Things to Do in Russia for an Outstanding Trip
If you are wondering whether it is safe to travel to Russia, then know that it is one of the countries that has been hit by the Coronavirus epidemic. 3 cases have been detected in Russia till this date. While the authorities in Russia are taking all the steps to contain the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended to take precautionary measures while visiting Russia. Also, we suggest that you check flight operations to and from Russia as they might be affected amidst the virus outbreak.
Note: The Coronavirus statistics mentioned in this article are based on the updated reports available on March 3, 2020. These figures will be updated depending on how the outbreak unfolds.
There is no wonder that Russia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. From ancient architectures to modern structures, and the rustic beauty of the countryside to exclusive shopping centers, there are plenty of tourist attractions in Russia that pull a big number of visitors towards it.
While the places like Kizhi Island and Lake Baikal provide a perfect setting for the photographers, the landmarks on the Red Square are also marveled at by everyone. Russian cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg and Kazan with their art galleries, museums, and parks offer the best sites in Russia to see.
If you are looking for the best trips to Russia, following are some interesting places and things to do in Russia that you must include in your Russia travel bucket list!
1. Walk through the fortified complex of Moscow Kremlin
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Moscow Kremlin or just Kremlin tops amongst the list of major attractions in Russia. Overlooking the Moskva River, this fortified complex is located by the famous Red Square of Moscow.
The Russian word Kremlin means a fortress inside the city. The Kremlin complex consists of 4 majestic cathedrals, 5 palaces (including the Grand Place of Moscow), the Kremlin Wall and Kremlin Towers.
2. Go boating at Lake Baikal
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Lake Baikal, the gorgeous lake nestled in the mountainous area of Siberia, always makes it to the top 10 attractions in Russia. Known as the deepest lake in the world, Lake Baikal has a depth of 1,700 meters. Russians call it Ozero Baykal.
It is also the most ancient freshwater lake in the world housing many unique species of animals and birds. In summer, you can enjoy a wildlife-spotting tour, while dog-sledding and ice-skating are the famous things to do in winter.
3. Visit the landmarks on Red Square
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If you are in Moscow for sightseeing, Red Square is the first place that you should head to. Separating Kremlin- the royal residence from Kitai-gorod- the merchant quarter, Red Square is one of the top places to go in Moscow.
Since it connects the main streets of Moscow with the highway, it is considered the central square of the city. The famous landmarks you will find here include Lenin’s Mausoleum, State Historical Museum, and bronze statues of famous Russian figures.
4. Spend a soulful time at Saint Basil's Cathedral
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Saint Basil’s Cathedral is something that must be a part of your trip to Russia. Also known as the Cathedral of Vasily the Blessed, Saint Basil’s Cathedral was built on the site where the Trinity Cathedral once stood.
This colorful cathedral is known as the symbol of Russia. The most striking features of the cathedral are its onion-shaped dome and the perfect fusion of shapes, patterns, and forms present on the towers of the cathedral.
5. Take an aerial view of Peter and Paul Fortress
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One of the best activities to do in St. Petersburg is to take the aerial view of the Peter and Paul Fortress. Built between 1703 and 1740, the Peter and Paul Fortress is a huge citadel located in St. Petersburg.
By the 1920s, this citadel was used as a prison in Russia. Today, the fortress houses a museum that will tell you about the past of St. Petersburg and amazing facts about the cathedral.
6. Watch a ballet show at Bolshoi Theatre
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Watching a ballet or opera performance in Bolshoi Theatre is one of the famous things to do in Russia. This historic theatre is the work of famous Russian architect Joseph Bové.
Apart from the theatrical performance, this theatre is known for its huge hall, imperial decor, and a neoclassical facade. Most of the performances are organized by the Bolshoi Ballet and Bolshoi Opera that are regarded as two of the oldest opera and ballet companies in the world.
7. Buy the best Russian things from GUM - shopping mall
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Shopping at GUM is one of the most fun things to do in Russia. GUM is the largest departmental store in Moscow, Russia. Facing the Red Square, this huge shopping mall is famous for its glass roof and a unique structure.
You can buy anything from clothes to accessories and grocery from GUM. The upper trading rows, which are the main attractions of the mall, were built between 1890 and 1893.
8. Explore the wooden architectures of Kizhi Island
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If you want to explore some unique destinations and still wondering what to do in Russia, wait no more and head to the Kizhi Island.
Home to the oldest wooden church in Russia, Kizhi Island is located by the center of Lake Onega. With 80 fascinating wooden structures, Kizhi Island is considered the national open-air museum of Russia.
9. Discover art-masterpieces at the Russian Museum
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Exploring the country’s turbulent past at the Russian Museum is one of the best activities to do for all the history buffs and art lovers. Being the largest museum in the country, the Russian Museum of St. Petersburg has a huge collection of masterpieces by the famous artists like Picasso and Jasper Johns, ethnographic exhibits, and sculptures.
10. Hike around the Mount Elbrus
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Nestled in the Caucasus Mountains of Russia, the sublime peaks of Mount Elbrus are one of the most prominent peaks in Russia as well as in the world. Often referred to as the watchtower of Europe, Mount Elbrus is covered by many hiking trails and ski resorts offering many adventurous things to do in Russia.
11. Explore the fine art collection of Tretyakov Gallery
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Exploring the artistic grandeur of the country is one of the most amazing things to do in Russia, and to do that, no place could be better than the Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. Established in 1856, Tretyakov Gallery houses around 2,000 works of the Russian fine art. This includes 1,362 paintings, 9 sculptures, and 526 drawings. The fairy-tale-like facade of the gallery is another notable feature.
12. Take a nature walk around Lake Ladoga
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One of the most picturesque vacation spots in Russia, Lake Ladoga is situated in the vicinity of Saint Petersburg. Lake Ladoga is regarded as the largest freshwater lake in the European terrain and the 14th largest in the world. Surrounded by beautiful islands, monasteries, and rivers, Lake Ladoga provides the best reflection of Nordic natural beauty.
13. Explore the open-air museum of Kolomenskoye
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Located to the southeast of Moscow, Kolomenskoye is one of the best points of interest in Russia. Situated over an area of 390 hectares, Kolomenskoye is a former royal estate that has been turned into an open-air museum of beautiful wooden structures. Overlooking the Moskva River, this place is home to various fascinating architectures like the royal palace, churches, oak-trees grove, and gates.
14. Marvel at the curve of Curonian Spit
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The 98 kilometers long, arched sand-dune spit called the Curonian Spit is another famous tourist spot in Russia. The spit serves as a divider between the Baltic Sea coast and Curonian Lagoon. The Curonian Spit is one of the rare heritage sites that is shared by two countries, Russia and Lithuania.
15. Observe the city from Sparrow Hills
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Known as Lenin Hills in the past, the Sparrow Hills is one of the highest points in the capital city of Russia. This is where the stunning building of Moscow State University is situated.
Sparrow Hills has a height of 720 feet and you will find many observation decks to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Moskva River and the Moscow city. Many attractions stand inside the territory of Sparrow Hills including the old patriarchal monasteries, Vorobyevsky Palace, and the Cathedral of Christ.
The natural and architectural beauty of Russia knows no bounds. Which place did you like the most? Let us know.
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