Russia is home to a diverse landscape that includes mountains, valleys, icy areas, and warm dunes, as well as an astonishing assortment of spectacular natural locations that are sure to awe and amaze any traveller. Every corner of Russia is soaked with history, from tragic conflicts to illustrious cultural achievements. Moreover, amazing works of art may be seen practically everywhere, including in the city’s many cathedrals in addition to its many museums.
If you’re planning a trip to Russia, here’s an overview of some of the best Russian tourist places. We’ve compiled everything from opulent golden castles to sweeping wilderness areas. As an added bonus, Russia is accessible by a number of routes, such as:
By air: The fastest and most comfortable way to go from India to Russia is aboard a plane. Now that there are flights each day, tourists from all walks of life may easily visit Russia. Multiple flights depart from India’s Indira Gandhi International Airport, with two of them going directly to Russia.
By train: The Russian railway system helps to link rural areas to major urban centres. Connections between Moscow and St. Petersburg are robust, and the same is true for the rest of Central and Eastern Europe.
By road: Russia’s developed road system links its major cities to outlying regions. Since electronic navigation systems are not always reliable in Russia, it is best to have a paper map with you if you intend to drive across the country. You shouldn’t plan on taking a road trip in the winter.
10 great destinations to visit in Russia
Moscow
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One of the most beautiful and interesting Russia tourist places is the magnificent and powerful capital city. Even though St. Basil’s Cathedral is one of the most famous attractions in Moscow, the city has a lot more to offer tourists. The title “Epicentre of Diversity” is an apt one to give to Moscow in Russia since it is one of those rare and special sites in the country.
In addition to being among the top places to visit in Russia, the city of Moscow is also a cultural and intellectual hub, serving as a focal point for a wide variety of fields. Therefore, when you are in Moscow, be sure to take notice of these significant things that will assist in making your vacation a lot more enjoyable.
You can get a feel for the city’s history by touring Red Square, the Kremlin, and the nearby areas. You can marvel at the architectural wonders of the 19th century, which create a one-of-a-kind atmosphere. You can relax in the park-like setting of Gorky and indulge in some high-end retail therapy at GUM & TSUM.
Sheremetyevo International Airport is situated 32 kilometres away from the heart of the city, and getting to the city centre from the airport requires the use of a taxi service.
St. Petersburg
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This city is a jigsaw puzzle made up of works of excellent art, stunning architecture, and mysterious historical events, all of which provide picturesque attractions and pleasing perspectives. This whole city, from every crevice, displays architecture that is both eye-catching and illustrative of the aesthetic heritage of the past.
You’ll be able to get a real feel for the city’s pulsating beauty thanks to the fact that many of the city’s most ornate buildings dating back to the Tsarist period have been preserved. There is not the slightest shred of doubt that the allure of this captivating city makes it among the most gorgeous places to visit in Russia.
You may get a sense of the past and enjoy it at the same time by visiting majestic churches, imperial gardens, and antique statues. In addition to that, you may observe the grandeur of this area from a wide range of different perspectives, such as by strolling around the city and appreciating its charm, or by taking a boat excursion along its canals and waterways.
Pulkovo Airport, which is situated 19 kilometres away from the heart of St. Petersburg, is the airport that is geographically closest to the city.
Vladivostok
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If you find yourself wondering what Russia is most well-known for, the city of Vladivostok offers an answer that will tempt you to start making travel plans to visit the country. This city, nestled between a mountain range and a waterfront, is situated on the coast of the Pacific Ocean and welcomes visitors from all over the world with an exhilarating fusion of European, Asian, and Russian traditions.
There is a wonderful and engaging array of attractions in this eastern Russian city. Allure comes from the city’s beachfront location, as well as its renowned bridges, breathtaking landscape, islands, and lovely beaches. Aside from that, the city is graced with a variety of sights, including theatres and museums. superb opera, hip contemporary art, tasty cuisine, and an interesting past.
The airport that is situated the closest to the city centre is the Vladivostok International Airport, which can be reached by travelling a distance of 46 kilometres.
Kazan
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This vibrant city can be found at the junction of the imposing Volga and Kazanka Rivers, and it is a pleasure not just for your eyes but also for the creative techie, artist, and heritage enthusiast that resides inside you. It is a location that attracts people from all over the world due to its multicultural atmosphere and distinct ethnic offerings in the areas of art, spirituality, athletics, and technology.
Kazan has become the sports centre of Russia as a result of its ability to host major competitions. In addition, it has a varied religious population, a rich historical heritage, and a museum that showcases art, technology, and history. All of these things attract tourists.
You are welcome to take a leisurely walk along the walkable Bauman Street, which is lined with a variety of businesses, including restaurants, booksellers, cafes, and stores. The architecture of Kazan’s exhibitions, churches, and mosques are all works of art that are impossible to look away from.
The closest airport is Kazan International Airport, which is situated at a distance of 25 kilometres from the city centre. It is simple to go to the heart of the city by hailing a taxi from the airport.
Nizhny Novgorod
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This bustling mediaeval city is the perfect destination for art and architecture enthusiasts interested in Russian culture. It has almost 600 sculptures and monuments and over 200 galleries and concrete buildings. It is among the oldest towns in Russia and has breathtaking scenery, fascinating historical sites, and the chance to immerse oneself in the excitement of the great outdoors. There is no question that it is among the top destinations in Russia for family vacations.
Every sort of visitor may choose from a variety of activities, such as taking a ride on the ski lift to get a bird’s-eye view of the neighbourhood or spending some quality time with their family, so there are activities to suit everyone. The Kremlin Complex of Nizhny Novgorod, Pozharsky Square, Minin, and Chkalov Stairs are a few of the most popular destinations for tourists in this city.
