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Russia, with its vast expanse and rich history, beckons travelers with a treasure trove of captivating destinations. From the grandeur of Moscow to the cultural riches of St. Petersburg, the country boasts an array of places to visit in Russia that are sure to leave visitors awe-struck. Let's explore into some of the top tourist spots and sightseeing best places to visit in Russia.
Moscow: As the capital city, Moscow stands as a symbol of Russia's grandeur and power. Visitors can marvel at iconic landmarks such as the Kremlin, home to the president and a treasure trove of historical artifacts, and the resplendent St. Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes. Take a stroll through Red Square, a bustling hub of activity and the site of historical events, or immerse yourself in art and culture at the renowned Tretyakov Gallery.
St. Petersburg: Often referred to as the "Venice of the North," St. Petersburg is a city of unparalleled beauty and elegance. Explore the majestic Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and most prestigious art museums in the world, housing works by masters such as Da Vinci, Rembrandt, and Picasso. Admire the architectural marvel of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, with its intricate mosaic designs, or wander through the picturesque streets lined with pastel-colored buildings.
The Golden Ring: For a glimpse into Russia's medieval past, the Golden Ring offers a series of ancient towns steeped in history and charm. Places to visit Russia, Suzdal, with its fairytale-like wooden architecture and serene monasteries, or explore the places to visit in Russia, Fortified city of Sergiev Posad, home to the magnificent Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Each town in the Golden Ring exudes its own unique character and offers a glimpse into Russia's cultural heritage.
Trans-Siberian Railway: Embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard the Trans-Siberian Railway, spanning over 9,000 kilometers across Russia. Traverse through breathtaking landscapes, from the verdant forests of Siberia to the vast steppes of Mongolia, and experience the rich tapestry of cultures along the way. Stop at historic cities like Irkutsk and Ulan-Ude, or marvel at the natural wonders of Lake Baikal, the deepest freshwater lake in the world.
Kazan: Discover the fusion of East and West in the vibrant city of Kazan, where Islamic architecture blends seamlessly with Russian influences. Explore the places to visit in Russia, Kazan Kremlin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the iconic Kul Sharif Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Russia. Wander through the charming streets of the Old Tatar Quarter, where traditional wooden houses and bustling markets offer a glimpse into Tatar culture.
Sochi: Nestled on the shores of the Black Sea, Sochi offers a unique blend of beachside relaxation and outdoor adventure. Best places to visit in Russia, Sochi. Explore the lush greenery of Sochi National Park, home to cascading waterfalls and scenic hiking trails, or soak up the sun on the sandy shores of the Riviera Beach. For adrenaline junkies, the nearby Caucasus Mountains offer thrilling skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter months.
From the imperial splendor of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the scenic wonders of the Golden Ring and the Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia beckons travelers with its diverse array of sights and experiences. Whether you're drawn to its rich history, stunning architecture, or breathtaking landscapes, Russia has something to offer every type of traveler.
Moscow is not only the capital of Russia but is also the most densely populated city in the nation, with over thirteen million residents. The city is one of the most prominent tourist places in Russia as it is the epicentre of politics, economics, culture, history, art and science – it truly offers something for every type of traveller! Moscow is also home to some major tourist attractions and must visit places in Russia, like the Moscow Kremlin (a sprawling compound of churches, palaces and art museums), the St. Basil’s Cathedral (an iconic Orthodox church with world-famous multicoloured domes), the Red Square (a major city square in the capital) and the Bolshoi Theatre which is the home of Russian ballet and opera.
The capital city also boasts of a vibrant culinary scene, comprised of local and international fare to suit every possible travel budget. There are plenty of street food options available (think Danilovsky Market and Food Market 21) and for those with higher budgets, high-end dining options like Café Pushkin and Buono are not only fantastic culinary experiences, but landmark places to visit in Russia in their own right.
After Moscow, the second largest city and one of the most important places to visit in Russia is Saint Petersburg. The city is located on the port of the Baltic Sea and has over five million residents. Unlike the capital city which is very populous, Saint Petersburg tends to be less crowded, which many travellers enjoy, and also has much lesser traffic than the capital.
The city is home to many important tourist places in Russia such as the State Hermitage Museum (an iconic collection of art, antiquities and cultural pieces), Peterhof (a museum by the sea known for its stunning fountains), Savior on the Spilled Blood (a beautiful church featuring mosaics and marble finishings) and the Winter Palace (which once served as a residence for Russian rulers).
Along with tourist attractions, Saint Petersburg is one of the unique places to go in Russia for its “white nights.” These “nights” – where the night never actually comes – take place from the end of May to the beginning of June. During these nights, the city of Saint Petersburg truly comes to life, with locals out on late-evening walks and open-air shows featuring music and dance. It is truly a time that everyone should experience once in their lifetime and if you are visiting Russia during these months, Saint Petersburg should be at the very top of your list of tourist places in Russia to travel to.
Russia offers stunning natural beauty, unlike anything in any other part of the world – and Lake Baikal, one of the most beautiful tourist places in Russia, is a testament to this fact. It is located in the south of the Siberian region of Russia and its claim to fame is the fact that it is the largest freshwater lake in the world. Today, the lake is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
In and around the lake, there are many things to do and see that are also top places to visit in Russia. Be sure to visit the cape of Khoboy, explore the Ushkan Islands and spend a day at the Zabaykalsky National Park. Whether you are a nature-enthusiast or not, the beauty that surrounds Lake Baikal will truly take your breath away.
The fourth largest city in Russia, Yekaterinburg is located to the east of the infamous Ural Mountains, right by the Iset River. While it is an industrial city today, it is known for its historical significance as it is the place where Tsar Nicholas and his family were put to rest during the Russian Revolution in the early 1900’s. The modern-day city is home to many forms of art, featuring a plethora of libraries, great theatres and playwrights who call the city home, Russian rock bands and many, many local dance companies.
It is also home to over thirty museums! If you are short one time, you simply must visit the Military Technology Museum (which houses a host of military vehicles and artefacts), Nevyansk Icon Museum (a beautiful collection of religious art), Museum of Fine Arts (a collection of Russia art from the 19th and 20th centuries) and Ural Geological Museum (featuring many of the crystals and gemstones found in the Ural mountains, which are the country’s richest source of minerals).
At SOTC, we have been helping our customers travel to Russia and experience the trip of a lifetime, for several years. If you’d like to learn more about the country and the packages we offer or need some input to decide where to go and what to see, give us a call, visit our website or pop into your neighbourhood SOTC branch. It’s time to see to stop reading and start experiencing everything that this beautiful country has to offer, for yourself with our Russia Tour Packages.
