Russia

Russia offers an awe-inspiring collection of cultural landmarks, architectural marvels, and natural wonders spread across eleven time zones. In Moscow, the heart of political and spiritual Russia, the Red Square is an essential visit, framed by the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the imposing Kremlin, and the iconic Lenin’s Mausoleum. Just a few metro stops away lies the Bolshoi Theatre, home to world-renowned ballet and opera performances. In St. Petersburg, often called the “Venice of the North,” travelers can lose themselves in the vast halls of the Hermitage Museum, stroll through the lavish Peterhof Palace and Gardens, or admire the grandeur of the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Venture to the Golden Ring cities like Suzdal, Vladimir, and Yaroslavl to see ancient churches, wooden architecture, and living Russian folklore. For nature lovers, Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest and oldest freshwater lake, offers crystalline waters, endemic wildlife, and ice trekking in winter. The Kamchatka Peninsula in the Far East is home to active volcanoes, geysers, and brown bears. Meanwhile, Kazan and Sochi reveal Russia’s diverse ethnic identity and subtropical side, respectively — with Kazan’s Tatar-Muslim fusion architecture and Sochi’s Black Sea beaches and Olympic legacy.

Russian cuisine is hearty, earthy, and full of regional variation, built to sustain through long winters and rooted in both peasant fare and aristocratic elegance. Among the must-try dishes is borscht, a beet-based soup often served with a dollop of sour cream and slices of rye bread. Pelmeni, meat-filled dumplings, are a Siberian specialty, typically served boiled with butter or in a broth. Blini, thin crepe-like pancakes, can be enjoyed sweet (with jam or condensed milk) or savory (stuffed with caviar, mushrooms, or salmon). Beef Stroganoff, a creamy mushroom-and-meat dish, is a classic of Russian nobility cuisine. Olivier salad (Russian salad) is a rich potato salad often served during holidays, while shashlik, skewered grilled meat, is a popular street food, especially in the Caucasus region. For dessert, medovik (honey cake) and syrniki (fried cheese pancakes) delight locals and visitors alike. Don’t miss out on kvass, a fermented rye drink that tastes like a mild beer but is non-alcoholic, or a shot of vodka, traditionally sipped straight and accompanied by salty snacks like pickled vegetables or herring.

Russia’s massive geography makes travel planning crucial. For long distances, the Russian Railways network is a cultural experience in itself — the Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching from Moscow to Vladivostok, is the world’s longest rail route and offers a front-row seat to the country’s changing landscapes. High-speed Sapsan trains connect Moscow to St. Petersburg in under four hours with comfort and efficiency. Within cities, metro systems are fast and affordable; Moscow’s Metro is not only practical but also a sightseeing destination, with ornately decorated stations resembling underground palaces. Taxis are best ordered via apps like Yandex Go or Citymobil rather than hailing on the street to avoid scams. Domestic flights are often necessary for crossing vast distances — airlines like Aeroflot, S7, and Ural Airlines serve major hubs across Russia. Intercity buses exist but are slower and less comfortable than trains. In rural areas, marshrutkas (minibuses) are common but can be unpredictable; travelers should learn basic Russian phrases or travel with a guide. Roads can be rough outside major cities, so self-driving is best left to experienced travelers.

Despite its grandeur, Russia can be surprisingly affordable. Accommodation options range from Soviet-style hostels and budget hotels to comfortable mid-range guesthouses and short-term apartments. Public transportation is extremely cheap, with metro tickets in Moscow or St. Petersburg costing less than $1. Dining at stolovayas (canteens) offers full meals for just a few dollars, while convenience stores and pyaterochka-style supermarkets sell fresh produce and prepared foods. Many museums offer free or discounted entry on specific days of the month — for example, the Hermitage is free on the first Thursday of every month. Student and ISIC cardholders can often score discounted admissions across sites. Booking long-distance train tickets in advance directly through the Russian Railways website (available in English) is cheaper than third-party vendors. Purchasing a local SIM card with data helps save on navigation and translation costs. If you’re visiting multiple cities, consider flying into one (e.g., Moscow) and out of another (e.g., Vladivostok) to avoid backtracking.

Russia is generally safe for tourists, especially in popular destinations like Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kazan, and Sochi. Violent crime is rare, but pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas like metros or tourist attractions — always stay aware and keep valuables secure. While solo travel is possible, female travelers should exercise caution at night and avoid accepting drinks from strangers. Be prepared for police checks; always carry a copy of your passport and visa, as random document inspections are legal. LGBTQ+ travelers should be aware of strict laws against public advocacy and same-sex public displays of affection — discretion is advised, particularly outside major cities. Political demonstrations and sensitive topics should be avoided in conversation. Some regions, such as the North Caucasus (Chechnya, Dagestan), are best avoided without expert guidance due to complex security dynamics. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112, and medical care is accessible in cities but limited in remote regions.

