Russia Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Russia, including must-visit places, hiking/biking routes, food scene, local culture and customs, safety, and transportation options.


Introduction to Russia

Russia is the world’s largest country, spanning over two continents: Europe and Asia. It is known for its fascinating history, rich culture, and incredible natural beauty. Russia has something for every type of traveler, whether you’re interested in exploring its stunning cities, discovering its cultural heritage, or having an outdoor adventure. In this comprehensive tour guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Russia.

List of Places to Visit in Russia

Russia is home to some of the most iconic landmarks and incredible natural wonders. Here are some of the must-visit places in Russia:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg
  • The Kremlin and Red Square in Moscow
  • Catherine Palace and Park in Pushkin
  • The Peterhof Palace and Garden in Peterhof

Natural Attractions of Russia: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Baikal Lake in Siberia
  • Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus
  • Valley of Geysers in Kamchatka
  • The Golden Ring, a group of ancient towns northeast of Moscow

Hiking/Biking Routes of Russia

Russia is a country with vast landscapes and incredible natural beauty. Whether you enjoy hiking or prefer biking, Russia has something for everyone. Some of the best hiking/biking routes in Russia are:

  • The Trans-Siberian Railway from Moscow to Vladivostok
  • The Altai Mountains in Siberia
  • The Khibiny Mountains in the Arctic
  • The Kamchatka Peninsula

Best Things to Do in Russia: Activities and Tours

Russia is a country with something for every type of traveler. The following are some of the best things to do in Russia:

  • Watch a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre
  • Visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg
  • Attend a football match at one of Russia’s many stadiums
  • Take a boat tour of the canals in St. Petersburg

Week-Long Itinerary for Russia

Here is a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip to Russia:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Moscow: Visit Red Square, Kremlin, and St. Basil’s Cathedral
Day 2 Discover the Treasures of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg
Day 3 Travel to Pushkin and visit Catherine Palace and Park
Day 4 Take the high-speed train to Nizhny Novgorod and sightsee the Kremlin and the historic center
Day 5 Go on a nature adventure at Kamchatka Peninsula
Day 6 Enjoy the views of Taiga forest and Lake Baikal and explore Irkutsk
Day 7 Return to Moscow and visit the famous Kizhi Open-air Museum

Food and Drink Scene of Russia

Russian cuisine is hearty, flavorful, and comforting. Traditional Russian dishes often use simple ingredients like potatoes, cabbage, and meat. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages in Russia:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Borscht, a hearty soup made with beets, cabbage, and meat
  • Pirozhki, small, savory pies filled with meat, potatoes, or vegetables
  • Pelmeni, dumplings filled with meat
  • Olivier salad, a traditional Russian salad made with potatoes, carrots, pickles, and mayonnaise

Local Beverages

  • Russian Vodka
  • Kvass, a non-alcoholic drink made from fermented rye bread
  • Black tea with lemon and jam
  • Mors, a traditional berry drink

Where to Stay in Russia: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Russia has a wide range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Here are some of the best places to stay in Russia:

  • The Ritz-Carlton Moscow
  • Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg
  • Hut Hostel Moscow
  • Soul Kitchen Hostel in St. Petersburg

What to Buy in Russia: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Russia has a rich history and culture, and there are many locally made products that you can bring home as souvenirs. Some of the best things to buy in Russia include:

  • Matryoshka dolls
  • Amber jewelry
  • Russian shawls
  • Vodka

Local Culture and Customs of Russia

Russia has a unique culture that reflects its rich history and diversity. To have a better cultural experience, keep the following things in mind:

  • It is customary to take off shoes before entering someone’s home or a sacred place
  • Russians greet each other with a firm handshake
  • Do not talk loudly in public places
  • Dress modestly, particularly when visiting religious sites

Best Time to Visit Russia

The best time to visit Russia depends on the location and your preference for weather. Generally, the best time to visit Russia is in the summer months of June through August.

Do’s and Don’ts of Russia

The following are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Russia:

Do:

  • Explore and appreciate the rich history and culture of Russia
  • Dress modestly
  • Learn a few Russian phrases
  • Try local food and drinks

Don’t:

  • Do not show disrespect to the Russian flag, anthem, or symbols
  • Do not talk about politics
  • Do not photograph sensitive buildings, such as military installations

Safety and Health

Although Russia is a relatively safe country, here are some things to keep in mind for your safety and health:

Safety in Russia

  • Be aware of pickpocketing and theft in crowded areas
  • Avoid sketchy neighborhoods and streets
  • Be cautious when taking taxis, use a trusted service like Uber

Health in Russia

  • To visit Russia, some vaccines are mandatory, such as Hepatitis A and B
  • Drink bottled water, avoid drinking tap water
  • Wear sunscreen to avoid sunburn

Getting to Russia: Transportation Options and Logistics

Russia has an extensive transportation network, which includes trains, buses, and planes. Here are some options for getting to Russia:

Airports in Russia

  • Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport
  • St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo International Airport
  • Kazan International Airport
  • Krasnodar International Airport

Bus Stations Near Russia

  • Tallinn Bus Station, Estonia
  • Riga Bus Station, Latvia
  • Vilnius Bus Station, Lithuania
  • Helsinki Bus Station, Finland

Other Options

  • Take the Trans-Siberian Railway
  • Take a Baltic Sea Cruise to St. Petersburg

How to Get Around in Russia

In Russia, there are many options for getting around, including taxis, public transportation, and rented cars.

