UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Book Attractions in Advance

Skip the lines at Russia's top attractions by booking tickets in advance through Tiqets. Get instant confirmation and mobile tickets for museums, kremlins, and experiences across Russia.

🏰

Kremlin and Red Square, Moscow

Explore the fortified heart of Russia with cathedrals, palaces, and Lenin's Mausoleum for panoramic views.

Especially magical during evening lights, perfect for guided tours and historical insights.

Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg

Discover the Winter Palace and St. Isaac's Cathedral with its famous Hermitage collections.

A blend of Baroque splendor and vibrant canals that captivate art enthusiasts.

🏛️

Architectural Ensemble of the Trinity Sergius Lavra

Admire ancient monasteries and golden domes in this spiritual hub.

Markets and festivals create a lively atmosphere perfect for immersing in Russian Orthodox culture.

💎

Church of the Ascension, Kolomenskoye

Walk through wooden architecture and explore royal estates in Moscow's outskirts.

Combining religious art with imperial history in a serene setting.

🏺

Kizhi Pogost

Uncover ancient wooden churches and museums highlighting Russia's northern roots.

Less crowded, offering a peaceful alternative to major cities.

📚

Ensemble of the Ferapontov Monastery

Visit this frescoed monastery in Vologda, a testament to Russia's medieval artistry.

Fascinating for those interested in icons and Renaissance innovation.

Natural Wonders & Outdoor Adventures

🌲

Lake Baikal

Hike through taiga forests and crystal waters, ideal for adventure seekers with trails to ice caves.

Perfect for multi-day treks with scenic viewpoints and wildlife spotting.

🏔️

Altai Mountains

Explore rugged peaks and valleys with rafting and nomadic campsites.

Family-friendly fun with fresh air and mountain breezes in summer.

🦌

Kamchatka Peninsula

Explore volcanoes and geysers via hiking paths, attracting nature photographers.

Serene spot for picnics and bear watching with diverse geothermal ecosystems.

🌳

Ural Mountains

Wander ancient ranges near Yekaterinburg, perfect for easy hikes and family outings.

This border forest offers a quick nature escape with historical trails.

🚣

Lena Pillars

Kayak along the river with stunning rock formations and taiga, ideal for water sports.

Hidden gem for scenic cruises and riverside picnics.

🌾

Volga River Delta

Discover wetlands and bird sanctuaries with boating routes.

Agricultural tours connecting to Russia's rural heritage and steppe charm.

Russia by Region

🌆 Central Russia (Moscow Area)

  • Best For: Imperial history, museums, and urban energy with iconic sites like the Kremlin.
  • Key Destinations: Moscow, Sergiev Posad, and Suzdal for historic kremlins and vibrant nightlife.
  • Activities: Red Square tours, ballet performances, caviar tastings, and metro explorations.
  • Best Time: Summer for white nights (June-August) and spring for milder weather (May), with 15-25°C.
  • Getting There: Well-connected by train from airports, with frequent services and private transfers available via GetTransfer.

🏙️ Northwest Russia (St. Petersburg Area)

  • Best For: Canals, palaces, and artistic heritage as Russia's cultural capital.
  • Key Destinations: St. Petersburg for landmarks, nearby Pushkin for tsarist estates.
  • Activities: Hermitage visits, canal cruises, white nights festivals, and museum hopping.
  • Best Time: Year-round, but summer (June-July) for midnight sun and events like the Scarlet Sails.
  • Getting There: Pulkovo Airport is the main hub - compare flights on Aviasales for best deals.

🌳 Golden Ring & Volga (East)

  • Best For: Medieval towns and river cruises, featuring ancient monasteries.
  • Key Destinations: Yaroslavl, Vladimir, and Nizhny Novgorod for onion domes and markets.
  • Activities: Ring road drives, banya sessions, local honey tastings, and fortress visits.
  • Best Time: Autumn for foliage (Sept-Oct) and summer for cruises (June-Aug), 10-25°C.
  • Getting There: Rent a car for flexibility in exploring remote villages and countryside.