The main city is situated 22 kilometres away from the Strigino International Airport, which is the most convenient airport in the area.
Volgograd
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This resort, which can be found in the very centre of Russia, is endowed with a wealth of must-see sites, attractive parks, and opportunities for adventure. Visit this quirky location in Russia with your significant other if you’d like to experience the awe factor in the company of some privacy.
At this significant location in Russia’s tourism industry, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the beauty in all of its guises. You may have a fantastic time on your vacation by doing everything from taking a romantic walk with your significant other through Komsomol Par to seeing theatrical plays, performances, and comic acts at the Volgograd Musical Theatre.
The city centre is located approximately 23 kilometres away from Volgograd International Airport, and there are a variety of transportation options available to get you from the airport to the city from the airport itself.
Veliky Novgorod
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Visiting one of Russia’s oldest cities, Veliky Novgorod, will be a tranquil experience. In terms of history, it is crucial since it is the location where Russia began. Veliky Novgorod is indeed the perfect location to visit if you want to see the natural beauty that Russia has to offer outside of its major cities. This city provides visitors with a chance to experience the past, an excellent view, and a variety of entertainment options.
You may give yourself a respite by participating in some exciting activities, such as cycling along the river and the Kremlin Walls, in addition to focusing your attention on the older buildings that are here. You may also have fun on the boat while taking in the breathtaking scenery all around you; this is the kind of experience that will live on in your memory book for all time.
The Krechevsky Airport serves as the primary point of access to this breathtaking site. The airport is situated 11 kilometres away from the heart of the city.
Yekaterinburg
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It is the fourth biggest city in this nation and has a significant manufacturing sector. Yekaterinburg is a city that welcomes tourists from all over the globe due to the lively lifestyle that it has, as well as the myriad of things that it has to offer its guests.
There are a lot of different methods in which you may provide some kind of amusement for yourself. It is a region teeming with theatres and dramatists, dance groups, and libraries, among other cultural institutions.
For those with an interest in the city’s illustrious history, it offers a unique pleasure. In the Shigir Collection, one of Yekaterinburg’s 30 museums, you may see some of the oldest wood carvings in the world. The other museum features about 300 icons from Nevyansk.
The Koltsovo International Airport is the closest airport to this location and is situated at a distance of 19 kilometres; from there, you may take a cab to go to this location.
Sochi
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Sochi is one of the Russian famous places that enjoys pleasant weather, which contributes to the city’s increased popularity among tourists. The fact that Sochi is situated on the shore of the Black Sea is, without a doubt, the city’s most attractive feature.
There is no room for doubt about the fact that Sochi is among the most famous places to visit in Russia with the highest number of visitors. In addition to beaches and a gorgeous garden, this city is host to structures from the Sterling era. This city’s nature reserve is home to a variety of rare and unusual tree species that have been collected from a number of different nations.
You may take pleasure in swimming during the warm summer months, and during the cold winter months, you can go on an exciting excursion such as skiing.
Because of the calming environment, picturesque scenery, and the beach, it ranks among the best sites for couples to commemorate their relationship because it offers a great blend of all three elements. Sochi is considered to be the ultimate destination that puts an end to the hunt for the greatest honeymoon spots in Russia, and it should be at the top of your list.
The most convenient airport to reach this captivating location is the Sochi International Airport, which is situated 29 kilometres away from the heart of the city.
Irkutsk
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Often called the “Paris of Siberia,” Irkutsk is widely regarded as one of the breathtaking places to visit in Russia. The city’s historical sites, cultural offerings, and nightlife are all top-notch. This city never ceases to astonish you, whether it is by stimulating your intellect with thought-provoking questions or by lifting your mood. Also, this is the largest city nearest to Lake Baikal, the largest, deepest, and oldest river basin on Earth, which is a significant tourist attraction for visitors from all over the globe. The world-famous Lake Baikal is both stunningly beautiful and historically significant geographically. You may take pleasure in both the city and the lake if you want to.
You may have a look at an impressive array of minerals and precious stones. It is one of Russia’s most popular tourist destinations owing to its stunning 19th-century architecture, lively street art scene, and welcoming vibe.
The Irkutsk International Airport, which is situated an 8-kilometre drive from the heart of the city, is the point of entry that is geographically closest to Irkutsk.
FAQs
What are the top tourist destinations in Russia?
Enjoy your time in Russia by seeing sights like Lake Baikal, Moscow, Petersburg, and Russia's Black Sea Coast.
Is it safe to go to Russia?
Indeed, Russia is often regarded as one of the world's safest nations. The incidence of criminal activity is generally fairly low, particularly in big cities like Moscow and Vladivostok. Be careful to let your friends and family know where you are and avoid going to isolated or high-danger regions so you may have a pleasant and risk-free vacation.
When is the ideal time to organise a vacation to Russia?
You will be able to experience the place to its fullest during the months that fall immediately after spring or just before autumn. As a result, now is an excellent time to make travel plans since the weather in Russia during these months will be pleasant enough for outdoor activities.
What are the finest activities in Russia?
During your time in Russia, you will have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of activities. Skiing is one of the greatest activities that you can partake in. In the Red Valley area, take a boat ride around the canals, check out the State Hermitage Museum, and end the day with a performance at the Samara Academic Opera.
What are the various modes of transportation in Russia?
In Russia, getting from one location to another may be accomplished via a variety of public transportation choices, such as a microbus, taxi, or tram.
How far is it from St. Petersburg to Moscow?
Both locations are around 706.0 kilometres apart, which means that travelling from one to the other by taxi will take approximately 7 hours total.