Must-Visit Destinations in Russia

From striking gilded palaces to vast natural spaces, Russia offers a variety of captivating destinations. It is a country with rich historical monuments that significantly impacted the two world wars and boasts an extensive legacy of monarchs.

St. Basil's Cathedral in Moscow has its own unique kind of architecture that allures travelers from all over the world. It is a colorful 'Temple of All Religions' that emphasizes brotherhood and harmony.

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1. Moscow

As the northernmost and coldest megacity on Earth, Moscow offers visitors an unforgettable Russian experience. It is also one of the most populated cities in Europe, as well as the most important business center and capital of the country. This must-visit destination in Russia has many impressive tourist attractions, including The Bolshoi Theater, which is famous for ballet dance performances. It is also a great place to enjoy soap operas and other cultural performances.

Moscow’s most iconic landmark is the Kremlin, a historical fortified citadel surrounded by majestic buildings that have made it the heart of Russia. It is also home to a stunning array of museums, including the Pushkin State Museum of Fine Arts and Saint Basil’s Cathedral. The famous GUM mall has a roof made of glass and steel, which is a sight to see as well.

Another must-visit destination in Russia is Lake Baikal, a high-altitude rift lake located in Siberia that is the deepest and oldest lake in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its stunning scenery and unique flora and fauna make it a truly memorable natural attraction.

A great way to explore this incredible destination is on a cruise around the lake, or by hiking along the Great Baikal Trail, which takes you past dozens of wooden houses and windmills. You can also visit the village of Listvyanka, which is a great place to learn about local traditions and culture.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, Sochi is a popular summer destination for Russians. This Black Sea resort town is also a winter sports center and will host the 2018 Winter Olympics. It is also a prime location for nature lovers, as it is home to the Caucasus Biosphere Reserve.

2. Samara

The sixth largest city in Russia and capital of an eponymous region, Samara is both a major economic and industrial centre. It’s also an important transport hub for the country and a cosmopolitan cultural destination, attracting famous Russian authors like Tolstoy and Gorky as well as painters Ilya Repin and Vasily Surikov.

Located right on the Volga River, the city is a must-visit for visitors looking to see more of Russia’s unique landscapes. The Great Arctic State Nature Reserve, in particular, is home to polar bears, seals, and gray wolves, as well as abundant birdlife during nesting season. The area also offers a variety of eco-routes and can be explored as part of an educational tour.

In the city itself, there are plenty of interesting landmarks to discover. The UNESCO World Heritage-listed Iversk Monastery on the banks of the Volga River is one such highlight. It was founded in 1850 and has three churches, ten residential and administrative buildings and two cemeteries. The monastery is also renowned for its urban legends, including the story of Stone Zoya, a statue that supposedly came to life when a girl danced with it on New Year’s Eve and then scared her.

Another must-visit attraction is the Virgin Komi Forests, which cover an area of 3.28 million hectares and are among the first natural sites to be designated as a World Heritage Site in Europe. These icy plains are home to over 40 mammals, 204 bird species, and 16 fish species.

The city of Vladivostok, on the Pacific coast, was off-limits to foreign travellers during Soviet times but now welcomes many visitors keen to explore Russia’s far reaches. Its beautiful parks and public spaces, such as the Sportivnaya Harbor promenade, are a big draw. A trip to the city’s unique Vulcanarium Museum is also a must, with its small but unusual collection of volcanoes and a chance to touch actual lava.

3. Nizhny Novgorod

One of the biggest cities in the country, this historic city is a treasure trove of Russian culture. Strolling the canals and Nevsky Prospect evokes thoughts of the past while admiring the churches, cathedrals, and palaces in the area. There are top-notch theaters and operas to enjoy here, including the famed Mariinsky Theater. Moreover, this city is home to the Hermitage Museum that houses Russia's most precious art treasures, such as paintings by Van Gogh, Picasso, and Monet.

