Things To Do
in Russia
Russia, the largest country in the world, spans Eastern Europe and northern Asia, featuring a vast and diverse landscape that includes extensive arctic coastlines, dense forests, and deep lakes. It has a rich history that encompasses the reign of the Tsars, the Soviet era, and its current phase as a federation under a strong presidential system, with Vladimir Putin being a dominant figure in its politics since the late 1990s.
Economically, Russia is a major player in the global energy market, being one of the largest producers of oil and natural gas, which significantly influences its economy and international relations.
- "Privet" - Hello
- "Kak dela?" - How are you?
- "Spasibo" - Thank you
- "Pozhaluysta" - Please
- "Do svidaniya" - Goodbye
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $20 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.5 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $70
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the iconic Red Square, immersing yourself in the history of this vibrant city. Don't miss the stunning St. Basil's Cathedral with its colorful domes.
Visit the Kremlin, where you can explore the historical buildings and museums. A stroll through Alexander Garden will provide a peaceful break.
Enjoy a dinner cruise on the Moskva River, taking in the city lights. Experience Russian cuisine while appreciating the views of the illuminated skyline.
Explore the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Spend time admiring the vast collections of art and artifacts.
Take a walk along the Nevsky Prospect, enjoying its shops and cafes. Visit the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood for its stunning architecture.
Dine at a traditional Russian restaurant, savoring dishes like borscht and blini. Afterward, consider attending a ballet performance at the Mariinsky Theatre.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural heritage and history
- Abundant natural resources, including oil and gas
- Vast geographic diversity, offering various climates and landscapes
- Strong military capabilities
- Growing technological sector and capacity for scientific research
- Political repression and lack of democratic freedoms
- Economic reliance on oil and gas exports
- Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiency
- Geopolitical tensions with many countries
- Social issues, including inequality and human rights concerns
Best Activities in Russia
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the scenic beauty and diverse landscapes of the Caucasus Mountains through various hiking trails.
Visit the world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake, offering opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife spotting.
Experience thrilling white-water rafting adventures on the rivers of the Altai region, known for their picturesque surroundings.
Enjoy the surreal and snowy landscapes of Siberia while engaging in cross-country skiing adventures.
Tours
Uncover the best of Russia with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Russia
Visit one of these nice places.
The city's beautiful bridges, canals, and historic buildings offer numerous photo opportunities, especially at the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Winter Palace.
The Red Square and the Kremlin provide iconic backdrops for photos, as well as the stunning St. Basil's Cathedral.
The world's deepest and oldest freshwater lake offers breathtaking landscapes, perfect for photography, especially at Olkhon Island and the surrounding areas.
This remote region is a paradise for landscape photography, featuring volcanic landscapes, geysers, and wildlife.
A historical region northeast of Moscow, dotted with ancient towns, churches, and picturesque countryside, ideal for capturing traditional Russian scenes.
Food in Russia
Russia Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A hearty beetroot soup often served with sour cream, dill, and rye bread. Best enjoyed at Korchma Taras Bulba in Moscow or Stolovaya 57 in St. Petersburg.
Must-Try!
Siberian dumplings filled with seasoned meat, usually served with sour cream. Look for Pelmeni Club in Moscow or Teremok in various locations.
Thin pancakes typically filled with caviar, smoked salmon, or sour cream. Try Teremok or the famous Stolle chain for delicious blini.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Russia better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Located in St. Petersburg, this market offers a wide variety of local produce, pickles, smoked fish, and street food such as pirozhki and shawarma.
In Moscow, this market is renowned for its organic products, diverse food stalls offering Russian and international cuisine, and a vibrant atmosphere.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Russia, it is important to maintain a certain distance from others when interacting, especially in public spaces.
Address people by their proper titles and surnames unless given permission to use their first names.
Certain gestures and body language that may be acceptable in other cultures could be perceived differently in Russia, so it's important to be mindful of this.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Russia with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Russia
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping in Russia is not as common as in some other countries. In restaurants, it is customary to leave around 10% of the bill as a tip if the service was good, but it is not obligatory. Tipping in other service industries such as taxis and hotels is also not expected, although small tips for exceptional service may be appreciated.
Cash is still widely used for transactions in Russia, especially in smaller establishments. However, credit and debit cards are becoming more commonly accepted, especially in larger cities and tourist areas. It is important to note that some places may only accept cash, so it's always good to have some on hand. Contactless payment methods are also gaining popularity, especially in urban areas.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Russia.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring is a great time to visit Russia as the weather starts to warm up, and you can experience beautiful blooms and the melting of snow. It's also a good time for cultural events and festivals.
