If you wish to see breathtaking mountains, amazing valleys, crystal-clear lakes, and both snowy and warm lands with magnificent natural landscapes, then you wish to go to Russia. One of the largest countries in the world has it all and a lot more, including old cities, historical places, cultural activities, and even an opportunity to explore the alluring Russian tundra and even the Northern Lights.
Here we collected a list of some of the best places to visit in Russia from far-away Siberia to the Far East where you can dive into the stunning beauty of Russian lands.
Here we collected a list of some of the best places to visit in Russia from far-away Siberia to the Far East where you can dive into the stunning beauty of Russian lands.
Moscow
Being a classical Russian destination, Moscow, alongside Saint Petersburg, breathes with imperial splendor in its stunning architecture, beautiful parks, little shops, and historical reminders.
Most of Moscow’s iconic sights are conveniently located in the center, so you can start exploring right after arriving. There you can get the sight of the famous Kremlin, historic Red Square, and the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral. Also, don’t forget to check out the shopping mall GUM, its roof made of glass and steel is a very popular tourist sight and a perfect place to experience authentic Russian food. For museum enthusiasts, Moscow offers a great number of amazing places where you can dive into Russian history. Enjoy Russian art in the State Tretyakov Gallery. |
To see more international works, visit the Pushkin Museum. The Kremlin Armory Museum is a good chance to look into some extraordinary things such as the ivory throne of Ivan the Terrible and imperial carriages covered in gold. If you have some extra time and money, visit the Bolshoi Theater, one of the largest ballet and opera theaters in the world.
When on a Moscow tour, find some time to walk through the amazing shopping street Stary Arbat. Here you can find various shops, theaters, cinemas, cafes, and entertainment parks.
When on a Moscow tour, find some time to walk through the amazing shopping street Stary Arbat. Here you can find various shops, theaters, cinemas, cafes, and entertainment parks.
Saint-Petersburg
Astonishing Saint-Petersburg is another classical tourist destination in Russia. And just like Moscow, it has some aces in its sleeves that will surprise you. Exploring the cultural capital of Russia, you’ll notice the difference between St. Petersburg and Moscow from the first step. Exquisite architecture echoing with the country’s past alongside fine art make Saint Petersburg feel more European. One of the most immersive ways to explore the city is on a river cruise. Imperial Saint Petersburg is pierced through by about 300 km (186 mi) of amazing water canals, that are a great opportunity to watch the drawing of bridges up close.
For a stunning mix of colors, visit the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood. Besides the impressive exterior, inside you can find one of the greatest mosaics collection. If this arouses your desire to learn more about Russian history, there a lot of amazing museums located not far from the church, including the Russian Museum of Fine Artworks, Icons & Sculptures, the Russian Ethnographic Museum, and the famous State Hermitage Museum. The last one is the most popular tourist attraction in Russia and the second largest art museum in the world, holding over 3 million works. |
When it comes to what to see in Saint Petersburg, the first thing that comes to mind is majestic Peterhof. Located about 25 kilometers outside of St. Petersburg, Peterhof Palace is a wonderful Russian castle complex. Built in the early 1700s to provide competition to the Palace of Versailles in France, it served Peter the Great as a summer residence.
Trans-Siberian Railway
Russia has many wonders and one of them is the Trans-Siberian Railway. Running from Moscow to far Vladivostok, this is the longest railway system in the world. Taking such a train to the final destination may be the start of an adventure of up to 20 days!
Thanks to its history, the Trans-Siberian Railway is also known as the route of tsars. Its construction began in 1891 by Tsar Alexander III but his son, Tsar Nicholas II, was the one who completed it in 1916. For most travelers, it is a good overnight accommodation from one destination to the next. To meet the needs of as many travelers as it’s possible, the Trans-Siberian trains feature three coach classes, some of them include private bathrooms and showers. If this activity catches your eye, at Russian train tickets you can find and book the best Trans-Siberian train tickets in advance in just a few clicks. |
Vladivostok
Vladivostok harmonically combines elements of San Francisco and the atmosphere of Anchorage, Alaska. That is not a surprise as Vladivostok is literally closer to the United States’ west coast than to Moscow. It is safe to bet that the first thing that will catch your eye right is near the platform of the railway station, which is an extraordinary building of the Trans-Siberian Railway terminus. The interior is adorned with amazing ceiling pictures illustrating the might of the Russian Navy on the Pacific Ocean.
Continuing the naval theme, Vladivostok boasts a number of museums dedicated to the Russian Fleet. For example, the Soviet submarine S-56 museum, located on the shore of the Golden Horn or a “Krasny Vympel” ship-monument memorial. Make sure to visit some of them on your Vladivostok itinerary. |
Thanks to the hilly terrain of the city, there’s a nice opportunity for spectacular views hunters to see some from Vladivostok's funicular or the cliffs above Ussuri Bay. You’ll be able to see Vladivostok’s surroundings including Frunzensky Island.
