Russia, the largest country in the world, stretches across both Europe and Asia, with coasts on the Pacific and Arctic Oceans. Its landscapes vary from frozen tundras and dense forests to warm beaches. Moscow is known for its famous Bolshoi Ballet, and St. Petersburg is home to the Mariinsky Ballet. St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great, features the Winter Palace, which now holds part of the State Hermitage Museum’s art collection. Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square, with the colorful St. Basil’s Cathedral, are iconic landmarks. Cruises on the Volga River pass through the Golden Ring, a collection of historic towns like Suzdal. The Trans-Siberian Railway travels to Lake Baikal in Siberia, the world’s deepest lake. Sochi is a popular beach destination on the Black Sea, while skiing and climbing are favorite activities in the Caucasus Mountains, home to Mt. Elbrus, the highest peak in Europe.
sights to see in Russia
Moscow Kremlin
The Moscow Kremlin is a historic fortress in the heart of Moscow. It overlooks the Moskva River to the south, Red Square and Saint Basil’s Cathedral to the east, and the Alexander Garden to the west. The Kremlin serves as the residence of the Russian president. It is a major symbol of Russian power and history, filled with beautiful buildings, churches, and museums.
Hermitage Museum
The Hermitage Museum is located in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and is one of the largest and oldest art museums in the world. It was founded in 1764 by Empress Catherine the Great. The museum’s collection includes over 3 million items, including art, artifacts, and ancient history displays. The museum is housed in the Winter Palace, a grand baroque building.
Lake Baikal
Lake Baikal is an ancient lake in Siberia, Russia, and is the deepest freshwater lake on Earth. It is located in the mountainous region, near the Mongolian border. Baikal is famous for its stunning natural beauty and biodiversity. Hiking trails, such as the Great Baikal Trail, circle the lake, offering views of its clear waters. In winter, activities like ice-skating and dog sledding are popular.
Red Square
Red Square is a large public space in the center of Moscow, Russia. It separates the Kremlin from the historic Kitai-gorod area. It is the symbolic heart of Moscow, with major streets and highways radiating from it. The square is home to iconic landmarks like Saint Basil’s Cathedral and Lenin’s Mausoleum. Many important events in Russian history took place here.
Peterhof Palace
Peterhof Palace is a stunning royal estate located in Petergof, near Saint Petersburg, Russia. It was built by Peter the Great to rival France’s Palace of Versailles. The palace features impressive gardens and fountains. Peterhof is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore its ornate architecture and beautiful grounds.
Winter Palace
The Winter Palace in Saint Petersburg was the official residence of Russian emperors from 1732 to 1917. Today, it forms part of the Hermitage Museum. The palace is known for its grand architecture, designed in the Baroque style by Bartolomeo Rastrelli. Visitors can tour its opulent rooms and see valuable artworks and treasures from Russia’s imperial past.
Saint Basil’s Cathedral
Saint Basil’s Cathedral is located in Moscow’s Red Square and is one of Russia’s most recognizable landmarks. Built between 1555 and 1561, it has colorful onion domes and intricate architecture. The cathedral was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible to celebrate military victories. It is now a museum showcasing Russian religious and cultural history.
Peter and Paul Fortress
The Peter and Paul Fortress in Saint Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. It is the city’s oldest structure and served as a military stronghold and prison for political prisoners. The fortress includes the Peter and Paul Cathedral, where Russian tsars are buried. Today, it is part of the State Museum of Saint Petersburg History.
Saint Isaac’s Cathedral
Saint Isaac’s Cathedral in Saint Petersburg is a grand Russian Orthodox church and museum. It was completed in 1858 and is dedicated to Saint Isaac of Dalmatia, the patron saint of Peter the Great. The cathedral is known for its massive dome and beautiful interior. It also hosts occasional church services but mainly functions as a museum today.
Kolomenskoye
Kolomenskoye is a historical royal estate located on the outskirts of Moscow. The area offers stunning views of the Moskva River and features buildings from different periods of Russian history. The estate is now an open-air museum, where visitors can explore historical architecture, attend cultural events, and learn about the royal past of Russia.
top destinations in Russia
Moscow
Moscow, located on the Moskva River in western Russia, is the country’s capital and a vibrant city. The Kremlin, a historic fortress, is home to the president and houses valuable treasures in the Armoury. Nearby is Red Square, the heart of Russia, where you’ll find Lenin’s Mausoleum, the State Historical Museum, and the famous St. Basil’s Cathedral with its colorful domes.
Saint Petersburg
Saint Petersburg is a port city on the Baltic Sea in Russia. Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, it served as the imperial capital for 200 years. The city is a cultural hub, known for the Mariinsky Theatre, which stages opera and ballet performances, and the State Russian Museum, home to a vast collection of Russian art, from religious icons to modern works by artists like Kandinsky.
Best time to visit Russia
The summer season in Russia lasts from June to August, with mild weather, even at Lake Baikal. During June and July, St. Petersburg is lively with the White Nights festival, featuring art and music. From July to August, the Black Sea resorts, including Sochi, are popular for beach vacations. The winter season, from December to March, is cold and snowy, perfect for skiing in the Caucasus mountains, especially from January to March.
