Russia is is one of the largest countries in the world with plenty of destinations and landmarks that its famous for. You’ll have to spend lots of time in Russia to have a chance to see them all. There are many hubs around Russia that are worth exploring thanks to their international popularity. It’s a place that you won’t forget and continues to deliver new experiences for visitors.
Moscow, the Capital and Political hub of Russia
You can’t talk about Russia without mentioning the current capital, Moscow. Moscow is the top destination to visit in Russia. It’s a city filed with history, culture, political influence, and modern-day entertainment that makes it an exciting place to visit for everyone. One of the most famous places to visit in Moscow is the Red Square. The Red Square is a central hub of Russia where you’ll discover many of the city’s most notable landmarks and attractions. The entire city of Moscow was developed around this square, with the main roads all originating from this point.
The Kremlin is a symbol of all of Russia. It’s the site of most of the political activity in the country, housing many government offices and also the residence of the President of Russia. It also serves as a tourist attraction that welcomes visitors to explore its numerous palaces, cathedrals, and museums, all located within the complex.
Opposite of the Kremlin, in the Red Square is the Saint Basil’s cathedral. The cathedral is one of the most recognized cathedrals in the world. It’s known for its distinct architecture that sets itself apart from typical Russia architecture. Moscow is a must-visit destination while in Russia and these building, among many others are most famous.
St. Petersburg
While Moscos is famous for being a political hub in Russia, St. Petersburg is Russia’s second largest city and famous for being the cultural hub of the country. It’s a center for arts and entertainment with lots of cultural venues worth exploring. Some of the top sites in St. Petersburg include a visit to the Hermitage Museum and Palace Square.
Hermitage Museum is considered to hold the world’s oldest collection of art and antiques, among several other relics. The museum is so popular, that it can be difficult to get in. The museum is part of the overall Hermitage complex which includes several other venues such as the Winter Palace. The complex strip is usually the first destination for tourists visiting the city.
Palace Square is the central square of St. Petersburg. Anyone who visits the city will find themselves here at some point as it’s nearby to many of the top landmarks. The centerpiece of the square is the Alexander Column. Many public gatherings and events occurs on this site.
Another claim to fame for St. Petersburg is the entertainment found around the city. It’s a hub for the arts with many theatres featuring opera, theatre, and ballet shows. The most iconic of the venues is the Mariinsky Theatre.
Lake Baikal, the Deepest Lake in the World
In addition to its cities, there are also a several natural landmarks to discover in Russia. One of the most famous natural landmarks in Russia is Lake Baikal. Lake Baikal is found in the Siberia region of Russia. It is an official UNESCO World Heritage site whose massive size has broken numerous records.
Lake Baikal is known as the deepest lake in the world and the largest freshwater lake in the world, accounting for more that 20% of the Earth’s fresh water surface. Overall, It’s the seventh largest lake in the world. A lot of research is conducted at this lake, with scientists estimating it to be approximately 30 million years old. It’s home to thousands of species of animals, plant life, and even local tribes who relay on the lake for their livelihood.
Mount Elbrus
Mount Elbrus is another famous natural landmark worth visiting while in Russia. Russia is a unique country that spans both Europe and Asia. Debates about whether the peak exists on the European side or Asian side exist but the current standing is in Europe, making it the continent’s highest peak. Mount Elbrus is a dormant volcano, with both of its highest peaks reaching over 5,600 meters. The mountain is a popular tourist destination, especially those interested in hiking and mountaineering. Several routes have been carved out into the mountain to reach the peak. For those less skilled, you can still enjoy views from a high elevation via the cable car system installed to ascend the mountain slopes.