Russia Travel Guide: Essential Tips

1. What are the top attractions in Moscow?
Top attractions in Moscow include Red Square, the Kremlin, and Saint Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful domes. Visit the Bolshoi Theatre for a ballet, explore the GUM department store, and see the Lenin Mausoleum. The Moscow Metro, with its ornate stations, is also a must-see.

2. What is the best time to visit Russia?
The best time to visit Russia is late spring (May to June) or early autumn (September to October) for mild weather, ideal for exploring Moscow and St. Petersburg. Summer (July to August) offers the White Nights in St. Petersburg, while winter (December to February) is perfect for experiencing a snowy Russian winter and events like Maslenitsa.

3. Do I need a visa to travel to Russia?
Most travelers, including those from the US, Canada, Australia, and the EU, need a visa to enter Russia. You’ll need an invitation letter (often provided by a hotel or tour operator) to apply. Some nationalities can visit visa-free for short periods (e.g., certain CIS countries). Check with the Russian embassy for specific requirements.

4. What are the best things to do in St. Petersburg?
In St. Petersburg, visit the Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace, explore Peterhof Palace with its fountains, and see the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Take a boat tour along the Neva River, stroll along Nevsky Prospekt, and attend a performance at the Mariinsky Theatre.

5. Is Russia expensive to travel to?
Russia can be moderately expensive, depending on the region. Daily costs in Moscow and St. Petersburg average $70–$150 per person for accommodation, food, and transport. A mid-range trip can cost $800–$1,500 for a week. Smaller cities like Kazan or Vladivostok are cheaper, and hostels or local eateries help save money.

6. What are traditional Russian foods to try?
Try borscht (beet soup), pelmeni (meat dumplings), and blini (pancakes) with caviar or sour cream. Enjoy beef stroganoff, shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and pirozhki (stuffed pastries). For drinks, sample vodka, kvass (a fermented beverage), or tea from a samovar.

7. What is the Trans-Siberian Railway experience like?
The Trans-Siberian Railway, stretching over 9,200 km from Moscow to Vladivostok, is a bucket-list journey. It takes about 7 days, with stops in cities like Yekaterinburg, Irkutsk (near Lake Baikal), and Novosibirsk. Expect basic but comfortable cabins, shared dining cars, and stunning views of Siberia’s landscapes.

8. What are the best natural attractions in Russia?
Top natural attractions include Lake Baikal, the world’s deepest lake, ideal for hiking and ice-walking in winter; the Golden Ring’s countryside; and the Kamchatka Peninsula for volcanoes and geysers. Visit the Altai Mountains for trekking, or the Black Sea coast in Sochi for beaches and mountains.

9. What are the best festivals in Russia?
Top festivals include the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg (June to July) with ballet and music, Maslenitsa (February/March) for pancake celebrations, and Victory Day (May 9) with parades in Moscow. The Scarlet Sails in St. Petersburg (June) and the Moscow International Film Festival (April) are also highlights.

10. How can I travel around Russia?
Russia’s vast size makes trains the best option, with the Trans-Siberian Railway and Sapsan high-speed trains connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg. Domestic flights are convenient for long distances (e.g., Moscow to Vladivostok). Buses and marshrutkas (minibuses) cover smaller routes, while metros in Moscow and St. Petersburg are efficient for city travel.