Russian culture places high value on formality, tradition, and hospitality. Upon entering someone’s home, remove your shoes and often change into house slippers. Punctuality is expected, especially in business settings, and shaking hands is customary — but never across a threshold, which is considered bad luck. Direct eye contact is seen as a sign of sincerity, while smiling at strangers can be interpreted as odd or insincere (Russians typically smile for genuine reasons, not politeness). Public transportation etiquette is strict: always offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Dress conservatively, particularly when visiting churches or rural areas — women may be asked to cover their heads and shoulders in Orthodox churches. Tipping is not mandatory but appreciated; 10% is standard at restaurants. It’s considered impolite to whistle indoors, place empty bottles on the table, or discuss politics with strangers.

Russia suits history buffs, culture aficionados, railway enthusiasts, and bold adventurers. Urban travelers will revel in Moscow’s grandeur and St. Petersburg’s romance. Luxury seekers can indulge in imperial hotels and ballet galas, while budget backpackers can stretch their funds on hostels and canteens without sacrificing depth of experience. Nature lovers can hike the Altai Mountains, fish in Lake Baikal, or volcano-spot in Kamchatka. Travelers seeking slow, introspective journeys will love train rides through the taiga, Orthodox monasteries, and remote villages — perfect for those craving both mystery and majesty.

Low-budget travelers can find affordable hostels such as Hostel Moscow Style, near the Kremlin, or Soul Kitchen in St. Petersburg, a multi-award-winning hostel with beautiful interiors and a social atmosphere. In Siberia, small family-run guesthouses offer budget stays with local flavor. Mid-range travelers will appreciate boutique hotels like Vremena Goda Hotel in Moscow or Alexander House in St. Petersburg, both known for comfort and central locations. Across Russia’s secondary cities, Park Inn by Radisson offers a reliable chain experience. Luxury travelers can stay at the Four Seasons Moscow, offering opulent views of Red Square and fine dining, or Belmond Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg, a tsarist-era palace reimagined as an elegant retreat. In Kazan or Sochi, five-star resorts like Korston Royal Hotel or Swissôtel Resort Sochi Kamelia deliver high-end experiences with local flair.

A common mistake is underestimating the size of Russia — even traveling between Moscow and St. Petersburg takes significant time without high-speed trains. Another is assuming widespread English fluency — having a translation app or phrasebook is essential. Many travelers forget to register their visa within seven days of arrival — this is mandatory for longer stays and must be done through your hotel or local post office. Also, it’s important not to discuss politics openly, especially topics concerning regional conflicts or government figures. Lastly, avoid calling borscht "Russian" in Ukrainian communities — cultural sensitivity is important, particularly post-2022.

Yandex Go is Russia’s answer to Uber and Google Maps — essential for transportation and navigation. Yandex Metro provides offline maps of metro systems. 2GIS is a powerful offline map with business listings. Tinkoff Travel is useful for domestic flights and train bookings. For translation, Google Translate or Yandex.Translate are indispensable, especially with Cyrillic. Russian Railways (RZD) has an English-language site and app for purchasing tickets. VK (Russia’s version of Facebook) is useful for checking local events, and Telegram is widely used for everything from news to restaurant recommendations.

A two-week Russia itinerary might begin with 4–5 days in Moscow, exploring Red Square, the Kremlin, GUM, and the Moscow Metro, then taking a high-speed train to St. Petersburg for 4–5 days immersed in imperial beauty, art, and canal cruises. Next, take an overnight train or flight to Kazan, where European and Islamic cultures blend in the Kazan Kremlin and Tatar cuisine. Adventurous travelers can extend the trip east to Yekaterinburg, the gateway to Asia, or even fly to Irkutsk to visit Lake Baikal, particularly in winter for ice-walking or summer for hiking and swimming. Alternatively, fly south to Sochi for beaches and mountains in one location.

Russia is the largest country in the world, spanning eleven time zones and covering more surface area than Pluto. It’s home to Europe’s highest peak, Mount Elbrus, and the world’s deepest lake, Lake Baikal, which contains nearly 20% of Earth’s fresh water. The Trans-Siberian Railway is not only the longest continuous train route on the planet, but it passes through a mind-boggling range of climates and cultures. Russia has over 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, from the ancient city of Veliky Novgorod to the Kizhi Pogost wooden churches in Karelia. The country also produces more ballerinas, chess grandmasters, and classical composers than arguably any other. And while vodka is often associated with Russia, tea is equally ingrained in the culture, typically brewed strong in a samovar and enjoyed with sweets or jam.