The Best Places To Visit In Russia

The largest country in the world, spanning eleven different time zones and two continents, Russia is often out of most travellers’ radar.

Perhaps because of the visa procedures, perhaps because English is not widely understood. Most international visitors tend to travel to St Petersburg or Moscow, unaware of other major Russia tourist attractions.

But the truth is that there are many incredible places to visit in Russia and I highly recommend getting out there. Indeed, the country doesn’t get the best media, especially in Western countries.

Hey, let’s be honest, if you’ve travelled a bit, you will know that most countries don’t live up to the bad press they get.

In this post, I will share with you some of the best places to see in Russia. I will start talking about the two main cities, and will continue with the suggestions of some fellow travel bloggers.

There is something for every traveller, from the country’s most famous cities to idyllic places in more bucolic surroundings, both on the European and the Asian sides.

The Best Places To Visit In Russia

St Petersburg

St Petersburg is the most European city in Russia and the country’s former capital. To many people, a trip here tops the list of things to do in Russia.

Founded by Peter The Great in 1703, the city was known as Leningrad during the Soviet period. Its location by the Baltic Sea, makes it an easy city to visit from Europe, and it is a highlight of most Baltic cruises.

The city has many grand palaces, churches and museums, so I recommend staying in the city for at least four full days.

The city is easy to navigate and most attractions are around Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main avenue.

The Hermitage, one of the biggest museums in the world, is the biggest highlights of any trip to St Petersburg and deserves at least half a day.

Other St Petersburg attractions that you can’t miss include the Church of the Spilt Blood with its colourful domes, the majestic St Isaac’s Cathedral and Summer Palace in Peterhof.

You can check out my full write up on the top things to do in St Petersburg, to get inspired for a trip “the window to Russia”, as the city was once known.

Moscow

I would say the Russian capital is one of those cities anyone should visit at some point in their life. Even if it is during a stopover en-route elsewhere, it is totally worth it exploring the main places to see in Moscow.

The Red Square is the most common place to start your visit. One of the largest public spaces in the world, it is surrounded by some iconic buildings, like the G.U.M. department store, which became a luxury retail place, in contrast to what it used to be in Soviet times.

Also on the square, you will find the National History Museum, the walls of the Kremlin and the famous St Basil’s Cathedral. A visit to the Kremlin should follow, including the Armoury.

For a different perspective of the city, I recommend going on a Moscow river cruise around sunset. That way, you can enjoy the city under different lights.

Moscow is home to many theatres and you can watch ballet performances pretty much all year round. There are fewer performances during summer, when actors take their holidays. Watching a ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre is among the best things to do in Russia – not only Moscow.

Yaroslavl

One of the most interesting places to visit in Russia has to be Yaroslavl. This Golden Ring city in Russia has a UNESCO listed historic centre full of beautiful colourful buildings, stunning churches from the 17th century, and a unique city layout that was innovative at the time.

One of the highlights of Yaroslavl has to be the beautiful and ornate Spassky Monastery, which is one of the oldest monasteries in this region of Russia! Within this monastery, you’ll find several museums, beautiful wooden walls, and well-preserved religious artefacts.

Even for the non-religious, the history museums (complete with clothing rentals) is fun for learning about the history of this region through artefacts.

Although not everything is suitable for non-Russian speakers, there is something for everyone here and it is much better to visit with a knowledgeable guide who might be able to translate for you.

During winter, the Christmas market is quite charming. But it is in summer that Yaroslavl becomes a popular destination for those seeking a fun weekend trip from Moscow. The walk along the Volga was beautiful even in winter and it’s easy to understand why Yaroslavl is a favourite of locals!

I would recommend staying at Alesha Popovich Dvor, a traditional hotel with a beautiful interior and a great breakfast.

Gorohovets

While it lies only 330km away from the glitz and glamour of Moscow, the small provincial town of Gorohovets belongs to a different era of Russian history.

Unlike most provincial towns in Russia, where the remaining heritage buildings are outcompeted by Stalin’s utilitarian residential housing, in Gorohovets, heritage buildings are all there is.