The city was besieged five times throughout its history but was never taken. Its unassailable Kremlin (fortress) has a charming collection of 13th and 14th century cathedrals, convents, and plaster and columned palaces spread out below its stone walls. The Pechersky Ascension Monastery atop the hill overlooking Sennaya Square is worth a visit. It has a church, shrine, and museum with original works of Repin, Kramskoy, Savrasov, Shishkin, Polenov, Kustodiev, and more.

For a breath of fresh air, head to Zeleny Gorod (Green City). This forested area is south from the Upper part of the city and has some resort facilities along the small Kudma river. It also contains the unique Vulcanarium Museum, where you can touch lava!

Unlike many other Russian cities, this town was off-limits to foreigners during Soviet Union times. Now, it's a popular stop on the Trans-Siberian Railway route and offers lots to see. From the beautiful Avacha Bay to the city center, it has tons of monuments and squares. This southeastern region of the country is also home to plenty of volcanoes, making it a great destination for adventure lovers. You can even trek to the summit of Koryakskaya Sopka, if you dare!

4. Murmansk

One of the most fascinating, yet rarely visited, places in Russia is Murmansk. This Arctic city is the largest town in the world located above the Arctic Circle and serves as a major launching point for commercial ships, fishing vessels, and arctic expeditions. During the Second World War, it was one of the Soviet Union’s Hero Cities for its heroic resistance to Nazi Germany and a huge sacrifice of life. Today, it’s a must-visit destination for those seeking out off-the-beaten-path travel.

Kola Bay resembles the famous Norwegian fjords, and the surrounding mountains make the city one with nature. A number of hiking tours and kayaking trips can be organized from the city. Winter activities like dog and reindeer sledding, and the fairytale Snow Village are also popular with visitors. Hunting for the Northern Lights is possible from late autumn until early spring, but the best time to experience them in Murmansk is from December until January when polar night reigns over the city.

The Lenin Icebreaker is one of the most iconic tourist attractions in the city. Now a museum, this first nuclear powered icebreaker helped clear the ice for cargo ships and was involved in Arctic expeditions as well. It’s worth a visit even for those who aren’t interested in ships, as the history behind it is interesting and dramatic.

The gold-domed Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood is another must-visit attraction in Murmansk. It commemorates the Russian soldiers who died during the German invasion of the Soviet Union in WWII. It’s the only Russian landmark dedicated to a specific war, and it’s located on Alyosha Hill, a scenic spot offering amazing views over the port.

5. Vladivostok

The city of Vladivostok isn’t the first place that most people think of when planning their Russian trip, but this Pacific port and naval base has plenty to offer. With its fusion of European and Asian architecture, seaside views, and stunning natural landscapes, Vladivostok is a unique travel destination with a lot to discover.

One of the best things to do in Vladivostok is stroll along the Crown Prince Embankment. The waterfront promenade opened in 2012 and is a popular spot for roller skaters, skateboarders, and those just looking to take in the scenery. The paved walkway provides an excellent view of the Zolotoy (Golden) Bridge and the ships moored in the Golden Horn Bay.

Another must-see attraction is the Eagle’s Nest observation point. This vantage offers a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Vladivostok and the bay. This is a great spot for photos, especially when the city is bathed in the glow of its lights at night.

A visit to the Primorsky Aquarium is a must for families and marine-life enthusiasts. The massive aquarium features thousands of marine creatures, including sharks, and is a great way to learn more about the region’s biodiversity.

As the chief cultural and educational centre of Russia’s Far East, Vladivostok has a lot to offer in terms of museums, theatres, and other forms of entertainment. The city also has a number of academic institutions, including the Far Eastern State University (founded 1920) and medical, art education, polytechnic, trade, and marine-engineering institutes.

A number of islands are located near Vladivostok, many of which feature scenic beaches that you wouldn’t expect to find in a Russian city. Russky Island is the easiest to reach from Vladivostok and has a beautiful stretch of beach, as well as forests and guesthouses. Another great option is Popov Island, which has a more secluded beach and is home to many dachas.