Russia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions of foreign travelers every year. While it’s among the largest countries, there are many places to discover while visiting. From political and cultural hubs to vast natural landscapes, these are some of the best places to visit in Russia:
Moscow
Most travelers visiting Russia will be arriving via the international airport in Moscow. It’s the capital or Russia and also the largest city in size and population. It’s the political center of the country where you can discover major attractions such as the Kremlin. The Kremlin is a symbol of Russia and the official residence of the President of Russia. The complex includes a variety of other attractions that are open for tourists to explore such as palaces, museums, cathedrals, and landmarks.
The Red Square is the central hub of Moscow, with the rest of the city being developed around it. The square is where you’ll find the Kremlin as well as other famous attractions including the Saint Basil’s Cathedral. Moscow is the best place to visit for sightseeing and exploring more of Russia’s rich history.
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is the second most visited city in Russia, after Moscow. It’s the second largest city and recognized as a major hub for discovering the culture of Russia. There are several major cultural venues located here including the Hermitage Museum, showcasing world famous works of art, as well as the Mariinsky Theatre, a popular entertainment venue for shows such as the opera, ballet, and theatre arts.
St. Petersburg was the original capital of the county. Much of the city is designed with traditional Russian architecture, seen with many of the most notable landmarks.
Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is the most famous natural landscape located in the Eastern Siberia region of Russia. The lake is considered the largest freshwater lake and deepest lake in the world with depths reaching more than 1600 meters. It’s also one of the oldest lakes, estimated at around 25-30 million years old.
The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best places to visit in Russia for exploring the nature in and around the lake. It can be reached via different railways that lead up to the lake. It’s contained within the valley of the Baikal Mountain Range and the Zabaikaskie Mountains. The varied landscape makes it the perfect place for activities such as hiking or boating around the lake. There is a cruise that takes you on a tour of the lake. There are even a few islands that can be visited while here. Lake Baikal also has several beaches. Accommodations while at the lake can be found in nearby towns or you can even pitch a tent for enjoying the nighttime atmosphere of the environment.
Golden Ring
If you’re looking to get a taste of traditional Russia, the Golden Ring circuit is one of the best places to visit. The Golden Ring is a region consisting of historic cities nearby Moscow. They were originally established as a city network that could each be reached within 24 hours of each other on horseback. They are now well connected to transportation around Russia and an easy journey from Moscow via train or car.
The official cities included in the Golden Ring are Sergiev Posad, Kostroma, Ivanovo, Pereslavl Zalessky, Rostov Veliky, Suzdal, Vladimir, and Yaroslavl. The cities each very very similar appearances, filled with traditional Russian architecture and an old-town atmosphere. They are popular destinations along various tours that may stop at one or more of them.
Sergiev Posad is home to the Sergiev Posad Monastery, the center of the Russian Orthodox Church. Kostroma was established in the 12th Century and a destination for Russian art and history, with notable architecture such as the Ipatiev Monastery.
Yugyd Va National Park
The Yugyd Va National Park is located in a very remote part of Russia and reserved for true nature lovers. It’s incorporated as part of the Komi Virgin Forests, an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. The national park was established in 1994 as a way to preserve the natural landscape and forest. It’s the second largest park in Russia.
Tourism is open to the public for exploring the wonders of the national park. You’ll have the chance to see a variety of landscapes within the park alone, such as forest area, which covers most of the park, as well as tundra, meadows, and river valleys. There is an abundance of wildlife that can be seen around the part, from close to 200 different bird species and various mammals and fish species.
Yugyd Va National Park is a great place to visit for hiking in the Summer, skiing in the Winter, rafting, and even hunting with a valid permit.