Fyodorovna’s Chapel which features unusual design elements like its inverted pyramid roofline or its windowless exterior wall painted light blue on white marble columns.
Another church worth visiting while on Ekaterinburg tour is the marvelous Ascension Church, which you will find to be one of the oldest in town. This 18th century marvel was not only built with incredible architecture and design but also has a museum inside for visitors who want to take their time exploring Russian history through artful exhibits.
There are also many great museums that should be included in your plan such as the Yekaterinburg History Museum, Military Technology Museum, Urals Military History museum, and The Fine Arts Gallery. A must-see on an Ekaterinburg itinerary is Vysotskiy Viewing Platform which provides panoramic views over this beautiful city from a different perspective making it worth your time!
All in all, you can never get bored of exploring Russia once you start. With so many different Russian destinations worth checking out, each trip can be a completely unique experience depending on where you go!
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