Where to Go Next from Russia: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

After exploring Russia, here are some destinations to visit that are nearby:

  • Helsinki, Finland
  • Tallinn, Estonia
  • Riga, Latvia
  • Vilnius, Lithuania

Conclusion

Russia is a country of incredible natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history. From the bustling cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg to the stunning landscapes of Siberia and Kamchatka, there is something for every type of traveler. With this comprehensive tour guide, you’ll be able to plan your perfect trip to Russia and explore everything that this incredible country has to offer.

Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world Lake Baikal, the deepest lake in the world The world's largest Lenin head in Ulan Ude The world's largest Lenin head in Ulan Ude Ballet continues to be favored. Swan Lake is performed nearly weekly in Russia. Ballet continues to be favored. Swan Lake is performed nearly weekly in Russia. Millennium of Russia monument, inside the Novgorod Kremlin Millennium of Russia monument, inside the Novgorod Kremlin Siberian birch forest near Novosibirsk. White birch is considered to be a national symbol of Russia Siberian birch forest near Novosibirsk. White birch is considered to be a national symbol of Russia Trinity Monastery in Sergiev Posad—the spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox Church Trinity Monastery in Sergiev Posad—the spiritual home of the Russian Orthodox Church Visa policy of Russia Visa policy of Russia For instance, St.Petersburg can be visited visa free by cruise ship For instance, St.Petersburg can be visited visa free by cruise ship Visa policy of Russia. Visa free and e visa Visa policy of Russia. Visa free and e visa Russia's most striking border crossing—the Friendship Bridge between the castles of Narva and Ivangorod Russia's most striking border crossing—the Friendship Bridge between the castles of Narva and Ivangorod Keep visa woes in perspective—it used to be even harder to travel around here. Keep visa woes in perspective—it used to be even harder to travel around here. The hammer and sickle flies on, Aeroflot The hammer and sickle flies on, Aeroflot Typical neoclassical grandiosity at the Krasnoyarsk Railway Station Typical neoclassical grandiosity at the Krasnoyarsk Railway Station Sochi's Seaport Sochi's Seaport Map of Russian federal highways network Map of Russian federal highways network Getting around on reindeer sledge in Nenetsia Getting around on reindeer sledge in Nenetsia Fortress at Derbent Fortress at Derbent The Grand Cascade in Peterhof The Grand Cascade in Peterhof Mamayev Kurgan Mamayev Kurgan Kazan's Qolşärif Mosque Kazan's Qolşärif Mosque Komi Virgin Forests Komi Virgin Forests What about an icebreaker cruise? What about an icebreaker cruise? The Moscow GUM—one of the world's most beautiful shopping malls, right on Red Square The Moscow GUM—one of the world's most beautiful shopping malls, right on Red Square ''Bliny'' buckwheat pancakes with salmon roe (''ikra''), sour cream (''smetana'') and chopped onion ''Bliny'' buckwheat pancakes with salmon roe (''ikra''), sour cream (''smetana'') and chopped onion ''Pelmeni'' meat dumplings with three dipping sauces ''Pelmeni'' meat dumplings with three dipping sauces High quality and popular domestic vodkas on the table: Russian Standard and Zelyonaya Marka High quality and popular domestic vodkas on the table: Russian Standard and Zelyonaya Marka How it should be: a Soviet-made bochka dispensing kvass on a hot day in Kaliningrad How it should be: a Soviet-made bochka dispensing kvass on a hot day in Kaliningrad Gleaming towers, symbols of Volga natural gas wealth, in Samara Gleaming towers, symbols of Volga natural gas wealth, in Samara The Moscow State University mammoth, one of the The Moscow State University mammoth, one of the "severn sisters". Who said Stalinist architecture wasn't cool? Alas, there is a whole Lada police corruption in Russia. Alas, there is a whole Lada police corruption in Russia. City traffic in Russia (2016). City traffic in Russia (2016). Beautiful frescoes in a Vologda church Beautiful frescoes in a Vologda church Fortress Oreshek on Lake Ladoga - no longer necessary for defense against the Swedish navy. Fortress Oreshek on Lake Ladoga - no longer necessary for defense against the Swedish navy. Church on the Blood, Yekaterinburg, on the spot where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks, ending the Romanov Dynasty Church on the Blood, Yekaterinburg, on the spot where Tsar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks, ending the Romanov Dynasty


    Central Russia
    Chernozemye
    Kaliningrad Oblast
    Northwestern Russia
    Russian Far East
    Siberia
    Southern Russia
    Urals
    Volga Region