🏔️ Siberia & Far East (East)

  • Best For: Epic wilderness and indigenous cultures with Lake Baikal's depths.
  • Key Destinations: Irkutsk, Vladivostok, and Yakutsk for taiga adventures and rail journeys.
  • Activities: Ice trekking, shaman rituals, fishing expeditions, and Trans-Siberian rides.
  • Best Time: Winter for frozen Baikal (Jan-Feb) and summer for hiking (July-Aug), -20 to 25°C.
  • Getting There: Domestic flights from Moscow, with rail options for scenic travel.

Sample Russia Itineraries

🚀 7-Day Russia Highlights

Days 1-2: Moscow

Arrive in Moscow, explore Red Square, visit the Kremlin for cathedrals, sample blini, and experience Bolshoi Theatre landmarks.

Days 3-4: St. Petersburg & Golden Ring

High-speed train to St. Petersburg for Hermitage tours and canal walks, then day trip to Suzdal for medieval monasteries.

Days 5-6: Volga Cruise & Yaroslavl

Travel to Yaroslavl for river views and markets, with a short Volga cruise and art nouveau architecture.

Day 7: Return to Moscow

Final day in Moscow for metro tours, last-minute matryoshka shopping, and departure, ensuring time for local cuisine tastings.

🏞️ 10-Day Adventure Explorer

Days 1-2: Moscow Immersion

Moscow city tour covering Red Square, St. Basil's, Tretyakov Gallery, and GUM department store with local food markets.

Days 3-4: St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg for historic sites including Peterhof fountains and Winter Palace, with vibrant Nevsky Prospect walks.

Days 5-6: Golden Ring

Drive to Vladimir for golden gates and churches, then Suzdal for countryside monasteries and honey tastings.

Days 7-8: Volga Activities

Full river adventure with cruises on the Volga, visits to Nizhny Novgorod kremlin, and stays in historic riverside towns.

Days 9-10: Siberia Intro & Return

Short flight to Irkutsk for Lake Baikal glimpses with ice walks, before returning to Moscow.

🏙️ 14-Day Complete Russia

Days 1-3: Moscow Deep Dive

Comprehensive Moscow exploration including armory museums, food tours, Arbat street walks, and space exhibits.

Days 4-6: St. Petersburg Circuit

St. Petersburg for canals and Hermitage, Peterhof for gardens, and Pushkin for Catherine Palace splendor.

Days 7-9: Golden Ring Adventures

Full circuit with Yaroslavl markets, Rostov kremlin tours, and Uglich riverfront experiences in scenic valleys.

Days 10-12: Volga & Urals

Volga delta boat trips and Yekaterinburg for border history, followed by Ural hikes and mineral springs.

Days 13-14: Baikal Teaser & Moscow Finale

Irkutsk for Lake Baikal shores and shaman villages, final Moscow experiences with last-minute shopping before departure.

Top Activities & Experiences

🚂

Trans-Siberian Railway

Journey across Russia's vast expanse for unique perspectives of taiga and steppes.

Available year-round with luxury options offering cultural stops and onboard entertainment.

🍸

Vodka Tastings

Sample premium vodkas at distilleries and markets across Russia.

Learn distillation traditions from master blenders and flavor experts.

🎭

Ballet Performances

Experience classics at Bolshoi or Mariinsky Theaters with world-class dancers.

Learn about Tchaikovsky's works and Russian ballet heritage through guided previews.

🚴

Siberian Cycling Tours

Explore Baikal shores and taiga paths on dedicated routes with bike rentals widely available.

Popular trails include lakeside paths and mountain passes with varied terrain.

🎨

Icon Painting Workshops

Discover religious art at Sergiev Posad and contemporary galleries in St. Petersburg.

Works by Rublev and modern Russian artists with hands-on sessions available.

🛀

Banya Experiences

Tour traditional saunas like Sanduny in Moscow and countryside baths in the Golden Ring.

Many banyas offer rituals and birch whisk treatments for immersive wellness.

Explore More Russia Guides