Russia is a one of the top travel destinations in the world with many exciting things to do for anyone who travels there. Tourism is one of the most common reasons that people visit Russia, and for good reason. Being one of the largest countries in the world, there is something to discover for anyone who visits. It’s a destination where you can discover the rich Russian heritage, see some of the most notable natural landmarks around Europe (and even the world), learn about the country’s diverse history, or even just a place to find great entertainment. Whether you’re traveling alone or as a group, there are plenty of things to do in Russia.
Sightseeing in Russia
Sightseeing is one of the most popular things to do in Russia. Russia has an abundance of landmarks, statues, buildings, and other destinations which attract millions of visitors every year. Two of the top destinations for sightseeing at the largest cities in the country, Moscow, the capital, and St. Petersburg. These are both considered the tourist hubs of the country.
Moscow is the political center of Russia. You’ll be able to see a lot of official government buildings here as well as get a taste of the historical significance of the country. The main attraction for sightseeing in Moscow is the Kremlin. Many would say that you can’t visit Russia without stopping by the Kremlin. The Kremlin is a complex found in the Red Square, which includes palaces, cathedrals, museums, and more. The Kremlin complex is open to the public to explore the grounds.
St. Petersburg is another top destination in Russia, especially for sightseeing. Many of the best things to see in St. Petersburg can be found around the city’s central square. You’ll get a chance to see the unique style of traditional Russian architecture around the Palace Square, which is also the site of many public events and festivals throughout the year. The gilded domes of the Peterhof Palace and Cathedral of Saint Isaac are also sights worth witnessing while in St. Petersburg.
Explore Nature
Although Russia is one of the largest countries in the world, spanning two continents, much of the country’s population is centered around the main metropolis hubs. The remainder of the country is left to being natural landscapes. Nature-lovers will enjoy venturing into some of the untouched Russian landscapes to discover some of the most notable landmarks. The top natural landmarks in Russia include Lake Baikal and Mount Elbrus.
Lake Baikal is recognized as the world deepest and oldest lake, estimated to be more than 30 million years old. For comparison, it’s larger than all of the US Great Lakes combined. There is a rich ecosystem developed around the lake and a lot of research is conducted here year-round to continue to discover the wonders of the lake. Fishing, boating, and camping are a few of the popular activities to do while at Lake Baikal.
Mount Elbrus is a dormant volcano with the tallest mountain peak in Europe. It’s a popular destination for hiking and mountain trekking. There are several routes leading up to the top as well as a cable car system installed for you to enjoy the incredible views without the challenge.
Culture and Entertainment in Russia
Russia has a long, rich history which has helped to contribute to the strong cultural identity of the county. Visitors often find that the best things to do in Russia are based around the country’s history and learning more about the culture. You can experience these through a variety of cultural venues and landmarks in various locations around the country.
Religion has played a major role in the development of Russia, as is seen by the numerous iconic cathedrals in the country. The most famous cathedral is the Saint Basil’s Cathedral, located in Moscow’s Red Square. It has one of the most distinct architectural styles in its exterior and interior has intricately designed murals throughout various galleries.
While Moscow is the political hub of Russia, St. Petersburg is known as a center for culture. Some of the top cultural venues are located here for seeing shows and events including ballets, operas, and other showcases. The Mariinsky Theatre is a notable venue which frequently hosts shows. There’s sure to be a show happening during your trip to Russia that’s definitely worth checking out. St. Petersburg is also home to the Hermitage Museum, which holds the oldest art and treasure in all of Europe. The large museum complex includes world-renowned paintings such as the Apostles Peter and Paul, and The Boulevard Montmartre in Paris.