Summer is the peak tourist season in Russia with longer days and warmer weather. It's a great time for outdoor activities, visiting the countryside, and enjoying the White Nights in cities like St. Petersburg.
Autumn is a colorful time in Russia, with the changing foliage making for picturesque landscapes. It's also a good time to explore the cities and museums without the summer crowds.
Winter in Russia is cold, but it's also a magical time with snowy landscapes, winter sports, and the chance to experience traditional Russian winter festivities like Maslenitsa and New Year's celebrations.
Russia at Night
Hiking in Russia
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located in Siberia, Lake Baikal offers stunning hiking trails around the world's deepest freshwater lake, with diverse flora and fauna and breathtaking views.
The highest peak in Europe, Mount Elbrus provides numerous hiking opportunities for adventurers looking to conquer its trails and enjoy panoramic views of the Caucasus Mountains.
Located in Kamchatka, the Valley of Geysers is a UNESCO World Heritage site with unique geothermal features, offering hiking trails through a stunning volcanic landscape.
This region is known for its beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems, featuring hiking trails that lead to the stunning fjords and the northern lights.
Home to more than 300 volcanoes, hiking in Kamchatka offers thrilling adventures with active volcanic landscapes and opportunities for wildlife sightings.
A historic region northeast of Moscow, the Golden Ring features charming old towns and scenic countryside, providing plenty of hiking routes for those interested in culture and nature.
Located in the Caucasus region, Sochi National Park offers a variety of trails through lush forests, mountains, and coastal views along the Black Sea.
This UNESCO site in Primorye is rich in biodiversity, featuring hiking trails that offer encounters with unique wildlife and stunning natural scenery.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Russia through these rare and unique activities.
Airports
How to reach Russia by plane.
Located in Moscow, Sheremetyevo is one of the main international airports in Russia and serves as a hub for many international airlines.
Situated southeast of Moscow, Domodedovo is the largest airport in Russia in terms of passenger traffic and offers a wide range of international flights.
Located in St. Petersburg, Pulkovo is the main international airport serving the city and is among the busiest airports in Russia.
Also located in Moscow, Vnukovo is one of the three major airports in the city and handles a significant number of international flights.
Kazan International serves the capital of Tatarstan and provides various international connections, making it an important airport in central Russia.
Located in Novosibirsk, this airport is a major gateway to Siberia and offers both domestic and international flights.
Situated in Yekaterinburg, this airport serves as a significant international and domestic travel hub in the Ural region.
Khabarovsk Novy Airport serves the city of Khabarovsk in the far east of Russia and provides various international routes.
Located in Vladivostok, this airport is an important international gateway to the Pacific region.
Situated in Sochi, this airport facilitates international travel, notably for those visiting the Black Sea coast.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Ethnic Russians make up the majority of the population in Russia.
The largest ethnic minority in Russia, primarily found in Tatarstan and other regions.
A significant ethnic group, particularly in the southern regions of Russia.
An ethnic minority predominantly in the Republic of Bashkortostan.
An ethnic group located mainly in the Chuvash Republic.
An ethnic group from the Chechen Republic in the North Caucasus region.
A notable ethnic community found in various regions of Russia.
An ethnic group primarily living in Dagestan.
Includes various smaller groups like Komi, Mari, and others scattered throughout Russia.
The Soul of Russia
Discover the essence of Russia through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is the most popular sport in Russia, with a rich history and a strong following. The Russian Premier League is the top professional league, and the national team has competed in multiple World Cups.
Ice hockey is extremely popular in Russia, producing many world-class players and teams. The KHL (Kontinental Hockey League) is considered one of the best ice hockey leagues outside of the NHL.
Basketball enjoys considerable popularity in Russia, with a strong domestic league and successful international representation. The Russian national team has achieved significant success in European competitions.
Volleyball is a widely played sport in Russia, with both men's and women's teams competing at high levels in international tournaments. The country has a strong volleyball tradition.
Athletics is popular at both the amateur and professional levels, with many athletes competing in various track and field events. Russia has produced numerous world-class athletes over the years.
Tennis has gained significant popularity in Russia, with many top-ranking players and successful national tournaments. The country has produced several Grand Slam champions.
Figure skating is highly regarded in Russia, known for producing exceptional athletes and artistic performances. It has a large fanbase and is a prominent part of Russian sports culture.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Russian cuisine heavily features meats, many restaurants and cafes in major cities now offer vegetarian and vegan alternatives. Check out Ukrop in Moscow and Troitsky Most in St. Petersburg.
In Russia, it's becoming easier to find gluten-free options, especially in upscale restaurants and health-conscious cafes. Try Fresh in Moscow or Harmonica in St. Petersburg.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Russia with these cultural adventures.
Healthcare
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Russia.