The town’s narrow streets are lined with dilapidated but still cute as a button wooden ‘commoners’ houses interspersed with grand two-storey stone mansions of merchants and nobility.

And in every direction you look, you see the anion-shaped domes of the centuries-old orthodox churches and monasteries.

You may wonder how an entire town becomes frozen in time like this. The answer, of course, lies in the town’s history.

The heyday of Gorohovets dates back to the XVII century when it became the regional trading centre. As the business prospered, the wealthy merchants commissioned the building of churches and monasteries as well as beautiful residencies for themselves.

Some of the most interesting buildings in Gorohovets are the former merchant houses, like the intricately decorated Shorin House and the stately Sapozhnikov House.

But in 1875, the railroad was built between Moscow and Nizhnii Novgorod that completely bypassed Gorohovets. Cut off from the trading routes, the town declined and remained virtually unchanged ever since.

Today, Gorohovets is a popular filming location for Russian period dramas. The best way to visit it is on a day tour from Moscow.

Kazan

As the capital of Tatarstan, Kazan offers a unique cultural experience and is of the best places to visit in Russia. It is the homeland of the Tatars, an ethnic group who make up the majority of the population in this semi-autonomous region.

The city’s most impressive attractions lie within the walls of the Kazan Kremlin. You probably think about Moscow when you hear the word “kremlin”, but actually, there are dozens of kremlins, or citadels, scattered throughout Russia and neighbouring countries.

Kazan’s Kremlin was built by Ivan the Terrible in the 1500s on top the ruins of the Kazan Khanate fortress that he had just destroyed and conquered.

Today, the Kremlin contains the Tatarstan Presidential Palace as well as other monuments such as the Annunciation Cathedral, the Söyembikä Tower and the Kul Sharif Mosque.

The latter is the newest addition to the Kremlin and was inaugurated in 2005 on the foundations of the original mosque that was destroyed by Ivan the Terrible.

The Annunciation Cathedral, on the other hand, was bombed by the Red Army and turned into a museum during the Soviet era, but in 2005 it also was reconsecrated and handed over to the Orthodox Church.

The fact that a working mosque and a working Orthodox cathedral stand side by side in the Kazan Kremlin is a testament to the city’s religious and cultural diversity.

In addition to the Kremlin, other sights worth checking out include the Soviet Lifestyle Museum, the Ekiyat Puppet Theater and the Kazan Family Center.

For budget travellers, the Berison Hotel is a low-cost chain with several locations around the city. Those looking for a bit more luxury will probably prefer the Kazan Palace.

Yekaterinburg

Most people visiting Russia don’t make it further than St. Petersburg and Moscow. However, the country is huge and has so much more to offer!

On my journey with the Trans-Siberian Railway, I got off the train in Yekaterinburg and visited the city for a few days before continuing towards East.

The most famous landmark in Yekaterinburg is the Church on the Blood, which was actually founded based on a tragic story – the last royal Tsar family of Russia was executed here.

If you want to learn more about Russia’s history, make sure to visit the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center, a very modern and interesting museum. For a great panoramic view of Yekaterinburg, head to the Visotsky Observatory.

Yekaterinburg is also famous as the city where Asia and Europe meet – since the official “border” of both continents with a monument is actually just outside of Yekaterinburg.

There’s a line on the ground and you can take a touristy but fun picture of yourself, standing on both continents.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, I can recommend “Hi Hostel” as a good budget accommodation (here’s where I stayed). If your standards are a bit higher, the “Novotel Ekaterinburg” has great ratings online as well.

Perm

Perm is a city nestled at the base of the Ural mountains, the range that divides the vast expanse of Siberia from European Russia.

Until 1990, it was one of Russia’s “closed cities”. You wouldn’t have found it on a map, and foreign visitors were not allowed to visit. Despite being a stop on the Trans-Siberian railway, it is often bypassed by travellers even though they are allowed in now.

However, if you plan your time wisely, Perm can be a very rewarding break from the train.