Kizhi Island
Kizhi Island in Lake Onega, which is in beautiful Karelia republic, is best known for its Museum Site of History and Architecture. The place is literally a portal to ancient Russia - here you can find early wooden houses, barns, a windmill, and several churches as well. All of them were restored and turned into an open-air museum.
The main tourist attraction here is the Preobranzhenskaya Church. Being 37 meters (121 feet) in height and having 22 cupolas, it is often compared to St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow’s Red Square. Inside there is a great collection of the iconostasis. |
Valaam
Sharp rocks, ancient branchy pines, and silence broken by the chime of bells and the chirping of birds. This is the first impression of Valaam when you find yourself there. But then the place reveals a lot of interesting things about itself. Right now you can be sure that in this sacred place there is always hospitality, tourists are welcomed wholeheartedly and are shared with everything they may need.
Being a part of the Valaam archipelago, the island is home to the legendary Valaam Monastery, a stauropegic Orthodox monastery in Russian Karelia. Its white-stone walls and reflecting roofs fascinate and fill with tranquility at first glance. But before visiting it, you should book a pre-issued tour package. |
Irkutsk
Originally built as a fort, Irkutsk sits in a colder region, comparing to the capitals. That’s why one of the most important sights of the region are the icebreaker Angara, one of the oldest in the whole world, and a geology museum. But most travelers go to this city just to visit nearby Lake Baikal.
In due times, Irkutsk played a significant role in the history of the Russian Empire. Decembrists, a group of noble revolutionaries, were sent here into exile. You can still find two of the wealthiest homes of that era, the Volkonsky House and the Trubetskoy House, still standing in Irkutsk. The Trubetskoy House, actually, is among the popular museums of Irkutsk. To satisfy your need for art, check out the Irkutsk Philharmonic Orchestra the Sukachev Art Museum, one of the largest art galleries in the region. As well as the Sukachev Estate, where a collection of a well-known Russian patron of the arts was held before becoming the main part of the Museum of Art. |
Additionally, Irkutsk offers a great opportunity to see old wooden houses with typical decorative carvings on the walls and window frames such as the "Lace House." In bigger cities like Moscow or St. Petersburg, such buildings have been destroyed by now, so it's a good way to tune into the beat of old Russia without going into the back of beyond.
Kazan
Kazan is one of the must-see places in Russia. The glorious capital of the Republic of Tatarstan is a perfect representation of tsars’ heritage. With complex palaces, resonating with past churches, and fascinating culture, Kazan is pure gold for every Russia enthusiast.
While in Kazan, there will be plenty of things to do and to see. Stroll through the city’s colorful streets, full of historic buildings, right to one of the main attractions - Kazan Kremlin. Built by Ivan the Terrible, Kazan Kremlin is an example of architectural unity: it combines elements of Tatar and Russian cultures as well as great religions - Islam and Orthodox Christianity. The building proudly bears the name of the largest Muslim place of worship in Europe and holds a large collection of ancient books. |
If you find pleasure in uncovering regional cuisine, Kazan is the right place. The city offers quite a number of restaurants with local and other cuisines. Try some rich lamb-and-rice stew, taste exquisite khachapuri, and follow it with famous quass (homebrewed low-alcohol beer) that are a part of traditional Tatar food.
Suzdal
A true highlight of the Golden Ring, Suzdal is a city-museum, which has managed to preserve the original appearance. The city has many historical monuments and ancient Russian art, presenting a perfect destination for a culture tour.
Dating back to 1024, Suzdal is one of Russia's oldest cities. Through its times, the city has been the regional capital, a fortress, and today it is a place full of history. Suzdal boasts different religious sights, one of which is the Intercession Convent. It served as a place for exiles. Many exiled noblewomen were sent here, including Ivan the Terrible's mother and the first wife of Peter the Great. |
Such a historic place just can’t exist without museums. Visit the Suzdal Museum of Wooden Art to see the best wooden crafts from all over Russia. Or pay a visit to the Wax Museum with amazing historical wax figures to witness great history in a short time.
Lake Baikal
Many travelers who visit Irkutsk make plans to see the famous Lake Baikal, the deepest, the clearest, and oldest lake on Earth. It holds 20 % of the world’s fresh water.
This 25-million-year-old lake is located in Siberia and surrounded by beautiful mountains, presenting astonishing natural views. The lake’s crystal-clear waters is the reason Baikal is considered to be the Pearl of Siberia. Thanks to resorts, located in the area, the place is an even more popular vacation destination. |
Russia is vast, mysterious, and unpredictable. It can take more than one life to see all its wonders, solve every mystery, and understand the Russian soul. But every time it brings pleasant experiences, new connections, and positive emotions. Whether you're traveling alone or with friends, by train, by car, or on foot, you won't regret a single moment spent in this country. And it doesn’t depend on the season - Russia is perfect at any time of year.