Best Places to Visit in Russia

Learn About Imperial Russia in Moscow

From the flamboyant days of Tsardom to the stark austerity of the Federation, Moscow has been at the epicenter of the evolution of Russia. A visit will reveal the layers of phenomenal architecture that act as the moving force behind the city’s ultimate allure. Most of it clusters around Red Square. Take your time to walk on the square to get a sense of its historic importance. St. Basil’s Cathedral is indisputably the star attraction, anchoring the square as an epitome of Soviet architecture. Right across on the other edge, the State Historical Museum brings the iconic crimson facades of Moscow to the stage. And the most recognizable structure in the city, the imposing Kremlin, meets visitors a few blocks away. There is no better place to learn about Russia’s gilded history than the Armory. These are among the best places to visit in Russia on a cultural trip.

Explore the Countryside in the Golden Ring

Once you step out of the dynamic Moscow, a blissful small-town scene greets you in the ancient cities of Vladimir, Suzdal, Sergiyev Posad, and Pereslavly Zalesskiy. They are hailed as valuable open-air museums in the country, boasting a rich collection of kremlins, churches, and monasteries. The White Stone Monuments of Vladimir and Suzdal alone qualify as the best places to visit in Russia. No trip to Sergiyev Posad is complete without a visit to the Trinity Monastery. While in Suzdal, take a stroll on the riverside and relish the Russian countryside to the fullest. For a more modern taste seasoned with traditional touches, head to Vladimir. It is the best place to experience local life at its best. Pereslavl-Zalesskiy is arguably the most idyllic of all, with its translucent lake and emerald countryside studded with the onion domes you are accustomed to seeing in the Golden Ring.

Spend a Day in the Trendy St. Petersburg

For all its imperial flair and religious importance, it is the inspiring aura of St. Petersburg that visitors cherish the most. It is the hippest stretch of Russia, blending the invigorating charms of a European city with traditional Russian culture. Among sociable cafes and bars strewn across its narrow alleys, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood stands out as the most salient structure in the city. It is one of the best places to visit in Russia. The relics of the monumental Tsardom are all around it, and if you are looking to get a concentrated dose, the Hermitage is the place to be.