Even though it is not among the most popular places to visit in Russia, Perm is a bustling, lively university town. There are a surprising number of cafes that are incredibly Insta-worthy as well as serving up delicious dishes and drinks.

There is also a thriving art scene. The large Perm Museum of Contemporary Art (PERMM) attracts exhibitions from across Russia and the world. Along the bank of the Kama River is Perm’s most famous piece of art, a large sign that translates as “happiness is not far away”.

If you like a little more history in your art then it is worth discovering the city’s Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Savior and its neoclassical bell tower.

The attached monastery dates from the 14th century and now contains a wonderful art museum.

Within easy reach of the city, there are some excellent day trips. GULAG 36 is an old soviet work camp which has been preserved and is now a museum.

It is chilling but very interesting. In the opposite direction, the Kungur Ice Caves are chilling in entirely different ways.

A guided tour takes you through chambers lined with ice crystals, cool rock formations and underground lakes.

If you are thinking of staying in perm, don’t expect an abundance of fantastic accommodation.

For a high-end but slightly dull hotel we would recommend the Four Elements Perm. The bedrooms are large and there is a Turkish-style hammam on site.

Otherwise, there is an abundance of simple and cheap guesthouses or hostels around town. Of these, Guest House Green Place is a good option.

Karelia

Located in the North-West region and bordered by Finland, Karelia is becoming one of Russia’s top destinations.

It’s a nature-lover’s paradise: it has diverse wildlife, mighty and lush green forests, about a third of the area are lakes, rivers so it offers a wide range of outdoor activities (canoeing, kayaking, rafting, hiking, bicycling or some winter sports) and enjoying nature.

Karelia includes some of the best-preserved authentic architecture in the country and is home to peasant traditions, which makes this region more interesting.

The largest city of Karelia, Petrozavodsk, is usually the starting point for travellers. It is a modern city with a mix of Russian, Karelian and Finnish culture.

The city features some important museums, theatres and beautiful parks. The highlights of Karelia are unique, wooden churches and buildings, included in the UNESCO, on the island of Kizhi in Lake Onega.

Another attraction, located on Valaam island, is also Transfiguration Monastery – a popular Orthodox tourist destination.

The National Park Paanajärvi is a unique nature where you can explore the breathtaking landscape, streams, lakes and much more.

When looking where to stay in Karelia, Winter’s Dacha in Tarulinna is a park hotel where from an altitude of 16 meters you can admire the impressive panorama of the forest, boundless expanses, Ladoga and islands.

The area is popular for hiking and cycling and should definitely get onto your list of places to visit in Russia.

Lake Baikal

One of the most spectacular places I have visited during my trip to Russia was Lake Baikal, the deepest of its kind in the world. Besides this fact, there are plenty of things to do around Lake Baikal, there is no better place to base yourself than on Olkhon Island.

A rustic area, the island is home to a shamanic culture, probably the only one on the continent. A trip here is one of the top things to do in Russia.

In Khuzhir, the largest village of the island, there is one place to stay, belonging to Nikita. Here, he rents rooms in his wooden hotel and also cooks delicious meals for everyone who wants a warm supper.

As it is not a very touristy area, booking your dinner in advance is recommended.

From the numerous things to do around Lake Baikal I can mention cycling around the island, looking for the shamanic coloured ribbons tied on tree branches, trying to local

Ohm fish, which only lives in the water of the lake, hiking on one of the “Great Baikal” trails and, my favourite, experiencing the homemade sauna on the beach. Build inside an old trailer, the Baikal sauna is a must-do when on the island.

The way it works is easy: you get undressed outside (in the cold), then step inside, sweat, and when you can’t stand the hear anymore, come back outside and take a dip in the freezing waters of the lake.

It is said that if you bathe in the Baikal lake your life will be extended by 10 years – one more reason to include it on your Russia trip, don’t you think?

Irkutsk

Irkutsk is the capital of Eastern Siberia and one of the most popular stops on the Trans-Siberian Railway. It’s also the main gateway to Lake Baikal.

The centre of the city is on the tentative Unesco World Heritage list and its 19th Century architecture and Orthodox churches are stunningly beautiful.

The city lies along the banks of the river Angara, and the best way to get around is on foot. Many of the buildings have colourful facades, and the intricately carved designs are worth a stop to admire.

To see the best and most recently restored Siberian houses take a stroll along 130 Kvartal. A visit to Bogoyavlensky (Epiphany) Cathedral is also a must.

The gold leaf and decorative tiles alongside the neoclassical style bell tower make this building stand out, but its the glistening interior that’s most spectacular.

The Church of Our Lady of Kazan is another beautiful building worth seeing. The bright red facade and magnificent blue domes are its main distinguishable features, and the religious icons and fresco paintings provide a stunning interior.

Irkutsk also has some excellent museums to visit. The best ones have to include Volkonsky House, which tells the story of the families exile in Irkutsk and the Irkutsk Regional Art Museum, which has the best collection of art in Siberia.

In recent years Irkutsk popularity as a tourist destination has risen considerably and as a result, there’s now a good selection of hotels and hostels that offer accommodation.

If you prefer to stay at a well-known hotel chain, The Courtyard Mariott is an excellent choice.

In the mid-range price bracket, the Historical Hotel Central is highly recommended, and for those on a tighter budget, the Marco Polo Hostel is in a good location opposite the central bus station.

Murmansk – by GlobeTrove

One of the most exciting places that we visited in Russia was a city called Murmansk. Located within the Arctic circle, the landscape of the city is very different from what you would expect.

For one thing, we arrived in the area in the dead of winter. The whole place was covered with layers of snow and ice which made it an interesting experience for a person like me who had never seen snow before.

Contrary to belief there are quite a few things to do in the city. From a trip out in the dead of the night to see the Northern lights to exploring the Lenin icebreaker.

Or if you are in the mood for it and don’t mind the cold you could even climb up the hill to catch a glimpse of the Alyosha monument.

My favourite thing to do however was to visit the Sami village and see how the natives of the land lived. It is an interesting experience, to say the least.

The choices for places to stay in Murmansk are limited since it is really off the grid for tourists. The Azimut hotel is one of the popular choices.

We, however, chose to rent an apartment for the duration of our stay and enjoyed the cosy feeling of having the place all to ourselves.

Chita

Russia is much more than Moscow and St Petersburg. There are several nice places to visit such as Krasnoyarsk, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Kazan etc. among others but our choice is a place called Chita which we highly recommend.

Located on the confluence of Chita and Ingoda rivers, Chita is on the east side of Irkutsk. Capital of the Trans-Baikal region, it is more than 6000 kilometres away from Moscow.

There are many things to do in Chita. Decembrists’ Church is the oldest building of the city and has wooden architecture.

The history of this church building is amazing and it has a wonderful collection of historical artefacts as well as the diaries of Decembrists and their wives. The church of Kazan is an iconic cathedral in the city with golden onion domes.

It is also the biggest church in Siberia. Located on the Titovskaya hill, Alexander Nevsky Chapel is small. This is a viewpoint, popular for wedding shoots. One can see Chita railway station where Trans-Siberian trains halt.

Aginsky Datsan is also an attraction of Chita, Datsan being the term for Buddhist university monasteries in the Tibetan tradition. It is painted in traditional Buddhist style.

If you are interested in drama, a visit to Oblast drama theatre is a must. The theatre participates in international and inter-regional festivals in Blagoveshchensk, Irkutsk, and Tomsk.

Other attractions are House of Officers, ODORI Park, Lenin square, Shumovsky Palace beside the railway station which is on the Trans-Siberian Railway Route.

The winter is very long and cold here but the summer brings out sunshine and colours, albeit for a short time.

Where to stay: Hotel Mont Blanc and Hotel Arcadia are nice hotels to stay in.

Have you ever been to Russia? What other places to visit in Russia you would recommend? If you haven’t been, why not?